Wife, Mom, Writer, Jesus Lover
Dawn has very graciously agreed to giveaway a copy of this book. SQUEEEE!!!!! I know, totally exciting. Go ahead and just yell it. You know you want to!
However, if you are incredibly patient and can hold out to see if you win a free e-book copy, simply follow this link:
I am so excited for you guys to read this book, that I MUST remind you about it’s release!!! It is a YA book, yes, but it is wonderful! So much fun. The kindle version has been available for a few days, but the Paperback is here, as of TODAY!!
And, check this out!! 
#1 New Release!!! woot woot!!
So, any birthdays coming up? *hint hint*
Link is in the pic (:
Many of you know that one of my favorite authors is MaryLu Tyndall. She writes the most fun “swashbuckling” tales you can find!!! Her newest book is being released in July!! I can’t wait!! Here’s a bit about it:
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The Reckoning – Legacy of the King’s Pirates Book 5 – July 2015
When Morgan Shaw crept into the hold of an old pirate ship replica at San Diego’s Annual Tall Ship Festival, her only intention was to avoid the guy who had just dumped her and who was now boarding the ship with two women on his arm. What she didn’t expect was to wake up aboard a real pirate ship three-hundred years in the past. But of course, it wasn’t real. Her wealthy father had obviously staged it all in an effort to get her mind off her upcoming chemo. Or had he?
Rowan Dutton seeks enough treasure to repay a debt to his sister and reinstate the Dutton name among British Jamaican Society. He is but one major haul away from accomplishing his goal when a strange woman appears on his ship and causes him to lose his prey. Despite his anger, he is enthralled with the little minx, her strange clothing, odd speech, and her insistence that they are all actors playing a charade paid for by her father.
Yet when the brazen little lady divulges Rowan’s secret to a longtime nemesis, events are triggered that could cost them both their lives and change the course of history forever.
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Two of my favorite series by her are:
Escape from Paradise Series
After the Civil War, many of the Confederate officers and southerners tried to escape to South America. Some wanted to so they could rebuild their confederacy and some were just trying to escape a court martial. They did rebuild a huge colony which is in Brazil. Every year, they still celebrate the confederacy and their part in making Brazil what it is today. Here is a picture of one of their annual celebrations: 
This series follows a crew that moved there and started a colony. It is so intriguing. You won’t be able to put it down! Wonderful books!!!!
She also has a wonderful series called Surrender to Destiny:
These are centered around The War of 1812. Many people forget (or don’t even know) that we still battled England after the Revolutionary War. This is such an amazing series and with each book being only $1.99, you can’t go wrong!! Pick these up and you WON’T regret it!
I am really excited to 
announce that Dina Sleiman is guest posting today on my blog!! As you know, I just did a review on her awesome new book, Dauntless. We also had a fun Face-Off. Look!! There she is with her books!!!!! Hurry and head on over to Amazon to pick it up!!! It’s such a fun, great read.
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From Bethany House Publishers
Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior, prepare to meet your historical counterparts!
Hello and thanks for having me today. I would like to share with you about my YA inspirational medieval adventure/romance series.
Yeah, that’s a lot of adjectives. LOL. This series is pretty unique, especially in the Christian market, and so requires quite a bit of description. But let me start by sharing a little of how it came about. A few summers ago I saw a picture of a female knight, strong and courageous, bold and valiant, and I realized that somewhere in my many years of marriage and raising children, I had lost my fight. And you know what: I wanted it back!
Meanwhile, I had been considering trying my hand at a young adult medieval romance series for several years, but I didn’t have a strong idea. Quite a few more months would pass before everything came together for me. I was walking and praying about a series concept, when the BBC’s new Robin Hood came to mind with its bold Maid Marian who is a crusader for the poor in her own right, its female Djaq, and its tough villainesses. That’s when it hit me. Put strong, young medieval women in legendary male roles, et voila, my Valiant Hears Series was born.
I’m so thankful for this opportunity to create strong and courageous role models for young women. I feel that all too often Christian girls are sent mixed messages. “You can be whatever you want to be, but you should be…” (insert small box of your denominational choosing here.) I want to inspire young women to be all that they can be and empower them to reach their full potential in Christ.
“What is a Valiant Heart heroine?” you might ask. A young woman who is both feminine and strong, vulnerable and tough, gentle and passionate. She is fearless, intelligent, and full of life. A heroine who contains within her both the tender beauty of a blossoming flower and the fierceness of a lioness. One who uniquely reflects her creator God and is willing to pursue her dreams with all her heart. A woman who is open to love, but not defined by a man.
Each book in the Valiant Hearts Series will feature a strong, young medieval woman in a traditionally male role as she lives out a story of adventure, romance, and faith. The series is geared toward teens, but will appeal to adults as well
Shown above is Merry Ellison, my heroine for the Robin Hood inspired Dauntless. Merry will go to any length to save the outlawed children of Ellsworth from the treacherous King John. Dauntless is available now online, as an ebook, and in local bookstores.
Click here to pick up at Amazon.
