~ BLOG TOUR 'BOUNTY BEYOND REASON' ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~
~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~
-- 'BOUNTY BEYOND REASON' --
~Post Includes Interview with Author Kari Trumbo,

Book Blurb & Giveaway~

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for Bounty Beyond Reason by Kari Trumbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! 

--AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
JUNE: Welcome to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic', Kari. It's a pleasure to chat with an historical romance author since it's been one of my favorite genres to read for many years. Please tell us a little bit about your background as a writer. When did you begin writing fiction? Did you enjoy creative writing in school?

KARI: Thank you for having me! I've been writing for about 5 years now, published for 3. Prior to writing, I helped many of my friends with beta reading and developmental editing. The story bug was strong with me, though, and editing wasn't enough. I had to write my own. 

I did enjoy creative writing in school, but even then I bucked the system. If we were supposed to hand in our “outline” for our story ahead of time, I couldn't do it. I wouldn't have an outline until the story was finished because that's just the way my brain works.

JUNE: I operate the same way when I'm writing a book.
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JUNE: I noticed your new release, 'Bounty Beyond Reason', is Book 7 of 8 {so far} in a series called 'Brides of Blessings'. You also wrote Book 2. The other books in the series are written by five different authors. This sounds like a fun project! How did you all get together to work on this series? Are the books stand-alones or do the stories share a common setting and/or characters? Does the group have plans to continue writing books for this series?

KARI: The Brides of Blessings series has been a fun project. My friend, Lynn, created this town and the whole idea centers around the idea that men may have won the west, but the women tamed it. Every heroine in the series is formidable, because they had to be in gold rush California. Now, I must say that all of the books in the series are sweet, but only mine and Heather Blanton's are Christian.

I will have at least one more story in this series and it will release in October. All the stories are set in the same little town of Blessings, so we made a map, a character guide, we know each story line and when different people and stores will be introduced. It's all quite fun.

JUNE: Sounds like a lot of fun! I like the idea of having a map and character guide to keep everyone on the same page {please pardon the pun!}.
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JUNE: Have you always been interested in history? Please tell us some of the activities you engage in when researching for a setting for one of your projects. Field trips to historical sites and museums? Archival research? Oral interviews with historians?

KARI: I have always loved history. My father used to tease me that I'd better find something else besides history to be good at, because the only thing I could do with a degree in history was to be a lawyer, and he'd disown me if I did. It was all very tongue in cheek, and he's proud of his history-buff daughter.

One of my most favorite museums to visit was the Adams Museum in Deadwood, SD. It is just a treasure! I had already planned on writing the Seven Brides of South Dakota series before visiting the Adams, but the history just came to life for me so much that I literally got home and started writing.

Along the same lines, some of the cities I wrote about in that series, I didn't have a chance to actually visit, so I called local libraries to get information. They have all been so very helpful.

JUNE: The Adams Museum sounds like a place I'd like to visit, too.
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JUNE: Your website says you homeschool your four children. Are any of your students following in your footsteps when it comes to writing fiction?

KARI: Both of my girls are artistic. Both have tried writing stories and, while they enjoy it, it isn't for them at this time. My oldest sings all the time (that's my fault, I used to do the very same thing) and my younger daughter draws. That isn't surprising either, considering both of her uncles are artists.

My boys tell a lot of stories, but they don't write them down yet and mostly, those are just for fun. Fishing Tales of the Pokemon kind.
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JUNE: If you were not writing historical romance, what other fictional genre might you try? Would you ever consider writing non-fiction? If so, what subject(s) would you like to write about?

KARI: I have written a few contemporary Christian romances. I enjoyed writing them but my muse is 150 years old and just doesn't understand that a man 2018 would have a pickup. It is nice to have a little less research to do, but honestly, I'm most at home in 1880-1905.

JUNE: I love the same time period and up through the 1940s, so I can understand how you feel about being at home in the past.
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JUNE: Thank you so much for sharing with my readers today, Kari. I truly appreciate your taking a moment out of your busy schedule to visit with us. Wishing you continued success in your writing endeavors!

KARI: Thank you so much and thank you for having me.

*********************

--ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Bounty Beyond Reason  
Author: Kari Trumbo  
Series: Brides of Blessings #7
Release Date: May 9, 2018  
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance  

For the last four years, she's wanted to watch him hang.

Hannah Gale has to avenge her husband's death and the loss of her future and watching Emitt Hayes swing will do just that. When she's able to catch him, she can bring him back and claim the bounty, redeeming some of the wealth Emitt stole.  

Emitt stole a horse to redeem a debt.

It started a landslide of events that changed many lives, and a has eaten at him ever since. He's taken on the name Cort Nelson to hide. When his past catches up with him, Hannah is more fire than he's expecting. His quiet, hidden life will never be the same.

