June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 15
November 7, 2023
~ ROMANTIC SUSPENSE SHADOWS AT DUSK ~
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ABOUTTHE BOOK:
Montana Detective Trevor West isdesperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska overa year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts.At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of anexperienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in thephotographs, no one can.
But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and theonly person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on onecondition—that he help her track down her friend's killer.
As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers andconnections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust oneanother—and face the dark secrets of the past—if they are ever to discover thetruth and bring a killer to justice.
ABOUTTHE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winningauthor of more than sixty novels, including Cold Light of Day and theRocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and aDaphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spendingtime with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, andserving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books,visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.
MY REVIEW:An engaging tale ofdanger and suspense in the Alaskan wilderness . . .
This book is thesecond installment of the author's 'Missing in Alaska' series. Many of thecharacters from the first story appear in this book.
Bush pilot CarrieJames has a traumatic personal history which the author reveals to readerslayer-by-layer as the plot builds to its crescendo. Carrie is a strong andindependent woman who has sworn off falling in love because of a betrayal inher past.
Detective Trevor Westis on a mission to locate his sister, Jennifer, in Alaska. He is also healingfrom a personal betrayal, and he and Carrie bond quickly. Detective West isexperienced, well-trained, and intelligent. However, he's human, so he makesmistakes in his quest to solve Jennifer's missing person case.
There is a great groupof supporting characters whom I grew to like, and I felt like they addedanother dimension to the story. These individuals used their own unique skillsto contribute to the search for Jennifer. The amazing State of Alaska acted asanother character in this story, in my opinion, because of the ruggedwilderness, weather, wildlife, native people and their customs, and the sheer strengthof the people who live there.
This book iscompletely clean in language and content. I received a copy of this book fromthe publisher through their Revell Reads Blogger Program. All of my thoughtsand opinions shared here are solely my own.
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November 3, 2023
~ GLOWING CANDLE CHRISTMAS PATTERN RELEASE ~
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~ MY NEW SEWING PATTERN RELEASE! ~
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🪡✂️❄️~ 'Glowing Candle on a Snowy Night Ornament' includes a sewing pattern written withImperial and Metric measurements to be user-friendly for stitchers &crafters around the world. Downloadable patterns are included.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Joinme to stitch up this elegant, unique wool felt Christmas ornament.Hang this fresh design on your Christmas tree or use it to decorate your home duringthe winter season. Be sure to make extras to give as gifts to your child'steacher, friends, family, and neighbors! You can also use them as gift tags anddoorknob hangers. To make the pattern user-friendly for seamstresses around the world, thepattern includes the measurements in Imperial and Metric. Tips on how to workwith wool felt are provided along with detailed cutting and sewinginstructions. Downloadable patterns and stitching diagrams are included in thebook. This project includes embellishments such as glass beads, crystal beads, and ribbon.The ornament may be stitched by hand or on a sewing machine.
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Thank you!
October 31, 2023
~ WEDNESDAY FEATURE DOCTOR'S CHRISTMAS DILEMMA ~
'The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma': An Uplifting Inspirational Romance by Danielle Thorne
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About 'The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma'
Home for the holidays…Or home for good?Once upon a time, Ben Cooper left his hometown to follow his dreams of becoming a big-city doctor. Now he’s back to run his father’s clinic and spend Christmas with his daughter, not to fall for McKenzie Price, the woman who broke his heart. But when McKenzie steps in to help Ben reconnect with his little girl, and old sparks begin to ignite, will Ben give up city life for a second chance at love?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
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MY REVIEW:
A heartfelt story of family, faith, andpersonal growth . . .
Surgeon Ben Cooper has returned to hishometown to fill in for his father at his medical office after his father'sheart surgery. His mind is on his own career goals, but he serves his father'spatients as best as he can. He faces challenges bonding with the town'sresidents who are reluctant to work with a physician other than the elder Dr.Cooper.
McKenzie Price, Ben's childhood bestfriend, is the supervisor, baker, and waitress extraordinaire at the SouthernFried Kudzu diner. It's been a long time since Mac and Ben have seen eachother. Some life events have occurred that contributed to barriers being built betweenthese once close friends.
Ben's six-year-old daughter from hisfirst marriage, Megan, is friends with Mac's niece, Bailey, so Ben and Mac arethrown together in various social situations and they slowly becomereacquainted. As the story progresses, both of them relax. They discover howmuch they regret the loss of their close bond when their friendship endedawkwardly many years ago.
