The One Who Loves Me by Joan Embola ~ Blog Tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hello, my friends! I'm super happy to be part of The One Who Loves Me Blog Tour! I hope you enjoy the excerpt and be sure to enter the giveaway! 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The One Who Loves Me 

(Sovereign Love #2) 

By Joan Embola 

Christian Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 340 Pages 

May 21, 2022 by Love Qualified Press 

IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER LOVE STORIES? 

Amara Ikezie is a new grad nurse who is thrilled to start her dream job in Atlanta’s biggest children’s hospital. But when her best friend gets engaged, Amara is faced with the looming pressure from her mom to find her own man. Determined to escape the pressure to marry, Amara takes on a task to find the ‘perfect’ man who ticks all the boxes on her list. 

Raymond Aderinto is a pediatric cardiologist with a wall of accolades and a string of failed relationships. After his fourth girlfriend dumps him, Raymond vows to get confirmation from God first before entering into his next relationship—even though he’d love to find his bride before turning thirty. 

When Raymond spills coffee on Amara’s scrubs, he becomes certain she’s the woman God wants to be his wife. But unfortunately for him, Raymond doesn’t tick Amara’s boxes, and worst of all, Amara is sure her Igbo mom would never approve of a marriage to a man from the Yoruba tribe. 

Despite Amara’s efforts to stay away from Raymond and convince herself he is not the one for her, her growing attraction for his character, values, and vision gives her more reasons to wonder if she was wrong about her prejudices toward him. When another doctor walks into Amara’s life who ticks all her boxes and shows interest in her, she is caught between running into his ‘perfect’ arms, or going with Raymond who is turning out to be more perfect than she thought. 

The One Who Loves Me, book two in the Sovereign Love series, is a beautiful standalone novel about surrender and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who writes the best love stories.

 

(Affiliate links included)

Buy: Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Kobo

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FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Excerpt

       I never liked the idea of changing high schools, making new friends, and adjusting to a new state, city, and neighborhood. The first few months in Boston were horrible; I was bullied, teased, and mocked by the meanest girl back then, called Olivia Hastings. 

        But when I look back at it today, I don’t regret that my parents moved to Boston, and I don’t regret going to Coverton High. My life would be a lot easier now if I wasn’t bullied, but it was through those struggles that God helped me form the unbreakable bond I have with Teeyana. Those struggles helped me find a sister, and they drew me closer to God. The last few years have been tough; but I ain’t gonna lie, nothing prepared me for this current season of my life. 

Excerpted from The One Who Loves Me by Joan Embola, Copyright © 2022 by Joan Embola. Published by Love Qualified Press.

Other Books in the Series

The One Who Knows Me 

(Sovereign Love #1) 

By Joan Embola 

Christian Contemporary Romance 

Paperback & ebook, 318 Pages 

July 21, 2021 by Love Qualified Press 

IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY? 

 Bullies and family disasters have left eighteen-year-old Teeyana Sparks filled with anxiety and doubt. She feels pressured to believe in God, but as she embarks on her college journey in the hope of one day working at Google as a graphic designer, the only thing she believes in is controlling her own life. Things change when she meets Jayden Williams—the guy with a charming smile and kind heart. 

Struggling with grief and recovering from a season of depression, nineteen-year-old Jayden is determined to help Teeyana believe in God’s goodness again. But when yet another tragedy strikes close to home, Teeyana’s response exposes Jayden’s unhealed wounds and tips him into a mental health relapse. 

With the looming possibility of not getting her dream life, Teeyana is caught between holding on to her illusion of control and surrendering to a God she’s rejected. And as Jayden strives to break out of his despondency, he has to face that letting God in may involve him letting go of his friendship with Teeyana. Teeyana and Jayden must wrestle with uncomfortable truths, and the pride in their hearts, in order to face their biggest giant—God’s sovereignty over both triumph and tragedy. 

The One Who Knows Me, book one in the Sovereign Love series, is a heart-warming standalone novel about hope and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who knows all things.

