Friday, October 29, 2021

Blog Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes

Carved in Ebony JustRead Blog Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 
Carved in Ebony

Title: Carved in Ebony
Author: Jasmine L. Holmes
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Christian History / Biography

Through the lives of Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Amanda Berry Smith, Mamie Till, and others, author and speaker Jasmine Holmes shares the significant role that Black women have played in the formation of our faith--and are playing in our formation as modern-day women of faith. 

As these historical figures take the stage with Holmes, you will be inspired by what the stories of these women can teach us about education, birth, privilege, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominately white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith. 

Come along on Jasmine's journey and be encouraged by the powerful and persuasive Black women of our past so that you can help inspire a better, more inclusive future.

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


EXCERPT

Chapter 2 – “The Almost-Forgotten Spitfire: Sara Griffith Stanley” from Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes, pp. 51-52, 161 words (unedited)

When I was a young girl, I remember telling my mom that I just wanted to be remembered. The William Shakespeare, not the Billy Spears who wrote really excellent community theater plays and died in obscurity. The older I’ve gotten, though, the more I’ve realized that fame is not the only measure of our impact.

The average person on the street has no idea who Sara G. Stanley was. And yet, her impact changed the lives of the students she came in contact with. Hundreds of years later, it changed my life. Her faithfulness, so broadly unseen, resonates with this girl who used to want all the credit. Her impact was not broad—but it was deep. And that’s the kind of impact I want.The Instagram followers, Twitter count, Facebook likes . . . those are not nearly as important as the lives I’m touching day-to-day: for me, my children. For Sara, her students. That’s the true test of faithfulness.

Excerpt from Carved in Ebony by Sally Clarkson provided by Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Copyright Oct. 12, 2021. Used by permission. 
 


Jasmine L. Holmes 

Jasmine L. Holmes has written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Fathom MagChristianity Today, and The Witness. Jasmine is the author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope, and contributor for Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Our Identity in Christ, and His Testimony, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God. She teaches humanities in a classical Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where she and her husband, Phillip, are parenting three young sons.

CONNECT WITH JASMINE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Happy Crab by Layla & Kevin Palmer, Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson, and Make Their Day by Karen Ehman.

Carved in Ebony JustRead Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Thursday, October 28, 2021

Book Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Texan's Christmas Baby by Linda Warren

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating Linda Warren's 50th release!

A Texan's Christmas Baby
(Texas Rebels #11)
By Linda Warren
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
October 26, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Christmas is a time of forgiveness…
And unforgettable surprises

Former professional football player Chase Rebel has finally come home for good. But ranching life in his small Texan hometown is far from simple—especially when it comes to Chase's beautiful estranged wife, Jody. There's no escaping the mistakes and hurts of their past…or the feelings that still linger between them. But can Jody and an unexpected Christmas surprise show this Texan where he truly belongs?

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

Before Chase could put his phone in his pocket, the doorbell rang. He sighed. He opened the door without looking through the peephole. He froze, words sticking in his throat.

Jody stood there.

He hadn’t seen her in over a year and his heart stopped just from looking into her gorgeous eyes. In a green dress and heels she looked more beautiful than ever, grown-up, sophisticated, except there were tiny worry lines around her eyes that hadn’t been there before.

She had a box in her hands and shoved it toward him. “These are some of the things you gave me and I don’t want them in my house anymore.”

He refused to take it so she set the box on the floor by his feet. Her eyes were cold and hesitant as she waited for him to pick it up.

“How did you know I was home?” he asked, ignoring the box.

“I have to go. Just wanted you to have those things back because I know they mean something to you.”

“That’s why I gave them to you. They’re yours.”

She turned to leave as if she didn’t want to get into an argument. He couldn’t let her go. Breathing the same air as Jody was intoxicating and he wanted to keep her here as long as possible, even if they were arguing. It had always been that way with him. He could be in the dumps about a game or something but the moment he heard her voice, it lifted his spirits.

“What are you doing home anyway? Don’t you have spring training or something or another?”

“I just wanted to come home.”

Excerpted from A Texan's Christmas Baby by Linda Warren, Copyright © 2021 by
Linda Warren. Published by Harlequin Heartwarming.

