WHEN GRACE SINGS, LIVES ARE MADE ANEW

WHEN GRACE SINGS

The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, Book 2

WHEN TROUBLE ROARS INTO QUIET ARBORVILLE, ALEXA AND ANNA-GRACE FIND THEMSELVES THE TARGET FOR DISCORD AND EXPOSED SECRETS.

Alexa Zimmerman wonders if the Old Order Mennonite community in Arborville, Kansas, will ever fully accept her. Her family roots aren't what anyone thought when she first arrived, but she is hopeful that her culinary and hospitality skills will win the skeptics over. The bed-and-breakfast she's operating needs to succeed, so Alexa agrees to allow Briley Forrester, the hotshot reporter from Chicago, to stay as a long-term boarder, not knowing his real motives for being among the Plain folk.

But when Alexa agrees to host her cousin Anna-Grace Braun, the presence of extended family brings out Alexa's insecurities and sets Briley on the trail to uncovering a web of hidden truths.

Plans for a secure future and the sweetness of young romance hang in the balance when Alexa and Anna-Grace have to face the truth that their secrets are interconnected, binding the two in ways they could not have imagined. They must trust in a loving heavenly Father and His plan for their futures.

 In When Grace Sings, Kim has continued the saga of the Zimmerman family and the Arborville community, in which they live. While focusing on the characters of Alexa Zimmerman and Anna-Grace Braun, Kim has shown that in the end, all each of us want is to feel that we belong. Alexa, until recently, had no knowledge that she was adopted, while Anna-Grace has always known of her adopted status. Each, however, has conflicting feelings about her status in her family and the Arborville community. Alexa wants to fit in and be accepted and fears that she never will. Anna-Grace has feelings of rejection, which she had never felt before, until she is faced with moving into the Arborville community. Her fiance has inherited a farm in the Arborville community and Anna-Grace soon follows to determine whether or not she can live there.

Not only are there insecurities within the two main characters, Kim introduces a tabloid reporter, Briley Forrester, that is determined to show the “dark” side of the Plain life. His determination leads him to Arborville to “dig up the dirt” and prove that members of Plain communities are not as “perfect” as everyone believes them to be. He is also determined not to fall victim to his own insecurities.

Steven Brungardt, Anna-Grace's fiance, is waging his own spiritual war. He is determined to be the perfect son. He believes that in doing so, he needs to deny the call God has placed on his heart. Steven struggles with his call and his sense of duty. This struggle leads him to become distant, subdued and somewhat dour.

How can God bring good from all of these situations and will each character find the Grace, which can set them free from their burdens?

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a talented storyteller. She has a way of weaving her stories so that her readers are brought into her books and discover some truths about God, themselves and those around them, while being entertained. In When Grace Sings, she has done so again. Kim has composed a well-written story, which is enhanced by the spiritual struggles each character faces. She weaves a story of struggle and grace that leaves the reader with a desire to know the conclusion from page one. The reader will discover throughout the book that God is working in the lives of the characters, even though each fights Him and His Will. As in all of her books, Kim's talent for writing believable and realistic characters is never lacking. Each time I was forced to put the book down, the characters and their struggles lingered in my mind, until I could return to their world.

Each character discovers that belonging and self worth are only found in the One that can offer eternity, rather than the temporary of this world.

Pick up a copy of When Grace Sings and discover, as Alexa, Briley, Anna-Grace and Steven do that at the moment we surrender to the Father, that is the moment when grace sings and lives are made anew.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas with her husband, Don, and their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and grandchildren.

FROM JADED TO JOYFUL

On the surface, nothing seems to change in this dull town-yet God always works beneath the surface. As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation after a scandal involving her parents.

Thirteen years later, her interest in an attractive single minister is bitterly opposed - unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside down.

Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness, and restoration, Varina Denman's contemporary novel will resonate with every woman who's experienced a loss of heart...and a thirst for hope.

Come venture with me to Trapp, Texas and meet Ruthie.   Ruthie’s walk has never been easy.  She has lived under the pallor of the town’s judgment for most of her life.  She finds it easier to “hide” in the shadows, than to “live” in the light.  Her experiences with “God’s Judgment”, rather than His Grace, cause her to be skeptical of those that espouse belief in the God of the church.  Until one day, when her world is turned upside down with the arrival of a new family in town.  Can she trust these new comers?  Can she trust her feelings around them?  Can she trust the God they love and serve?

Varina Denman weaves this wonderful tale of a hidden dream and desire to be accepted by the town she has called home, all of her life.  She brings the readers into the mind and feelings of Ruthie, a young woman,  that has been rejected by the congregation of her childhood church and friends.  A rejection caused by a supposed sin that was not of her doing.  

Through the eyes, ears and other senses of Ruthie, Varina brings not only the sights, but sounds and smells of Trapp, Texas alive. She spins a story that will keep the reader enthralled and engaged.  As I read, Jaded, I had the great pleasure of walking the streets of the small Texas town.  Once I had entered Trapp, I had no desire to leave.

The next time you are searching for an escape from your daily grind, pick up a copy of Jaded and travel to Trapp, Texas.  I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Varina Denman writes stories about the unique struggles women face. She has five children, teaches creative writing and literature, volunteers in her local homeschool cooperative, and boasts sixteen years as a home educator. She resides with her family in North Texas. Her first novel, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis Award.

Blog: varinadenman.com

Goodreads: goodreads.com/varinadenman

Facebook: facebook.com/varina.denman

Twitter: @varinadenman

Pinterest: pinterest.com/varinadenman

WHEN MERCY RAINS, IT POURS

When Mercy Rains 

The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, Book 1

By Kim Vogel Sawyer

She left, heavily weighted with secrets.  But God reveals all things, in His timing.  And He redeems them.

Suzanne Zimmerman was only seventeen and pregnant when her shamed mother quietly sent her away from the Old Order Menonnite community in Kansas.  With her old home, family, and first love firmly behind her, Suzanne moved to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised a daughter, Alexa, on her own.

Now nearly twenty years later, an unexpected letter arrives form Kansas.  Her brother asks her to bring her nursing abilities home and care for their ailing mother.  His request requires that Suzanne face a strict faith community and a family that may not have forgiven her.  It also means seeing Paul Aldrich, her first love.

Paul, widowed with an eight-year-old son, is relieved to see Suzanne again and to have the chance to beg her forgiveness for his past indiscretion.  But when he meets Alexa, his guilt flickers in the glare of Suzanne’s prolonged secret–one that changes everything.

Suzanne had let go of any expectation for forgiveness long ago.  Does she dare hope in mercy–and how will her uncovered past affect the people she loves the most?

As I read When Mercy Rains, I was deeply moved by the characters’ thoughts, feelings and actions.   I could actually feel their sorrow, fright and joy.   The storytelling and descriptions, as only Kim Vogel Sawyer can do, carried me into the world of the characters.  In fact, during those moments when it was necessary for me to “leave” Arborville to return to my life, I would anxiously await my next visit to the Zimmerman farm and anticipate reconnecting with my “new friends.”  There were times, although I had put the book down, when the characters and their struggles would stay with me, well into the night and the next day.

In her ever present style of clearly human and relatable characters, Kim weaves a tale of suffering souls searching and finding the ever present WELL of forgiveness from the One who has always known their hearts and has always loved them.  Through His Grace and Mercy, they are able to discover the same forgiveness for themselves and within themselves.  Kim’s characters  show us life, as we live it, and the truth of how we can come to the Throne of God and find the Grace we all need.   It is a true testament  to Kim’s abilities, as an author, to create such  endearing and realistic characters. Friends that become part of your heart that you take with you, wherever you go.  

I would suggest that anyone who is a fan of books that offer  readers a chance to feel, live, and connect with its characters, even for a little while, to pick up Kim’s book, When Mercy Rains, and experience, as the characters did “A mercy rain. . . [and learn that] . . .when mercy rains, lives become fresh and new.” 

Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope.  More than one million copies of her books are currently in print.  She lives in central Kansas where she and her retired military husband, Don, enjoy spoiling their granddarlings

Days of Messiah--Volume Two The Messiah's Sings

Today, we welcome, Amber Schamel, author of Days of Messiah, Volume Two of her Biblical Chronicle--The Messiah's Sign and a fun Name-a-Character giveaway.

Thanks for joining us today, Amber.

Amber is a bestselling author, who writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft. Between ministry, family and working in their family businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. 

Amber, can you tell us about your new release, The Messiah's Sign?

The Messiah's Sign is the second book in the Days of Messiah series. It follows the storyline of Book One, but from the husband's point of view. Here's what it's about:

Dreams…they shouldn’t bother him, but when Tyrus’ worst nightmare is vindicated, he has no choice but to face reality. His wife has been unfaithful, and God has punished her with the most feared disease in the land: leprosy. Banishing her to the leper colony, Tyrus struggles to raise their son alone and protect him from a merciless outlaw. But when Malon begins following the teacher from Nazareth, what remains of their business and reputation is at stake. Can Tyrus save his son from the beguiling lies of a false Messiah before he loses the only thing he has left?

The book releases on October 16th, so be sure to add it to your To-Read list on Goodreads!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23074817-the-messiah-s-sign-volume-2-days-of-messiah-series

Sounds like a great read, what sparked this story?

Book one started as a short story, but a lot of people told me I should expand it. I picked up the story and began thinking about what the entire story would be like, and that's when the Lord drew back the curtain to show me not only Aaliyah's story at the leper colony, but also the story of her husband and son. Tyrus—as the heartless husband that banishes Aaliyah to the leper colony—is the villain of book one, so I wanted to show readers his side of the story.

Is there any particular message you wish readers to take away from The Messiah's Sign?

