Sunday, February 27, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - Leah: Unnoticed. Unwanted. Unloved Author: Amanda Bedzrah ON Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Leah: Unnoticed. Unwanted. Unloved

Author: Amanda Bedzrah

Genre: Bible Fiction

Release date: November, 2020

Leah (1) Lying in bed next to ‘the man of her dreams’, Leah is crippled with fear and unable to sleep. She knows that her husband Jacob is going to wake up to her, not “the woman of his dreams”.

Jacob worked and served Leah’s father Laban for seven years to marry her younger sister Rachel, but on the night of their wedding, the brides were switched; the right man was married to the wrong bride.

As Leah anticipates, his dissatisfaction is not hidden; his rejection is immediate. Seven days later, Jacob marries Rachel after promising to work another seven years for her.

Leah is now left in a place of pain and bitterness. A fearsome war erupts. She is in a battle for her husband’s affection – not with an enemy, but with her own sister!

Will she ever be loved and accepted?

Can God use a woman like Leah: unnoticed, unwanted, and unloved, to change history?

This book is a fictional retelling of one of the greatest Bible stories of all time. It is a story of love, deception, betrayal, competition, heartbreak, and forgiveness. It reminds us that God has a plan and purpose for our lives.

No pain is ever wasted with God!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Amanda Amanda Bedzrah is married to Francois and they have three wonderful children. They live in the county of Kent, best known as “The Garden of England” in the United Kingdom.

Amanda is a passionate Bible teacher, an inspirational speaker, a prayer minister, and a senior NHS professional. She is a Law graduate (LLB Hons), she is also certified in Business Analysis Practice and Project Management.

More from Amanda

An Interview with the Author

Who is Amanda Bedzrah and what does a day in your life look like?

I am just a girl who loves Jesus. I have been saved, redeemed and restored by the Jesus and my life is dedicated in service to Him. I am married and I have three wonderful children. I live in the county of Kent, best known as “The Garden of England” in the United Kingdom.

A day in my life will consist of praying, reading, working, writing, cooking, cleaning and being wife and mum. My life is actually quite busy, there is always something going on.

How many books have you written? And are there more books in the future?

To date, I have written six books (1 fiction) and designed two Journals on Kindness. My most recent book is a Bible study guide called An Introduction to women in the Bible which is a synopsis of women in the Old and New Testament.

I have another Bible fiction books due in 2022 so yes, I absolutely see more books in my future, I love writing- it’s a gift and a calling, my purpose. If I could, I would spend the rest of my days writing.

What or who inspired you to write LEAH?

Leah is definitely a God project. I remember reading her story about four years ago and I wondered what it would have been like for her. I was so drawn to Leah, and for many years, I looked for novels based on her life and it seemed like her story had not written, or there was none that I could find. I kept waiting, until last year, frustrated I complained to God and He said – “you write it”.

I was like whatttttt? Me? No way. Initially, I allowed fear to deceive me, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling inside me, the direction God had given and the hidden excitement about the challenge that slowly bubbled to the surface and so I sat down one day and started writing on my phone and the words just fell out and the rest as they say is history.

Why did you choose this type of book (a novel)?

I love the Bible and I love Bible fiction. For many, the stories will be familiar. They know the story from the Bible or have heard it, but a novel truly brings it to life. It may answer some of their own questions about the story or make it easier for people to find themselves or their situations or someone they know within the pages of the book, and that sparks something within that helps the reader connect deeply.

The bible is rich with stories that are relevant to our lives today and I consider it an honour to be able to give life to the characters, and use my imagination in collaboration with the word of God to create a beautiful story. A story that entertains, educates, motivates and inspires but most importantly, to write a novel that encourages people to read the bible for themselves.

Is there anything you found particularly challenging in your writing of this book?

Initially, I found it hard to separate my own feelings and reactions from Leah’s. I had to remind myself that this was her story not mine and I didn’t want to bring my own preconceived ideas into the Bible story. It was also challenging to not cry when I was writing, for me, certain parts were so emotional.