Lifetime dreams, faith, readjustingpriorities, and forgiveness are just a few of the themes that shine in thissweet story. The book is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from theauthor through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. All of my opinions andthoughts shared here are solely my own.
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Derby PieIt’s pie season!
While I love a goodapple pie, one of my favorites growing up was my mother’s Derby Pie. It’s achocolate nut pastry created in Kentucky in 1954 and passed on from generationto generation. This dessert tastes like a toasty chocolate chip cookie with thetexture of pecan pie. It’s simple to make and an impressive dessert that is todie for when eaten warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Derby Pie
1 cup of sugar
½ cup of flour
2 beaten eggs
1 stick of meltedbutter
1 cup of semi-sweetchocolate chips
1 cup of pecans
1 teaspoon of vanilla
Mix all ingredients andpour into an uncooked pie shell. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour.
--Danielle Thorne
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Danielle Thorne writes happily-ever-afters set in the South for Harlequin Love Inspired. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she also writes stories about Regency ladies, pirates, and not-so-distressed damsels from her home south of Atlanta. Free time is filled with documentaries, too much yard work, and not enough travel. When not writing wholesome romances, Danielle hangs out with friends or chases cats. She enjoys the outdoors and serving in her church and community. Danielle's been married to the same fellow for thirty years, and has four sons, four bonus daughters, and twin grandbabies.
Author Links:
Website:http://www.daniellethorne.comBlog:https://thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanielleThorneInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/authordaniellethorne/Twitter:https://twitter.com/DanielleThorne
Amazon Page:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Danielle-Thorne/author/B004E5V0LA
Newsletter Signup:http://eepurl.com/dtEgnf
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Purchase Links - Amazon - Harlequin - Barnes and Noble - Kobo - Walmart.com
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Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
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October 19, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE RUNNING TO ME ~
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Running to You
by Robin Patchen hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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Title:
Running to You
Series: The Wright Heroes of Maine #1 Author: Robin Patchen Publisher: JDO Publishing Release Date: October 10, 2023 Genre: Christian Romantic SuspenseFrom a USA Today Bestselling author...
Sam never understood why Eliza left him five years ago, ghosting him without explanation. He’s avoided romance ever since, focusing on building his business. Money might not keep him warm at night, but it can sure buy a lot of blankets.Then Eliza shows up on his doorstep and throws herself into his arms. She can’t explain her bruises or the head injury that’s left her with no memories of the past five years, including their breakup. No matter how good it feels to hold her, though, there’s no way he’s getting sucked into romance again.
He’ll deliver Eliza to her mother, and that will be that. But instead of finding her mom, they’re met by two attackers and barely escape alive. Despite the danger to his life and his heart, he can’t leave Eliza to fend for herself.
Together, they embark on a journey to reconstruct her past while evading the men chasing her. As Sam and Eliza close in on the truth, their romance reignites, but her secret threatens to destroy them both.
Prepare to be enthralled by this gripping story of amnesia, a second chance at love, and a secret baby. Running to You is an edge-of-your-seat Christian romantic suspense set in Maine that will keep you reading all night long. ❤️🔦🍁🍂🌲🌄❤️🔦🍁🍂🌲🌄❤️ EXCERPT:
Because when you do, you’ll leaveme again.
Had he really said that? Out loud?Sam shoved food into his mouth, wishing there were a TV in this room. Anythingto distract him from the woman by the fire. The way the flickering light dancedon her sable-colored hair. The way her eyes, flashing in anger just a fewminutes before, now held determination as she ate her dinner. As if she had tofight for every spoonful.
He wanted to fight for her. Fightlike he’d never fought for anything. But he knew how that story ended. He mightbe willing to fight for her, but as soon as he didn’t measure up…
She’d be gone.
Easier to focus on things thatcouldn’t hurt him. Business associates. Casual girlfriends. Money, money,money. If business associates chose to work with someone else, who cared? If acasual girlfriend met the man of her dreams? Happy for you and have a nicelife. Money was always there. Always the right size, always the right color.
Didn’t love him back, though.
All his pursuit of success andpleasure and money, and he was still alone. He’d even convinced himself heliked being alone.
And then Eliza had barreled backinto his life and messed everything up.
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MY REVIEW: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
A riveting story of suspense filled withdepth, action, and faith . . .
