Leila Tualla: Mama, Author, & Advocate
  • HOME
  • about me
  • Blog
  • News & bookshelf
    • Media
    • Books >
      • Letters to Lenora
      • Love, Defined
    • Poetry >
      • PMDD & me (poetry chapbook)
      • Storm of Hope
    • Anthologies >
      • The Sacred Feminine II
      • The Poetry Marathon 2021
      • Remnants of Home
      • Poetica II
  • ADVOCACY
    • RESOURCES for PMDD warriors >
      • IAPMD
    • Community resources for moms >
      • Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
      • 2020 Mom
      • Preeclampsia
      • Momma's Voices
      • Shades of Blue Project
  • Contact

            News & Bookshelf

Spotlight: The Kees and Colliers Blog Tour

7/29/2019

0 Comments

 
This is my stop for the Kees and Colliers Blog tour. Today, I am spotlighting both the author and her books! Don't forget do the giveaway at the end!! 
Picture
Picture

The Lady of the Vineyard

Is it too late for Adele to return to her daughter’s life?

When her ex-husband reappears in her life determined to spend more time with their child, Adele Collier allows him to take Judy to France for the summer. As the summer goes by, an internal battle rages in Adele’s heart. Can she give up her glamorous lifestyle to win her daughter’s heart?

Six-year-old Judy is more than happy to trade Adele’s neglect for her father’s adoring care. She loves his vineyard and wishes she could stay there forever, but someday she must return to England. Can Judy trust her mother again?





​
“A great story about love, emotional turmoil, and the desire to set things right.” ~Long and Short Reviews


“A whimsically beautiful and heartwarming story.” ~Faith L. Potts, author of Dandelion Dust


FURTHER INFO:

Published Before?: Yes
Changes to New Version: rewritten (went from 15,000 words to 40,000 words), new cover
Cleanness Levels: parental guidance suggested // 12+ (mentions of divorce, mentions of attraction between a once-married couple, a brief mention of a miscarriage, lots of arguing)
Published: June 1st, 2019

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Vineyard-Kees-Colliers-Book-ebook/dp/B07S9TW15X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+lady+of+the+vineyard+by+kellyn+roth&qid=1560146051&s=gateway&sr=8-2
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44156942-the-lady-of-the-vineyard
​

Picture

​Flowers in Her Heart


Can Adele change her entire lifestyle to be a mother to her babies?

When her husband goes off to war, Adele feels lost and confused. In a new, less-than-ideal place in a frightening, less-than-ideal time, she flees to the garden with her daughters, determined to make their new house a home, even if it is from the outside in.

Battered by her own inner turmoil and scoffed at by those close to her, Adele seeks to make something beautiful amidst chaos. But can even the most beautiful flowers cover the years of scars?




“So sweet, so true, and so downright good.” ~Angela R. Watts, author of Seek

“A fantastic story about family, faith, and a search for beauty and truth.” ~Goodreads Reviewer


FURTHER INFO:

Published Before?: Yes
Changes to New Version: title changed from “Flowers,” rewritten (went from 10,000 words to 35,000 words), new cover
Cleanness Levels: parental guidance suggested // 12+ (mentions of a woman having a bad past, mentions of miscarriage, mentions of a married couple sharing a bed)
Published: July 1st, 2019

​Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TNR35CT/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44156963-flowers-in-her-heart

Picture


From Now ‘Til Forever

The war is over, but it’s not as easy coming home as he anticipated.

Troy Kee doesn’t know how he’ll settle back into life with his family after WWII, but he’s determined to do so. He feels that if he can just get his family back to their vineyard in France, everything will be all right. But his wife has other plans.

This charming novelette finale to the Kees & Colliers series highlights the difficulties of returning home after a war.






FURTHER INFO:


Published Before?: Never
Cleanness Levels: parental guidance suggested // 10+ (brief mention of miscarriage, brief mention of pregnancy)
Publishing: August 1st, 2019

Amazon: COMING SOON (August release, no preorder)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44156985-from-now-til-forever
[COMING SOON] Signed paperback copies:
https://kellynrothauthor.com/shop/

Picture

Souls Astray


Adele has been lost for a long time now ...

