Friday, November 27, 2020

Book Tour Grand Finale: Sprinkled with Sabotage by Allison Pearl #SSPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope this story will make you think and yet still be an escape. Because, tbh, 2020 just sucks. And we all know it. We all need a bit of a break. A blip in the constant chaos. And I want to help my readers find that. And because my faith is the foundation of my character, it’s always between the lines and I hope it can be a comfort to the readers as well. Like it is to me.

Kimber Li - Excerpt

I trust him with my life. Just not with my heart.

Elizabeth Bennet remembered using those words to describe her relationship with Koby Knightly—if one could even call it that. But was that trust enough of a justification to dial her ex-boyfriend’s number? She looked back over her shoulder at the dark, snow- lined sidewalk. Seconds prior, she’d been certain she heard feet chasing her, but now, there was nothing. Only the sound of her high heels clicking on the uneven concrete as she hurried home from dinner. Why hadn’t she called a cab? Or even hopped on a bus?

Books & Benches - Interview

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It does both. And somehow it does it at the same time. There are times during a first draft, when everything is so new, that I’ll sit down and start typing and the next time I look up hours have passed. I feel like I could write forever and what’s more is that I want to. I want to push through until I can write ‘The End.’ But on the second through fifteenth drafts—not an exaggeration—it feels like I’m constantly running up hill. My body is tired. My brain is telling me to stop. I need a break. But I know that when I reach the top, I’ll be in love again and ready to do it all over.

Remembrancy - Excerpt

“Lizzy!”

She gasped and her whole body tensed. “Koby? What are you doing here?”

He stood in front of the glass doors to her apartment building. After pulling his hands out of the pockets of a pair of faded jeans, he started toward her, his eyes wide and his jaw hanging open. “What happened to you?”


"I really enjoyed reading Sprinkled with Sabotage by Allison Pearl. . . . If you are a fan of this genre, I really think that you will enjoy Sprinkled with Sabotage as much as I did. Not only will you be entertained, but you will also be uplifted. I definitely recommend this book to fans of Christian romantic suspense novels."

Heidi Reads... - Guest Post

Why I Love Jane.

“What are men to rocks and mountains?” Unless those men happen to be the likes of Misters Darcy and Knightley. I’m all for a good view, but I prefer a swoon and I think Jane Austen did too. If you’ve read any of the Love and Danger in St. Claire series, you’ll have seen more than one nod to the romance master herself. . . .


"Sprinkled with Sabotage keeps you on the edge of your reading chair – both from the suspense and from the romance. Layered characters and a well-plotted mystery combine with the cozy small town vibes (with a little of big city bustle thrown in) to deliver a read that hits the spot. Perfect to curl up on a chilly fall or winter day!"


When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

At first, I thought I wanted to be an actor. I was a child movie snob who loved the characters and adventures of film. Whatever magic was happening on the screen in front of me was something I wanted to create. I wanted to play every hero and villain. To walk out every storyline to its finish. But when I got old enough to realize that Luke Skywalker was in a desert on planet earth rather than a galaxy far way, I knew I didn’t want to be a part of the story. I wanted to be the author of it.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"This was a great escape novel for me. My interest and imagination were captured from the first page. . . . I loved the blend between the genres. There was just enough romance and suspense to keep me turning the pages. This is the third book in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I look forward to reading the first two books at a later date."


Was that static? The message sounded odd. After grabbing the red pouch from behind some dish detergent, Koby turned toward Lizzy and rested a hand on the counter. Another moment of the strange noise made it clearer. Not static. It was someone breathing. The exhales were loud and ominous. The message wasn’t a pocket dial filled with muffled background noise. Someone had left that message on purpose.

The breathing lasted another moment. “I know who you are. I know what you’ve done,” a distorted voice said.

BookHounds - Interview

What is on your nightstand?

Too many things, I promise you. I often joke that I need a night-desk instead of a nightstand. And that is just for the books. Like when I go to the grocery store hungry, my reading eyes are always way bigger than my stomach. There’s always a cornucopia of genres stacked by my alarm clock, lamp, and cup of pens and crochet needles. Right now, there’s a book about home-buying, Dostoevsky’s The Idiot and a Russian-English dictionary, my bible, the new Tana French, and my Kindle stocked with selections from Prime Reading.

Hallie Reads - Excerpt

His eyelids fell closed as he winced. Great. Now, she’d hurt his feelings. She was already bleeding, and now, she’d managed to wound him, too. “Koby...”

He held up a hand. “Don’t. It’s fine.”

I'm Into Books - Guest Post

Fav Fives: Romantic Suspense Movies:

Maybe I’m just too old, but I feel like the golden age of action-packed romance film has passed us by. It’s been decades since a movie’s come close to a spot on this list. But I’m hopeful that 2021 will bring with it some challenges to these Top Five Romantic Suspense Movies. #SPOILERALERT . . .


“But now what?” Her voice was soft, but he sensed an urgency in the tone. “Why did you stay?”

His heart pounded in his ears. If he could only kiss her one last time. “I think I stayed because a part of me always thought you’d come back, and if I was gone... i-if you changed your mind about us and came back... I didn’t want to miss my chance.”

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review & Guest Post

"Sprinkled With Sabotage is a great mystery with sweet romance and awesome faith and friendships. The mystery keeps you guessing the who, when and where and what's next. The characters are all well-developed . . . I highly recommend this story to everyone. There is something for every reader in this story."

Top Five Things to Know if You’re New to Love and Danger in St. Claire

1. Because dessert.
Like all small Pennsylvania towns, St. Claire never runs out of sugar. Stop at Apple’s Fritters or Poppy’s Pies and Tarts for the treat of your choice. . . .

Read Review Rejoice - Guest Post

Because sometimes, you just need a doughnut. Why you should read romantic suspense?

Maybe the better question would be why not read Romantic Suspense? Sure, you can read heavy war novels, self-helps, memoirs, historical non-fiction, tear-jerkers, and tragedies. And you should… on occasion. But don’t you sometimes want your heart to race for something other than, COVID, bills, politics, work, drama, and your family stress? . . .


“I just figured the paranoia was all in my head and that there had to be a logical reason for the other stuff. I mean, I have been a little off since everything happened in the sheriff’s department down home. What if I overreacted?”

Koby shook his head as he grabbed the towel off the counter and flicked the faucet handle to let the water cascade over the cloth. “You are a lot of things, sweetheart. Easily spooked ain’t one of them.”

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

Who's who? Love and Danger in St. Claire

Sprinkled with Sabotage may be part of a series, but readers can start anywhere. But while you may not need to rush out and get books 1 and 2, I think it will be fun to give you a breakdown of just who you will be meeting in the small Pennsylvania town of St. Claire. . . .


"This was a fast paced suspense sprinkled with not only sabotage but romance. I liked that I wasn’t able to guess who was after Lizzy. . . . The suspense was fast and the romance was sweet."


Her dad rose from his worn green leather armchair in front of the fireplace. “Lizzy Lu.”

How many evenings had she spent on the rug at the foot of that chair, playing with the dogs or reading a book so she could be just like him? She tossed Koby’s keys onto the thin table against the wall, and then, he pulled her into his arms.

“Hi, Daddy.” Pressing her head into his neck, she breathed in the familiar smell of sawdust and leather and then let him go. “You didn’t have to wait up.”

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Sprinkled with Sabotage
(Love and Danger in St. Claire #3)
By Allison Pearl
Christian Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 164 Pages
October 27, 2020 by Anaiah Press

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

Small-town auto mechanic, Koby Knightly, is looking forward to seeing a car show in the city. But when an unexpected call from his old girlfriend disconnects suddenly, he rushes to her aid. Throwing his plans out the window, Koby makes it his mission to protect her and discover the identity of the person trying to frame her. Will he also be able to figure out what went wrong between them back in high school or will a killer get to her first?

(Affiliate link included.)