A hidden danger appears that could cost them both their lives, can Cort admit to what he's done and be the man Hannah needs and can Hannah release her grudge to grab hold of a future worth having?

Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon

---

--ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kari Trumbo is a best-selling author of Christian and sweet romance.

She writes swooney heroes and places that become characters, with historical detail and heart. She's a stay-at-home mom to four vibrant children. When she isn't writing, or editing, she home schools her children and pretends to keep up with them.

Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of almost twenty-one years. They have two daughters, two sons, two cats, and one hungry wood stove.  

--CONNECT WITH KARI: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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--GIVEAWAY:

Kari Trumbo is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, as well as signed copies of Blessed Beyond Measure and Bounty Beyond Reason! One winner. US only. (International winners may be eligible but for gift card only.)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 28, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm June 4, 2018. Winner will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

For the full tour schedule and more giveaway entries, head to JustRead's Launch Page HERE

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Saturday, June 2nd: Blitz for 'Linen God'. Blitz includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Blitz hosted by JustRead Publicity.

-- Monday, June 4th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday S.T.E.A.M. Education Feature on 'MAKE: Paper Inventions--Machines That Move, Drawings that Light Up, Wearables and Structures You Can Cut, Fold, and Roll' by Author Kathy Ceceri.

-- Tuesday, June 5th: Book Blast for 'Destined for Love Resorts'. Blast includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Blast hosted by I Am A Reader.

-- Wednesday, June 6th: Non-Fiction Book Blast for 'Bounce Back'. Blast includes a book spotlight and excerpt. Blast hosted by Write Now Literary.

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~ BLOG TOUR 'A THOUSAND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS' ~

~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~

-- 'A THOUSAND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS'

BY CEDAR FORT AUTHOR TERI HARMAN --

Post includes: Book Spotlight, 

Author Bio & Giveaway

   

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Is love stronger than grief?

After the death of her Aunt Jetty, the woman who raised her, Matilda White packs a single suitcase, leaving behind her home, her small town in Kansas, and the man she’s supposed to marry.

Henry Craig is a writer—if only he could find the right words. While sitting at a worn table in a Detroit library he sees a new librarian, Matidla, and suddenly the world erupts with words.

Six years later, Matilda and Henry load their young daughter Lucy, two antique typewriters, and a box of Henry’s love letters into the car and head off to a new life. But one snowstorm and a slippery road take it all away. In that black moment of tragedy Matilda turns to Henry and says, “I wish I’d never met you.”

The world goes dark.

Matilda wakes up in Jetty’s dilapidated house with no memory of the last six years. Beside her on the bed, a book and an antique typewriter.

Henry wakes up in his familiar spot in the library, a book and old typewriter squatting on the table beside him. He can’t remember the last six years.

Can words on a typed page, sent from one typewriter to another, push aside tar-thick pain and resurrect love?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. She’s the author of three previous books: Blood Moon, Black Moon, and Storm Moon. She also writes about books for ksl.com, and has contributed regular book segments to 'Studio 5 with Brooke Walker,' Utah’s number one lifestyle show. She lives in Utah with her husband and three children. Visit her at teriharman.com.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

-- GIVEAWAY --

Enter the givewaway HERE.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

May 28-Christian Bookaholic | cherylbbookblog
May 29-Blooming with Books | Heidi Reads…
May 30-Reading Is My SuperPower | Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
May 31-Singing Librarian Books | Edits and Reviews by Leslie | Fiction Aficionado
June 1-Paulette’s Papers | Pause for Tales
June 2-Radiant Light | Why Not Because I Said So

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

--  Friday, June 1st:  Blog Tour Stop for 'Bounty Beyond Reason' by Author Kari Trumbo. Stop includes an author interview, spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

--  Saturday, June 2nd:  Blitz for 'Linen God'. Blitz includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Blitz hosted by JustRead Publicity.

--  Monday, June 4th:  Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Feature. Book TBA.

--  Tuesday, June 5th:  Book Blast for 'Destined for Love Resorts'. Blast includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Blast hosted by I Am A Reader.

--  Wednesday, June 6th:  Non-Fiction Book Blast for 'Bounce Back'. Blast includes a book spotlight and excerpt. Blast hosted by Write Now Literary.

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~ BOOK BLAST 'A GENTLE HEART' ~

~ BOOK BLAST ~

--  'A Gentle Heart'  --
by Author Christie Logan

-Post Includes Book Spotlight,
Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway-

   

 ABOUT THE BOOK:
'A Gentle Heart' by Christie Logan ~ Ambitious realtor Alex has plans for his life—big plans—and getting dumped by his fiancée won't sidetrack him. He'll have to face her again at an important business function, but he won't let himself be the object of pity and scorn. What better way to show the world—and his ex— how well he's doing than to arrive with a beautiful woman on his arm? A woman he finds, of all places, behind the lingerie counter of a department store. 

