Guest Post with Genevieve Crownson with Giveaway

Today we are having a special guest post from the author of Soul of the Sun - Genevieve Crownson:

Why you should always listen to your Mother. Unless she believes you and your book are perfect.

By Genevieve Crownson

I don’t know about you, but I don’t possess a Mom that thinks everything I undertake is flawless excellence. I’ve read so many articles about how, after you’ve closed the curtain on your novel, that you must never allow your Mom to judge whether or not your book is Pulitzer or podgy. Because let’s face it you are composed of half her genetic makeup; everything you do is meritorious and legal of ooze worthy worship of your very essence.  I know what I am speaking of when it comes to these types of Mom’s because my Grandma is one of these people.

When I graduated from college with a degree in Biology, I was pointed toward becoming a physician. I recall my Grandma congratulated me and divulged to everyone her granddaughter was a doctor. I’ve corrected her so many times; countering I definitely wasn’t, that I plumb lacked from my possession the very important darling diploma. I made plain to her I hadn’t even entered the hallowed halls of med school and perhaps I didn’t want to. In truth, I’d had a change of heart regarding the idea. She waved away my protests, it essentially wasn’t important because, and I quote, “Oh you are so smart and beautiful you basically are a doctor so what’s the difference?” To this day every time she has a health issue she asks me if I will deliberate on the diagnosis because I am a GP. No joke. These are the types of Mom’s you can’t trust your manuscript too. They will deceive you and laud that you are the next Agatha Christie (whom my Grandma extols) even if you have dour dialogue, poor structure and your plot has the pace of a sloppy snail.

Then there is my Mom.

My mom loves me to the end of the globe, of that I have no suspicion. But she has also continuously told me the naked truth since the day I was born. She has never been the sugar coated why aren’t you wearing your slippers kind of Mama, that is not part of her DNA. I don’t need a medical degree to discern that. I’d composed several novels before I finally perfected my skill and Mom read every wobbly word.  Her feedback was rampagingly ruthless. On each and every book, she marked my pages with her red penned sword. She conveyed to me with pitiless honesty where my story lacked focus, and if I’d advertised myself as a knock off of somebody else. And you know what?

It was exactly what I needed to hear.

All that feedback demanded that I root out my own voice. It made me a superior writer. So whether it’s your Mom, a friend or strangers that you bribe with cash, procure the truth. Do what you must to find that creature. Then take their advice and edit. And then go back and edit some more. Shine that novel up so much that it gleams in the sunlight and you want to shout to the entire neighborhood its worth. In fact go ahead and ride it around with the top down. Because now you have a novel that will jerk the publishing realm awake. And that’s what it’s all about.

Good Luck. And may you find your best critic. They could be closer than you think.

Be sure to come back on Monday June 2 when I review Genevieve's  Soul of the Sun!

Title: The Soul of the Sun
Genre: Paranormal/Young Adult
Author: Genevieve Crownson
Publisher: Genevieve Crownson
Pages: 348
Format: Paperback l Kindle

Book Summary: 

“The hands of time turn on the face of the sun. Only you can  move them. If the Watcher controls the hands of the clock he can go anywhere, past or future-- and destroy our planet.”

Since the days of ancient Greece, the Argos dynasty has kept a secret, a mystery passed down through their descendants from generation to generation, in the hopes that the forces of good can stop the evil destruction of planet Earth. 

Margaret Ingall is harboring that secret. Time is running out for the descendants of the Argos. They know a great healer and time traveler will be born of their blood. But the only person that knows whom they will call “the soul of the sun” is Margaret’s sister, Abigail. Before she can reveal the healer’s identity, disaster strikes… 

Evil stalks them, watching and waiting to find out which member of her family has the ultimate power. Is it Margaret’s own child? Or her beloved granddaughter? Or even herself? Their only clue is a powerful protective amulet that will lead them all in a cat-and-mouse game to discover secrets as ancient as time. 

If the Watcher discovers the truth before they do, all will be lost. 

Fate, time and love weave together in their struggle to fulfill their destiny. Will Margaret’s fears sabotage her family’s protection? Can the healer accept her gifts in time? And once the soul of the sun is finally revealed, will it be too late?

Her power is incredible. The sacrifices required of her are immense. 

Will it be enough to stop the Watcher? 

Book can be purchased at Amazon

Discuss this book in the PUYB Virtual Book Club at 
Goodreads by clicking HERE

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The Education of George Washington ~ Review and Spotlight

The Education of George Washington

By Austin Washington

The Education of George Washington is an intriguing and interesting look at the early life of the first president of the United States of America.  It looks at the times, situations, and educational tools that shaped this young man who would become a leader and who would help change the world of his day.

