J.E. Grace's Blog, page 41

Soon the Dawn Blog Tour and Giveaway by Linda Brooks Davis

 

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Soon the Dawn

Author: Linda Brooks Davis

Genre: Historical  fiction

Release Date: February 9, 2020

Ella thought becoming a mother to five daughters a month after marriage would be difficult.  Sixteen years later, letting go is even harder.  What should be a joyous time of Amaryllis spreading her wings as she graduates from the College of Industrial Arts… isn’t.

Ella fears that Amaryllis will lose a grip on her faith, her upbringing, and the goals Ella believes she should have.  Will Ella’s mother-in-law’s high society friends puff up the girl until Amaryllis loses sight of what’s important?  If Amaryllis stays away, can Ella trust that the Lord will keep the girl safe? Can she trust Him with her daughter’s well-being period?

Of course, she can!  But will she?

When everything begins to crumble around her, Ella must decide where she will place her trust—in her own capable hands or in the Lord’s sovereign ones.

 

Click here to get your copy!
My ReviewSoon the Dawn is an inspirational story set in 1906, Neeham, Indian Territory. Andrew and Ella only married a month, are asked to adopt five young children. They agree to the undertaking and the story is of their struggles, joy, and growth over many years.

As I read the book it brought forth many emotions. Ella's strength through hardships is inspiring and Andrew's love of God and family showed great love and strength. I could see how they questioned their faith in God during times of grief, but with encouragement from God's word, it became stronger.

I really enjoyed taking the journey with the family and the author's wonderfully descriptive writing style gave insight into their family life.
I received a copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Linda’s debut novel, Amazon best-selling The Calling of Ella McFarland, Book One in the Women of Rock Creek series, is set in 1905 Indian Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood. It won Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel in 2014 and subsequently, ACFW’s Carol award for debut novel 2016. 

The sequel novella, A Christmas to Remember, is set in 1908 Oklahoma. A second novella, A Christmas Measure of Love, is set in 1910 and is the prequel to Linda’s second full-length novel, which is set in 1914, Amazon best-selling The Mending of Lillian Cathleen, Book Two. 

The third novella, A Christmas Tale for Little Women, releases in 2020 and is set in 1912. It is a prequel to Book 3 in The Women of Rock Creek series, The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, which is set in 1918.

Linda and her beloved husband Al worship and minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio and dote on six grandchildren. Readers may contact Linda through her website, www.lindabrooksdavis.com.

 

More from Linda

When the Backstory Is Tragic

Family lore abounds in my family tree, much of it tragic. There’s the Boyd Irish crystal heiress who forsook her heritage for love in 1747 colonial America. The Billingsley American patriot hanged in his front yard by Tories in 1776. The Brooks great-grandfather who lost his three brothers in the Civil War and its aftermath. And the De Graffenried Swiss baron who brought a group from Switzerland to establish New Bern, North Carolina in 1711 and was captured by Indians.

  Among the most tragic stories is how my grandmother, Ella Pyle Banks, buried 5 daughters and 2 husbands. Mama Ella and Papa Tribble’s story has waited years to be told. Part of it is the inspiration for my latest novella release, Soon the Dawn.

  Ella Jane Pyle met William Tribble Banks in Indian Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood. They married in Elmore City in 1904 and welcomed seven girls over the next 18 years. Papa Tribble, a kind and sensitive one-armed man, farmed. And Mama Ella, known for her salt-of-the-earth character and neighborliness, was the one folks called on to tend their sick and prepare their loved ones’ bodies for burial. She possessed a will of iron, but her voice was whisper soft. I love the story about how Papa tried to kiss her while they were courting, and she responded with a slap. “No kiss from me until you’ve proposed.”

  When I decided to write for publication, I knew I would create stories based on my family’s experiences. There are transatlantic stowaways, rejection by Quaker brethren, the murder of a groom at his wedding reception, prisoners of war, deaths by lightning, fortunes won and lost, and more disease and death than I can imagine. With such drama hanging on the various branches, how could I not include these stories?

  What’s an author to do with such tragedy?

  Tragedy and loss are integral parts of life on fallen Earth, but triumph invariably attends each loss. Wellness follows the disease. Light peeks through the darkness. Blessings attend tragedies. And life follows death. It’s the space between the two that intrigues me as a storyteller.

My task, then, in creating a story inspired by Papa Tribble and Mama Ella’s experiences was to find the colorful strands among the black, the shining light amid the darkness, and the blessings tucked into the folds of the woe.