 

(Affiliate links included)

Amazon • BookBub • Barnes & Noble • Kobo

Add to Goodreads

About the Author

Joan Embola is a UK-based Cameroonian-Nigerian Christian
author who is passionate about spreading God's love one word at a time. She is a Bible teacher, a blogger, a YouTuber, a podcaster, a dancer, and a poetess. Her book Outpourings Of A Beloved Heart; a 30 day poetry devotional about God's love, is available for purchase and her debut contemporary Christian Fiction novel--The One Who knows Me released on September 10th 2021.

Connect with Joan Embola

Website • Goodreads • BookBub • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest  •  Instagram • YouTube

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)

Ends June 1, 2022

ENTER HERE

Thanks to Prism Book Tours for including me in this tour!

Congratulations to Joan Embola for the release of The One Who Loves Me!

Ooh, I like the thought about waiting on God's timing, but I know thats is not easy to do. Especially when you have a list of what your "perfect" man should be! Let me know your thoughts! And good luck in the giveaway!

What Are You Reading? ~ April 14, 2021

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Hey there, my friends! It's been a long time since I did a What Are You Reading post! I don't know if I'm going to be consistent in doing these, but I thought if I don't get started again, I won't ever get started! Lol! 

What are you Reading? Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finished reading, and what you plan on reading next!

Current Read

I'm currently reading Traces of Guilt* by Dee Henderson. This cold case mystery has me hooked! So far, I haven't been able to solve the mystery myself. There are so many possible ways it could go. I'm also a fan of all the characters in the story.  

Recently Finished

I recently finished reading Shadow and Bone* by Leigh Bardugo. I've heard so many good things about this story, and I wanted to read it before the Netflix show comes out. It didn't really live up to the hype for me. It was good, but I didn't love the protagonist. So, I'm not sure if I'm going to continue with the series. Maybe if the show is good, I'll pick it up again. ~ 3.5 stars.

I also listened to the audiobook of They Went Left* by Monica Hesse. I really enjoyed this story. It follows Zofia Lederman after she has been liberated from the Gross-Rosen concentration camp. After spending a couple of months in a hospital, she sets out to find her little brother. It was interesting to see what life was like for Zofia as she tries to piece her life and memories together. ~ 4.5 stars

This is the second book I've read by this author. Both were set during WWII. I think she does a great job researching her books.

What's next?

I plan on reading a book my daughter lent me, The Girl He Used to Know* by Tracey Garvis Graves. It looks good!

*Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

On a personal note, I have some fantastic news! I recently became a grandma! One of my sons and his wife had a beautiful baby boy. He was born almost 3 weeks ago. 

He's only a few days old in this picture!

Are you reading anything good? Let me know in the comments!

Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks ~ Blog Tour ~ Spotlight

 Hello, my friends! Today, I am spotlighting a new Proper Romance Regency book from Shadow Mountain Publishing! Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks!  

Advance Praise

"Hawks crafts a spellbinding tale featuring rich characters and raw emotions set against the atmospheric backdrop of sea life in all its danger and beauty. Georgana is a tough protagonist holding her own in a world dominated by men, while Peyton's charm and sensitivity marks him as a true gentleman. A hidden identity, flirtation, and treachery make for a rousing tale to captivate lovers of historical romances."— Publishers Weekly

 

Georgana's Secret

by Arlem Hawks

BOOK DESCRIPTION: 

A Regency romance on the high seas. Two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love. 

As a young girl, Georgana Woodall dreamed of beautiful dresses, fancy balls, and falling in love. However, when her mother dies, she cannot face a future under the guardianship of her abusive grandmother and instead chooses to join her father on his ship disguised as his cabin boy, "George." 

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty's Royal Navy claiming his full attention. While trying to adjust to a new crew, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain's cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the "boy" under his wing. After discovering a number of clues, Dominic deduces that George is really a woman. Knowing that revealing the cabin boy's secret would put her in serious danger from the rowdy crew, Dominic keeps silent and hides his growing affection for her. 

