tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91422433906902963992024-03-18T20:56:51.042-07:00Heidi Reads...Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.comBlogger2917125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-19363303711439887672024-03-18T03:00:00.000-07:002024-03-18T03:00:00.348-07:00Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Blog + Review Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-28264" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Banner_ThisAintNoPromisedLand_BlogReview_JR.jpg" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for <i><b><span style="color: #ce3857;">This Ain’t No Promised Land </span></b></i>by Tina Shelton, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/03/18/welcome-to-the-this-aint-no-promised-land-blog-review-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ce3857;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="This Ain't No Promised Land" class="alignleft wp-image-29350 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/This-Aint-No-Promised-Land-259x400.webp" width="259" /></b></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Title:</b> This Ain’t No Promised Land
<b><br />Author:</b> Tina Shelton
<b><br />Publisher:</b> Kregel Publications
<b><br />Release Date:</b> March 19, 2024
<b><br />Genre:</b> Christian General Fiction</p><p>
"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!" </p><p>--<b>Julie Cantrell</b>, <i>New York Times & USA Today</i> best-selling author of <i>Perennials</i> </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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?
</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b><span style="color: #ce3857;">PURCHASE LINKS:</span></b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197113235-this-ain-t-no-promised-land" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/48P8ald" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-aint-no-promised-land-tina-shelton/1143946954" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/this-aint-no-promised-land-novel/9780825448515/pd/5448515" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a> | <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/this-ain-t-no-promised-land-tina-shelton/20506916" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/this-ain-t-no-promised-land-by-tina-shelton" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ce3857;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></h3><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Who knew emptiness could fill every nook in a space with such thick silence?</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p><hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ce3857;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tina Shelton" class="alignnone wp-image-29351 size-medium" height="290" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shelton-Tina-Kayliani-Shi-300x290.png" width="300" /></p>
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<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Tina Shelton</b> 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.</p>
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<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Connect with Tina by following her on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ts_walking/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">@ts_walking</a></p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ce3857;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(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.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-29352 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Giveaway_ThisAintNoPromisedLand_BlogReview_JR-400x400.webp" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-49429642526748986332024-03-14T03:00:00.001-07:002024-03-14T03:00:00.163-07:00Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Mercy Seat by Henry O. Arnold<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Mercy Seat JustRead Blog Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-28813" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Banner_TheMercySeat_Blog_JR.jpg" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog Tour for <span style="color: #f16323;"><i><b>The Mercy Seat</b></i></span> by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/03/11/welcome-to-the-mercy-seat-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f16323;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRXhUFxlYBZWxXjotGPFQGTJcod4keHH8cK9cVN8-blZWh99xaAe7bLXPlNUc_0Pp7NGiFgvpqw-RqMkV_fDSde9TFbQPBtmEXNxPtlm-ZURamMbEmkuOsIOwaQyrJVRDLbMjZ_h1IhONJCSH-7LOYhm_ookddk23pHJu0Bv2k9r00aTObGAyHzQV-ps/s1360/The%20Mercy%20Seat.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRXhUFxlYBZWxXjotGPFQGTJcod4keHH8cK9cVN8-blZWh99xaAe7bLXPlNUc_0Pp7NGiFgvpqw-RqMkV_fDSde9TFbQPBtmEXNxPtlm-ZURamMbEmkuOsIOwaQyrJVRDLbMjZ_h1IhONJCSH-7LOYhm_ookddk23pHJu0Bv2k9r00aTObGAyHzQV-ps/w259-h400/The%20Mercy%20Seat.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Title:</b> The Mercy Seat
<b><br />Series:</b> The Urban Chronicles #1
<b><br />Author:</b> Henry O. Arnold
<b><br />Publisher:</b> Mountain Brook Ink
<b><br />Release Date:</b> March 5, 2024
<b><br />Genre:</b> Christian Contemporary Fiction</p><p>
<b>Hells Canyon is a neighborhood in Richland, Tennessee where tourists never venture, and locals fear to tread.</b> Maxwell Crane, former Marine chaplain and pastor of The Mercy Seat church, struggles to provide a beacon of hope. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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?
<span style="color: #f16323;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #f16323;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS</b>:</span> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203819512-the-mercy-seat" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3wHYRGq" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-mercy-seat-henry-o-arnold/1144492953" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/mercy-seat-henry-o-arnold/20975616" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f16323;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></h3><p><br /> “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.<br /><br />“How about a kiss?” Maxwell pointed to his lips.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />Kenda placed her hand upon his heart cupping it over the emotional wound like a bandage to slow the internal bleeding.<br /><br />"I'm so thankful for your love," Maxwell said.<br /><br />"It's a solid commodity, free and infinite, no strings attached," Kenda whispered.</p><p> </p><hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f16323;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Henry O. Arnold" class="alignnone wp-image-29259 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Chip-8-Henry-Arnold-225x300.webp" width="225" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Mr. Arnold</b>'s career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is <i>The Hiding Place</i>. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled <i>The Song of Prophets and Kings</i>. 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.</p>
Connect with Henry by visiting <a href="https://henryoarnold.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">henryoarnold.com</a> to follow him on social media and sign up for email updates.
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f16323;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(1) winner will win a print copy of The Mercy Seat & $20 Amazon Gift Card!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Mercy Seat JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-29261 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Giveaway_TheMercySeat_Blog_JR-400x400.webp" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-49000948536230189242024-03-14T03:00:00.000-07:002024-03-14T03:00:00.162-07:00Book Tour & Excerpt: Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson<div style="text-align: center;"><script>
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<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br /><br />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. <br /><br />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 <i>ton</i>. </div><div><br />
<i><b>Excerpt <br /></b></i></div><div><i><b> </b></i></div><p> 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. <br /><br />“Cassandra, please!” she yelled above the breeze. <br /><br />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?” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“Please, not so close to the cliff,” she begged. <br /><br />Cassandra gave her an annoyed look but came away from the edge. Jane immediately felt the tension inside her subside. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />“Academics should not be nearly this dangerous,” Jane said, her teeth chattering. <br /><br />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.” <br /><br />Jane sighed. “Perhaps the wind will be less fierce on that side of the hill.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“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. <br /><br />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.” <br /><br />The men bowed, and the one who had spoken before blushed awkwardly and said, “Of course. Good day, ladies.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“Really, Jane,” she said, “they meant no harm.” <br /><br />“I know it was foolish. I just—you know how I feel.” <br /><br />Cassandra rubbed her arm. “Dearest, not all men are little boys ready to push you down.” <br /><br />“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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br /><i>Finding Jane Fairfax</i> by Robbin J. Peterson; Chapter 3, pages 13-15.</p><p> </p><div><i><b> </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>About the Author</b></i><br /></div><div>
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlxkhyphenhyphenc4k4z4gNp5dYNTlf7BydSA3ZF1MerJmHXsFqDKm_3yleqPHmbx2YG0isCDmB76n4vP5zkziMjpFSRoluRg3w3D25kjZRDN9RAgE1GqzGF7bgMVHTGKeqpWJopSsGsLh8ReSd2i_hnKC7y7rys8MjTp_JFaMlVomU96Fpaeq1jOEiqnuvIVv3p8/s400/Robbin%20J%20Peterson%20author%20headshot%202024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlxkhyphenhyphenc4k4z4gNp5dYNTlf7BydSA3ZF1MerJmHXsFqDKm_3yleqPHmbx2YG0isCDmB76n4vP5zkziMjpFSRoluRg3w3D25kjZRDN9RAgE1GqzGF7bgMVHTGKeqpWJopSsGsLh8ReSd2i_hnKC7y7rys8MjTp_JFaMlVomU96Fpaeq1jOEiqnuvIVv3p8/s320/Robbin%20J%20Peterson%20author%20headshot%202024.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div><br /> <b>Robbin J. Peterson</b> is the author of <i>Going Home, Conviction</i>, and <i>13 Days of Girls Camp</i>. 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.<br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://robbinjpeterson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robbinj.peterson/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063587617741" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13522542.Robbin_J_Peterson" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <br /></span></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-68611740695138127332024-03-11T17:00:00.000-07:002024-03-11T17:00:56.589-07:00Review: Rocky Road by Becky Wade<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing<br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3USxK5m" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmTXhjn79ro/U2xSKmZw0GI/AAAAAAAACuQ/z7xPW1B70QY/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3SKgYms" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGPK8vcpSGk/VZsATXMA3fI/AAAAAAAAFWA/yjVN0z6qOYc/s1600/kindle%2Bicon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rocky-road-becky-wade/1144018687?ean=9798987550557" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfP_24sPUXE/U2xSKjuClqI/AAAAAAAACuE/HULeJS4J1bM/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198335268-rocky-road" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkh-vy21_I/U2xSKeSgf6I/AAAAAAAACuA/ZU6Wmx9zmNk/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">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.<br /><br />Except <i>Gemma</i>
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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Buckle up! It's going to be a rocky road.</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
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 <i>Rocky Road</i> 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!<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Don't miss the first book in the Sons of Scandal series . . .</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3UTVyWB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="418" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk1Y5cBtoxNk1hoSvrPELcY3bXjdNbifgBu2iexoOf_gKln_HDZqgPCdmk_V80c0o70tKfRqNlM9da1dmTEISyq-uGE-rn9SI4LNVhwxXRJMAaxtv8lUeBMcXjzvUDk8Xx8sDXut_UTUq7mCQwvLx9zGZBbb_ZXPxP4-ThOgAZHneneDbxZBFs2pRh2o/s320/75612953.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-10510055328043947812024-03-10T16:45:00.000-07:002024-03-10T16:45:07.262-07:00Review: Tutored in Love by Barbara J. Adamson<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it<br /></b></i></div>
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<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">Grace Ebert is focused on graduating college and
launching her career as a recreational therapist, but one monumental
challenge stands in her math. Desperate for help as she struggles to
complete her final college course, she hires Noah Jennings to tutor her.
Naturally outgoing, Grace is determined to get to know the surly math
whiz, but when she pushes too hard for connection, Noah makes it
painfully clear that they will never be friends and cuts ties with her.
Noah feels his rejection of Grace’s friendship is perfectly justified,
but when he’s unexpectedly stuck working with her again, he can’t help
but admire her caring heart and determination. As Noah addresses his
mental health and Grace confronts her guilt, they form an undeniable
bond over the similarity of their haunting grief; still, they must
resolve the volatile past that stands between them if they hope to build
a future together.</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
Talk about getting off on the wrong foot! Grace and Noah begin on a disastrous blind double date, and then meet years later for tutoring sessions- but she doesn't remember him. Even though Noah takes grump to the next level, they are attracted to each other and form a slight friendship... which Noah burns to the ground. It was interesting how much of the book is spent with them not together, but showing them go through their own separate lives, which then randomly intersect. Serving on a mission trip in Mexico gives them a second chance, but outside forces intervene. More life happens, and then a third chance is sought by Noah, when it's almost too late. I wasn't feeling fully connected to the characters, but I appreciated that the author sensitively handled themes of grief, mental health, judging, and forgiveness. The difficulties in their early interactions made the reconciliation that much sweeter in the end, and both Grace and Noah go through so much character growth.<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-71701474842878244562024-03-10T16:25:00.000-07:002024-03-10T16:25:06.037-07:00Review: Memory Lane by Becky Wade<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing<br /></b></i></div>
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<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3UKhF1A" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo1VV6cYD_r5buZzJzKUtTPjMxsWsK1HfZj1fciHvq7zNCcSHPvfvD0vk4KYB9ucfF0VRUabZ-Jm-V3Zi8fNHoSgNobflq0czXhjblO7w75ViCrvfpLMlfGX1PbPP_l-rsP251g5RH5zb/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3V3GRR9" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuLoR8ST3tBwniGPhmvGMYsdJuFmPCHpnyn2KDS5rPMr9DB7pdf6G1FEwu8pzS-z1n-uCSnMgf8qv7wFD6zlqrfjuz00LfbgvifoxDuZ3o4NaDsQjmcmZDPa8XM4-qrYsYC_YO8qS-2tF/s1600/kindle+icon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memory-lane-becky-wade/1142952203?ean=9798987550526" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8hEPrULB3a_SrgEHkB7-d6D0tAnfje_f9gpPeJY_R-hMQYsdEmgj0hTPY3fXvZXoT9Wgc65OLOxurk9Pv4W9zlwqMljmQgaGd5SCLGGKtKBR2Qliy8-p_5C7VXI__iKpFSHCVbpKIHHA/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75612953-memory-lane" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9F4JrZSLukHRFRqXXrtdwPAO_aeUwnuPgTiR8LCbZJCPbEK5fjZYeFZBk3OdtLYiBMglo2Ji_QZtU4T4ciTBTygRbKce7ACRsCYMDBAQ88c2VL-xjwjIrZh0hb3jF008lKpzGB6fxumF/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">After surviving a trauma several years back,
Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands.
