Sunday, February 11, 2024

Review: Something Borrowed by Rebecca Connolly



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Forsaking all others...

Gage Trembath is getting married. He is the only one who knows it, but the statement is true nonetheless. The woman he had once loved has been married elsewhere for a time, and he can put off his own marriage no longer. The woman he has chosen to marry, without love, is sensible, quiet, musical, and amenable, which should enable him to have a good marriage and a content life. That is all he wants now, and Honora Berkeley makes the most sense.

Honora cannot believe that a handsome and wealthy man like Gage has any interest at all in marrying her, even without love. She has certainly very little to recommend her, but escaping her life of criticism and abandonment is something she cannot resist. But what about the woman Gage had once loved? The one who was perfect for him and the one who made him determined to abandon love? Are his feelings for her truly gone? Will Honora ever have his affection along with his respect?


My Review

I was so happy to see these two make a match, but disappointed that Gage went into the marriage with unresolved baggage from his previous experience. This is a bit of a marriage of convenience for Honoria since it gets her away from her abusive family, but her feelings naturally grow swiftly for such a considerate gentleman. Their individual hangups provide the conflict in their relationship- Gage thinking he will never love again, and Honoria completely insecure about his affections. I was glad they had the support of their friends and family- the characters from the previous books- that helped them along their bumpy road to happily-ever-after.

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 previous books in the Cornwall Brides series . . .








Saturday, February 10, 2024

Review: Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it



Synopsis

There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?  
 
My Review

I enjoy collections where each story builds upon the previous. Tess, Clare, Zoe, and Anna each play a role in uncovering the mystery of the military dog tags and reuniting Grandma Rose with David. Not before some serious sisterly drama plays out, however, and makes the granddaughters worry that things will never be the same. The first three stories were okay, I didn't really mesh with the authors' writing styles. The interactions between the main characters were awkward and I wasn't feeling the chemistry. The last story by Denise Hunter made up for it, and I found myself looking forward to her contribution as I read. She brings a spark to her romance and I connected more fully with the emotions of the characters.

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.

Check out the other books in the Smitten series . . .




Friday, February 9, 2024

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone

Renewed Hope JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Renewed Hope

Title: Renewed Hope
Series:
Seven Tine Ranch Romance #3
Author:
Carmen Peone
Publisher:
Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date:
February 6, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Can they find her son in time? 

Sophie Cayes is on the road to success as an artist. Until her ex-husband threatens to sue for full custody of their son. Upon learning of a guest ranch in Eastern Washington that keeps a room open for women in need, she grabs her son and bolts. Although Chad Davis loves starting colts on the Seven Tine Guest Ranch, his goal is to have his own spread. Everything’s on course until a woman and her preschool son show up. He’s not thrilled about helping out. Until the boy comes up missing. On his watch. Along with a tribal cop, they head back to Montana in search of the boy, knowing his dad was the one who kidnapped him. Sophie prays they find him before her ex-husband and his new wife go on the run. Taking her son with them. 

 

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

More Books In This Series

Captured Secrets   

 

Author Interview with Carmen Peone


Thank you for hosting me today. It’s an honor to be featured on your blog!

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a country girl at heart. Though raised in the valley of Spokane, WA, now Spokane Valley, WA, I dreamed about living in the country on a ranch and raising and riding horses in the mountains. That all came true when I met my husband in college and we moved northwest of the city and on his Indian Reservation.

I now own horses (we’re down to two) and enjoy trail rides and horse camping. What I liked most was competing in Extreme Cowboy races. That was a hoot. Especially when they were not in an arena, but in natural environments.


What do you do besides writing?

I read a lot of fiction and non-fiction, bead Native American-style jewelry, sew, paddle board, and enjoy photographing nature and animals. I also spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren. They are the joy in my life. Before the service begins at my church, I play worship music on the piano and enjoy playing the Native American flute at home.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

My favorite parts of researching Renewed Hope were my four trips to the Polson, MT, area. I traveled there three times with my husband and one time with two lady friends. I’m not sure what is more spectacular, Flathead Lake, Mission Mountains, or Hungry Horse Dam and Recreational Area. You can click on my website and follow my blog series this month. One segment is about the setting, plus I share photos of the above places and more.


