Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: A Secret Between Them by Donna Gartshore

A Secret Between Them JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Secret Between Them by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Secret Between Them

Title: A Secret Between Them 
Author:
Donna Gartshore
Publisher:
Love Inspired
Release Date:
April 23, 2024
Genre:
Inspirational Contemporary Romance

She’ll help him heal… 

But is love enough to make him stay? 

Unexpectedly injured, photojournalist John Bishop finds himself stuck in a town full of painful memories—with physical therapist Grace Severight his only way out. Following her treatment should be simple. But soon John’s falling again—this time for the single foster mom and her four-year-old charge. Now love might heal his past…but will a secret Grace is keeping destroy their chance at a future?  

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop| BookBub

 

Guest Post from Author Donna Gartshore

 

RUN YOUR OWN RACE

By Donna Gartshore

Thank you for inviting me to your blog. I love sharing with fellow writers and readers.

A favourite scripture of mine is the one from Hebrews 12:1-3. I want to put a particular focus on verse 1 that says Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (emphasis mine) KJV version.

I know that this verse refers to all Christians staying the course in the Christian life but the words I highlighted also remind me that we all have our own God-given journey to travel, and we have all been given gifts that are ours alone and not to be compared with what others have been given.

I love Social Media, I really do. It’s a place where readers and authors can connect with each other, with other authors and with other readers. What I don’t like about it is that it is so easy to fall into the comparison game and falsely believe that we are falling short. So your child made the swim team but, oh someone else’s child has been made captain. I’m happy I signed a three book contract but wait, this person just signed one for six. It never stops if that’s what we choose to focus on.

I am someone who can honestly cry happy tears when I experience someone fully using the creative gifts they’ve been given. Whether it’s reading a profound passage of poetry, listening to a classical symphony or watching a documentary on how someone creates their songs. I am filled with gratitude to be part of the creative world that our Creator has blessed us with.

I also believe that being creative isn’t just about writing, art and music. It can be about tending your garden, cooking a special meal and raising and caring for a family is an art performed with the deepest love.

God has a purpose for us all and has given us gifts to carry them out. If we all remember to run our own races, we’ll get to the places we’re meant to be.

Also Available

Finding Her Voice 


About the Author

Donna Gartshore

Publishers Weekly best selling author Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna is so grateful to be able to tell stories of faith, hope and second chances for Love Inspired. She also writes devotionals and the occasional poem or short story. Donna loves time with her family, personal and group Bible study, long chats with friends over dinner or coffee and engaging in discussions about books and writing with her local and online writing communities.

Connect with Donna on social media at Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each win a print copy of Finding Her Voice, Finding Their Christmas Home and A Secret Between Them, plus an inspirational bookmark!

A Secret Between Them JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 2024. Winners 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours


 


Friday, April 5, 2024

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Even If Nothing Else Is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle

Even if Nothing Else is Certain JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Even If Nothing Else Is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Even If Nothing Else is Certain

Title: Even If Nothing Else Is Certain 
Series:
Love for Certain #2
Author:
Amy Willoughby-Burle
Publisher:
Fireship Press
Release Date:
March 27, 2024
Genre:
Historical Romance (clean)

Even if nothing else is certain … love still is. 

Ruby Foster loves her job as a Pack Horse librarian, but secretly she dreams of being a nurse. Since there are no schools for nursing in the hills of rural Kentucky in 1937, Ruby contents herself with harvesting medicinal plants, delivering her beloved library books, and dreaming. Dreaming mostly of a life that doesn’t leave her living in the past. Until one day she discovers that “past” camped out by the Hell for Certain creek. Could it really be Cole, the one who left her heartbroken so many years ago? Just when she starts to believe in her dreams and hope for love again, Cole reveals his true colors. Or is the truth she sees only another illusion? When nothing else in the world seems certain, can the bonds of friendship bring one searching heart and one lost soul together again?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Interview with Author Amy Willoughby-Burle


Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I always start out with “I’m a mom.” So… I’m a mom, a teacher, a writer. I grew up in Kure Beach, North Carolina and now live in the mountains of NC just outside Asheville. I’ve got 5 kids. Four that I had by birth and one that God sent to me as a teenage boy. My husband and I met at a writers workshop (Wildacres Writers Workshop) that I’m now the director of some 25 plus years later. I have recently become one of those crazy chicken ladies that you see on Instagram. I’m not sure how it happened, but it did.


