CFBA Tour A Grand Design by Amber Stockton

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Grand Design Abingdon Press (August 19, 2014) by Amber Stockton

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Words from the author:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my mid-30's, married to the love of my life since July 2007, have a daughter and a son, and live in Colorado. Here, I am content to do what I love—write, speak, and offer virtual assistance.

Thanks to the gentle nudging of a fellow author -- Tracie Peterson -- in 2002, I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers and wouldn't be published today without them. For those of you who are also fiction writers looking for a wonderful support group, check them out! My very first book, Promises, Promises, sold in December 2006 and released in February 2008. I've been going steady ever since.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists. As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Grand Design, go HERE.

Book Review Bound by Grace by Amber Stockton

Book Description:
Unlike other young ladies, Charlotte Pringle would rather run her bookshop than pursue eligible gentlemen. But when her parents pressure her to agree to an advantageous match, she fears she'll be trapped in a loveless marriage. Richard Baxton feels pressure at every turn in the wake of his brother and sister-in-law's accidental death. Now he's responsible for the family business and his niece Grace, who is unable to walk. When Grace's love for books leads him to Charlotte's bookshop, Richard is drawn to Charlotte's sweet spirit. But with endless problems on the horizon, will God's grace enable them to accept the hardship with dignity and strength?


My Review:
Firstly thanks to Amber for my copy, I won this in a contest.


This is a good read. I have read other books by Amber and her first series feature earlier generations of Charlotte the heroine. Charlotte has a love of books and runs her own bookshop. Her mother wants her to be like the other girls her age going to the social events and finding a husband. Richard is the guardian of his niece Grace after the death of her parents and meets Charlotte when he is looking for books for Grace who is also a book lover. What I enjoyed about the book is the way Charlotte has a brain and uses it, rather than settling for any man she wants a man who will love her and accept her for who she is. She is happy to run her bookshop and help others find the books they want. I like Richard also as he is working out how to be a guardian and wants to do the best he can for Grace and his family. I have to say Charlotte's younger sisters are also fun in this story especially the youngest one. This was a good read and I do look forward to the next one in the series.

Getting to Know you Thursday with Amber Stockton

Today we welcome Amber Stockton to getting to know you Thursdays. Its great to have Amber here again and learn more about her.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
(Tiffany) Amber Stockton is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart, and their toddler daughter in beautiful Colorado. They also have a vivacious puppy named Roxie, a Border Collie/Flat-Haired Retriever mix. Amber has sold eight books so far to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Other credits include writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and contributions to the books: 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage and Grit for the Oyster. Read more about her at her web site: www.amberstockton.com.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I'd have to say first and foremost were the Little House on the Prairie books, but I also loved just about any of the Little Golden series, fairytales and Aesop's Fables. But by far, my favorite was an illustrated version of the Bible accompanied by a set of records (yes, I'm dating myself) with the story in dramatized version including different voices for the different people in the stories, sound effects and a narrator. My brother and I would sit for hours listening to the records and following along in the books. (Jenny here I use to love the little golden books use to buy them with my pocket money)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?
Definitely historical fiction, with a focus on the 1800's. I'm currently working on a western-style series, although some of the overtures have a prairie feel to them, even though they're set in Wyoming. Once in a while, I enjoy romantic comedy.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
Janette Oke in the 1980's, along with Judy Blume. Once I discovered Christian fiction, it was Tracie Peterson and several authors in the now-out-of-print Serenada Seranta/Saga line from Bethany House. Barbour Publishing took over their style with their Heartsong Presents line. And ironically, that's the line for which I currently write. (Janette Oke got me back to reading with her Canadian West series and I have to day I love Tracie Peterson.)

