Resting Life Book: The Cover, Preorders, and Release Date!

Friends, a gorgeous cover for an encouraging Christian living non-fiction book is being revealed today! Resting Life: Jesus’ Rest for the Busy or Burdened Believer is an upcoming release by Erika Mathews.

mock-00209

But first, all the details.

RELEASE DATE: March 20, 2020! Mark your calendars!

…but you can skip the calendar part if you preorder the ebook on Amazon. You’ll automatically get the best price, and the book will appear right on your device bright and early on release day! (And Amazon is kind enough to notify you, so you can be among the very first to read the book if you wish!)

PREORDER HERE!

But do you actually want to preorder already? What is this new book about? Is it worth your time?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can your busy, stressful reality truly transform into the abundant, restful reality of the kingdom of God? The Bible says yes. Through rest in Christ, your life can be fulfilled, productive, peaceful, and free to give and receive love. But just what is Biblical rest, and how can it seamlessly fuse with your modern life? In Resting Life: Jesus’ Rest for the Busy or Burdened Believer, Bible teacher Erika Mathews addresses this question. Discover the unification of rest with practical daily life, relationships with others, spiritual warfare, ministry, witnessing, prayer, meditation, fruitfulness, and personal abiding. Through understanding and embracing God’s rest, you too will be uplifted, challenged, encouraged, and freed to live life as He intended—within Him.

Now go preorder. 🙂

But why preorder at all? Why not wait until the book is released? Besides the fact that you’ll automatically get the lowest price, and besides the fact that you won’t have to actually remember to order the book later, did you know that preorders stack up and count as sales on release day? Multiple preorders alert Amazon that this book is popular, and the more popular Amazon’s system sees the book is, the more people Amazon will suggest and show it to, and the higher it will rank in what people see. This means this book – and the message of this book – will be able to reach many more people. This is immensely helpful for visibility in the thousands of books for sale. So if you’d like the ebook, preordering is the way to go.

You don’t want the ebook?

There’s a place to preorder a paperback too!

You want to know more about the author first?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erika Mathews (square) - Copy-min

Erika Mathews is an author and editor who lives in the farm country of Minnesota with her husband and children. She’s a homeschool graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communications, a Master’s in Biblical Ministries, and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ and His truth. She wrote Resting Life out of meditations and prayers during her three years at Bible School. When she’s not working with books, she enjoys reading, outdoor activities, piano and violin, organizing, and using the Oxford comma. You can connect with Erika at restinglife.com.

Ready to preorder (Kindle) (Paperback) now?

Of course not. You came here for the cover…and so the cover you shall have.

ISN’T IT GORGEOUS?

Resting Life Front Cover 2.8.20

Design credit goes to Sarah Grace Grzy.

And enjoy the back cover, since back covers don’t often get as much love:

Resting Life Back Cover

*Applause! Cheering! Throwing of confetti! Cookies for all!*

*Deep sigh of contentment*

mock-00415

Thank you so much for attending this reveal party. Watch Erika’s Instagram this month for release celebrations, Bible studies based on Resting Life, and giveaways. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you today!

And now you can safely preorder. 🙂

(ebook) (paperback)

A Gorgeous Cover Is Coming! (HELP NEEDED!)

The book I’ve been working on for nearly eight years has a cover reveal date!

I can’t wait to share this gorgeous cover (AND the book will be available for preorder!) on February 18, and I’d like you to help with the excitement in spreading it all over the internet. Would you be willing to post the cover for Resting Life: Jesus’ Rest for the Busy or Burdened Believer on social media or your blog? More information here – click to sign up: https://forms.gle/yvrGfuEBbmg5ije98

THANK YOU! I can’t wait for you to have this book in your hands!

270 Christian Books for 99 cents or Free!

All books by Erika Mathews are on sale today through Monday! All ebooks are 99 cents or free!

If you enjoy fable retellings, Christian kingdom adventure fiction with a focus on deeply knowing God, or inspirational poetry to draw you nearer to Him, check these out.

mockupshots-JessicaMullen3255-mock-00524

Overrun By Your Love: ~~$2.99~~ $0.99!

Gather ‘Round the Fables: ~~$0.99~~ FREE!

mockupshots-JessicaMullen3253-mock-00570

Promise’s Prayer: ~~$2.99~~ $0.99!

This post contains affiliate links.

The paperbacks are also on sale this week! If you have a book-lover on your Christmas shopping list, check this out.

If you’d like something further to read or gift, a large number of indie-published authors have banded together to offer their books for free or 99 cents. I’ve read and loved a number of these, though I haven’t read them all. Check it out here.

When Singles and Couples Are One

Over the summer, I (Erika) had the privilege of reading an advance copy of a little book with a big message. If you’re a single person, this might be greatly encouraging to you; if you’re a married person who’s ever struggled with contentment or with relating to your single friends, this might be for you as well.

In this post, I’m introducing the book and the author, sharing my review of the book, and letting the author speak in her own words on the topic of the relationship between single and married friends. I’m also sharing her giveaway and her generous offer for free copies of her book.

Erika’s Review

This is a beautiful and realistic little story of a single woman’s life and struggles. Although singles will be able to relate to and find encouragement from this story, as a now-married woman, I also fully enjoyed this book. Contentment struggles definitely aren’t limited to singles, and the lessons Stephanie learned in this story are heart struggles of many.

I loved the atypical plot, the realistic up and downs of Stephanie’s life and heart, and her turning to God – not once, but over and over. This book well portrays a believer’s daily walk with God – contentment requires daily abiding. Professionally told and engagingly narrated, this is a story for women who are seeking God.

About the Release

Are you a single who has been in this singleness journey a little longer than you anticipated? This week is the release of Amanda Tero’s contemporary fiction novella Wedding Score. Main character Stephanie is there with you as she’s suddenly thrown into a season of
discontentment and impatience. Told in a whimsical, honest style, Wedding Score is a 1-2 hour short read that leaves readers feeling understood and hopeful.

About Wedding Score

Most girls dream of their wedding days. Except me. I’m too busy practicing piano and being the live soundtrack for everyone else’s weddings to think about my own.

I’ve survived most of my twenties with harmonious chords and pleasant days. So why is it that now, at twenty-seven, a discordant feeling presents itself?

Is there a solid solution to loneliness when there is absolutely no potential husband on the horizon?

A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN SHORT READ

Goodreads | Amazon | Signed paperback

In Amanda’s Own Words

Guest post from the author

While everyone around this table had been busy marrying and having kids, here I was, the oldest of the group, still single. I had kids all right—like fifty I saw each week. But I sent them home after a half hour lesson to pound out piano pieces away from me. It wasn’t the same as raising darlings like these sitting around the table.

Who remembers their late-teen/early-twenty years when there seemed a sudden boom of peers getting married… and then having kids? And wasn’t that such a weird thing? It’s when you and your friends stopped walking in the exact same season of life. Life for a single doesn’t usually change drastically, but once your single friend marries, she now has a husband and, for many of them, children. For so many of us, there is this awkward in-between season as we try to adjust to friends who are on a different path than us.

One of the lessons I’ve had to learn as a single is to appreciate friends who aren’t walking in the exact same season as I. In return, I have been blessed by so many of these friends! But then and again, I’ve also had those awkward moments when I’m stuck in a group of people with whom I really can’t identify. Much of this, I realize, was my fault; but some of it could have been helped by those who married before me. I could make an entire list of negative “please don’t do this to us singles,” but instead, I want to focus on the positive things I have found from my friendships with married people and how they have blessed me personally.

1) They don’t act like they’re on a “higher level” than I am, just because they’re married.

We’re all believers, walking the Christian life together. And we can share wisdom from the different paths we’re walking. They were once single, so they know some of the struggles we singles face. I’m not married, but I’m observant, and I have learned things from talking to older, wiser married couples, and can discuss matters that are relevant to married couples. It can really hurt to be viewed as a single who “doesn’t know anything about marriage” just because I haven’t experienced it (and likewise, I can also hurt married couples by pretending they “don’t know anything about being single” because they didn’t have to wait as long as I did). So a mutual respect between singles and married couples is a huge blessing.

2) They are interested in my life.

As a single, it can be difficult to only talk about marriage and raising kids (sometimes emotionally, but also because I can’t identify as closely with those subjects). So when a married couple discusses things that apply to my life and not just theirs, it means a lot to me. At the same time, I have also learned to talk about subjects that don’t apply to me—such as raising children (I kind of had that one easy, as I’m fifth of twelve children)—and how important it is to listen even if I have no clue what to say about a wife whose husband is going through a drastic job change.

3) They aren’t always matching me up.

Okay, okay, I had to add this one. My married siblings and friends totally tease about finding a guy for me or setting me up on a blind date, but I know they’re doing it in fun. Ultimately, they encourage me to stay content and wait on the Lord’s timing.

4) They aren’t afraid to live honestly.

I have observed two kinds of Christian couples: those who gush about how wonderful married life is and pretend that trials never happen, and those who are realistic in portraying that marriage is hard work and they don’t always get along with their spouse. Now, I realize there is a very fine line between living transparently and then women gossiping about and slandering their husbands. I do not condone the latter, but I have been very blessed by the couples who have been open about marriage not being perfect. Because of that, I feel that I have very realistic expectations of marriage—and yes, sometimes it helps me to appreciate the singleness season in which God has me. I know second-hand just how hard marriage can be and it isn’t something I want to just jump into without God leading me there!

5) We journey through life together.

There isn’t anything wrong with having a “singles only” game night or a “married couples” get-together… unless you never merge the two. I mean, take it from a single gal: married couples like to have just as much fun as us singles and just because they’re married doesn’t mean they’ve grown out of loving a good round of Taboo or Scattegories (refer back to point one, where I mentioned I’m observant ;)). I’m going to be openly honest and admit that some of the get-togethers I’ve been at would have been very dull if only singles had been invited. So, if you’re in a group that separates the two, totally merge them together!

I would love to hear thoughts from other married or single women—how have you been blessed by having a friend in a different season of life than you? What would you say to the single? What would you say to the married woman?

About Amanda

Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other
short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Connect with Amanda

amandaterobooks@gmail.com

Giveaway

Amanda is giving away paperbacks, yes…

But she really wants to share this story with as many readers as possible. So, for release week, she’ll be sending eBooks to anyone who wants one! So hop over and submit your email for a free eBook!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit Amanda’s blog for a complete list of bloggers and special tour information.

Book Reading Opportunity

Is your life too busy? Are you overwhelmed and burdened? Do you ever wonder if life in Christ really has to be this way? Six years ago, God gave me a non-fiction book on biblical rest – and today, YOU can read it!

If this sounds like a book God could encourage or challenge you with, I’m opening up applications for advance readers for this book. You’ll receive a digital pre-publication copy of the book in a week or two, and you’ll have until the end of the year to read it and give me your feedback and comments on the content. It’s about 47,000 words long.

🎉🎉🎉

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, click here: https://forms.gle/JpY9fZFfi13TARAr9

🎉🎉🎉

If you can’t be a beta reader but still want to help (or even if you can beta read it but want to give extra help!), I’d LOVE any quick thoughts on the title and blurb. Click here: https://forms.gle/jQFhccjNKEqmjexm9

💫💫💫

I can’t wait to witness how God uses this book to bring readers deeper into the glorious resting life within Him! 💙

Resting Life: Jesus’ Rest for the Busy or Burdened Believer

Status: in the midst of a final proofread and formatting. Cover design coming up next – then publication!

Currently 47,000 words long.

Forever With the Lord! (Now!)

At Home in Heaven

For Ever With the Lord

James Montgomery (1771–1854)

Tune: This is My Father’s World

Tempo: Fast, upbeat, joyful

“For ever with the Lord!”
—Amen; so let it be;
Life from the dead is in that word,
’Tis immortality.

Here in the body pent,
Absent from Him I roam;
Yet nightly pitch my moving tent
A day’s march nearer home.

My Father’s house on high,
Home of my soul, how near,
At times, to faith’s foreseeing eye,
Thy golden gates appear!

Ah! then my spirit faints
To reach the land I love,
The bright inheritance of saints,
Jerusalem above.

Yet clouds will intervene,
And all my prospect flies;
Like Noah’s dove, I flit between
Rough seas and stormy skies.

Anon the clouds dispart,
The winds and waters cease,
While sweetly o’er my gladden’d heart
Expands the bow of peace.

Beneath its glowing arch,
Along the hallow’d ground,
I see cherubic armies march,
A camp of fire around.

I hear at morn and even,
At noon and midnight hour,
The choral harmonies of heaven
Earth’s Babel-tongues o’erpower.

Then, then I feel that He,
(Remember’d or forgot,)
The Lord, is never far from me,
Though I perceive Him not.

Part II

In darkness as in light
Hidden alike from view,
I sleep, I wake within His sight
Who looks all nature through.

From the dim hour of birth,
Through every changing state
Of mortal pilgrimage on earth,
Till its appointed date;

All that I am, have been,
All that I yet may be,
He sees at once, as He hath seen
And shall for ever see.

How can I meet His eyes?
Mine on the cross I cast,
And own my life a Saviour’s prize,
Mercy from first to last.

“For ever with the Lord!”
—Father, if ’tis Thy will,
The promise of that faithful word,
Even here to me fulfil.

Be Thou at my right hand,
Then can I never fail;
Uphold Thou me, and I shall stand,
Fight, and I must prevail.

So when my latest breath
Shall rend the veil in twain,
By death I shall escape from death,
And life eternal gain.

Knowing as I am known,
How shall I love that word,
And oft repeat before the throne,
“For ever with the Lord!”

Then, though the soul enjoy
Communion high and sweet,
While worms this body must destroy,
Both shall in glory meet.

The trump of final doom
Will speak the self-same word,
And Heaven’s voice thunder through the tomb,
“For ever with the Lord!”

The tomb shall echo deep
That death-awakening sound;
The saints shall hear it in their sleep
And answer from the ground.

Then, upward as they fly,
That resurrection-word
Shall be their shout of victory,
“For ever with the Lord!”

The resurrection-word,
That shout of victory,
Once more,—“For ever with the Lord!”
Amen; so let it be.

All images sourced from Pinterest and credit belongs to the original artists.

Promising Prayer (or, Don’t Buy My Books Today)

Promise’s Prayer has been published for two years! This calls for a celebration, so as a gift to you this week, I’ve reduced to the ebook price to less than a dollar in case you’ve been interested in checking it out.

But I have something to share on the theme of Promise’s Prayer that’s far more important. If you can only help me on my writing journey in one way, don’t buy my books, review them, or even share them with others. Do this instead.

Introducing . . . Restful Readers!

This month I’ve been participating in #WIPJoy, a social media event where I post daily about my Work In Progress, responding to a specific prompt. I’ve been posting about Victory’s Voice, Book 2 in Truth from Taerna.

Yesterday’s prompt was quite difficult for me.

It isn’t that I don’t have supportive family. It isn’t that I don’t have awesome online writing friends and blog followers. I do. I could shout out to all of you. You truly add something to my life as an author. Some of you in particular have been extremely encouraging and supportive for various writing projects I’ve done as well as in my spiritual life. Thank you! I thank God for you.

It’s just that upon careful pondering, there really wasn’t anyone in particular who stood out as a reason I keep writing Victory’s Voice specifically.

Victory’s Voice is a unique book. It wasn’t supposed to be at all. After starting and scrapping at least four or five different plots and sets of characters, the entire month was a struggle just to get words on the page. Plot problems abounded. Since then, it’s been a mess of editing, re-classifying (it’s no longer fantasy, and none of my books will be fantasy, but that’s a post for another time), re-editing, and now re-plotting and rewriting. Plot elements don’t want to fall into place. The ending is elusive. It’s been three and a half years of hauling this wagon uphill by hand.

So . . . what does keep me going?

Wanting to publish future books in the series. Specifically, Sustainer’s Smile (Book 4), though Memory’s Mind (5) is also high on the list. I can’t wait to get Sustainer’s Smile out into the world, but first comes Victory’s Voice.
The importance of the message. The power of spoken words isn’t widely addressed in this culture, and it deserves to be known.
Most importantly, God. I believe this is a book He’s called me to write, and I will not let the enemy win.

That said, it’s still an uphill road.

A road that would be easier with a team to keep cheering me on. A team who loves my books. A team who periodically reminds me why I do this crazy thing called writing.

God created community, and God created fellowship.

And that’s what inspired me to finally take the plunge and create Restful Readers.

(Never mind that I intended to do so two years ago but was afraid no one would be interested. I’m still a bit afraid of that, to be honest, but I’m doing it anyway.)

Introducing . . .

Restful Readers!

My brand new author street team! I’m excited about this and can’t wait to connect there. There are several options for joining; you can join one or all! We’re headquartered in a closed Facebook group, we’ll chat in a private Google Hangouts group, and there’s an email list – plus I’ll add a Goodreads group if there’s enough reader interest.

Click Here to Join!

Restful Readers Is For You If:

You’ve enjoyed a book of mine and are willing to spread the word!

(Bonus if you’re looking forward to more books from me!)

What Restful Readers Get:

First Access to:
- Short stories, tie-in Taerna stories, devotionals, and more!
- ARCs (Advance Reader Copies – reading my books pre-publication)
- Beta reading
- Big news: titles, covers, ideas, and secret projects
- Sneak peeks! Excerpts and perhaps even whole chapters
- Sales, discounts, and free books
Bonus content: behind-the-scenes information, day-to-day glimpses of my writing process, freebies, and more
Exclusive contests
The opportunity to influence book content: vote on a poll, suggest a character name, and more!
Your name in print: shout-out in the acknowledgements section of my books (with your permission)
Your blog/social media supported and promoted on my channels (as you wish)
Fun, relaxing bookish chat!

What To Expect:

Periodically I’ll post “missions” for you to complete. I’ll let you know exactly what to do and what to expect, and I’ll make it as easy as possible for you to complete. I am motivated as an author by reader feedback. Supportive readers can push me through a few thousand more words!

I need both ongoing support and event support; that is, support leading up to and during a book release as well as ongoing support.

You can support my books any way you prefer, but here’s a few ideas to get you started. You’re free to do any of them at any time, and I’ll also periodically pick specific ones to highlight and simplify for you if you prefer to just follow along with me.

TALK TO ME. Ask me when the next book is coming out, say what you’re looking forward to, ask for writing updates, or just talk about my books in general. This motivates me to keep writing!
Leave reviews. Amazon. Goodreads. Your blog. Anywhere and everywhere. Extremely important for an indie author.
Sign up for my newsletter at restinglife.com
Word-of-mouth. This is the best way to help me get my books out there!
Like, comment on, and share my social media posts to help them reach more people.
Request that your library carry my book.
Beta read, or sign up for a blog tour or cover reveal.
Gift my books for Christmas, birthdays, or other occasions (buy directly from me).
Share your reviews. Tell other people why you liked my book.
Share others’ reviews or posts about my book.
Random shout-outs. Fangirl or fanboy over my books over the internet. Instagram my books.
Host me for an interview or guest post on your blog.
If you really love my books, get extra creative: post fan art, write fan fiction, make a YouTube review, have a Taerna-themed party, pester your bookstore to carry my books, read my book for a book club—the ideas are endless . . . basically make noise about the book!