She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time
working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s
quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the
ocean.<br /><br />Her binoculars reveal the “something” to be a man, and
he’s struggling to keep his head above water. She races out to save him
and brings him into her home. He’s injured, which doesn’t detract from
his handsomeness nor make him any easier to bear. He acts like a duke
who’s misplaced his dukedom . . . expensive tastes, lazy charm, bossy
ideas.<br /><br />Remy would love nothing more than to return him to his
people, but he has no recollection of his life prior to the moment she
rescued him. Though she’s not interested in relationships other than the
safe ones she’s already established, she begins to realize that he’s
coming to depend on her. <br /><br />Who is he? What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean? And why is she drawn to him more and more as time goes by? <br /><br />There’s no way to discover those answers except to walk beside him down memory lane.<br /><br />Travel
to the rocky coast of Maine for "opposites attract" banter, witty
humor, a fascinating mystery, and destiny-changing love. This sweet
contemporary romance kicks off Becky Wade's new Sons of Scandal series!<br /><br />*Note:
For a list of sensitive topics in Becky's novels, visit BeckyWade.com
and click the link you'll find at the top of the "My Books" page.</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
Remy is a reclusive artist who uses her isolation to exert extreme control over her life as well as experience the joy of nature. Rescuing "Jonah" from the ocean disrupts her routines, but as she acclimates to his company, she realizes that she may be ready to move forward and cope with her trauma in different ways. Jonah is on a path of self-discovery with his amnesia, finding out who he was, and making choices for who he will be. There is a mystery that haunts him as he learns more about his life before the accident, and Remy is determined to help him find the closure he needs. I loved their dynamic- they are complete opposites- but they appreciate the contrasts between them and recognize the important values they have in common. This author is skilled at making her characters come to life with unique details and mannerisms, and I was drawn into the complex story quickly. The pace was steady as circumstances changed, twisted, and disrupted Remy's careful life and her new relationship propelled her forward to explore healing and love. I'm excited for more stories from the "sons of scandal!"<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><i>Don't miss the next book in the Sons of Scandal series . . .</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3T4A5sI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="418" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bGJocz1VHzCKUtAVTGuVyLEgnjNeEBmsT5yL9_It4azTZLRradOE0eho0m0NDgb7LtBL2_zI7-Njcz6n58poLfkcvt82VbZx1wS9ogVZ6IHGumDElyWG5fkpj_M4BvThSU4MlRGgFI0e-0w-CoBhHcFlpqOKX-YpKwxZT4utnU-0dDdCJvKPJ65O8t4/s320/198335268.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-57828579826235979372024-03-08T03:00:00.000-08:002024-03-08T03:00:00.138-08:00Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Forever Free by Hope Toler Dougherty<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div class="separator"><img alt="Forever Free JustRead Blog Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-28261" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Banner_ForeverFree_Blog_JR.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog Tour for <span style="color: #47512c;"><i><b>Forever Free</b></i></span> by Hope Toler Dougherty, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/03/04/welcome-to-the-forever-free-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #47512c;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<p></p><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><b><img alt="Forever Free" class="alignleft wp-image-29188 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Forever-Free-253x400.webp" width="253" /></b></p><b><br /></b><b>Title:</b> Forever Free
<br /><b>Series:</b> Forever #4
<b><br />Author:</b> Hope Toler Dougherty
<b><br />Publisher:</b> Scrivenings Press
<b><br />Release Date:</b> January 29, 2024
<br /><b>Genre:</b> Christian Contemporary Romance<p></p><p></p><p>
Phoebe Sinclair combines her love of flowers and teaching to nurture a cut flower business on her grandfather’s land. She’s got her hands full growing the farm, growing her customer base, and dealing with her growing attraction to the aloof man who’s volunteered to help make her farming dream come true. </p><p>Can she focus on her main job, or will a pair of yearning eyes and a hurting heart divert her worthy goals? </p><p>Heath Daniels has resigned himself to a life of singleness as he watches his siblings couple up and set wedding dates. Tracking their happiness, however, is more difficult than he expected. A real struggle, in fact. </p><p>Feeling the old troubles creep back to tempt him—troubles from the bad time when he dropped out of college to explore less-than-noble pursuits—propels him to volunteer for manual labor that leaves him exhausted at the end of every day and out of trouble. </p><p>His additional hours of agri-business, however, lead to more struggles with an intriguing farmer. Does he have the strength to resist old temptations as well as a beautiful new one, too?
<span style="color: #47512c;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #47512c;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS</b>:</span> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204681202-forever-free" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3TkHgxe" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forever-free-hope-toler-dougherty/1144684567" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/forever-free-by-hope-toler-dougherty" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a></p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #47512c; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">Excerpt</span></h3><br />“She died in a car accident spring semester my freshman year.” <br /><br />Rounded eyes misted. “I’m so sorry, Heath. She must have been special. You’re still honoring her memory. That’s wonderful.” <br /><br />A harsh noise exploded from his mouth. “One way to look at it, I suppose. Realizing I forgot is what put me in that spin back there. For a minute, I thought the world was over.” <br /><br />“Really? That sounds—” <br /><br />“Crazy? You think I’m crazy?” A vein in the side of his neck ballooned. <br /><br />“No, no. Are you ... superstitious about not remembering?” <br /><br />“A horrible person forgets a loved one. If I don’t have her favorite breakfast—” <br /><br />“Was she a control freak when she was alive too?” <br /><br />“What?” His heart slammed into his chest. <br /><br />Phoebe slid toward the edge of the seat. “I mean, she’s got a hold on you still, Heath, but not in a good way.” <br /><br />“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” <br /><br />“But I know the difference in healthy grieving and ... something else. You scared me back there. I’ve never seen anyone change temperaments as fast as you in the barn. I didn’t know what was happening.” <br /><br />“You still don’t.” <br /><br />“If you want to explain, I’ll listen. If you don’t, fine, but know this—no kind, smart person—no one who grabbed your interest and your love would want her memory to cause what happened to you today. <br /><br />“Honor her memory. Take flowers to her grave. Eat her favorite breakfast. If you forget, have it for dinner. I’ve watched Grandpa grieve for over a year. He has his moments, then moves on. Because life moves on.” <br /><br />“You have no idea.” He shook his head. <br /><br />“You’re right. I don’t. Explain it to me.”</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #47512c; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">More Books In This Series</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SUMP3U" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-29189" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/forever-music-193x300.webp" width="161" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3uTF0n4" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-29190" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/a-hatteras-surprise-193x300.webp" width="161" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3IlCKIh" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-29191" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/forever-home-193x300.webp" width="161" /></a></p>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #47512c;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hope Toler Dougherty" class="alignnone wp-image-29192 size-medium" height="277" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hope-Dougherty-300x277.webp" width="300" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Hope Toler Dougherty</b> holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her early novels are <i>Irish Encounter</i>, <i>Mars…With Venus Rising</i>, and <i>Rescued Hearts</i>. Her Forever series includes her latest, <i>Forever Free</i>, <i>Forever Music</i>, <i>Forever Home</i>, and the novella, "<i>A Hatteras Surprise</i>."</p>
Connect with Hope by visiting <a href="https://hopetolerdougherty.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hopetolerdougherty.com</a> to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #47512c;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(1) winner will win print copies of all 4 books in the Forever series, a $25 Amazon card, and a bookmark!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Forever Free JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-29193 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Giveaway_ForeverFree_Blog_JR-400x400.webp" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 4, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 11, 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/pF9Md/forever-free-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><b>Enter Giveaway</b></a>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Follow along at <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/03/04/welcome-to-the-forever-free-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Tours</a> for a full list of stops!</p>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-86663067641073793462024-03-07T11:43:00.000-08:002024-03-07T11:43:56.066-08:00Review: The Beaches and Brides Romance Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Susan Page Davis, Paige Winship Dooly, Mary Davis<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VjStHUrpFRiEXjD5A8RdsezPpcHwhBYYtff3WqqO1uAXXDvbMxS9eU24yFQ5MF1LS9Ek5rXjqZhAzFTMxT2JouALCvNuHNTw2iJfMtij3ebP_KqmNZQLAMJ03UebPujwIDEblO4-ydUjyd2lpmpJCQMPuJ1s7x-tZQbBc5uwiaASgriC3kMI8XmY2YA/s475/18492007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VjStHUrpFRiEXjD5A8RdsezPpcHwhBYYtff3WqqO1uAXXDvbMxS9eU24yFQ5MF1LS9Ek5rXjqZhAzFTMxT2JouALCvNuHNTw2iJfMtij3ebP_KqmNZQLAMJ03UebPujwIDEblO4-ydUjyd2lpmpJCQMPuJ1s7x-tZQbBc5uwiaASgriC3kMI8XmY2YA/s16000/18492007.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>My rating: 3 stars / I liked it<br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/49EiqxA" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmTXhjn79ro/U2xSKmZw0GI/AAAAAAAACuQ/z7xPW1B70QY/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18492007-the-beaches-and-brides-romance-collection" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkh-vy21_I/U2xSKeSgf6I/AAAAAAAACuA/ZU6Wmx9zmNk/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">Venture along historic American shorelines,
enjoying five stories that are full of adventure, challenge, and
romance. In Key West a couple collides over a child’s welfare. In
Washington, a captain’s wife guards a secret. In Maine, a castaway
returns from the dead. In Georgia, a woman dares to man a lighthouse
alone. In Virginia, a wounded soldier recoups at a seaside cottage.
Watch as God works through their challenges to bring them safely to a
harbor of love.</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
I loved the seaside settings of these historical stories. They were varied enough to hold my interest, and the romance was gentle and sweet. My favorite story was The Castaway’s Bride by Susan Page Davis, because I felt more connected to the emotions of the characters. Edward had been lost at sea and presumed dead while he and some shipmates drifted, dying one by one, until a few were marooned on an island, but only Edward survived long enough to be rescued several years later. It was easy to feel for him as he returns home, but discovers his fiancee is engaged to the cousin who took over his father's company in his place. Deborah is the fiancee's little sister who idolized him, and now that she's grown, her dynamic personality is a much better fit for him. I appreciated the complex dynamics of the relationships Edward navigated as he settled back into his place in family, work, and community.<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-39400546998721948762024-03-07T11:32:00.000-08:002024-03-07T11:32:35.200-08:00Review: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>My rating: 3 stars / I liked it<br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3v20fmO" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmTXhjn79ro/U2xSKmZw0GI/AAAAAAAACuQ/z7xPW1B70QY/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/4bYymwJ" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGPK8vcpSGk/VZsATXMA3fI/AAAAAAAAFWA/yjVN0z6qOYc/s1600/kindle%2Bicon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-perfect-spring-irene-hannon/1117107094?ean=2940170907236" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfP_24sPUXE/U2xSKjuClqI/AAAAAAAACuE/HULeJS4J1bM/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18637166-one-perfect-spring" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkh-vy21_I/U2xSKeSgf6I/AAAAAAAACuA/ZU6Wmx9zmNk/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">Claire Summers is a determined, independent
single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons
life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with
no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local
philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations.