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?

In my month-long, weekly Renewed Hope book release blog series, I begin with Sophie Cayes on 2.6.24 and end with Chad Davis on 2.27.24. You can sign up for my blog to see all of the Renewed Hope Book Release posts. (After the book release series, I’ll continue with my monthly Women Honoring the West series.)

I do like to find the visual character inspiration images before I write so I don’t have to go back and fill in blank spots. The images help bring the characters to life and add fun and another element of creativity to the story. 

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

I always listen to Native Flute music because it’s soothing and there are no words to distract me. My favorite is Native American Sleep Music. There’s something special about the canyon sounds. Listen to the Music.


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

I want readers to know more about domestic violence and abuse. I want victims to know they are not alone and that there is help and hope. I have a resource page on my website to learn more and find out how to get help. Get Carmen’s Resources.


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

I’m working on a series that features rodeo queens and rodeo cowboys. I’m having a ton of fun with these three books and need the break from the heaviness of the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series.

In the Rodeo Queen series, there are second chances, enemies to lovers (or love, as these are Christian novels), and friends to lovers.

You can follow along by signing up for my newsletter. When you do, you’ll receive my novella, Gentling the Cowboy, as a thank-you gift. Sign up here.

 

About the Author

Carmen Peone

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense and lives with her husband in Northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation. She weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after.

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

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win a signed copy of Renewed Hope, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a story-related postcard!

Renewed Hope JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 12, 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.

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Thursday, February 8, 2024

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr

Fall When You're Ready JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Fall When You're Ready

Title: Fall When You're Ready
Series:
Real American Country #1 
Author:
Jennifer Carr
Publisher:
 JCarr Writes
Release Date:
February 1, 2024
Genre:
Contemporary Clean Romance

Rachel never wanted to get in the way of Jordan’s dreams, but they were supposed to chase their dreams together. They made promises and swore to remain best friends through it all. But, just as all good things must come to an end, it would seem that applies to promises as well. When Rachel and Jordan end up on separate paths toward their own versions of success, they each learn the hard way that letting go is easier than it sounds. But when those paths bring them both home, all of those promises come flooding back and they have to decide whether it’s worth the risk to reopen the chapter they closed on their story so long ago.  

 

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

 

 

Guest Post from Author Jennifer Carr


In the past I viewed dreams as mountains to be conquered, with a single-minded focus that left little room for anything else. I believed, like many do, that to achieve greatness or to realize a lifelong ambition, one must sacrifice other aspects of life, including relationships. There's a certain allure to this path – it's the narrative of many a success story we hear. But life, in its infinite wisdom, taught me that this route comes with its own set of challenges.

I've seen friends and acquaintances choose their dreams over their partners, a decision that often led them to unparalleled heights in their careers. Yet, in quiet moments, they shared their longing for a companion to share these successes with - a reminder of the emotional support and connection that was sacrificed along the way. This path, I've realized, is one of profound personal achievements but also of introspection about what we truly value.

Conversely, I've witnessed and even experienced the beauty and complexity of pursuing dreams while securely anchored in a loving relationship. This journey is not without its trials – it requires a delicate dance of balance, understanding, and sometimes, sacrifice. Yet, it's a path that enriches both the dream and the relationship. There's a unique strength found in the support of a partner who cheers you on, who becomes a part of your dreams just as you become a part of theirs.

At this stage in my life, I understand that neither path is inherently better than the other; they are simply different. The choice between pursuing a dream at the expense of a relationship, or trying to balance both, is deeply personal. It's a decision that should be made with a clear understanding of what you hold dear, what makes you feel fulfilled, and how you define success and happiness.

Looking back, it’s glaringly obvious that each choice we make in this regard shapes us in unexpected and often beautiful ways. It's not just about the achievements or the relationships we nurture; it's about the person we become in the process. Whether we choose to focus exclusively on our dreams or intertwine them with our relationships, each path offers its own lessons, joys, and challenges.

