Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Rancher's Secret Crush
Series: Three Springs Texas #6
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: March 26, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Clean)

Everything good…  

Starts with unexpected kindness 

When city girl Elsie Parks comes to Three Springs to care for her nieces while her brother recuperates, she’s in for a surprise—he expects her to run the ranch! Thankfully, Ryan Sloan—the rugged cowboy next door—is happy to help. As they get into a groove working the farm together, their attraction grows like Texas wildflowers. But can this temporary detour become something more? 

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 
The only awkward moment came when Ryan noted Elsie’s bare feet and swept her easily up into his arms. And her laughter got swept away by those butterflies flapping in her stomach. “Ryan. I can walk.”

“You shouldn’t. Not barefoot,” Ryan insisted. “Not around here.” He half gestured to the field and ranch yard beyond.

“I’ve been barefoot for a while now.” Elsie wiggled her mud-coated toes. But that only stirred those butterflies more. “And I’m fine.”

“You’re lucky.” Ryan frowned, tightened his hold on her and headed to his truck. “You have no idea what’s out here. Barbed wire. Nails. Thorns. I can keep going.”

“I got it.” Elsie felt him tense. And then she gave in. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she settled in closer. Just for a moment. Just to calm him. And herself. After all, she’d never been swept off her feet. Not in any sense. Right now, it was heady and thrilling. A little bit irresistible. And this seemed as close as she was ever going to get.

Best to take it all in.

 

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About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copies of 2 backlist books by Cari Lynn Webb!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 26, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 2, 2024. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Her Temporary Cowboy by Tanya Agler

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Her Temporary Cowboy by Tanya Agler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Her Temporary Cowboy
Series: Rodeo Stars of Violet Ridge #3
Author: Tanya Agler
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: March 26, 2024
Genre: Clean Romance

He’s never known love… 

Until a chance encounter 

Rodeo cowboy Lucky Harper is only making a short stop in idyllic Violet Ridge. So how did he go from being an outsider to pretty rancher Elizabeth Irwin’s wedding date—and her fake fiancé—in one night? For the first time, this lone cowboy is suddenly part of a real family. But even he’s not lucky enough to find family and love by accident…or is he?  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

If he were fortunate enough to be part of her family, one that incorporated its staff into its ranks, he’d lap up every minute with them rather than spending it in the stable. “Aren’t you happy about the wedding?”

Elizabeth had already started toward the horses. She stopped and turned toward him, a scowl on her very attractive face. “Of course I am. Evie makes Dad happy. It’s just that I’m more comfortable wearing these clothes.” She plucked at her jeans and plaid shirt layered over a tank top. “And I’d rather not twist my ankle in the strappy high heels I have to wear in the meadow. I’ve been told to leave my favorite red cowboy hat in the tack room, too.”

She tipped her red hat over her long auburn hair, which was tied back in a ponytail. The dark red highlights were more like the sky at sunrise than the deep orange and pink hues of the setting sun off in the distance. Her fresh heart-shaped face, with its wide apple cheeks and green eyes, had a timeless appeal.

So she was pretty. She was also practically in charge of this ranch and way out of his league.

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About the Author

Tanya Agler fell in love with romance novels when her grandmother brought one home from work. After years of reading happily ever afters, she decided to write a sweet contemporary romance with the support of her wonderful husband, four children, and her lovable dogs (Linus the Beagle and Corky the Yorkie). A graduate of the University of Georgia, she loves Cary Grant movies, walking, reading, and all things chocolate.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyaagler.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card and a signed, print copy of Caught by the Cowgirl!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 25, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 1, 2024. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: 100 Little Lambs by Sierra Wilson, illustrated by Danika Runyan

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Clover the Lamb is always up to mischief, but when she wanders too far and cries out for help, she learns the love and help of her Good Shepherd are always near.

100 Little Lambs is a playful read-aloud with heart, teaching young readers about the parable of the lost sheep and the constant love of their Savior.