But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his
desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help
finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.<br /> </span></div><div><span class="Formatted">As Keith digs
reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how
intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s
kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.<br /> </span></div><div><span class="Formatted">Through
compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers
readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates
how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the
harshest winters.</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
I enjoyed this gentle story about making the best of things, past regrets, second chances, and valuing what is most important. Keith and Claire don't make the best first impression of each other, but it was nice that they quickly grew friendly as they encountered one another more. While Keith is a workaholic like his boss used to be, he does always make time for his mother. David wanted to make sure Keith didn't make the same mistakes as he did- prioritizing work to support his family financially at the expense of the emotional support they needed more. Claire has been burned once and doesn't trust easily, but Haley is a bright light in the middle of all these adults with baggage and issues, helping them move forward and embrace hope. Claire's neighbor Maureen had placed her son for adoption and the journey to discover him brings Claire and Keith together as well as David and Maureen. David's daughter is on a path of healing as well, and the various perspectives of the characters brought a well-balanced harmony to the story. <br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-3969592981953278092024-03-07T11:18:00.000-08:002024-03-07T11:18:41.877-08:00Review: While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>My rating: 2 stars / It was okay<br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3uZNCIV" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmTXhjn79ro/U2xSKmZw0GI/AAAAAAAACuQ/z7xPW1B70QY/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3P9IKry" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGPK8vcpSGk/VZsATXMA3fI/AAAAAAAAFWA/yjVN0z6qOYc/s1600/kindle%2Bicon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/while-love-stirs-lorna-seilstad/1117107085?ean=9780800721824" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfP_24sPUXE/U2xSKjuClqI/AAAAAAAACuE/HULeJS4J1bM/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18637158-while-love-stirs" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkh-vy21_I/U2xSKeSgf6I/AAAAAAAACuA/ZU6Wmx9zmNk/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of
Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is
thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking
demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and
certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome
Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work,
especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food
to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent
Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially
by this outspoken young woman.<br /><br />When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
This book has an interesting plot and plenty of historical details, but the main characters were difficult for me to connect with. Charlotte is passionate about the craft and science of cooking, and is single-minded in meeting her goals. Her purposes are to benefit others in need, but her methods, personality, and inner thoughts come across as self-absorbed, entitled, unyielding, and judgemental. After the manner she continued to treat Joel, it didn't seem natural that he would have a friendly or romantic interest in her, especially when he is so arrogantly dismissive of her ideas. I suppose it was meant to be an enemies-to-lovers trope, but I didn't feel that the shift made sense amid their fighting and patronizing that fell short of banter. It was also disappointing the way she treated Lewis. I was most intrigued by the era of moving from wood stoves to gas lines in homes and communities. <br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-64083574053494605622024-03-07T03:00:00.000-08:002024-03-07T03:00:00.136-08:00Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Allie's Amish Family Miracle by Tracy Fredrychowski<div class="separator"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><script>
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<div class="separator"></div><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Allie's Amish Family Miracle JustRead Blog Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-28663" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Banner_AlliesAmishFamilyMiracle_Blog_JR.jpg" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog Tour for <span style="color: #873d78;"><i><b>Allie's Amish Family Miracle</b></i></span> by Tracy Fredrychowski, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/03/05/welcome-to-the-allies-amish-family-miracle-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #873d78;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"></p><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="Allie's Amish Family Miracle" class="alignleft wp-image-29200 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AlliesAmishFamilyMiracle-257x400.webp" width="257" /></p><p><b>Title:</b> Allie's Amish Family Miracle <b><br />Series:</b> The Amish Women of Lawrence County #5
<b><br />Author:</b> Tracy Fredrychowski
<br /><b>Publisher:</b> The Tracer Group, LLC
<br /><b>Release Date:</b> March 5, 2024
<br /><b>Genre:</b> Amish Fiction</p><p></p><p>
<b>Two worlds collide when true love enters an Old Order Amish community. Can this young woman go against tradition and find happiness in forbidden love?</b> </p><p>Allie Mast struggles to fit into her new community. Determined to prove her family wrong, she can't help but notice how her Mennonite background and Reuben's Amish roots are causing tension between their two families. Every family has hurts and deep wounds, but the constant conflict pushes her to a place where she will do anything to get what she wants. </p><p>Reuben Raber has no desire to take over Raber Farms & Produce. When his overbearing mother, Saloma, is set to ruin any hopes of him making a life with Allie, his faith is tested beyond measure, and he experiences a crisis of conviction.
<i> </i></p><p><i>Can this determined couple find the courage to step out in faith and pursue peace and healing even when persecuted for their unconventional union?</i></p><p><span style="color: #873d78;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS</b>:</span> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157247093-allie-s-amish-family-miracle" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3OZKvY3" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/allies-amish-family-miracle-tracy-fredrychowski/1144720278" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/allie-s-amish-family-miracle-an-amish-fiction-christian-novel-the-amish-women-of-lawrence-county-book-5-by-tracy-fredrychowski" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a></p><p> <br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #873d78; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">Guest Post from the Author</span></h3><b><br />The Sense of Peace and Serenity Greets You at Every Turn<br /><br />by Tracy Fredrychowski</b><br /></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">Embarking on my writing journey, I never anticipated the sheer joy of research accompanying it. The pleasure of traveling throughout the country looking for those little spots that reveal the true essence of Amish life has been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever encountered. <br /><br />Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit an array of different Old and New Order Amish communities. Let me take you on a little tour across just a few places I’ve visited…<br /><br /><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/z0apWiqMpTGI9lvZVpiChPHfMXYQq8TSEyYazva4sVMa0D5B1YSuDOTY7WO5IphKdSur7IL8FRutxrHs4vyxV0QHrfD30p3aaAJT3kn2n3Gapstqbq_rbOwskUenmhP2ny3DXyMsK2pp6ME054iapw" /><br /><br /><b>Daviess County, Indiana </b>– In every Amish community we explore, agriculture remains the cornerstone of their way of life. While the traditional methods may not sustain all as they once did for the generations before them, what struck me in the expanses of this flat rural terrain is the resourcefulness of each family. Whether through pole buildings or greenhouses, the Amish demonstrate a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit.</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /><br /><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/t74udwf44-yrvEvfv7wKDy1kIB3H8y6RlClleiwgvRm5v4QcbwvlOz3XoEvKwpS6naPhIgcUQ3JC4jspZ0Qz3_t60wOKBPMJ2Ek2HOS0AD0BAXtjyeXWZuoz6R0bu6LV9c-FLrLK4SY5fZyQ0MSnJA" /><br /><br /><b>Augusta, Wisconsin</b> – The rolling green hills and scenery reminded me of my hometown in Northwestern Pennsylvania. From the women's black sneakers and neatly pinned dark green dresses to the men's straw hats, suspenders, and green shirts, this community thrives through farming and lumber milling. Everywhere I looked, meticulously tended lawns, charming red barns, and pristine white clapboard houses adorned the landscape, resembling scenes straight out of a storybook.</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /><br /><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/13Mbim8oH9VeSKXWxCEVyYmYyrFhGYI7_Y0SFm5OjzkminIPL9mbdyktdySz8XiQm4yinyjAF3gZiHD33NNhU0tfJcJYE8FsOm0mxpZJs6CvAT1oppx6Lv14SEIYLQAVdqxnUfoEhIiuN09zlDiiYw" /><br /><br /><b>Cashton, Wisconsin</b> – Nestled amidst the cranberry-filled marshlands of central Wisconsin, more than two hundred Amish families have found their haven in Monroe County. Against a backdrop of picturesque farmland, it's evident that the essence of Amish life revolves around hard labor, strong family bonds, and a deep-rooted sense of community.</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /><br /><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/-89Y8x2l_hQk7Z0IW5r32Cg7BgJRJNL-bbO5E02t-_NqCBguxc1H9eQc4Z_pApg5JfSlHhz9yWffF8RjmEMjqBVjZdH54LCvK-yTUcrCES9HZ4QA2kW4eY_re3DmL5TrmzHTAdJdY5aYiFG6QdGnyA" /><br /><br /><b>Hart County, Kentucky </b>– Established in 1989, the Amish near Munfordville boasts connections to the Geauga Amish community in Ohio. Embracing a more mainstream approach, the Munfordville Amish engage with non-Amish markets. Our journey through the winding back roads of Hart County revealed many homes adorned with solar panels—a testament to their forward-thinking settlement. Munfordville and Horse Cave, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Hart County, stand as quaint towns situated halfway between Lexington, KY, and Nashville, TN.<br /><br /><b>I strongly encourage you to jump off the Interstate and embrace adventure by following the road apples (horse droppings) to Amish country. </b><br /><br /> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #873d78; font-family: georgia, palatino, serif;">More Books In This Series</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3SYpJJS" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-29201" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/emmas-amish-faith-tested-194x300.webp" width="162" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3IrHkol" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-29202" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rebeccas-amish-heart-restored-194x300.webp" width="162" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3ImNK8q" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-29203" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/annas-amish-fears-revealed-188x300.webp" width="156" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/48BlF88" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-29204" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/barbaras-amish-truth-exposed-188x300.webp" width="156" /></a></p>
<hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #873d78;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tracy Fredrychowski" class="alignnone wp-image-29205 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tracy-Fredrychowski-257x300.webp" width="257" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Tracy Fredrychowski</b> is a country girl, author, homesteader and everything simple living. She has a passion for writing about the simpler side of life, much like the life she lived growing up in rural Pennsylvania.</p><p>
Her life has always been intertwined with the Amish, and it’s only fitting that she has a genuine passion for their simplicity, sense of community and God-centered lives. </p><p>Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania she spent her childhood immersed deep in Amish Country. The clip-clop of horse and buggy woke her each morning as Amish men drove past her childhood home on their way to work. As a young woman, she was traumatized by an Amish murder that involved a family member and changed her life forever. </p><p>Even though she currently lives in South Carolina her travels take her through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin’s Amish Country every year. During those stops, she researches the communities she visits and prides herself on writing Amish fiction that truly represents the Amish culture. She considers herself very fortunate to have made friends in those communities and values the information they share and wants nothing more than to represent their lifestyle as accurately as possible. </p><p>Connect with Tracy by visiting <a href="https://tracyfredrychowski.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tracyfredrychowski.com</a> to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
</p><hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #873d78;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon gift card!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Allie's Amish Family Miracle JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-29206 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Giveaway_AlliesAmishFamilyMiracle_Blog_JR-400x400.webp" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 12, 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-53557939797114792012024-03-06T20:43:00.000-08:002024-03-06T20:43:36.509-08:00Review: Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 2 stars / It was okay<br /></b></i></div>
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<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3V2z3Pq" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmTXhjn79ro/U2xSKmZw0GI/AAAAAAAACuQ/z7xPW1B70QY/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3wHpJ9F" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGPK8vcpSGk/VZsATXMA3fI/AAAAAAAAFWA/yjVN0z6qOYc/s1600/kindle%2Bicon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blind-trust-sandra-orchard/1117107075?ean=9781441245069" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfP_24sPUXE/U2xSKjuClqI/AAAAAAAACuE/HULeJS4J1bM/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18637162-blind-trust" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkh-vy21_I/U2xSKeSgf6I/AAAAAAAACuA/ZU6Wmx9zmNk/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying
counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet
neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective
Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's
innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a
two-bit counterfeit operation--and strikes too close to home for
comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding
romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't
be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too
late for her and Tom?</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
I made the mistake (again) of starting in the middle of a series. Usually it's not a big deal, but this is a continuity series that follows the same main characters, each book leading right into the next, ending with cliffhangers. This second book of the Post Aster Secrets series began without much introduction to the personalities of the characters and included an overwhelming info dump. Once I worked my way past that and got to know Kate, Tom, and others, the pace evened out. There are a few different mysteries Kate is mixed up in- local counterfeiting, neighbor issues, family issues, and community issues. Her warm-cold relationship with Tom surfaces on occasion but it definitely takes a backseat to the investigation and I wasn't feeling much chemistry. The threads of each plot wove together and I was confused along with Kate as to how or if they were related. She and Tom get them untangled by the end, but the overarching mystery that continues through the whole series made the book end on a cliffhanger. I'm glad this type of series is no longer the trend- I don't enjoy waiting a whole year for the publisher to release the next book because by that time I've lost interest. <br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b>Port Aster Secrets Book One</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3IxCxlj" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmQnkMAGQJayajrw03kYznVSu8L7v1vK3cjenFs6mvy0jjZVva02tCMIzCiA6BkT6gTpRKpeI5-SLWmkhg8ZvXQBLtx-GaVMx7zu1BnPbwNvWWEpNyP9Nntx-6ea-ha8OTVFFCBIsjhrM4FGThFtnjwk1qEpB51zDM58v-yA2cmOabzdK4TQwIW_qoao/s320/16153431.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Port Aster Secrets Book Three</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uZRHwE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nAT-8xM3l2TU1Vb1F0P6L8SB9xCdJuIu_S_inZ3474Li0WzLx8oxjjYzbZA7JmDGmIKB-kYQurJYiate9fi5eBYd-rSHypMU_iSfARAqiGfwN0sybFjEzT4d6FL1yGRS7_OdwuuAkojGIKEIM7dcM3zmJJUxjdUy9caxq8Vi3jwpm65RxIKzZEFEkQA/s320/23317466.jpg" width="207" /></a></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-26672223740129076392024-03-04T03:00:00.000-08:002024-03-04T03:00:00.283-08:00Review: Women in Science Who Changed the World by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Angie Alape<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxJEodQPrwYzU-IGdgCd1OBhifg-4ymUrvH0fyP6JXdUbN8PpR1bqsRv62DiHi8g3lGf3R2ME9is0qWtSVE8yJ7ExOiS2lnzF-RCiSeGJRnO-u5rc7zGt_YogbcnPD3ZQcyiO0g7MaQsIQUFy38mz-vtV-74sWU3WE1P6M2VGuifB25T7ChiPEKPapSE/s697/womeninscience.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="697" height="621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxJEodQPrwYzU-IGdgCd1OBhifg-4ymUrvH0fyP6JXdUbN8PpR1bqsRv62DiHi8g3lGf3R2ME9is0qWtSVE8yJ7ExOiS2lnzF-RCiSeGJRnO-u5rc7zGt_YogbcnPD3ZQcyiO0g7MaQsIQUFy38mz-vtV-74sWU3WE1P6M2VGuifB25T7ChiPEKPapSE/w640-h621/womeninscience.png" width="640" /></a></div><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing<br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3P3BBZM" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MmTXhjn79ro/U2xSKmZw0GI/AAAAAAAACuQ/z7xPW1B70QY/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3TmzAup" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGPK8vcpSGk/VZsATXMA3fI/AAAAAAAAFWA/yjVN0z6qOYc/s1600/kindle%2Bicon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-in-science-who-changed-the-world-heidi-poelman/1143969974;jsessionid=692E57D34946E3E6CB44A821B26CE91C.prodny_store01-atgap01?ean=9781641706452" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TfP_24sPUXE/U2xSKjuClqI/AAAAAAAACuE/HULeJS4J1bM/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/6053359.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hf8hZwtfmY/YTGoNG9RROI/AAAAAAACXl4/x6jhGpirTyAHsNDEr1nzRcsbJZ3OiDWIACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Deseret%2BBook.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181880226-women-in-science-who-changed-the-world" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRkh-vy21_I/U2xSKeSgf6I/AAAAAAAACuA/ZU6Wmx9zmNk/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">From the innovations of Janaki Ammal to the
careful observations of Jane Goodall, <i>Women in Science Who Changed the
World</i> is a young child’s first introduction to the diverse,
extraordinary women who used their brilliant minds to change the world
of science forever. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the
contributions of eight Maria Sibylla Merian, Wang Zhenyi, Mary Anning,
Marie Curie, Janaki Ammal, Katherine Johnson, Jane C. Wright, and Jane
Goodall. A quote from each scientist is included on each spread along
with colorful, delightful artwork.</span></div><div><span class="Formatted"> </span></div><div><span class="Formatted"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighIzLZslOIPJNERpAGRGJ2dnIiliCJ9ev3Q3DNIXH3m3bNNdRvdRB2lZtrtTNk-NQ6vELsZZW47wSJC7ZQ0iRS5Ifw1jMoal9Oyu6AcVQt8zQfsTNKh83QBUBbv08VRF0YPk5IsrR_Iie11wytz9z-o-D58TTi4vel-w0fWa8v_SabrcL8tjJES_FgwE/s1259/marie.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1259" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighIzLZslOIPJNERpAGRGJ2dnIiliCJ9ev3Q3DNIXH3m3bNNdRvdRB2lZtrtTNk-NQ6vELsZZW47wSJC7ZQ0iRS5Ifw1jMoal9Oyu6AcVQt8zQfsTNKh83QBUBbv08VRF0YPk5IsrR_Iie11wytz9z-o-D58TTi4vel-w0fWa8v_SabrcL8tjJES_FgwE/w640-h318/marie.png" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Formatted"> </span></div><div><span class="Formatted"> <br /></span></div><div><i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
I loved this awesome board book! It spotlights women who were a huge influence in the science world. Some names I recognized like Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, and Katherine Johnson (thanks to the movie <i>Hidden Figures</i>), but others I was excited to learn about as well. They explored and made advances in the fields of entomology, astronomy, paleontology, botany, oncology, mathematics, conservation, physics, chemistry, and primatology. I appreciated the wide variety of fields covered, and the diversity of the many parts of the world and eras they came from. The book is perfect for a variety of ages- the introductory words are simple enough for very young learners, and the paragraphs explaining their work will be understood by older children. The quotes are inspirational, and there is a sense of celebration and encouragement for children to find joy in the world's mysteries and explore and problem solve as these women did. <br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL9_Sr5khIWOpbtuPQSnmMnaZke0jAzEasgpx1ohWj4URIAoeLs5QXdM0GD1Hz64zZpCdzUICUfDxiSpsLPjmsQ_PpMtDfAXI8p0pGc87lY4AC46x0J2ewlVFm-MX-ClvgxIe6LcRAjAW89EvuXEa3f0mb6LRxXuwLxZW0ldbNCrNxC__t1khoIh1k64/s1255/maria.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL9_Sr5khIWOpbtuPQSnmMnaZke0jAzEasgpx1ohWj4URIAoeLs5QXdM0GD1Hz64zZpCdzUICUfDxiSpsLPjmsQ_PpMtDfAXI8p0pGc87lY4AC46x0J2ewlVFm-MX-ClvgxIe6LcRAjAW89EvuXEa3f0mb6LRxXuwLxZW0ldbNCrNxC__t1khoIh1k64/w640-h320/maria.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Check out more books in the Little Heroes / Courageous People series . . .</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3TjuRth" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="2100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ukn_VvLOpiRxzn8OB_Y86oq0evVH0NT9JZjBMC9tMEjK03Buwg50ZMEOIusOwH39V1Yr2KEzkT7i5ySwgyH3JQyyyUShdAf6b3VzeHiKepaELhORV5DRIYswVrao23tlNYTTkNXqRyoTRfKRx8wlPqWpUMaBHfquuf1_eYoZCffe5vmBZP_mnk5Ifc8/s320/36475987.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3wCExGt" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="310" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoksGshMADhCVOUQNQxy8uFPkeYCrD6lKqyha0FEQaqHnOgspn2tNfNJO1EiDXbu_da7JkWk4rKO-jnG0gcKfy3sKPvPWuM-23ZD61mMAi2lm93pAqlGzeLGw-byBH5YRvw6KQqxI6SNg47SqeQ6pfu1grD-S7RZJZEmJVs445tLYUKYTDr5CJVzBxZdo/s1600/38643553.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42ZdjGa" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="2100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNEay7tCQG54m6EHw4ShzJeKZ9PuAdihWK75mLEt1obSGoudw5IDZGx4FF1yG3zzLUayx5m28cptFDz6MY_94mS3pnRG85uiYApoGgNjs-81gC5a_YcbVlQPdIHKoR9CiSH-3SYUSrz1Q7xIoU4fHiknDByq62McJuYz5nx9tPGfrdXGDujaJmTax68Q/s320/46140332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/48BUR7B" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2486" data-original-width="2486" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJFMMM3ScxiJ_m55eN6jqxp8DMT9eEzTgxx4PjKT4hqJZTrnviCy0kbV5rKUyZ5gPnfyu7cUxkWSmmpqHTml3SIXVFDrOp9r0pmvCXd-PgFj_T2x05cGmHYyEGPVASibbqR1pbbZNyB0K0AvGvkhxFOsCotFWKr9e9b_rFnRGK8uanuA8wqimO0LZ9k0/s320/48592724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42XRhn7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2486" data-original-width="2486" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhsyMzDJHdt255ts6gGAeykqIQyHE40AGpjKX5s9M08qKvwgUHy_ICra9Z-_r3C1hUzpD9iEegnsIK-1RLuYQ_wCnVwG0wRM85_8eh8LVmhK2FBMwhWtTq2bfbgO_9JB9QPu3TM4_6oifUr7wdJNi-ozeN0ADSn3cUvk3bcpjCP7tTG1WphGfX9K257k/s320/48592725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-66236614280106825542024-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-28T03:00:00.143-08:00Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog Tour for <span style="color: #8c2e24;"><i><b>When the Flames Ravaged</b></i></span> by Rhonda Dragomir, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/26/welcome-to-the-when-the-flames-ravaged-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8c2e24;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogoDjOZriHUf_xlgIX587KamZz3q0YnhdCW3P7h8YLKEusf8l8Jar2zf-jF2Ngq449SrSk_a2fXZaVVtoEUMSGeXlZb4Hzo8v5gvwQltkstfVCtSTBynpX72o8gqVgICy0HV0FxzprJyv_wSXNsnWNFpf8R3qsQwjF9y-rgtBjpUBJomUZbEiB0znRJ0/s1500/WhentheFlamesRavaged.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="985" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogoDjOZriHUf_xlgIX587KamZz3q0YnhdCW3P7h8YLKEusf8l8Jar2zf-jF2Ngq449SrSk_a2fXZaVVtoEUMSGeXlZb4Hzo8v5gvwQltkstfVCtSTBynpX72o8gqVgICy0HV0FxzprJyv_wSXNsnWNFpf8R3qsQwjF9y-rgtBjpUBJomUZbEiB0znRJ0/w263-h400/WhentheFlamesRavaged.jpg" width="263" /></a></b></div><b>Title:</b> When the Flames Ravaged
<b><br />Series:</b> A Day to Remember
<b><br />Author:</b> Rhonda Dragomir
<b><br />Publisher:</b> Barbour Publishing
<b><br />Release Date:</b> March 1, 2024
<b><br />Genre:</b> Christian Historical Fiction<p></p><p>
<b>Will Faith Perish in the Big Top’s Flames?</b>
<i> </i></p><p><i>Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.</i> </p><p>Evelyn Benson’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire. </p><p>The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial. </p><p>On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.
<span style="color: #8c2e24;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #8c2e24;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS</b>:</span> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/150206209-when-the-flames-ravaged" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/49FbLmD" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-the-flames-ravaged-rhonda-dragomir/1143461251" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/when-the-flames-ravaged-july-1944/9781636097862/pd/097862" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a> | <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/when-the-flames-ravaged-july-6-1944-rhonda-dragomir/20069462" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-the-flames-ravaged-by-rhonda-dragomir" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a></p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8c2e24;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></h3><p> <br />The pointed collar of Evelyn’s white blouse sported a round lapel pin with a gold star against a purple background. Not mere jewelry. Hank’s waitress was a war widow. He should be ashamed for thinking it was good news. More than ever, he wished he could use words, but it was against the clown code of conduct. Pointing to the pin, Hank mimed a trail of tears down his cheeks with both index fingers. <br /><br />The other clowns stilled. <br /><br />Evelyn’s lower lip trembled. <br /><br />Hank wrapped himself in a hug and rocked side to side, slowly shaking his head. Then he shrugged and extended upraised hands to her while arching his eyebrows. <br /><br />“George. My husband. He died in the Bataan Death March.” <br /><br />The fact pierced Hank’s chest like a bayonet. What an awful way for a man to die, and what a horror for the survivors. Hank might have been in Bataan, if only. . . Nope. Spilled milk. No crying.<br /><br /> </p><hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8c2e24;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Rhonda Dragomir" class="alignnone wp-image-29101 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2023amedium-Dragomir-Group-300x300.webp" width="300" /></p><p>
<b>Rhonda Dragomir</b> is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky, insisting her home is her castle, even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She is an award-winning author with published works in several anthologies and periodicals, and she co-wrote numerous Bible studies used weekly by more than 20,000 women worldwide. </p><p>Barbour Books will release her debut novel, a historical romance, March 1, 2024. She is often invited to speak at writers' conferences on topics related to technology and graphics. </p><p>Connect with Rhonda by visiting <a href="https://rhondadragomir.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">rhondadragomir.com</a> to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
</p><hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8c2e24;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(2) winners will each win a signed, print copy of When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir and a print copy of The Hartford Circus Fire: Tragedy Under the Big Top by Michael Skidgell!</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 26, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 4, 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-6933699652016293472024-02-26T19:31:00.000-08:002024-02-26T19:31:43.043-08:00Review: A Heart Sufficient by Nichole Van<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing<br /></b></i></div>
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<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3HPvm7Z" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo1VV6cYD_r5buZzJzKUtTPjMxsWsK1HfZj1fciHvq7zNCcSHPvfvD0vk4KYB9ucfF0VRUabZ-Jm-V3Zi8fNHoSgNobflq0czXhjblO7w75ViCrvfpLMlfGX1PbPP_l-rsP251g5RH5zb/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/483KM3b" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuLoR8ST3tBwniGPhmvGMYsdJuFmPCHpnyn2KDS5rPMr9DB7pdf6G1FEwu8pzS-z1n-uCSnMgf8qv7wFD6zlqrfjuz00LfbgvifoxDuZ3o4NaDsQjmcmZDPa8XM4-qrYsYC_YO8qS-2tF/s1600/kindle+icon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201873623-a-heart-sufficient" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9F4JrZSLukHRFRqXXrtdwPAO_aeUwnuPgTiR8LCbZJCPbEK5fjZYeFZBk3OdtLYiBMglo2Ji_QZtU4T4ciTBTygRbKce7ACRsCYMDBAQ88c2VL-xjwjIrZh0hb3jF008lKpzGB6fxumF/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