Adele Collier has sought a carefree lifestyle ever since her tragic childhood. Determined to never allow anyone or anything to control her life or emotions again, she consistently seeks distraction in gaiety. But shaking her ghosts isn’t as easy as she’d like.

Troy Kee has been alone in the world since the Great War took his parents and left him in care of his younger sister. When she marries, he’s left to seek after his goal of a healthy, complete family. But how can he focus on his dream when trouble plagues his family vineyard?

When Adele and Troy meet, a whirlwind romance begins—but can two lost souls have a healthy relationship?

“A tragic, well-crafted story of romance, family dynamics, and pain in the years between WW1 and WW2.” ~Jana Tenbrook
“Souls Astray is a heartrending novel, full of poignant themes and topics that are important even today. It is a captivating read and will leave you wanting more.” ~Michaela Bush

FURTHER INFO:

Published Before?: No
Cleanness Levels: 13+ only (full content review here)
Published: May 2019


Picture

Giveaway

Picture
Picture

Prize One: THE LADY OF THE VINEYARD and FLOWERS IN HER HEART in paperback & a cool FLOWER NECKLACE.

Prize Two: THE LADY OF THE VINEYARD in paperback & FLOWERS IN HER HEART and FROM NOW ’TIL FOREVER in ebook

​
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Picture
Kellyn Roth is a Christian & historical author from North-Eastern Oregon. Kell is a ranch girl, homeschool graduate, proud sister of four, proud auntie of five, and owner of two goofy border collies, two presumptuous cats, and a very active betta fish.

​Check out her website, kellynrothauthor.com, for more info.

Author Website: http://kellynrothauthor.com/
Blog: http://kellynroth.blog/
Reveries Co: http://reveriescompany.com/
Coach Kell: http://coachkell.com/
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ReveriesofRuby


0 Comments

Review: Imperfect Courage by Jessica Honegger

7/31/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The founder of the popular fair trade jewelry brand Noonday Collection shares her story of starting the rapid-growing business that impacts over 4,400 artisans in vulnerable communities across the globe and invites readers on a journey of transformation, challenging them to trade their comfort zones for a life of impact and adventure.

In 2015, Inc. magazine recognized Noonday Collection as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Years earlier, as Jessica Honegger stood at a pawn-shop counter in Austin, Texas, and handed over her grandmother's gold jewelry, her goal was personal: to fund the adoption of her Rwandan son, Jack, by selling artisan-made jewelry. This first step launched an unexpected side-hustle that would grow into Noonday Collection. She embarked on this new journey and teamed up with her first artisan partner, Jalia, a Ugandan jewelry maker. She saw the meaningful impact Noonday brought to Jalia's community and knew it was the right move. Fear crept into Jessica's heart as she realized her success, or failure, meant the same for Jalia. Refusing to let fear hinder her goals, Jessica found the necessary (if imperfect) courage she needed along the way--the courage to leave comfort and embrace a life of risk and impact. In Imperfect Courage, Jessica invites you to draw a circle of compassion around yourself and leads you through soul-searching aimed at setting you free from shame. Next, she challenges you to come together, risking all for each other and commit to building a culture of collaboration. Finally, Jessica calls on you to broaden your circles of compassion to embrace the entire globe--and to bring that cultivation of imperfect courage to a world that deeply needs you.

***This book will be out on Aug. 14th ***
Preorder your copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Courage-Purpose-Leaving-Comfort-ebook/dp/B077RJQTFK/


~ My Review ~

I wanted to really love this one, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I do like Jessica Honegger's story of grit, influence and faith woven into her being as she fought for the things that mattered to her: her adoption dream, and the seemingly happenstance start of her Noonday company. 
I have been scared multiple times as a mother, and as an author. I've jumped in anyway. I understand needing to let people into your life, and the need to stop comparing our own demons and faults against someone's perfect life....but we do anyway. It's just human nature. What I didn't need was someone looking like Jessica (she's beautiful) cheering me on as my inner monologue talked myself out of not comparing. Perhaps, that's just me and my outsider perspective. Or my introverted self telling Honegger's words to 'calm down and take a breath.' 
There was quite of wisdom here in her words though, and I have no doubt that there are others who yearn for that type of enthusiasm and can do spirit embolden them to step out of their preconceived circles. 
​​***I received an advance reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***

