Ralphie, Always Loved ~ Spotlight, Author Guest Post, and Giveaway

Ralphie, Always Loved

Book Details:

Book Title: Ralphie, Always Loved by Andrea Yerramilli
Illustrated by: Samantha Van Riet
Category: Children's Fiction, 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: About Something Good, LLC
Release date: October 28, 2017
Tour dates: April 9 to May 4, 2018
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

This is the story of the life, love, and adventures of a beloved family dog, and how he delighted and touched his family and everyone he met.

Ralphie was born with a heart on his belly.
He loves food, his family, his friends, his neighbors.
He loves pretty much everything and everyone.
And they love him back.
And that's how it is all through his life.
Read the book and fall in love with him too.

Rambunctious and hyperactive, Ralphie had already been returned to the animal shelter three times, but when Andrea and her husband adopted him and gave him a loving home where he was understood, accepted, and taught, he learned fast. As Ralphie's human family grew, so did his capacity for love and the ways he could express it. He remained a loving and beloved family member who touched the hearts of the whole neighborhood until he was ready to say goodbye at the grand-old age of sixteen. Ralphie, Always Loved will remind you of all that is good, and reaffirm your belief in love's power to uplift and transform.

Follow the tour by visiting Andrea Yerramilli's page on iRead Book Tours.

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Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Indiebound

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Andrea has always been an avid reader and that jumpstarted her imagination at a very early age. In fact she escaped to the Land of Make Believe more often than her mother liked.

She is a former marketing professional who is a mom to kids both with and without fur. Andrea says that it helps to have one foot planted firmly in reality while the other is foot loose and fancy-free in Imagination Land. She enjoys the best of both worlds.

In 2013, Andrea and her husband started About Something Good (ASG) as a vehicle to curate, inspire and share goodness in the world. In a world where negative images flood the media, and words like “hate” get tossed around so easily, Andrea felt she needed a space that encouraged and focused on the words like “love” and the beauty that is life.

Andrea is committed to finding the good in everything and believes: that a sense of belonging to someone's heart is what makes us feel complete, that kindness goes a long way, and that keeping your mind and heart open can help when things happen that you don't understand.

Andrea lives in New Jersey with her husband and children.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends May 12, 2018

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Guest Post:

A Legacy of Love

by Andrea Yerramilli

Ralphie, Always Loved is a picture book about my beloved dog Ralphie. I wrote it because I wanted to keep him alive, both in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved him, and by sharing him with people who otherwise would never have had the chance to meet him.

During the last year of Ralphie’s life, I focused very clearly on this little dog who had been with me for fifteen years. Every gray hair on his face made him more special. There’s something about an old dog who’s been around for a while and has perfected the art of loving and being loved. And my Ralphie was a pro! He had a way of looking right into your eyes and seeing into your soul, and when you looked back into his eyes, you were lost forever.

In January 2016, I started an Instagram account for Ralphie. I don’t really know what I hoped to achieve from it, but I did it anyway. The Instagram dog community, I found out, is a very supportive and loving group of people. Before long, Ralphie was a member of a much larger pack, and I was a member of an IG family. As the year went on, Ralphie found a voice and a group of friends who listened to what he had to say. We started to make a difference. Ralphie was building a legacy, a very loving one. RalphieAlwaysLoved aka The DogFather on Instagram was an old dog, one that pups looked up to. He made friends all over the world.

For his sixteenth birthday, we ran an Instagram event where we made sixteen donations to charities around the world with the help of sixteen Instagram accounts. In some cases, we made direct donations to a charity to which the particular account felt a special connection. In other cases, we sent the account a bunch of goodies, and they kept a few, added a bunch more of their favorite things, and then donated it to a local shelter of their choice. It was #MissionPawsible from a bunch of ALWAYSLOVED friends who made a difference. And it was a celebration that paid the love forward. 

Shortly after his sixteenth birthday, Ralphie was diagnosed with a splenic hemangiosarcoma. The outpouring of love and support from his many friends was tremendous. After Ralphie passed, thirty-seven Instagram accounts from around the world pooled resources, and a star in the Auriga constellation at the approximate coordinates 5h 19m 40.1 degrees was named Ralphie Always Loved. He’s up there shining down on us all. 