It also required a lot of research. The Bible is silent on many things about their lives and so it was a challenge to capture who and how they were in detail. I got to the point where I had to decide how much imagination I wanted to use and how much Bible text. My preference was to stay as close to the Bible as possible, in fact I made sure I used up every single bit of information from the Bible first and then weaved imagination into it.

I know that although these are real people in the bible, they actually existed and there are some historical data about their lives that can be found in Jewish history and so I did a lot of research to get a good idea of the characters themselves or similar characters in their timeline.

I tried as much as possible to capture the culture of their time and write from that context. I gathered as much information about their tradition used that to fill out the character. The rest really was God breathed imagination.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I enjoy writing in my reclining couch in my front room. I have one of those portable lap tables that I use. I sit in front of the TV and write. I would however love to have a home office. I imagine a quiet space filled with lots of books, an oak desk, sofa, lamp and a large bay window with a wonderful view of nature. I don’t have that yet, but if I did, that would be my favorite writing place.

What is your greatest hope for this book?

I would love to see this book on the big screen. It is my hope that one day it will be turned into a movie to reach a wider audience. I also hope that when people read this book, they find Gods love within the pages of the book and it draws them towards the Bible so they can experience the word of God for themselves.

What would you say is special and unique about this book?

It is based on the word of God and I believe everything about Gods word is special and unique. I think it is an interesting book and brings the story to life. I used my imagination to give readers an insight into the world of these Bible heroes and possibly answer some questions they might have asked. Also, for women who have experienced rejection, I pray that Leah’s story will inspire and encourage them as well.

How has this book impacted your life?

This novel has had a huge impact in so many ways. As this is my first fiction novel, it is so humbling to see how it has been well received. I enjoyed stretching my creativity and I want to do this more. I learnt so much from writing this book. I’ve read it six times. Each time, I learn something different and each time I ask myself “Did I really write this”?

I honestly can’t take much credit, I know that it was God who wrote through me and it truly humbles me to be so used by God.

What is your favorite part of the book?

There are so many good bits. I love every part of the book. If I had to pick a favourite bit, it would be the voice of God. Each time He spoke, it was just lovely. I particularly like the last few sentences on page 56.

What would you say is the greatest obstacle you have overcome as an Author?
The confidence to write and not worry about whether it is good enough or if anyone else will like or read the book. The enemy always comes to attack and deceive and it takes the Grace of God to overcome that hurdle.

What would you say to the Ladies who may be going through a difficult marriage feeling unloved, unwanted, and not worthy?

I would say that this novel is for you. I dedicate this book to you. Please, know that you are completely loved by God and His plan and purpose for your life is not dependent on the acceptance of man. Being rejected by the man who should love you can be a very painful experience. Know that God sees your pain, just like He saw Leah’s.

The Bible tells us in Genesis that when God saw Leah was hated He opened her womb. He gave her a gift of children to bring love and comfort into her life that is how merciful He is. God has a very tender heart towards women who are rejected, we see that even in the life of Hagar, right there in the desert, running away from Sarah, God met her and ministered to her needs. We see Gods heart with the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, rejected by society but accepted by Jesus.

Jesus was rejected by the people who should have loved him, but it did not stop Him from fulfilling His purpose. The rejection of man does not and will not disqualify you from your destiny. God has accepted you. God sees you. God loves you.

Take courage, trust in God and lean on Him. He can turn any situation around, and He can bring beauty out of any situation if we let Him.

In the book you decided to make it a happy ending for Leah, why did you choose this ending?

I love a happy ending and I wanted to give Leah that. I also wanted an ending that will inspire other women to not give up hope. I don’t know what the relationship with Jacob and Leah was like after Rachel died, but we can assume that her death brought the end to the controversy and strife that already existed, something must have changed because Jacob asked to be buried next to Leah.

Leah was buried with the Patriarch’s and most importantly – she is the mother of Judah from which our salvation comes from. She was rejected by man but chosen by God to start the lineage of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. I wanted to celebrate this amazing woman.

What would you say to the many Authors’ to be?

Just go for it. You have a story inside of you that will change someone’s life, even if that person is you, it is still significant. Don’t listen to the voice of fear that says your story is not good enough, just keep writing.