Rating: 3/5


About the Author

JESSICA HONEGGER is the founder of Noonday Collection, a fair-trade jewelry company that partners with artisans across the globe to create unique and hand-made pieces of jewelry. She and Noonday work to empower women from a wide variety of communities and cultures to create their own, thriving businesses by partnering with Noonday as an artisan or ambassador. Jessica lives in Austin with her husband and children.
0 Comments

Blog Tour: The Rebellion (Tales of Tarsurella #2) by Livy Jarmusch

5/1/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

Picture
Something is brewing. Like the far off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change?
Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2)


Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her?
Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation? 

Picture

About the Author

Picture
Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies. Come connect at http://www.livylynnblog.com !

Social Media Links: 
Instagram: @livylynnglittergirl 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livylynnlibrary/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/livylynnmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LivyJarmusch
a Rafflecopter giveaway
0 Comments

Tour and Review: Grace Revealed by ​Fred Sievert

3/20/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Grace Revealed: Finding God's Strength in Any Crisis(Broadstreet Publishing Group, January 2018)
Trust in the unmerited gift of God's grace
You can't escape the inevitable crises that will face you throughout your lifetime. Whether it's health problems, emotional issues, career challenges, gut-wrenching losses, or other failures, these experiences can destroy your morale and lead you into despair. Some crises may be a result of your own choices, while others may be completely out of your control. Whatever the source, there is a lasting solution that comes to you free of charge from above: God's amazing grace.
In Grace Revealed, you will:
-Experience real-life stories of others who discover they are not alone and that relief is within their grasp.
-See how devastating afflictions can be overcome through faith in Jesus and His love, mercy, and grace.
-Learn how God's grace transforms lives and leads you into enduring and rewarding Christian service.
-Be inspired to encourage others who are suffering but cannot seek help on their own.
Read these undeniable, modern-day examples of God's loving grace and its transformative power, and discover that God is always present in your time of need.

~My Review~

This book serves as a reminder for all of us about God's love, mercy, and grace. Author ​Fred Sievert examines grace, as told by different people who have not only felt it, but were transformed by the knowledge of God's grace. Although some stories were harder to read than others, speaking purely as a mother, I was inspired by their hope that amidst all of their pain and brokenness, they were each able to see God's love. How amazing is that? In seasons where there are more darkness and pain, they all saw a sliver of light, and love that shone such brightness that they were able to fight their way out....even decades later. I particularly enjoyed going through the reflective portion at the end of each story. It allowed to give the reader take a breath from these experiences and also pause on the the enormity of God's grace. 

Grace, this tiny word with such heavy and magnificent meaning. I struggle with this daily, like most parents...like most people. My limit has been tested. My faith has been broken. God sends people to me in subtle and different ways to renew my thirst. This cycle, unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, continues on and on. Through it all, it is revealed that God's Grace is sufficient. 

Within these pages are stories of this cycle. Although, my season of doubt and hope pales in comparison to the sheer evilness and hatred that most of my brothers and sisters in Christ have had to endure. The picture stays the same. Hope abounds. Love remains and Grace (is) revealed. 
​***I received this book through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4/5


About the Author

Picture
​Fred Sievert is a speaker, author, and former president of New York Life Insurance Company. Following his early retirement at age fifty-nine, Sievert attended Yale Divinity School and received a master's degree. Sievert remains actively engaged in his greatest passions, which include speaking and writing about his faith, mentoring young executives, and serving as a lay leader of his church and on the boards of several organizations with missions well-aligned with his beliefs and values. Fred and his wife have five grown children, three grandchildren, and reside in East Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Find out more about Fred at https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com.

Picture
0 Comments

Review: The Day Between: a Memoir of Miracles by Abigail Wilson

11/8/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
"I had just been told I was going to have twins: I absolutely had to cry, and at the same time I could only imagine someone must be playing an elaborate prank on me."

While it was definitely not a prank when the author found out she was having twins, it would not be the last time she cried (or looked for the hidden cameras) in the weeks and months ahead. The Day Between: A Memoir of Miracles weaves together the story of an ordinary military family whose twin girls have a long fight to birth, including a harrowing emergency surgery at 20 weeks. Mixed in with the tears of loss and heartbreak are the light-hearted emotions of encouragement and hope as the author shares the lessons she gains during her journey. Faith is tested as she mourns the death of one daughter, and faith is ultimately proven true in the miraculous birth of the other. 

This story will bring hope and healing to those who have dealt with grief and disappointment and help others recognize the miracles in their own lives
Buy Links:
​https://www.amazon.com/Day-Between-Memoir-Miracles-ebook/dp/B075XSGYVL/

~ My Review ~ 

Knowing this author's story, I hesitated to read mainly because I knew my tears would come. And this morning, as dreary as a Wednesday in November in Texas can be, I finally sat down and read. It took me just a few hours to read through in one sitting but I did give myself little breaks here and there when the words started to be blurry. I wept through this memoir. I wept for her loss and grief but mostly, for her words. Her testimony that God will provide, that God is sufficient, that God is in control and that our children, aren't ours but God's children. I wept reading her love of Christ. This is what faith looks like, sounds like, reads like. And to have known just a fragment of her story and finally reading this entirety, I couldn't be more humbled by the grace and strength Abigail has shown throughout that season of loss.
​
This book isn't just for mothers who have experienced grief, though it is a comforting and lovely read. This book is for anyone who has been feeling "blinded" by all the things we see on the news  and wondering where God is in this chaos and when will He step in? This is a testimony of being consumed with worry and fear creeping into our heart, all the while praying our "please please please please God" lowest of lows prayer that WE'VE ALL been on, and only in hindsight do we get to see He was right there in our chaos and hasn't really left us. We've just been so focused on other things. We focus on what we know, not what our Father knows. 

So thank you for your story, Abigail. To God be the Glory and to you, my book nerd fam, who has had your day of being broken, beaten down; your day of loss, of mourning, I will pray for you in your wait. I will pray for your "day between." 

About the Author

Picture
Abigail Wilson is a Christian memoirist and blogger. She lives in San Antonio, Tx with her husband, three children and a healthy dose of humor and caffeine to keep her company. 
She loves traveling, sleeping, sitting on beaches without getting in the water and writing about herself in the third person for biography purposes.

1 Comment

Blog Tour: October by J. Grace Pennington

10/27/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
For Emily Baxter, life is simple. Her world is made up completely of school, church, and the community in the small farming town she calls home. All that changes one fateful Sunday, when a new girl shows up at Pleasanton Baptist—a girl unlike anyone Emily has ever seen. A girl with long red hair, crystal green eyes, and style and posture like royalty.
 
A girl named October.
 
The months that follow are filled with magic—the magic of ordinary things, of finding pictures in the stars, of imagination and a new sense of beauty. But as time goes by, Emily begins to sense that her enchanting new friend may have secrets that could break the spell. Is October really all she seems to be?
​

About the Author

Picture
 J. Grace Pennington has been telling stories since she could talk and writing them down since age five.  Now she lives in the great state of Texas, where she writes as much as adult life permits.  When she's not writing she enjoys reading good books, having adventures with her husband, and looking up at the stars.

Grace has generously offered a paperback book of her new book as her giveaway prize. You can enter at this link or the widget below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt

​The first time I saw October Blake, I was sitting in the front right pew of the Pleasanton First Baptist church, where we always sat, watching as people filed into the sanctuary. The rich organ tones of 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus resonated through the chamber under the magic of Ms. Hendrix's wrinkled fingers. Soft chatter and friendly greetings mingled with the tune. Stained-glass windows cast rainbows across the scene.
            October fit the setting better than anyone I had seen enter. She didn't walk in, she glided, moving over the gray carpet with a grace that held the eye. Her thick red hair was piled up on her head like something out of an Anne of Green Gables movie, her skin almost porcelain, her eyes a pale, crystal green visible from across the sanctuary. A ruffled cream blouse left her arms bare, and a floor-length green skirt swished as she slipped down the aisle.
            I watched—stared is a better word—as she found her way to the third pew from the front center. She laid a hand on the back of it, then turned to look at the people behind her. I hadn't noticed until then that Mr. and Mrs. Rivers were there, shuffling to adjoining seats. She didn't seem to belong to them. But then, she didn't seem to belong to anything about Pleasanton. Pleasanton consisted of farms, fields, and stores reluctant to move into the twenty-first century, with a little brick high school and long, hot summers. This girl seemed more fitted to lilac and lace and the smell of old books with long, beautiful words in them.
0 Comments

Review: Scarlet Virgins by Rebecca Lemke

10/26/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
“Spit-in water.”
“De-petaled flower.”
“Chewed piece of gum.”

The youth of my generation know these phrases by heart.

With them, our elders told us we were “dirty” for having a crush. They claimed we were “used goods” if we held hands with someone. They insisted our worth was measured by the extent to which we had “given our heart away.” They criminalized affection to keep us “undefiled.” 

What happens when an entire generation learns that their worth is found in their “purity?”

Welcome to life growing up in Christian Purity Culture.

Our well-intended homeschooling, conservative, and Christian communities wanted to keep us safe. They didn’t understand the toll inflicted by the heavy-handed and legalistic emphasis on sexual purity above and beyond anything else.

They wanted to safeguard our sexuality. Instead, they broke it.

They wanted us to be spotless before God. Instead, they drove us away from Him. 

The Scarlet Virgins takes a vulnerable look at the Christian Purity Culture movement through the eyes of someone who experienced it firsthand. It seeks to identify what went wrong, and bring peace to the hearts of those who were wounded so deeply, all by exposing the truth: 

It is Christ who makes us pure.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Virgins-When-replaces-salvation-ebook/dp/B072M67WCL/

~ My Review ~

Since my conservative Asian parents wouldn't have spoken to me about sex anyway, you could say that being friends with people who grew up in the Purity Culture impacted me directly. I too was familiar with the side hugs, the only watch PG or G rated movies and up until a few years ago, I owned a copy of Joshua Harris' I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I never wore a purity ring but I wanted to keep myself pure until marriage. 
Fast forward until I was 23 and living on my own with roommates, I had a few eye opening experiences, though thankfully, my experiences were all with my now-husband. But it was the after that always stuck with me. The feelings that I was used goods. That God doesn't love me. That I was too "dirty" to be loved. By anyone. I remember crying about it over my Bible and for a long time, I felt so unloved that I committed the "ultimate sin" (in my eyes), that my world spiraled out of control and I stopped going to church. I know I tended to be dramatic but my college thought was, 'guess I'm going to Hell, might as well do things that I never got to experience, including drinking alcohol or going to my first club. Things that your normal average college girl would do, yes, but you'd have to understand how much the "Culture" molded me. I also believed that I had to marry this guy now since I sinned with him and thankfully, I'm still very much in love with my husband, but can you imagine?  
I should have read this book 15 years ago. I should have been able to tell my 23 year old self that God loves you because you are His child. As a mother, I get it. But for someone who grew up with the Purity Culture -even indirectly- it would take YEARS, a lot of prayers to fully understand that in spite of everything, I will fall short, I will fail BUT GOD will continue to love me. 

Rebecca takes some of her personal experiences and those of her peers, and the things learned in the Purity Culture and lays out its flaws and the effects. She speaks with grace and understanding.
I can't recommend this book enough, especially to MY peers who grew up in the Purity Culture and are now raising children in this current society. 

I was fortunate to have received this book for free, but I will be purchasing a hard copy that one day, I'll get to share with both my son and daughter. 
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

About the Author

Picture
​Oklahoma native Rebecca Lemke grew up in a tiny conservative homeschooling community. She has learned firsthand that the manner in which we approach modesty and purity can be the difference between life and death, both spiritually and physically. As the result of her deep-seated belief in holistic living, which includes holistic spirituality and sexuality, she strongly advocates for Christ to be our ultimate focus.