Soon the Dawn contains dark and light strands and many colors between. But it’s the stitching—Jesus—who binds the strands together. He turns an ordinary morning into a hint of the “Sweet By & By.” As the delicate aroma of the Rose of Sharon, He scents the sultry stillness before a summer storm. And He wraps the bitterness of grief and failure in the richness of His incomparable grace.

I offer Soon the Dawn to Jesus as a tale that reaches beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary because of His grace.

                               Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 23

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 23

Texas Book-aholic, February 24

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 25 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Rebecca Tews, February 25

Inklings and notions, February 26

Betti Mace, February 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 27

For Him and My Family, February 28

Connie’s History Classroom, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 1

deb’s Book Review, March 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 3

Artistic Nobody, March 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 4

She Lives To Read, March 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Pause for Tales, March 7

CarpeDiem, March 7

                                Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a handmade 8×12 wooden cross suitable for shelf or hanging with the winner’s personalized engraving on the back!!

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/1086b/soon-the-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Enter to Win a King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition

 

Bible Description:

Standing apart from all other KJV study Bibles on the market, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is the only Bible featuring extensive commentary, doctrinal notes, archaeological insights, and time-tested study aids developed exclusively for the King James Version. Now available with stunning full-color designs, Holy Land images, classic works of art, charts, and maps, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition guides you through the vivid beauty and authority of God’s Word as you grow in your biblical knowledge.

For over a quarter of a century, Thomas Nelson has earned the trust of millions with the best-selling King James Study Bible, offering the standard of conservative KJV scholarship. Our tradition and commitment to KJV study continue with the release of the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition.

Features include:

Beautiful full-color throughoutEasy-to-read 10-pt type large print5,700 authoritative and study notesCenter-column references with translation notesHundreds of color maps and chartsOver 100 archaeological notesOver 100 personality profilesOver 200 notes on Christian doctrinesEasy-to-navigate topical indexesBook introductions and outlinesWord-study concordanceTime-honored KJV Bible text

Learn more and purchase the Bible here:  https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/kjv-study-bible/ 

Enter the Giveaway

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/king-study-james-bible-giveaway.html

                                    

MY REVIEW

A very nice looking leather-bound two-color KJV Edition Study Bible with large print.  There are built-in tab inserts with abbreviated books of the Bible on them. 

The references for scripture is very well written and extensive. The adjoining photographs add extra interest.

This is the best study Bible I've found so far. Highly Recommended.

Blog & Social Blitz for the French Twist series by Sanda Byrd

 

 

Welcome to the Blog + Social Blitz for the French Twist series by Sandra Byrd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Download and devour this delicious series, lashed with romance and fun, and then spiced with a lightly Christian world view. Bon Appétit!

Title: Let Them Eat Cake
Series: French Twist #1
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Quaystrokes
Release Date: 2012
Genre: ChickLit

What do you do when you've got a degree in French and absolutely no job prospects? You slide into your favorite French bakery, of course! When a lighthearted conversation with the manager of the local patisserie turns into a job offer, Lexi Stuart gladly accepts.

She indulges in tasty pastries and wins over skeptical coworkers, but the actual glamour is minimal and the pay less than generous. Trouble by the handful is stirred into her life as she juggles the flirtatious baker she has her eye on and a handsome young executive who likes Lexi even more than her Napoleons. As she folds together dilemma and delight, Lexi learns that it's not satisfying to try to fulfill everyone else's expectations. Instead, she embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and God with her future.

February 11-15 Let Them Eat Cake Kindle edition is FREE  

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

Title: Bon Appetit
Series: French Twist #2
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Quaystrokes
Release Date: August 25, 2016
Genre: ChickLit

Lexi Stuart is risking it all. Saying au revoir to the security of home, her job, and could-be boyfriend, Lexi embarks on a culinary adventure in France to fulfill her life dream of becoming a pastry chef. Life in her new quaint French village should be everything she dreamed of, but settling in isn’t nearly as easy as she imagined. Her optimism is greeted with both acceptance and resistance in the people and culture around her—soft and crusty at the same time— like the very best baguettes. Determined to gain her footing, she finds a church, meets new friends, and makes the acquaintance of a child named Celine - as well as Celine's attractive, widowed father. As Lexi lives her dream, she realizes she can have anything from life's patisserie display window, but not everything. How will she choose?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

Title: Piece de Resistance
Series: French Twist #3
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Quaystrokes
Release Date: August 25, 2016
Genre: ChickLit

Having earned her chef's hat, Lexi Stuart bids au revoir to her glamorous and deliciously satisfying pastry mentorship to find life unexpectedly complicated.

She's put in charge of a high-end catering bakery, but there's a catch: she has to make this lavish bakery into a successful business in just a few, short months. In over her head and at a loss for creative marketing ideas, Lexi can't compose the perfect recipe for success. Stir in a complicated relationship with her French beau, then add a dash of romance with her down-to-earth lawyer, and life suddenly contains more ooh la la than Lexi can handle. With the fate of her career and her love life hanging by a thread, the phrase "piece of cake" has never been more daunting. Lexi finally trusts the dreams in her heart to the God who put them there.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling author Sandra Byrd has authored more than fifty books, and her fiction has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice award, two Christy Award nominations, Two Library Journal Best Book selections, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for kids, tweens, and teens, and devotionals, including the bestselling The One Year Be-Tween You and God Devotions for Girls. She continued her work as a devotionalist with The One Year Home and Garden Devotions and The One Year Experiencing God’s Love Devotional, which was named by Called Magazine, the #1 magazine for Christian Women, as among their favorite, must-read books. 
Sandra loves walking, the beach, cooking and baking, photography, watching Escape to the Country, Fake or Fortune, and Chef’s Table, as well as spending time with family and friends. 
CONNECT WITH SANDRA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $75 e-gift card to MarieBelle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway began at midnight February 11, 2021, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 18, 2021. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Dressmaker's Secret Blog Tour & Giveaway by Kellyn Roth

 

 

About the Book

Book:   The Dressmaker’s Secret

Author: Kellyn Roth

Genre: Christian historical women’s fiction

IF THEY KNEW WHO SHE WAS, THEY’D NEVER ACCEPT WHAT SHE’S BECOME.

Claire will stop at nothing to provide for her daughters. An unwed mother, she does everything possible to raise them whilst avoiding her scandalous past. Some secrets are best kept, even between mother and daughter. Alice longs for a father, especially if that means her mother will be happy. She takes matters into her own hands—but she never expected what she finds.

Despite her efforts to shelter her daughters, Claire’s ghosts rise up to haunt her, and any semblance of control over her life vanishes. If her secrets are uncovered, what will become of her family?

 

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEWThe Dressmaker's Secret is a very emotional read that tugged at my heart. Claire's struggle to keep her two children safe and earn a living on her own is highly commendable. Her faith in God, however, was a daily struggle. She felt as though she wasn't worthy.

Claire's maid, Nettie, is a loving woman who cared as much about Claire's children as she does. Nettie's faith is strong and she shares her knowledge of the Lord with Claire every chance she gets.

The story is full of struggles, grief, redemption, and forgiveness. I loved all the characters in the story and the twist at the end I wasn't expecting. Inspiring and uplifting filled with hope.

I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. About the Author

Kellyn Roth is a Christian historical women’s fiction & romance author from North-Eastern Oregon who has independently published multiple novels, the most notable being The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy series. You should definitely call her Kell.

Kell lives on family-owned property outside an unmemorable but historical town with her parents, two little brothers, arbitrary cat, precious border collies, a dozen cows, and lots of chickens. She also possesses a classic, vintage aesthetic which does not at all speak to her country girl side, but such is life.

When not writing, Kell likes to blog, teach writing to her various students, have day jobs which allow her to keep her car properly insured, and spend lavish amounts of money on Dairy Queen french fries.

 

More from KellynI’ve honestly never rewritten a book as many times as I rewrote The Dressmaker’s Secret, and I hope I never do. A first draft flew out of me one November when I was fourteen, and before the next November had come around, I’d gone through twelve drafts, changed points of view multiple times, and eventually rewrote the whole thing from scratch. The ending especially went through many, many versions … until at last I settled on the final. Or so I thought. Not long after, some more issues were called to light, and I revised again. And again. Years passed. I went through over twenty-five drafts! And, at the time, I liked all of them. Would I ever like one for longer than a month, though? Well, turns out, it was possible! I’m over a year and a half into loving my draft of The Dressmaker’s Secret – e.g. the published draft – and that’s not likely to change any time soon. This book taught me a lot. It practically taught me how to write – and edit! – a good book, and it made me really focus in on quality, even when it took some humility to admit I was wrong and critics were right – or, sometimes, that my gut was right. It taught me to not give up on something I love. It taught me that the risks I always wanted to take are worth taking. It taught me that no mistake is too great to be corrected … well, in some ways, at least. And it taught me that there’s a great God out there who has grace for all my delays and mistakes and learning experiences. So, that’s the story of how The Dressmaker’s Secret came to be written!

                                 Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 27

Splashes of Joy, January 27

Remembrancy, January 28

Genesis 5020, January 28

Worthy2Read, January 29

Vicky Sluiter, January 29

Maureen’s Musings, January 29

The Write Escape, January 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 30

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

A Novel Pursuit, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

CarpeDiem, February 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2

Inklings and notions, February 3

lakesidelivingsite, February 3

Betti Mace, February 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 5

Connect in Fiction, February 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 6

Connie’s History Classroom, February 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7

Godly Book Reviews, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 7

Artistic Nobody, February 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Blogging With Carol, February 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Sodbuster Living, February 9

Bizwings Blog, February 9

                                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kellyn is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of both The Dressmaker’s Secret and Ivy Introspective, as well as a $25 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/10689/the-dressmaker-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

Endless Mercy Blog Tour & Giveaway by Tracie Peterson & Kimberly Woodhouse

 

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Endless Mercy

Author: Tracie Peterson, Kimberly Woodhouse

Genre: Christian historical romance

Madysen Powell has always been a forgiving person, but when her supposedly dead father shows up in Nome, Alaska, her gift for forgiveness is tested. With the recent loss of her mother, she searches for answers, leaning on Granny Beaufort, a neighbor in town, who listens with a kind heart. Still, Madysen is restless and dreams of performing her music around the world. The arrival of a traveling show could prove just the chance she needs, and the manager promises more than she ever dreamed.

Daniel Beaufort arrives in Nome, searching for his own answers after the gold rush leaves him with only empty pockets. Still angry about the death of his loved ones, he longs to start fresh but doesn’t have high hopes until he ends up helping at the Powell dairy making cheese. Drawn to the beautiful redhead with big dreams, will deceptions from the past tear apart any hope for the future?

 

Click here to get your copy!
My Review
An unexpected farming family struggles with heartbreak from the past. Unable to forgive the hurt, they carry lots of pain with them. When a father supposedly dead returns with two children, can Madysen forgive the hurt he's caused?

The story paints a picture of hurt, pain, and betrayal. Only God's forgiveness can turn the family's life around and give them peace. The characters are engaging and the Powell family daughters are courageous, loving, and try hard to keep their faith and encourage each other.

The story is heart-wrenching in parts and very emotional. Keep the tissues handy.

Lovely inspirational and uplifting story about family, redemption, and love.
I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
About the Authors

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than fifteen fiction and nonfiction books. A popular speaker and teacher, she’s shared her theme of “Joy Through Trials” with more than half a million people across the country at more than 2,000 events. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-five-plus years have two adult children. She’s passionate about music and Bible study and loves the gift of story.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Kim

It’s so exciting for book two in our Treasures of Nome series, Endless Mercy, to be heading out into the world! Tracie and I are so thrilled to bring you another story set in Nome, Alaska. And isn’t that cover gorgeous? Bethany House does such an amazing job with our books, it is an absolute joy to get to work with them.

In book one, Forever Hidden , we are introduced to three sisters and their family (and farm) in Nome. Forever Hidden is Havyn’s story. And did I mention there are chickens? Check out my blog for some interesting pictures and stories about how these chicken stories came to be…

Book two, Endless Mercy, is Madysen’s story. Madysen is the youngest sibling, and in our story, she’s a talented cello player. Oh, and there are some sheep, who just might help get her into mischief. (Are you seeing a pattern here?)

Book three will release January 2022 and will finish out the Powell girls’ stories with the eldest, Whitney.

This series is very near and dear to us because the Powell sisters in the books are actually named after three beautiful girls we adore. They were music students of mine in Colorado and when Tracie and I had a book signing for In the Shadow of Denali, the red-headed, musical sisters all came. Tracie made the comment that someone should write a book about them…so of course…we did!

I wish you could hear the girls play and sing in real life. They are such talented musicians, and I love them dearly. Huge thanks go to Monica and Merle Powell for allowing us to take their three girls and make fictional characters out of them.

Here’s a picture of Monica with me and Tracie at a book signing years ago. And then of course, I had to put in a picture of the real Powell girls.

We’d love for you to join us for The Treasures of Nome. Enjoy the blog tour!

                                                             Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, January 25

Connie’s History Classroom, January 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26

Breny and Books, January 26

Christian Bookaholic, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

Splashes of Joy, January 28

Batya’s Bits, January 28

She Lives to Read, January 29

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 29

Remembrancy, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 31

deb’s Book Review, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

For Him and My Family, February 1

Bigreadersite, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Inspiration Clothesline, February 2

Artistic Nobody, February 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Empowermoms, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 4

Vicky Sluiter, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

The Avid Reader, February 6

Hallie Reads, February 6

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 7

Pause for Tales, February 7

Bizwings Blog, February 7

                              Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Kimberley and Tracie are giving away the grand prize package of Forever Hidden, Endless Mercy, and this candle!! (https://etsy.me/2JvrO0a)

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/10686/endless-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Blitz & Giveaway- Catching Mr. Right by Carol Ross

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Catching Mr. Right (Seasons of Alaska #7) By Carol RossContemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 230 PagesFebruary 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming
They can’t both win…
Can they?