What do you do besides writing?

I teach high school literature at a small private school. I spend quite a bit of time cooking, doing laundry, and telling people to brush their teeth at night. I’m often distracted by petting my cats. I love to meet my husband for coffee on a random weekday if we’re both free–I’m out of school and he doesn’t have patients (he’s a chiropractor) for a little bit. I’m in a wonderful book club. I have fantastic friends. I have a wonderful church family. Hmm, I guess the next time I start to complain about something I’ll reread this answer. Life is not too shabby.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I learned so much about medicinal plants as well as the amazing Frontier Nursing Service started by Mary Breckinridge in Hyden, KY. I came across some really cool old medical books that make an appearance in the novel. I learned all about how to run an old-school printing press. I watched so many videos and read so much about those presses that I’m pretty sure if I ever travel back in time and come across one, I could totally use it!


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?

I LOVE to fantasy cast my characters.

For Cole I pictured Benjamin Hollingsworth. Someone with a sweet look about him, but the potential to have some darker places in his heart. Ben is often cast as the spoiled rich guy type for Hallmark. Cole is not that at all, but for some reason his is the face that came to mind. If you’ve seen Virgin River, he’s got a bad boy with a heart of something like gold, LOL, that is somewhat closer to Cole–wants to do the right thing, but keeps getting it wrong.

For Ruby I thought of Jessy Schram (as you can tell, I watch a lot of Hallmark movies) but with unruly brown hair. LOL. I like her spunky appeal and bright smile with the potential to be a bit sassy.


What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

I have to admit I don’t listen to too much music when I’m writing per se. Especially not music with words because then I start to think about the story of the song and then I’m not paying attention to my story, LOL. But I did keep in my ear some of the folk music from the 1920s and 30s Appalachia. There’s music in the book–Daniel and his brothers-in-law play fiddle and such.


What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

I hope readers will take away from the book that it’s not too late to tell the truth, to trust in God and in the people who love you, to follow your dreams and to believe in yourself and the plan that God has in store.


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

Book 3! There’s at least one more “season” of this story left to tell. After that–maybe Book 4. We’ll see if the story gets continued (I hope so!) I also have a couple of contemporary novels being shopped around and one book set in the 1970s. I’m not sure if that qualifies as historical yet or not. I’m from the 1970s and sometimes it feels like ages ago and sometimes just yesterday. One way or the next, I’m still writing!

More Books In This Series


About the Author

Amy Willoughy-Burle

Amy Willoughby-Burle is an award winning fiction author living in Asheville, NC with her husband and five children. Her fiction focuses on the importance of family and friends and centers on the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and finding the beauty in the world around us. She is the author of the novels The Lemonade Year, The Year of Thorns and Honey, The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else Is Certain. Her short fiction has been published in numerous journals and in her collection, Out Across the Nowhere. 

Connect with Amy by visiting amywilloughbyburle.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, signed copies of The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else is Certain, and librarian & plant themed bookmarks, stickers and postcards!

(1) additional winner will win a signed copy of Even if Nothing Else is Certain!

Even If Nothing Else is Certain JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 8, 2024. Winners 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours


 


Thursday, April 4, 2024

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison

Every Bird That Falls JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Every Bird That Falls

Title: Every Bird That Falls
Series:
two sparrows for a penny # 3
Author:
Sara Davison
Publisher:
Independently published through The Mosaic Collection
Release Date:
April 3, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense

Lies have kept them apart for eight years.  

Now the truth could destroy them completely. 

Bomb squad leader Tag Monroe’s world is shattered when his sister and her foster sister are abducted by a human trafficker. Eight years later, the two of them have been miraculously freed. As thrilled as he is to be reunited with his sister, Tag has lingering questions. 

