Blog Tour, Interview & Giveaway: Wildfire Threat by Cathy McDavid

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Wildfire Threat by Cathy McDavid, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Wildfire Threat 

Series: Mountain Rescue Collection 

Author: Cathy McDavid 

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense 

Release Date: May 24, 2022 

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian 

As flames race toward her ranch 

She must rely on an old enemy… 

An out-of-control blaze has single mom Rayna Karstetter scrambling to protect her little boy, grandparents and their cattle. Forest ranger Aden Whitley offers his help, but Rayna doesn’t want to accept. Her feelings for Aden haven’t gone away…and neither has the sting of his betrayal. But when the wildfire forces an evacuation order, can they work together in order to survive? 

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

 

 

 

Interview with Author Cathy McDavid

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been a stay-at-home writer since 2014. People look at me now, hanging around the house in my sweatpants and t-shirts and probably find it hard to believe I spent thirty years in the corporate world. I started writing when my kids were about six, a couple pages at night after they went to bed. After a few sales to small presses, I sold to Harlequin in 2005 and got very serious about writing. For a long time, I juggled two careers while raising my kids. Guess I’m a glutton for punishment 😊 I lived the cowboy lifestyle from the time I was a teenager up until recently. I try very hard to bring an authenticity to my western-themed romances, much of it based on my own experiences.

What do you do besides writing?

I’m a bit of a theater fan, especially musical theater. I’ve been a Broadway on Tour season ticket holder for many years and frequently attend community theater show. I also get to spend a lot of time with my son, who lives 10 minutes away. He has a medical condition that prohibits him from driving, so I take him wherever he needs to go. I don’t mind. He’s a great kid, okay, adult, and I’m glad I’m able to help him. I’m truly blessed to have two wonderful circles of friends and get together with each of them every week. They are my support systems, my shoulders to cry on, my ears to bend, my share a good laugh with pals, and the ones I turn to in good and hard times. We love going to dinner or a movie or shopping or just getting together at someone’s house. They keep my well filled.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

Definitely researching the wildfires. This is my third book about fires, but I researched fresh to make sure I was up to date on procedures and terms and firefighting techniques. Good thing because a lot has changed over the years. I think the most interesting fact I learned was that, next to a nuclear explosion, a wildfire causes the most destruction. Also, fires can get hot enough to cause boulders to explode. I can’t imagine anything more terrifying. 

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 do like to use photos for visual inspiration and will happily share them. I look for photos when I start the book. I need to know what my characters look like. I also find photos of secondary characters and settings.
 

 

 

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

While I often listen to music when I write, there are no particular songs that inspires me. My music of choice has to be playing very soft so that it doesn’t distract me. Sometimes I like to listen to what I call study music or spa music. Ambient melodies without words that provide something nice in the background without pulling me away from the writing.
 

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

The impossible is possible with faith. Faith in our Lord, faith in each other, faith in family, faith in humanity, faith in oneself, and faith that good will prevail. My characters are faced with some incredible challenges over the course of the book. Through it all, they remain convinced they will make it through to the other side. It’s a powerful force.

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

My next Love Inspired Suspense, BLIZZARD REFUGE, will be out November 2022. It’s also part of Harlequin’s Mountain Rescue Collection and is another seat-of-your-pants action-packed thrill ride.

  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

In the third grade, NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western, owning a stagecoach pulled by six mules, and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 55 titles in print and 1.6 million books sold, This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world eight years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about handsome cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money.

CONNECT WITH CATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a print copy of A Secret Christmas Wish and Her Cowboy Sweetheart, a cowboy coffee mug, a $5 Starbucks gift card, and author bling!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 31, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 7, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Tour, Interview & Giveaway: Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Second Chance at Happiness 
Author: Greta Picklesimer
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: April 12, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

After Catherine Reed’s husband dies in a tragic logging accident, Catherine and her four-year-old daughter, Clair, move home with Clair’s mother and brother in order to accept a new position as the teacher for the town’s one-room schoolhouse. But Catherine carries a dark secret that she hasn’t even shared with her mother. Will she ever find forgiveness? 

Samuel Harris has suffered his own loss, losing his wife and unborn child over a year prior. Although he is the town’s preacher, he struggles to trust God, blaming God for allowing him to be absent when his wife died. The guilt has burdened him ever since. But when his old flame Catherine Reed comes back to town, he wonders if they can find healing together. 

Catherine believes that anyone who wants to learn should be allowed to learn, but she is quick to find a town divided on that issue. As she and Samuel set out to change people’s minds in a post-Civil War era, they find themselves drawn to each other over and over again. As they join together for the same cause, could they also find a second chance at happiness?

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

Interview with Author Greta Picklesimer 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I am a happily, never-married woman who loves the Lord and is owned by one short-haired, brown, tiger rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue. I named her after one of my father’s favorite Bluegrass songs. 

 

What do you do besides writing? 

I work as an office assistant at the local Department of Health and Human Services for the State of Michigan. I help people apply for welfare benefits and love my job. I enjoy interacting with the public.

 

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I enjoyed checking out through interstate lending libraries and reading books about the education system in Kentucky.

 

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? 

The images I have for my characters are in my mind. I put what I saw down on paper and hope I did those images justice. 

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

None. I don’t listen to music when I write it is too distracting. 

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

That no matter the sin the Lord forgives and forgets and we all can have a second chance at happiness through Christ our Savior.

 

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

I signed a contract for the sequel to Second Chance at Happiness. That book is called The Rejected Mail-Order Bride. It is the brother, Harl’s story.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Greta Picklesimer is Michigan-born and raised by Kentucky-transplanted parents. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of five—a happy day in her memory. Besides writing, Greta spends time working on her art journal, painting with watercolors and oil pastels. She is owned by one rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue who was named after her father's favorite Bluegrass song. By day Greta works as an office assistant. By night, she writes.