Georgana is quickly losing her heart to Dominic's compassion and care but is convinced nothing can come of her affection. She cannot continue to live her life on the sea, and having already missed too many seasons in London, her chances of being welcomed back into polite society and finding a suitable husband are quickly slipping away.

 

Buy: Amazon (paid link) • Barnes & Noble • Book Depository • Bookshop • Indiebound • Deseret Book 

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

About the Author

Arlem Hawks began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the Western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. With her travels came an interest in history, especially the history of her English heritage. When she isn't writing, Arlem is baking her characters' favorite foods, sewing Regency dresses, learning how to play the tin whistle, and water coloring. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two children. Having previously published four historical romance novellas, Georgana’s Secret is her debut novel.

Connect with Arlem Hawks

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Pinterest • Instagram • Bookbub • YouTube • Goodreads

Advance Praise

“This tale felt sweepingly cinematic at times and was both action-packed and heart-wrenching with an immersive narrative.”— Katie Jackson, RegencyProofreading.com

Arlem Hawks wove a magnificent tale of adventure and deception and delivered a happy ever after that was as unconventional as the rest of the story. With so many stories of romance out there, it is refreshing when one comes along that is very different than the stories that I am used to. A little adventure always livens things up fabulously.”— Emily Flynn, Reading with Emily

"Fans of sweet love stories as well as readers who fondly remember those marvelous old traditional Signet Regencies will quickly succumb to the siren song of Hawk’s expertly crafted novel, which delivers the perfect blend of Jane Austen-smart romance and Patrick O’Brian flavored seafaring adventure. Teen romance readers will cheer on the plucky heroine as she finds the courage to forge her own path in life and love."— Booklist, starred review

Join the virtual blog tour of GEORGANA’S SECRET (Proper Romance Regency), Arlem Hawks’ highly acclaimed debut historical romance novel January 11 – February 14, 2021. Over forty-five popular blogs specializing in historical romance, inspirational fiction, and Austenesque fiction will join in the celebration of its release with excerpts, spotlights, and reviews of this new Regency-era novel set aboard a Royal Naval ship.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Jan 11 My Jane Austen Book Club         Excerpt