Author Robin Patchen has created anextraordinary plot that will lead readers on a rich journey through anintricate mystery.
The main characters, Sam Wright andEliza Pelletier, have not seen or talked to each other in five years when she unexpectedlyarrives on his doorstep battered and incoherent. Sam's brother, Daniel—a medicaldoctor—soon discovers that Eliza has amnesia. She's basically lost five yearsof her life.
Both of the main characters are newChristians. I found the faith thread in this book to be realistic, sincere, andgrounded in scripture. I respected both characters for the changes they werestriving to make in their lives, and I enjoyed reading about their personal growthsince they began their walks with God.
A highlight of the book for me was how theauthor deftly peels back layer after layer of the plot only doling outinformation to readers when she is good and ready. I love stories with thattrait!
The last quarter of the book is extremelytense, and it closes with a rewarding ending. Readers of this genre will bethrilled at all of the twists and turns the author has included in her plot.
I received a copy of this book from the publisherthrough JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared hereare solely my own.
❤️🔦🍁🍂🌲🌄❤️🔦🍁🍂🌲🌄❤️ PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBubAlso Available
Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. After college, working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.
Connect with Robin by visiting robinpatchen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway(1) winner will receive hardcover copy of Running to You, a "Welcome to Nutfield" mug, and a $50 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 October 18, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 25, 2023. 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!
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October 9, 2023
~ MONDAY FICTION BOOK FEATURE LOST & FOUND ~
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ABOUTTHE BOOK:
What you're looking for isn't alwayswhat you find.
Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver--and she has an evengreater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic whenMicah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.
Micah thought he was over Trudy's older sister, Shelley, who shattered hisheart by running away to Nashville to pursue a singing career. Then out of theblue, she started leaving alarming messages for him.
So when the bishop asks for volunteers to scout a potential church relocationin Tennessee, Micah jumps at the opportunity. Despite scant details, he'sconfident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide isbased on finding birds that don't want to be found.
But what he discovers in Tennessee is far from what he expects.
LINK TO EXCERPT COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER
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MYREVIEW:
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A movingstory about searching for God and discovering meaning for one's self in theprocess . . .
I enjoyed reading two previousbooks in the author's Stoney Ridge book series, 'A Season on the Wind' and'Anything But Plain.'
All of the booksinclude a large cast of characters and are set in Lancaster County,Pennsylvania. The author has included a 'Meet the Cast' and 'Birder's Glossary'in the front matter of this book. The glossary was especially helpful as I readthe novel because the story focuses on the language used by the birders in thestory including Micah Weaver, Trudy Yoder, and Birdy Yoder.
Micah and Trudy have aspecial bond because of their love for birds and nature. They spend a lot oftime together bird-watching and discussing their sightings. Trudy is hopefulthat she and Micah will have a future together, but he has other things on hismind that threaten to pull the two young adults apart.
Excerpts from Trudy'sBird-Watching Log are included throughout the novel, and I enjoyed reading theanalogies she made between bird behavior and human behavior. Her observationswere poignant and sometimes humorous.
My favorite characterwas Bishop David Stoltzfus because he is a down-to-earth, humble, flawed humanbeing who accepts his faults and realizes he needs the Lord to lead him in his life as a man, father,husband, and most of all the bishop of the Amish church of Stoney Ridge.
One of the things Iadmire most about this author's writing is that she faces difficult, real-lifesituations and obstacles head on. Some of the issues covered in her other storiesare alcoholism, ADHD, and mental health. Readers will find many realistic surprisesin this story as well.
There are some humorousaspects to the story along with many serious moments. The book is completelyclean in language and content with a strong faith thread woven into the storyarc.
I received a copy ofthis book from the publisher through their Revell Reads Blogger Program. All ofmy thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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ABOUTTHE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is theaward-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The SweetLife and The Secret to Happiness, as well as many beloved contemporary romanceand Amish romance series. She is also the author of several nonfiction booksabout the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives inCalifornia. Learn more at SuzanneWoodsFisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook@SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @SuzanneWFisher.
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September 30, 2023
~ HALLOWEEN TREAT BAGS & FAVORS RELEASE ~
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~ MY NEW SEWING PATTERNRELEASE! ~
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🎃🪡🧵 ~ My newsewing pattern is now available in the Kindle Store and features 5 differentHalloween-themed felt projects to make for kids!
🎃🪡🧵 ~ 3Halloween Treat Bags + 2 Favors = Lots of friendly fun!
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🎃🪡🧵 ~ Thank you!
September 28, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE HUNTED AT CHRISTMAS ~
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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~ -- 'HUNTED AT CHRISTMAS' -- AUTHOR DANA R. LYNN💕❄❅❆🌨🧊💕❄❅❆🌨🧊💕
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hunted at Christmas by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book
Title: Hunted at Christmas
Series: Amish Country Justice
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Wanted by a bounty hunter.
Chased by a killer.
When single mother Addison Johnson is attacked by a hit man, she learns there’s a price on her head. And Isaiah Bender—the bounty hunter hired to track her down for crimes she didn’t commit—is her only hope for survival. Protecting Addison and her young son from armed assailants means seeking refuge in Amish country. But when their holiday hideout is discovered, can he clear an innocent woman’s name and keep her alive?
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
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EXCERPT:
She reached over and grabbed the rope ladder kept behind thedresser and tossed the length of it out the window, hooking it into place onthe frame. Swinging her left leg over the sill, she felt for the rungs. Theyswayed beneath her leg.
She didn’t have time to adjust it.
The door burst open and a man wearing a ski mask chargedinside, a gun in his hand. His gaze was on the bed, on the opposite side of theroom, not on the side window.
That was the only thing that saved her.
She scurried out the window before he turned his head. Shehalf climbed, half slid down the window. A screech of brakes told her the buswas stopping. Oliver was home! She jumped the last third of the ladder, herfeet stumbling as they hit the ground. Snow crunched under her sneakers.Catching herself, she ran toward the front of the house.
A shout above her pushed her faster.
A gunshot echoed in the air. The blood chilled in her veins.She had to get to her child before the intruder did.
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MY REVIEW:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
A riveting suspense story brimming withromance, faith, and healing . . .
Dana R. Lynn is one of my favoriteinspirational romantic suspense authors, and this story allows readers to seeher character and plot development skills at their finest!
Addison Johnson has already sufferedthrough a heart-wrenching tragedy when she discovers she is being targeted byan unknown assailant who wants to silence her forever. The young mother's maingoal is to protect her four-year-old son, Ollie, and to keep his chronicmedical condition under control so he can lead a healthy, happy life.
Isaiah Bender, a bounty hunter who facesdemons of his own on a daily basis, is under contract to find Addison and bringher in to face charges for various crimes. Isaiah is all business as he worksto discover the true motive behind Addison's troubles.
Through the support of Isaiah's previously-estrangedfamily, the intricate and action-filled mystery at the forefront of the storyis slowly unwoven to reveal a deadly plot that fans of this genre willappreciate and enjoy. Courage, patience, and faith lead to the healing of oldwounds as Addison and Ollie find acceptance from a loving family when and wherethey least expect it.
This book is completely clean inlanguage and content. The faith thread is strong and rewarding as we see God atwork in the lives of many of the characters.
I received a copy of this book from theauthor through JustRead Publicity Tours. All my opinions and thoughts sharedhere are solely my own.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub
More in This Series
more Amish Country Justice series titles
About the Author
Dana R. Lynn is an award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group.
Connect with Dana by visiting danarlynn.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway(3) winners will win a $10 Amazon gift card, a pen and a mug!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 27, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2023. 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 for pen & mug. Egift card only in case of CAN winner. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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September 26, 2023
~ COZY MYSTERY FEATURE HANGING BY A THREAD ~
🧵✂ 🪡👗📖🧵✂ 🪡👗📖🧵 About Hanging by a Thread
The latest novel in a new crafting cozy series in the genre-leading Kensington Cozy Mystery program focusing on the members of a Sewing Studio.
Some of the independent shops in this sleepy town are barely hanging on financially—and that includes Sarah’s Sweets, Abbey’s aunt’s bakery. The shop’s advantage—aside from the deliciousness of its products—is the fact that it’s the only bakery in the area. But it looks like that’s about to change. The second wife of a wealthy businessman wants her own bakery—and money is no object.
When murder unravels the plans for the competing shop, Aunt Sarah is an immediate suspect—and Hideaway Grove’s merchants are on pins and needles about a big upcoming women’s conference, fearing the organization will cancel their booking because of the crime. Abbey’s doing her best to stay optimistic and stitch some custom tote bags for the attendees, but she’s also concerned with patching up Aunt Sarah’s good reputation. And when it comes to sorting through the possible motives of the victim’s family members and associates, she’s got a few tricks up her sleeve . . .