Louisiana angler Victoria Thibodeaux needs the spokesperson contract with Romeo Reels to keep her business going and give her daughter a better life. But her hard-won confidence sinks to the bottom of the bayou when her rival, Alaskan fisherman Seth James, arrives. With his smooth-talking charm, handsome Seth could steal both her job and her heart, unless secrets from her past catch up with her first…

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Seasons of Alaska
Book 1: Mountains Apart
Book 2: A Case for Forgiveness
Book 3: If Not for a Bee
Book 4: A Family Like Hannah’s
Book 5: Bachelor Remedy
Book 6: In the Doctor’s Arms
Book 7: Catching Mr. Right

(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | Book Depository | B&N | Harlequin Target | Walmart | BAM | IndieBound | Apple Books | GooglePlay | Kobo
Excerpt

SHE WAS WEARING the necklace.

Seth felt relief and affection mix in this odd way inside of him, like a chemical reaction bubbling over and making him want to laugh. But he didn’t. He’d never want Victoria to think he was laughing at her. Because he wasn’t. It was pure relief. And joy, because he couldn’t help but fixate briefly on the looking forward to things she’d listed. Like their first pizza, first date, first kiss...

Nodding slowly, he tried to process all this information. Good news, mostly. If he hadn’t talked to Henry, he might never have ended up here tonight. He owed Henry huge.

But first, he and Vic needed to clarify a few things. “That is very thoughtful of you,” he said carefully.

“I’m glad you understand.” She gave him a weak smile. “I have a lot of baggage, and that’s not fair to you to have to pack it around with me. It’s better this way. You need to focus on putting on the best performance you can.”

“Hmm. So, if you were to talk to me about all of this, would that somehow take away from you turning in your best performance?”

“No, of course not. The opposite, I think. At least, that’s how I felt...before. In fact, I couldn’t wait for you to get here.”

“Before what?” he asked, liking that last part an awful lot.

“Before I talked to my ex. I was already struggling with feeling overwhelmed and insecure about the show. And then he tells me this thing and, boom, it was like being slingshotted backward to our past. There’s a lot there, Seth. Things I can’t talk about. And now he wants to use Scarlett to help him get what he wants, just like he used me, like he uses everyone. And I can’t be there for Scarlett right now. The timing is so terrible that I would accuse him of doing it on purpose to sabotage me if I thought he was that clever.”

“I see. Well, I still think I should get to decide whether listening to my girlfriend’s problems, supporting her, maybe offering to help or at least provide some comfort, would affect me and my performance.”

“Girlfriend?” she repeated, her expression softening, her body visibly relaxing.

He shrugged. “You put the necklace back on. That suggests to me that you still have feelings for me, right?”

Tears were shining in her eyes. “Seth, I have all the feelings. In fact, I might have too many feelings. The reason I took it off was because I wanted to follow the rules we established and keep everything separate. But I don’t think I can do that, which is why I told you that we should just focus on our Romeo Reels time. When this is over, maybe we can... Try again.”

“Try again? Is that what you want? Or is that what you think is best for me?”

“Best for you,” she answered immediately. “Because, Seth, look at me, I am a hot mess. That’s not an easy thing for me to admit. I pride myself on always being prepared. Composed. But today was like a perfect storm of everything going wrong, and I... It’s been a struggle, a struggle that I don’t want to drag you into.”

“If that’s all that’s going on, then no.”

“No?”

“I don’t like this plan. I should get a say in this, too. And I want to try still. Not again. I want to be with you whenever I can. I don’t care if it’s five minutes in the evenings, or seventeen seconds in the morning, or touching your hand under the table, or passing you in the hall where I can just look my fill, or texting and calling if that’s truly all we have time for. But I want to know that you’re mine. Because I want to be yours, Victoria. Whatever that means right now. When I said that to you about keeping the time separate, I didn’t know I was going to fall for you as hard as I have. Or that our schedule would be quite so packed.”

“Oh.”

“We can carve out space for some of the things you were looking forward to. We just need to plan, yet also be spontaneous. Take advantage of opportunities that arise.”

She nodded, looking relieved and agreeable and so beautiful that he could not wait any longer to touch her.

“Like our first kiss, for example. Maybe now would be the perfect moment to cross that off your list.”