My Review

This is a sweet book of the lost sheep, who is cheerfully illustrated as a mischievous little troublemaker with a tendency to wander off. The other ninety-nine sheep also have anthropomorphic qualities that are focused on grooming, dancing, and safe behavior. The rhyming verses have a singsong quality which would make it fun to read aloud to a child. While the text doesn't delve too deeply into the gospel principles, it does cover the basic premise that Jesus will rescue us when we need His help. It provides adults and children with the opportunity for further discussion, and I can see how young children would enjoy the simple illustrations. A wonderful gift, especially with Easter around the corner!

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

 

Sierra Wilson is the author of several faith-filled, uplifting books for young readers including The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for Me, My Testimony Tree, and I Can Be Like Jesus. Sierra lives in the rolling prairies of Alberta with her husband and six wonderful, wild little ones. When she's not writing or wrangling kids, she enjoys all things outdoors, especially hiking and cross-country skiing. You can connect more with Sierra at www.sierrawilsonauthor.com

 

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Flicker of Trust by Eleanor Bertin

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Flicker of Trust by Eleanor Bertin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Flicker of Trust
Series: Burning Bright #2
Author: Eleanor Bertin
Publisher: Leaf & Blade Publishing
Release Date: February 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

When a woman disappears, Ryan’s past is fair game. 

Party animal Ryan Hainstock has made an about-face. He’s now an elder-caring, money-saving, church-going man with bright plans to set himself up farming. Somehow, whether he rates with her or not, those plans always include sweet and smart Lynnie Min and her young daughter. Problem is, Ryan’s past keeps coming back to condemn him. 

Lynnie Min, too young for the title of widow, travels the lonely road of single motherhood in a rural community. Her dreams were crushed by tragedy when terrorists claimed the lives of her husband and one of her daughters. While gratitude should fill her heart for the presence of three-year-old Anya, a longing for something more stirs within her. She can’t help noticing the changes in Ryan, a man she once knew as a high school jock. 

While their affection deepens, greater forces conspire to destroy their growing love. A murder charge, a kidnapping, a child abandoned…Can Ryan and Lynnie overcome danger and distrust to find each other again?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Author

Inspired by the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the place where life’s perplexities meet faith’s certainties. Before raising and home-educating a family of seven children for thirty years, Eleanor received a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism. She is the author of five novels, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She and her husband of 42 years live in central Alberta, Canada and are the grandparents of ten amazing grandchildren.

Connect with Eleanor by visiting eleanorbertinauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 26, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: This Ain’t No Promised Land
Author: Tina Shelton
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Genre: Christian General Fiction

"With stellar storytelling skills, Tina Shelton reminds us that while love isn't always enough to erase the hurts, it's the only way to survive them. A powerful read!" 

--Julie Cantrell, New York Times & USA Today best-selling author of Perennials 

When her husband dies, Charlotte can't face the things she's done that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything--her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she's made, and the secrets eating her alive. 

Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago's South Side with nothing but their home and belongings. They're doing everything they can to stay together, but young teens aren't meant to parent themselves. Their close-knit Black community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but that's not enough to fix the damage of abandonment. 

Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is struggling to keep her own head above water. She's made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte's never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, the shaky peace she tried to build shatters. Even if she's able to find the courage to embrace motherhood again, will it be enough to save the family she left behind?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

Sometimes the way Mom looked at us let us know she loved us, but her real thoughts were trapped inside her body and, in order to know what was really going on, we had to read, pick apart, and divvy up whatever her soul offered. We had to listen to her breathe, like the way she sighed deep at night with a sliver of a high-pitched hum. That let us know she was tired of trying to figure out whatever it was she was forever trying to figure out, but she was gonna stick with it anyway.

We had to watch her eyes, the way they lit up when she saw us walk through the door after school. We had to soak in the way she traced our hairline with her fingers when we were waking out of sleep; the touch of her thumb to our cool cheeks when we were crying. We had to watch which piece of baked chicken she’d give us at dinner and compare the sizes of our cake for dessert. We watched for her reaction to us when we stood next to her on the porch and watched the sun go down. If she smiled, she loved us; if she sighed and looked down the street, we were a nuisance. Having Mom around was like watching the sky in the spring. When she was okay, the sun shined and she made the world a happier place to live in, but when she wasn’t, it was overcast. But even with all that quietness of her soul and our gray days, we knew we were better off with her home than not.

