After The Rain Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Friday, February 15, 2019

After the Rain Blog Tour

About the Book

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Series: Sequel to The Last Summer
Genre: Adult, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Inspirational, Romance  
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Publication date: February 4, 2019  

Debra Hart is moving on. Maybe. Hopefully. One day. As a radio show host, Debra spends her mornings as Miss Lonely Heart on air, empathizing with all the broken hearts in the Denver metro area. She spends her evenings watching old musicals and trying not to think about the guy who broke up with her and subsequently fell in love with one of her best friends. Alone in a new city, Debra questions where she belongs and who she is now. When she stumbles into the indie music scene, Debra meets singer Ben Price. Rock star appeal, with a day job as a worship pastor, Ben is everything Debra wants to avoid. But he’s determined to be her friend, and it so happens she could really use one. Because try as she might, nothing seems to erase the anger and betrayal she feels. It’s time for a new dream. But how does she start over when she doesn’t even know what she wants anymore?

About the Author

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Brandy Bruce is a mom to three kids, a wife, a writer, a book editor, and someone who really loves dessert. She and her family make their home in the beautiful state of Virginia.

Review

I enjoyed reading Debra's story in After the Rain. Debra finds out how to move on from heartbreak and discover who she is. It's a little depressing at times and I was a little shocked at the "revenge" advice she gives as a radio host. I cheered when she was able to find peace with the past, with God and herself. The story isn't just a romance, but a story in developing and finding yourself as an individual. It was a fun and interesting read. I liked the music references in the book. I also liked how the author changed the character's outside appearance as she finally rediscovers herself and lets God into her life. This is a clean Christian romance.

Author Interview


1-What was your inspiration for the story?
Once I finished writing The Last Summer and it was in the hands of the editors, I had some time and felt inspired to write Debra’s story. I know some writers are really good at writing consistently, no matter what, but it’s not easy for me to write unless I’m inspired. And this time around I definitely felt inspired. I think it took about eight months to write After the Rain. Once I started Debra’s story, I didn’t want to stop writing until it was finished!   
2-Will there be a sequel?
I’m not sure. I do think there’s room for one more story about these characters, and anyone who reads the first two books will probably know who’d I follow for the third! But I don’t have a story as of right now and I’d need inspiration to hit.
3-What playlist would you have for the book?
I’m so glad you asked! Music is a huge part of After the Rain and it helped me along during the writing. I put together a graphic of my favorites for After the Rain--my list on Spotify is too long to share! “Never Gonna Love Again” by Lykke Li was probably my anthem for this book. I came across it on Spotify and fell in love with it and couldn’t believe how closely the lyrics mirror the book! If you haven’t heard it, please look it up and listen to it!

Snippet

Deb, I miss you. I think about you. Just wanted to say it again. I read the text from Lillian—Lily—Spencer as the elevator doors opened. Then I tucked the phone into my small purse. I walked toward the exit of the condominium building I called home now, catching a glimpse of myself in one of the mirrors on the wall. This woman—with short hair, ringlets barely brushing my shoulders. Dark colors, chocolate-colored eyeliner—nervous about a simple thing like going to a coffee bar. I didn’t recognize her. I stopped mid-hallway and leaned against the wall, my heart hurting. I’m starting all over. No. I closed my eyes. I’d cried all the tears already. None were left. But the pain didn’t stop. A reminder of how much I’d loved Luke Andersen. How ready I’d been to link my story to his for forever. But he’d chosen my friend Sara. Quiet, lady-like, sophisticated, predictable Sara. “Debra?” My eyes opened. Cassidy and Jake, my neighbors, stood in the hallway, looking worried. I must have seemed ill. With one hand, Jake carried a baby car seat, inside it their five-month-old daughter, Gilly, slept soundly. I pushed myself off the wall. “I’m okay,” I said without eye contact. I walked straight out of the building, to my car, and drove downtown.

Giveaway

ATR Blog Tour Giveaway
Giveaway includes the following:
  • Print copy (or e-copy if they want)
  • Umbrella
  • After the Rain guitar-pick necklace
  • DVD of Grease
  • Beatles quote mug
  • Coffee warmer
  • Earbuds
  • After the Rain bookmark
  • Notepad
  • Candy
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

Are You "Read"y to Be My Valentine? - Book Valentine Idea for Kids and Free Printable

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Looking for something cute to give your kids for Valentine's Day that doesn't involve sugar? How
about a book with a cute tag and ribbon? Here are some book ideas for a cute Valentine's day gift:

  • Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? by Sandra Meaders - My kids love reading my book at home and at church. They even like pretending it's a doll and pushing it around in a stroller. It helps kids learn about Book of Mormon prophets and colors. 

  •  Jesus Worked Miracles by Heidi Poelman - My son really likes this book. He's read it several times over and over again. It helps kids learn more about Jesus.

  • The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond - This is a cute Valentine's Day story for kids about a little girl who gives valentines to her friends.

  • Arthur's Valentine by Marc Brown - My kids love reading Arthur's adventure with friends. This is a fun and cute book to read for Valentine's Day.

  • Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin - This book is fun and cute for little kids who love tacos and dragons!

Click here for a FREE printable that you can use to create a bookish valentine to your kids.


Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Bloodline Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Tuesday, February 12, 2019


In 1371, France's queen lies on her deathbed with a secret as to who is the true heir to the throne and would have the power to unite Scotland and France...Skye Armstrong, a flight attendant, returns home to a series of misfortunes ranging from her Auntie is missing and to people trying to kill her...and everything is connected to illuminated pages that she finds in a safety deposit box.

