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#BlogTour: Cooking Up Christmas by Teresa Ives Lilly

8 Dec

Christmas Mail Order Angels Tour

As part of the Christmas Mail-Order Angels Tour hosted by Singing Librarian Books, I’m happy to welcome Teresa Ives Lilly to the blog today!  

Please share a little about yourself, Teresa.
I am in my fifties. I grew up in Buffalo New York…but got out of the snow as fast as possible. I now live in Texas, but I miss the changing seasons…and the snow Ha Ha.

When did you decide to pursue writing and eventually publication?
I homeschooled my children and once they were grown I began writing unit studies. However, I also began to pursue writing. I tried the traditional publishing at first, but met a nice woman on line who told me about self publishing and have followed that course since. (I was self publishing when it was not the THING to do)

What is your favorite part of the writing process? Least favorite?
Favorite is coming up with the ideas, least favorite is writing everything between the beginning and the end.

Please tell us about your latest release, Cooking up Christmas.
Cooking up Christmas is one book I wrote with a group of ladies. I was very pleased to be chosen to be in the group but working on a story line started by someone else in the first book was hard to go with.

What inspired this story?
I just kept wondering what kind of job the character could have in the town and it came to mind.

What will you be working on next?
I’m currently writing Wild Prairie Rose with many of the ladies from this book group. However, we all write our own story as long as we bring in the state flower.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
www.teresalilly.wordpress.com

 

Cooking Up Christmas

Cooking Up Christmas by Teresa Ives Lilly

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1jKPqdL

When Henrietta agrees to become a mail order angel for Benjamin Capel, she moves to Angel Vale Wyoming eager to begin working in the town’s eatery. Although happy with her job and attracted to her husband-to-be, she discovers that Benjamin has several secrets. What does he do for a living, why does talking about money upset him so much and who actually owns the Angel Vale Eatery. Will these questions be answered so she can freely say I Do or does God have a different plan for her life in Angel Vale?

My thoughts:

Cooking Up Christmas is a delightful novella! I really enjoyed the chemistry between Henrietta and Benjamin and the development of their relationship through the story. Filled with humor and romance, Cooking Up Christmas is a heartwarming holiday tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Giveaway graphic- Christmas Mail-Order Angels Tour

I’m excited to share not one, but TWO giveaways!  

Giveaway #1 is just for this blog stop and includes an e-copy of Cooking Up Christmas.  Giveaway #2 is a tour-wide giveaway; the lucky winner will receive the entire Christmas Mail-Order Angels collection.  Click on the links below to enter BOTH giveaways!  

Giveaway #1 ~ An e-copy of Cooking Up Christmas

Giveaway #2 ~ The Christmas Mail-Order Angels Collection

 

Teresa Lilly

Teresa Ives Lilly has authored 16 novella/novels in Christian Romance. She tends to write historical but dabbles in contemporary as well. She also writes children’s chapter books and Unit Studies which are used in both private, public and homeschool. She lives in Texas with her husband and her grown children live near by. She currently owns and runs a Christian Library which offers over 2000 books to the public in the Christian genre only.

Connect with Teresa: website, Facebook

 

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#BookReview: A Thousand Shall Fall | Kindle Fire #Giveaway

7 Dec

A Thousand Shall Fall

A Thousand Shall Fall by Andrea Boeshaar

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1jbj37T

Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off—only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.

Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.

Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

 

My thoughts:

“A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War”

A Thousand Shall Fall is a compelling tale! Andrea Boeshaar writes with historical accuracy and a Christian perspective as she shares the story of a young, spirited woman who finds herself in the hands of the enemy.