Rebecca has written a book entitled The Scarlet Virgins about her experience with legalism, spiritual abuse, and Purity Culture. She also releases podcasts on the same subjects at scarletvirgins.com. Rebecca now lives with her husband and toddler, enjoying the simple things in life with them, like root beer and bacon.

1 Comment

Review + Tour: A Forest, a Flood and an Unlikely Star by J.A. Myhre

10/24/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Just thirteen-years-old, Kusiima has no time for school, sports, or hanging out with the other boys in his African village. With no father or mother to take care of him, he works long hours to support his grandmother and sickly baby sister. Then one day, Kusiima s life suddenly changes when he travels into a nearby protected forest. In the forest, Kusiima is presented with many choices, all with uncertain outcomes. Should he go along with illegal logging? Help to save an endangered baby gorilla? Follow a donkey to who knows where? With each choice, Kusiima has to make yet another decision about what is right in front of him. As he does, he meets a mysterious doctor who holds the key to his past and his future. In the end, Kusiima is faced with the hardest choice of all. Can he forgive a great wrong and heal a broken relationship? Readers of all ages won t want to put down this exciting book that addresses current realities like AIDS, malnutrition, and environmental destruction, all set in a richly detailed African adventure story. Following along as Kusiima makes his decisions, readers will find themselves considering their own choices and growing in empathy for others. This action-packed tale of a boy, his sister, and an orphaned gorilla is also a clear call to give up bitterness and forgive deep hurts, restoring broken lives and relationships. A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star is the third book in the Rwendigo Tale Series and follows Book One, A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest, and Book Two, A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue.

~ My Review ~

This was a lovely story that instantly pulled me in. I cried over Kusiima's eagerness to hear his grandmother tell him about his mother and their past, only to be met with the honesty and realities of what their life was then, and what uncertainties their life has now. Although, like most adolescents, you feel his stubbornness and struggles and fears, you also sense the transition period of understanding and hope and willingness towards the end.  This book had adventure and life lessons that I appreciated and enjoyed. I especially loved the little illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. This was a good story for the young and a great reminder for us adults. 

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

About the Author

Picture
J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.
​

Find out more about J.A. at http://paradoxuganda.blogspot.com.

**For more about this tour with Litfuse Publicity or about the book, or author, please visit:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/JAMyhre

0 Comments

Tour and Review: A Small Book about a Big Problem by Edward T. Welch

10/23/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​How many times today have you been irritated? Frustrated?
While you might not think about it often, if you look closely at any day most everyone can find anger in their actions and attitudes. Something spills or goes missing, we get stuck in traffic or someone cuts us off on the road, or we feel like the people we live and work with are only making our lives more difficult. And while no one wants to get angry, what happens when our irritations and frustrations rise yet again?
Anger is so common-yet it also hurts. It not only leaves a mark on us, but it also leaves a marks on others. The wounds we inflict on ourselves and others because of anger-loss of intimacy, trust, security, and enjoyment in our closest relationships-give us compelling reasons to look closely at our anger and think carefully about how to grow in peace and patience.
But if you, like many others, have just gotten irritated for the umpteenth time today, you might wonder if change is possible. Can anyone truly find peace? The answer is yes, but you will need a plan. Biblical counselor and psychologist Ed Welch invites readers to take a fifty-day journey that unpacks anger while encouraging and teaching readers to respond with patience to life's difficulties. Readers will also be introduced to Jesus, the key to any plan for change. Known as the Prince of Peace, he is the only one who can empower his people to grow in patience, peace, and wholeness.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Small-Book-about-Big-Problem-ebook/dp/B076DHKTZT/
http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/a-small-book-about-a-big-problem/

~ My Review ~

"To be human is to get angry." 
I'm the first to admit that I have anger issues. Over the years, whenever I feel it threatening to bubble up, I've learned to take deep breaths and count to five. Thankfully, it's never resulted in violence but words carry lasting impacts. Some days are better than others. So I was so excited to get my hands on this book to learn how to channel my emotions properly. This is a 50 day guide that lets the reader internalize the effects that anger has on themselves and others, and finding root causes of anger. While I read this in a few days and connected with his message, I'd like to go back and truly focus on each chapter/day for the full 50 days. 
​I recommend this for anyone seeking to better their emotions but to let God in and let Him comfort and ease our frustrations. I connected with this statement, "The rule is this: wherever you start—anger, guilt, selfish desire, contrition, or a desire to reform yourself—end with God and his goodness."  