Bloodline is an exciting suspense novel that felt like a mixture between a European version of National Treasure and a James Bond movie. The action in the story immediately pulls the reader into the story. I loved the parts of the book that were like a European treasure hunt. It was interesting in how the characters had to move from place to place looking for clues and hunting down old artifacts. It was also interesting to see how the characters related to each other and how their motives played a role in the story. The part that reminded me of a James Bond movie, particularly near the end, felt like it was a little unrealistic and forced compared to the rest of the book. I liked the idea of something historical making an impact in the future. To learn more about Bloodline, click here.

Schedule:
Feb. 15: Getting Your Read on Aimee Brown, Bonnie Harris, Why Not Because I Said So

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note that I received a free copy to facilitate this review, however, my opinion remains my own. This post also contains affiliate links. The giveaway is facilitated by the publisher and is responsible for prize fulfillment.

Escape to Everly Manor Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Tuesday, February 5, 2019


Lizzy's Uncle Cline arrived unexpectedly after the tragic death of her parents to claim his inheritance and to take care of his charges. Uncle Cline is determined to send Thomas, Lizzy's young brother, to sea and to marry her off to an older gentleman. To protect her brother and herself, Lizzy and Thomas run away and find refuge in an old cabin wherein they meet the mysterious Mr. Barton.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Escape to Everly Manor. It's a book I would easily recommend to family members and friends. It's a book I would reread as well. The characters were engaging and likeable. The situation was unique and different. I get tired of Regency romances rehashing similar plots and this book was different and entertaining. The writing was on target and had some unexpected twists.  I also liked that Lizzy was willing to look out for her brother and to protect him. The minor characters were also excellent. This is a must read for romance readers. I can't wait to see what the author, Chalon Linton, does next. To learn more about Escape to Everly Manor, click here.

Blog Tour Schedule
Feb. 6: LDS Writer Mom
Feb. 7: LDS and Lovin' It, Katies Clean Book Collection., Heidi Reads, Singing Librarian Books   
Feb. 8: Fire and Ice Reads, Books are Sanity, Wishful Endings, Literary Timeout, Kindle and Me, Getting Your Read on Aimee Brown., Empower Moms, I am a Reader, Why Not Because I Said So



a Rafflecopter giveaway


(Please note that I received a free copy to facilitate this review, however, my opinion remains my own. The publisher will select the winner and handle the prize for the giveaway. There are also affiliate links on this post, which will help facilitate with the maintenance of this blog.)

Whiteout Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

Friday, February 1, 2019


After driving for a long time, Frank Sawyer's car drifts into the next lane and hits a van on a Montana highway. From the wreck, Frank encounters a mystery man and a dead passenger that was shot. Before he can figure things out, Frank is struck from behind and knocked unconscious.

Frank Sawyer isn't the perfect protagonist and has some interesting "quarks." At times the main character is unpredictable, cocky and a "little" too paranoid. Frank never received care from his injuries and I wonder if that's why his behavior is a little peculiar. The other characters in the book have several issues that Frank slowly discovers as he's left stranded in a little town with several big mysteries. It was an interesting story to read. After I read it, I wanted to have a discussion about it with a friend. It was a very different and unusual read. It's not the typical suspense story. To learn more about Whiteout, click here.

Blog Tour Schedule
Feb. 1: Literary Timeout, Life is What It's Called


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Please note that I received a free copy to facilitate this review, however, my opinion remains my own. This post contains an affiliate link. The giveaway is facilitated by the publisher. 

February Giveaway Listing (low to moderate entry)

Friday, February 1, 2019

I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog or social media giveaways I've entered, thought someone else might be interested in entering or that have been submitted to me through bloggers. Check back often throughout the month to see if I have posted more giveaways. If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me (via email). If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.

American Girl Blaire Wilson Doll (ends 2.2.19)
Starter Garden Pack (ends 2.3.19)
Nutcracker and the Four Realms (ends 2.4.19)
Nutcracker and the Four Realms (ends 2.6.19)
$10 Starbucks Gift Card (ends 2.7.19)
$100 Minted Credit (ends 2.8.19) 
$75 Teleflora Gift Card (ends 2.9.19)
Wonderful Halos (ends 2.9.19) 
The Little Mermaid (ends 2.9.19)
Grinch Movie Prize Pack (ends 2.10.19)
$20 Domino's Gift Card (ends 2.10.19)
Nutcracker and the 3 Realms (ends 2.13.19)
3 Ulysses Press Books (ends 2.13.19)
The Grinch (ends 2.13.19) 
$25 Digital Gift Card and Entenmann Coupons (ends 2.13.19) 
Delsey Weekender Bag (ends 2.14.19)
American Girl Blaire Wilson Doll (ends 2.16.19)
$50 Nordstrom Gift Card (ends 2.17.19)
Disney's Little Mermaid (ends 2.17.19)
$25 Sprouts Gift Card (ends 2.18.19)
Little Mermaid Blu-Ray (ends 2.21.19) 
Little Mermaid Digital Downloads (ends 2.21.19)
Ralph Breaks the Internet Blu-Ray (ends 2.21.19)
Minnie Bow Be Mine DVD (ends 2.21.19) 
$50 Etsy Gift Card (ends 2.24.19)
Bundle of Timeless Treasures Polar Opposites Fabric (ends 2.25.19) 
Little Mermaid Digital Codes (ends 2.25.19)
Ralph Breaks the Internet Digital Code (ends 2.25.19)
Girl Scout Cookies (ends 2.26.19) 
Red Carpet Themed Products (ends 2.27.19)
Ralph Breaks the Internet (ends 2.27.19)
$50 Target Gift Card (ends 2.27.19)
Little Mermaid (ends 2.27.19)
$25 Victoria Secret e-Gift Card (ends 2.27.19)
Little Mermaid (ends 2.27.19) 
$50 Container Store Gift Card (ends 2.28.19)
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