Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Series

 

Pip O'Possum (Work Then Play)
Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful)
Benjamin Bat (Humility)
Nuts (Sharing is Caring)
Jeremy Jay (Resilience) 
Author: Kathy J. Perry 
Publisher: Chickadee Words 
Release Date: April 4, 2025 
Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)

These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals' adventures, friendships, and foibles, they'll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.

Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!)

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KathyJPerry.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Excerpt

 

BENJAMIN BAT:

I’ll show her some tricks she can’t do.

“Watch this now,” he said as he fluttered away. Benjamin zipped and zapped all over the ravine. He sailed over trees and between narrow branches, giving a grand performance for the flycatcher.

Curious, Benjamin glanced toward JoJo for a split- second. His mistake cost him.

A barred owl was in hot pursuit!

Instantly realizing his error, Benjamin turned sharply to avoid capture, but one of the owl’s talons pierced his wing! For a few seconds, Benjamin was helpless.

The owl carried him upward, but his wing’s skin tore, freeing Benjamin.

Without full support from both wings, he nose-dived, slapping flat against a large boulder in the gulch. He rolled down hill through broken rocks and tangled roots.

“Ow! Ow!” he cried with each bump and bounce. The barred owl, whose sharp eyes never lost sight of Benjamin, dove down to finish him off.

JoJo sprang into action.

Shocked and angry, she tackled the much larger bird, pecking at its back over and over until it moved on to find an easier meal. Worried for her new friend, she swooped down to Benjamin’s rescue. “Are you okay?”

 

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About the Author

Of the many jobs I’ve held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for me because investing in kids is so important. To this end, I continue to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact.

Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night. 

When not writing, you’ll find me painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses. 

Is this retirement? Apparently so! I’m loving every minute of it with my husband of 43 years.

Connect with Kathy J. Perry by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a 5-book signed softcover bundle of the Oakwoods Series, bookmarks, and a $50 Amazon digital gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2025. 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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Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Dutch Muse 
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: June 17, 2025 
Genre: Clean Historical Dual-Timeline Mystery with a touch of romance

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.  

Amsterdam, 1973. It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city. 

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities. 

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.  

Amsterdam, 1641 

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist. 

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.  

This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Excerpt

Amsterdam, 1973

“The beam above the doorway looks like it’s been painted to resemble marble. Why would rich people want fake stuff?” Pippa asked. “Surely, both Rembrandt and the owner of this place could both afford the real deal.”

“They probably could, but marbling was very popular during the seventeenth century. We can still see a lot of it in old palaces and churches. The painting technique was applied to chimney pieces, staircases, columns, and many other things.” Fabiola tapped her lip. “I bet that doorway goes to the anteroom. At least, that’s the way it is in Rembrandt’s house.”

Pippa narrowed her eyes. “An anteroom?”

“Rembrandt conducted his art dealing business in a room like that. He received customers and discussed commission for paintings—all over a glass of wine.” Fabiola turned to the back wall and sighed. “And look at that door with the rounded archway. I’m telling you, they’ve designed everything to take after the old master painter’s home.”

Pippa nudged Cary. “She’s going into a history trance. We’ve been here all but five minutes, and I’ve already learned everything I need to know about baroque interior and art dealing. Hurry, we need to rescue her.”

Fabiola laughed. “Stop it. I’m just in awe that someone has gone to such lengths to make their home a replica of Rembrandt’s. It’s fascinating.”

More in This Series

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About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive their choice of any one paperback from the Fabiola Bennett series plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 24, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Review: Immigrant Brides Collection by Judith Miller, Irene Brand, Kristy Dykes, Nancy J. Farrier, Pamela Griffin, JoAnn A. Grote, Sally Laity, Janet Spaeth

Synopsis

Seeking Second Chances
 

Lofty dreams of a new and better life lured untold thousands to America between 1775 and 1906. Among those “huddled masses yearning to be free” are nine displaced individuals dumped upon American soil and trying to figure out how to pursue happiness, make a home, and secure love. From the four corners of the globe they came, betting their hopes on the American dream. Can they truly find the new life they desire and the freedom to let their hearts soar in love and faith?

Capucine: Home to My Heart by Janet Spaeth
Separated forever—from her mother, from her home, from her Acadia—Capucine Louet cannot forgive the British for tearing her family apart in 1775. Now in New Orleans, she has only one ambition: to get to La Manque, where Acadian immigrants have settled and begun a new life. Can Michel LeBlanc, himself a relocated Acadian, help her, and will she be able to overcome her hatred to accept love—and God?