CONNECT WITH GRETA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Second Chance at Happiness and a spiral-bound notebook with a picture of the cover of the book on it!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: Peace in the Mountain Haven by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

This epic journey is her best chance to find the family she and her daughter long for.

Watkuese is desperate to return across the Rocky Mountains before winter sets in. Time is running out for her to get her adopted daughter back to the familiar surroundings of the Shoshone village before the grief of her parents’ death causes irreparable damage.

Hugh Charpentier has spent his life watching over his siblings, which meant also ensuring his brother’s widow and babe are settled well into their new life. Now he’s asked to help shepherd a woman and child he barely knows across the mountains. As hard as it is to keep up with a six-year-old in the treacherous Rockies, it’s not nearly as dangerous as risking his heart to a woman and child who may not ever be his.

My Review

Another epic wilderness adventure in the Call of the Rockies series! I like that these follow a group of friends and travelers (which grows with each book), yet each can be read as a stand alone. They can also be read in order for time continuity. Hugh is a newcomer to this group, joining them when his search for his sister-in-law came to an end. He's solemn and stalwart, which hides his insecurities and pain from his childhood. He's caring and compassionate with others, even when he has a difficult time showing it. Watkuese is grieving her friend's death and honoring her by taking in her daughter, who is also deep in grief, and acting out in unsafe ways. Hugh, his younger brother Louis, and Watkuese work together on their journey back to Watkeuse's tribe to protect the child and help her heal, and it takes time as they make their way through the dangerous terrain. The time also allows for introspection, spiritual growth, and bonding as Hugh and Watkeuse rely on each other. They develop wonderful chemistry and I really enjoyed their romance. A strong addition to the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Call of the Rockies series . . .

 

Review: Love Practically by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As a young woman, Leah Penn-Leith fell hopelessly in love with Captain Fox Carnegie—the only irrational mark on her decidedly sensible life. Fox, unfortunately, did not return her regard.

Their story should have ended there. After all, Fox left for India. And Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.

But twenty years later, Fox appears on Leah’s doorstep—older, scarred, and world-weary—proposing a marriage of convenience between them. He needs a mother for his young ward, and Leah, with her capable good sense, comes highly recommended. What woman could say No to such a proposal? Not Leah. Fox has always wreaked havoc on her ability to think rationally.

But after their marriage, Leah confronts the chaotic reality of Fox’s life. His castle, ten miles up a rugged Highland glen, is shambolic. His ward, Madeline, is a precocious handful. Fox’s time in India is shrouded in rumor and mystery. Worst of all, Fox himself is distant and broken, his personality as altered as his scarred body.

Throughout it all, Leah is left with two questions: What happens to a woman after her most-cherished fantasy comes true? And can a marriage, begun in practicality, transform into something deeper? Something like . . . love.

My Review

I am thrilled for a new series from this author, and was immediately swept away with the setting and characters in Love Practically. Leah and her brothers are close, and I loved how protective they are of her when she decides to take the opportunity to marry Fox, even though it's a marriage of convenience on his part. I was feeling all the feels as Leah serves and sacrifices in her new roles as wife, mother, and homemaker. Each character came to life with mannerisms and personalities that were vibrant and unique- even the cat! Such a heartrending story of love that grows through hardship and healing. I especially enjoyed the poetry that inspired the title of the book and the way it shifted as Leah's brothers saw her change from a woman who loves to a woman who is loved. This is a story I plan to read again, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She was forbidden to love him.
He only wanted her heart.
Can a childhood game bring them together?

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father's death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia's friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia's strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

My Review

 

What a fun notion! The games of tag in the ballroom brought a sense of anticipation throughout the book, although I wasn't sold on the sense of purpose with some of the game-themed scenes, especially one involving cards and two male egos. I thought it was an endearing trait for Emerson to be up for a good game or prank, but Olivia didn't allow herself to feel much which prevented me from connecting to her emotions. She seemed stuck, and she didn't progress for most of the book- frustrating for both myself and Emerson. I think it affected the pace and slowed it down with some repetition of her thought patterns. I began to enjoy the book more with the extremely well-written kissing scenes (*fans self*). I thought the foreshadowing with the pig was very clever and the scene where it takes center stage does not disappoint! I'm planning to read more from this creative author and I hope we get books for each of Emerson's friends/partners-in-crime.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Brielle Durand is a key defender and hunter for her people's peace-loving French settlement in the Canadian mountains. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. She won't allow another massacre like the one that killed her mother a dozen years before. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way?

Evan MacManus was on assignment to find among the caves the mineral pitchblende that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on the promise he's made to his government or take a risk on the path his heart tells him is right? Either choice will spell death for someone.

My Review

I absolutely love the premise that a community of people lived and thrived in the northern Canadian wilderness separately from the rest of society. It was fascinating to see real history woven with the author's worldbuilding. The details of the people of Laurent and their history added to the intrigue and adventure. Brielle is the leader of the hunters and has honed skills that provide and protect, but her tough persona is balanced by intuition and thoughtful consideration, especially when she comes to know Evan over time. I liked how she could sense that he was withholding from her, even as she grew to admire him. As always there is a strong faith element as Evan and Brielle come to terms with their pasts and the loyalties they hold. The romance that develops between them despite their roles feels genuine and I enjoyed their chemistry. A strong cast of family and community members brought a foundation that will last through the series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Brides of Laurent series . . .

Book Two

 

Book Three