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<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br /> Tristan Gilbert, the autocratic Duke of Kendall, has a clear plan for his future—destroy his father’s memory, obliterate his enemies, and become Prime Minister. Fortunately, he can accomplish all three goals by convincing Parliament to prosecute the Scottish Earl of Hadley. Once Hadley is vanquished, surely the Queen will recognize Kendall’s readiness for the role of Prime Minister.<br /><br />But in order to succeed, Kendall must first conquer his own unnerving attraction to Hadley’s hoyden of a daughter—Lady Isolde Langston. No matter his efforts, Lady Isolde lingers in his blood, a sort of love-potion madness Kendall struggles to suppress.<br /><br />Lady Isolde Langston knows impulsivity will be her downfall. Case in point, her heedless actions triggered the Duke of Kendall’s current vendetta against her father. Isolde needs to right the wrongs she caused and force the duke to surrender before Hadley ends up jailed. To do this, she decides to torment Kendall at every turn—at balls and musicales and even in his own library. The arrogant Sassenach will rue the day he crossed her.<br /><br />But when an unfortunate accident fractures both their lives, Kendall and Isolde unexpectedly face a future neither of them wished. Adrift, they are forced to call a truce. As their romance deepens, can Kendall change his heart sufficiently and Isolde forgive past hurts in order to form a love all their own?<br /> <br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
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Oh my heart! Tristan is quite the villain in the previous book, but through his sister's eyes we see how his past changed him and the boy deep inside. In this book Allie continues her assault to break down his walls, and I love the twin sibling bond that is returning to their relationship. It is his fascination-obsession-weakness for Isolde however that is his ultimate downfall and subsequent redemption. They are both so full of passion, but his is repressed and restrained to guard against her antagonism. They are so good at getting under each other's skin! The author takes the enemies-to-lovers trope to new depths as their first impressions and later interactions rise and dip on a rollercoaster of humor and angst. The captivating experiences they share are transformative, and Tristan's surrender to emotion, repentance, forgiveness, love, acceptance, and reconciliation is powerful and brought tears to my eyes. An absolutely epic conclusion to the series! I would recommend reading the whole series in order for maximum understanding of each character's backstory, and every book earned five-stars from me- don't miss any of them!<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
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<b><i>Don't miss the previous books in The Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series . . .</i></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://amzn.to/3SH16Q4" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEeUSa_dBjNLgZVXpUaGRYNcWi0mAE0xdNNAobFDHZmF8nKH0shoRhNAXJOuScXiJljaq-4pBZiJsi-EO5m3QGU3FQ-Dv0Qzh8GNjdIx3bQC2tjcfk3l90ZMfgXmpBAwdcVL-wwLQ1xt7rhQrh754lFE6sn_5lMyND-DahguhXwy9nMJ2eGmTvjQTj0w/s320/60112869.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3LOTRTK" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1aNsIUpoMHFiM9X80JhElqvfFAz5o8hmxID-fjunlki9VLjSqTANBAHMFXfP8L6ZqXMc9CQmL9bYINnn21GdtuWpO6lCt9SRBA-RuvmgRFJKPjSIoiqhz0lYz9apBZ5JgGjPzMXp12sAVHlOW6h7YONqMCVlXFe015UN6q1TpPyRGd6KP82vWOCB23M/s320/60739750.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/46LpWoK" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCqtSCu6dG04NSGfR2JNi1sGPuAcQK1cjukE0ov9AJMzkvhh0Pj2nwCM9P12hJQh7Vche4k1OcUhHsj9sofaHeSlkTdtb3g0QDlZVAnPnSk9P44e2ugxtppggjcg4VMtm9hBBtq_ji3QnbyPgKkFGsD47rRbDbXf_j-esk2PrO6DnlJJrbLFFQX6wthQ/w213-h320/126851571.jpg" /></a></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-30442603746378335842024-02-22T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-22T03:00:00.251-08:00Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Rhythm of Fractured Grace JustRead Takeover Blitz" class="aligncenter wp-image-28123" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Banner_TheRhythmofFracturedGrace_TakeoverReview_JR.jpg" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for <b><i><span style="color: #126a78;"><i>The Rhythm of Fractured Grace</i></span></i></b> by Amanda Wen hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/21/welcome-to-the-the-rhythm-of-fractured-grace-takeover-review-blitz-giveaway">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #126a78;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Rhythm of Fractured Grace" class="alignleft wp-image-28967 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Rhythm-of-Fractured-Grace-259x400.jpg" width="259" /></b>
<b>Title</b>: The Rhythm of Fractured Grace <div><b>Series</b>: Sedgwick County Chronicles #3 </div><div><b>Author</b>: Amanda Wen </div><div><b>Publisher</b>: Kregel Publications </div><div><b>Release Date</b>: February 20, 2024 </div><div><b>Genre</b>: Christian Split Time Romantic Women's Fiction
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><i><b>Is Siobhan too far gone to respond to the song of a God who's calling her back to him?</b></i></p>
When a new customer brings a badly damaged violin into Siobhan Walsh's shop, it is exactly the sort of challenge she craves. The man who brought it in is not. He's too close to the painful past that left her heart and her faith in shambles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Matt Buchanan has had a rough start as the new worship pastor. A car accident on his way into town left him with a nearly totaled truck, and an heirloom violin in pieces. When he takes it to a repair shop, he's fascinated with the restoration process--and with the edgy, closed-off woman doing the work.
As their friendship deepens and turns into more, they both discover secrets that force them to face past wounds. And the history of the violin reveals more about their current problems than they could have ever expected. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the nineteenth-century frontier, a gruesome tomahawk attack wiped out most of Deborah Caldwell's family. Her greatest solace after the tragedy is the music from her father's prized violin. Given her horrendous scars, she'd resigned herself to a spinster's life. But Levi Martinson's gentle love starts to chip away at her hardened heart, until devastating details about the attack are revealed, putting their love--and Deborah's shaky faith--to the ultimate test. </div><div><br /></div><div>Full of forgiveness and the message that no one is too damaged for God's healing touch, the final book in the split-time Sedgwick County Chronicles will thrill fans of Rachel Hauck, Lisa Wingate, and Kristy Cambron. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #126a78;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS: </b></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195649897-the-rhythm-of-fractured-grace" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3OLlZtV" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-rhythm-of-fractured-grace-3/9780825448492/pd/5448492" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Christianbook</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rhythm-of-fractured-grace-amanda-wen/1143868807" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-rhythm-of-fractured-grace-amanda-wen/20384520" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-rhythm-of-fractured-grace-by-amanda-wen" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a></div><div> </div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #126a78;"><b>Excerpt</b></span></h3></div> <br />Tucking the violin under one arm, Siobhan held the door for Matt, the bells jingling against the glass, and ducked into the little shop after he hobbled through. The small space was cluttered with instruments of every size, shape, and description, from basses and cellos standing at attention along a far wall to violins and violas hanging from hooks near and far. The comforting scents of wood and varnish enveloped her in a gentle hug. <br /><br />Of all the jobs she’d pictured herself in, tucked away in a tiny shop learning how to rehair bows and repair stringed instruments hadn’t even made the list.<br /><br />But after her last job? Tucked away seemed ideal.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #126a78;">More Books in Series</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OJyaHm" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="Roots of Wood and Stone" class="alignnone wp-image-28953" height="200" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Roots-of-Wood-and-Stone-194x300.jpg" width="129" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/4bJxzzB" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="The Songs That Could Have Been" class="alignnone wp-image-28954" height="200" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/The-Songs-That-Could-Have-Been-194x300.jpg" width="129" /></a></p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #126a78;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Amanda Wen" class="aligncenter wp-image-28989 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Wen-Amanda-225x300.jpg" width="225" /></p>
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<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Amanda Wen</b> is a Selah Award–winning, Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including <i>Roots of Wood and Stone</i> and <i>The Songs That Could Have Been</i>, and a professional musician. Wen currently lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Connect with Amanda by visiting <a href="https://amandawen.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">amandawen.com</a> to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #126a78;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, a mug, chai mix, and a kitsugi heart necklace!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Rhythm of Fractured Grace JustRead Giveaway" class="aligncenter wp-image-28977 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Giveaway_TheRhythmofFracturedGrace_TBlogReview_JR-400x400.jpg" width="400" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 21, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Giveaway is subject to the policies found <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/gHteL/the-rhythm-of-fractured-grace-takeover-blitz-giveaway" rel="nofollow"><b>Enter Giveaway</b></a>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-39068354885957237542024-02-19T17:32:00.000-08:002024-02-19T17:32:15.487-08:00Review: Undetected by Dee Henderson<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it<br /></b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/49AnKSA" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo1VV6cYD_r5buZzJzKUtTPjMxsWsK1HfZj1fciHvq7zNCcSHPvfvD0vk4KYB9ucfF0VRUabZ-Jm-V3Zi8fNHoSgNobflq0czXhjblO7w75ViCrvfpLMlfGX1PbPP_l-rsP251g5RH5zb/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3wiQvop" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuLoR8ST3tBwniGPhmvGMYsdJuFmPCHpnyn2KDS5rPMr9DB7pdf6G1FEwu8pzS-z1n-uCSnMgf8qv7wFD6zlqrfjuz00LfbgvifoxDuZ3o4NaDsQjmcmZDPa8XM4-qrYsYC_YO8qS-2tF/s1600/kindle+icon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/undetected-dee-henderson/1117107098?ean=9780764212437" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8hEPrULB3a_SrgEHkB7-d6D0tAnfje_f9gpPeJY_R-hMQYsdEmgj0hTPY3fXvZXoT9Wgc65OLOxurk9Pv4W9zlwqMljmQgaGd5SCLGGKtKBR2Qliy8-p_5C7VXI__iKpFSHCVbpKIHHA/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18652082-undetected" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9F4JrZSLukHRFRqXXrtdwPAO_aeUwnuPgTiR8LCbZJCPbEK5fjZYeFZBk3OdtLYiBMglo2Ji_QZtU4T4ciTBTygRbKce7ACRsCYMDBAQ88c2VL-xjwjIrZh0hb3jF008lKpzGB6fxumF/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">When asked what he does for a living, Commander Mark Bishop is deliberately low-key: "I'm in the navy."<br /><br />But
commanding the ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada, keeping its crew
trained and focused during 90-day submerged patrols, and being prepared
to launch weapons on valid presidential orders, carries a burden of
command like few other jobs in the military. Mark Bishop is a man who
accepts that responsibility, and carries it well. And at a time when
tensions are escalating in the Pacific Rim, the navy is glad to have
him.<br /><br />Mark wants someone to come home to after sea patrols. The
woman he has in mind is young, pretty, and very smart. She's a civilian,
but she understands life in the navy. And he has a strong sense that
life with her would never be boring. But she may be too deep in her work
to see the potential in a relationship with him.<br /><br />Gina Gray would
love to be married. She has always envisioned her life that way. But a
breakup she didn't see coming has her focusing all her attention on what
she does best--ocean science research. She's on the cusp of a
breakthrough, and she needs Mark Bishop's perspective and help. Because
what she's told the navy she's figured out is only the beginning. If
she's right, submarine warfare is about to enter a new and dangerous
chapter...</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
Ever since seeing <i>The Hunt for Red October</i> I've enjoyed submarine stories. This book is thick with technical information that still reads smoothly along with the plot and characters. I appreciated that the men in Gina's life encouraged and supported her in her inventions and endeavors instead of being intimidated or competitive like some boyfriends in her past. She has two great guys to choose between, and it didn't seem quite realistic how easygoing they were about that. The tension comes as she keeps developing technology that gives the US an advantage at sea, but the powers that be understand that it will become dangerous when espionage makes it available to the enemy as well. Mark helps her keep things in perspective, that her talents should not be suppressed but built upon. The pace is somewhat slow but steady with not much suspense until the very end, when the culmination of her projects are used in a way nobody could foresee. The romance was a bit tepid with Gina's insecurity, resistance, and indecision, definitely a slow burn. <br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-48442183887138905712024-02-19T11:27:00.000-08:002024-02-19T11:27:12.993-08:00Review: Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>My rating: 3 stars / I liked it<br /></b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted">Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a
television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take
away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So
when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance
to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research
for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs
for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.<br /><br />Almost
as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor,
Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that
could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she
knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the
shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers
she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very