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

About the Author

​Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He earned a Ph.D. in counseling (neuropsychology) from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear, and addictions.
Find out more about Edward at http://stores.newgrowthpress.com.
**For more about this tour with Litfuse Publicity or about the book, or author, please visit:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/EWelch
0 Comments

RELEASE DAY: The Day Between: a memoir of miracles by Abigail Wilson

10/10/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture

"I had just been told I was going to have twins: I absolutely had to cry, and at the same time I could only imagine someone must be playing an elaborate prank on me."

While it was definitely not a prank when the author found out she was having twins, it would not be the last time she cried (or looked for the hidden cameras) in the weeks and months ahead. The Day Between: A Memoir of Miracles weaves together the story of an ordinary military family whose twin girls have a long fight to birth, including a harrowing emergency surgery at 20 weeks. Mixed in with the tears of loss and heartbreak are the light-hearted emotions of encouragement and hope as the author shares the lessons she gains during her journey. Faith is tested as she mourns the death of one daughter, and faith is ultimately proven true in the miraculous birth of the other. 

This story will bring hope and healing to those who have dealt with grief and disappointment and help others recognize the miracles in their own lives
Buy Links:
​https://www.amazon.com/Day-Between-Memoir-Miracles-ebook/dp/B075XSGYVL/

About the Author

Picture
Abigail Wilson is a Christian memoirist and blogger. She lives in San Antonio, Tx with her husband, three children and a healthy dose of humor and caffeine to keep her company. 
She loves traveling, sleeping, sitting on beaches without getting in the water and writing about herself in the third person for biography purposes.

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Book Pick:


    Picture

     I use Goodread's rating scale

    1 star – didn’t like it
     2 stars – it was OK
     3 stars – liked it
     4 stars – really liked it
     5 stars – it was so amazing, it's on my reread pile!

    Categories

    All
    #abouttheauthor
    #actionadventure
    #adult
    #authorspotlight
    #blogtour
    #booknews #poetry
    #bookreviews
    #children
    #christian
    #christianparenting
    #christianromance
    #cleanromance
    #contemporary
    #contemporaryromance
    #coverreveal
    #crimenoir
    #fantasy
    #historicalfiction
    #horror
    #inspirational
    #lgbt
    #memoir
    #mg/ya
    #nativeamerican
    #newadult
    #news
    #paranormal
    #parenting
    #poetry
    #romance
    #romcom
    #scifi
    Scifi/dystopian
    #selfhelp
    #shortstories
    #shortstory
    #suspense
    #thriller
    #urbanfantasy
    #western
    #womensfiction
    #ya
    #YA/NA


    Picture

    Archives

    December 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    August 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015

Hi there! Here's a quick bio

Picture

Leila Tualla is a Filipino-American poet and author based in Houston, Tx. Leila’s books include a YA contemporary romance called Letters to Lenora and a memoir/poetry collection called Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me. Her poetry is featured in several mental health anthologies and she is currently working on a poetry collection based on Asian American stereotypes and identifies. Her chapbook “pmdd & me,” will be out this Spring 2022. ​

Contact Me

    Subscribe Today!

Submit
  • HOME
  • about me
  • Blog
  • News & bookshelf
    • Media
    • Books >
      • Letters to Lenora
      • Love, Defined
    • Poetry >
      • PMDD & me (poetry chapbook)
      • Storm of Hope
    • Anthologies >
      • The Sacred Feminine II
      • The Poetry Marathon 2021
      • Remnants of Home
      • Poetica II
  • ADVOCACY
    • RESOURCES for PMDD warriors >
      • IAPMD
    • Community resources for moms >
      • Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
      • 2020 Mom
      • Preeclampsia
      • Momma's Voices
      • Shades of Blue Project
  • Contact