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Thanks so much, girl!! You had me at Katniss and Tris!!!!!!!!
Ok, guys! Go support Dina and pick up a copy of her book. You won’t regret it.
Check out what’s coming in September…. 
woooo hoooo!!!!!!
Looks so good (: Can’t wait!
Today is an exciting day for the awesome Jocelyn Green!! Her new book, Spy of Richmond (Heroines Behind the Lines)
Another new author, Dina L. Sleiman, 
So, momma’s, pick up these two books for you and your kiddos!!!Support these awesome Christian ladies that are stay at home mom’s making a living writing incredible books.
One of my very favorite books of all time is FREE today!!! Pick up Courting Morrow Little
“Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men–ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable–vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones–and garner suspicion from her friends–by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn’t love?”
by Annie Lobert
This book stuck with me. This book stuck with me for days and days. How quickly, how easily women can be sucked into this lifestyle. Can be treated as if they are worthless and love is a beating, slavery and selling yourself.
Annie has shared her heart, her testimony and her bared her soul in this book. God is using this beautiful woman to bring Him much glory. I ask you to please take a look at this book. Please read this and share it with others. It is so frightening to see how quickly a young girl can be “broken” and become hopeless. This needs to be in the hands of every friend you know.
As the title indicates, Annie was in the sex industry for many years. As life became more and more hopeless, God showed His love to her. She is now free from the bondage. Free from the guilt. Free from all of it because there is freedom in Christ!!!!
Instead of turning her back and running away, she looked into the eyes of the girls she knew and realized what she must do with her life. She began a ministry called Hookers for Jesus. Yes, I realize that is a bit awkward to say, but it is based off of this simple verse:
The primary mission of Hookers For Jesus is to Hook (Outreach) Give Hope (Jesus) Heal (emotional & spiritual restoration) and Help (Transitional Assistance) for those who have been negatively affected by sex trafficking and the adult entertainment industry.”
I asked Annie a few questions and she was gracious enough to answer. I asked her if she was fearful of staying and living in the same town where she was threatened and beaten so often.
She is not.
I asked her about bringing God glory, and she wants to use her past to help as many people as she can.
As for her favorite verse? 
Jeremiah 29:11
A few fun questions, she DOES NOT go Black Friday shopping! She has eaten a Sea Urchin!!!! She does NOT hang out with Chumlee and Crew (Pawn Shop). Her dream is to travel the world non-stop (but I know that comes second to her amazing ministry). Oh, and she’s a mac (as in apple) girl! I love her even more!
So, how can those of us outside the city help? How can we contribute to this amazing ministry?
“The best ways to be involved from outside of the Las Vegas area is to pray, contribute financially, and spread Hookers for Jesus information via social media.”
So, here is a beautiful picture.
You know what’s even more beautiful about it? It contains a link to contribute to Annie’s mission. To help those that are stuck in the sex industry to have a hope and a future.
PLEASE USE IT!
Did you notice that The Captive Imposter is on the top 2015 books to read!!
by Dawn Crandall
So, when was the last time that a first time author completely knocked it out of the park? Oh, let me tell you. August 1, 2014. That’s when. Dawn Crandall
The Hesitant Heiress is so many things. It’s centered around Amaryllis Brigham and her life full of inconsistencies, mystery and betrayal. Who can be trusted? Who can love her for all the stigma attached to her name? When she doubts her own worth, how can she trust that anyone would find her to be more. To be worthy?
There are many characters in this book, which would normally be an annoyance to keep up with. However, Dawn has found a way to intertwine them all and cause you to care, in your own way, about each one. The romance is maddening and beautiful. There couldn’t be a more perfect hero. 
He reminded me very much of Captain Wentworth of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. *sigh*
I absolutely loved it!! I am excited to be able to review the next two books in the series over the next two months.
NOW, to the good news. What you’ve been waiting for!!!! Dawn has very graciously agreed to giveaway a copy of this book. SQUEEEE!!!!! I know, totally exciting. Go ahead and just yell it. You know you want to!
For those of you that just can’t wait to get your hands on a copy, just click on the pic. It’ll take you right to Amazon!
However, if you are incredibly patient and can hold out to see if you win a free e-book copy, simply follow this link:
Thanks, so much, Dawn! I had a great time (: Looking forward to the rest of the series!
I will be reviewing one of her AMAZING books this afternoon (but I won’t give away whether I like it or not. You’ll have to wait and see…)
But for now:
The rules are simple. I ask Dawn some random questions. She replies and then I give my answers. Each winning answer is worth one point and I get to decide whose answer is better.
It’s my blog.
Here we go!
1. Most awkward moment?
Dawn – I don’t have awkward moments anymore because I’ve had so many of them in my life that they hardly faze me anymore. 🙂
Charity – Oh, girl…you have no idea. I guess one for me would be when my son (around 5yrs old or so) asked me how the babies got out of my tummy. I said that God made a special private place that only girls have. ha ha ha ha. As soon as I said “private place” he lost it. He bent over and said, “You shoot them out of your butt-canon!!!”. Needless to say, he told people about how they get out of mom’s tum tum for a few weeks. Each time bending over making shooting noises. ha ha ha. It was too funny to make him stop, but horrifying at the same time.