A LATE-NIGHT TRAVELINGSALESMAN
HAD NO IDEA WHAT HE STARTED
by Dorothy Howell
Growing up in rural Virginia in the 1960straveling salesmen were common. Myfamily lived on 100 acres of mostly wooded land in a newly built brick ranchstyle house (one of the few in the area with indoor plumbing) that my parentsfelt was too good a deal to turn down. Theclosest town was about a forty-minute drive away on gravel roads that woundthrough the hills. The area wasbeautiful. Leaves turned to goldenshades of red and yellow in autumn, lazy snowflakes fell in winter, and burstsof color announced the spring and summer seasons.
Drop-in visitors were common. Since phoning ahead was seldom done (“long distance”phone calls were expensive), friends, family, and neighbors just showed up. We stopped what we were doing, welcomed them,and spent hours visiting and catching up.
Traveling salesmen routinely made therounds through our rural neighborhood. They,too, stopped by bearing samples and an order pad, and demonstrated theirproducts hoping to make a sale.
Irecall a vacuum cleaner salesman who, honestly, I thought would never leave ashe showed off the dozens of attachments that were included with the vacuum—somany, in fact, they came with their own storage cabinet. The salesman actually pulled back the sheeton my parents’ bed and vacuumed the mattress, much to my mother’s chagrin, thenwhipped out a brush and vacuumed my sister’s head. Really.
The salesman who unwittingly had thebiggest effect on my family was the one who arrived hoping to sell a sewingmachine. Prospects didn’t lookgood. My mother was a city girl, notexactly instep with the other women in our neighborhood who cooked on woodstoves, canned vegetables, and baked biscuits from scratch. She’d never sewn anything in her life, norwas she crafty or creative. For somereason, which neither my sister nor I can recall, my parents purchased a sewingmachine from that salesman.
I don’t remember the brand of themachine, only that it was pink. Mymother somehow figured out how to sew an outfit (skirt and vest) for each ofus,plus one costume for a school play, and she was done.
My older sister, however, saw a greatopportunity to have more clothes. Shecommandeered the sewing machine, hauled it downstairs to our basement “rec room,”and taught herself to sew.
I tried my hand at sewing, too, andfound that I liked it. While my sistermade dresses, skirts, and shorts for herself—all beautifully sewn—I made dollclothes, all of questionable design and quality.
Thatwas the extent of my sewing for many years until I had a young daughter andlots of time on my hands. I picked upthat old pink sewing machine, long abandoned, and began making clothes for mydaughter. Eventually, I pushed myself tomake pants and shorts for myself, all quite simple. As my daughter got older, I graduated tomaking Halloween costumes for her.
While my sister went on to makeelaborate outfits, lingerie, outerwear, and even business suits for herhusband, I abandoned sewing all together. A new baby, a full-time job, and a budding writing career didn’t allow enoughtime to continue to sew.
That changed a few years ago when Ireconnected with a writer friend, June Kolf, whom I hadn’t seen in awhile. Over lunch she told me she wasmaking pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa. A light bulb went off over my head. I suddenly remembered how much I’d enjoyed sewing. This was such a worthwhile charity project,Iknew I had to get involved. I bought thecheapest sewing machine I could find (just in case), June walked me through howto make a pillowcase dress, and I dove in.
June and I had a marvelous time withthis project. We took road trips tothrift stores and sewing centers to find gently used pillowcases and sewingnotions. Friends and family got involvedand supported our project with donations. We even had “fashion shows” to share the dresses we’d made.
I’ve been sewing pillowcase dresses forabout seven years now. I donate them toa nonprofit that takes them to African villages and distributes them to thegirls there. So far, I’ve made over athousand dresses.
When I was trying to come up with anidea for another mystery series, this charity project seemed like a natural fit,and the Sewing Studio mystery series was born. In the launch book, Seams Like Murder, Abbey Chandler, whose life fallsapart in Los Angeles, retreats to the quaint touristy town of Hideaway Groveand gets involved with thissame charity project—while she hunts for amurderer. Like me, Abbey’s sewing skillsaren’t the best but we’re both having fun with it.
Abbey’s adventures in Hideaway Grovecontinue in the newest book in the series Hanging By A Thread, where she’ssolving a murder—and still trying to improve her sewing skills!
INSTRUCTIONSFOR SEWING PILLOWCASE DRESSES:
Author Dorothy Howell --Two Pillowcase Dresses
Constructinga pillowcase dress requires only a pillowcase, notions, a sewing machine, andbasic sewing skills.
You’llneed:
a gently used pillowcase
double-fold bias tape
elastic
notions
embellishments (optional) lace, rickrack
Cut offthe sewn end of the pillowcase.
Fold pillowcase in half and cut arm holes. Cut through all thickness. Cut 4inches down and 2 inches in.
Fold down the top about 3/8”. Stitch tomake a casing. Slide 6 inches of ¼”elastic through the casing to cause it to gather. Repeat on the back.
Cut two 38” lengths of double-fold bias tape for the armholes. Fold each in half and stitch along armholesleaving extra at the top to tie the dress at the shoulder.
TIPSFOR SEWING PILLOWCASE DRESSES:
A good place to find gently used pillowcases is a thrift store. Shop on one of their discount days for lowerprices.
Put outthe word to friends and family.
Checkout yard and estate sales.
Watchfor sales at fabric stores. Hobby Lobby frequentlyoffers a discount on all sewing notions. Joann Fabric has weekly coupons.
Acotton or cotton blend pillowcase works best, in a color or pattern suitablefor girls.
Extrawide double-fold bias tape is easiest to work with.
Havefun!
About Dorothy Howell
USA Today Bestselling author Dorothy Howell is the author of 49 novels. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and sold worldwide. She writes the Sewing Studio mystery series, the Haley Randolph mystery series, and the Hollis Brannigan and Dana Mackenzie mystery series. Dorothy also writes historical romance novels under the pen name Judith Stacy. Dorothy lives in Los Angeles.
Web site: DorothyHowellNovels.com.
Facebook: Dorothy Howell Novels
X: - Dorothy Howell
Instagram: Dorothy Howell Books
GoodReads: Dorothy Howell
Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org
🧵✂ 🪡👗📖🧵✂ 🪡👗📖🧵TOUR PARTICIPANTS: September 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW September 26 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT September 26 – Kenyan Poet – SPOTLIGHT September 27 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST September 27 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT September 28 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT September 28 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POSTSeptember 28 – Hearts & Scribbles - SPOTLIGHT September 29 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT September 29 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER INTERVIEWSeptember 29 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT September 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POSTSeptember 30 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT October 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW October 1 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT October 2 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – CHARACTER GUEST POST October 2 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read - REVIEW October 3 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW October 3 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT October 4 – Novels Alive – REVIEW October 4 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHTOctober 5 – Angel's Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT October 5 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
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September 25, 2023
~ RELEASE DAY 'FINDING THEIR CHRISTMAS HOME' ~
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Finding Their Christmas Home by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
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About the Book
Title: Finding Their Christmas Home
Author: Donna Gartshore
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
A holiday homecoming
Could lead to a second chance…
After years away, Jenny Powell returns to her grandmother’s home, known as “Christmas House,” only to find her ex already there. A household emergency left David Hart and his twin daughters with nowhere else to go, and he enlists Jenny to help him give his daughters a Christmas they’ll never forget. But with the past standing between them, could this holiday season bring the gift of a happily-ever-after for them all?
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EXCERPT:
David and the girls walked a couple of steps aheadof her, and she watched as Rowe pulled her hand away from her father’s grip andpicked up a snowball, which she turned and threw, with surprisingly lethal aim,in Jenny’s direction.
Jenny’s reflexes were excellent, however, and shejerked to the right just in time to have the snowball whiz past her ear ratherthan get a cold, wet slap in the face.
Once again, she was sure that she had at least asmuch in common with Rowe as she did with Reba.
Realizing what was happening, David spun around. “Rowe,”he exclaimed. “What are you doing? You could have hurt Jenny. Are you okay?” heasked her.
She laughed as she bent down and began to gathersnow.When she stood upshe saw Rowe watching her, pulsing with pent-up energy,holding her own snowball, and noticed that David and Reba were laughing andbusily packing their own ammunition.
After David called out the quick rule that aimingat someone’s face was not allowed, the snowballs flew with abandon, and soonRowena joined in with her own unrestrained giggle, a blissful sound, alongside hersister’s.
Jenny gave a sigh of relief and thanked God thatshe had been able to turn the moment into something fun and silly for them allto share. Because it hadn’t escaped her attention that Rowe’s first throw wasn’tcompletely without malice. Despite her whateverattitude, trying to come across like she didn’t care, Jenny was sure that shestruggled hugely with her mother’s absence and did not want anyone to take herplace.
Jenny’s heart ached for her. She knew howdevastating it was to resent a parent’s absence while, at the same time,desperately longing for them to be present.
She had absolutely no intentions of being part ofDavid’s life. But when she saw him with his eyes crinkled in laughter, it waslike seeing him as a boy again, her best friend, her first love.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Bookshop |BookBub
Also Available
Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Along with writing inspirational romance for Love Inspired, she has also published several short stories and poems with various literary publications and writes devotions. Donna loves family time, walks, coffee and movies with friends, serving in various capacities at the church she attends and talking about books and writing with her friends and the writing community.
Connect with Donna by following her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Tour Giveaway(3) winners will win a print copy of Finding Their Christmas Home, Finding Her Voice and a devotional!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 2, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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September 14, 2023
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE EXPIRED VOWS ~
Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Expired Vows by Laura Conaway and Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Title: Expired Vows
Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #4
Author: Laura Conaway & Lisa Phillips
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: September 12, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Fire. Family. Faith.
Last Chance Fire and Rescue
She sees the promise of freedom. He vowed to always be the hero.
EMT Trace Bently came back to Last Chance County to escape his past. After the loss of his wife, he gave up a promising career as a police officer for the chance to save lives every day as part of the Fire Department. When a hostage situation demands the help of a local counselor, Trace realizes the past he left behind has found him. He’s being given a second chance to save the life of someone he cares about.
If he can face the grief he buried.
Family Counselor Kelsey Scott has to secure this grant or admit failure. She can’t afford to lose any more pieces of the life she wants because of her own choices. When Kelsey becomes the target of a series of dangerous attacks, Trace steps in determined to protect his wife’s best friend. This hero breaks down all her resistance, but Kelsey can’t risk her own heart.
Even if it’s what will set them both free.
Another thrilling installment in the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series.
EXCERPT:
Trace Bently wasn’t going to let anyone die on hiswatch—not today.
“You ready to go, partner?” Andi peeked her headaround the driver’s side door of the ambulance. Her voice echoed in theenclosed garage area of the Eastside firehouse.
“All set.” Trace hit the side of the truck and joggedto the passenger side.
The tires squealed against the pavement as they made asharp turn out of the station. Sunlight streamed through the windshield, and hepulled down the visor. Andi leaned forward and flicked the sirens on. Trafficsteered to the shoulder, and they were given the right of way.
Trace spoke into the radio. “Ambulance 21 is on theway. Any updates on the situation?”
Static crackled through the line as he waited for aresponse. Hostage situations could get ugly fast, and he hoped a negotiator wasalready en route. Time was always of the essence. No telling what would tip thecaptor over the edge to do something stupid. He’d seen it too many times whenhe was a cop. Standing around, powerless to do anything.
Now that he was an EMT, he could focus on the victimsrather than just who needed to be arrested. Saving lives was his job—and that’sexactly what he was going to do.
He leaned forward and tapped his foot against thefloorboard before sneaking a glance at Andi. A knowing look crossed her face asshe raised her eyebrows. She was going as fast as possible. He knew that. Buthe didn’t have to like how slow it felt in the meantime.
“We’ve got a male holding two kids at gunpoint,” thecommander on the other end of the line stated.
Trace winced. “Copy that.”
“Kids?” Andi hissed.
Trace gritted his teeth. “I know.”
“The wife escaped and is with an officer now but needsimmediate medical attention. Gash to the forehead and cuts along her arm.Possible broken bone,” the commander said.
“ETA seven minutes.”Trace let go of the button.
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PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
More in This Series
Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.
Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.
Laura Conaway grew up in the suburbs of Pennsylvania as an avid reader and writer while making every adventure a mystery to solve like Nancy Drew. As a former school librarian, she’s always on the hunt for the next best read but now spends her time creating stories that leave readers on the edge of their seat with a healthy dose of suspense and happily ever afters. When she’s not typing away or inhaling sweet potato fries to motivate writing, Laura spends her time playing violin and guitar and sharing about the Greatest Story ever written.
Connect with Laura by visiting lauraconawayauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway(1) winner will a print copy of Expired Vows and a $10 gift card to the Sunrise Shop
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 13, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 20, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~
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