Spiritual Tune-up – A 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by on Sep 8, 2020 | 6 comments

Spiritual Tune-up – A 2MefromHim Devotional

A spiritual tune-up is important for everyone on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy this devotional from 2018 about staying in touch with God daily. I’m enjoying time with our daughter!

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My God – A 2MefromHim Devotional

Posted by on Aug 31, 2020 | 2 comments

My God – A 2MefromHim Devotional

My God. What a privilege to know that he is mine and I am his through every circumstance of life. I’m reposting this blog from 2018 while I take a short break to visit with my daughter. Enjoy!

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Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times

Posted by on Aug 25, 2020 | 2 comments

Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times

Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future.

 

 

 

 

Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times

A 2MefromHim Devotional

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Psalm 91:1

Finding shelter and rest is a delightful concept in the insanity of 2020. The latest news offers little hope for change in the near future. We remain threatened by a pandemic and buffeted by violent attacks on our society. Quarantine holds us captive in our homes and destroys our economy, wildfires threaten much of the West.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 #shelter #rest #help Share on X

Finding Shelter and Rest When You Feel Uncertain

In Psalm 91, God is portrayed as a shelter, refuge, fortress, shield and rampart for those who dwell in Him. He banishes fear from terror, pestilence, and plagues. However, these things are promised to those who dwell in the Most High. In other words, God reserves His choicest blessings for His children.

Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times

For example, when my husband was a child, he and his family toured a large cave. Afraid in the black, unfamiliar place, he grabbed his mother’s skirt and walked through the cave holding on tight. However, when they reached the outlet of the cave, he discovered he held onto the skirt of a stranger. His calm and sense of protection evaporated. He didn’t have a relationship with the woman. Therefore, the stranger couldn’t offer the comfort of his own mother. God desires an intimate relationship with His children.

God desires an intimate relationship with His children. #Godislove #relationships #hope Share on X

Conditions for Receiving God’s Help

Those who desire protection from God are to love Him, acknowledge His name, and call on Him. It’s easy to say we believe. Most people call on God or use His name when frightened or grieved. The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent?

Finding Shelter and Rest in Troubled Times 2

We prove the depth of our relationship with God by how we live. Those who desire to receive from Him must stay in close relationship to Him and keep His commandments. In the New Testament, John 15 tells the believer to “abide” or “remain” in Christ, the true vine, and God is the gardener. Don’t expect blessings if you don’t love and obey God.

The question is, do we dwell with God as a child dwells with and depends on a parent? #Jesus #help #rescue Share on X

Finding Shelter and Rest Requires Relationship

Likewise, in Matthew 7:9-12 Jesus offers an illustration of the close relationship between God and His children: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Though the world is a strange and often unfamiliar place in these days of COVID and social unrest, God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him.

What will you choose?

God offers peace, protection, and unfailing rest to those who live in an intimate relationship with Him. #peace #protection #rest Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, August 22, 2020

Norma Gail - AuthorAbout the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (released May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

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I Will Rejoice in the Lord and Have Hope

Posted by on Aug 18, 2020 | 5 comments

I Will Rejoice in the Lord and Have Hope

I will rejoice in the Lord, though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food…

 

 

 

I Will Rejoice in the Lord and Hope

2MefromHim Devotionals

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

I Will Rejoice in the Lord scripture

I will rejoice in God no matter what comes my way. In the midst of COVID, quarantine, natural disasters, and lawlessness, hope fades to a faint glow, flickering in the breeze. We must search for God’s blessings each day.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines...I will rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk 3:17 #rejoice #hope #2020 Share on X

I Will Rejoice in the Lord in Sorrow

This past weekend, I spoke with a friend whose 62-year-old husband died suddenly, three weeks ago. What impressed me most was her gratitude for the quarantine that caused them to work from home for the past four months. In busy, two-career marriage, the pandemic offered them time together they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Only she, her two sons, and the pastor were in the church for the funeral. Friends and family members watched a live stream or on YouTube. However, she expressed thanks for the support and comfort of loved ones.

Habakkuk wrote his prophecy in the time of Jeremiah and Zephaniah, prophesying about the same events, the time of the Chaldeans, and their ruin of Jerusalem. In spite of the terrible prophesies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, Habakkuk speaks of God’s deliverance.

I Will Rejoice in the Lord 1

Here is great spiritual truth: even in the darkest night, God never leaves His people without hope.