The Angel of Nuremberg by Irene Brand
Trenton, New Jersey, of 1776 is overrun by Hessian soldiers who were brought to the Colonies to aid the British. Comfort Foster and her family have no choice but to house one of these feared soldiers in their small home. Can their family survive the tension when her brother fights for American freedom and her father doctors sick American soldiers?

Freedom’s Cry by Pamela Griffin
In 1777, Sarah Thurston looks forward to Philadelphia’s first celebration of Independence Day. To her, the day heralds the end of her five-year term as an indentured servant. When her greedy master threatens to draw out her servitude, cabinetmaker Thomas Gray comes to Sarah’s defense. Will he and Sarah ever be free to express their love?

Blessed Land by Nancy J. Farrier
Paloma Rivera hates everything American and is determined to convince her sister to move back to Mexico in 1854. But first she has to find her sister, and no one in the pueblo of Tucson is willing to help her. Can she trust the handsome blacksmith, Antonio Escobar, or is he just toying with her until it is time for her to return home?

Prairie Schoolmarm by JoAnne A. Grote
In 1871, Marin Nilsson, a Swedish immigrant schoolmarm, becomes a student of life and love when Swedish farmer Talif Siverson insists on joining her classes in the sod schoolhouse to improve his English skills. Will he be able to break through the teacher’s long-held reserve?

I Take Thee, a Stranger by Kristy Dykes
Widowed and alone in 1885, Corinn McCauley is faced with a desperate decision. Would she be willing to marry a stranger in order to survive in a new country? Trevor Parker is a prosperous farmer in Florida, and he and his two daughters need a woman in their life. But Corrin doesn’t realize just how acute their needs are until she accepts this stranger’s proposal.

The Golden Cord by Judith Miller
Suey Qui Jin has been sold like livestock and taken across the Pacific Ocean to California in 1885. But mercifully, she had been befriended by an American-born Chinaman who promises to help her. Can a symbolic ribbon from a Bible be the key to getting her out of slavery of body and soul?

Promises Kept by Sally Laity
With the death of her fiancé in 1905, all of Kiera MacPherson’s hopes for a wonderful life in the New World have vanished. She takes a position as companion to a wealthy matriarch in order to earn her passage back to Ireland. Her leisurely work allows plenty time for studying an old family Bible, and she asks Devon Hamilton, the master of the mansion, many insightful questions. Will this quest for biblical knowledge upset order in the Hamilton household—and then bless her with two everlasting loves?

The Blessing Basket by Judith Miller
A Chinese orphan, Sing Ho is stranded by the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Though her fortunes rise and fall, she is eventually overwhelmed when God pours out more blessings than she can handle—two marriage proposals!

My Review

I was impressed by the variety of stories in this collection, in both setting and plot. So much to enjoy for fans of historical fiction!

 

Capucine: Home to My Heart by Janet Spaeth - 3 stars
I recently learned about the tragic history of the early settlers in Acadia from The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz. It gave me more compassion for Capucine while she struggles to forgive the British. The story vaguely alludes to mysterious work she does, but the impact fell flat because the details and her feelings about it were never explored.

The Angel of Nuremberg by Irene Brand - 5 stars
I loved that Nicholas is such a gentleman when the Hessians have such a bad reputation during the Revolutionary War. He is forced upon the Foster household, but his humble courtesy and defense of their safety quickly earns their trust. The sweet and gentle romance that develops between him and Comfort felt natural and I appreciated that she showed determination and loyalty to keep him safe as well.

Freedom’s Cry by Pamela Griffin - 4 stars

I felt the vulnerability of Sarah in her position as an indentured servant, with a master that does not practice what he preaches. Seeing her friend suffer makes her begin to doubt God’s goodness, but Thomas and his sister encourage her to trust Him. A sweet romance with an inspirational message during a dynamic time in history.

Blessed Land by Nancy J. Farrier - 2 stars

I felt for Paloma as she tries to discover where her sister went, but the townspeople won’t reveal their secrets. Antonio “fell in love” with her after only a couple brief encounters, and the insta-love wasn’t very believable. She eventually finds the information she is looking for, but it is not good news. Lots of angst over the consequences of war and bitterness against America. 

Prairie Schoolmarm by JoAnne A. Grote - 4 stars

The Golden Cord by Judith Miller - 2 stars

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.

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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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.

Enter Giveaway

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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