Saturday, March 30, 2019

Book Tour Grand Finale: The Certain Hope by E. C. Jackson

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Certain Hope
By E. C. Jackson

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What is your motivation behind The Certain Hope? Why did you want to write it?

The Certain Hope is the third book in the standalone hope-themed series. Book three highlights thirty-something love, which can be as precarious as younger love. By that age, we’ve weathered numerous life storms. Living life can, and often does, alter our opinions, circumstances and outlook.


The doorbell chimed what she termed his signature ring: one long peal, followed by two shorter ones. Saying goodbye might ruin her. Hair patted into place, she opened the door with an unsteady hand.

Andy leaned on the rail, watching the door fling open. The six men who worked with him stood at his side. Silence reigned. They stood there, grinning at her.

Tara couldn’t resist returning the smiles. Their noisy camaraderie while they worked would be missed.

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

The house needed only a minor overhaul. He was the man for the task if he was able to buy the place. Luke enjoyed restoring old houses. Especially one he hoped to make his own. As he’d climbed the steps, he was assessing the fair market value.

Then Tara had opened the door.

Luke had fallen in love on sight.


Uplifting Reads - Excerpt

“So you prefer dating a man who works at McDonald’s?” Marcie asked.

Mindy laughed until she coughed.

Giggles erupted around the table.

“Tara would if his name was Andy,” Mindy finally said.

Tara batted dream-filled eyes. “I love a man I’ll never see again.” She paused, eyeing Mindy. “Honest enough for you?”


Tara’s hopeful nonchalance intrigued Luke more than it ever had. He’d finally found his sassy, laidback lady that would love him. She was a snappy work of art he couldn’t resist. Her projected innocence snagged him the first time they met.

Things are moving in the right direction. How do I bring my lovely lady along for the journey?

Before long, Olivia took a much-needed breath. The lull in the conversation reminded him about the other people in the room. He leaned his mouth close to Tara’s ear while speaking in a stage voice.

Pause for Tales - Review

"The Certain Hope is a story of love at first sight and I really enjoyed it. . . . This was a unique story that showed the positives and negatives of falling in love so quickly and throws in a few surprise twists as well. This was my first book by author Jackson and I look forward to more of her stories."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

“Your sad eyes don’t sway me.” Her hip butted him out the way. “It’s too late to show remorse. You set me up.”

Luke raised three fingers. “Scout’s honor. I had no expectations either way. The choice was always yours.” His voice softened as his gaze caressed her face. “Beautiful as always.”

Tara steeled herself against the compliment. Real facts deserved more than a passing remark that missed the point.

Splashes of Joy - Review

"Overall, I did enjoy the story. For me, Luke’s personality caused me to want to keep reading, because I wanted to find out what happens with the two. . . . And I feel Ms. Jackson does an excellent job of weaving the issues together so the plot runs so smooth. This is the second book I’ve read from Ms. Jackson, and I enjoy her writing. So I encourage you to check out The Certain Hope as well as other books by this author."

Remembrancy - Review

"...there are stories of love-at-first-sight marriages that are going strong, so even if it’s not your reality, it is entertaining. And may also serve as a cautionary tale to not jump into anything too quickly, especially if the people you trust are conflicted about your decision. And through it all, I was cheering for Tara’s happily-ever-after."

Simply Kelina - Review

"Should you read it? YES! I still recommend it, especially if you love a good romance. I am actually really interested in reading some of the authors other works as I did enjoy it overall."


The vase received a place of honor above the fireplace while the open chocolate box tempted them on the cocktail table. A faint disinfectant scent lingered in the air. Luke always found a faultless house when he visited. It was the perfect backdrop for his prim and proper miss. “Are you a true neat freak, or will stuff drop on my head if I open a closet door? I vote neat freak.”

“We’re simpatico. Guests can eat off your floors.” Tara nestled into the arm Luke draped around her shoulder. “Mmm. I like sitting close to you. How was your day?”

“It’s over. I’d rather discuss us.”

Colorimetry - Excerpt

This family has a fixation with that woman. “I’m a free man. I can date whomever I choose.”

“The grapevine says she’ll arrive in St. Louis on Friday. A month earlier than planned. Guess she didn’t accept your answer.”

Luke chuckled. “Now she knows that proposing to a disinterested man has consequences. Besides, holding false expectations is a character flaw I hate.”


". . . an entertaining read if you enjoy romance. . . . better suited to those who like Insta-love, since that’s basically the premise of the relationship. It’s a Lifetime movie in print."


Tara joined the line of cars headed from the park. Her haggard brain was ready for a nap. Approximately fifty buses stood between her car and the road home. She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, instead of succumbing to what she really desired to do. Her mind hankered to blow the horn until reaching Kingshighway. Sort of a celebration cheer and “get out of the way” rant combined in one.

The relaxing evening she imagined with Luke fueled her determination to hurry home. Next on the agenda was a marvelous dinner. The legwork was prepared that morning. She only had to pop the casserole into the oven and prepare a salad.


"The Certain Hope is a story of hope, love and faith. . . . I am giving The Certain Hope five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who love a beautifully, well written and clean stories. I believe it is a must read and I highly recommend it. I would love to read more like this one by EC Jackson in the future."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

While drying dishes, Tara jumped as soap suds hit her face. She spun around when Luke laughed, right before lobbing another soap ball at her. She ducked. Only trickles of water dusted her hair.

Her reflexes immediately kicked in. The water pitcher was in her hand before thinking better of her next move. The shock on Luke’s face stilled her hand. He was soaked. Water slid from his hair, and over his body, until it streamed across the floor.

“Oops! Blame yourself and not me,” she yelled, charging past him.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

The Certain Hope
(Hope Series #3)
By E. C. Jackson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 318 Pages
December 5th 2018

Love at first sight. It’s every girl’s dream. But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions. She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future? Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.


Other Books in the Series


About the Author


E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years naturally led to her current endeavor of writing inspirational romance novels and teen and young adult fiction. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.

A note from E. C. Jackson: “The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on my website and Facebook author page. If every person reading my book feels connected to the characters, my job is done.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends April 3, 2019






Friday, March 29, 2019

Review: Falling for Centerfield by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly


https://amzn.to/2WzUJRh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Cole has secrets.
Harlow has a past.
Will the part of his life Cole hides tear them apart, or become the very thing she loves most about him?


Major League Baseball Player, Cole Hunter, has strong ties to his college days and the university he shared with five of his best friends, now known as the #BellTownSixPack. When an old acquaintance, Harlow Ember, walks in, wearing his jersey and his signature sunglasses, he knows this woman might have what it takes to capture his heart. But none of Cole’s typical efforts to gain a girl’s attention seem to work on Harlow.

Harlow Ember is asked to report on a charity event for children back in Belltown sponsored by Cole Hunter and the Six Pack. Even though Cole attracts her in all the right ways, she has goals of her own that don’t involve losing her heart to one more guy who will end up leaving her cold. While her trust is at an all-time low, her interest and attraction are a raging pull in the other direction.

Will her hurts from the past and the secrets he hides work in their favor or end things before they can even begin?


My Review

Amazing characterization! The author does a great job of getting the reader in the head of Cole, who is both a showman and athlete. He's the type of guy that it's easy to swoon over, but I would never want to actually deal with the ego in a relationship. I loved that we got to see the deeper parts of Cole- what drives him, where he's vulnerable, and how he deals with his struggles. Harlow is strong, and her college friendship with the men of the Belltown Six Pack puts her in a unique position to challenge Cole in ways no other woman has. Their relationship has such a shifting dynamic, and my favorite parts are when they are both loose and relaxed, having fun together and being real. There are a lot of things standing in their way, and they have quite a journey to navigate. I most admired that Cole wouldn't give up on Harlow, and even when they felt betrayed by each other, they could see past the facade to the real person deep inside. Great contemporary romance, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusettes, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.


https://amzn.to/2EEdT2m

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 

Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third





Sunshine Blogger Award!


Savanna from The Engrafted Word made my day and nominated me for The Sunshine Blogger Award! I think it's fun to get to know bloggers this way! I love the positive encouragement in this community of readers and authors :)

The Sunshine Blogger Award is a peer recognition for bloggers across all genres who inspire “positivity and joy.” While there is no formal evaluation or vetting process, and no tangible prize, it is a sweet gift to receive from fellow bloggers who view my blog as “inspiring positivity and joy.”

Sunshine Blogger Award rules:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you in the blog post and link back to their blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
  • Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
  • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

My answers to the 11 questions from Savanna: 

What (or who) inspired you to start blogging? 

I followed several book blogs to enter giveaways and learn about new releases, and when I learned about requesting books for review through Netgalley, I started my own blog that day! 

How has blogging changed your life overall? 

Knowing that I'm going to be writing a review for a book makes me read a little deeper, looking for themes and how I feel reading it. I also have a much larger collection of books! It's made me aware of more authors and publishers I didn't know about before. I don't think I'll ever reach the end of my TBR...

What has been your favorite read of 2019 so far?

Let's Begin Again by Heather B. Moore; Heart of Red, Blood of Blue by Rebecca Belliston; My Not So Wicked Stepbrother by Jennifer Peel; and a re-read of Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof 

What is one of your favorite songs? 

Modern Nature by Sondre Lerche, from the Dan in Real Life soundtrack

If you could take a vacation anywhere, what destination would you choose? 

Europe! My dream is coming true this summer with my first trip there! 

When you aren’t reading or blogging, what are you most likely to be doing? 

Besides the never-ending tasks of laundry and dishes... I like going to the beach and taking classes at my gym. 

What would you say is the easiest part about being a writer and what is the hardest part?

For me, the easiest part is saying how I really feel about a book. The hardest part is making it sound good! I have a tendency to use the same words and phrases between reviews to describe elements of a book, so I have to make an effort to come up with fresh ways of expressing my thoughts.

Who inspired your love of reading? 

My mom and dad read to my sisters and me as young kids, and growing up they always made sure we had books to read through trips to the library.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

To be active. I always feel better afterwards when I'm up and moving, even if I'd rather curl up and introvert ;)

What was your favorite book as a child? 

The Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, and the Baby-Sitters Club books by Ann M. Martin

Of all the blog posts you’ve written, which is your favorite? Please post the link.

I don't have a blog post that comes to mind since I stick to mainly reviews and tours... and I have a horrible memory! I do admire the creative posts that other bloggers come up with. It's always fun to pick my favorites of the year and post about those, but I pick so many it turns into a series of posts!

I nominate these 11 bloggers/authors:

 Mindy from Min Reads and Reviews

Author Julie Coulter Bellon from LDS Writer Mom 

Katie from Katie's Clean Book Collection

Aimee from Getting Your Read On

Author Loraine Nunley

Suzie from Remembrancy

Lisa from Bookworm Lisa

Andrea, Tarah and Rorie from Literary Time Out

Kathy at Bookworm Nation

Kelly from Where Faith and Books Meet

Melissa from Genesis 5020

 The 11 questions for my nominees:

(I have to admit I searched previous Sunshine posts for question ideas!)

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever been?

What /where is the setting of any of your current reads?

Do you have a favorite celebrity or author?

What do you think makes a great friend? 

What do you do to feel better when you’re feeling down?

What is your favorite kind of bookish merch?

Name a book that you wish had a sequel.

Which of the 7 dwarfs are you most similar to?

What state haven’t you lived in but would like to?

Who would play you, in a film/series about your life?

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

 

     

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Certain Hope by E.C. Jackson

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2U3YGQFThe Certain Hope
(Hope Series #3)
By E. C. Jackson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 318 Pages
December 5th 2018

Love at first sight. It’s every girl’s dream. But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions. She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future? Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.


Excerpt


While drying dishes, Tara jumped as soap suds hit her face. She spun around when Luke laughed, right before lobbing another soap ball at her. She ducked. Only trickles of water dusted her hair.
Her reflexes immediately kicked in. The water pitcher was in her hand before thinking better of her next move. The shock on Luke’s face stilled her hand. He was soaked. Water slid from his hair, and over his body, until it streamed across the floor.
“Oops! Blame yourself and not me,” she yelled, charging past him.
Lunging for her, Luke slipped on the wet floor, bringing them both down with a thud.
With a tight grip, he held her on his lap as Tara swiped at his hands.
“Why are you trying to get away?” he asked with a chuckle. “I’m sitting in water.”
Tara peeped up at him. “Do you promise we won’t trade places?”
“Hmm. Now that’s a thought. Relax,” he said when her struggles resumed. “That was a spirited trouncing, Ms. Simpkins. You won.”
“Yeah, I did. No payback?”
“Do you think I’m a spoilsport? Don’t answer. You’re safe for the moment.”
Tara leapt to her feet when Luke released his hold. Smiling sweetly, she held out a hand to help him up.
“Ah! You got soaked. Sorry. It was all my fault.”
Luke joined in her laughter. “Of course, that cockiness deserves retribution.”
Too late, she saw mischief in his eyes. Luke yanked her back onto his lap, layering her sputtering lips with kisses.


Other Books in the Series


About the Author


E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years naturally led to her current endeavor of writing inspirational romance novels and teen and young adult fiction. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.

A note from E. C. Jackson: “The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on my website and Facebook author page. If every person reading my book feels connected to the characters, my job is done.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends April 3, 2019






Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Book Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Her Colorado Cowboy by Mindy Obenhaus


Banner_HerColoradoCowboy_BlogJR

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for Her Colorado Cowboy by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

9781488042782(1)Title: Her Colorado Cowboy  
Series: Rocky Mountain Heroes, Book 3  
Author: Mindy Obenhaus  
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired  
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Release Date: March 19, 2019  

Lassoing the single mom’s heart…
A Rocky Mountain Heroes story

Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses.

But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school.

As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?  

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Christian Book | iTunes

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR MINDY OBENHAUS

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in Michigan, but now live on a ranch in Texas with my husband, the youngest of my five children, two dogs, numerous cattle and deer, along with the occasional coyote, wild hog, mountain lion and snake. Yet despite those latter characters, rural life is a pleasant change from the suburbs of Dallas-Ft. Worth. If only there was a Hobby Lobby nearby. 😉

What do you do besides writing?
I love to cook, watch countless hours of The Food Network and Hallmark Channel, shop and play with my grandbabies.
Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?

Yes, I’m a very visual person, so I need that visual inspiration as I’m writing. Most times I have a “prototype” in mind, but sometimes it’s not until I’m writing and get a better feel for the character that I have a particular person in mind. 

 
What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?
While I love music, I prefer to write in silence. Probably because I’m too easily distracted. I do find inspiration in songs, though. Some books actually have a theme song, unfortunately that wasn’t the case for Her Colorado Cowboy.
What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

I want them to know that we serve a God of second chances. Even when we say NEVER, God has a plan. It may not be what we envisioned, but it‘s always better than anything we could have come up with on our own.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

Book four in my Rocky Mountain Heroes series, Reunited in the Rockies, is scheduled to release in September, with the fifth, and final, book on shelves early next year.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mindy-35


It took Mindy Obenhaus forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up, but once God called her to write, she never looked back. A three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch.  

CONNECT: website | facebook | twitter | pinterest | goodreads | bookbub

her colorado cowboy blog giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win:
  • a signed copy of Her Colorado Cowboy
  • $15 Amazon gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 25, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 1, 2019. US only. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


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