~ BOOK TOUR 'ARISE FROM THE ASHES' ~

~ NEW RELEASE BOOK TOUR ~
-- 'ARISE FROM THE ASHES' --
-An Inspirational, Non-Fiction Anthology 
From Christian Authors
Sharing Their Stories of Hope-

About The Book

Arise from the Ashes, are stories of hope from seven women from all walks of life. These women who have gone through the fire, walked in places that others dare not tread, but women who are not ashamed of their scars and willing to bare it all. They share their journey of going from trials to triumph and pain to purpose. Arise from the Ashes is filled with inspiration, wisdom and life’s lessons from women who have endured personal pain and have come through empowered, encouraged and victorious. Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspiration
 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Meet Paulette: Visionary and Co-Author.  Chapter Title: Losing To Win Behind her smile is a woman who has learned the real meaning of endurance, faith and tenacity. Bestselling, award winning author, speaker and marketing specialist, Paulette Harper has authored several books, including her award winning novel Secret Places Revealed, and her award-winning inspirational book Completely Whole. Her literary works have been spotlighted in a growing number of publications, including CBN, The Sacramento Observer and Real Life, Real Faith Magazine. As an inspirational speaker, Paulette’s presentations are inspiring, enriching and encouraging. Her ability to share and connect with her audience comes from her own life’s journey and experiences. She lives her life based on her motto: Intentionally Living Life on Purpose. Website

Meet Donna: Chapter Title: Unexpected Life’s Transitions  
Donna Moses's passion is to pen works that will impact the hearts of readers, leading them to Christ. An avid reader, she founded Sistahs in Conversation & Sistahs in Harmony Christian Book Club. She is a retired nurse, graduate from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College, and a member of Progressive Community Church. A Links Incorporated member, Donna is also a recipient of the Susan B. Anthony Award for her community involvement. Donna lives in Northern California with her husband, Raymond. They have four adult children and nine gifted grandchildren.  Facebook
 

  
                        

Meet Cassietta: Chapter Title: Not Forgotten: After the Storm 
Cassietta Jefferson is a contemporary Christian author, book reviewer, and blogger. She is the founder of Virtuous Ink Publishing where she seeks to provide her readers with the best in contemporary Christian literature. She earned her Bachelors of Applied Science in Healthcare Administration from Wayland Baptist University. Cassietta currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where she lives with her husband of twenty years, retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant Ben Jefferson Jr. 
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Meet Angie:   Chapter Title: God Sees What We Cannot See  
Angie Jones is passionate about prayer and called to build prayer within the local church. Since the late 1980s, she has been involved with prayer ministries through intercessory prayer as a watchman on the wall, corporate prayer, prayer walks, prayer partners, and facilitating prayer meetings and conferences. She wrote a monthly publication “The Prayer Journal” which included articles on prayer, testimonies and prayer activities. As a co-leader of Community Prayer Conference Call connecting local churches in prayer, she leads a team of eighty-plus prayer team members and holds prayer trainings within the local church. An advocate for adoption, Angie lives in Fairfield, CA, and is the mother of three adopted children.  
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Meet Michele:   Chapter Title: Back Down Memory Lane  
Andrea Mills is a published author of several books writing under her pen name, Michele Mills. An inspirational speaker, visionary, and entrepreneur, she is the Founder and CEO of Love In Spite of Women’s Bible Fellowship, where Jesus Christ is Lord. Women’s ministry leader and Bible teacher, in 2014, Andrea launched the 1st Annual Prophetic Women’s Crusade, which was embraced by the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit, manifested through signs and wonders from God in Heaven. Andrea resides in Northern California. The mother of two children--Adrienne, her late daughter, and a son, Andrè. She also has three grandchildren: Charnell, Ronal III, and Chase Benjamin.
Website

 

 

Meet Sydney:

Chapter Title: Hope Exists

Sydney Dela Torre is creative, passionate, and funny. She has a heart for God that exudes in her writing. Her transparency and vulnerability are on display as she walks her audience through the fragments of her broken life so God may be glorified. Sydney has always been encouraged by others to “share her story.” From after school children’s programs to women and youth groups, her words open the window to her heart. Often witty, Sydney approaches some of life’s toughest challenges with candor, honesty, and an understanding that no problem is too big for God. Personal discoveries, as well as spiritual growth, have proven to be a source of inspiration for her writings. Her works introduce real flawed characters who overcome obstacles through Jesus. Currently penning her first fiction novel, about God’s love and grace breaking down barriers and transforming hearts, she hopes to complete it soon. Sydney and her husband, William, reside in the breathtaking mountains of Arnold, California.  
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Meet Yolando: Chapter Title: Unfailing Love  
Yolando Cooksey is a published devotional author in The Upper Room magazine and was recently published in an anthology, The Short and Sweet of It: When the Right Word is a Short Word. She enjoys writing as an expression of sharing her faith and her journey of developing an intimate, personal love relationship with Jesus Christ. Although raised in a Christian home, Yolando did not discover intimacy with God until after suffering several traumatic events in her life. The experiences God allowed Yolando to go through have been her motivation and passion to mentor teen girls and women to find the true meaning of real, authentic, and unfailing love. Yolando's foundation in Christ has been the guiding light in her writing and making a decision to return to school after retiring in 2015. Yolando is pursuing a master's degree in Social Work with a goal to counsel at-risk youth and children in the foster system. Yolando is a mother, grandmother, friend, and most importantly, a daughter of the Most High God. It is her dream that women truly learn who and whose they are!  
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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Thursday, June 28th: Blog Tour stop for 'Falling for the Cowgirl' by Author Tina Radcliffe. Post includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

-- Friday, June 29th: Friday Fiction Feature on Elizabeth Johns's newest Regency romance, 'Moon and Stars'. Post includes a book spotlight, author bio, excerpt, and giveaway. Event organized by I Am A Reader.

 
-- Monday, July 2nd: In honor of Independence Day on July 4th in the United States, my Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday feature will be a non-fiction title, 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' Post includes a book spotlight and review.

-- Friday, July 6th: 'Top Ten California Towns in Which to Find Vintage Treasures' article. This list includes some of my favorite towns to visit around Northern and Central California including an assortment of shops and museums.

-- Wednesday, July 11th: 'Dangerous to Know' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight and Excerpt. Tour organized by AJ Publicity.

-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.

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~ MMGM HISTORICAL FICTION 'RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE' ~

~ MIDDLE-GRADE HISTORICAL
FICTION FEATURE ~

--  'RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE'  --

AUTHOR KATE DiCAMILLO

~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight,

Author Bio & Book Review~

  LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:

Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}: 

Kate DiCamillo, the newly named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2014–2015, says about stories, “When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.” Born in Philadelphia, the author lives in Minneapolis, where she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week.

Kate DiCamillo's own journey is something of a dream come true. After moving to Minnesota from Florida in her twenties, homesickness and a bitter winter helped inspire Because of Winn-Dixie - her first published novel, which, remarkably, became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. "After the Newbery committee called me, I spent the whole day walking into walls," she says. "I was stunned. And very, very happy."

Her second novel, The Tiger Rising, went on to become a National Book Award Finalist. Since then, the master storyteller has written for a wide range of ages, including two comical early-chapter-book series - Mercy Watson, which stars a "porcine wonder" with an obsession for buttered toast, and Bink & Gollie, which celebrates the tall and short of a marvelous friendship - as well as a luminous holiday picture book, Great Joy.

Her latest novel, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, won the 2014 Newbery Medal. It was released in fall 2013 to great acclaim, including five starred reviews, and was an instant New York Times bestseller. Flora & Ulysses is a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format - a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black and white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell. It was a 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner and was chosen by Amazon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Common Sense Media as a Best Book of the Year.
 

MY REVIEW:
I was introducted to this award-winning author when I recently read a poignant and encouraging blog post on the Rain City Librarian blog. 

The post is about 'R-E-J-E-C-T-I-O-N-S'. A word all authors, including myself, hesitate to utter aloud for fear of the ugly and unwanted news it will magically attract to our inboxes.

The post mentioned that Kate DiCamillo received 473 -- yes, that's right -- 473 rejections from publishers and literary agents for her debut middle-grade novel, 'Because of Winn-Dixie'. The good news for readers is this novel was eventually published in 2000 by Candlewick Press and has since become a feature film.