Like any other gift, it takes time and practice so just write. You will be surprised how much you will enjoy it and how much you will bless others.

Also, the Holy Spirit is always willing to write through you, if you invite Him and allow Him, you will be surprised at the words that will pour out of you.

My Thoughts

Leah: Unnoticed. Unwanted. Unloved is a Biblical Fiction book that is written by Amanda Bedzrah. Leah is one of my favorite figures from the Bible. She does not feel as loved by her father, she feels less beautiful then her sister, Rachel. I felt that the author did a good job displaying the rift that came between the two sisters. They once were close, and drifted apart due to jealously. I love how Leah remains faithful to God. She cries out to God asking why all this has been happening. Despite it all, Leah remains faithful to God.

The story is well written. The author did a good job bringing Leah's story to life. I hope to read more from the author in the future. Thank You to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

A Reader’s Brain, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

For Him and My Family, February 22

Inklings and notions, February 23

deb’s Book Review, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 26

Connie’s History Classroom, February 27

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 28 (Spotlight)

Miriam Jacob, February 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 1

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 2

Blogging With Carol, March 3

Spoken from the Heart, March 4 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, March 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amanda is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ab31/leah-unnoticed-unwanted-unloved-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway -Song of the Rockies Author: Angela Breidenbach On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Song of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: October 1, 2021

1890, Helena MT Song of the Rockies is the story of a sweet music teacher and eleven boys given one chance or else! Evan Russell lost everything—his ranch, his wife, and now, after trusting relatives with his young son, even the little boy is missing. How can a beautiful symphony of the heart come from such chaos?

Mirielle Sheehan, a music teacher at an exclusive boys’ school, believes scholarships for disadvantaged boys will solve the plight of hopeless homeless children. Mirielle’s challenge is to turn eleven street ruffians of various ages into stellar, disciplined boys with a future. Most think guttersnipes like this should be sold into indenture to learn a trade or pressed into the military. Get those miscreants off the streets!

Evan Russell, new mining millionaire, lost everything in the disastrous winter of 1886. Then his wife died leaving him with a son. Relatives in Helena offer a safe home for the child while Evan must find work in the mines. When he returns, he’s devastated to learn the entire family perished in a fire, and his son has never been found. Though he gained a fortune, he’s lost everything he valued! Romantic, sweet adventure set in picturesque Helena, Montana written by a bestselling author who is also a professional genealogist.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

http://AngelaBreidenbach.com

More from Angela

Song of the Rockies idea came from the need to continue deepen the experience from Queen of the Rockies to share more about the orphaned children on the streets of Helena MT in the late 1800s. A lot of readers asked a lot of questions that kept me fired up and involved in the story. That led to the full six-book series because I just couldn’t stop once the first book sparked all the curiosity.

The people of Montana are very civic-minded, committed to volunteerism, and helping those who can’t help themselves. And that’s the modern society. But that kind of a “personality” of a place doesn’t come from a void. The people of Montana have a reputation of being intensely independent. But the heart of the people isn’t about independence, that’s just the way we are because life here is spread out and requires a lot of individual effort to survive and thrive. The result of such a spread-out population is the opposite of intense independence—devout and loyal support of one another. So, though Montanans are independent, we’re also fiercely supportive.

An ironic history tidbit I ran into on my research for this series, but couldn’t use, was the famous Thomas Meagher who was originally from Ireland. We have a massive, gorgeous statue of him on his horse in front of the Montana State Capital Building in Helena because of his contributions toward Montana becoming a state. He was educated in Ireland by the Jesuits and then in England. He spent time in France as well. His last name is pronounced like the planet, “Mar”. The irony is that Thomas Meagher escaped from imprisonment in Australia, banished there by the British for crime of sedition. He believed in Irish independence. Thomas was a hero to the Irish independent movement, a Civil War hero who flipped from supporting the Confederate South to the Union when the Catholic Church put their support behind the North, and after a successful military career he moved to Montana. Evidently, he put all those skills to good use as Montana became a state. But he was also a well-known scoundrel whose stories didn’t always add up. He met his end in a murky manner, well that’s what they say… Thomas was purportedly drinking and playing cards on a paddle boat up the Missouri River near Fort Benton. Somehow, though he was supposedly a good swimmer, he managed to fall overboard and drowned. Was he drunk? Was he cheating and murdered? Did he run into those he’d flipped on during the war? Was he pushed over? He did have a bad knee… No one knows. His body was never found. Hmm… We have a bar/pub in Missoula called the The Meagher Bar that serves delicious Irish fare. So, if you visit Montana, please don’t ask for the “Meeger” Bar, not a soul will understand what you’re looking for. But now, you know how to pronounce his name.

My Thoughts

Song of the Rockies is book two in the Queen of the Rockies series that is written by Angela Breidenbach. The author puts so much research into her stories. I am enjoying getting to know the historical characters that have had a huge impression on the development of Montana.

We find our story set in 1890 in Helena Montana. Mirielle is a brave woman and wanting to help disadvantaged boys. She feels that if they are given an advantage and helped that they will have a decent future. She has been teaching at a nice boys only school. She develops a huge heart for the ones that are at a disadvantaged. She enlists the help of Evan Russell. Evan has been through a lot. He left his son in the care of relatives while he found work in the mines. He came back to find that the house he left his son in had burned down. His son is MIA.

The relationship between Mirielle and Evan develops quickly. Mirielle finds herself falling for him even through they just met. Evan, who lost his first wife after the birth of his son still has some things that he needs to sort out.

All the characters in this series are well developed. The story line is unique and intriguing. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

Bizwings Blog, February 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Mary Hake, February 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 21

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, February 22

Inklings and notions, February 22

deb’s Book Review, February 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 25

Blogging With Carol, February 25

Connie’s History Classroom, February 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27

Blossoms and Blessings, February 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 1

Austen’s Angle, March 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 3

Pause for Tales, March 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize 20-minute genealogy consultation to a winner via Zoom!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ab2b/song-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - The Struggle for Love Author: Marilyn T. Parker on Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Struggle for Love

Author: Marilyn T. Parker

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: November 2, 2021

Two sisters married to the same man. A man who loves only one.

Leah didn’t want a marriage without love. A strong and capable woman, she had determined to live a life of service as a midwife, bringing other women’s children into the world, allowing her father to breach tradition and betroth her beautiful younger sister first. But that was not to be.

Forced by her father to pose as her sister, Leah goes to Jacob’s wedding bed. When Jacob awakens to find Leah instead of the beautiful Rachel, he tells Leah that he will provide for her and do what a husband must, but she will never have his love.

Rejected by her husband and her relationship with her beloved sister broken, will Leah be able to keep her faith in the God of Abraham through the tragedies to come? Will Jacob see Leah for the woman she truly is? Will these two wives of the patriarch mend their relationship before it’s too late?

Enjoy this beautiful story of a woman overlooked by history but not by God. In Genesis 29:31 the scripture says, “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved—” God was watching over Leah. And He’s watching over you.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marilyn has worn many hats in her life: school teacher, pastor’s wife, mother of four God-loving children, and best of all—Grammy! She is presently the older member of a mother/daughter blogging duo with her wonderful daughter, Rebecca. They co-author Persevering Women, a blog full of inspiration to help women live above their circumstances.

Four years after becoming a widow, Marilyn married Peter Parker. Yes! She’s Mrs. Spiderman! Marilyn says she is truly married to her superhero.

When Marilyn and Peter are not traipsing around the country in their RV, they reside in Buckeye, Arizona with their monster dog, Mimi (don’t let the cute name fool you!). Marilyn’s greatest desire is that her work bring glory to God.

More from Marilyn

When I was seven or eight years old, I entered a writing contest for elementary students sponsored by the local newspaper. I won! Actually, I won two years in a row. I still remember some things about those stories. I remember that one was about a little girl who was so poor, she had to use fall leaves to make Christmas cards. Uh, kind of got my seasons mixed up there—but the storyline must have been good! That was the beginning of my writing career!

So why do I write biblical fiction?

Can’t people just read their Bibles? Yes. Of course. But years ago, when I was reading through the book of Genesis, studying the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, one of Jacob’s wives caught my attention.