Who knew emptiness could fill every nook in a space with such thick silence?

 

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About the Author

Tina Shelton is registrar at Chicago Theological Seminary and a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is also the mother of two young adults, and loves walking, working out, and traveling with her family. This is her first novel.

Connect with Tina by following her on Instagram @ts_walking

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of This Ain't No Promised Land and several book-related goodies, including a friendship bracelet, a mini journal, a pen, and a prayer tin.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2024. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Mercy Seat by Henry O. Arnold

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Mercy Seat by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Mercy Seat
Series: The Urban Chronicles #1
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

Hells Canyon is a neighborhood in Richland, Tennessee where tourists never venture, and locals fear to tread. Maxwell Crane, former Marine chaplain and pastor of The Mercy Seat church, struggles to provide a beacon of hope. 

But others have their eyes set on Hells Canyon: power elites, robber barons, and street gangs seek their own gain at the cost of the beleaguered urban neighborhood. For the people who live there, it’s been a fight to exist their whole lives, and that fight is getting harder. 

Maxwell doesn’t have to stay in Hells Canyon. He and his family could leave to live a comfortable middle-class existence. Instead, Maxwell chooses to risk his life—and the lives of those around him—to stand against the oppressors. 

But what happens when this pastor crosses a line, taking justice into his own hands? Will his family, his community, and his God ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

“I need an activity,” Kenda said. She leaned forward on the table, her arms circled around her plate and glass. She tapped the table with her hands and bounced her lopsided shoulders to the rhythm she improvised.

“How about a kiss?” Maxwell pointed to his lips.

“I was thinking of something more productive like cleaning up the kitchen.” Kenda kept drumming on the table long enough for Maxwell to provide a sulk before leaping from her chair to fulfill his request.

“Am I a bad parent for sometimes thinking we overpopulated the world by one male child?” Maxwell opened his eyes after receiving his wife’s loving kiss.

“Show me one parent who’s never had a moment’s secret regret about their offspring, and I’ll show you the alien ship they flew in on.”

Kenda placed her hand upon his heart cupping it over the emotional wound like a bandage to slow the internal bleeding.

"I'm so thankful for your love," Maxwell said.

"It's a solid commodity, free and infinite, no strings attached," Kenda whispered.

 

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About the Author

Mr. Arnold's career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is The Hiding Place. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled The Song of Prophets and Kings. When not writing he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere on the planet. He and his lovely wife Kay have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

Connect with Henry by visiting henryoarnold.com to follow him on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print copy of The Mercy Seat & $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Tour & Excerpt: Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson

 

 

Synopsis

Jane Fairfax knows she is truly fortunate. Most orphans face lives of hardship, whereas she was adopted by doting surrogate parents who elevated her place in Society and love her as their own. Yet even they cannot shield her from the grim realities of life without a suitable marriage. In moments of despair, Jane comforts herself with a well-worn memory: that of a young man whose kind words when they were children once soothed her heartbreak. But now that boy has grown into a dashing gentleman―and their lives could not be more distant.

Frank Churchill is a prisoner of his station. His inheritance is held in the balance by his demanding aunt, and the weight of her expectations is suffocating him. But when a chance encounter brings the lovely Miss Fairfax back into his life, he discovers what it is to truly live. As the pair secretly become acquainted amid the confines of Society’s strict rules, their friendship blossoms into love. But in a world ruled by unyielding traditions, endeavoring to build a life together would mean inviting a scandal that would shake the very foundation of the ton. 

Excerpt

 

The wind whipped Jane’s bonnet off her head, and she held on to the ribbons to keep it from blowing away altogether. Cassandra moved closer to the edge of the cliff in front of them, then bent to see over it. Jane’s heart stopped just watching her.

“Cassandra, please!” she yelled above the breeze.

Cassandra turned and laughed. “It is perfectly safe. Come closer and see for yourself.” She pointed out toward the ocean. “There is Durdle Door. Isn’t it marvelous?”

Jane shook her head and held her arms closer to her. She could see the rock formation coming out of the ocean from where she stood. Even with her jacket and warmest dress, the wind seemed to cut right through her. The Campbells were wise to have stayed in the carriage. Colonel Campbell’s ears would not have liked the cold. He had insisted his girls see the sight though.