Tyffanie has dreams that extend far beyond her sales counter, but she's been burned by men only interested in her looks. Deep inside, she's still the gawky, freckle-faced girl other kids used to tease. When handsome, successful Alex enters her life, everything changes. He's the first to look beneath the surface, respect her, and care about her hopes and dreams. Alex discovers there is so much more to Tyffanie than outward beauty. He's falling in love with her kind soul and gentle heart when he must decide how far he's willing to pursue success and all its trappings. Because his need to win at all costs may cost him Tyffanie's love. 
 

EXCERPT:  Alex didn't know what to make of this girl, made up like a high-fashion cover model with the demeanor of a school girl. He couldn't decide if she was truly innocent or just a little dim. Or maybe both were an act and she was dumb like a fox. He'd been fooled before, after all. He'd believed Claire's act, hadn't he? Whether Tyffanie was for real or just a very good actress, he wouldn't get distracted by her charms. His eyes were wide open this time. No way would he let a woman fool him again.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Author Christie Logan writes sweet romance straight from the heart. She lives in upstate New York with too many pets, too many dust bunnies lurking under the bed, and too many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She thinks everyone deserves a happy ending and in her books, they get one.

Website * Facebook * Twitter



GIVEAWAY:   $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 6/10/18 
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Wednesday, May 30th:  Book Spotlight for 'A Thousand Sleepless Nights'. Tour hosted by Singing Librarian Books.

--  Friday, June 1st:  Blog Tour Stop for 'Bounty Beyond Reason'. Stop includes an author interview with Kari Trumbo, book spotlight, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

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~ MMGM Arlington National Cemetery ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY NON-FICTION FEATURE

IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY ~

-- 'ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY' --

AUTHOR BOB TEMPLE

 LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK:

This lower middle-grade non-fiction book including historical and contemporary photographs was published by The Child's World  in Mankato, Minnesota, copyright 2014.

Link to Excerpt Courtesy of Publisher  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: {from the Publisher's Website} 

Bob Temple, who also writes under the name Carl Emerson, is the author of more than 20 nonfiction books for children and young adults, and seven Internet-related titles. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of St. Thomas and is an award-winning journalist who has enjoyed a 16-year career in newspapers and online journalism. He is also the president of an editorial services and Web content firm based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Bob and his wife, Teri, are the parents of three school-age children. He enjoys traveling and playing golf.

MY REVIEW:
Coming from a family with three generations of military veterans, I wanted to share a special book as a tribute to these brave individuals on Memorial Day. I found what I was looking for in this book. 

The text of the book is appropriate for lower middle-grade students to comprehend as a read-aloud, and I feel it would be grade-level appropriate reading material for upper middle-grade students. As new vocabulary words are introduced, they are printed in rust-colored ink. This color coding signals to the reader that the word is included in the Glossary at the end of the book.

The narrative explains the purpose of this cemetery before presenting the history of these hallowed grounds. There is an historical photo of Union soldiers on the property during the Civil War along with several contemporary photos of the grounds and monuments found at Arlington.

I thought I knew a lot about this sacred place, but I learned several significant facts as I read the text.

-- The bodies of many Civil War soldiers could not be identified and they were called Unknown Soldiers. In 1866 more than two thousand bodies were buried there in a memorial. This monument is called the Tomb of the Unknown Dead of the Civil War.

-- The United States government paid one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the Lee family, the owners of the property, in 1822. {Read the book to learn all the details!}

--  The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier includes the remains of four soldiers. One soldier from each of these wars:  Wolrd War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

--  There is a special monument honoring the crew of the Challenger space shuttle disaster in January, 1986.

--  Experts project the cemetery will be filled by 2020.

Besides the Glossary, the back matter includes a 'Find Out More' section including resources for other library books and website links so young readers can learn more about this honored place.

Highly-recommended for teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents, scout and youth groups, and military families!

I borrowed this book from the children's section in the local public library.

To learn more about Arlington National Cemetery and how they observe Memorial Day each May, follow the following link:
Link to Arlington National Cemetery's Website

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Tuesday, May 29th: Book Blast for 'A Gentle Heart'. Blast includes a $50 giveaway. Event hosted by I Am A Reader.

-- Wednesday, May 30th:  Book Spotlight for 'A Thousand Sleepless Nights'. Tour hosted by Singing Librarian Books.

--  Friday, June 1st:  Blog Tour Stop for 'Bounty Beyond Reason'. Stop includes an author interview with Kari Trumbo, book spotlight, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

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