Ralphie is still spreading the light on Instagram. His memory and spirit are strong in those who love him. He still lives not only in my heart but also in hearts around the world; hashtags like #RalphieAlwaysLoved, #RalphiesHeart, #RalphiesLegacy, and #AlwaysLovedIsland keep his legacy alive.

Pelican Point ~ Review

Pelican Point
A Hope Harbor Novel #4
By Irene Hannon

Ben Garrison is returning to Hope Harbor for his grandfather's funeral and to recover from years as a battlefield trauma surgeon. But when he learns that he has to deal with a most unexpected inheritance he's not too sure that his rest is going to be too relaxing. The Pelican Point lighthouse is not something Ben was expecting to have to deal with. But Ned Garrison's passion for the old structure finds Ben the new owner of the crumbling landmark - a landmark that no one else seems to want. But fond memories of nightly visits to the old lighthouse aren't enough to reason for him to keep it not with the costs of restoration and upkeep needed. Selling it is the only option.

But when Marci Weber, owner and editor of the Hope Harbor Herald, learns that Pelican Point may be sold and lost to the town she's determined to change Ben's mind. Unfortunately, Marci has a tendency to argue a little too passionately for the things she believes in. And, Ben, in his current frame of mind is not about to take kindly to an-in-your-face confrontation.

But when a potential option for saving the landmark is presented Ben and Marci just may find themselves on the same side working towards a goal that will satisfy them both. And when given the chance to see each other after a less than stellar first meeting they may have to reaccess their opinions of the other.

Meanwhile, another Hope Harbor couple is having to deal an unexpected change in their plans. The life they had planned is now a seeming impossibility and this very issue could destroy their marriage.

But in Hope Harbor, there is Charley the resident fish taco chef extraordinaire who has a way of helping those around him see the heart of the problem that is bringing them down. Charley has to be my favorite Hope Harbor character and I love his interactions with Floyd and Gladys. Fans of Irene Hannon's books will enjoy this latest offering that is more contemporary romance than suspense though there is a touch when the past comes calling and it is of the most unwanted nature.  Overall the story is well-paced and easy to get into even if one has not read the previous Hope Harbor books. This would make a perfect summer read for a long weekend or as a book club selection.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

In the midst of life's storms,

unexpected love is a beacon of hope...

A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma and prepare to launch his civilian career.

Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home--and she's determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.

Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?

Come home to Hope Harbor

~

where hearts heal...and love blooms.

Beneath the Surface ~ Character Profiles

Title: Beneath the Surface
Series: Dive Team Investigations, Book 1

Author: Lynn H. Blackburn

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Links*: Goodreads l Amazon l ChristianBook l BookDepository l Itunes

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Links*: Goodreads l Amazon l ChristianBook l BookDepository l Itunes

What Lies Beneath the Surface Could Be Deadly

Ada, Mich.—Dive into the depths of fear with an exciting new romantic suspense novel, Beneath the Surface. This gripping tale from award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn will capture readers from the first page and won’t let them go until the final, heart-pounding scene.

After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston moves home to Carrington, North Carolina, to leave behind her troubled past. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present.

Homicide investigator Ryan Parker finds fulfillment in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer—one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all. 

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynn H. Blackburn is the author of Hidden Legacy (Love Inspired, June 2017) and Covert Justice, winner of the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.

Character Profiles

You can check out my earlier review of this book here

GIVEAWAY

(3) Winners will win: 

• (1) Print copy of Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn
• Surprised Bookish Treat

(US/Canada Mailing Addresses Only) Full terms and conditions noted on Rafflecopter form.

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JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page

Just Commonly

April 23

Create Explore Read - Author Interview

A Baker's Perspective - A Day with Special Agent ___

April 24 

Savings in Seconds - Quote Hightlight

Grace in Our Moments - Guest Post from Author 

April 25

Christen Krumm - Guest Post from Author

Among the Reads - Beneath the Surface & the Power of Prayer

April 26

Blooming with Books - Character Profile

Fiction Aficionado - Did you know this about diving investigators?

April 27

Remembrancy - Photo Tour of Carrington

Stories by Gina - Quote Highlight

April 30

The Christian Fiction Girl - Quote Hightlight

Daysong Reflections - Underwater Investigations and Evidence

May 1 

Worthy 2 Read - Quote Hightlight

Kat's Corner Books - Beneath the Surface with International Adoption

May 2

All of a Kind Mom - A Character Like Me

Robin's Nest - Quote Hightlight

Edits & Reviews by Leslie - Food Beneath the Surface 

May 3

By the Book - Quote Hightlight

Cafinated Reads - Quote Highlight

May 4

Book by Book - Playlist

Pacific Northwest Bookworm - Cookies Beneath the Surface

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Road to Rosewood ~ Review with Author Interview

Road to Rosewood
By Ashtyn Newbold

Ashtyn Newbold has done it again. Creating a story that draws the reader in from the first word. The Road to Rosewood finds the reader alternating between Lucy Abbot's recollections of her summers spent in Dover, specifically Rosewood and her current day-to-day life in the coastal village of Craster.

Six years have passed since Lucy last visited Rosewood and the time has laid heavy on her heart as the one boy to ever capture her fancy - Nicholas Bancroft called the next manor home. But when her parents put a sudden end to the yearly visits Lucy's heart has slowly withered.

But when Lucy determines to take her own happiness into her own hands she finds herself on a journey she never expected to make. Highwaymen, a threat to her life, and her reputation on the line - all before reaching Dover. But Rosewood isn't how she remembered it. And there are secrets that when revealed will make a difference in the lives of those involved.

Lucy's personality is one that is both quick and amusing and it is interesting to watch the interactions between her and Nicholas both in the past and the present. Lucy Abbot is someone one would love to sit down and spend the afternoon with!

Those who have read Ashytn's previous books will be as enchanted as before. And those who read Lies and Letters will recognize certain characters who play a bigger role in this book. Fans of clean Regency romance will delight to read and share this book.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Lucy Abbot longs to return to the country estate where she spent the best days of her childhood with her cousins and their charming neighbor Nicholas. Her protective parents, however, have other plans for her. When she finally dares to escape, her carriage is besieged by highwaymen with a familiar man leading them. Could this mysterious outlaw be exactly the person Lucy has been searching for?

~*~ Interview with Author Ashtyn Newbold ~*~

1) Did you always want to write or did you see a different future for yourself?  

I’ve always loved stories--reading, storytelling, and movies. I didn’t always want to be a writer, but as a kid I think I already was a writer without realizing it. I made up little stories, and any creative writing assignment I was given I took above and beyond (in 2nd grade I wrote a 20 page story when the teacher only asked for 2). It wasn’t until high school when I realized how much I really loved writing, wanting to finish a novel and pursue publication.

2) What is your go-to genre for your personal reading?

I’m a pretty diverse reader. I like any story that will keep me turning the pages, whether its a fantasy, thriller, historical, YA contemporary, or romance. I’d say Regency romance is still my go-to because that’s the genre I’ve written in for the last few years, but I’m hoping to branch out and write some middle grade or young adult in the near future.

3)  Do you wish you were more like a certain character that you have brought to life? And if so what traits do you most admire in this character?

When I wrote my first novel, Mischief and Manors, I was fifteen and still really insecure. In writing that book I created my main character, Annette, as an example of someone I wanted to be. She was bold, brave, and selfless, speaking out without being afraid. I loved that about her character.

4) What do you most love about the Regency time period when related to your story's setting?

I love SO much about the Regency period, and wish I could go back in time to experience it myself. One of the things I love most about it is the conversation. People talked. Face to face. They had intelligent, witty conversations and enjoyed each other’s company without distraction. In my books I love experimenting with fun, witty dialogue. My generation is especially obsessed with their phones, and it drives me crazy sometimes.

5) What is the one question you wish was asked during an interview and how would you answer it?

I’m not sure … I could talk about my hobbies (besides writing :)). I love baking, and hope to open a bakery someday. I love singing and playing the guitar, watching movies, sewing, celebrating holidays (I go all out, especially at Halloween), and doing hair and makeup. I also love dogs, and my puppy Charlie is the sweetest!