But this book doesn't look only at George Washington's childhood, it also looks at the man who helped shaped a rebellion that would be the beginnings of a new nation - a nation that would recognize the rights of others as equal to one's own.  It wasn't a smooth road but the bumps and troubles helped Washington to see what was important in becoming a nation of honor.

Men of honor were of absolute necessity for a nation to have honor and Washington found his role model early in life in a small book written in 1690 A Panegyrick to the Memory of His Grace Frederick, Late Duke of Schonberg written by H. de Luzancy.  This book is reproduced within The Education of George Washington and it makes for an interesting experience.

It is interesting how a single work can have such a profound effect upon one's life and that is the premise behind The Education of George Washington that this Panegyrick that George purchased and made note of was one of the great influences of his life.

This book would be an interesting addition to a high school history class or a Book Club selection.  This is not light reading and is a book you'll want to discuss, but it is well worth the time spent.

I was provided a copy of this book in conjunction with this PUYB virtual tour in exchange for my participation and honest review.

About the Author:

Austin Washington is the great-nephew of George Washington. He earned his masters and did post-graduate research focusing on colonial American history, and is a writer, musician, entrepreneur and global traveler. He returns to an old Virginia family home whenever he can. Austin's first book takes a common criticism of his academic writing - "You're not writing a newspaper editorial, you know!" - and turns it into a virtue, taking a subject dry and dusty in other's hands and giving it life. He has lived abroad much of his life, most recently in Russia, and visits friends from Sicily to Turkey to Bangladesh and beyond. His earliest influences as a writer were Saki, Salinger, and St. Exupery, although in more recent years he has got beyond the S's. As for historians, he is partial to the iconoclast Gibbon, who wrote history to change the future. 

His latest book is the nonfiction/history book, The Education of George Washington.

For more information, see author Austin Washington discussing his book in a video on his web site at www.austinwashington.com and also on You Tube at: http://youtu.be/1m6OvGRye9U.

About the Book:

In Austin Washington’s new book - - The Education of George Washington - - readers will learn all about President Washington’s true model of conduct, honor, and leadership, including the actual historic document that President Washington used to transform his life from a poorly educated child of a widowed mother, to the historic, curious, highly influential and awe inspiring figure he became and remains today.

Available for purchase at AMAZON

Discuss this book in the PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE.

Title: The Education of George Washington

Author: Austin Washington

Publisher: Regnery History

Pages: 344

Genre: Nonfiction/History

Format: Hardcover/Kindle

Book Excerpt:

 “I Cannot Tell a Lie”— the Cherry Tree Story Is True (but Different from How You Heard It)

“What shall I say of the Nobleness of his Mind; and of that Character of 

Honor, Truth and Justice, which was so Natural to him . . . incapable of the 

Dissimulation, and other sordid Arts of Court. He could not promise what he 

did not intend to perform.” —H. de Luzancy, A Panegyrick to the Memory of 

His Grace Frederick, Late Duke of Schonberg

Parson Weems was married to the wife of a cousin of George Washington’s close friend, Dr. James Craik. Parson Weems knew George Washington. Parson Weems preached at George Washington’s church. So why all the hating? The tale of George Washington and the cherry tree has been mistold for two hundred years—and thus mistakenly criticized, as people have been criticizing a story that Parson Weems never told. Still, despite all the debunking, the story of George Washington and the cherry tree is almost as iconic in America as Santa Claus and his elves. It therefore seems worthwhile to spend a little time explaining how we can say with certainty that yes, Virginia, the story of George and the cherry tree is true (but no, it’s not the story you’ve heard). 

For those non-Americans out there, the story, in essence, is this: George Washington, when he was a small child, chopped down a cherry tree with a hatchet. When confronted by his father, he confessed, “I can- not tell a lie. I did it with my little hatchet.” 

That’s the story. (Not much of a story, is it? But the story of the story could change your life.) 

No one in America believes it any more. We’ve all been told ad nauseam that the whole story is a pious fable—a confabulation invented by Parson Weems. 

What’s wrong with the story? Why can’t we trust Parson Weems? 

We obviously can’t trust him because he admired George Washington. No, honestly, that’s a big part of the argument. Parson Weems is a fanboy and therefore can’t be trusted. The generally accepted idea, expressed by Wikipedia, is this: “Weems also called Washington the ‘greatest man that ever lived.’ This degree of adulation, combined with the circumstance that his anecdotes cannot be independently verified, demonstrates clearly that they are confabulations and parables.” 

But wait just a minute. 

1. I’d always thought ad hominem attacks were a logical fallacy. 

2. If something that cannot be independently verified is, ipso facto, not true, then all trees falling in all forests 

    are always silent. That’s just silly.

3. Actually, the story can be independently verified. Beyond that, it passes the sniff test. Pretty clearly.

Be sure to check out The Education of George Washington Tour Page for more tour stops.

While Love Stirs ~ Review

While Love Stirs
The Gregory Sisters, Book 2
By Lorna Seilstad

While Love Stirs is the second book in the Gregory Sisters series and it is just as entertaining as the first book When Love Calls.  First off Charlotte has graduated from the Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery and she is determined to use her newly acquired skills to change the world -- if only the world would cooperate.

First up get a job at a well-known kitchen as a chef's assistant.  But all the kitchens are run by male chefs, who are of the opinion the only kitchen a woman belongs in is the one procured for her by her husband!

Then the food found on the hospital trays is an absolute travesty.  And after seeing what Hannah is served after her daughter is born, Charlotte finds another reason to champion food for the ill and convalescent.  But Dr. Joel Brooks may be a bit of a problem when it comes to dietary reform.  And an even bigger problem for her heart if she's not careful.

While this is Charlotte's story, Tessa manages to get herself into a bit of a situation when she gets a job at a theater.  Tessa's a typical youngest sister with her teasing of Charlotte about her potential suitors.  And Hannah is a support as Charlotte tries to determine where her heart is leading her.

I really love the Gregory sisters and can't wait to see what comes next.  This is a feel good book and it is a great way to give yourself a boost when you've had a hard day.  The importance of family is shown in this book.  Another important focus of While Love Stirs is trust and Charlotte and Joel both have problems with trust that only love can overcome.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Take one lovely young woman.

Add two ambitious young men.

Stir . . . and stand back.

As a graduate of Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove. And she certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

Lewis encourages Charlotte's work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.

Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Seasons of Tomorrow ~ Review

Seasons of Tomorrow
Amish Vines and Orchards, Book 4
By Cindy Woodsmall

The new Amish community in Orchard Bend, Maine, is about to face yet again a threat to its future.  But this is a threat that could destroy more than just the new community, it could destroy the friendships and families that are holding it together.

Rhoda's "gift" has angered Benjamin King and he has come to voice his concerns about Rhoda's influence in the Orchard Bend community.  But his visit brings an unexpected surprise when he discovers Leah and Landon's involvement.  Leah hasn't embraced the Amish faith as her father had hoped she would and actually seems to be more drawn to the Englischer life because of her feelings for Landon Olson.

But when an ultimatum is given the community loses one of its members and everything they've been working for could threaten the orchard and its upcoming harvest.  And when illness strikes they could lose one of their own.

Seasons of Tomorrow is a time of healing and a time of discovering what is truly important as everyone must come together to overcome yet again to overcome the challenges of life.

In this final installment of the Amish Vines and Orchards series the members of the Byler and King families learn what is truly important.  Is it the duty one has to family, community, or to one's heart?  Join Rhoda, Samuel, Leah, Landon, and Jacob as they each discover the truth for themselves.

My only problem with this book is that it ends a delightful series that truly looks at the heart of the family and the struggles it faces every day.  This is one series that you'll want to revisit as each person grows to be who he or she was intended to be.

 I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

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What is Hidden ~ Review

What is Hidden
By Lauren Skidmore

What is Hidden is a delightful story that just captures one's imagination and carries you away for the duration of the story.  What is Hidden is a Cinderella, The False Prince (by Jennifer A Neilsen), The Captive Maiden (by Melanie Dickerson) all rolled into one story and yet is both unique and charming.

I was drawn to this book by the cover - there is a vibrancy that just made me want to, need to read it.  And the cover is just the beginning. Get ready to be swept off to a land of mystery.

Venesia is a land where everyone hides.  Simple masks to masks of exquisite detail hide people from each other and tradition demands it.

Evie is a mask maker, having learned from her father.  Her dream is to learn from a master mask maker, to be able to one day create a mask worthy of the palace.  But when Evie's life is destroyed by the Chameleon she is determined to extract revenge on the man who has taken everything from her and Marked her.

But Evie must now hide who she is so that she can determine who has done this to her.  All the while Venesia is preparing for the Ball, the one where the Prince is expected to announce whom he will wed. And in true Cinderella style Evie hides herself away as a servant.

Truly a lovely story with a possible romance that you won't want to miss!  And I'm hoping for more books from Lauren Skidmore and if Evie and the Kingdom of Venesia happens to be in them I will be really, really happy!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my participation in this blog tour and my honest review,

About the Book:
In a land of masquerades and mystery, Evie is a mask maker in Venesia, where masks represent rank and identity. When a cryptic bandit strips away Evie’s mask and destroys her home, she goes into hiding at the palace to find both a new identity—and revenge. Fantasy lovers will be caught up by the mystique, romance, and magic of What Is Hidden.

One More Last Chance ~ Review

One More Last Chance
A Place to Call Home 2
By Cathleen Armstrong

Chris Reed is determined to make the Dip 'n' Dine his own, but Last Chance, New Mexico, doesn't like change at least not at the Dip 'n' Dine.  But this has been Chris's dream to own his own place and to create the food he loves.  But in typical fashion of a small town everyone seems to be against his ideas.  Or do they?

Sarah Cooley has just returned home with her teaching degree in hand and she's determined that everything in Last Chance stay the same especially if Chris wants to change it.  She's broken up with her long-time boyfriend and wants the comfort and security that Last Chance brings.  It's one thing she and her grandmother Elizabeth don't see eye to eye on and won't be the last.

But when a lonely hurting 7 year old girl ends up in Chris's life, Sarah just may have to re-think her opinion on change coming to Last Chance.  As Chris, Sarah, Elizabeth, Carlos, and even the opinionated Juanita rally around Olivia to help her, something happens.  They actually start working together and not coming to a big uproar with every little suggestion Chris makes.  And Rita is more than pleased when Chris comes up with a plan that could put Last Chance on map and he asks for her help in doing it.

I really liked Last Chance and I liked it better than Welcome to Last Chance the first book in the series. The characters are likable most of the time which is just like it is outside the books.  I do think at the beginning Sarah was a bit bratty towards Chris.  And as for her former boyfriend I wanted to slap him half the time - annoying!!!  But it was overall fun to make another trip to Last Chance and see how everyone was doing.  And the little teaser excerpt for book 3 has me already waiting for it's release date.  Way to go with capturing one's attention Cathleen!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.

Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason--because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance--just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.


Cathleen Armstrong is the award-winning author of Welcome to Last Chance. Though she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.

Simple Faith ~ Review

Simple Faith
The Peacemakers #2
By Anna Schmidt

Having read All God's Children I was more than thrilled to have the opportunity to review the second book in The Peacemakers series. And I was even more excited after a recent online chat with author Anna Schmidt, who also calls Wisconsin home.

That being said on to the review.  Time has passed since Anja, Beth, and Josef escaped the Nazi camp.  And they are determined to make a difference through the resistance by helping Allied forces trapped behind enemy lines.

Anja's husband and daughter were victims of the Nazis and she's determined that no one else will have to experience the loss that she has.  But to make it work she is sacrificing time with her son Daniel in an effort to keep him safe.

But when the resistance recovers Airman Peter Trent the danger to everyone involved goes up.  And Anja's heart is in danger as well.

If you've read All God's Children you will not be disappointed in Simple Faith.  The book will easily capture your attention from the first pages with Peter parachuting over Belgium to the last with those who have survived gathered together in celebration willing to share of themselves yet again.

What I especially like about historical fiction is that it brings the past to life in an author's own unique voice. Anna Schmidt's Peacemakers is on par with the works of Brock and Bodie Thoene.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through PUYB in conjunction with this blog tour in exchange for my fair and honest review.



About the Author:

Anna Schmidt is a three-time finalist for the coveted RITA award presented annually by Romance Writers of America. Her novel A SISTER’S FORGIVENESS gives Anna her fourth finalist honor for the Reviewers’ Choice Awards from Romantic Times magazine. She has won that award twice before.

Anna is the author of over twenty-five works of historical and contemporary fiction including her most recent series—THE PEACEMAKERS – set in World War II.  All God’s Children was released last fall and tells the story of Beth—an American Quaker trapped in Nazi Germany where she finds herself fall in love with Josef—a young German medical student who is determined to save his beloved homeland from Hitler’s oppressive regime. Publisher’s Weekly had high praise for the novel noting that "The activities of the White Rose resistance group, as well as the prisoner uprising at the Sobibor concentration camp, are more than simple historical context. Schmidt seamlessly integrates these actual events, and the courageous real-life individuals who fought against Hitler’s regime, with her fictional characters and their story, to produce a strong tale of hope and love in the face of insurmountable obstacles."

Her current release is the inspirational historical romance, Simple Faith.

About the Book:

After losing her beloved husband and daughter and surviving Hitler’s Sobibor death camp, Quaker widow Anja Steinberg dedicates her life to helping others and keeping her son safe. As a member of the resistance, she helps displaced Allied airmen get back to their units in England. The journey is rigorous and filled with danger and there is no time for romance. Anja knows that Mikel, her fellow resistance worker, loves her. He would make a good husband and father for her son, but she doesn’t share his feelings. Is friendship enough?

Then American Peter Trent parachutes into her life. She must face facts—her heart did not die with her late husband and true love could be hers again. But marrying Mikel may be the only way she can save Peter.

Visit her website at www.booksbyanna.com or her blog at www.booksbyanna.wordpress.com.

Available at AMAZON 

Discuss this book in the PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE.

Check-out the Simple Faith Tour Page for more tour stops.