Here is great spiritual truth: even in the darkest night, God never leaves His people without hope. #Godisgood #truth #hope Share on X

I Will Rejoice Because God is My Hope

In 2020, struggle and fear dominate our news and threats loom on the horizon, but God promises better things to come. When Job believed his suffering would never end, he proclaimed his certainty of seeing God in his flesh. (Job 19:23) Paul and Silas believed when they sang songs of praise in a Philippian jail. (Acts 16:16-40) There is always something for which we can give thanks.

 

God doesn’t promise to answer all of our prayers. However, He promises strength and the power to endure hardship. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, God grants His people all the power that raised Christ from the dead.

In spite of plagues, fears, unrest, and attacks, choose to give thanks and rejoice. God is still on His throne. #Jesus #fear #trust Share on X

I Will Rejoice in the Lord 2

God is Faithful

When overwhelmed by unexpected trials, remember the faithfulness of God and rejoice. Give thanks for the small things. Write down your to be remembered time and time again.

In spite of plagues, fears, unrest, and attacks, choose to give thanks and rejoice. God is still on His throne.

Give thanks for the small things. #gratitude #Godislove #Jesus Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, August 17, 2020

Norma Gail - AuthorAbout the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (released May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

Two cover images

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Sometimes Life is Full of Mountains to be Climbed

Posted by on Aug 11, 2020 | 2 comments

Sometimes Life is Full of Mountains to be Climbed

Sometimes life is full of mountains to be climbed. Life in the year 2020 seems to have more mountains than usual.

 

 

Sometimes Life is Full of Mountains to Be Climbed

2MefromHim Devotionals

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6

Sometimes Life is Filled with Mountains scripture

Sometimes life is full of mountains to be climbed. Life in the year 2020 seems to have more mountains than usual.

Whatever mountains you’re facing, the answer is the same, take it to the Lord. You’ll probably still have to climb the mountain but the Good Shepherd, who is sure of foot and knows all the pathways will be there to climb it with you.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6 #trust #hope #guidance Share on X

Sometimes Life Looks Great From the Top of the Mountain

In 2003, we had just completed homeschooling our son. He would head off to college in the fall. Our daughter, the starting goalkeeper for her high school soccer team, looked forward to her senior year. She already knew she would continue her career at a small, Division II  university. I had accepted the opportunity to begin the first weekly women’s Bible studies at our small church. It was thrilling to have the opportunity to put 14 years of Bible Study Fellowship training into practice and develop my own leadership team for both morning and evening Bible studies. Everything in life was good.

Sometimes life is full of mountains to be climbed. #life #trials #challenges Share on X

Sometimes Life Reveals a New Mountain Beyond the One Just Conquered

During a routine physical, my primary care doctor discovered a small nodule on my thyroid gland. Since I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada during the above-ground nuclear testing of the 1950s, I knew immediately that it would be cancer. My aunt, who lived in Nevada at the time I was born, had experienced thyroid cancer twice. Having just completed treatment for another ongoing medical condition, I was hoping for freedom from doctors for a while. Fear of the cancer wasn’t a concern. I knew that thyroid cancer was very treatable. However, the timing of the surgery interfered with the start dates for the Bible study and my ability to attend all of our daughter’s soccer games, both in and out of town. It was a mountain I didn’t want to climb.

As I prayed the next morning, the Lord graciously gave me a poem to put the events of my life into perspective. Whenever I read it, I remember how God brought me through a tough year and buoyed me with hope through many challenges. During that period of my life, as in the year 2020, God’s design was to cause me to look to Him for strength, seek His will, and give me His perspective.

I’m tired and weary, and I need a rest, but, dear Lord, I know that You always know best. #COVID #Godislove #victory Share on X

One More Mountain

Sometimes Life is Filled with Mountains 1

I’m tired and weary, and I need a rest,

But, dear Lord, I know that You always know best.

When I’m battle-weary and feel alone,

When I beg for bread but it seems like a stone.

I know there is something You are working in me—

There is something new You have to show me.

There is something I haven’t become just yet,

There is some other challenge I’ve not ever met.

You’ve carried me through so many before—

Lord, help me now to face one more.

When I look in the mirror, I want to see

A reflection of You looking back at me.

So once more, Lord, pick me up and let’s go—

So, I never forget how I need you so.