How did Jae-won Lin, the third foster sister, elude capture that night? Why didn’t she call the police or Tag to let them know what happened? And where has she been for the last eight years? He loved Jae once, but he can’t let her back into his life until he has more information. 

Unfortunately, time is running out. Someone powerful is coming after Jae, bent on revenge. If Tag can’t get to her before her mysterious pursuer, Jae could take the answers to all Tag’s questions to her grave. 

Along with any hope the two of them might have to find their way to each other again.  

The explosive Christian romantic suspense series two sparrows for a penny by multi-award-winning author Sara Davison continues with this on-the-edge-suspense love story that might finally answer the question: Where was Jae?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Interview with Author Sara Davison


Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hmm, let’s see. I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. Like most Canadians, I love hockey (watching) and baseball (watching and playing), poutine and butter tarts, my family and friends. Above all, I love God, and I love sharing the stories He gives me with readers. Every Bird That Falls is my fourteenth romantic suspense novel. While the writing journey can be frustrating and discouraging at times, it has also been for me a journey of great joy, excitement, and amazing community, and I am grateful every day to be part of it.


What do you do besides writing?

When I’m not writing, I am often pretending to fully participate in other activities and conversations while actually conjuring up characters and scenarios in my head (ha ha). I do love spending time with my husband of twenty-eight years, Michael, and our three pretty much grown kids. I also love going for coffee with friends, reading (of course), road trips, book club discussions, coffee, chocolate, and movies, especially old classics. Casablanca and anything with Jimmy Stewart in it are my favorites, although I’ll settle for Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, or Gregory Peck.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?
 
My favorite part of researching for this book was looking into how to treat bullet wounds with only ingredients that might be found in a hunting cabin and how to build and detonate your own bomb, both of which have likely landed me on more than one watch list somewhere. 


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?
 
I typically have a pretty good idea of what my characters look like, but I rarely use actual images, relying on the mental image I have of them. With Jae from Every Bird That Falls, though, I did find an image that matched the one in my head. And I found one close to Tag, although Tag is bigger than this and, because he has been trapped in a cabin for a few days, would have more facial hair.


 
 
What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

Although I know a lot of authors listen to music when they write and even go so far as to have a soundtrack that goes with their story, I am not like that. I’m not a big music person anyway, so I can’t say that any song inspired the story, and I don’t listen to music while I’m writing as I find that too distracting. Having said that, if I had to choose one song to go with this book, it would have to be Kathy Mattea’s “Where Have You Been?” Jae has been missing for eight years, and Tag has been asking this question since the night she disappeared, so that one would be a good fit. 

 
What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?
 
The message of this story and of every story I write is that we are never alone. That no matter what we are going through, what we have done, or what has been done to us, God is there. He sees us and knows us and has promised to never leave us or forsake us. With every book I send out into the world, I pray that each person who reads it will take that promise and assurance with them when they finish and that it will fill them with hope.


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

The third book in my Rose Tattoo trilogy, Sharp Like Glass, should come out in the fall of 2024. In the spring of 2025, I hope to release the sequel to The Color of Sky and Stone, book one in my new series, In the Shadows. I also contribute stories to the anthologies that the group of indie authors I am blessed to be part of, The Mosaic Collection, puts out every summer and Christmas. My contributions to those anthologies are always connected to my series and are either prequels or tell the stories of minor characters, so I am starting to add “Suggested Order of Reading” lists to the front of my books so readers can get the full series experience.

More Books In This Series

 


About the Author

Sara Davison

Sara Davison has a passion for writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats—and maybe swooning a little. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Cascade, Word, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card plus a paperback copy of Every Bird That Falls!