I love Civil War era novels and this one certainly captured my attention! The characterization is excellent, and I really enjoyed the relationships that develop as the story unfolds. Boeshaar’s extensive research and attention to detail bring life to the narrative, as she weaves a love story amidst the events that transpired in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Filled with drama, danger, and romance, I really enjoyed A Thousand Shall Fall and eagerly await the next installment in the Shenandoah Valley Saga!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

  Blog Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/aboeshaar

 

The search for her runaway sister goes awry when Carrie finds herself arrested during the Civil War for impersonating an officer in Andrea Boeshaar’s A Thousand Shall Fall. Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel who arrested her. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

Andrea is celebrating the release of A Thousand Shall Fall with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

400 - a thousand shall fall

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of A Thousand Shall Fall
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 10th. The winner will be announced December 11th on Andrea’s blog.

a thousand shall fall-enterbanner

 

Andrea Boeshaar

Andrea Boeshaar is the cofounder of American Christian Fiction Writers and runs “The Writer’s ER,” a coaching service for writers. She is the author of thirty published works, including Threads of Faith, a finalist in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards. Andrea is also the author of a popular devotional and regularly blogs on a number of sites.

Connect with Andrea: website, Twitter, Facebook

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#BookReview: The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck | $100 Cash Card #Giveaway

3 Dec

The Wedding Chapel

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1RlAvCm

For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.

Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ’49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.

Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.

When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.

When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

 

My thoughts:

There is so much goodness to be found in Rachel Hauck’s stories, and I believe The Wedding Chapel is one of her best yet! 

Told from multiple points of views, I was captivated by the intricacies of this story. I also reveled in the dual time frame and the superb imagery that brought each time period to life. There was a genuineness about the characters and their emotion-filled journeys that captured my heart, as did the wedding chapel and all it represented.

I loved this beautiful love story and longed to step into its pages and visit the enchanting chapel tucked in the Tennessee woods. I think it’s a place you’ll want to visit, too!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  

Blog Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck

 

Join Rachel in celebrating the release of The Wedding Chapel by entering to win a copy and a $100 cash card—perfect for finishing up your Christmas gift shopping!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of The Wedding Chapel
  • A $100 cash card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 17th. The winner will be announced December 18th on Rachel’s blog.

wedding chapel - enter banner

 

Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Connect with Rachel: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Julie Klassen’s The Painter’s Daughter Coloring Contest

24 Nov
14385-PAINTERS DAUGHTER contest meme

Grab your colored pencils because Julie Klassen is hosting a coloring contest! Stop by the contest page to download and print The Painter’s Daughter coloring page and channel your inner artist. One master colorist will receive a signed copy of The Painter’s Daughter, two grown-up coloring books (Enchanting English Garden and Live Loved), and a set of 24 Prismacolor colored pencils.

Scan and email your entry to Amy Green with the subject line “The Painter’s Daughter Coloring Contest” to enter the first round of judging by December 8. Then stop by Julie’s Facebook page beginning December 10 to vote for your favorite (and tell your friends to vote, too)! The winner will be announced at Julie’s Facebook event on December 15 at 7 p.m. CST. Ready? Set. Color!

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#BookReview + #Giveaway: Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

5 Nov

Isle of Hope Banner

Review:

“God’s unfailing love girds your heart with the strength to do what He’s called you to do, so failure is not an issue.”

Isle of Hope is a powerful story!

The O`Bryens and the Carmichaels are memorable characters, as is their story. After their lives were ripped apart years ago, these two families struggle to knit them back together with faith and forgiveness. Their road to redemption spans cracks and fissures, roadblocks, burning bridges, and numerous detours. What an emotional ride it is!

All of Julie Lessman’s signature goodness is found in this story; complexity, tension, emotion, and hope abound. I enjoyed this contemporary debut and look forward to the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Giveaway

 Click here to enter the TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY!

Winner’s choice of an e-copy or paperback copy of Isle of Hope OR any of Julie Lessman’s other books.

 

Tour Schedule

November 1–Singing Librarian Books
November 2–Just Commonly
November 3–Between the Pages | Anna Weaver Hurtt, Author
November 4–Faith, Fiction, and Fun
November 5–Buzzing About Books
November 6–Reading is My Super Power | Smiling Book Reviews
November 7–Wishful Endings

 

Isle of Hope

Purchase link:
Amazon

Synopsis:

She stole his heart.
He stole her peace.
Can hope steal their pain?

At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O’Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?

 

Isle of Hope Snippet

“Come on, Jack, I dare you.”