The other one that was equally horrifying is….well, first a little back story. My mom had told my kids that when you get old, you start to shrink a little. So, we were walking around Williamsburg one day and he, (same kid around the same age) sees a dwarf. He yells, “MOM!!!! THAT GUY MUST BE REALLLLLLLLY OLD! LOOK HOW SHORT HE GOT!!!” I almost peed my pants.
— Girl, you handed that one to me!!
Charity 1 / Dawn 0
2. Have you ever asked someone how far along she was and she was actually not pregnant?
Dawn – No! I make sure not to even mention things like that–just in case. Though, when I was pregnant last year I talked about being pregnant to everyone, just so they knew for sure!
Charity – Well, well. I surely did this. It was so awful and embarrassing. I wanted to melt into a puddle. So, I ask this girl at my church when she was due. I mean, totally looked like she was about to deliver. OMGosh. She said, “I’m not pregnant. I just carry all my weight in my stomach”. The worst part was, I was sooooo embarrassed, I completely lied!!!! I was like, “Oh! Someone told me you were pregnant!!! I’m so sorry. Weird!”. I don’t think she bought it and I hightailed it outta there.
— You gotta give me something! I might just win this one!!
Charity 2 / Dawn 0
3. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be? and why?
Dawn – Ugh, the first person to come to mind was Adam Levine! He’s just so likable and funny! And hot. Can I say that? Well, it’s true.
Charity – lol. I love how you said, “ugh”. And, yes, you can say that! ha ha. I think I would like to hang out with Jimmy Fallon. He is too funny.
— I’ll give you that one since you played the “hot” card!
Charity 2 / Dawn 1
4. Do you decorate your house for each holiday?
Dawn – I only decorate for Christmas, but I make it last at least six weeks.
Charity – WHA??????? No. No. Just, no. Our house looks like holiday vomit most of the time. I guess it’s more in the fall. I love fall decorations and then Christmas ones. Horray!!!!
— You don’t get points for that!!!
Charity 3 / Dawn 1
5. What’s one of your guilty pleasures?
Dawn – Oreos and whole milk.
Charity – Pretty Little Liars
— Your’s is much more wholesome than mine…
Charity 3 / Dawn 2
6. What book was your favorite when you were growing up?
Dawn – I didn’t read much until high school (because I have ADD), but once I did discover books, my favorites were the classics like Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
Charity – Wow! Fancy for your young age!!! 
This was mine. I was so in love with Roman.
Now the cover looks like this:
You can imagine the joy that this brings to my husband and sons. They pull it out all the time and laugh at me.
They have every right to. That is the scariest cover I have ever seen. Still in love with Roman though.
— Smarty Pants reader gets the points here. I don’t think that cover is winning me ANYTHING!
Charity 3 / Dawn 3
7. Craziest moment with the new baby?
Dawn – Oh my, there’s so much crazy going on constantly! But Rhett’s actually such a good baby–I guess I’ll have to say he’s crazy-amazing and it’s crazy how much I didn’t know I was missing before having him!
Charity – Uh, no more babies for me!!! You may take this point!
Charity 3 / Dawn 4
8. What do you like to collect?
Dawn – I can’t think of anything!
Charity – hmmm.. I really love Fenton art glass and anything IKEA. However, I don’t really have room in my house to collect things. But, I certainly have a large collection of Fenton.
— horray for me!
Charity 4 / Dawn 4
9. If you had to pick one of the Duck Dynasty guys to hang out with for a day, who would it be? (ugh…There’s no good answer to that one!)
Dawn – I think I’d choose Jase. He’s so dry and level-headed. And did I say dry? I adore dry humor; I think hanging out with him would crack me up.
Charity – I agree 100%
— tie
10. Are you toilet paper picky?
Dawn – Yes! I buy the thickest, softest stuff I can find.
Charity – OMGosh. Me too. I like the cottonelle with aloe. My husband says that the men in the house don’t need to waste money on that. So, I get the nice stuff and they get the cheap-o stuff. Dead. Serious. They call me princess butt. ha ha ha ha
— tie
11. Lastly, worst calendar you’ve ever seen for sale (or in someone’s house)?
Dawn – I don’t remember!
Charity – Dude. Get a load of this: 
You can imagine my delight when my husband and I were out shopping and we came across this. We almost died laughing. We snap-chatted that to everyone!!!!!!!
So frightening!
–Oh My Goodness. This can only mean one thing!
I FINALLY WON!!!!!!
Charity 5 / Dawn 4
I am so, very sorry to tell you this, but I WON!!!
<– Too much?
Girl, you know I love you!!! This was so much fun (: Thanks for playing and letting me win by not answering two questions!!!!
Ok, everyone! Get ready to check out Dawn’s newest books!! Review a little later today.
These are ABSOLUTELY, oh yeah! You have to wait for my review (;
If you want to check them out on Amazon, please do!!
aTransParentMom 