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I've been telling stories and writing them since I was a child, but I'd have to say it wasn't until my senior year in high school that the "bug" bit me. After seeing my English teacher share stories of her books and after I received the highest grade in the class on a children's book I'd written and illustrated, I entertained the notion that I might be able to do something with my love of writing.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?
First and foremost, I read a lot. A LOT! I also networked with other authors, wrote to them to ask advice, read interviews by them, spent time in bookstores looking at how-to books, and did a good bit of writing. But it wasn't until I joined ACFW at the recommendation of Tracie Peterson, that I really felt my career begin to take off. It was at their first conference where I met my first editor and learned all about the business of writing. Thanks to the opportunities offered by ACFW, I can say I'm a published author today.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?
Hmm, that's a tough one. So much of my life is writing, and I find such joy in it. I can't NOT write. But, I did go to school to become a teacher, and I have my own business as a web designer. So, either one of those would work, although I would probably lean more toward teaching.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
I love to travel, and I've been to all but 11 of the United States, as well as 4 foreign countries. After this year, the state count will go down 9. I also love watching classic movies, playing logic-style games on the computer, and I consider myself an amateur photographer.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
I live here. LOL! Seriously, the mountains have always called to me, and I love everything about them. Living in the midde of the Rocky Mountains is a dream come true. But, a part of me would love to visit Europe and Australia. Only God knows if that will ever become a reality. (would love to see you visit here I love Australia and we do have mountains!)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
Hmm, usually, this question is about people who are no longer living. So, let's see. Karen Kingsbury, so I can learn how she does what she does with 6 children at home and still manages to pump up best-selling book after book. Sarah Palin, to simply listen to her fresh outlook on life and share with her in our similar perspectives for America. James Scott Bell, simply to be entertained and to glean even just a smidgeon of his phenomenal wisdom for writing.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.
Right now, my first omnibus (collection of my first 3 books) is releasing in March. It's entitled Liberty's Promise and has an absolutely gorgeous cover. A definite favorite. My next omnibus releases in December, and right now is tentatively titled Michigan Brides. You can keep up with my writing and my new releases, along with my blog at my web site: www.amberstockton.com.

Focus on Christmas with Amber Stockton with blog tour information and giveaway

Today Im happy to have Amber Stockton on my blog for my focus on Christmas special and also as part of her blog tour. I have also posted the details of the 6 books Amber has out at the moment. They would make wonderful christmas gifts. You will notice some books are Amber Miller and Some Amber Stockton (Stockton is her married name)
Also check out the giveaway at the bottom.

1. Firstly thanks for coming back to my blog this time we are focusing on Christmas. What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Thanks for having me back, Jenny. It’s always fun being here on your blog. As for Christmas, for the first 30 years of my life, Christmas usually meant time with my family, a Christmas Eve service at church and wishing or praying for snow Christmas morning. But, I lived on the East Coast and the mid-Atlantic area. Now, I’m married and live in Colorado, and the prospect of a White Christmas is much higher. In fact, the very first year I was here, it snowed on Christmas and left 5 inches on the ground.

No matter where I live, though, Christmas will always mean family to me, and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I’m extremely blessed to have Christians on both sides of my family, so family and God go hand-in-hand. That makes Christmas even more special.

2. Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?
Well, before I married, my family would open 1 gift on Christmas Eve. Then, Christmas morning, we’d cook a nice breakfast of eggs, pancakes or waffles, sausage, bacon and toast. We’d read the Christmas story from Luke 2 and around noon, we’d open our gifts. As children, we’d obviously wake early, but as we grew, our wake-up time became later and later. In more recent years, my older brother and I forbid our 2 younger brothers from waking us before 10am. J

(jenny here we always have Bacon too. sounds like a good tradition)

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?
I’d say it’s a toss-up between Walking in a Winter Wonderland and Jingle Bells. Both feature sleigh bells, and snow, and speak of days gone by. The simpler times. As a historical author, anything that reminisces about the past is a definite favorite. (Would love to go on a sleigh ride)

4. If you could spend Christmas any way you wanted how would you celebrate?
I’d love to have the room to invite a family who might not have a Christmas to spend the day with my family, share in our meal and even open gifts with us. Christmas is all about giving, not receiving, so I’d love to bless another family. Until the time comes when we’re able to do that, we’ll continue to give to projects like Angel Tree and Operation Christmas Child. Angel Tree provides gifts to children in the U.S. with one or both parents in jail at Christmas time. Operation Christmas Child provides shoeboxes of necessary items and special gifts to children overseas in impoverished countries.
http://www.angeltree.org/angeltree-home

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index/

(jenny again, we also do the operation Christmas child here its a great cause)


5. Do you have any special memories of Christmas?
We had two special years when my grandfather lived with us. As I shared my birthday with him and was the only grand-daughter, you can imagine how much I treasured this time with him. Looking back now, it’s even more important to keep those two precious years alive, as my grandfather passed away the night before I turned sixteen.
Those two years, though, bring a smile to my face as I picture my grandfather sitting in his favorite chair. One we brought from his house when we moved him in with us. He looked so regal, observing my three brothers and my parents as we distributed the gifts to each other, opened them in turn and celebrated together. I don’t recall what gifts I received either of those years, or even the gifts my grandfather received. What I do remember, however, is the smile on his face and on the faces of my family.