She’d shot up out of the river like a tow-headed sea nymph, water sluicing down gentle curves of her T-shirt that tempted way more than they should. Her chuckle had been husky and low as she paddled in place off his dock, the sultry sound floating toward him like the mist on the water—hazing his mind, clouding his will. “This is our last night before you leave for that stuffy seminary,” she’d said with a toss of her head, “so let’s make a memory to keep us warm while you’re gone.” With a scrunch of her nose, she’d wiggled in the water and shot him a pixie grin that came off devil may care.

Devil may care. Jack grunted. That certainly nailed it to the wall. The edge of his mouth jagged up. With a freakin’ nail gun. He cocked a hip and sighed, tunneling fingers through his hair as the memory lapped against his mind like the warm, salty waters of the Skidaway River. Against his will, he shook his head, fighting the seed of a smile. Lacey Anne Carmichael had to be the biggest little brat on the Isle of Hope and absolutely everything Jack had ever wanted. Intelligent, warm, and brimming with life and fun and adventure, the perfect complement to his serious and sensible self. Half tomboy, half vamp, she was an adorable little girl in a woman’s body whose heart had always beat in time with his own. A best friend as deep as the rolling river who sparkled and shined on the surface with a sense of humor that made him laugh.

Until the summer that everything changed. The summer of her senior year after her cousin Nicki moved from California to Isle of Hope, tainting the girl to whom he was promised. He’d arrived home from college, and suddenly Lacey was different—wilder, crazier, as if hungry for a lifestyle forbidden by a strict father with whom she’d never seen eye-to-eye. From honor-roll choirgirl to temptress in the blink of a semester. Sure, Jack knew she’d always had a streak of the rebel—she’d been his next-door neighbor and sisters’ best friend forever, after all. But he just assumed graduation and turning eighteen would soften the edges. Help her settle down and become what he always hoped she would be—a pastor’s wife.

His.

About the Author

Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series, was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards. Julie has garnered 17 RWA and other awards and made Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Her latest novel, Surprised by Love, appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of Top Ten Novels of 2014. Her indie book A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers’ Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.

You can contact Julie and read excerpts from her books at www.julielessman.com, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest, as well as sign up for her newsletter. Check out Julie’s group blog, The Seekers, Writers Digest 2013, 2014, and 2015 “Best 101 Websites for Writers,” and Julie’s own personal blog, Journal Jots, voted blog of the month in the Readers’ Choice poll of Book Fun Magazine.

 

If you are interested in becoming a Singing Librarian Books tour participant, apply HERE.

Singing Librarian Book Tours

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Winners!

1 Nov

Winners- Amish Christmas at North Star

Thank you all so much for visiting and participating in this giveaway!  More great giveaways coming soon!

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Review + GIVEAWAY: Amish Christmas at North Star

26 Oct

Amish Christmas at North Star

Amish Christmas at North Star by Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark with Emily Clark, Amanda Flower, and Katie Ganshert

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania.

Rebekah’s Babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, a possibility of love, and the wonder of Christmas.

Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world?

Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac. Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?

In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love. But when he is unexpectedly called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.

Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in a reclusive widower’s life.

My thoughts:

Filled with inspiration, intrigue, and romance, Amish Christmas at North Star is a wonderful collection!

While Woodsmall, Clark, and Flower are beloved authors of Amish fiction, this is Ganshert’s first foray into the genre. What a marvelous addition she is! Her story, Guiding Star, was my favorite of the collection, and I hope she will bring us more Amish stories in the future.

Although they share a common thread, the four novellas are unique, and I delighted in the charm of each one. These ladies are gifted storytellers and their stories of discovery engaged and entertained! I loved Amish Christmas at North Star and can’t wait to share this treasure with family and friends this holiday season!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Giveaway- Amish Christmas at North Star

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
Thanks to the generosity of the publisher, THREE readers will win a copy of Amish Christmas at North Star!

To enter the giveaway:
Leave a comment below and include your email address.  The giveaway ends Saturday, October 31 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. The winners will be drawn and announced on Sunday, November 1.

To earn additional entries:
Follow my blog and/or share the giveaway via social media. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!

 

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Review + GIVEAWAY: Valley of Decision

20 Oct

ValleyofDecision

Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1VU6WsA

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision—leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can’t—secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie’s surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets?

 

What an amazing adventure!

I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye to these special characters that I’ve come to know and love! The only consolation I have is that this fantastic series has a special place on my keeper shelf, and I can revisit third-century Carthage again and again.

Valley of Decision is a sensational conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles! Once again, Lynne Gentry deftly weaves past and present together and brings to life the history, drama, and romance of this extraordinary story. Full of heart-wrenching emotion and poignant truths, this story of faith and family will leave you breathless!

I absolutely loved the Carthage Chronicles and can’t wait to experience this incredible author’s next adventure!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Giveaway- ValleyofDecision

I am giving away a print copy of Valley of Decision to one lucky reader!  To enter, please answer the following question in the comments section, and be sure to include your email address!  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and ends Saturday, October 24 at 11:59 p.m. CDT. The winner will be drawn and announced on Sunday, October 25. Good luck!! 

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you visit?  

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:

◦Follow this blog
◦Share this giveaway through social media

Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.

 

Lynne Gentry

Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director, and playwright. Lynne is an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Find Lynne online: website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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Review: Just Show Up | Tried and True Friendship Giveaway

14 Oct

Just Show Up

Just Show Up by Kara Tippetts and Jill Lynn Buteyn

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1Guvl0N

Kara Tippetts’s story was not a story of disease, although she lost her battle with terminal cancer.

It was not a story of saying goodbye, although she was intentional in her time with her husband and four children. Kara’s story was one of seeing God in the hard and in the good. It was one of finding grace in the everyday. And it was one of knowing “God with us” through fierce and beautiful friendship.

In Just Show Up, Kara and her close friend, Jill Lynn Buteyn, write about what friendship looks like in the midst of changing life seasons, loads of laundry, and even cancer. Whether you are eager to be present to someone going through a difficult time or simply want inspiration for pursuing friends in a new way, this eloquent and practical book explores the gift of silence, the art of receiving, and what it means to just show up.

Just Show Up graphic

My thoughts:

“When we show up for one another, we invade each other in love and become witnesses to the truth that trials and sickness and pain are not the whole story. There’s more, so much more.”

Last year, I was privileged to read and review Kara Tippett’s book The Hardest Peace. It is a breathtaking book, and her words stirred my emotions and touched me in ways I never imagined. If you have not read The Hardest Peace, I urge you to do so!

After reading that book and following Kara’s story through her blog, I knew Just Show Up would be a must read. Co-authored with her good friend Jill Lynn Buteyn, this special book shares “the dance of walking through suffering together”.

Kara and Jill share, openly and honestly, their friendship and finding peace and grace in the midst of life’s hard. Walking with someone through suffering is a gift that can change lives. Just Show Up shares both sides of the journey, the giving and the receiving of this precious gift. Not only do Kara and Jill share the value of showing up for each other, they also share tangible ways we can show up for those around us who are struggling or suffering.

Heartfelt and hopeful, Just Show Up is a beautiful book! I encourage you to read it, savor it, and commit to just show up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/tippettsbuteyn

 

Celebrate the gift of friendship with a Tried & True Friendship giveaway—a prize for you and for a friend!

just show up-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 23rd. The winner will be announced October 26th on Jill’s blog.

Is one of your friends going through a tough time—maybe you need some encouragement? Stop by Kara and Jill’s author page, click on the reviews bar, and read through some bloggers’ stories of how their friends got them through suffering.

just show up-banner

Kara & Jill

The late Kara Tippetts was the author of “The Hardest Peace” and blogged faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com. Cancer was only a part of Kara’s story. Her real fight was to truly live while facing a crushing reality. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, is parenting their four children and leading the church they founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Read Kara’s blog.

Jill Lynn Buteyn is the author of “Falling for Texas,” an inspirational novel, and a recipient of the ACFW Genesis Award for her fiction work. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.

Connect with Jill: website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

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The winner is…

1 Oct

Winner- Lilacs for Juliana

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