life.</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />Wynter has been through some trauma that never goes away. It was interesting to discover her past as the story unfolds, and all the secrets that are revealed. Sanctuary sounds idyllic, but it's also the perfect place to hide. Rueben sees the good sides of the people in his community, and is very protective of them. The varying degrees of Mennonite made it difficult to know who would be open for an interview and photography, and Reuben was an invaluable help to Wynter's journalism. There was such a focus on the plot and Wynter's search for her brother, that the romance between her and Reuben seemed like an afterthought, and there were little to no descriptions of her feelings for him, which was disappointing. The story of finding her brother and healing her complicated family dynamics was full of unexpected twists, and culminated in a suspenseful resolution. Adoption is close to my heart so it's devastating to think about the painful ways it goes wrong due to mistakes or selfish plans, when its ultimate purpose is to be a loving solution.<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-41925313257629340082024-02-17T13:59:00.000-08:002024-02-17T13:59:47.902-08:00Review: Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure by Misty M. Beller<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it<br /></b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/48Bow0V" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo1VV6cYD_r5buZzJzKUtTPjMxsWsK1HfZj1fciHvq7zNCcSHPvfvD0vk4KYB9ucfF0VRUabZ-Jm-V3Zi8fNHoSgNobflq0czXhjblO7w75ViCrvfpLMlfGX1PbPP_l-rsP251g5RH5zb/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3wslezk" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuLoR8ST3tBwniGPhmvGMYsdJuFmPCHpnyn2KDS5rPMr9DB7pdf6G1FEwu8pzS-z1n-uCSnMgf8qv7wFD6zlqrfjuz00LfbgvifoxDuZ3o4NaDsQjmcmZDPa8XM4-qrYsYC_YO8qS-2tF/s1600/kindle+icon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protecting-the-mountain-mans-treasure-misty-m-beller/1143636997?ean=9781954810723" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8hEPrULB3a_SrgEHkB7-d6D0tAnfje_f9gpPeJY_R-hMQYsdEmgj0hTPY3fXvZXoT9Wgc65OLOxurk9Pv4W9zlwqMljmQgaGd5SCLGGKtKBR2Qliy8-p_5C7VXI__iKpFSHCVbpKIHHA/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176116879-protecting-the-mountain-man-s-treasure" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9F4JrZSLukHRFRqXXrtdwPAO_aeUwnuPgTiR8LCbZJCPbEK5fjZYeFZBk3OdtLYiBMglo2Ji_QZtU4T4ciTBTygRbKce7ACRsCYMDBAQ88c2VL-xjwjIrZh0hb3jF008lKpzGB6fxumF/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span class="Formatted"><i>In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory,
the Coulter ranch is a place of family, loyalty, a hidden fortune…and a
bride he can’t remember marrying.</i><br /><br />Jude Coulter is far more
comfortable in his family’s sapphire mine tucked in the Montana
mountains than on the bustling streets of New York City, where he’s been
sent to deliver a shipment of gems. His relief at boarding the train
for the first leg of his journey home is short-lived when an accident
renders him unconscious.<br /><br />Angela Larkin worked hard to earn this
assignment for the Treasury—an undercover mission to determine the
source of the sapphires brought each year for auction in the city. When
an accident causes her target to lose his recent memory, Angela jumps at
the opportunity to create the ideal ruse. Jude seems surprised to learn
the two of them had married and were returning from a glorious wedding
trip, but his severe head injury keeps him from protesting…for now.<br /><br />But
the accident is far from the worst threat they face. When enemies close
in, Angela and Jude must depend on each other to survive the
treacherous journey home. As the danger mounts, so too does an
attraction neither of them anticipated. But can their love withstand the
revelation of their tangled beginnings?<br /><br /><i>From a </i>USA Today<i>
bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a pretend
marriage, amnesia, undercover agents, and a love worth treasuring far
more than riches.</i></span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
This story took some unexpected twists and turns! Poor Jude, losing his memory made him lose his confidence, and the things Angela tells him about their relationship that are out of character for him throw him even more. He's in the middle of a long trip, far away from home, and it must have felt almost blind, to be working his way back without the benefit of seeing his memories or what he did. Angela was definitely working off the cuff when she made up the impromptu marriage story, not thinking through the dangers and consequences to come. She is so focused on doing her job right and accomplishing her task, but her heart is in the right place, which we discover along the way. Jude's faith and high standards of behavior intrigue Angela as they are in close proximity and trying to make their way to the ranch amid opposition and returning memories. Trust is a major theme in their story as secrets are revealed and choices need to be made. An exciting adventure!<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><i>Don't miss the other books in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series . . .</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/457WXud" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DWi4jSggrm_uuu_jbwUHfntScpmf7z-mop-NC2GboW_D8MbD8nzhGMsJfprRxfwH_qT0VwCitCJS4zFBSHWrEyvpaBhCOzMPNJuP5RSuxqe6da2nsn7INh039_pkhxx6HUoP_VFgd8F7q1HDkHyL68BstR1sbkcE2hElkdrqHjKzYAGblSHDkHoXip0/w213-h320/beller.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/3LzQ4uT" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxY7yvxAQreprg8MljuTPueJvGAOm3aArhMJfUeI7l14UB92AQgEaAemUtQ8BMAqxkCwFibcxRL-2TCiAuC-D5s0PM8bZep70D7C-BqJfLnYRjbDyZEiKV0-zNO3ANfAvvgQvSQJqEBEe-acKJ_txg8qyZ363J-deLHJ_YD398ALoMhRKFD8MhlAp9zY/s320/176120352.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DWi4jSggrm_uuu_jbwUHfntScpmf7z-mop-NC2GboW_D8MbD8nzhGMsJfprRxfwH_qT0VwCitCJS4zFBSHWrEyvpaBhCOzMPNJuP5RSuxqe6da2nsn7INh039_pkhxx6HUoP_VFgd8F7q1HDkHyL68BstR1sbkcE2hElkdrqHjKzYAGblSHDkHoXip0/s600/beller.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-8365636855774126442024-02-16T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-16T03:00:00.249-08:00Blog Tour, Guest Post and Giveaway: Nellie by Amy Walsh<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Nellie Blog Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-27864" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Banner_Nellie_Blog_JR.png" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog Tour for <span style="color: #bf5f84;"><i><b>Nellie</b></i></span> by Amy Walsh<b>,</b> hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/12/welcome-to-the-nellie-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf5f84;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Nellie" class="alignleft wp-image-28935 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Nellie-eBook-Cover-259x400.jpg" width="259" /></b></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Title:</b> Nellie
<b><br />Series:</b> Apron Strings #2
<b><br />Author:</b> Amy Walsh
<b><br />Publisher:</b> Walsh Mountain Publishing
<b><br />Release Date:</b> February 15, 2024
<br /><b>Genre:</b> Historical Romance</p><p>
Finances are tight for the O’Dwyer family who live on a mountain outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1931. Life gets even harder when their beloved Dadaí must cease work as a coal miner to become a patient at the West Mountain Sanitarium. </p><p>Nellie is her preferred name, but family and friends have heard Mam shout “Fenella Aileen O’Dwyer!” all too often with the countless predicaments she got herself into throughout childhood. So, it’s not altogether surprising when Nellie impulsively accepts a job as an assistant cook at the Clarinda House in a case of mistaken identity -- though she’s the last person her family would ask to prepare a meal.</p><p>Fortunately, along with determination, a talent for acting, and the gift of blarney, Nellie has Mrs. Campbell’s Cookery Book, a treasure she discovered at a Red Cross drought relief sale. </p><p>As her reluctant admiration for her employer grows, Nellie wishes she could be the sort of truthful woman of faith that Mr. Mason Peale esteems. If she confesses all, will she lose her job along with the friendships she’s formed at Clarinda House?
<span style="color: #bf5f84;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #bf5f84;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS</b>:</span> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199585560-nellie" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/49srghT" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf5f84;"><b>Guest Post from Author Amy Walsh<br /></b></span></h3><p> </p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nellie and Hot Dogs</span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/MV_JRq2-QIoZpqrd24ITVLLSw4a24KoQDLX1TMOP1pcBjgRJPAJzTxYqfieOeV1n8mUdNHvXJjjmhezSqiXVI9Y1Y2H0cGKMOgdvQxDBn9KKAtUVtiIlkSRgOKYrJJTEDIi8et8gnZTg0RkcpX9VACw=w400-h400" width="400" /><br /></div><br />I’ll be honest, I enjoy a hot dog now and then. I have fond memories of hot dogs, French fries, and cream corn at Grandma Cooley’s house on many Sunday afternoons. She’d filet the hot dogs down the middle and fry them until the edges were dark brown and crispy. There was something about her coal stove that made everything taste so good. These days, I usually buy kosher hot dogs, or a brand of all beef, just to guarantee that there are fewer mysterious ingredients. Sometimes my husband just wants some franks and baked beans for supper. My kids are not so enthusiastic about that meal. <br /><br />Hot dogs have been around at least since the 1600s in Frankfurt, Germany. They weren’t sold in a bun in the US until the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 (The Columbian Exposition). But they didn’t become popular until the Great Depression, Nellie’s era. One could buy a hot dog in a roll from a street vender for about five cents in 1931. <br /><br />With Nellie’s father in the West Mountain Sanitarium, her family had to be even more frugal. The O’Dwyers were down to having meat once a week, and that would typically be something very cheap, like chipped corned beef or baloney. When one is used to beans as a main source of protein, like baked bean sandwiches, even cheap meat would taste good. I can only imagine how Nellie would have marveled the first time she opened the Clarinda House mansion’s Frigidaire and saw the abundance of meat.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hot Dogs Recipes from the 1930s</span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Yay! </span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Hoover Stew</b><br /><br />This stew made with hot dogs, stewed tomatoes, corn, and macaroni was named after the president at the beginning of the United States financial collapse. Supposedly a group of women wanted to have a neighborhood party but they wanted to feed a crowd with the ingredients they had on hand, and that’s how Hoover Stew originated. I think I would enjoy this dish, how about you? <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="209" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/1P38kTMMhnXrP3LI6UlX1Hkc4hZO-9m8wcAAkOP7g6seVcbRdSNePnYWIGGdkZr08Ej3rCdcO21l6zgvJ9lnTI2IkaeCOfnomsgV3EpnBuXDX0K1_rEfECbMZpjxHIcc6CZMRISBBfOsQ3ZOEN9yDOs=w320-h209" width="320" /><br /></div><br />Source: <a href="https://www.thefrugalnavywife.com/hoover-stew-recipe/">https://www.thefrugalnavywife.com/hoover-stew-recipe/</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Depression Sandwich </b><br /><br />I’ve actually had this same combination from Sonic – they called it the Chicago Dog. During the 1930s, this sandwich was a frankfurter topped with mustard, pickle relish, onions, a dill pickle, hot peppers, lettuce and tomatoes.<br /><br /><br /><b>Poorman’s Meal </b><br /><br />This weiner and potato skillet meal also sounds like one I would eat with no grumping. You will love watching this 91-year-old grandmother make this dish. <a href="https://youtu.be/3OPQqH3YlHA?si=omu9EUeE0e6JjW-X*">https://youtu.be/3OPQqH3YlHA?si=omu9EUeE0e6JjW-X</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="210" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/sLk1PnxiUjS1QgGZgsk0UiyENEFXsftjtLrh7X3SQ_V_KTptuguffH2VbqpKDWrVjbcybgknEoTzgpvL5nx2a1fk7I8ntmWIYnyaX9ktNRK0zi3IWKbNRWhc8m4rht3KLLXfjHJzw65tant1wLlyYOY=w400-h210" width="400" /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think of this combo? For me, it's NAY! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/DuQ0mpvmdwoLHbBxBQg0dunCWZffi1Q8lBhYTVjtAKfw7BxNlCAU0Z6G9MSiEsc7hSCZ__fXLv30_1pFnWCN9rJ0gGeKVNh2DLXR3u_r5We_0aflnwgL20KqB9bIoqulmwuMBTBjoTApR5am1zoDmrM=w301-h400" width="301" /><br /></div><br />Source: <a href="https://shadesofcinnamon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tender-frankfurters.jpg">https://shadesofcinnamon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tender-frankfurters.jpg</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of nays, this one is <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A Big Nay! </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /><b>Jellied Bouillon with Frankfurters</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="224" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/jntDMFoTUnQ-M9tXuujZ1SlZ-mR_kwhVoe3tXepeSyrV-lS02KWazXDDlLZbjvuB3MzSUTBMfB6zQH6-tcsmQMnRU_ekRAqwpYIt6eofFB0sb2SuclENrzKCMCisNAVhHeWXgGImWza_xrGsCW5jjIk=w400-h224" width="400" /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>The fabulous ingredients in this dish are unflavored gelatin, water, beef stock, hot dogs, hard boiled eggs, and diced celery.<br /><br />Source: <a href="https://www.tastemade.com/recipes/jellied-bouillon-with-frankfurters-source-500-snacks-ideas-for-entertaining-1953">https://www.tastemade.com/recipes/jellied-bouillon-with-frankfurters-source-500-snacks-ideas-for-entertaining-1953</a><br /><br />In the 1950s there was a new fad – gelatin. We will devote some time to gelatin in the Apron Strings Book Series Readers group on Facebook when Beatrice releases in April. I can’t wait! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/gWEhJplsPIaFxAz5XGRXCC8zXq834LwACcYpGDMKehkmKe-meFsOAhvGDrwWpqX5T62hA_orjyPd-jMpFgkD7Bc61nlKwwUTojQwUsD3qqWCWRy7gzr2_grFo-J3HQZ6TSXWcN_4nCbezjRbsD_YzFs=w320-h320" width="320" /><br /></div><br /><br /> <hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf5f84;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Amy Walsh" class="aligncenter wp-image-28936 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/amy-walsh-260x300.jpg" width="260" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Amy Walsh</b> writes historical and contemporary romance, mysteries, speculative fiction, and women’s fiction. She is a 5th-grade writing teacher in an urban public school. Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children. Amy considers herself greatly blessed in the roles God has given her as an earthling, including aspiring wordsmith, teacher of youngsters, nature appreciator, tea aficionado, avid dessert fan, book fanatic, lover of family and friends, and Christ-follower.</p>
Connect with Amy by visiting <a href="https://walshmountainpublishing.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">walshmountainpublishing.com</a> to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf5f84;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card, print copies of Nellie and Voices in the Sanitorium, and some historical memorabilia from the West Mountain Sanitarium!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Nellie JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-28937 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Giveaway_Nellie_Blog_JR-400x400.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/MbR3b/nellie-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><b>Enter Giveaway</b></a>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Follow along at <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/12/welcome-to-the-nellie-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Tours</a> for a full list of stops!</p>
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<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-34456959986980096782024-02-15T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-15T15:56:13.628-08:00Book Tour & Review: Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<i><b>My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing<br /></b></i></div>
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<center><a href="https://amzn.to/48eMKO0" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo1VV6cYD_r5buZzJzKUtTPjMxsWsK1HfZj1fciHvq7zNCcSHPvfvD0vk4KYB9ucfF0VRUabZ-Jm-V3Zi8fNHoSgNobflq0czXhjblO7w75ViCrvfpLMlfGX1PbPP_l-rsP251g5RH5zb/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/4bvUfTN" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuLoR8ST3tBwniGPhmvGMYsdJuFmPCHpnyn2KDS5rPMr9DB7pdf6G1FEwu8pzS-z1n-uCSnMgf8qv7wFD6zlqrfjuz00LfbgvifoxDuZ3o4NaDsQjmcmZDPa8XM4-qrYsYC_YO8qS-2tF/s1600/kindle+icon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chasing-the-horizon-mary-connealy/1143717362?ean=9780764242656" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8hEPrULB3a_SrgEHkB7-d6D0tAnfje_f9gpPeJY_R-hMQYsdEmgj0hTPY3fXvZXoT9Wgc65OLOxurk9Pv4W9zlwqMljmQgaGd5SCLGGKtKBR2Qliy8-p_5C7VXI__iKpFSHCVbpKIHHA/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/182093578-chasing-the-horizon" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9F4JrZSLukHRFRqXXrtdwPAO_aeUwnuPgTiR8LCbZJCPbEK5fjZYeFZBk3OdtLYiBMglo2Ji_QZtU4T4ciTBTygRbKce7ACRsCYMDBAQ88c2VL-xjwjIrZh0hb3jF008lKpzGB6fxumF/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
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<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br /><i>Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon</i><br /><br />Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.<br /><br />Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?<br />
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<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />There's something about this story that really resonated with me. I feel like the author was intentional and thoughtful with the themes and difficulties of the characters and the era. The railroads have made travel to the West more accessible and swift, and the wagon trains are tapering off. It provides Beth and her mother an opportunity to hide in plain sight as her father assumes they would escape via rail travel. I enjoyed the people they meet and become close to on their journey, and loved the way Oscar, a former employee, showed his loyalty and decency by aiding Beth in her plans and supporting them on the trail. Jake and Beth have great chemistry, and their relationship and romance developed slowly and naturally as they work together through all the obstacles along the way. There is anticipation of an impending altercation as Beth's father closes in and we have some passages from his villainous perspective. Overall, the pace is steady and I appreciated the character growth as well as the details of the journey. I look forward to continuing the story with the next book, following Sebastian, a mysterious inventor they rescued and brought on the trail, and Kat, who escaped the asylum with Beth's mother.<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
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<b><i>Check out the next book in A Western Light series . . .</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/42ysc1Z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrYUYEKg5Ry5mgjik2eWFWi7UxlNL6oVfUTazd76YDrVRr6T2I8DYWgpkbfzdVU1QkOm7mQ20ed3Bzpq8Rv0rZBNp4VrM8JQLTIel_UgXbDxK8vl1OKWlp0WYr7RfvQcj8gdtm3cv9NuLa6JG7jgtmnzCA1bAC_JHnzFXfj71tcH9kC_F_pZCTuoALi4/s320/201910209.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>About the Author</i></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5UAww8Zu6yCg4o6L1_ymiNUQty4w66rtNWVT2k4evAsk_hyphenhyphenEUELCBl8FYkCRkV9RFvyoFVNNePbNKN1TLMTXXlSYD_BuL4-DccPjJm9GtZJnnZAsgPFk_acws-VUQtMFrTThHr-8_9GHYldcrSO5HkywRdQyXJfKoGKejFEJGXzLXNlF6Ux2MkL69Y0/s300/mary-pic-236x300.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="236" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5UAww8Zu6yCg4o6L1_ymiNUQty4w66rtNWVT2k4evAsk_hyphenhyphenEUELCBl8FYkCRkV9RFvyoFVNNePbNKN1TLMTXXlSYD_BuL4-DccPjJm9GtZJnnZAsgPFk_acws-VUQtMFrTThHr-8_9GHYldcrSO5HkywRdQyXJfKoGKejFEJGXzLXNlF6Ux2MkL69Y0/w157-h200/mary-pic-236x300.jpg" width="157" /></a></div></b></div><b>Mary Connealy</b> writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is <i>Loving the Texas Lawman</i>. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with <i>The Accidental Guardian</i>. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's daughters, and has many other books.<br /><br />She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://maryconnealy.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealyfanpage/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryConnealy">X</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maryconnealy/">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-connealy">Bookbub</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58306.Mary_Connealy">Goodreads</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><i>PRAISE FOR CHASING THE HORIZON</i></b><br /><br />"Mary Connealy’s Inspirational Western Romances have long been on my radar to try, but the new Western Lights series opener, Chasing the Horizon, was my first opportunity. Imagine my chagrin when I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Oh yes, dear friends, I’d waited too long to discover a gem of a writer."— Sophia Rose, <i>The Reading Frenzy</i><br /><br />5 STARS "What an incredible book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it.” — Camille Dayton, <i>Fostering Literacy</i></div><div> </div><div>5 STARS “Loved this story! I was intrigued right from the beginning.”— Melissa Goss, <i>Christian Books and Coffee</i><br /></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-35318955358961919962024-02-11T15:45:00.000-08:002024-02-11T15:45:32.207-08:00Review: Something Borrowed by Rebecca Connolly<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it<br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3wg8wUr" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo1VV6cYD_r5buZzJzKUtTPjMxsWsK1HfZj1fciHvq7zNCcSHPvfvD0vk4KYB9ucfF0VRUabZ-Jm-V3Zi8fNHoSgNobflq0czXhjblO7w75ViCrvfpLMlfGX1PbPP_l-rsP251g5RH5zb/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/4989jp1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuLoR8ST3tBwniGPhmvGMYsdJuFmPCHpnyn2KDS5rPMr9DB7pdf6G1FEwu8pzS-z1n-uCSnMgf8qv7wFD6zlqrfjuz00LfbgvifoxDuZ3o4NaDsQjmcmZDPa8XM4-qrYsYC_YO8qS-2tF/s1600/kindle+icon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/something-borrowed-rebecca-connolly/1144364959?ean=9781952103674" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8hEPrULB3a_SrgEHkB7-d6D0tAnfje_f9gpPeJY_R-hMQYsdEmgj0hTPY3fXvZXoT9Wgc65OLOxurk9Pv4W9zlwqMljmQgaGd5SCLGGKtKBR2Qliy8-p_5C7VXI__iKpFSHCVbpKIHHA/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202941536-something-borrowed" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9F4JrZSLukHRFRqXXrtdwPAO_aeUwnuPgTiR8LCbZJCPbEK5fjZYeFZBk3OdtLYiBMglo2Ji_QZtU4T4ciTBTygRbKce7ACRsCYMDBAQ88c2VL-xjwjIrZh0hb3jF008lKpzGB6fxumF/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Formatted"><i>Forsaking all others...</i><br /><br />Gage Trembath is
getting married. He is the only one who knows it, but the statement is
true nonetheless. The woman he had once loved has been married elsewhere
for a time, and he can put off his own marriage no longer. The woman he
has chosen to marry, without love, is sensible, quiet, musical, and
amenable, which should enable him to have a good marriage and a content
life. That is all he wants now, and Honora Berkeley makes the most
sense.<br /><br />Honora cannot believe that a handsome and wealthy man like
Gage has any interest at all in marrying her, even without love. She
has certainly very little to recommend her, but escaping her life of
criticism and abandonment is something she cannot resist. But what about
the woman Gage had once loved? The one who was perfect for him and the
one who made him determined to abandon love? Are his feelings for her
truly gone? Will Honora ever have his affection along with his respect?</span><br />
<br />
<i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
I was so happy to see these two make a match, but disappointed that Gage went into the marriage with unresolved baggage from his previous experience. This is a bit of a marriage of convenience for Honoria since it gets her away from her abusive family, but her feelings naturally grow swiftly for such a considerate gentleman. Their individual hangups provide the conflict in their relationship- Gage thinking he will never love again, and Honoria completely insecure about his affections. I was glad they had the support of their friends and family- the characters from the previous books- that helped them along their bumpy road to happily-ever-after.<br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><i>Don't miss the previous books in the Cornwall Brides series . . .</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3vjhJee" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9n2Wlq09K1oDsU8NwHazRhsJYhjPGv_DG4Y7Hb9Ap9JRFg_nfAS7MXQFYfKr5KFBFASNWOZVsWmlE4WYB0LOhm9xDgVx7_VXnWtJpOt_2ocx1qCV7qBl-KQa5G7OoiHcmKpsDmg0Tt3xHMPsuPHpz4JsG_vhuytvdM9bAB9ZOEtUguQpp73G2XG5c9M/s320/57535298.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/4ayhJap" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygcQiRin1ajr8IzoKUEwd8FJlGI2FZMf0RcQTBMO2cz3rGSuVI70Tp7DTGQuqlK88UJbkaeu75UNFg-jlh17GB00hxhwNr03Vi-u3wQNzjFg9GDZyb2-kTYTzkbBE1-xKv-JAR62hkCNdxAcxoU7_YQ00njBbtb0SieF4kTP8dVar7mDkOYyb8cl4NNk/s320/59451849.jpg" /></a><br /></div></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-71707775864644197882024-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:002024-02-10T11:48:08.658-08:00Review: Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>My rating: 3 stars / I liked it<br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center><a href="https://amzn.to/3SzRUym" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo1VV6cYD_r5buZzJzKUtTPjMxsWsK1HfZj1fciHvq7zNCcSHPvfvD0vk4KYB9ucfF0VRUabZ-Jm-V3Zi8fNHoSgNobflq0czXhjblO7w75ViCrvfpLMlfGX1PbPP_l-rsP251g5RH5zb/w40-h40/Amazon+Icon+Squared.jpg" style="display: inline;" width="40" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/3w0Xnqj" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuLoR8ST3tBwniGPhmvGMYsdJuFmPCHpnyn2KDS5rPMr9DB7pdf6G1FEwu8pzS-z1n-uCSnMgf8qv7wFD6zlqrfjuz00LfbgvifoxDuZ3o4NaDsQjmcmZDPa8XM4-qrYsYC_YO8qS-2tF/s1600/kindle+icon.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secretly-smitten-colleen-coble/1111895815;jsessionid=A1CB95C55DFD5ACD9272A3A55B8BC453.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=9781401687137" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8hEPrULB3a_SrgEHkB7-d6D0tAnfje_f9gpPeJY_R-hMQYsdEmgj0hTPY3fXvZXoT9Wgc65OLOxurk9Pv4W9zlwqMljmQgaGd5SCLGGKtKBR2Qliy8-p_5C7VXI__iKpFSHCVbpKIHHA/s1600/Barnes+and+Noble+Square.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15760496-secretly-smitten" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9F4JrZSLukHRFRqXXrtdwPAO_aeUwnuPgTiR8LCbZJCPbEK5fjZYeFZBk3OdtLYiBMglo2Ji_QZtU4T4ciTBTygRbKce7ACRsCYMDBAQ88c2VL-xjwjIrZh0hb3jF008lKpzGB6fxumF/s1600/Add+to+Goodreads+Button.png" style="display: inline;" /></a><br /></center>
<br />
<i><b>Synopsis</b></i><br /><br />There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?<br /><br />The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women? <i><b> </b></i></div><div><i><b> </b></i></div><div><i><b>My Review</b></i><br />
<br />
I enjoy collections where each story builds upon the previous. Tess, Clare, Zoe, and Anna each play a role in uncovering the mystery of the military dog tags and reuniting Grandma Rose with David. Not before some serious sisterly drama plays out, however, and makes the granddaughters worry that things will never be the same. The first three stories were okay, I didn't really mesh with the authors' writing styles. The interactions between the main characters were awkward and I wasn't feeling the chemistry. The last story by Denise Hunter made up for it, and I found myself looking forward to her contribution as I read. She brings a spark to her romance and I connected more fully with the emotions of the characters. <br />
<br /><span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3503116123" style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="freeText4801016654238900413">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.</span></span>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<b><i>Check out the other books in the Smitten series . . .</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3tCobMV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsezelsYeYLvLrHkYlDgUba90rGM0F3hueS2TORPssft6EoxB_riGA0kKD15Uzx68BYOOEqueZC9lEZFbFcTRxXuyrVaS0YmD78_BGAxNFBs7a2m1ipG7aUaTNrDleIPMvke5ZZShF8L0XsHs74xq0rQhQ9HDx-gdGbxNkq-gvdbrKxMFkjbJbN4MWCLE/s320/10634544.jpg" width="210" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/3H3GSvY" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlvDp9NzVuIEw2CA56hBH3tbBBq73wudW2ZdlvkvVKMgJdZIPhYi9BX_RkY3hXKrj7nXhoqAO3uvlLZ0DXzArEdPMeMpx_oufOUEJFlNdlHy7L6cLsnpDQGV7IqdqdOXOD8vtsTrVzYf6IdlFHyDzv99QcNcFFrnrA_Jq4EGIIeKrWKDnM1XG4cTrZAk/w209-h320/44128457.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-66550847595036047492024-02-09T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-09T03:00:00.138-08:00Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Renewed Hope JustRead Blog Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-28436" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Banner_RenewedHope_Blog_JR.jpg" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog Tour for <span style="color: #347cae;"><i><b>Renewed Hope</b></i></span> by Carmen Peone, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/05/welcome-to-the-renewed-hope-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #347cae;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Renewed Hope" class="alignleft wp-image-28850 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/RenewedHope-267x400.jpg" width="267" /></b></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Title:</b> Renewed Hope
<b><br />Series:</b> Seven Tine Ranch Romance #3
<b><br />Author:</b> Carmen Peone
<b><br />Publisher:</b> Iron Stream Fiction
<b><br />Release Date:</b> February 6, 2024
<br /><b>Genre:</b> Contemporary Western Romance</p><p>