NOTE: If you'd like to read the original post on the Rain City Librarian's blog, follow this link: Publishing 101 Post on Rejection

I simply had to read this book written by a resilient author, so I borrowed 'Because of Winn-Dixie' from the public library and read it straight through one hot summer afternoon recently. I enjoyed it for many reasons. The quirky characters and delightful dog, Winn-Dixie, won me over immediately. This led to my wanting to read more of the author's work . . .

I found 'Raymie Nightingale' in the library's online catalog, and when I realized the story was set in 1975, I decided to check it out. {I may have mentioned this before a few times here on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' -- I adore historical fiction!}

'Raymie Nightingale' is a story of the friendship between three unlikely friends -- Raymie, Louisiana, and Beverly. Set in Florida beginning in June, 1975, the author takes us on several adventures as the three girls make an effort to resolve the issues they are facing in their individual lives.

Louisiana lives with her grandmother because her parents are both deceased. This little family is living in poverty and are food insecure as we say in 2018. Louisiana has many fears and insecurities which reach beyond her hunger, and Raymie and Beverly look after Louisiana and help her in many ways.

Raymie and Beverly are both suffering from broken hearts due to their respective abandonments by their fathers. Raymie's father ran away with his girlfriend just two days before the novel opens. This wound is fresh and tender for Raymie and her mother. Having these new friends seems to give Raymie a purpose. I feel Raymie's friendship with two other hurting souls allowed this character's compassionate, empathetic, kind nature to come to the surface. She seemed to blossom before my eyes.

Beverly finally admits her father is a police officer, in New York. She is mysterious and secretive about why her father lives in New York while she and her mother live in Florida. Beverly is the opposite of Raymie on the exterior. She is brash, sassy, and impatient. She has a mean streak a mile-wide, and she doesn't think before she speaks or acts on many occasions. Beverly has a lot of gumption and will take on challenges the other two girls will not. Deep down, she is not a bad person. She has simply built barriers up around her to keep from being hurt anymore in her young life.

I will not post any spoilers here, but it's easy to see why this book would appeal to middle-grade readers. The themes of friendship, adventure, and a common goal to work toward make this book a winner for readers of all ages!

Highly-recommended to fans of historical fiction, adventure fiction, and summer-themed stories.

Borrowed from the children's section of the local public library.

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Tuesday, June 26th: A Book Blast from a collection of non-fiction, personal stories from several Christian authors, 'Arise From the Ashes'. Event hosted by Write Now Literary.

-- Thursday, June 28th: Blog Tour stop for 'Falling for the Cowgirl' by Author Tina Radcliffe. Post includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

-- Monday, July 2nd: In honor of Independence Day on July 4th in the United States, my Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday feature will be a non-fiction title, 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' Post includes a book spotlight and review. 

-- Friday, July 6th: 'Top Ten California Towns in Which to Find Vintage Treasures' article. This list includes some of my favorite towns to visit around Northern and Central California including an assortment of shops and museums.

-- Wednesday, July 11th: 'Dangerous to Know' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight and Excerpt. Tour organized by AJ Publicity.

-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.

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~ A VAST AND GRACIOUS TIDE BLOG TOUR ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~

--  'A VAST and GRACIOUS TIDE' --

AUTHOR LISA CARTER

~ Post Includes:  Book Blurb, Author Bio,

Excerpt & Giveaway ~

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Vast and Gracious Tide  
Author: Lisa Carter  
Publisher: Gilead  
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense  

A wounded veteran and the police chief's daughter must work together to bring a killer to justice

Caden Wallis lost friends, his girlfriend, and even his leg to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks broken and still reeling, struggling to make peace with his new life.

McKenna Dockery has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé died three years ago. Now, when the handsome yet heartbroken Caden arrives at her doorstep, she starts to wonder if there may be hope for her heart after all . . .

But no sooner do they meet than a man is found murdered on McKenna's property--and Caden is the prime suspect. The two must learn to trust each other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks.  

EXCERPT:

In three strides, McKenna reached the man lying on the sand. His pant leg had ridden up to his shin, revealing not actual flesh but a prosthesis.