In my own journey, I've learned that life is not just about reaching a destination. It's about the experiences we gather, the love we give and receive, and the dreams we chase. And so, to those standing at this crossroads, I say: Trust your heart, embrace your choice, and let it guide you through this incredible journey of life. Whichever path you choose, it will shape you, teach you, and leave you richer in experience and wisdom.



About the Author

Jennifer Carr

A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer Carr draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.

Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. 

When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what's likely her third coffee of the day. 

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

 


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of Fall When You're Ready and a 6-month Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Fall When You're Ready JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 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.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Review: Cocoa Kisses by Melanie Jacobson



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Two old friends, a snowed in cabin, and a mission to save Creekville’s Christmas…

Taylor Bixby is content running her café and watching her customers fall in love. She wouldn’t mind a little Cupid magic herself, but the last kiss to curl her toes was from an old friend--a rum-fueled mistake. It’s a good thing he hasn’t been around for the last four years.

She’s got her hands full overseeing the town’s most beloved annual tradition, and she’s fine leaving Levi Taft—and the night they don’t speak of—in the past.

Until he walks into her café without warning.

Levi Taft is back in Creekville to fix what he broke four years ago. He misses his best friend too much to let their friendship fade, and he sees his chance to make things right when catastrophe threatens Taylor’s ambitious winter festival plans.

It’s simple. They just need to outrun the blizzard of the decade and escape a snowbound cabin in a forest riddled with absurd amounts of mistletoe. Oh, and stay out of the clutches of their scheming moms.

Creekville needs rescuing, but is Taylor willing to try when it means risking her secrets for the only man to ever break her heart?

Revisit charming Creekville in this standalone Christmas novella full of the angst and hilarity that only happens when two best friends fall in love...

My Review

I have grown to love the fictional town of Creekville as I've read the books in this series! I appreciate that they can be read in any order, and I can revisit when the next book comes out without needing an info dump or rehashing the other plots. It's fun to see the previous characters pop up in cameos as friends or community members. Friends-to-more is one of my favorite tropes, but Taylor and Levi drove me a little crazy! I was glad when Taylor got out of her own head and gave in to the magic ;) The plot is charming and fun- rescuing the Christmas parade by procuring some last-minute reindeer, meddling moms, and unexpected time alone in a cozy cabin- this story has all the makings of a sweet Hallmark movie with the bonus of snappy banter.

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 Creekville Kisses series . . . 




Thursday, February 1, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Pages of Promise by Jessica Ashley

Pages of Promise JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Pages of Promise by Jessica Ashley, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Pages of Promise

Title: Pages of Promise
Series:
Coastal Hope #1
Author:
Jessica Ashley
Publisher: B.A.D. Publishing, LLC
Release Date:
February 5, 2024
Genre:
Christian/Clean Romantic Suspense

When Eliza's life is threatened, she turns to a handsome veteran for help. 

I left everything I'd ever known behind. And that decision may cost me my life. 

The moving truck hadn't even been unpacked when my fresh start went up in flames. 

A frightening letter left in my mailbox and signed Always Yours sends me running to the only man in town who can help me. 

Driven by his protective nature and a mission he believes comes from God, ex-Army Ranger Lance Knight agrees, despite the fact that I've made it no secret I want nothing to do with him--or anyone for that matter. 

The longer we're together, the more I begin to realize that Lance is more than I gave him credit for. Something that troubles me nearly as much as the fact that an unknown man seems to have already claimed me as his. 

Trouble is, my admirer has a jealous side, and it's not long before Lance is pulled into the crosshairs right alongside me…  

Get your copy now and be ready to stay up all night!  

Pages of Promise is a swoon-worthy, faith-based, suspenseful romance between a jaded woman and the hero determined to protect not just her body…but her heart.  

PURCHASE LINKSGoodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

 

Excerpt


“There any of that left?”

I jolt at the sound of Lance’s voice then turn just in time to see Lance stroll into the kitchen. His arm is out of the sling, and I narrow my gaze at him. “If you put your arm back in the sling.”