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)
About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
Website  |  Goodreads  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  BookBub
Blitz Giveaway


One winner will receive an ebook of Catching Mr. Right and a $30 Amazon eGift CardTwo additional winners will receive an ebook of Catching Mr. Right

Open internationallyEnds February 5, 2021

ENTER HERE

Cold Case Pursuit Blog Tour & Giveaway by Dana Mentink

About the Book

 

Book:   Cold Case Pursuit

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

A cold case solved by the K-9 unit…

but the past is not so easily escaped.

Decades after her parents’ murders, Penelope McGregor’s grateful the killer’s finally been identified—until he comes after her. Now Detective Tyler Walker and his K-9 partner, Dusty, must protect Penelope and catch the culprit…while making sure his little girl stays out of the crosshairs. But can the single father outplay a killer whose endgame will leave no one safe?

 

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEWI loved the suspense and various twists of the story. Penny was a loving character in spite of her issues with the death of her parents. Her brother, Bradley, a member of the Brooklyn K-9 Unit is very protective of her. Bradley, along with the rest of his unit is hunting their parent's killer who is determined to kill Bradly and Penny.

The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. The Christian inspiration weaved throughout warmed my heart. I was amazed by the strength and courage of Penny. She always put her needs last.

The ending was wonderful. A highly suspenseful story steeped in faith, love, and learning to trust.

I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Poisoned Pen Press, and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself puttering around her Northern California backyard. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at , on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

I love book covers with adorable children on them, don’t you? There’s something so angelic about those wee folks on the covers. I have two bear cubs myself, young adults now, and I love them devotedly. Tell you what though. Sometimes, just occasionally mind you, they were a wee bit naughty. Don’t tell anyone, but one reason I enjoyed writing Cold Case Pursuit so much is that hero Tyler is the single dad of a little girl named Rain who is….er…a handful. Sure, she’s adorable, but she’s prone to disobedience and the occasional tendency to flush things down the toilet. So in addition to the edge of your seat pursuit of a murderous clown killer, there are the shenanigans of a precocious preschooler, a highly trained yet distractible police K-9, and a romance that doesn’t exactly run smoothly. Fun to write? You betcha! I hope you enjoy coming along with me on this True Blue adventure!

                               Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 19

KarenSueHadley, January 19

Bigreadersite, January 19

Through the Fire Blogs, January 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 20

Remembrancy, January 21

Genesis 5020, January 21

By The Book, January 21

For the Love of Literature, January 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23

Blogging With Carol, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 24

Fiction Book Lover, January 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Batya’s Bits, January 24

Betti Mace, January 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 25

Labor Not in Vain, January 25

Hebrews 12 Endurance, January 26

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 27

Lighthouse-Academy, January 27

Older & Smarter?, January 27

Artistic Nobody, January 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Splashes of Joy, January 28

Mary Hake, January 28

For Him and My Family, January 29

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, January 29

deb’s Book Review, January 30

Hallie Reads, January 30

To Everything There Is A Season, January 30

She Lives To Read, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 1

Daysong Reflections, February 1

Bizwings Blog, February 1

                                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a $50 Amazon gift card and a tote bag!!

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/105ab/cold-case-pursuit-celebration-tour-giveaway

Faith's Mountain Home Blog Tour & Giveaway by Misty M. Beller

 

About the Book

Book:   Faith’s Mountain Home

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian historical romance

Nate Long has always watched over his identical twin brother, Aaron, even when it put him on the wrong side of the law. When Aaron is wounded in a shootout, the brothers are taken to Settler’s Fort to recover. As Nate works to make reparations for their past, he marvels at the nursing Aaron receives under the care of a woman with all the reason in the world to resent him.

Laura Hannon knows what it is to start over, and she knows Nate’s newfound faith is real. What she can’t look past is how far he allowed himself to be led astray by his brother’s weaknesses.

As a fledgling trust grows between Nate and Laura, they stumble upon a mysterious cave in the mountains that may not be as uninhabited as it seems.

As they work together for a common cause, will the new lives they seek for themselves include love, or is there too much that stands between them?

 

Click here to get your copy!
My ReviewLaura Hannon is kidnapped and forced to shoot one of her attackers, Aaron Long, who is part of the gang. Laura then becomes the nurse that takes care of him.

Laura, with God's help, sets her resentment aside. Aaron's brother, Nate, tries to make up for his mistakes even though Aaron continues to sulk in self-pity.

The story is another great read from Misty and gives us lessons in forgiveness, trust, and a second chance for redemption. It's a beautiful story in God's love, an inspirational love story, and an inspiring story of hope.

The characters were well fleshed out and I especially liked Laura's determination, willingness to help others, and faith.

I received a copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

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.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

 

More from Misty

Who doesn’t love a good cave?

Well, maybe not everyone, but I have to confess, I love exploring!

While there aren’t many caves near my South Carolina home, I’ve always loved the idea of finding an opening hidden in the rocks. Then venturing in and finding a huge cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites and a host of other beauties I can’t pronounce!

And dark tunnels? As long as I have a light and a string to unravel as I go so I can get back out, I’m game!

Unfortunately, I’ve never found a large cave in real life that had never been explored, but in Faith’s Mountain Home, Nate and Laura found exactly that! Although…turns out, it had been discovered by someone already. I won’t give you (too many) spoilers, but let me just tell you there’s a precocious Native American girl involved, and a few other things not so delightful.

The good news is, you can enjoy the story without actually entering the pitch-black cavern!

Last summer, I had the opportunity to tour a cave with many features like Nate and Laura discovered in their hidden cave. The Caverns of Sonora in Sonora, Texas was a fantastic experience! As you can imagine, it’s hard to get good pictures in solid darkness, but here are a few of the amazing formations still growing in those two miles of underground tunnels.

                                Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Artistic Nobody, January 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 27

Bigreadersite, January 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 27

Betti Mace, January 28

Connect in Fiction, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, January 29

Bizwings Blog, January 29

Through the Fire Blogs, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inspiration Clothesline, January 31

Wishful Endings, February 1

Life of Literature, February 1

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 1

deb’s Book Review, February 2

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

For Him and My Family, February 3

Splashes of Joy , February 3

Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blessed & Bookish, February 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

To Everything There Is A Season, February 4

Older & Smarter?, February 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 5

Pause for Tales, February 5

For the Love of Literature, February 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 6

Remembrancy, February 7

Inklings and notions, February 7

Hallie Reads, February 7

She Lives To Read, February 8

HookMeInABook, February 8

Genesis 5020, February 8

                                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of the entire Hearts of Montana series, plus a “Faith Moves Mountain” sign!! (See Here: https://etsy.me/2JjZAVV)

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/1062c/faith-s-mountain-home-celebration-tour-giveaway 

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane Blog Tour & Giveaway by Michelle Griep

 

About the Book

Book:   The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian historical

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

 

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEWThe author did a wonderful job with the verbiage of the time period and descriptions of the way of life during that time. It helped make the story come alive. The storyline is filled with intrigue, suspense, and a chase through 1885 London's underground into a world of treachery and crime.  The main character, Jackson (a constable) goes on an adventure to capture whoever is behind the crime of some important missing men. What he finds is something more than he bargained for. He is led on a chase when he partners up with Kit, a woman with ties to the underground, but is a version of Robin Hood helping the poor.  The characters were quirky, humorous, going on unexpected adventures fraught with danger. There were lots of twists and turns in the story and times of great courage to do the right thing. A sweet romance starts to grow between Kit and Jackson as they fight for their life. The ending was surprising but wrapped everything up nicely and was an absolutely entertaining and inspirational read. Highly recommended.  I received an ARC and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. 

She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

 If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

 

More from MichelleZootopia in Victorian London

I admit it. I like kid’s movies. You know, the animated sort that entertain both young and old alike. One of my favorites is Zootopia, a rollicking adventure about a bunny whose dream it is to be a police officer and make the streets of the big city safe for all animals. In fact, I loved it so much that I thought why not set it in Victorian London?

So I did. 

And that’s what The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is all about, but that meant I had to do a little digging into the history of police force of the late 1800’s. Here’s what I learned…

The Metropolitan Police (founded in 1829 by Robert Peel) was composed mostly of young men, many of whom were recruited from rural areas. Few were from London, the philosophy being that they would thus be free from local patronage and influence.

It is a bit of an anomaly that hero Jackson Forge and his friend, Officer Baggett, carry a sidearm. Some did, but most relied on truncheons. It was up to the officer. Revolvers were usually only supplied after the death of a police officer by an armed criminal, at the discretion of the Divisional Officer, or if a constable requested to use one during night duty. In 1884, after the deaths of several police officers, the Home Office ordered nearly a thousand revolvers from Webley & Scott to be issued to branches of the London police. . .which is where I got the idea of a shipment of guns for the villain to attempt to steal.

Police detectives were recruited from within the ranks of existing uniformed officers. There were actually women on the force at the time, employed as police matrons. But these were behind-the-scenes workers, tasked with guarding women and children. If my heroine, Kit, were to be out in public, serving as Jackson’s assistant, she’d have to keep her job secret. The first female police officer wasn’t seen on the streets until 1919. 