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband, black lab, and orange tabby. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/ or follow her on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends November 29, 2020

Grab Our Button!






Thursday, November 26, 2020

Review: Spinster Ever After by Rebecca Connolly



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

When a man loves a spinster...

Charlotte Wright had had enough. All of her friends have now married, leaving her the lone writer of the Spinster Chronicles who is still a true spinster. So she's decided it is time for her to join the ranks and get married, groom to be determined. She's an heiress, after all. How difficult could it be to find a husband?

Michael Sandford has been there by Charlotte's side from the very beginning, loving her all the while even when she turned down his proposal. When she tells him of her plans to marry and marry soon, he begins to make plans himself. He cannot stand by and watch her marry someone else, so he's decided to distance himself from Charlotte entirely while she hunts for a husband... one that is not him.

And Charlotte doesn't like that one bit.
 

My Review

This has been such a fun series! Charlotte is the most outspoken and sassy of the group of young ladies who call themselves The Spinsters and not-so-secretly publish a society column. In the previous books she has always seemed so unaffected, so it was nice to be able to see behind her facade to her more vulnerable feelings. She's not too different from what she seems, though, having an openly honest personality. She truly is unaware of Michael's obsession with her, probably because he plays the role of only-a-friend so well. I kept rooting for him to take a chance and tell her how he felt before he tried moving on, but his sense of self-preservation kept him from risking another rejection. The dance over the line between friendship and romance is played with as Charlotte and Michael try their best to make choices that will move their lives forward after they each realize how stagnant they have been over the past years- Charlotte with entertaining frivolous suitors she knows have no future with her, and Michael with his world revolving around Charlotte and not making a place for himself in society. It was fun to see the various characters from the books rally around each of them in their quest to reinvent themselves and find love. An entertaining conclusion to the Spinster Chronicles!


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 Spinster Chronicles series . . .

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https://amzn.to/2Mn0yPyhttps://amzn.to/371Tgsh

https://amzn.to/2EGG8g6



Review: A Match Made at Christmas by Courtney Walsh




My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Hayes McGuire never believed the stories about a famous Nantucket matchmaker until she ropes him into taking over her duties in while she's off the island for Christmas.

So he enlists the help of the one person he can trust with this crazy scheme—his best friend, Prudence. Armed with a series of rules, a book of success stories and the promise of Christmas magic, the pair of old friends sets out to make a Christmas match.

Little do they know that magic doesn’t discriminate, and the pair soon finds their years of friendship deepening into something more. Will Pru and Hayes ignore the electricity in the air between them or will there be more than one match made at Christmas?

A Match Made at Christmas is a stand-alone holiday novella.

My Review

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this one was done so well, especially in a novella! Great character development- I quickly felt like I knew Hayes and Pru, as well as their history and struggles, but without an info dump. The author skillfully showed their relationship dynamic as they reconnect for the holidays, and the setting brought another level of coziness. The subplot of playing matchmakers to a pair of Nantucket locals adds an element of fun and also provides the impetus for them to reassess their relationship. There is a perfect amount of romantic tension and chemistry as they realize the only thing more important than their friendship is not regretting a missed opportunity. A wonderful holiday novella!


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 Nantucket Love Story series. . . 



Coming April 2021

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Dreaming of Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin #DTPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Dreaming of Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 317 Pages
November 10, 2020 by Scrivenings Press LLC

Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true.

Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.

Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.

Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

“How would you like to say goodbye?” He asked in a quiet voice.

Karen considered the question. “Take a walk with me.” There was still one place she wanted to visit with him. A peaceful evening and a spacious garden awaited them. She led him to the door she used when she slipped out to read his letters. A brick path curved around the house to the garden’s gate. Karen opened it and strolled at Logan’s side through hedges of hydrangea, groupings of lilies, butterfly bushes, and a wide variety of late summer flowers. They reached the scrolled iron table and chairs on the far side of the fountain.

“I could marry you tonight.” Logan draped his suit coat over the back of one of the chairs and took her in his arms. “You know that, don’t you?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then we wouldn’t have to part. I could take you with me to Oswell City and begin our life together right now.”

“I’d quit my teaching job and go with you.”

A grin spread across his face in the darkness. “We have a preacher. You’re wearing white. We could make a bouquet from your aunt’s flowers and have a little ceremony right here.”

“Who would be our witnesses?” Karen’s brow wrinkled.

Logan’s gaze moved to the stars overhead. “The moon … and the Lord.” His eyes traveled the darkened sky before returning to her face, and the grin appeared once more.

“Good enough for me, but Julia would never forgive us.”

“Neither would the Ladies Mission Society.” Logan chuckled. “They’re all making big plans for you and me.”

“It sounds like we’d better hold off before you have the entire town in an uproar.” Karen raised a brow to match his teasing mood.

He laughed again, a happy, unfettered sound consistent with his nature and relaxed outlook. “You know I love you.” His tone grew serious.

“I know.” Karen closed her eyes before the tears came.

That kiss she dared to hope for came forth in complete reinforcement of the words he’d just spoken. It ended too soon. A breeze picked up scattering petals from a nearby bush across the moonlit lawn. Logan reached for his jacket and accompanied her inside the house with just enough time left for him to gather his luggage, kiss her once more, and go with Hank to catch the ten o’clock train to Iowa.

 


Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019. The third book in the series, Dreaming of Tomorrow, releases November 2020.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $20 (USD) Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Dreaming of Tomorrow (winner can choose print if in the US and ebook outside the US)

Open internationally
Ends November 25, 2020

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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Dreaming of Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin

Dreaming of Tomorrow Blog + Review tour
 Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Dreaming of Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Dreaming of Tomorrow

Title: Dreaming of Tomorrow 
Series: Tomorrow #3
Author:
Michelle De Bruin
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC
Release Date:
November 10, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true. 

Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. 

Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard. 

 Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected. 

Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound


 
EXCERPT

“I think I’ll take a look at this now.” Karen held up her gift.

Logan smiled, so she unwrapped the box. No writing on the outside indicated the contents. Karen opened the box and pulled out a small glass container oval in shape with a liquid inside.

“Read it.” Logan turned the glass bottle around.

“Song of the Spring.” A whiff of flowers reached her nose. “You bought me perfume.”

“I didn’t exactly buy this gift either. You remember me writing to you about an elderly woman named Mrs. Akerman?”

“I do.”

“She gave me this bottle of perfume and told me to give it to my new wife. She’s so happy for me to get married. Her husband fought in the Civil War and never came home. Watching me prepare for marriage brings back her old memories. She needs a reason to recall them. I’m happy to help her remember because it helps her heal. Do you remember reading the name of the Akerman orchard in one of my letters?”

“They were Dutch words that said something about orchards and love.” Karen set the perfume on a nearby stand.

“You’re right. Orchards of Love. Fruit trees bloom in the spring. Getting married is teaching my heart how to sing a whole new song. I love you, Karen, and I pray that what is blossoming now at the beginning of our life together will reap a rich harvest of love in the years to come.”

Karen’s eyes misted over, but she blinked the moisture away so it wouldn’t prevent her from memorizing how Logan looked at this moment. Preacher and poet, he’d spoken a beautiful prophecy over their tomorrows. She picked up the bottle and spritzed a bit onto her wrist. The floral fragrance filled the room. 

 

Logan reached for her scented wrist and kissed her hand. Memories from Christmas night a year ago flooded her mind. Seated before a cozy fire and talking about building a life together, this night had much in common with that one. Even the late hour noted on the grandfather clock was similar. For two years in a row, the best gift Christmas gave her arrived after every other celebration had ended.
 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Michelle De Bruin 

Author Michelle De Bruin writes Christian historical fiction about people who live in rural communities. Michelle lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She provides spiritual services during the week and leads worship on the weekends. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God's love through the window of a good story. 

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE:  Website | FacebookTwitter


 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive an ebook copy of Dreaming of Tomorrow and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Dreaming of Tomorrow JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 17, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 24, 2020. 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


 

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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.