Judging from his tactical pants, maybe a veteran. Dark hair feathered over the collar of an army-green T-shirt. Around his neck a metal chain glinted. Dog tags?

Something warned her not to help him. To save his pride and allow him to stand on his own.

"I got it," he grunted and rolled onto his side. "I don’t need your help."

By sheer force of will—and locking her arms behind her back—she stopped herself from rushing to his rescue. "I wasn’t offering."

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Lisa Carter describes her Southern suspense novels as 'sweet tea with a slice of murder.' She is the bestselling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.

CONNECT WITH LISA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Don't miss your chance to enter this great giveaway prize pack! One winner (US only) will receive:

Print copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter
Sea glass jewelry set (see here)
Framed print of Psalm 93:4 (see here)

{$65 value}

Giveaway will run from midnight June 18, 2018 through 11:59pm July 2, 2018. It is subject to the policies found here.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along with the tour HERE for more chances to win!

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

-- Monday, June 25th: A Marvelous Middle-Grade Fiction Feature on a heartwarming story of friendship, 'Raymie Nightingale'. Post includes a book spotlight and my review.

-- Tuesday, June 26th: A Book Blast from a collection of non-fiction, personal stories from several Christian authors, 'Arise From the Ashes'. Event hosted by Write Now Literary.

--  Thursday, June 28th:  Blog Tour stop for 'Falling for the Cowgirl' by Author Tina Radcliffe. Post includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

--  Monday, July 2nd:  A Marvelous Middle-Grade Non-Fiction feature in honor of Independence Day on July 4th. 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' by Author Michael C. Harris. Post includes a book spotlight and my review.

-- Friday, July 6th: 'Top Ten California Towns in Which to Find Vintage Treasures' article. This list includes some of my favorite towns to visit around Northern and Central California including an assortment of shops and museums.

-- Wednesday, July 11th: 'Dangerous to Know' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight and Excerpt. Tour organized by AJ Publicity.

-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.

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~ DOUBLE FEATURE BY AUTHOR JOANNE OTTO ~

~ FICTION DOUBLE-FEATURE ~

--TWO BOOKS BY JOANNE OTTO--

 'THE YOU-SONG', Juvenile Non-Fiction
-and-
'DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM',
Middle-Grade Christian Fiction

--ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

                                                                       

Joanne Otto is a lifelong student of the Bible who has taken four exciting tours of Bible lands and done extensive research, including numerous courses. She has taught foreign languages and English and more recently, as an academic language therapist, has helped dyslexic children strengthen their reading and writing skills. Also a music lover and amateur pianist, she especially enjoys accompanying singers. 

Website: http://joanneotto.com/ 


--ABOUT THE BOOK, 'THE YOU-SONG', Juvenile Non-Fiction: 

'The You-Song' celebrates, in a way young children can understand, the unique and vital place each of us occupies in God's world and encourages them to fill their place in it with joy. Written by a teacher who's helped many children overcome reading challenges, 'The You-Song' is user-friendly, consisting of words that are either familiar or easy to decode. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 50 heart-warming photos, it's also fun to read aloud to pre-readers. Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction

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--ABOUT THE BOOK, 'DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM',  Middle-Grade Christian Fiction:

'Daughter of Jerusalem' takes its 21st-century readers on a journey back to the first-century world of a young rabbi named Yeshua—better known to us as Jesus. Mara, the young heroine of this story, gets to mingle with the crowds who come to hear him teach during his visits to Jerusalem and, finally, to meet him face to face in a brief, life-changing encounter—one that comes at no small cost to herself. For middle-grade readers who want to use the book as a springboard for deeper study, there are Bible references and questions on each chapter, as well as a glossary. For others, the story itself will be the full journey. Genre: Middle-Grade Christian Fiction 

--Purchase Link for Both Books:   
http://amazon.com/author/joanneotto

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

-- Friday, June 22nd: Blog Tour stop for 'A Vast and Gracious Tide'. Post includes: Book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

--  Monday, June 25th:  A Marvelous Middle-Grade Fiction Feature on a heartwarming story of friendship, 'Raymie Nightingale'. Post includes a book spotlight and my review.