His crooked grin twists my insides. “I’m supposed to stretch it.”

“Not yet, you’re not. There are still stitches in there. You were shot yesterday.”

Without another word, he turns and retrieves the sling from his office then slips it over his neck and slides his arm into it. “Coffee now? Please take mercy on me, Ms. Pierce.”

“Since you asked so nicely and it is your kitchen, after all.” Smiling is coming easier to me than it has in a long time, even with the threat against my life. Why? I’m not entirely sure, though I suspect it has a lot to do with the man standing before me. And I haven’t figured out what to make of that either.


About the Author

Jessica Ashley

After spending seven years in the Army, Jessica Ashley set out to write novels that would transport readers to new worlds and help them escape reality with messages of underdogs and swoon-worthy romance. After eight years of a successful writing career underneath two pen names, she felt her faith pulling her in a new direction.

Now, she writes sweet romance with messages of faith, hope, and the importance of trusting our hearts and the word of God. Her debut novel, Pages of Promise, is set to release in February 2024. 

She resides in Texas with her husband of twelve years, their three kids, a flock of chickens, an orange cat who thinks he runs the house, and three dogs who don't realize just how big they are. 

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Pages of Promise JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 29, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 5, 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.

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Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford

Deadly Mountain Escape JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Deadly Mountain Escape

Title: Deadly Mountain Escape
Author:
Mary Alford
Publisher:
Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date:
January 23, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense

Can this officer stop a trafficking ring? 

Or will deadly criminals stop her first? 

A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever—not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk…  

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

 

 


Excerpt


An out of place noise had her stopping. “Did you hear something?” Charlotte’s eyes darted through the darkness looking for danger.

Jonas glanced around uneasily. “It’s coming from behind us.”

A second later, another sound came from their left, and then their right. With a sinking sensation, Charlotte realized they were surrounded. The enemy had found them and were closing in.



About the Author

Mary Alford

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.

Connect with Mary by visiting maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a copy of Deadly Mountain Escape & a $50 Amazon gift card!

Deadly Mountain Escape JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 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 for a print copy, ebook if outside US. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt

Their Inseparable Bond JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Their Inseparable Bond

Title: Their Inseparable Bond
Series:
K-9 Companions
Author: Jill Weatherholt
Publisher:
Love Inspired
Release Date:
January 23, 2024
Genre:
Contemporary Christian Romance

They’re a mismatched family… 

But their hearts line up just right 

Training service dogs is single dad Jake Beckett’s calling. He’s determined to train rambunctious puppy Callie to help his ailing friend Myrna live independently with her growing blindness. Myrna’s granddaughter, Olivia Hart, isn’t easily convinced, but Jake, his twins and Callie are an incredibly persuasive team. If Olivia agrees to give Callie a chance, will working with Jake risk her lifelong dreams?  

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

“I’m sorry I took Callie off the leash.” Olivia gazed at the animal. “If anything had happened to her, I would have never forgiven myself. Please, I hope you’ll accept my apology.”

Jake nodded. “There’s no need to apologize. I should have crated her, so let’s forget about it. The important thing is that we work together to get Callie trained, so that she can assist Myrna.” Jake looked down at Callie. “Are you ready to go home?”

Callie jumped to her feet and barked.

Jake turned to Olivia. “I think she’s hungry. Let’s head home.”

Olivia took quick, shallow breaths as they headed toward the SUV. Why did the thought of being alone in the car with Jake suddenly make her nervous?

Once inside, they both secured their seat belts. A spicy, masculine scent filled the air. Whatever their disagreements were about moving her grandmother, she couldn’t deny the man was easy on the eyes. Way too easy.



About the Author

Jill Weatherholt

Jill Weatherholt is an author of sweet, emotional, small-town romance novels that guarantee a happy ending.

She's sold over half a dozen sweet romance short stories to Woman's World Magazine
 
Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. 
 
She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. 
 
Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

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


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a print copy of Their Inseparable Bond and a $25 gift card.

Their Inseparable Bond JustRead Tours giveaway

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

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