Every Bird That Falls JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 2024. Winners 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours




Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb

The Rancher's Secret Crush JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Rancher's Secret Crush

Title: The Rancher's Secret Crush
Series:
Three Springs Texas #6
Author:
Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date:
March 26, 2024
Genre:
Contemporary Romance (Clean)

Everything good…  

Starts with unexpected kindness 

When city girl Elsie Parks comes to Three Springs to care for her nieces while her brother recuperates, she’s in for a surprise—he expects her to run the ranch! Thankfully, Ryan Sloan—the rugged cowboy next door—is happy to help. As they get into a groove working the farm together, their attraction grows like Texas wildflowers. But can this temporary detour become something more? 

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 
The only awkward moment came when Ryan noted Elsie’s bare feet and swept her easily up into his arms. And her laughter got swept away by those butterflies flapping in her stomach. “Ryan. I can walk.”

“You shouldn’t. Not barefoot,” Ryan insisted. “Not around here.” He half gestured to the field and ranch yard beyond.

“I’ve been barefoot for a while now.” Elsie wiggled her mud-coated toes. But that only stirred those butterflies more. “And I’m fine.”

“You’re lucky.” Ryan frowned, tightened his hold on her and headed to his truck. “You have no idea what’s out here. Barbed wire. Nails. Thorns. I can keep going.”

“I got it.” Elsie felt him tense. And then she gave in. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she settled in closer. Just for a moment. Just to calm him. And herself. After all, she’d never been swept off her feet. Not in any sense. Right now, it was heady and thrilling. A little bit irresistible. And this seemed as close as she was ever going to get.

Best to take it all in.

 

More Books in This Series

    Her Cowboy Wedding Date

   


About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copies of 2 backlist books by Cari Lynn Webb!

The Rancher's Secret Crush JustRead Blog Tour Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 26, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 2, 2024. 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours


 


Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Her Temporary Cowboy by Tanya Agler

Her Temporary Cowboy JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Her Temporary Cowboy by Tanya Agler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Her Temporary Cowboy

Title: Her Temporary Cowboy
Series:
Rodeo Stars of Violet Ridge #3
Author:
Tanya Agler
Publisher:
Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: March 26, 2024
Genre:
Clean Romance

He’s never known love… 

Until a chance encounter 

Rodeo cowboy Lucky Harper is only making a short stop in idyllic Violet Ridge. So how did he go from being an outsider to pretty rancher Elizabeth Irwin’s wedding date—and her fake fiancé—in one night? For the first time, this lone cowboy is suddenly part of a real family. But even he’s not lucky enough to find family and love by accident…or is he?  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

If he were fortunate enough to be part of her family, one that incorporated its staff into its ranks, he’d lap up every minute with them rather than spending it in the stable. “Aren’t you happy about the wedding?”

Elizabeth had already started toward the horses. She stopped and turned toward him, a scowl on her very attractive face. “Of course I am. Evie makes Dad happy. It’s just that I’m more comfortable wearing these clothes.” She plucked at her jeans and plaid shirt layered over a tank top. “And I’d rather not twist my ankle in the strappy high heels I have to wear in the meadow. I’ve been told to leave my favorite red cowboy hat in the tack room, too.”

She tipped her red hat over her long auburn hair, which was tied back in a ponytail. The dark red highlights were more like the sky at sunrise than the deep orange and pink hues of the setting sun off in the distance. Her fresh heart-shaped face, with its wide apple cheeks and green eyes, had a timeless appeal.

So she was pretty. She was also practically in charge of this ranch and way out of his league.

More Books in This Series

Caught by the Cowgirl 


About the Author

Tanya Agler

Tanya Agler fell in love with romance novels when her grandmother brought one home from work. After years of reading happily ever afters, she decided to write a sweet contemporary romance with the support of her wonderful husband, four children, and her lovable dogs (Linus the Beagle and Corky the Yorkie). A graduate of the University of Georgia, she loves Cary Grant movies, walking, reading, and all things chocolate.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyaagler.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card and a signed, print copy of Caught by the Cowgirl!

Her Temporary Cowboy JustRead Blog Tour Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 25, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 1, 2024. 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours


 


Thursday, March 21, 2024

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Flicker of Trust by Eleanor Bertin

Flicker of Trust JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Flicker of Trust by Eleanor Bertin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Flicker of Trust

Title: Flicker of Trust
Series:
Burning Bright #2
Author:
Eleanor Bertin
Publisher: Leaf & Blade Publishing
Release Date:
February 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

When a woman disappears, Ryan’s past is fair game. 

Party animal Ryan Hainstock has made an about-face. He’s now an elder-caring, money-saving, church-going man with bright plans to set himself up farming. Somehow, whether he rates with her or not, those plans always include sweet and smart Lynnie Min and her young daughter. Problem is, Ryan’s past keeps coming back to condemn him. 

Lynnie Min, too young for the title of widow, travels the lonely road of single motherhood in a rural community. Her dreams were crushed by tragedy when terrorists claimed the lives of her husband and one of her daughters. While gratitude should fill her heart for the presence of three-year-old Anya, a longing for something more stirs within her. She can’t help noticing the changes in Ryan, a man she once knew as a high school jock. 

While their affection deepens, greater forces conspire to destroy their growing love. A murder charge, a kidnapping, a child abandoned…Can Ryan and Lynnie overcome danger and distrust to find each other again?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


About the Author

Eleanor Bertin

Inspired by the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the place where life’s perplexities meet faith’s certainties. Before raising and home-educating a family of seven children for thirty years, Eleanor received a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism. She is the author of five novels, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She and her husband of 42 years live in central Alberta, Canada and are the grandparents of ten amazing grandchildren.

Connect with Eleanor by visiting eleanorbertinauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Flicker of Trust JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 26, 2024. Winners 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours


 


Monday, March 18, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton

This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

This Ain't No Promised Land

Title: This Ain’t No Promised Land
Author:
Tina Shelton
Publisher:
Kregel Publications
Release Date:
March 19, 2024
Genre:
Christian General Fiction

"With stellar storytelling skills, Tina Shelton reminds us that while love isn't always enough to erase the hurts, it's the only way to survive them. A powerful read!" 

--Julie Cantrell, New York Times & USA Today best-selling author of Perennials 

When her husband dies, Charlotte can't face the things she's done that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything--her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she's made, and the secrets eating her alive. 

Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago's South Side with nothing but their home and belongings. They're doing everything they can to stay together, but young teens aren't meant to parent themselves. Their close-knit Black community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but that's not enough to fix the damage of abandonment. 

Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is struggling to keep her own head above water. She's made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte's never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, the shaky peace she tried to build shatters. Even if she's able to find the courage to embrace motherhood again, will it be enough to save the family she left behind?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

Sometimes the way Mom looked at us let us know she loved us, but her real thoughts were trapped inside her body and, in order to know what was really going on, we had to read, pick apart, and divvy up whatever her soul offered. We had to listen to her breathe, like the way she sighed deep at night with a sliver of a high-pitched hum. That let us know she was tired of trying to figure out whatever it was she was forever trying to figure out, but she was gonna stick with it anyway.

We had to watch her eyes, the way they lit up when she saw us walk through the door after school. We had to soak in the way she traced our hairline with her fingers when we were waking out of sleep; the touch of her thumb to our cool cheeks when we were crying. We had to watch which piece of baked chicken she’d give us at dinner and compare the sizes of our cake for dessert. We watched for her reaction to us when we stood next to her on the porch and watched the sun go down. If she smiled, she loved us; if she sighed and looked down the street, we were a nuisance. Having Mom around was like watching the sky in the spring. When she was okay, the sun shined and she made the world a happier place to live in, but when she wasn’t, it was overcast. But even with all that quietness of her soul and our gray days, we knew we were better off with her home than not.

Who knew emptiness could fill every nook in a space with such thick silence?

 


About the Author

Tina Shelton

Tina Shelton is registrar at Chicago Theological Seminary and a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is also the mother of two young adults, and loves walking, working out, and traveling with her family. This is her first novel.

Connect with Tina by following her on Instagram @ts_walking


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of This Ain't No Promised Land and several book-related goodies, including a friendship bracelet, a mini journal, a pen, and a prayer tin.

This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2024. 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours