Review: Over Maya Dead Body by Sandra Orchard

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn't take a vacation, and she's soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.

When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications--and even a secret or two?

My Review

This third book fit in perfectly with the first two, offering the trademark sleuthing and love triangle romance that I enjoyed so much. I've been on pins and needles waiting to see who Serena would end up with, since both love interests are equally fun and desirable, but in different ways. I appreciate how the author keeps me guessing as the mystery unfolds with several twists, turns, and surprises. The suspense and action is well balanced with Serena's working the clues and inner musings about life and love. I especially liked the parts that revealed secrets of the characters who have been in all three books, and the ways some little things and mannerisms began to make sense. Highly entertaining and a wonderful conclusion to the series! I'd love it if the author wrote more Serena Jones mysteries!

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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Don't miss the previous books in the Serena Jones Mystery series . . .

Review: The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Every year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!

Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love and be married. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

My Review

This book had much more depth than I expected! Sarah had a wonderful childhood with best friend Patty, but they were separated as young adults when Patty was killed in an accident. Sarah has been grieving the loss deeply, and it has affected all aspects of her life. The book begins two years later, when Sarah has started to make an effort socially, and find friendship and romance where she doesn't expect it. Flashbacks to scenes from growing up with Patty show how much influence her friend had on her and the provenance of the objects in her memory jar (which she has been collecting for several years, not just since Patty's death as stated in the synopsis). I really felt for Jathan, who has dreams of his own but feels conflicted by the commandment to honor his parents who want to run his life in a direction he doesn't want to go. Sarah gives him the courage to pursue his career in business and expand his mother's bakery, and it's a new adventure for her as well. It was easy to connect with the emotions of the characters as they experienced ups and downs, obstacles and triumphs. Definitely recommend for fans of Amish fiction!

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.

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Wish for Home
Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley #1
Author: Jo Ann Brown 
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: March 30, 2021
Genre: Christian contemporary romance/Amish

Caught between who she is…and who she was. 

Lauren Nolt hasn’t forgiven the Amish community of Lancaster County for shunning her parents. But returning as a successful Englischer working for large developers is just what she needs to get a promotion and give her parents the life they deserve. Coming face-to-face with her childhood bully, Amish widower Adam Hershberger, is the last thing she wants. Yet when her world’s shaken by a shocking discovery, Adam’s the only one she can confide in… 

Adam’s never forgiven himself for the part he played in Lauren’s past, nor what drove him to do it. But as developers threaten his great-grossdawdi’s farm, she’s the only one who can help. And with his little girl determined to bring him and Lauren together at every turn, keeping his distance is impossible. Now they must learn to trust each other—even as their secret feelings grow stronger. But is love enough to bridge the gap between their very different worlds?

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

The trade paperback version of A Wish for Home is available exclusively at your local Walmart or Walmart.com

 EXCERPT

 She pulled off his gloves and tossed them next to his hat on the counter. She sneezed, and her hood flew back to reveal her face. All color washed from it as his gaze crashed into hers as he was about to say, Gesundheit.

The word shriveled on his tongue, and he couldn’t look away from her oval face. She was pretty with delicate features. Her light brown hair streaked with blond fell forward over eyes that were an amazing light purple.

Purple eyes, blond hair, headstrong, correct in everything she did and said.

His own eyes widened. Was it possible? Could the Englischer standing in front of him be a former classmate at Bliss Valley School?

Knowing he’d feel like a dummkopf if she said no, he asked, “Are you Laurene Nolt?”

She flinched, but replied, “Yes, but I go by Lauren now.”

She didn’t add more. She didn’t need to. He could hear her accusing thoughts as if she screamed them. This beautiful woman standing in his friend’s shop was the adult version of the young girl who’d been given the task of trying to tutor him when they were in their final year of school. She’d been cute as a fourteen-year-old, but time had enhanced the golden sheen of her hair and deepened her eyes’ rich shade.

Scene after scene exploded out of his memory as he recalled the hours he’d spent with her. Each one buffeted him like a fist, more painful and humiliating than the previous one. Back then, the humiliation had been heaped on her. He’d made sure of that, but now regret threatened to drown even the sim­plest thought as he recalled what he’d put her through when she’d been trying to help him. She’d done her best, and he’d ridiculed her for it.

He’d thought that part of his past was dead and buried, but now it stood in front of him. Not it. Her. With her chin raised and cold disdain in her eyes, she was a living tribute to the foolish things he’d done in his life.

He guessed she wouldn’t be leaving soon. Not when it would have been dangerous for her to try to drive her car with compromised struts. The storm would have the roads closed soon, if they weren’t already. She was stuck in Bliss Valley at least for tonight, and he couldn’t leave her stranded in the shop.

He owed her at least that much.

The urge to laugh clawed at his throat. He owed her so much more, but the best thing he could do for them—and for his family—was to get her somewhere safe tonight. Some­where he could avoid her and the past she’d brought to life.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jo Ann Brown has created characters and stories for as long as she can remember. After college, serving as a US Army quartermaster officer, getting married and increasing her blessings with three children, she sold her first book in 1987. Since then, she has sold over one hundred titles.  RT Book Reviews called her “a truly talented author.” She loves teaching and established the romance writing course at Brown University. She divides her time between Florida and Massachusetts with her husband of over forty years. Find out more about Jo Ann and her books at www.joannbrownbooks.com.

CONNECT WITH JO ANN: Website 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Wish for Home!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 30, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 6, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: Rough Stock by Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Life on the road is good . . . Until he meets her and realizes what he’s missing.

Westin Farr has been focused on one thing. To match his dad’s perfect 100-point record in professional bull riding. It’s getting closer; he can feel it. Although he misses his dad, life is good. Westin spends his days on the road, his nights bull riding, and his free time with his former college rodeo buddies—the Original Six. But when he meets the feisty Silvia Diaz, Westin finds that his lofty goals might not be so important after all.

The last thing Silvia wants to do is ‘work on herself’ at Broken Hearts Ranch in the tiny town of Lost Creek, Texas. And the last thing she needs is a cowboy sweet-talking her into staying. She agrees to give the place one week, one week only, and then she’s returning to normal life. Not even a bull rider who seems to look straight into her heart can change her mind . . . until he does.

My Review

I wasn't sure I was going to be able to like Silvia when I started the book, but I shouldn't have doubted one of my favorite authors- I quickly grew to empathize with her and her struggles of developing as an individual outside of her brother's influence. I enjoyed seeing her relish her independence and take a chance on new endeavors. Westin and Silvia have great chemistry and their friendship and romance develops naturally as they get to know each other and feelings deepen. Westin has his own issues of working through various injuries while trying to match his father's perfect bull riding score, all the while feeling drawn to Silvia at Broken Hearts Ranch. I quickly became invested in the characters and felt connected to their emotions as they learned new life lessons. A great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to the next book!

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

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Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Releases April 2021

Releases May 2021

Releases June 2021

Review: An Amish Reunion by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four stories about reuniting with those you love. 

Their True Home by Amy Clipston
When Marlene Bawell moved from Bird-in-Hand ten years ago, she was in the deepest of mourning for her mother. Now her family has moved back so her father can seek employment after being laid off. To help save money, Marlene works at the hardware store owned by Rudy Swarey’s father. She knew Rudy growing up and had a secret crush on him, though he never seemed to notice her. But just as a friendship between them begins to blossom, her life is once again turned upside down. Will Marlene ever have a chance to find her own true home?

A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman
Ruth and Gideon Beiler experienced one of life’s most tragic events. Unable to get past their grief, the couple abandoned their Amish faith and went in different directions, though neither could bear to formally dissolve the marriage. When their loved ones reach out to them to come home for a family reunion, Ruth has reason to believe that Gideon won’t be there. Gideon also thinks that Ruth has declined the invitation. Family and friends are rooting for them to reunite, but will it all be enough for Ruth and Gideon to get past their grief and recapture a time when they were in love and had a bright future ahead of them?

A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller
Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else?

Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin
At eighteen Hannah Kauffman made a terrible mistake. Her parents and members of her Jamesport Amish community say they’ve forgiven her. But she feels their eyes following her everywhere she goes with eighteen-month-old Evie. Thaddeus, Evie’s father, escaped this fate by running away from Jamesport. Now that Thaddeus is gone, Hannah’s old friend Phillip is stepping up to be by her side. He has waited patiently for Hannah to realize just how much he cares for her. But when Thaddeus returns after two years, Hannah can’t deny the love she feels for him. Does the fact that Phillip has waited patiently for her all this time mean that she owes him something? Can she trust either one of them? Can she trust herself? She has repented and been forgiven by the One who is most important—her heavenly Father. But is she willing to risk making more mistakes by opening herself up to love?

My Review

I enjoyed this collection of stories with a second chance at love theme. The circumstances that separated each couple were very different, but a range of emotions was present in each. Sadness, grief, and loneliness created a sharp contrast to the hopeful feelings that the reunions brought, with a blossoming of love not only for each other but for the Lord. The paths our lives take are not always clear, but trusting in God and His will is a strong tenant of the Amish faith. I was engaged as I read about the journeys of these characters and the heartbreak they endured and overcame with a renewed healing.

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.

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man’s grieving fiancée and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

My Review

I have a soft spot for wounded naval officers when I read a Regency book! Charles is the epitome of a British captain, but through humbling experiences and Sophie's influence, he finds himself and his desires for the future shifting away from the sea. The strong emotions of grief were felt, but the author skillfully balanced the sadness with new hope as Sophie moves forward with the help of Charles. Theirs is a gentle and slow romance that blossoms from friendship and a common goal of taking care of those whom they have charge over. I loved the coastal setting as Charles and Sophie make a new life for themselves and it was easy to see how well they matched. Mamie, Sophie's former fiancee's mother, and the three girls that have become Charles' wards are absolutely delightful and brought additional layers of warmth and charm to the story. The increase in pace came at just the right time in the book, with some suspicious villagers and suspenseful action. This was a story that was easy to fall into and stay interested in the lives of the characters. My favorite of the series!

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

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Giveaway

 

 

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Don't miss the previous books in the Serendipity and Secrets series . . . 

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper

The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper

Publication Date: March 9, 2021

Thomas Nelson

Paperback & eBook; 384 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

A young prodigy in need of family. A painting that shatters a woman’s peace. And a decades-old mystery demanding to be solved.

Australia, 1906

Orphan Jane Piper is nine years old when philanthropist siblings Michael and Elizabeth Quinn take her into their home to further her schooling. The Quinns are no strangers to hardship— having arrived in Australia as penniless immigrants, they now care for others as lost as they once were.

Despite Jane’s mysterious past, her remarkable aptitude for mathematics takes her far over the next seven years, and her relationship with Elizabeth and Michael flourishes as she plays an increasingly prominent part in their business.

But when Elizabeth reacts in terror to an exhibition at the local gallery, Jane realizes no one knows Elizabeth after all—not even Elizabeth herself. As the past and the present converge and Elizabeth’s grasp on reality loosens, Jane sets out to unravel Elizabeth’s story before it is too late.

From the gritty reality of the Australian goldfields to the grand institutions of Sydney, this compelling novel takes us on a mystery across continents and decades as both women finally discover a place to call home.

“Deeply researched. Emotional. Atmospheric and alive. . . Tea Cooper transports the reader to a sweeping landscape of turn of the twentieth century Australia—from the raw realities of the Australian goldfields to the sophisticated institutions of Sydney—and does so with an expert pen. Combining characters that are wonderfully complex with a story spanning decades of their lives, The Girl in the Painting is a triumph of family, faith, and long-awaited forgiveness. I was swept away!” —Kristy Cambron, award-winning author of The Paris Dressmaker and the Hidden Masterpiece novels

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

My Review

 5 stars / It was amazing

 

I fell in love with these characters instantly! The storytelling is rich and nuanced, and I felt immersed in the setting. Although Michael, Elizabeth, and Jane each have their flaws, they are strong individuals who have endured and overcome their circumstances to thrive in the lives they have built for themselves. I'm not the biggest fan of dual timeline stories, but this was done so well, I felt like the past and present intertwining throughout the book enhanced my reading experience. I think what I loved about it was that the narrative of Michael and Elizabeth's early days in Australia didn't feel like is was being told as the past, it felt very much the present, as much as Jane's perspective which is set 30 or so years later. There is a compelling drive to the narrative that keeps a steady pace, even though the mysterious nature of Elizabeth's past doesn't emerge until the later part of the book. I enjoyed the cast of characters that brought depth to the relationships of Michael, Elizabeth, and Jane, and helped show their personalities and characteristics as they interacted. Although the amount of romance was light, it was sweet and just right for the story being told. Highly recommend to fans of historical fiction!

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.

About the Author

Tea is an award-winning Australian author of historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist, and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. She is the bestselling author of several novels, including The Horse Thief, The Cedar Cutter, The Currency Lass, The Naturalist's Daughter, The Woman in the Green Dress, and The Girl in the Painting.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, March 9
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Wednesday, March 10
Review at Crystal's Library

Thursday, March 11
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Review at Proverbial Reads

Friday, March 12
Review at Jessica Belmont

Monday, March 15
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Tuesday, March 16
Review at Bibliostatic
Excerpt at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Wednesday, March 17
Review at the.b00kreader

Thursday, March 18
Review at Novels Alive
Review at Book Drunkard

Friday, March 19
Review at The Lit B****
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, March 20
Review at Nursebookie
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, March 22
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Tuesday, March 23
Review at Heidi Reads

Wednesday, March 24
Review at Library of Clean Reads

Thursday, March 25
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Friday, March 26
Review at Hallie Reads

Saturday, March 27
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Monday, March 29
Review at Bookworlder
Review at Jorie Loves A Story

Tuesday, March 30
Review at Rachelle Loves Books

Wednesday, March 31
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary

Giveaway

Enter to win a paperback copy of The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Girl in the Painting

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Tapestry of Light
Author: Kimberly Duffy
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release date: March 16, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Calcutta, 1886. 

Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon her skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women. 

When a stranger appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett Scott, friend to Ottilie's English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home. 

But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn't forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.

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

 

EXCERPT

“I’ve been sent here for a purpose, and I’m surprised your mother mentioned nothing of my coming.”

Ottilie narrowed her eyes. “Being struck down by a horse has a way of obstructing conversations—even important ones.”

Mr. Scott sighed. “I must know—was your mother Indian, and is she also Thaddeus’s mother?”

Ottilie didn’t want to answer. Didn’t want to give his impudent question another thought. But if her mother had expected this man, invited him to their home, Ottilie wanted to know why, and she wasn’t sure he’d give her the answers she needed if she didn’t give him the ones he did.

“Yes, Sonia and Edwin Russell are the parents of us both. My mother is Eurasian—she has a British father and Indian mother. I look like my grandmother. Thaddeus looks like—”

“Your grandfather.”

“No, my father. Thaddeus looks nothing like the colonel.”

He shook his head. “I meant your father’s father. He’s the exact replica, except for the brown hair. Your grandfather had blond hair.”

Ottilie’s breath caught in her chest, and something hard and impossible to ignore fisted her stomach. “You know my father’s family?”

“Quite well. They sent me here.”

“Why?” she whispered. The English Russells had never contacted them before. Father alluded to some kind of falling out, but otherwise never spoke of his family except to say he had two brothers and a younger sister.

“Thaddeus is . . .” Mr. Scott laughed in a nervous way. “There is no easy way to say this. Your father’s eldest brother, Newell, was killed in a carriage accident nine months ago, and he had only daughters. Four of them. They’ve gone north to live with their mother and her family. The second brother, who died three years ago in the Anglo-Zulu War, wasn’t married. That makes Thaddeus the new Baron Sunderson.”

Ottilie laughed. “Thaddeus . . . a baron? That’s not possible.”

“But it is. And your grandmother, Lady Sunderson, has sent me here to bring him home.”

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn't mind.

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Tapestry of Light, A Mosaic of Wings, and Recipes from an Indian Kitchen!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 22, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 29, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.