“Please, not so close to the cliff,” she begged.

Cassandra gave her an annoyed look but came away from the edge. Jane immediately felt the tension inside her subside.

“I saw some steps on the other side,” Cassandra said. “We could walk along the beach below. Remember the ammonite fossil Mr. Brenchworth showed us? He told me he found it here. Surely you could get behind such an academic experience.”

“Academics should not be nearly this dangerous,” Jane said, her teeth chattering.

Cassandra laughed. “Quite the contrary! Studies should only be this way!” She linked arms with Jane. “Come. We shall go down the steps slowly and find some fossils to show Papa.”

Jane sighed. “Perhaps the wind will be less fierce on that side of the hill.”

Together they found the path and began their descent. Thick patches of long grass and prickly yellow flowers lined the terraced steps. Some parts were a large stretch for Jane’s legs. As she neared one spot in particular, two gentlemen appeared quite suddenly from around the bend below them. Jane saw the pleased expression that passed between them, and uneasy, she shrank back.

Cassandra took a step down, her longer legs making it much easier for her. One of the men tipped his hat at Cassandra, who bent her head in a silent greeting. Jane stood stranded and frozen on the step.

“Please allow me to help, madam,” one said, stretching out his hand. It was gallant, and maybe necessary, as she was blocking their path. Still, she stared at his hand and hesitated. She knew her foolishness. These men did not know her social status; they would not sneer at her or make her feel inferior, nor would they try to take advantage of her because of her situation. But still she could not make her hand move. It was as if she were near the edge of the cliff again.

Cassandra stopped walking and turned around, watching Jane deliberate what to do. Finally, she hiked back up and said, “Thank you, gentleman. My friend is quite shy. Here, Jane, allow me to help you.”

The men bowed, and the one who had spoken before blushed awkwardly and said, “Of course. Good day, ladies.”

Jane felt a fresh wave of embarrassment now that the sense of danger was passed. Why hadn’t she just taken the man’s outstretched hand? Sometimes she felt her anxieties were getting worse as she aged. Cassandra linked arms with her once more and kept her close as they conquered the next several steps together.

“Really, Jane,” she said, “they meant no harm.”

“I know it was foolish. I just—you know how I feel.”

Cassandra rubbed her arm. “Dearest, not all men are little boys ready to push you down.”

“Are they not?” Jane asked, her face burning hot. “And what of Society in general? They can push harder than any boys I have encountered.” Jane did not add that the wounds they caused also did not heal. They festered and bothered and spread until she was anxious about making the acquaintance of any new person—male or female.

One day Jane must leave her safety nest. She had begun her life with the Campbells knowing they would not be able to keep her as an adult. Very soon she would need to either marry or become a governess. At age twenty-one, her chances of marrying were not high, especially with no money or connections and her tendency to be unsociable.

Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson; Chapter 3, pages 13-15.

 

 

About the Author

Robbin J. Peterson is the author of Going Home, Conviction, and 13 Days of Girls Camp. She earned her degree in English literature from Utah State University and her associate of arts degree from Snow College. She has six kids, plays the viola, and works as an elementary school librarian.
 

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

 

 

 

Review: Rocky Road by Becky Wade

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There's no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She's creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude's never met a rule he didn't respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It's going to be a rocky road.

My Review

We meet Jude in the previous book, but the real reason to read this series in order is to understand the family scandal and complicated dynamics that have resulted. Most of Rocky Road is from Jude and Gemma's perspective, but we also have the point of view of Jude's mother, the origin of the scandal, and her attempts to reconcile with the sister she betrayed. Gemma and Jude have an awesome meet-cute, and their chemistry just grows from there, despite Jude's determination to remain aloof. The romantic tension is so strong! I just loved their interactions and genuine personalities. The investigation of Gemma's cousin brings an element of suspense, and the subplot of Gemma's hunt for answers to her grandmother's secret past was heartwarming. The setting of Maine is dreamy, and makes me want to return there to explore more! We're also introduced to Max, the notorious half brother, and I'm looking forward to his story in 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.

Don't miss the first book in the Sons of Scandal series . . .