About the Author


Two time Rita® nominated author Linda Warren has written forty-five books for Harlequin. A native Texan, she’s a member of Romance Writers of America and the West Houston Chapter. Drawing upon her years of growing up on a ranch, she writes about some of her favorite things: Western-style romance, cowboys and country life. She married her high school sweetheart and they live on a lake in central Texas. He fishes and she writes. Works perfect. You can find out more about Linda at http://www.LindaWarren.net.


Tour Giveaway


$20 Amazon gift card & ebook of A Texan’s Christmas Baby (US only)

Ends October 30, 2021


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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Review: The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

  

Synopsis

Living side-by-side, a fledgling chef and a big-hearted contractor find a delicious attraction.
Trouble is, their chemistry could spoil their dreams.


Spirited PJ McKinley has the touch when it comes to food. Her dream of opening her own restaurant is just one building short of reality. So when a Chapel Springs resident offers her beloved ancestral home to the applicant with the best plan for the house, PJ believes it’s a contest she was meant to win.

Contractor Cole Evans is confident, professional, and swoon-worthy—but this former foster kid knows his life could have turned out very differently. When Cole discovers the contest, he believes his home for foster kids in transition has found its saving grace. All he has to do is convince the owner that an out-of-towner with a not-for-profit enterprise is good for the community.

But when the eccentric philanthropist sees PJ and Cole’s proposals, she makes an unexpected decision: the pair will share the house for a year to show what their ideas are made of. Now, with Cole and the foster kids upstairs and PJ and the restaurant below, day-to-day life has turned into out-and-out competition—with some seriously flirtatious hallway encounters on the side. Turns out in this competition, it’s not just the house on the line, it’s their hearts.


My Review

So much tension! The competition between PJ and Cole adds an element of resentment to their interactions, and as the reader it felt a little hard to shake as they began to get to know one another but still give priority to their own aspirations. It felt like an all or nothing scenario not just with the property but also with their potential for a relationship. It would have been nice to see thoughts of compromise enter in their consciousness. Overall I enjoyed the characters' eccentricities, PJ's overly concerned family members, and Cole's foster kids. Cole is one tough nut to crack! I appreciated getting to the part where PJ could get through to him and have an effect on how he thinks about himself.

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 Chapel Springs series . . .
 



Review: A Lady on the Chase by Jessica Scarlett


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

Synopsis

Her father promised her to one man.
She promised her heart to a second.
Until she meets the third.


Lady Alicia Kendall has it all: wealth, beauty, suitors--and a history of creating scandals. The only thing she doesn't have is her best friend and man of her dreams, Henry Crawley. When Henry announces his plans to join the Regulars, her father's adamant disapproval of him deepens and prompts a deal to be struck:

She has two weeks to secure Henry's proposal, or she must give him up forever and marry a man of her father's choosing.

Alicia agrees. But when one of her attempts goes awry, she gets a begrudging proposal from someone else entirely--Matthew Wycliffe. The most condescending man ever to walk the face of the earth, and her newly-discovered nemesis.

If only to avoid yet another scandal, Alicia accepts Mr. Wycliffe's offer. After all, with the deal she struck with her father, she'll never marry the man anyway. But as they endure dark castles, hot-tempered soldiers, and hidden secrets brought to light all in their quest for a proposal from Henry, Alicia notices something different about the insufferable, grumbling Matthew Wycliffe. And she wonders if perhaps the proposal she wants is the one she's already received.


My Review

It was hard to know what to think while Alicia is professing love for childhood friend Henry but using Matthew's grudging proposal to buy time to avoid an alliance with Lord Hawthorne who has an uncanny knack for interrupting romantic interludes and overhearing furtive plans. What a love triangle! Her motivations for pursuing Henry are subconscious and it is not until later in the book that they are revealed to herself and the reader through Matthew's skilled observations. I think my favorite parts of the book are observing Matthew and the way he holds himself aloof but is secretly caught off guard by Alicia. Their interactions are fraught with tension and chemistry, despite her supposed animosity for him and his supposed indifference to her. What banter! I don't blame her for her frustrations with Matthew, and they each give as good as they get. Highly entertaining! Definitely going on my re-read list!

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

Don't miss the previous books in the Wycliffe Family series . . .







Review: A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

Lauren Richmond isn’t a fan of Christmas.

Which is why she rarely makes the trip home to the Midwest for the holidays. After all, she has plenty to keep her busy—namely, her duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom.

But this December, Lauren‘s brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will.

Unfortunately for Lauren, she’s been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years.

Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she’s stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois.

She’s circumspect and organized. He’s flirty and spontaneous.

She’s convinced that people don’t change. He’s trying to prove to her (and himself) that he has.

On this cross-country road trip, they’ll both discover that history doesn’t exactly repeat itself. . . but like any good Christmas carol, it does have a second verse.


My Review

Boy, this story is packed full of character development! The author hit the perfect balance of humor, angst, and romance as the time Lauren and Will spend together forces them to face hard things from their pasts and see it from a more mature and informed perspective. I loved the theme of forgiveness and seeing Lauren progress from bitterness to grace. Will's redemption made him an admirable character, the way he changed and left behind destructive habits, and acts as a positive role model as he provides support to others caught in the same chains. As Lauren and Will begin to understand each other, the trust and rapport grows as well as undeniable chemistry. I love road trips, especially off the beaten path, so this story was just so fun to read! Courtney Walsh never fails to bring a tear to my eye with the compelling emotion in her stories. Highly recommend!!!

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, Excerpt & Giveaway: Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Harvest Dance
(Bluestar Island #2)
By Jennifer Faye
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 350 Pages
September 12, 2021 by Lazy Dazy Press

“Beneath the harvest moon…
true love can bloom.”


A single dad, who’s in over his head, and an event planner running from her past, are drawn together on charming Bluestar Island by a determined seven-year-old and her escape-artist goat.

Event planner, Charlotte “Aster” Smith, has fled the only life she has ever known. The situation has left her questioning her own judgment as she cautiously tries to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. Taking the job of event coordinator for the small town is a step in the right direction. The only problem is it’s currently a part-time position, but the mayor suggests with additional funding the position could transform into a full-time job. In the meantime, she needs a second job in order to stay financially afloat.

Farmer and single father, Sam Bell, is struggling to keep his aging farm from going bankrupt while raising his young daughter. And now that his daughter’s babysitter is heading off to college, he needs help. So when he finds Aster is in need of work, he thinks his problems are solved. But things aren’t always what they seem. And he can’t help wondering what Aster is keeping from him.

In the lingering rays of a Bluestar Island sunset, Sam and Aster find themselves dancing upon the sand. As they help each other heal, the possibility of a future together becomes tangible. But will the ghosts from their pasts extinguish this budding romance?

Includes a delicious recipe for Aster’s Amazing Apple Cobbler!

Bluestar Island series:
Book 1 – Love Blooms
(Hannah & Ethan)
Book 2 – Harvest Dance (Aster & Sam)
Book 3 – A Lighthouse Café Christmas (Darla & Will) 
Book 4 – Rising Star (coming soon)

(Affiliate links included.)
 
Excerpt

She stood and pushed in her chair. They started to walk toward the grand staircase. This city hall wasn't just a boring block building. It was situated in an enormous historic mansion that had belonged to one of the island's founders. It had been kept up over the years and was in immaculate shape.

''I'm looking forward to a future here," she said.

''That's good because I have a special project for you.'' He started down the wide wooden steps with a burgundy floral runner.

''Oh. What's that?'' She hoped it was something exciting.

''I would like you to lend a hand to a dear friend of mine, Ms. Birdie Neill. It's not exactly city business, so this would fall under the heading of special projects that I'd previously discussed with you.''

She nodded. He wanted to help the community with more than just the things approved by city council. It was more of an outreach project where the mayor helped citizens with their own community affairs.

She liked the idea. ''I'd be happy to help."

He smiled. ''That's good. It's a fundraiser for one of Bluestar's residents. It's all rather top-secret at the moment. But if you stop by Birdie's house tomorrow morning, she'll let you know what needs done.''

Excerpted from Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye, Copyright © 2021 by Jennifer Faye. Published by Lazy Dazy Press. 

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a digital copy of LOVE BLOOMS plus a $25 Amazon gift card

Ends November 3, 2021


Grab Our Button!





Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Perfectly Arranged by Liana George

Perfectly Arranged JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Perfectly Arranged by Liana George, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 
Perfectly Arranged
Title: Perfectly Arranged 
Series: The Hopeful Hearts #1 
Author: Liana George 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: October 26, 2021 
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction 

Professional organizer Nicki Mayfield is on her way to becoming the next Marie Kondo – if only she could find clients and make ends meet! While looking for new professional opportunities, Nicki’s also determined to sort out her personal life. Despite dealing with a mother who’s a prime candidate for Hoarders and battling her own doubts about marriage and parenting, Nicki is certain she can transform the chaos around her into order. 

When all hope seems lost, the eccentric socialite Katherine O’Connor enters Nicki’s world. Boosted by Ms. O’Connor’s desperate need for organizing help, Nicki pushes out of her comfort zone — in work, love, and life. Together they discover an unknown Chinese address on a business card. Determined to uncover the identity of the address and how it connected with the father her client hardly knew, Ms. O’Connor and Nicki embark on an adventure that takes them across the world. There, both women must break down the walls surrounding their hearts to help those who can’t help themselves. In doing so, Nicki and Ms. O’Connor learn that things and people aren’t always what they seem, that hidden treasures lead to new beginnings, and that sometimes — surprisingly — God has things perfectly arranged. 

 
EXCERPT

I'm hanging up my label maker.

While I'd been certain I would be the next Marie Kondo, organizing superstar, the lack of clients and shortage of funds in my bank account tells a different story. I grab another moving box and glide the packing tape across the bottom to secure it. The screech of the gun as it connects the two flaps resounds as the truth flashes in front of me.

After three years of blood, sweat, and tears, I've failed at the one thing I'd believed I was meant to do.

When I open a side desk drawer that holds a rainbow assortment of alphabetically arranged files, my heart flutters at the sight of everything in perfect order - just the kind of thing that would make my mother anxious.

I wince. Mom. Without a job, I have no other choice but to move back home with her.

As if on cue, her familiar blue Honda pulls up outside my window.

Seriously, what else could go wrong today?

Plowing my way through the heap of boxes, I grab my coat and purse from the chair and dash toward the door. Before I can step outside and hide my career woes, my mother walks in.

“Nicki, I ...” Mom closes the door and studies the room. “What's going on in here?”

I survey the boxes scattered around the tiny cubicle. “Packing?”

“I see that, but why?”

“I’m closing up shop.” I dig my shoe into the stained beige carpet. “Bridgeport’s Organizing Business of the Year is no longer.” 
 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liana George

Liana George is a professional organizer and the owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. She is also a sought-after speaker, blogger, and writer. With the help of her writing coach, Sandra Byrd, Liana completed her first novel, Perfectly Arranged. The book was inspired by one of her eccentric clients and her passion for China, where she lived for two and a half years. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing tennis.

CONNECT WITH LIANA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of Perfectly Arranged plus a travel kit (not shown) including a $25 Amazon gift card, RDF passport wallet, packing cube, travel journal, luggage tag, packing tips, packing checklist!

Perfectly Arranged JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 25, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 1, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: #ALadyinAttendance #RachelFordham #HFVBT

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

Publication Date: June 1, 2021
Revell
Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian/Romance


Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

"A Lady in Attendance draws you in from the first page and leaves you captivated until the oh-so-romantic conclusion. A poignant and beautifully written story of faith, forgiveness, and the healing power of love."--Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million

 
Excerpt

Prologue

House of Refuge, Hudson, New York, 1893

The coarse gray fabric of Hazel’s newly donned uniform felt uncomfortable and foreign against her skin. She scratched her neck, trying in vain to force the itch away, but it was no use. These drab clothes would likely never feel comfortable, nor would these dark walls and tall fences ever feel like home.

“You’ll get used to it,” said the girl on her right. She looked to be fifteen, maybe sixteen, and despite the dreary location wore a cheerful smile on her pale face. “It ain’t so bad here.”

The girl on Hazel’s left snickered but nodded. Both girls had been assigned to scrub the dining hall’s floor with her and had readily begun answering her questions.

“It ain’t no castle with a moat, but they feed us three times a day, and that’s more than I ate before bein’ sent to the reformatory,” the girl on her right said.

“It’s prison,” Hazel whispered, unsure why they were keeping their voices so low. “It won’t get better. Not until we get out.”

“Won’t be all better when you get out. People don’t trust no one that’s lived behind bars. Once a convict, always a convict. Even if they talk about us being trained and tutored for a better life, you’ll still be stained. Your five-­year sentence might as well be a lifetime one. Enjoy the food and roof over your head while you got it.” The younger in-mate pushed her stringy hair from her face with her wet hand and stared at her with large doe-­like eyes. “It’s better here’n where I came from. Better’n where most of us come from.”

Hazel wanted to argue, to tell these girls that life outside the reformatory’s walls was better. That freedom of any kind was better than iron fences. But she held back, knowing the world she had come from differed from their world. She’d had money and a family name. She cringed, remembering how her world had rejected her, the pain of her sentencing, and the stoop of her parents’ shoulders. The truth was, she wasn’t sure where she’d be at this very mo-ment if she were not here as a committed prisoner of the House of Refuge.

With her eyes on the dirty water and a heaviness in her heart, she spoke. “Tell me what it’s like living here.” She had been in such a daze when she arrived, she hardly heard the matron’s instructions. “I do wish to get through this time unscathed if I can—­and perhaps somehow to have a future.”

“There’s a lady who comes by often. She runs a club or somethin’, and she’s changed it around here,” the inmate on her left said. She was older and less enthusiastic than her counterpart. “She’s helping us learn skills so we can leave changed. They’s teaching us to sew and cook, and they preach. But you gotta work hard too. You gotta listen and follow directions. If you do, you’ll get by.”

Hazel forced a smile despite the nausea assaulting her stomach. Menial labor held no appeal, yet these women spoke as though it were a gift. She chided her ungrateful heart and forced herself to listen despite her innate desire to argue and fight against her lot.

“What you gotta know is that this building’s got three floors, and you move up or down dependin’ on if you work hard and learn or if you don’t. They even got cottages inside the gates for those who are doin’ the best.”

Hazel managed to weakly say, “I hope you get to live there soon.”

“We all hope for that. The hardened women move to the first floor, and there are rooms that women have to go to all by themselves. I never wanna go there.” She was old enough that there were creases near her eyes and lines on her forehead that didn’t leave, even when her face relaxed. She picked up her brush and began scrubbing the floor again. With her head bent, she talked faster. “They have us pray every day, and preachers come and talk to us. I been hearin’ their words since coming. They talk of picking a direction to run in and stayin’ on a path. I don’t under-stand it all, but I figure if I listen to them, I’ll avoid the first floor, and maybe I could have a life that’s better’n what I’ve known. I gotta hope.” Her cheeks turned red. “I ain’t touched the bottle in months now. What you in for?”

“I’m sure she’s here for running about with some married man,” the young inmate said with a giggle. “It’s always men or drink.”

“Nah, it’s always being desperate that brings us here,” the more seasoned inmate said.

“I don’t know desperation—­not like you’ve known it.” Hazel took a slow breath as she wrestled with what to tell these women about her past. She had so much regret, heartache, and hurt she could share, but instead, she simply said, “I was accused of burglary.”

“Burglary?” The younger woman’s voice jumped up an octave. “What did you steal?”

The words assaulted her, and she opened her mouth, ready to defend herself, then shut it. They assumed her guilty. Like everyone else, they believed she’d stolen and brought this fate on herself. She swallowed the pain, knowing that she was not completely innocent, nor was she guilty. But saying as much would do no good. “It mat-ters little,” she said. “I’m here now, and I suppose all that matters is if I move upstairs or down.”


Rachel Fordham, A Lady in Attendance. Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. June 1, 2021. Used by Permission. 
 
 

About the Author

 
 

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com. You can also follow Rachel on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on November 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

A Lady in Attendance


Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 11
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Tuesday, October 12
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Wednesday, October 13
Excerpt at I'm Into Books
Thursday, October 14
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read
Friday, October 15
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Saturday, October 16
Review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Monday, October 18
Review at Novels Alive
Tuesday, October 19
Excerpt at Heidi Reads...
Wednesday, October 20
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Excerpt at Books and Benches
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Thursday, October 21
Interview at The Book Club Network
Friday, October 22
Review at Ms. Darcy Reads
Monday, October 25
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Tuesday, October 26
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy
Wednesday, October 27
Guest Post at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Thursday, October 28
Review at McCombs on Main
Friday, October 29
Excerpt at The Tea Queen
Monday, November 1
Review at Bookoholiccafe
Tuesday, November 2
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
Excerpt at Lisa Everyday Reads
Wednesday, November 3
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Friday, November 5
Review at Passages to the Past

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Perfectly Arranged by Liana George

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Perfectly Arranged
(Hopeful Hearts #1)
By Liana George
Christian Women's Fiction
Paperback & ebook, 286 Pages
October 26, 2021 by Scrivenings Press

Can Nicki risk letting go of her well-ordered life plans and embrace what God has perfectly arranged?

Short on clients and money, professional organizer Nicki Mayfield is hanging up her label maker. That is, until the eccentric socialite Katherine O'Connor offers Nicki one last job.

Working together, the pair discovers an unusual business card among Ms. O'Connor's family belongings that leads them on a journey to China. There, the women embark on an adventure of faith and self-discovery as they uncovers secrets, truths, and ultimately, God's perfectly arranged plan.

(Affiliate links included.)

 Excerpt

“Uh, I don’t know what to say, Mom,” I stutter. “You’ve caught me off guard.” I lean against my desk and clench my fingers around the edge. “Have you been seeing someone?”

My mom’s mouth hangs open. “Of course not, Nicki. I could never replace your father!”

Relieved, I loosen my grip. “Then who do you want to bring with you?”

“Eleanor’s son, Drew. Remember I told you about him? He’s a doctor, good-looking, and single.” She fidgets. “She told me at work this morning that he’s considering going on one of those online dating apps, and I just figured since you were both unattached, why not skip all that digital mumbo-jumbo and introduce you to each other?”

I sigh. “Mom, we’ve talked about this.”

“But, Nicki, you’re twenty-six and not even dating. How will I ever have grandchildren if you aren’t interested in spending time with someone?”

Someone? I lean over and place my hand on her shoulders. “I don’t need a man right now, and I certainly don’t want children.” I raise my eyebrows. “Not today and not anytime in the future, either. You know that.”

She waves a hand at me. “Don’t start that nonsense about kids and the mess they make. Find and fall in love with your prince charming, and you’ll see things differently. I’m sure of it.”

“I appreciate your efforts, but I’m not looking for someone in shining armor to save me, a fairy tale romance to sweep me off my feet, or the ooey, gooey slobber of a baby right now.” I spread my hands out and whirl around. “As you can see, I’ve got bigger things to be worried about.”


Excerpted from Perfectly Arranged by Liana George, Copyright © 2021 by Liana George. Published by Scrivenings Press.

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About the Author


“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

As a child, whenever anyone asked me that question, I always had 2 answers ready to offer: an author or a Wimbledon champion (that’s a tennis tournament, in case you didn’t know).

Although I never made it to a professional level of tennis stardom (or an amateur level for that matter; the best I could do was local tennis club play once or twice a week), I was able to realize my dream of becoming an author.

But it was a long time coming.

There were detours along the way – teaching elementary school, running children’s ministries, parenting and starting my own organizing business – as well as a few unexpected overseas adventures, but I finally put pencil to paper (yes, I’m old school) and used all my life experiences to write a story that I hoped would make a difference.

With the publication of my first book, Perfectly Arranged (Scrivenings Press, October 2021), I guess I’m finally grown up now and my dreams have come true.

However, now that I’ve reached adulthood I don’t plan on retiring. No, I think I’ll keep going … I have plenty of imaginary people and places to share with the world.


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Tour Giveaway


US giveaway – Book-related prize pack of travel items (packing cube, passport wallet, travel journal, luggage tag, packing checklist) and a copy of Perfectly Arranged by Liana George.

International giveaway
$30 Amazon gift card

Ends October 27, 2021


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