As hard as you try, you will never be sufficient on your own. It takes Christ working in you.
For those that have read volume one, I want them to realize that you cannot hate someone until you de-humanize them. The villain of book one becomes the hero of book two, and we see the motivations behind his 'heartless' acts. In truth, Tyrus was doing the best he could. If we can empathize with people in our lives, it will go a LONG way in keeping the roots of bitterness at bay.

Great message.  What's your favorite genre in which to read?

The same one I write, Christian Historical. But I recently read a Christian cozy mystery that I enjoyed very much. It was The Jane Austen Encounter by Donna F. Crow. It's the first cozy mystery I've read. I might have found a new genre! Actually, I might have found two...cozy mysteries and Jane Austen based fiction. Lol.

I really enjoyed reading Austen's work and just finished Just Jane, by Nancy Moser.  I will have to check out the cozy mysteries.  Tell us a bit about your family, I know you grew up in a large family, how has that effected your writing?

Obviously growing up in a big family, with a job and a ministry, puts limits on the time I have to spend writing. But honestly, growing up in a big family has benefited me in many, many ways. I have had lots of experience telling stories, I have TONS of story fodder, a lot more people to base characters on, lots of people to observe, emotions to learn from, and on and on. Growing up in a large family has also helped me with public speaking, because it's public speaking every time I ask "please pass the salt."

Sounds like a great way to grow up.  Tell us, do you have a favorite writer?

I really enjoy Susan J. Reinhardt, Max Lucado, Julie Klassen and Francine Rivers.

Those are some of my favorites, as well, especially Max.  If you had to come up with a book title to describe your life, what would it be?

Wow, that is a great question! I'm going to start using that one too. ;)

It would either be "But for the Grace of God" or "The Only Thing That's Good in Me is Jesus."

I think I might have to steal those titles for my own life.  However, I have always thought, mine would be "I Can't Even Walk, without Holding Your Hand" or maybe "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."  So tell us, what is you are working on next?

I am finishing up a really fun series with three other historical authors on the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

I'm also setting to work on a Christmas story set during the Civil War entitled The Christmas Pardon.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young lawyer battles with the U.S. Supreme court. In what seemed to be a Christmas miracle, he had secured a pardon for his friend from Lincoln himself. The army executed the boy anyway. On the fifteenth anniversary of his death, will the lawyer finally clear his friends name and bring justice to his memory?

I'm running a giveaway for a fan to pick the name of my two main characters! You can enter the giveaway here: http://www.amberschamel.com/sweepstakes.html

Again, Amber, Thank you for joining us today.  We truly enjoyed your visit.  Feel free to stop by any time.

Thank you for hosting me! It's been a pleasure. I'd like to invite each of you to join me in celebrating my new release with the Name-A-Character Giveaway! Enter to for a chance to pick the name of a main character in Amber's upcoming book The Christmas Pardon. Terms and conditions apply.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young lawyer battles with the U.S. Supreme court. In what seemed to be a Christmas miracle, he had secured a pardon for his friend from Lincoln himself. The army executed the boy anyway. On the fifteenth anniversary of his death, will the lawyer finally clear his friends name and bring justice to his memory?

Amber, I can't wait to read this one.  As a lawyer and lover of all things Lincoln, Civil War and law related, it certainly sparks my interest.  I will certainly try to "name" your unnamed character.

http://www.amberschamel.com/contests.html

A Place in His Heart--A Real Page Turner

About a month ago, Rebecca DeMarino began searching for a street team to assist her in the publicity of her debut novel.  I had no idea what I was getting into.  I have never had a better time.  I read this book in nearly a day.  I couldn't put it down.  It has been a while, since a book has touched me so emotionally, that I felt, what the characters were feeling.  

I was excited to be chosen and had little understanding what being on the street team, actually meant.  My only desire was to share my love of reading.  My favorite genres are the classics and Christian fiction.  In the Christian fiction category, I read everything from historical romance to contemporary romance and Amish fiction.

In Rebecca's debut novel, A Place in His Heart, Mary is a little confused by love and has been hurt in the past.  Barney is a widower with a difference of opinion with the state of the Anglican Church.  The question becomes, can these two persons form not only one family, but one heart?

Once I got into the story, I was loathe to put the book down.  I was, in fact, worried I would miss something, if I stopped reading for even a moment.  Barney and Mary are the author's Colonial ancestors.  Through the telling of these most remarkable persons' story, the author weaves a very emotional tale that will tug at your heart strings and reveal the peace found through perseverance.

I would love for you travel with me to the early times of Colonial America and discover whether love can bloom in Long Island.  So grab your favorite beverage and hop aboard The Swallow with me and travel to the world of Mary and Barney.  

Rebecca is having a blog tour.  Check out the link and join in on the fun.
 http://www.rebeccademarino.com/a-place-in-his-heart-giveaway

Read a chapter excerpt: Visit here

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