Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: An Unexpected Companion
Series: K-9 Companions #31, Legacy Ranch #1
Author: Mindy Obenhaus
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

With his dog by his side… Is a second chance within reach? 

After losing his family and his leg in a car crash, widower Dirk Matthews dedicates his solitary life to woodworking and his mobility service dog, Molly. That is, until a troubled kid steals from his truck. Desperate to reach her grieving oldest son, widow Tessa Wagner agrees to have the boy help Dirk work on her family’s ranch. Only she doesn’t expect her own connection with the carpenter. Soon they’re feeling more than the shared loss of loved ones. But will past heartbreak stand in the way of their future? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

 

Excerpt

While the boys took off down the hall with Molly, Tessa remained beside Dirk, moving at a more leisurely pace. “Thank you for inviting us tonight. In only a matter of minutes you have opened my eyes. Now I’m starting to envision the potential for the barn at Legacy Ranch.” Her sweet fragrance wrapped around him, sending his mind down a trail it had no business venturing.

“Believe it or not, you and the boys are the first people outside of my family to see this place.” He cringed as soon as the words spilled out. He must sound pathetic.

Her steps halted as she looked up at him. “Are you serious? How long have you lived here?”

“A little over two years.” Shoving his hands into his pockets, he longed for a rock to crawl under. “I guess I’ve become a bit of a hermit.”

She continued to watch him, her scent wrapping around him, making it difficult to look away. Yet instead of the sympathy he expected to see, he saw only understanding. “Trust me, if it weren’t for those two—” she nodded toward her boys “—I would be, too.”

Staring into her beautiful eyes, he found himself longing to come out of hiding and truly live again. But to what end? Tessa would be leaving in August, and he’d find himself alone once more.

Also Available:

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About the Author

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.

Connect with Mindy by visiting MindyObenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of An Unexpected Companion and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 2, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 2025. 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.

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

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Kate Landry Has a Plan 

Series: Beignets for Two #2 

Author: Rebekah Millet 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: March 18, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

Forty-year-old Kate Landry's carefully planned life has become as messy as the powdered sugar on her famous beignets. Juggling the responsibilities of running her café, raising her teenage niece, and the emotional baggage from her breakup, Kate finds her world once again turned upside down when her first-ever crush, Micah Guidry, returns to town as the hunky local librarian. 

As Kate struggles to implement her plans to expand her café amid the New Orleans Mardi Gras madness and the meddling of her conniving ex-fiancé, Micah becomes the unwitting hero of her misadventures, stirring up feelings she thought she'd long buried. How can falling in love in the Big Easy be this hard?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

 

“How about a truce?” Micah’s goading expression had transformed to one of repentance. Sort of.

“I didn’t realize we were at war.”

His eyes crinkled at the edges. A blinking light on the desk phone caught his notice. He nodded at the front door. “I bet it’s a madhouse out there with the parade coming.” Holding the handset to his ear, he pressed a button on the phone’s base.

Hayley slunk down the final steps. Her red flannel shirt looked like it’d been filched from Paul Bunyan’s closet. And an oversized sweatshirt was tied loosely around her waist, as though it could slip off any moment, tangle her legs, and send her plunging to her death. Adding to the likeliness of that scenario, her focus lay on digging through her schoolbag.

I clenched my keys in my hand. She knew the dangers of not paying attention when going down stairs. I’d created a song that we sang together when at the age of four, she’d insisted on taking the stairway on her own from our second-­floor residence above the café. “Hold the railing, look with your eyes, then there won’t be a tumbling surprise.”

“Looks like I missed your call,” Micah said.

I blinked back to the present. “What?”

His athletic body hunched over the phone, listening intently.

Oh no. The rambling voice mail I’d left for Mrs. Gail.

My stomach plummeted. I scowled at Hayley, who moved like an inmate walking to the electric chair. I headed for the front door and opened it, hoping to elicit a quicker stride from my niece. “See you around.” I’d tossed the hasty farewell over my shoulder, one foot out the door.

“Kate,” Micah called from behind.

I stilled. Hayley crossed the threshold, nearly dragging her book bag, the straps brushing over my feet, gathering a million germs.

He lowered the phone, mischief twinkling in his emerald eyes. “My sister swears by Advil and Pop-­Tarts.”

I held in a breath in timing with two beats from the wall clock. “Thank you.” My tone relayed two different words: shove it. I flipped the sign on the door to Closed and left.

© 2025 by Rebekah Millet
Published by Bethany House Publishers

 

More Books from this Series:

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About the Author

Rebekah Millet is a double Selah Award, Cascade Award, and ACFW First Impressions Award-winning author of contemporary Christian romance novels. A New Orleans native, she grew up on beignets and café au lait, and loves infusing her colorful culture into her stories. Her husband is an answer to prayer, who puts up with her rearranging furniture and being a serial plant killer. Her two sons keep her laughing and share in her love of desserts.

Connect with Rebekah by visiting RebekahMillet.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Julia Monroe Begins Again, Kate Landry Has a Plan, and a $20 Cafe du Monde gift certificate!

 

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 26, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 2, 2025. 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.

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

Review: The Cupid Chronicles by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Some love stories are written . . . this one is magically delivered.

Iris Ellington isn’t looking for love. Not even a little bit. With a long list of failed relationships behind her, she’s decided to reinvent herself as a person who doesn’t fall head over heels on the first date.