--  Tuesday, June 26th:  A Book Blast from a collection of non-fiction, personal stories from several Christian authors, 'Arise From the Ashes'. Event hosted by Write Now Literary.

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~ HISTORICAL FICTION FEATURE 'MISS WILTON'S WALTZ ~

~ HISTORICAL FICTION FEATURE ~

--  'MISS WILTON'S WALTZ'  --

BY BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, JOSI KILPACK

~Post includes:  Book Spotlight, Author Bio,

Excerpt & Giveaway~

  

   

Miss Wilton's Waltz by Josi S. Kilpack A follow-up to Josi S. Kilpack's bestselling Proper Romance title The Vicar's Daughter. Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls’ boarding school. She is different in Bath—more comfortable with herself—and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there. When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine—Lenora’s newest and most troublesome student in the school—is Mr. Asher’s niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl. When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever—until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything. Lenora closes her heart to him, and Aiden, caught between his obligation and his heart, must do what he can to make amends. And Lenora, after years of hiding from everyone and everything, faces a decision only she can make.

AMAZON

 

She gave him a grateful nod—without a smile so as not to seem too grateful—then climbed ungracefully over the wall and moved down the stairs. At the riverbank, she brushed off the stone wall with the sleeve of her coat and took up her usual position of knees to chest and chin on knees. She stared at the water that glittered with the quarter moon as she’d known it would. She tried to review the last week and make a plan for how she would deal with Miss Manch in the coming one, but the man at the top of the stairs kept invading her thoughts. If she thought about him enough, would she understand why he cared so much about a niece who was so difficult? And was he becoming more handsome each time she saw him, or was that simply a trick of her imagination?

   

"I know fellow book lovers will understand when I say that I fell in love with the characters of this book. There's something about watching a character who is good and loving, who sacrifices for the good of her family, who doesn't complain or argue, finally find her voice and do something that she loves and wants." "Although the cover is adorable, I was not prepared for what a delightful read this book was! This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it won’t be the last."  

   

Author Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and has written twenty-five novels, one cookbook, and been part of multiple collaborations since then. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner and Best of State winner in Fiction. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband and children. When Kensington Press picked up her first national women's fiction novel, As Wide as the Sky, Josi was in need of a pen name to differentiate between her other genres. For years, Josi has been called Jessica Pack by people who hear her name but don't know her. It made her new pen name easy to choose. As Wide as the Sky will be released in paperback in 2018. 

  

~ Giveaway Details:  
Ends 7/6/18--Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This 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, June 20th:  Blog Tour stop for two children's books, 'Daughter of Jerusalem' {a middle-grade novel} -and-  'The You Song' {a juvenile non-fiction book}. Tour hosted by Write Now Literary.

--  Friday, June 22nd:  Blog Tour stop for 'A Vast and Gracious Tide'.  Post includes:  Book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

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~ MMGM FEATURE ON 'PAPER WISHES' ~

~ MIDDLE-GRADE HISTORICAL
FICTION FEATURE ~ 

--  'PAPER WISHES'  --
by Author Lois Sepahban

LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
A moving debut novel about a girl whose family is relocated to a Japanese internment camp during World War II—and the dog she has to leave behind.

Ten-year-old Manami did not realize how peaceful her family's life on Bainbridge Island was until the day it all changed. It's 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Manami and her family are Japanese American, which means that the government says they must leave their home by the sea and join other Japanese Americans at a prison camp in the desert. Manami is sad to go, but even worse is that they are going to have to give her dog, Yujiin, to a neighbor to take care of. Manami decides to sneak Yujiin under her coat, but she is caught and forced to abandon him. She is devastated but clings to the hope that somehow Yujiin will find his way to the camp and make her family whole again. It isn't until she finds a way to let go of her guilt that Manami can accept all that has happened to her family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: {from author's website}:
Lois grew up in central California. Her family moved around a lot, but during her early years she lived in the Tehachapi mountains that form the southeastern boundary of California's Central Valley. She spent her childhood climbing trees, reading books, and creating maps and leading her brother and sister on hunts for buried treasures. On all of her adventures she was accompanied by her dog, Strider, an Australian shepherd, who walked her to the bus stop every morning and then met her there to walk home at the end of the day.