And I have the feeling that when this one is through,

I’ll see, just beyond, there is something else new.

So, thank You, Lord, for not forgetting me,

For never letting me rest till it’s You that I see.

Sometimes Life is Filled with Mountains 2

Sometimes Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan

Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. The older I get, the more I realize that is the norm. We all face mountains but we don’t have to face them alone.

Whatever mountain you face, there is hope and help. Seek God with all your heart. Don’t trust your understanding of the situation but seek God’s way to the top of the mountain. He will make your paths straight and make you sure-footed. He will not allow you to stumble and fall. He will lead you through the trials and bring you to the summit with new blessings and an improved perspective on life in this crazy world.

God will lead you through the trials and bring you to the summit with new blessings and an improved perspective on life. #life #Godisgood #perspective Share on X

Poem, Copyright Norma Gail Holtman August 15, 2003

Copyright, Norma Gail Holtman, July 29, 2020

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Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed

Posted by on Aug 4, 2020 | 4 comments

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed

I know whom I have believed. But do I really? We could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of His being.

 

 

 

 

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed

2MefromHim Devotionals

I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

2 Timothy 1:12

I know whom I have believed. But do I really?

I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 #faith #Jesus #trust Share on X

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed for Salvation?

Often when we first trust Christ for our salvation, it is in either the elation of learning about His saving love or a sad realization of our own sinfulness. Both are necessary. However, we know so little of our Lord’s power that we could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of His being.

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 1

To know Whom I have believed, I must recognize His sufficiency in all areas. The great I Am is first, the pre-existent God of all creation, for, “Through Him, all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3) And all that was made, He created ex nihilo, out of nothing.

We could spend a lifetime studying and barely touch the most minute facets of God's being. #man #God #faith Share on X

Do I Really Believe His Uniqueness?

In Revelation 22:13, God says of Himself, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” The Book of Isaiah says, there was no god before Him and there will be no god after Him. (Isaiah 43:10) It is impossible for our minds to conceive, yet it is true.

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 2

We know that it is through grace by faith that we are saved. There is nothing that we are can do to gain faith. It is the free gift of God. He tolerates no boasting on that point. (Ephesians 2:8-9) We are incapable of performing acts that would gain our own salvation. As the old song says, “Oh, to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be.” We owe our Lord and God a debt we can never repay.

We owe our Lord and God a debt we can never repay. #grace #salvation #hope Share on X

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed from All Eternity?

When God speaks to Job out of the storm, He asks unanswerable questions:

  • Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
  • Who marked off its dimensions and stretched a measuring line across it?
  • On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone?
  • Who shut up the sea behind doorswhen I fixed limits for itand set its doors and bars in place?
  • Have you ever given orders to the morning,or shown the dawn its place?
  • Have the gates of death been shown to you?
  • What is the way to the abode of light?And where does darkness reside? Do you know the paths to their dwellings?

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 3

And on and on He goes, asking questions no man can answer that reveal the marvelous infinity of His being. Therefore, I say with the father in Mark 9, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

God asks questions no man can answer that reveal the marvelous infinity of His being. #infinity #Godislove #eternity Share on X

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed for All Eternity?

Yet, when I contemplate such marvelous things, I realize that my understanding will always be incomplete while I live here on earth. God can guard everything I have entrusted to Him and more until that day when my faith becomes sight. And I bow on my face before Him in humility.

Do I Really Know Whom I Have Believed 4

He is able to accomplish far more than I can ever comprehend in my finite being. To God be the glory.

God is able to accomplish far more than I can ever comprehend in my finite being. #Godisgood #man #grace Share on X

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5

© Norma Gail Holtman, July 24, 2020

Norma Gail - AuthorAbout the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

Two cover images

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Where Do You Hide When You Want to Escape?

Posted by on Jul 28, 2020 | 2 comments

Where Do You Hide When You Want to Escape?

Where do you hide when you want to escape the world? The year 2020 makes me long for a protected place to escape the news and threats that can steal my peace.

 

 

 

 

Where Do You Hide When You Want to Escape?

2MefromHim Devotionals

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Where Do You Hide scripture

Where do you hide when you want to escape the world? As a child, one of my favorite hiding places was a shady corner of the backyard under a climbing rosebush. The thorny hideaway created a cool spot to read or to play dolls with the perfect place to hang their clothes. Only two people fit, so my best friend and I could hide without my little sisters intruding because of the thorns.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 #protection #safety #deliverance Share on X

Where Do You Hide When Trouble Threatens

When David was pursued by King Saul, he hid in the rocky caves of Israel. His Psalms reveal his trust in God’s deliverance because he believed the promise that came through the prophet, Samuel, that he would someday be king. He knew his trouble was temporary.

Where Do You Hide 1

Dire reports of never again experiencing the freedom we knew before COVID, coupled with questions about upcoming elections, and differing ideologies haunt our waking hours. However, time spent in scripture reminds us that God is our refuge, our hiding place, a strong tower we can run into, and be safe. Our current struggles are also temporary but God’s promise to protect us is forever. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul writes, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

Our current struggles are also temporary but God’s promise to protect us is forever. #trials #Godisincontrol #eternallife Share on X

Where Do You Seek Deliverance

The year 2020 makes me long for a protected place to escape the news and threats that can steal my peace. How grateful I am for a Savior who promises to protect me from trouble. What comfort to know God sings songs of deliverance over me.

Where Do You Hide 2

Part of God’s promise to be hiding place for His people is the promise of protection and deliverance. The word “deliverance” resounds in my mind often these days. Believers must pray fervently for God’s deliverance from the perils we face. We must pray for awareness of and protection from lies that confuse and frighten us. It’s hard to know what information to trust but God knows. He will reveal the truth and bring down strongholds.

Just as when I played safely under the rosebush, God will hide and protect my heart when I place my trust in Him, even if suffering is necessary. Pray fervently for His deliverance from our foes.

God will hide and protect my heart when I place my trust in Him, even if suffering is necessary. #protection #trust #Godisgood Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, July 22, 2020

Norma Gail - AuthorAbout the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

Two cover images

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Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army

Posted by on Jul 21, 2020 | 4 comments

Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army

We are surrounded by a great army if Jesus is our Savior, even though we live surrounded by enemies. Dangerous enemies threaten us wherever we go.

 

 

 

Surrounded by God’s Great and Powerful Army

2MefromHim Devotionals

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16

We are surrounded by a great army if Jesus is our Savior, even though enemies threaten on every side. Masks and distancing ourselves have become routine. Visiting downtown areas of cities isn’t safe. Crowds aren’t safe. Elected officials cave to the demands of a few. Dangerous enemies threaten us wherever we go.

Those who are with us are more than those who are with them... 2 Kings 6:16 #devotional #protection #Godisgood Share on X

Surrounded by a Great, Invisible Army

The prophet Elisha also lived in dangerous times. Israel faced armies and famines. Enemies were everywhere, and they hunted the prophet because God enabled him to guide Israel to victory. One morning, his servant awakened to an army surrounding the city. However, Elisha knew they were protected by an army invisible to human eyes. When he prayed, God opened his servant’s eyes to an amazing sight. 2 Kings 6:16-17 tells us, “Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire…”

As a child, our daughter was very afraid of the dark. I found a picture of a little girl in her bed guarded by an angel with a flaming sword. That image of God’s protection helped her overcome her fear.

Elisha knew they were protected by an army invisible to human eyes... #Bible #safety #COVID Share on X

Surrounded by God’s Protection

Normal life has changed. But God has not. Whether we are besieged by disease, protests, or changes to how we shop for groceries, He is still in control. Believers are surrounded by God’s armies and nothing can harm us until or unless God allows. News reports may seek to frighten us but our faith rests in the God who will not leave us unprotected.

How might our life be different if we could see evidence of God’s protection surrounding us? Dr. David Jeremiah said, “God’s man, in the center of God’s will, is immortal, until God is through using Him.” As believers, seeking God’s will, we will not die one moment before God’s predetermined time. He will either sustain us through or deliver us from every attack until our time on earth is over.

God will either sustain us through or deliver us from attack until our time on earth is over... #Godislove #safety #assurance Share on X

Trust in God’s Protection

Live each day to the fullest. Make wise adjustments to your plans according to the best information possible, taking the needs of you and your family into account. However, do not live in fear.

Open your eyes to the power and protection of our loving God. He will keep you safe until all His plans for you are accomplished.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Open your eyes to the power and protection of our loving God. #power #protection #Jesus Share on X

© Norma Gail Holtman, July 16, 2020

About the author:

Norma Gail - AuthorNorma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.

 

 

 

Two cover images

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