Jan 11 Austenprose — A Jane Austen Blog Review 

Jan 12 Wishful Endings                 Review

Jan 12 Lu Reviews Books         Review 

Jan 13 Lady with a Quill                 Review 

Jan 13 Timeless Novels                 Review 

Jan 14 Reading is My Superpower        Review

Jan 14 The Bibliophile Files                 Review 

Jan 15 Randi Loves 2 Read                Review

Jan 16 The Christian Fiction Girl         Excerpt

Jan 17 Nurse Bookie                Review

Jan 18 The Silver Petticoat Review        Review

Jan 18 Heidi Reads                 Review 

Jan 19 Bookfoolery                 Review 

Jan 20 Captivated Reading                 Review 

Jan 21 Greenish Bookshelf                 Review 

Jan 21 Bookworm Lisa                 Review 

Jan 22 Among the Reads         Review 

Jan 23 Gwedalyn's Books         Review 

Jan 24 My Bookish Bliss                 Review 

Jan 25 Wishful Endings                 Excerpt

Jan 25 Christian Chick's Thoughts         Review 

Jan 26 Relz Reviewz                 Review 

Jan 27 The Lit Bitch                 Review 

Jan 28 Reading with Emily                 Review 

Jan 29 Books, Teacups & Reviews         Review 

Jan 30 A Darn Good Read         Review 

Jan 31 From Pemberley to Milton         Spotlight

Jan 31 Impressions in Ink         Review 

Feb 01 Austenesque Reviews                 Review 

Feb 02 Laura's Reviews                 Review 

Feb 03 Literary Time Out         Review 

Feb 04 Chicks, Rogues & Scandals         Excerpt

Feb 05 The Bluestocking         Review 

Feb 05 Library of Clean Reads         Review 

Feb 06 The Caffeinated Bibliophile         Spotlight

Feb 07 So Little Time…                 Spotlight

Feb 08 The Readathon                 Review

Feb 09 The Book Diva Reads                 Excerpt

Feb 09 Books and Socks Rock         Review 

Feb 10 Our Book Confessions         Review 

Feb 10 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen Spotlight

Feb 11 Rosanne E. Lortz                 Review 

Feb 11 Jorie Loves a Story                 Review

Feb 12 Fire & Ice                 Excerpt

Feb 13 Cup of Tea with that Book, Please         Review 

Feb 14 Book Confessions of an Ex-ballerina Review

Thank you Laurel Ann Nattress @ Austenprose and Shadow Mountain Publishing for having me on this tour! 

What do you think about this story? Sounds like a grand adventure to me! 

What Are You Reading? ~ Oct. 23rd, 2019

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finished reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Current Read

I'm currently reading Pride and Prometheus* by John Kessel. I'm not too far into it, but I'm enjoying it! I'm glad I took the time to read Frankenstein last year. I don't think that's necessary to enjoy this book, but I'm glad I have the background.







Recently Finished 

I recently finished reading The Inheritance* by Tamera Alexander. I forgot to mention last week that I had started listening to this while driving to my son's wedding. Well, I finished it the other day. It was great! ~ 4 stars. 

I also finished reading Sanditon* by Jane Austen. Boy, I wish Jane had finished this story. Sadly, she passed away before she could. She had laid all the groundwork for all her characters (and she had quite a few in this one!) when she quit working on it.

I'm looking forward to watching the new mini-series when it comes to the US. I've heard mix things about it.

I love this cover! Lol! It's the chicken that I adore. It's a funny picture. I'm not sure why it was chosen for this story! :)

What's Next?

I want to read Looking for Alaska* by John Green before watching the series on Netflix. It's been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years now, but I haven't read it. My daughter has, though.







*Disclaimer: Links are to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 


Have a great week, friends! Be sure to share what you've been reading! 

What Are You Reading? ~ May 2, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

It's been a slow reading week for me. Mainly because I've been watching too much TV! So bad! ER has been my poison of late! ;) 

Here's my list:

I've just started reading Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett, so I don't have much to report! :)

I recently finished reading Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker. It was a sweet read. Not a grabber, but nice. I enjoyed it.

What's next? I'm thinking The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque. Right now, I'm really into post-apocalyptic stories! But, who knows, I might change my mind! ;)

Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!  

I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

What Are You Reading? ~ April 11, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list:

I just started Gray: Part 1 by Lou Cadle. Sounds like a fun survival story!

I recently finished reading Dear Sir, Dear Madam: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Mary Simonsen. I loved this! Sometimes I get annoyed with the restraints of the Regency period, so I was happy that Darcy and Elizabeth pushed the limits of propriety and wrote a few letters to one another.

I also finished Blood Red Road (Dust Lands #1) by Moira Young. It was so good! I loved it! The cover compares it to The Hunger Games, and I'd have to agree in that Saba the protagonist is strong and determined. She finds herself in a situation that she doesn't want to be in, but has no choice. The story is action packed! As this is the first in the series I was happy that it ended in a good place; not a major cliffhanger. In fact, it felt complete. 

What's next? I think I'll try Calming the Storm by Melanie 








Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 



I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

What Are You Reading? ~ Feb. 7, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 

I'm currently reading Conceit & Concealment by Abigail Reynolds. This P&P variation is also an altered history story where England has been taken over by the French! A different twist for sure! I'm enjoying what little I've read so far! 

I recently finished reading Love, Stock, & Barrel by Crystal L Barnes. I really like this story! This is the second book of the Marriage & Mayhem series. Someday I'd like to read another in this series.  

What's next? I'm not sure. My mother-in-law sent me Prairie Fires by Caroline Fraser. She knows I used to read the Little House on the Prairie books all the time. I even when to Missouri to see Laura's house!  So, maybe that.






Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading?