J.E. Grace's Blog, page 32
April 27, 2022
Review of Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer
Historical Christian Romance
Description:After Catherine Reed’s husband dies in a tragic logging accident, Catherine and her four-year-old daughter, Clair, move home with Catherine’s mother and brother in order to accept a new position as the teacher for the town’s one-room schoolhouse. But Catherine carries a dark secret that she hasn’t even shared with her mother. Will she ever find forgiveness?
Samuel Harris has suffered his own loss, losing his wife and unborn child over a year prior. Although he is the town’s preacher, he struggles to trust God, blaming God for allowing him to be absent when his wife died. The guilt has burdened him ever since. But when his old flame Catherine Reed comes back to town, he wonders if they can find healing together.
Catherine believes that anyone who wants to learn should be allowed to learn, but she is quick to find a town divided on that issue. As she and Samuel set out to change people’s minds in a post-Civil War era, they find themselves drawn to each other over and over again. As they join together for the same cause, could they also find a second chance at happiness?
Purchase
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Greta Picklesimer is Michigan-born and raised by Kentucky-transplanted parents. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of five—a happy day in her memory. Besides writing, Greta spends time working on her art journal, painting with watercolors and oil pastels. She is owned by one rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue who was named after her father's favorite Bluegrass song. By day Greta works as an office assistant. By night, she writes.
MY REVIEW
Catherine Reed and her daughter return home after her husband is killed in an accident. Catherine applies for a teaching job and finds out that a childhood friend is head of the school board and also a minister.
Second Chance at Happiness has a lot of circumstances that both Catherine and Samuel have to work through. Their past keeps them from moving forward. The story is filled with faith, learning to trust again, second chances, and forgiveness.
The characters are well-developed and I admired Catherine's resolve to go on even when things seemed dismal. She fought for what she believed in. Samuel is a strong character but has flaws.
The setting for the story with an apple orchard made it come to life and the vivid descriptions made me feel as though I was there with them. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positivereview is not required. All opinions are my own.
April 16, 2022
Dial E for Endearment Blog Tour & Giveaway by Heidi Gray McGill
About the Book
Book: Dial E for Endearment
Author: Heidi Gray McGill
Genre: Sweet Christian Contemporary Romance
Release date: February 1, 2022
Everly Johnson is every man’s dream of the perfect date, even though none of her audience has met her. As host for the Choose Joy segment of JOY Radio in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, she receives countless gifts of flowers and candy on behalf of her admires, which she promptly donates to her mother’s assisted living facility. What Everly wants are words–heartfelt, meaningful endearments meant for her ears only. She wants a man who will open her eyes to everything she cannot see to make her feel more than just the voice behind the mic.
Cameron Boyd struggles to make eye contact with anyone, let alone say something coherent unless it is the one-way conversation he has each Friday with Everly Johnson. Date night for Cam involves sitting alone on his back porch overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains while he dreams of things to say if he were ever to call in to her show.
A chance meeting changes everything.
Will Cam be able to step out of his comfort zone and into the world he has only been able to envision in his mind? Will Everly trust this stranger with her life as well as her heart?
Tune into JOY Radio to find out!
Click here to get your copy!
My ReviewAnother good read from Heidi Gray McGill.
Everly Johnson, a host for Joy Radio, is listened to by many. Her identity is a secret.
The storyline is engaging, the characters relateable, and the situations real to life. It's a story of forgiveness, acceptance, love, and closure.
I enjoyed seeing Everly's Christian growth throughout the story. A glimpse of an impairment, but also a determination to be who God chose her to be. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntaily choose to review it.
About the Author
Heidi is an optimist who chooses to find the silver lining in life’s clouds of doubt. This plays out in her writing. Her ability to seamlessly weave scripture into the lives of her characters will uplift and encourage you, while her masterful storytelling will keep you turning page after page and wishing for more.
Heidi lives with her husband of thirty years near Charlotte, NC. When she isn’t writing, you will find her outside playing with her two grandsons, walking, scrapbooking, reading, cooking, traveling, or finding an excuse to have an outing with a girlfriend.
More from Heidi
Everly, the main character in Dial E for Endearment and I have something in common, but it may not be what you’d expect. As Blowing Rock, NC’s JOY Radio talk show host, Everly has discovered fulfillment, but she hasn’t found love, at least not for her—not even from her mother. In Dial E for Endearment, Everly wants words–heartfelt, meaningful endearments meant for her ears only. She wants a man who will open her eyes to everything she cannot see to make her feel more than just the voice behind the mic.
You may know me as an author, but did you know I am also the retired Director and Founder of an ESL program, regularly walk 12 plus miles a week, care for my grandsons, scrapbook, read voraciously, cook, and am legally blind? That last phrase was difficult for me to say out loud not that long ago.
Vision loss does not discriminate.
My diagnosis in 2001 of Retinitis Pigmentosa was devastating. There is no cure. There is no surgery. But that does not mean there is no hope.
I still have value.
Those who do not know me well often don’t realize I have low vision. As humans, we are amazingly adaptable, and I do a pretty good job covering up my disability. My friends have learned to watch out for me and alert me to potential pitfalls, some better than others, which is always good for a laugh. I use a cane when I’m navigating alone. I’ve traveled to China—that cane my only companion.
Being blind is certainly not something I would have chosen,
but it does not define me.
Join me on this fun adventure and see for yourself that God does not discriminate. You’ll laugh your way through mishaps–most of which may have happened to me at some point…although I’ll most likely deny if asked. But most of all, you’ll learn that we ALL have value, and that includes YOU.
February is Low Vision Awareness Month.
Blog StopsDebbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 8
I luv the books, April 8
Inklings and notions, April 9
For Him and My Family, April 10
Spoken from the Heart, April 10
Texas Book-aholic, April 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 12
deb’s Book Review, April 13
Simple Harvest Reads, April 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 14
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16
Miriam Jacob, April 16
Bizwings Blog, April 17
Blossoms and Blessings, April 18
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 19
She Lives To Read, April 19
Aryn the Libraryan, April 20
Splashes of Joy, April 21
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 21
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Heidi is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1c94d/dial-e-for-endearment-celebration-tour-giveaway
April 12, 2022
Peace in the Mountain Haven Blog Tour & Giveaway by Misty M. Beller
About the Book
Book: Peace in the Mountain Haven
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian historical romance
Release date: March 15, 2022
This epic journey is her best chance to find the family she and her daughter long for.
Watkuese is desperate to return across the Rocky Mountains before winter sets in. Time is running out for her to get her adopted daughter back to the familiar surroundings of the Shoshone village before the grief of her parents’ death causes irreparable damage.
Hugh Charpentier has spent his life watching over his siblings, which meant also ensuring his brother’s widow and babe are settled well into their new life. Now he’s asked to help shepherd a woman and child he barely knows across the mountains. As hard as it is to keep up with a six-year-old in the treacherous Rockies, it’s not nearly as dangerous as risking his heart to a woman and child who may not ever be his.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.
Click here to get your copy! $3, $15, $30
MY REVIEW
Hugh, a trapper, accompanies Walkuese and her daughter back to her camp, along with her brother Louis. Hugh struggling with his past is determined not to get close to anyone, but then he doesn't know the future. God has other plans.
The story is fraught with ongoing danger, adventure through the Rocky Mountains, and new relationship challenges. It's a heart-warming and inspirational read that had me in tears in some parts and in others gave me a warm feeling inside as I grew to feel for the characters.
A great setting, wonderful storyline, and another awesome addition to the series. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
More from Misty
What do you love most about this genre?
I tend to be a bit of a sentimentalist, so Historical Romance is perfect for me! My favorite period is between 1800 – 1880, when the west was still an extreme frontier. I love the simpler life, where there’s no rat race. Just hard work, plenty of alone time (can you tell I’m an introvert?), and a strong family unit.
Are readers always promised a “happily ever after” in your novels? Why or why not?
Absolutely! I read as an escape, so that happily ever after is important to me. I know my characters will face challenges after the story ends, but I want to finish the book knowing they’ve grown through the story and will be able to meet future struggles with God’s strength and the support of each other—as well as family and friends!
How can readers connect with you?
I love to connect with readers! One of my favorite ways is through my newsletter, and readers can get a free copy of my book, A Pony Express Romance, when they sign up for the newsletter. Here’s the link for that: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook
Blog StopsBabbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 8
Miriam Jacob, April 8
Texas Book-aholic, April 9
Inklings and notions, April 10
Mary Hake, April 10
For Him and My Family, April 11
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 12
deb’s Book Review, April 12
Betti Mace, April 13
Bizwings Blog, April 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 15
Connie’s History Classroom, April 16
For the Love of Literature, April 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 17
Splashes of Joy, April 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 18
Blossoms and Blessings, April 19
Pause for Tales, April 20
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 20
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1c94c/peace-in-the-mountain-haven-celebration-tour-giveaway
April 8, 2022
Strength in the Storm Blog Tour & Giveaway by Laurel Blount
About the Book
Author: Laurel Blount
Genre: Amish Romance
Release date: February 22, 2022
In this touching Amish romance, a brokenhearted woman and a steadfast man discover that the safest place to weather tragedy is in each other’s arms.
After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose.
Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again.
But while romance blooms, storm clouds gather. And when darkness falls, it will take all Sam’s strength—and all their love—to see them through.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes inspirational romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart! She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.
A enthusiastic multi-tasker, Laurel writes for both Berkley/Penguin Random House and Love Inspired/Harlequin. She’s the recipient of ACFW’s Carol Award, The New England Reader’s Choice Award and GRW’s Maggie Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.
Strength in the Storm is Laurel’s seventh book—and four more stories are in the works! Stay tuned!
More from Laurel
A word from Laurel:
Oh, I can’t wait for you to meet Emma and Sam—they’re one of my all-time favorite story couples! And what an intriguing combination they are: a gentle man known far and wide for his physical strength…and a heartbroken woman—his boyhood sweetheart—who’s his one and only weakness.
Don’t you just love a good second chance romance? I know I do! There’s something so satisfying about seeing a broken love story beautifully mended. Of course, it won’t be easy. Emma and Sam’s story is mixture of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears—lots and lots of bumps on the road for these two. But they’re about to discover that love and faith shine their brightest in life’s darkest moments—and that trouble only makes a hard-won “happily ever after” even sweeter!
MY REVIEW
Strength in the Storm is the best Amish fiction I've read this year. It is filled with sweet romance, drama, and suspense. A perfectly woven tale that will have you laughing one minute and in tears the next. Naomi is full of compassion, strong in her Amish roots, and is sincere and wise beyond her years. She presses on to help others in the midst of a family tragedy.
Sam, a man of principle, with strong Amish faith, and respect for the needs of others, only has eyes for Naomi and protects her no matter what. They both deal with one heartbreak after another and still try to ride out the storms with faith in God, believing that God works everything out exactly the way it should be.
The characters are strong, engaging, and well-developed; with strengths as well as weaknesses. In other words, they appeared real. The Amish way of life depicted in the story was interesting and held my interest from the start. A new series and one I will definitely continue with.
I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.
lakesidelivingsite, April 1
Bigreadersite, April 1
The Avid Reader, April 2
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3
Texas Book-aholic, April 4
SusanLovesBooks, April 5
Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Inklings and notions, April 6
Writing From the Heart Land, April 6
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 7
Remembrancy, April 7
deb’s Book Review, April 8
Miriam Jacob, April 8
Bizwings Blog, April 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 10
Mary Hake, April 10
Books I’ve Read, April 11
I luv the books, April 11
For Him and My Family, April 12
Maureen’s Musings, April 12
Connie’s History Classroom, April 13
Pause for Tales, April 13
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Laurel is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1c570/strength-in-the-storm-celebration-tour-giveaway
April 7, 2022
Death Valley Double Cross Blog Tour & Giveaway by Dana Mentink
About the Book
Book: Death Valley Double Cross
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational Suspense
Release date: February 22, 2022
A killer seeking revenge
will stop at nothing to get it…
Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison—and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe—and escape an assassin?
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
Desert Justice
Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at , on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink), and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
More from Dana
I remember standing on the edge of the lookout and gazing into the wonder that is Artist’s Palette in Death Valley. Artist’s Drive, which takes you to this breathtaking view, rises above Badwater Basin (the lowest spot in North America) and then meanders along twisting canyons and hills until it brings you to this popular tourist stop. The premier view is a place called Artist’s palette. It’s a sprawling pocket of color, hues of rose, ochre, green, and gold tucked in the rippling landscape and teased to life by the desert sun. Isn’t that just like God? To lead us to surprises and wonders that await us in a sometimes hostile world? Every day we spent in Death Valley held a surprise, from the rocks that move mysteriously across the sands to the towering twists and turns of 20 Mule Team Canyon. There are only two things to do with a wonderous place like that…enjoy the divine bounty, and write a novel set there so others can come along!
I hope you will enjoy this third installment in the Desert Justice series. The first is Beckett’s story and then we had quiet cowboy Levi’s adventure. Now it’s brash pilot Austin’s turn. Will he get his happy ending after being dumped at the altar and wrecking his shoulder in an accident? Turn those pages and come with me to Death Valley to find out!
My Review
Another great read from Dana. This one had me on the edge of my seat with non-stop suspense. Pilar an ex-girlfriend that left Austin at the alter, disappears and then suddenly appears in an unexpected meeting.
There are plenty of twists to keep you pondering about what would happen next. Austins, dogs were a wonderful addition to the story. Second chances, forgiveness, and faith in God make this a perfect read. Can't wait to read the next one.
I was given a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 29
Daysong Reflections, March 30
Texas Book-aholic, March 30
Lighthouse academy, March 31
Inklings and notions, March 31
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 1
Betti Mace, April 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 2
Pause for Tales, April 2
For Him and My Family, April 3
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 3 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, April 4
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 6
Life, Love, Writing, April 6
Bigreadersite, April 7
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 7
Bizwings Blog, April 8
For the Love of Literature, April 8
Blogging With Carol, April 9
HookMeInABook, April 9
Simple Harvest Reads, April 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Paula’s Persuasion, April 10
Blossoms and Blessings, April 11
Sodbuster Living, April 11
Labor Not in Vain, April 12
Through the fire blogs, April 12
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of the first three books in the series (Paperback for U.S. Only) and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1c112/death-valley-double-cross-celebration-tour-giveaway
Claiming Her Legacy Blog Tour & Giveaway by Linda Goodnight
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Claiming Her Legacy by Linda Goodnight, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Claiming Her Legacy Author: Linda Goodnight Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Trade Release Date: April 26, 2022 Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
With her family’s legacy on the line, a woman with everything to lose must rely on a man hiding from his past…
Oklahoma, 1890
Frontier women don’t ride off alone to track an outlaw—not even women as capable as tomboy spinster Willa Malone. But Willa desperately needs the bounty money offered for her father’s killer if she’s to keep their homestead and take care of her sisters. That means she needs an expert tracker's help. Gideon Hartley has the skill, but the handsome trail guide also has a troubling secret…
Gideon has spent years trying to numb his pain with whiskey. Little by little, their quest—and Willa’s belief in him—is restoring the sense of purpose he thought he’d lost. Journeying into the heart of danger, they’ll have to face down the past together if they hope to protect their future…
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Walmart | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub
MY REVIEW
Claiming Her Legacy is a wonderful story filled with redemption, justice, love, and healing. The characters of Willa & Gideon are portrayed by showing their strengths as well as their flaws. I enjoyed reading about their growth as the story unfolded. Willa is independent, and strong beyond what she should be, also very determined. Gideon, taken over by hatred, regret, and alcohol lives haunted by the past. Together, they bring out the best in each other.
The storyline is filled with adventure, peril, and times of great danger. Also, times of compassion. The story had me running all the emotions. A very well-written and inspirational God-filled story which I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestseller Linda Goodnight fell in love with words as a young child when her mother took her to a tiny library and let her fill a cardboard box with books. The next week she was back again, forever hooked on the beauty and power of the written word. Her other passions are her faith and her blended family. A former nurse and teacher, she lives in Oklahoma with her husband where she enjoys baking and travel. Connect with Linda at www.lindagoodnight.com
CONNECT WITH LINDA: Website | Facebook TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 5, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 12, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
April 5, 2022
Farm to Fork to Love Movie Review
Farm to Fork to Love is a drama romance starring Meggan Kaiser, Scot Cooper, Maurice Johnson, Forbes Riley, and Patty Lambert.
TRAILER
You can watch Farm to Fork to Love on Netflix, or Pureflix if you have a subscription or on Tubi for free! https://bit.ly/farmtoforktolovewatchnow
My Review
Farm to Fork to Love has witty, fun characters that play their parts well. It's a lighthearted, wholesome movie about two people who have similar interests and dreams but have delayed their true dream.
The movie's two main characters Alice and Christian graduated from culinary school together but haven't seen each other for years. They are both chosen as judges by Christian's aunt, who sponsors the cooking competition.
There are lots of funny parts, some unexpected events, and a second chance at love. Highly recommended. A movie you can watch over and over again, it was that good.
March 31, 2022
Light the Way Blog Tour & Giveaway by Lin Stepp
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Light the Way(The Lighthouse Sisters #1) By Lin Stepp
Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 292 PagesApril 1, 2022 by Mountain Hill Press
In this new coastal series, Lin Stepp transports her readers into the rich, colorful lives of Burke and her sisters, Lila, Gwen, and Celeste, who grew up at the Deveaux Inn and Lighthouse on a windswept island, accessible only by boat. Get ready to be introduced to the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, challenges and adventures of a Lighthouse Keeper.
Life had grown hard for Burke Deveaux at the family inn and lighthouse since her father died. She missed his warmth and still expected to see him walking into a room, his big laugh booming. Burke and her mother were gradually adjusting to the change, and Lila had come home this winter to help, but the workload was heavy. With spring coming and tourism picking up in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Burke welcomed Hal Jenkins’ request for his son Waylon to work for them. Waylon, retiring early from the Navy, knew the island and the lighthouse, having grown up nearby. Burke also knew Waylon well since they’d grown up together. He’d always been older, and she wondered how he’d see her now.
Waylon had been away from Edisto Island for over twelve years now, traveling around the world in the military, but it felt good to be home. He’d hated learning Lloyd Deveaux was gone, the warm-hearted Lighthouse Keeper he’d followed around as a boy. But he liked the idea of coming to stay at the lodge at Watch Island to help the Deveaux family with the inn, lighthouse, and nearly five-hundred acres of land the Lighthouse Station occupied. He knew Burke had picked up many of her father’s old tasks and he looked forward to seeing her again. He’d kept feelings for her clamped down for years but one look at her brought them surging back. How would he handle that with them working together?
(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER RICH SOUTHERN NOVELS:
“This book feels just as tranquil as Edisto and has a wonderful, laid back flow, like beautiful ocean waves lapping up on the shore … you can’t help but fall in love with every facet of this novel.” – Christ F. JUST READS Review
“From the stunning backdrop of the South Carolina Lowcountry … this book was like going home.” – Kim Standridge Boykin, Bestselling Author of Palmetto Moon
“Each book showcases Lin Stepp’s natural gift as a novelist for originality and narrative driven storytelling.” – MIDWEST REVIEW
MY REVIEW
Burke, takes over the duties as lighthouse keeper after the death of her father. Burke's mother continues to run the Lighthouse Inn with Burke's help. Her sisters, Lila, Gwen, and Celeste all have lives of their own, or at least they did.
Light the way is about family hardships, forgiveness, and coming together when times are hard. The characters, all so very different, but still united and willing to do what it takes to support each other, are a charming, witty, and loving group.
I loved the faith aspect of Lila in particular and her deep insight into the Lord and willingness to counsel her sisters in times of need. Burke, a strong and well-focused woman gave her all to anything she did.
Waylon was one of my favorites. He grew up with the Deveaux sisters but had an extra fondness for Burke. Their sweet romance woven into the story was beautiful and heartwarming.
The addition of great descriptions of the setting and a suspenseful event made the story perfect. It's my first read from this author but it won't be my last. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
About the Author
Lin Stepp is a native Tennessean, businesswoman and educator. A New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon best-selling international author, Lin has twenty published novels out now, including her twelve beloved Smoky Mountain novels, all set in different Tennessee and North Carolina locations, three Mountain Home books, a novella in one of Kensington’s Christmas anthologies, and four South Carolina coastal novels, including her three Edisto Trilogy books and her first release in the new Lighthouse Sisters series. Lin and her husband J.L. also write regional guidebooks, including a published Smoky Mountain hiking guide and a TN and a SC state parks guidebook, all filled with hundreds of color photos. Stepp’s latest 2022 releases are Eight at the Lake, set in Dandridge near the Smoky Mountains, and Light the Way, set at the SC coast. Writing and adventuring are her joys and more novels set in the Smokies and at the beach are on the way, as well as more colorful regional guidebooks. Lin’s title Claire At Edisto was the 2019 Best Book Award Winner in Fiction: Romance, sponsored by American Book Fest and her novel Welcome Back a finalist in the 2017 Selah Awards. Lin enjoys speaking for events, festivals, libraries, and book clubs. And she loves reading, hiking, exploring out of doors, and keeping up with her readers. Look for her pages on Facebook and Twitter and follow her monthly blog and newsletter, too, that you will find on her website at: www.linstepp.com
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
Tour Schedule
Tour Giveaway
One winner will receive print copies of Light the Way, Claire at Edisto, Return to Edisto, and Edisto Song by Lin Stepp, and bookmarks (US only)
Ends April 6, 2022
ENTER HERE
March 29, 2022
Audio Blog Blitz-Laurel's Dream by Pepper Basham
Welcome to the audiobook Blog Blitz for Laurel's Dream by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Laurel's Dream Series: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge #1 Author: Pepper Basham Narrator: Catherine Gaffney Publisher: Woven Words Release Date: January 13, 2022 Genre: Christian, Historical Romance Dreams are precious commodities in the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918, and Laurel McAdams is attempting to make hers come true. But sometimes, life in the mountains has a way of squandering dreams. As she attempts to avoid matrimony, she is secretly saving for her future with the sole purpose of becoming a teacher and bringing consistent education back to her people.
Having failed his British father again by being unable to fight in the Great War, Jonathan Taylor joins his uncle's missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse in Appalachia, but nothing prepares him for the rugged wilderness, narrow-minded natives, and...Laurel McAdams. Her joy and friendship prove a guiding light in the middle of his new responsibilities and tempt his timid heart toward a future he never expected.
But when Jonathan's teaching methods lead to dangerous outcomes and Laurel's dream is threatened by an unexpected choice, will these two learn how to find hope and maybe even love beyond the heartache? Can Jonathan and Laurel create a new dream from the shattered pieces of the old ones or will bitterness and brokenness keep them apart?
Laurel's Dream was originally published by Barbour Publishing as My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream in January 2019
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
COMING SOON ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her newest novel is The Mistletoe Countess, a historical romantic romp with a dash of mystery and a bunch of humor too. You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com.
CONNECT WITH PEPPER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive a Laurel's Dream audiobook download code and print copy plus a Mountain Air candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 29, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
March 24, 2022
Break Every Chain by Steph Carse- View and Share!
Break Every Chain is a powerful and emotional video. It reminded me that almost everyone either knows someone who has an addiction or possibly even experienced it with a family member.
It is heartbreaking to think of how many people are plagued with addictions of many kinds. What comes to mind first is alcohol and drugs. Many people die every year from drug overdoses.
What this video instilled in me as the dominant message was, "We are not alone." There is help out there and a way to overcome addiction once and for all. Through the love of Jesus Christ.
My hope is that each one of you that visit my blog will watch the video and share it with those you know. By spreading the message, we can be helping someone.
Thanks for viewing. God bless.Julie