6. What is a typical Christmas Eve and or Christmas day for you.
Christmas Eve involves attending church for a candlelight service with Christmas carols, the reading of the Christmas story and a brief sermon from our pastor. Christmas Day recently is spent with my immediate family in the early morning followed by a drive to my parents-in-law’s house to share the rest of the day with them, including a big meal and lots of socializing. The best part is all the children together, opening their gifts and playing with them.

7. Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

A favorite is definitely It’s a Wonderful Life, but my favorite is Holiday Inn and White Christmas, both starring Bing Crosby. Books? I love Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado. It’s been re-titled as An Angel’s Story, but it’s the retelling of the birth of Christ from the perspective of Michael, the archangel. Very creative, and it opens up a whole other side to the story.

8. Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?
In all the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to let the hectic pace override thoughts of those in need. You spend so much time getting what you want or thinking about what you might be getting in gifts under the tree, that you forget about those less-fortunate who might be struggling at Christmas for one reason or another.

Try to find someone this year you can bless in some way. It can be anonymous or known, big or small. The important thing is that you give to someone from what you’re able. And remember, it’s far more blessed to give than to receive.

AMBER STOCKTON BLOG TOUR

BIO
Tiffany Amber Stockton is an author, online marketing consultant, and web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart, and their baby daughter in Colorado. They also have a vivacious Border Collie mix named Roxie. Amber has sold eight books to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Other writing credits include five short stories for Romancing the Christian Heart, and contributions to Grit for the Oyster and 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage. Her goal in writing is to convey the message that God is always present, even during the most difficult circumstances. Read more about her at her web site: http://www.amberstockton.com/.

Promises, Promises
Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents
Book 1 of Liberty's Promise (HP #784)at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1597899399/eagledesigns-20

At Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/ISBNInquiry.asp?EAN=9781597899390

Release date: February 2008

ISBN-10: 1597899399ISBN-13: 9781597899390

-- Raelene Strattford believes God has forsaken her, but her neighbor proves just the opposite while giving her a voice in a world where women have none. --

Has God forsaken Raelene? What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

Read the first chapter here: http://www.amberstockton.com/excerpts/ppexcerpt.html

Click here for my review and extra content.

Quills & Promises
Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents
Book 2 of Liberty's Promise (HP #803)At Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/160260049X/eagledesigns-20At Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/ISBNInquiry.asp?EAN=9781602600492Release date: July 2008ISBN-10: 160260049XISBN-13: 9781602600492

-- Separated from Madison when he leaves to fight the French and Indians, Elanna Hanssen must choose between her heart and her head, especially when Madison's integrity is questioned. --

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

Read the first chapter here: http://www.amberstockton.com/excerpts/qpexcerpt.html
click here for my review


Deceptive Promises
Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents
Book 3 of Liberty's Promise (HP #823)At Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602601895/eagledesigns-20At Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?EAN=9781602601895Release date: November 2008
ISBN-10: 1602601895ISBN-13: 9781602601895

-- Living during the American Revolution and the formation of a new nation, Margret Scott gets involved with a spy and a life of deception that could endanger herself, her family and the man she loves. --

Is deception fair in wartime? Margret Scott finds she must deal with this question as she becomes attracted to the enigmatic Samuel Lowe. As the tensions grow between the colonists and the British soldiers and loyalists, Margret struggles to determine where Samuel's loyalties lie, despite his reassurances that they lie with the colonists. Samuel's duties have him working for both sides of this war, and he is often torn between what is right and what is wrong. He promises Margret she can trust him, and Margret promises him she does. But can promises born in deception be trusted? Can relationships built in uncertainty survive?

Read the first chapter here: http://www.amberstockton.com/excerpts/dpexcerpt.html

my review

Copper and Candles
Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents
Book 1 of Michigan historical series (HP #843)At Christianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1152452&item_no=603405At Amazon.com: http://http//www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602603405/eagledesigns-20Release date: April 2009ISBN-10: 1602603405ISBN-13: 9781602603400

—A young lady of means discovers that keeping secrets, no matter how noble the intent, demands a price that she and a refinery worker, with all their resources, might not be able to pay.—

Society teas and garden parties, shopping, gossip—Life as a young lady of means may be fun, but Felicity wants to do more. Unfortunately, she finds that her position and wealth can sometimes hinder her efforts to help those around her in need. Thus, when a charity case falls ill and cannot work, Felicity determines to go to work as a commoner in Detroit's dangerous factory district. Relationships become complicated, however, and she soon finds herself falling in love with a worker from the copper refinery next door. She knows her family would never accept him as a suitor, but what's a girl to do? What she doesn't know is that Brandt has his own secrets and hides his identity just as carefully as she. Brandt and Felicity soon discover that deception—no matter how noble its intent—demands a price that even they, with all their resources, may not be able to pay. Can they survive the storm when truth is revealed?

Read the first chapter here: http://www.amberstockton.com/excerpts/ccexcerpt.html



Hearts and Harvest
Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents
Book 2 of Michigan historical series (HP #867)At Christianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1152452&item_no=605760Release date: September 2009
ISBN-10: 1602605769ISBN-13: 9781602605763

—A destitute young man fights society's mores to win the hand of his privileged sweetheart.—

William's is a true riches to rags story...Once members of Detroit's elite society, the Berringer family lost everything they had in the financial crash of 1893. From a life of influence and privilege, they now find themselves working a potato patch alongside immigrants and other destitute folk on borrowed land. William's resentment toward his current situation—and mostly toward God for allowing it—simmers barely beneath the surface. All it takes is one charitable visit to the fields from a lovely society darling to burst his façade of acceptance. Annabelle Lawson, convicted by her pastor's admonishing words, begins delivering food and water to the workers on her father's donated land. But as she learns the stories of the people who work there, she becomes increasingly drawn to their plight. Especially that of the inscrutable William Berringer. Can Annabelle and William overcome the stigma placed upon his family by a society that once embraced them? Will her parents remember their own meeting or forbid this budding romance altogether?

Read the first chapter here: http://www.amberstockton.com/excerpts/hhexcerpt.html



Patterns and Progress
Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents
Book 3 of Michigan historical series (HP# )At Christianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1152452&item_no=606876Release date: December 2009
ISBN-10: 1602606870
ISBN-13: 9781602606876

—A farmer's daughter would rather turn back the hands of time than accept the fact that advancement in technology could be in God's plan.—

Shannon Delaney was right. Every time she might consider changing her stance on what other people called progress, something bad would happen and she would be proven right again. Take the day Jacob Berringer almost ran her over in that new Model-T, for instance. And he had the nerve to suggest she'd been daydreaming? Or the Titanic. A marvel of modern invention. Look where that got them. Or how about the new tractor her brother insisted they try out. What did he get from that? A broken arm. Why can't things just stay the way they are—the way they should be? Jacob's got his work cut out for him, proving to the stubborn but beautiful Shannon that just because he works for the Henry Ford Company, he isn't evil incarnate. But something about her tells him she's worth the effort, and when Jacob puts his mind to something, he doesn't turn back. But will either of them look to God for direction?

Read the first chapter here: http://www.amberstockton.com/excerpts/pnpexcerpt.html


TOUR SCHEDULE (with many chances for a giveaway)

11/28
Petticoats & Pistols - http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com

11/30
Dawn Kinzer (all week) - http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com/

12/1
ausjenny - http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/
Erica Vetsch - http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/

12/2
Martha Rogers - http://marthasbooks.blogspot.com/

12/3
Pat Gonzales - www.pattishene.com
Abi Buening - http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com

12/4
Abi Buening - http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com
Stormi Johnson - http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com

12/5
Cara Putman - http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
American Patriot Blog - http://americanpatriotseries.blogspot.com

12/7
Edit Cafe - (guest blogger) - http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
Cindy Woodsmall (all week) - http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/booklover/category/book-lover/
Rose McCauley - http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com
Lauralee Bliss - http://blissfulwritingthoughts.blogspot.com

12/8
Jennifer AlLee - http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com/
Allie Newberry - http://blog.allienewberry.com
Favorite PASTimes interview - http://favoritepastimes.blogspot.com

12/9
Cathy Bryant - http://WordVessel.blogspot.com
Eileen Astels - http://eileenastels.blogspot.com
Favorite PASTimes interview - http://favoritepastimes.blogspot.com
Seriously Write - http://seriouslywrite.blogspot.com

12/10
Patty Wysong - http://pattywysong.blogspot.com/

12/11
Patty Wysong - http://pattywysong.blogspot.com/

12/12
Margaret Chind - http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com/

12/14
Lisa Lickel - http://livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com

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For A chance to win one of the 6 books just leave a comment with a way to contact you. (If i know you or your contact thats fine) you have till next Tuesday 6pm Australia time. Thats the 8th.