Book Tour, Interview & Giveaway: Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Second Chance at Happiness 
Author: Greta Picklesimer
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: April 12, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

After Catherine Reed’s husband dies in a tragic logging accident, Catherine and her four-year-old daughter, Clair, move home with Clair’s mother and brother in order to accept a new position as the teacher for the town’s one-room schoolhouse. But Catherine carries a dark secret that she hasn’t even shared with her mother. Will she ever find forgiveness? 

Samuel Harris has suffered his own loss, losing his wife and unborn child over a year prior. Although he is the town’s preacher, he struggles to trust God, blaming God for allowing him to be absent when his wife died. The guilt has burdened him ever since. But when his old flame Catherine Reed comes back to town, he wonders if they can find healing together. 

Catherine believes that anyone who wants to learn should be allowed to learn, but she is quick to find a town divided on that issue. As she and Samuel set out to change people’s minds in a post-Civil War era, they find themselves drawn to each other over and over again. As they join together for the same cause, could they also find a second chance at happiness?

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

Interview with Author Greta Picklesimer 

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I am a happily, never-married woman who loves the Lord and is owned by one short-haired, brown, tiger rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue. I named her after one of my father’s favorite Bluegrass songs. 

 

What do you do besides writing? 

I work as an office assistant at the local Department of Health and Human Services for the State of Michigan. I help people apply for welfare benefits and love my job. I enjoy interacting with the public.

 

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I enjoyed checking out through interstate lending libraries and reading books about the education system in Kentucky.

 

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process? 

The images I have for my characters are in my mind. I put what I saw down on paper and hope I did those images justice. 

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book? 

None. I don’t listen to music when I write it is too distracting. 

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book? 

That no matter the sin the Lord forgives and forgets and we all can have a second chance at happiness through Christ our Savior.

 

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future? 

I signed a contract for the sequel to Second Chance at Happiness. That book is called The Rejected Mail-Order Bride. It is the brother, Harl’s story.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Greta Picklesimer is Michigan-born and raised by Kentucky-transplanted parents. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of five—a happy day in her memory. Besides writing, Greta spends time working on her art journal, painting with watercolors and oil pastels. She is owned by one rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue who was named after her father's favorite Bluegrass song. By day Greta works as an office assistant. By night, she writes.

CONNECT WITH GRETA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Second Chance at Happiness and a spiral-bound notebook with a picture of the cover of the book on it!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2022. 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.

Review: Peace in the Mountain Haven by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

This epic journey is her best chance to find the family she and her daughter long for.

Watkuese is desperate to return across the Rocky Mountains before winter sets in. Time is running out for her to get her adopted daughter back to the familiar surroundings of the Shoshone village before the grief of her parents’ death causes irreparable damage.

Hugh Charpentier has spent his life watching over his siblings, which meant also ensuring his brother’s widow and babe are settled well into their new life. Now he’s asked to help shepherd a woman and child he barely knows across the mountains. As hard as it is to keep up with a six-year-old in the treacherous Rockies, it’s not nearly as dangerous as risking his heart to a woman and child who may not ever be his.

My Review

Another epic wilderness adventure in the Call of the Rockies series! I like that these follow a group of friends and travelers (which grows with each book), yet each can be read as a stand alone. They can also be read in order for time continuity. Hugh is a newcomer to this group, joining them when his search for his sister-in-law came to an end. He's solemn and stalwart, which hides his insecurities and pain from his childhood. He's caring and compassionate with others, even when he has a difficult time showing it. Watkuese is grieving her friend's death and honoring her by taking in her daughter, who is also deep in grief, and acting out in unsafe ways. Hugh, his younger brother Louis, and Watkuese work together on their journey back to Watkeuse's tribe to protect the child and help her heal, and it takes time as they make their way through the dangerous terrain. The time also allows for introspection, spiritual growth, and bonding as Hugh and Watkeuse rely on each other. They develop wonderful chemistry and I really enjoyed their romance. A strong addition to 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.

Don't miss the other books in the Call of the Rockies series . . .

 

Review: Love Practically by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As a young woman, Leah Penn-Leith fell hopelessly in love with Captain Fox Carnegie—the only irrational mark on her decidedly sensible life. Fox, unfortunately, did not return her regard.

Their story should have ended there. After all, Fox left for India. And Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.

But twenty years later, Fox appears on Leah’s doorstep—older, scarred, and world-weary—proposing a marriage of convenience between them. He needs a mother for his young ward, and Leah, with her capable good sense, comes highly recommended. What woman could say No to such a proposal? Not Leah. Fox has always wreaked havoc on her ability to think rationally.

But after their marriage, Leah confronts the chaotic reality of Fox’s life. His castle, ten miles up a rugged Highland glen, is shambolic. His ward, Madeline, is a precocious handful. Fox’s time in India is shrouded in rumor and mystery. Worst of all, Fox himself is distant and broken, his personality as altered as his scarred body.

Throughout it all, Leah is left with two questions: What happens to a woman after her most-cherished fantasy comes true? And can a marriage, begun in practicality, transform into something deeper? Something like . . . love.

My Review

I am thrilled for a new series from this author, and was immediately swept away with the setting and characters in Love Practically. Leah and her brothers are close, and I loved how protective they are of her when she decides to take the opportunity to marry Fox, even though it's a marriage of convenience on his part. I was feeling all the feels as Leah serves and sacrifices in her new roles as wife, mother, and homemaker. Each character came to life with mannerisms and personalities that were vibrant and unique- even the cat! Such a heartrending story of love that grows through hardship and healing. I especially enjoyed the poetry that inspired the title of the book and the way it shifted as Leah's brothers saw her change from a woman who loves to a woman who is loved. This is a story I plan to read again, and I'm anxiously awaiting 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.

Review: Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She was forbidden to love him.
He only wanted her heart.
Can a childhood game bring them together?

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father's death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia's friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia's strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

My Review

 

What a fun notion! The games of tag in the ballroom brought a sense of anticipation throughout the book, although I wasn't sold on the sense of purpose with some of the game-themed scenes, especially one involving cards and two male egos. I thought it was an endearing trait for Emerson to be up for a good game or prank, but Olivia didn't allow herself to feel much which prevented me from connecting to her emotions. She seemed stuck, and she didn't progress for most of the book- frustrating for both myself and Emerson. I think it affected the pace and slowed it down with some repetition of her thought patterns. I began to enjoy the book more with the extremely well-written kissing scenes (*fans self*). I thought the foreshadowing with the pig was very clever and the scene where it takes center stage does not disappoint! I'm planning to read more from this creative author and I hope we get books for each of Emerson's friends/partners-in-crime.

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

Review: A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Brielle Durand is a key defender and hunter for her people's peace-loving French settlement in the Canadian mountains. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. She won't allow another massacre like the one that killed her mother a dozen years before. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way?

Evan MacManus was on assignment to find among the caves the mineral pitchblende that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on the promise he's made to his government or take a risk on the path his heart tells him is right? Either choice will spell death for someone.

My Review

I absolutely love the premise that a community of people lived and thrived in the northern Canadian wilderness separately from the rest of society. It was fascinating to see real history woven with the author's worldbuilding. The details of the people of Laurent and their history added to the intrigue and adventure. Brielle is the leader of the hunters and has honed skills that provide and protect, but her tough persona is balanced by intuition and thoughtful consideration, especially when she comes to know Evan over time. I liked how she could sense that he was withholding from her, even as she grew to admire him. As always there is a strong faith element as Evan and Brielle come to terms with their pasts and the loyalties they hold. The romance that develops between them despite their roles feels genuine and I enjoyed their chemistry. A strong cast of family and community members brought a foundation that will last through 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.

Don't miss the other books in the Brides of Laurent series . . .

Book Two

 

Book Three

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: An Unfamiliar Duke by Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract—a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door.

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.

My Review

I loved this gentle romance! Rosalind and Sebastian are both entering the marriage with few memories of each other, but their maturity helps them navigate their new relationship and I appreciated that their struggles and progress were natural and I loved the small and significant moments that helped them grow closer together. The danger doesn't play a large role until the climax of the book, but the foreshadowing held me in anticipation while I read. The focus on their relationship made this book a pleasure to read, and I loved the way they connected over numbers and Rosalind's genuine interest in Sebastian's work of improvement and innovation. The historical details woven in were fascinating and made the era come alive. All the books in this series are excellent, and this is definitely one of my favorites of them!

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 Georgian Gentlemen series . . .

Giveaway

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