Genesis 29:31 When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved—

God was watching Leah. Can you imagine it? The God of the Universe leaning over the portal of heaven to get a better view of an unloved woman! I was hooked on the story right then. The scriptures were scant, but the story was hiding there in subtle hints. As I fleshed out Leah’s life from the Word, I fell more in love with the God who originally wrote her story. The Great Storyteller who knew both Leah and me before He laid the foundation of the earth, and who wrote our stories with love, promising us the best of all happy endings with Him.

My Thoughts

The Struggle for Love is written by Marilyn T. Parker. This is the story of Leah. Leah is one of my favorite characters from the Bible. Leah is described in the Bible is not as pretty as her sister, Rachel. She was not as well liked by her father. Her story is written in this book as kind and compassionate. However, I love the way that the author portrayed where she deceived Jacob. Her father wanted her too. In all of this she remained faithful to God.

Rachel is written as very prideful. Which is how I imagined her from her story in the Bible. She knew she was prettier then her sister. She knew that Jacob loved her more. We see the sisters relationship go from close to fractured.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 15

Girls in White Dresses, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

Blogging With Carol, February 17

Inklings and notions, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 19

Breny and Books, February 19

deb’s Book Review, February 20

Batya’s Bits, February 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

Connie’s History Classroom, February 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 25

Mary Hake, February 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 27 (Spotlight)

Spoken from the Heart, February 27

Lights in a Dark World, February 28

Genesis 5020, February 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1a45f/the-struggle-for-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Her Guarded Heart Author: Sharlene MacLaren On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Her Guarded Heart

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: FICTION / Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: February 1, 2022

At age twenty-one, Anna Hansen has had more than her share of hardship. Her mother died when she was eleven and her father just passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to care for her ten-year-old brother, Billy Ray. She struggles to hang onto the family farm but it’s facing foreclosure and things are looking grim.

Next door, Jesse Fuller’s drive, work ethic, and skill ensure that his family’s farm is a growing success. His brothers think he should marry Anna to help out her and her kid brother…while also enabling the Fullers to expand their operation. But Jesse has never had romantic feelings for Anna and the idea doesn’t appeal to him.

In the meantime, Horace Blackthorn is hell-bent on acquiring the Hansen farm for reasons of his own. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it—lie, cheat, steal…even murder.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. Afterward, she returned to her teaching job, then in 1975, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and they married that very December. They have raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

Shar has always enjoyed writing, and her high school classmates eagerly read and passed around her short stories. In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, so in 2006, she signed a contract with Whitaker House for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her professional writing career. With almost two dozen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, Shar gives God all the glory.

Shar’s novels have won numerous awards. Most recently, Their Daring Hearts was named a 2018 Top Pick by Romantic Times, and A Love to Behold was voted “Book of the Year” in 2019 by Interviews & Reviews. The two prior books in Shar’s Hearts of Honor series, centered on the Fuller brothers, include Her Rebel Heart and Her Steadfast Heart.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and has participated in several interviews on television and radio. She loves to speak for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. Shar and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan.

My Thoughts

Sharlene MacLaren is one of my favorite Christian Historical Fiction authors. Her stories are always so historically accurate. She writes a lot of her books during my favorite time periods, the Civil War and right after. This is also set in my home state of Ohio. So I was excited to see this. Her Guarded Heart is book three in the Hearts of Honor series. I have read one other book in the series, and they can all be read as stand alone books.

Anna and her brother Billy Ray have gone through a lot of hardships. Their mother died and their father passed away under mysterious circumstances. Anna is doing everything she can to try and save their family farm, which is now facing foreclosure. My heart just went out to Anna. She is a likeable character.

Jesse Fuller is Anna's neighbor. They have the farm next door. He is encouraged to court and marry Anna. His family wants to combine the farms. Jesse does not see Anna in that light. However, you will see both of these characters grow and evolve through the story.

One character that I was not found of was the town pain in the butt, Horace Blackthorn. He is convinced there is treasure that is on Anna's family farm and will not stop until he gets it. Could have been behind her father's death?

I loved the balance of romance, mystery, and all the historical richness. The author wrote some realistic characters. The story flows nicely. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.