Later, her family moved to the city. She studied literature in college and became a teacher. When she read books out loud to her students, especially books like THE MOORCHILD by Eloise McGraw or SOUNDER by William H. Armstrong, she became inspired to write books of her own.

Today, she is married and has two children. She lives on a small farm where she has a barn that she fills with animals who need homes. She has dogs, cats, and the sweetest chickens in the world!

Author's Website: http://www.loissepahban.com/


MY REVIEW:
This touching story is set in California beginning in March, 1942. The story traces the lives of the Tanaka family of Bainbridge Island, Washington. The family includes ten year old Manami, her parents, her grandfather {Mr. Ishii}, and the family pet—a dog named Yujiin. An older brother, Ron, and sister, Keiko, are away at college in Indiana.

The close-knit family seems to live an idyllic life together until Executive Order 9066 is signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt following the traumatic event of the bombing of the American Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by Japan on December 7, 1941.

This order mandated the relocation of Japanese immigrants and their children who were born in the United States from the United States military zones along the west coast. There were ten relocation camps set up by the War Relocation Authority where all Japanese and Japanese-Americans from Washington, Oregon, and California would be housed.

'Paper Wishes' is set in Manzanar, one of two California relocation camps. Manzanar is located in the Owens Valley of eastern California with the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and the Inyo Mountains to the east. Over ten thousand people were sent to Manzanar. Most came from southern California, but some also came from San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Bainbridge Island, Washington.

After reading several non-fiction books about this subject, I feel the author painted an accurate portrait of what life was like for these families in Manzanar. The living conditions were crude and unpleasant. The barracks were constructed with no insulation and had one ceiling lightbulb, eight army cots, and an oil stove for heating. Two families shared a barracks. The bathrooms {latrines} and dining hall {mess hall} were in separate buildings.

The main character in this novel is Manami. She is very close to her widowed grandfather. The family's adored pet, Yujiin, was confiscated by the US Army military police when the family was being evacuated. This loss, along with the stress and trauma of being removed from their happy home on Bainbridge Island, results in Manami ceasing to speak aloud. Grandfather and Manami are noticeably depressed, and Manami's parents are extremely worried about her lack of enthusiasm for life.

The family does everything they can to help Manami's heart to heal, but still she does not speak. Through the kindness of her Caucasian school teacher, Rosalie, Manami begins to share her feelings through drawings.

This book is about Manami's journey through her unappealing life as an internee and how her family navigates the daily challenges of being treated like prisoners—except that they have done nothing wrong.

As I finished reading this book, I was left admiring these courageous individuals who built close communities within their camps by sharing meals, celebrating their longtime Japanese customs and traditions, and by doing the best they could by using their ingenuity to create the necessities of life {furniture, toys, food, gardens, etc.} along with taking the time to create beauty through their artwork and sewing skills.

I feel this is book would be a great launching point for middle-grade students to learn some frank details about a dark, negative time period in American history. Seeing things from the other side, Manami's side, will give students a different perspective of what life is like for immigrants, especially those whose heritage is apparent in their physical appearance.

Highly-recommended for fans of historical fiction, Japanese history/culture, American history, California history, World War II history, and middle-grade fiction.

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

***SPECIAL NOTE:  TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PERIOD IN HISTORY, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE WEBSITE OF THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM TO READ ABOUT THEIR EXHIBIT, 'UPROOTED! JAPANESE AMERICANS DURING WWII':

http://www.californiamuseum.org/uprooted-japanese-americans-during-wwii

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COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':-- Tuesday, June 19th: Historical Fiction Feature for 'Miss Wilton's Waltz' by author Josi Kilpack. Post includes a book spotlight, author bio, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by I Am A Reader.

-- Wednesday, June 20th: Blog Tour stop for two children's books, 'Daughter of Jerusalem' {a middle-grade novel} -and- 'The You Song' {a juvenile non-fiction book}. Tour hosted by Write Now Literary.

-- Friday, June 22nd: Blog Tour stop for 'A Vast and Gracious Tide'. Post includes: Book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.

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