<b>Can they find her son in time?</b> </p><p>Sophie Cayes is on the road to success as an artist. Until her ex-husband threatens to sue for full custody of their son. Upon learning of a guest ranch in Eastern Washington that keeps a room open for women in need, she grabs her son and bolts. Although Chad Davis loves starting colts on the Seven Tine Guest Ranch, his goal is to have his own spread. Everything’s on course until a woman and her preschool son show up. He’s not thrilled about helping out. Until the boy comes up missing. On his watch. Along with a tribal cop, they head back to Montana in search of the boy, knowing his dad was the one who kidnapped him. Sophie prays they find him before her ex-husband and his new wife go on the run. Taking her son with them. </p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #347cae;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS</b>:</span> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123277909-renewed-hope" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/49oox9d" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/renewed-hope-carmen-peone/1143235972" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/renewed-hope-carmen-peone/9781645263647/pd/263647" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a> | <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/renewed-hope-carmen-peone/19902697" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/renewed-hope-seven-tine-ranch-romance-book-3-by-carmen-peone" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a>
</p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #347cae;">More Books In This Series</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3HLsUzm" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="Captured Secrets" class="alignnone wp-image-24471" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CapturedSecrets-1853x2780-72dpi-200x300.jpeg" width="167" /></a> <a href="https://amzn.to/49m1s76" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-27505" height="250" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Broken-Bondage-194x300.jpg" width="162" /> </a></p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #347cae;"><b></b></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #347cae;"><b>Author Interview with Carmen Peone<br /></b></span></h3><br />Thank you for hosting me today. It’s an honor to be featured on your blog! <br /><br /><b>Can you tell us a little about yourself?</b><br /><br />I’m a country girl at heart. Though raised in the valley of Spokane, WA, now Spokane Valley, WA, I dreamed about living in the country on a ranch and raising and riding horses in the mountains. That all came true when I met my husband in college and we moved northwest of the city and on his Indian Reservation. <br /><br />I now own horses (we’re down to two) and enjoy trail rides and horse camping. What I liked most was competing in Extreme Cowboy races. That was a hoot. Especially when they were not in an arena, but in natural environments. <br /><br /><br /><b>What do you do besides writing?</b><br /><br />I read a lot of fiction and non-fiction, bead Native American-style jewelry, sew, paddle board, and enjoy photographing nature and animals. I also spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren. They are the joy in my life. Before the service begins at my church, I play worship music on the piano and enjoy playing the Native American flute at home. <br /><br /><br /><b>What was your favorite part of researching for this book?</b><br /><br />My favorite parts of researching Renewed Hope were my four trips to the Polson, MT, area. I traveled there three times with my husband and one time with two lady friends. I’m not sure what is more spectacular, Flathead Lake, Mission Mountains, or Hungry Horse Dam and Recreational Area. You can click on <a href="https://carmenpeone.com/"><b>my website</b></a> and follow my blog series this month. One segment is about the setting, plus I share photos of the above places and more. <br /><br /><br /><b>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?</b><br /><br />In my month-long, weekly Renewed Hope book release blog series, I begin with <a href="https://carmenpeone.com/help-celebrate-renewed-hope/"><b>Sophie Cayes</b></a> on 2.6.24 and end with Chad Davis on 2.27.24. You can sign up for <b><a href="https://carmenpeone.com/">my blog</a></b> to see all of the Renewed Hope Book Release posts. (After the book release series, I’ll continue with my monthly Women Honoring the West series.)<br /><br />I do like to find the visual character inspiration images before I write so I don’t have to go back and fill in blank spots. The images help bring the characters to life and add fun and another element of creativity to the story. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguP9IotF2kTioEgExnvdhN9Lr9NSW-Z2FSL440_JH_K1VFLNKreudWdfRfWwdl92YCUumC4CwRi7WOm-xp9RFwn2yococsSdDm-oGrXB2G2qzMZYE8jXZf2y1D1OAEhxCq3magg8VlzaxF85l5I5XhDmpuN3MqadOTdXW7A2wzNqwsMXDXFxVdsZKRfU/s700/Heidi%20Reads%20artist(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="700" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguP9IotF2kTioEgExnvdhN9Lr9NSW-Z2FSL440_JH_K1VFLNKreudWdfRfWwdl92YCUumC4CwRi7WOm-xp9RFwn2yococsSdDm-oGrXB2G2qzMZYE8jXZf2y1D1OAEhxCq3magg8VlzaxF85l5I5XhDmpuN3MqadOTdXW7A2wzNqwsMXDXFxVdsZKRfU/s320/Heidi%20Reads%20artist(1).png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_RUYcrRl9xXo3CzJzV4bfVkMI5t-3xTAypWIdPCQgFPmQOjmAx_3zRkW_C5N1w9VFvD97DThpFQ72PItK6NzOu3rMxs3VKlZO7zSzJwUfrUI-XTQ-ecuT6GgxeujwOgLFINxLQFV6k9HNZ_tvrepBh8wn4z_F8siivVoDMeOG8mOVcvLAt8pq9ruSec/s700/Heidi%20Reads%20cowboy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="700" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_RUYcrRl9xXo3CzJzV4bfVkMI5t-3xTAypWIdPCQgFPmQOjmAx_3zRkW_C5N1w9VFvD97DThpFQ72PItK6NzOu3rMxs3VKlZO7zSzJwUfrUI-XTQ-ecuT6GgxeujwOgLFINxLQFV6k9HNZ_tvrepBh8wn4z_F8siivVoDMeOG8mOVcvLAt8pq9ruSec/s320/Heidi%20Reads%20cowboy.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?</b><br /><br />I always listen to Native Flute music because it’s soothing and there are no words to distract me. My favorite is <i>Native American Sleep Music</i>. There’s something special about the canyon sounds. <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwNzOddvbY0&t=10999s.">Listen to the Music</a>.</b><br /><br /> <br /><b>What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?</b><br /><br />I want readers to know more about domestic violence and abuse. I want victims to know they are not alone and that there is help and hope. I have a resource page on my website to learn more and find out how to get help. <b><a href="https://carmenpeone.com/resources/">Get Carmen’s Resources</a></b>.<br /><br /><br /><b>What can we look forward to coming from you in the future? </b><br /><br />I’m working on a series that features rodeo queens and rodeo cowboys. I’m having a ton of fun with these three books and need the break from the heaviness of the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series. <br /><br />In the Rodeo Queen series, there are second chances, enemies to lovers (or love, as these are Christian novels), and friends to lovers. <br /><br />You can follow along by signing up for my newsletter. When you do, you’ll receive my novella, <i>Gentling the Cowboy</i>, as a thank-you gift. <b><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/zh29em5r89">Sign up here.</a></b> <br /><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #347cae;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Carmen Peone" class="alignnone wp-image-24472 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Carmen5030a-med-resolution-242x300.jpg" width="242" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Carmen Peone</b> is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense and lives with her husband in Northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation. She weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after.</p>
Connect with Carmen by visiting <a href="https://carmenpeone.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">carmenpeone.com</a> to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #347cae;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(3) winners will win a signed copy of Renewed Hope, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a story-related postcard!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Renewed Hope JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-28851 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Giveaway_RenewedHope_Blog_JR-400x400.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 12, 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/f56w1/renewed-hope-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><b>Enter Giveaway</b></a>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Follow along at <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/05/welcome-to-the-renewed-hope-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Tours</a> for a full list of stops!</p>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9142243390690296399.post-23151939253569965932024-02-08T03:00:00.000-08:002024-02-08T03:00:00.134-08:00Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr<div style="text-align: left;"><script>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fall When You're Ready JustRead Blog Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-28815" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Banner_FallWhenYoureReady_Blog_JR-1.jpg" width="640" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the Blog Tour for <span style="color: #4c434e;"><i><b>Fall When You're Ready</b></i></span> by Jennifer Carr, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/06/welcome-to-the-fall-when-youre-ready-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b>About the Book</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fall When You're Ready" class="alignleft wp-image-28859 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/fall-when-youre-ready-new-cover-261x400.jpg" width="261" /></b></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><b>Title:</b> Fall When You're Ready
<b><br />Series:</b> Real American Country #1 <b><br />Author:</b> Jennifer Carr
<b><br />Publisher:</b> JCarr Writes
<b><br />Release Date:</b> February 1, 2024
<b><br />Genre:</b> Contemporary Clean Romance</p><p>
Rachel never wanted to get in the way of Jordan’s dreams, but they were supposed to chase their dreams together. They made promises and swore to remain best friends through it all. But, just as all good things must come to an end, it would seem that applies to promises as well. When Rachel and Jordan end up on separate paths toward their own versions of success, they each learn the hard way that letting go is easier than it sounds. But when those paths bring them both home, all of those promises come flooding back and they have to decide whether it’s worth the risk to reopen the chapter they closed on their story so long ago.
<span style="color: #4c434e;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b> </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b>PURCHASE LINKS</b>:</span> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202643509-fall-when-you-re-ready" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/4blezHp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fall-when-youre-ready-jennifer-carr/1144715212" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/fall-when-you-re-ready-real-american-country-book-1-by-jennifer-carr" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b> </b></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b> </b></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b>Guest Post from Author Jennifer Carr</b></span></h3> <br />In the past I viewed dreams as mountains to be conquered, with a single-minded focus that left little room for anything else. I believed, like many do, that to achieve greatness or to realize a lifelong ambition, one must sacrifice other aspects of life, including relationships. There's a certain allure to this path – it's the narrative of many a success story we hear. But life, in its infinite wisdom, taught me that this route comes with its own set of challenges.<br /><br />I've seen friends and acquaintances choose their dreams over their partners, a decision that often led them to unparalleled heights in their careers. Yet, in quiet moments, they shared their longing for a companion to share these successes with - a reminder of the emotional support and connection that was sacrificed along the way. This path, I've realized, is one of profound personal achievements but also of introspection about what we truly value.<br /><br />Conversely, I've witnessed and even experienced the beauty and complexity of pursuing dreams while securely anchored in a loving relationship. This journey is not without its trials – it requires a delicate dance of balance, understanding, and sometimes, sacrifice. Yet, it's a path that enriches both the dream and the relationship. There's a unique strength found in the support of a partner who cheers you on, who becomes a part of your dreams just as you become a part of theirs.<br /><br />At this stage in my life, I understand that neither path is inherently better than the other; they are simply different. The choice between pursuing a dream at the expense of a relationship, or trying to balance both, is deeply personal. It's a decision that should be made with a clear understanding of what you hold dear, what makes you feel fulfilled, and how you define success and happiness.<br /><br />Looking back, it’s glaringly obvious that each choice we make in this regard shapes us in unexpected and often beautiful ways. It's not just about the achievements or the relationships we nurture; it's about the person we become in the process. Whether we choose to focus exclusively on our dreams or intertwine them with our relationships, each path offers its own lessons, joys, and challenges.<br /><br />In my own journey, I've learned that life is not just about reaching a destination. It's about the experiences we gather, the love we give and receive, and the dreams we chase. And so, to those standing at this crossroads, I say: Trust your heart, embrace your choice, and let it guide you through this incredible journey of life. Whichever path you choose, it will shape you, teach you, and leave you richer in experience and wisdom.<br /> <br /><br /> <hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b>About the Author</b></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Jennifer Carr" class="alignnone wp-image-28860 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/JCarr-Author-Photo-218x300.jpg" width="218" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster,<b> Jennifer Carr</b> draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.</p><p>
Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. </p><p>When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what's likely her third coffee of the day. </p><p>Connect with Jennifer by visiting <a href="https://www.jcarrwrites.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">jcarrwrites.com</a> to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. </p><p> </p><hr />
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b>Tour Giveaway</b></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">(1) winner will win a signed copy of Fall When You're Ready and a 6-month Kindle Unlimited Membership!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fall When You're Ready JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-28861 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Giveaway_FallWhenYoureReady_Blog_JR-400x400.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 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.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/qj2Gf/fall-when-youre-ready-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><b>Enter Giveaway</b></a>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Follow along at <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/06/welcome-to-the-fall-when-youre-ready-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Tours</a> for a full list of stops!</p>
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<br /></div></div>Heidi Reads...http://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.com0