New town, new job, new Iris.

But someone—or something—has other plans.

When her neighbor’s newspaper lands in front of her door, Iris has no choice but to return it. And when she does, she comes face to face with a ridiculously handsome but very grumpy chef who all but slams the door in her face.

Matteo Morgan just wants to be left alone. He’s loved and lost and has zero interest in ever doing that again. Which is why it makes no sense that The Serendipity’s magical newspaper has decided to turn him into an unwilling Cupid. Matchmaking is hardly in his wheelhouse.

And yet, for the last three years, that’s exactly what he’s done. And he’s always done it alone.

Until now.

When the newspaper pulls his bubbly neighbor into its matchmaking schemes, Matteo has no choice but to go along with it, hoping that maybe—finally—he can pass Cupid’s bow and arrow on to her.

Thrown together by fate, they must navigate the newspaper's increasingly absurd demands while trying to resist the undeniable spark between them.

Will Iris melt the ice around Matteo's heart and embrace the magic? Or will Matteo scare her off with his grumpy demeanor and ruin any chance of happiness? In a building where anything is possible, Iris and Matteo might just find that the greatest magic of all is finding love when they least expect it.

The Cupid Chronicles is a standalone book in the Only Magic in the Building series. These closed door, whimsical romance books are all set in the same historic building, which has a habit of playing matchmaker with its residents. There are light magical elements, but no spells, shifters, or dark magic of any kind.

My Review

This has been such a fun series to read! Unexplainable phenomena occur in The Serendipity, an historic apartment building full of whimsical character. Matteo is privately wallowing in his grief, while running his successful restaurant and fulfilling the "requests" from the building's enchanted and sassy newspaper. Iris is the newest resident, all too aware of her relationship flaws and determined to overcome them. She's quirky and lovable, a contrast to brooding Matteo, compelled to join forces to come to the aid of other residents. Their personal struggles create a tension as they come to know and appreciate each other, attraction building and chemistry developing. Matteo's secret he holds close is heartbreaking, and it brought tears to my eyes as he reconciled with his loss in order to move ahead with his future. The author struck a wonderful balance with her vibrant characters, humor, engaging plot, sweet romance, and themes that bring depth to the story.

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.

Only Magic in the Building series

 

 

 

Review: The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland. When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has secretly arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family's debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal of him, an ensuing altercation forces Juliet to flee Virginia. Agreeing to marry, she sails with Leith to Scotland, hopeful of a better match for her sister, who accompanies her. But once in Glasgow and faced with the contentious, powerful Buchanan clan, she realizes that the man who saved her from financial ruin and scandal is the very one she must now save in return.

My Review

I always appreciate the historical education I receive from a Laura Frantz book! I had no idea that Scottish businessmen were so invested in the Southern plantations pre-Revolutionary War. Juliet is the one holding her father's plantation together, while also continuing her mother's work with the early version of the Underground Railroad. The dilemma of slave-holding is at the forefront of the story, as well as the imminent war with England. The story takes us on a journey from the colonies to Glasgow, and the rich descriptions make it easy to envision the settings and era. Leith is a strong, influential man, needing a marriage of convenience, but immediately drawn to Juliet for her goodness and determination. Their beginning is rocky, but shared experiences bind them together, with loyalty and devotion soon following. Leith and Juliet admirably overcome the worst kind of treachery, relying on their faith in God and love for each other.

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 Day in a Life by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

On the worst day of her life, Sydni Greer drove off a bridge. After the current took her away, her body was never found. She was presumed dead.

Following a brief investigation, it was determined that Sydni took her own life. Family members reported she was distraught that day, leading to an open and shut case.

Knowing Sydni, however, her father couldn’t accept the ruling. He reported his daughter as a missing person.

It’s been seven years. Sydni’s about to be declared legally dead, and her haughty husband will receive a large life insurance payout, profiting from Sydni’s death.

Until a new clue surfaces, reopening Sydni’s case. A clue that’s screaming, “There’s more to this story than meets the eye.”

Enter Elijah Garrett, private investigator for Risk Policy Collective, the life insurance company prepared to pay the disbursement to Sydni’s eager husband.

Elijah will reconstruct the final day of Sydni’s life through a series of interviews with family and friends. What he learns would break the strongest of hearts. At the same time, he finds himself filled with love for the beautiful Sydni Greer.

Elijah becomes obsessed with learning the truth. He won’t stop until he knows exactly what happened to Sydni—a woman he could fall for in a hot second.

Was Sydni’s death an accident? Did she take her own life? Was foul play involved?

Find out in this suspenseful sweet romance.

 

My Review

This is a powerful book that kept me thinking about it after I finished. We get both Sydni and Elijah's perspectives as Elijah shakes up her isolated world in more ways than one. The author revealed details in layers, keeping me glued to the pages as Elijah tries to discover the truth of Sydni's past that even she is not aware of. It has tragedy and heartbreak, but they are balanced well by Sydni's determination, healing, and hope for the future. I loved how protective Elijah is of Sydni and goes the extra mile to help her when he is simultaneously investigating her. The romantic tension and chemistry is palpable, one of the author's strengths. The mystery is suspenseful and I could feel the edge of anxiousness as I drew closer to the climax and resolution. A highly satisfying reading experience!

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.

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