And so, armed with that information, I wrote the adventures of not a police bunny and a con artist fox, but of Jackson Forge, a fresh-faced constable, and his thorn in the side, swindler Kit Turner. Snatch up your own copy and enjoy a visit to Victorian London!

                               Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 23

Bigreadersite, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 23

Bizwings Blog, January 23

Remembrancy, January 24

Connect in Fiction, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

She Lives To Read, January 25

Blessed & Bookish, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 25

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 26

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 27

CarpeDiem, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 28

Connie’s History Classroom, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 29

Life of Literature, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

HookMeInABook, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

Godly Book Reviews, January 31

Through the Fire Blogs, February 1

KarenSueHadley, February 1

The Book Chic Blog, February 1

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 1

Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mamma Loves Books, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Splashes of Joy, February 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 3

The Write Escape, February 4

Wishful Endings, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4

Hallie Reads, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 5

To Everything There Is A Season, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

                             Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!!

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/1062a/the-thief-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

Second Chance Christmas by Rula Sinara Book Blitz

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Second Chance Christmas (Turtleback Beach #3) By Rula SinaraContemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 384 Pages (Large Print)January 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming
A beachside Christmas

Brings unexpected gifts!

A second chance. That’s what former navy SEAL Damon Woods asks for when Zuri Habib comes to Turtleback Beach with a nephew who looks just like him. After her sister’s death, Zuri believes Caden deserves to know his father—even if he did break her teenage heart. Can Damon and Zuri forgive each other and give a grieving boy the family he needs this Christmas?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Turtleback Beach
Book 1: Almost a Bride
Book 2: Caught by the Sheriff
Book 3: Second Chance Christmas

(Affiliate links include.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Harlequin BAM  | IndieBound | Target |  Walmart   |  Apple  |  Kobo  |  Google
Excerpt

DAMON FELT LIKE he’d had the air knocked out of him. Vera was dead? He was a father? He wasn’t sure which fact was tripping him more. He glanced over at the boy playing with Duck. The kid reminded him so much of his late, younger brother it hurt. He looked a lot like Damon, too. He knew it. The second he saw the boy and Zuri he knew in his gut something was wrong. She’d mentioned bringing a kid along, but Damon had assumed that meant she’d had a child in the years since he last saw her. He’d assumed that maybe she had a recent breakup and needed to get away. Lots of people came to the Outer Banks as an escape. His chest felt numb. He was a father and had been for the past twelve years and the truth had been kept from him? He’d been slammed and pulled under by monstrous waves before, but none had left his lungs feeling as useless as right now.

Throughout his training as a SEAL, through every covert operation overseas, through the past four years here as head of Turtleback Beach’s Ocean Rescue and Beach Patrol division...and all along he’d had a son. He muttered a curse and turned his back on her. He looked over the rough waters of the Atlantic, familiar with every square inch of the shoreline he lived on, yet fully aware that it never stayed the same. The ocean ebbed and flowed and changed its sands every day. He’d come to believe that he’d finally found stability in his life. What a lie. He should have known. He was trained to expect the unexpected. He just never thought it would involve a kid. Nor was he expecting it to involve the death of someone else from his past. He’d never quite gotten over the loss of his own brother. Or so many of his SEAL brothers in the line of duty.

“Are you sure?” The question sounded pathetic considering the boy’s looks. He had Woods in him all right. Those dark eyes, full lashes and the way his lips quirked and revealed dimples when he smiled were how everyone could always tell that Damon, Leo, Shawn and Lucas were brothers.

“That you’re the father? Absolutely. But you’re free to get tested.”

He might have to get tested if Vera didn’t have him listed on the birth certificate, but the boy was definitely a younger version of him...or more so, Lucas. He looked so much like a Woods that the sight of him opened an old wound. Lucas couldn’t have been much older than Caden when Damon had gotten word, while overseas, that he’d drowned. The memory still haunted him. Lucas had been the youngest of four. Damon, the oldest. And he still couldn’t get past the belief that, had he not escaped his home life the first chance he had, he’d have been around to save his little brother.

A lump rose in his chest and he tried rubbing it away but it grew and hardened when he turned and caught Zuri wiping her cheeks. She’d lost her older sister. He knew the pain she had to be going through. He sucked in a breath of salty air and tucked his hands in the pockets of his windbreaker to keep himself from wrapping his arms around her. There was a time when doing so would have felt natural and expected, but not anymore.
Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)
About the Author


National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she'll ever admit to. Rula's writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush , on Twitter , on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com , where you can also sign up for her newsletter .

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Blitz Giveaway


One winner will receive a Kindle gifted copy of Almost a Bride OR Caught by the Sheriff (winner's choice)
US onlyEnds January 10, 2021

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