Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Right Before Their Eyes
Series: Faith Endures #2
Author: Carrie Walker
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Genre: Romantic Women's Fiction

Sometimes the love you need most looks different than you imagined. 

Clare Martin thought nothing of agreeing to live with her dementia-ridden grandmother when her parents left on mission. Balancing that with her job as a social worker and the expectations of her career-driven boyfriend proved doable—until Grandma started a house fire. 

Mason Hughes has loved Clare for years, but the time was never right to tell her and now she’s dating someone else, fixing Mason firmly in the friend zone. He’s working to be a pediatric neurologist, a dream inspired by a special boy with a terminal brain condition and must choose a medical school. Finances are so tight he’s forced to consider a program across the country, a troubling fact he’s kept secret. 

Lucia Roberts, a seventeen-year-old on Clare’s caseload, loses her foster home and is placed in an unwelcoming group home. At every turn she’s met with rejection and becomes desperate for any proof she has value—enough to make choices that could affect the rest of her life. 

When Grandma Dottie and Lucia's paths take a dangerous turn, Clare frantically tries to save them. As their lives knit together, will they find the love that’s right before their eyes?  

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

 

Interview with Author Carrie Walker

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Sure :) I’m a mom of 7 who married my high school sweetheart almost 25 years ago. We live in Michigan and have always lead a very busy, fulfilling life. I call myself a “complicated introvert.” I love people and so enjoy having meaningful conversations, but put me in a new crowd and I’ll hide by the wall I promise you! 

What do you do besides writing?

Currently, my husband and I have dusted off our youth ministry hats (we served as high school youth ministers for the first ten years of our marriage) and are helping as adult leaders in our daughter’s group. So wonderful! We love playing board games, have a pet Lab, and enjoy pickleball as well.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I really enjoyed the research into the lives of kids in the foster care system (though some of the things I learned made me sad, I learned so, so much.). 

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters?

I do this in different ways. Pictures is definitely one way. I’ll scroll through images of people in the right age range to find an image that looks like the character I’m envisioning. At least once in every book I have a generous friend or family member that volunteers to let me borrow their personality and looks for a character (There is one in this book too, hint. hint.). That’s always fun, since I know that person well and it’s very easy to envision their character. Sometimes I’ll tell another person about the story I’m working on and the type of character I’m trying to figure out and I can just see a light go off in their mind with ideas and when they share it gets me rolling to develop the rest.

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

“Living Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. When the book started, I knew Clare and Mason needed a song. I went through so many, and the lyrics to this one just told their story in so many ways that I would often listen to it to get into the mindset for the characters before writing a scene. 

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

That God is always working, even if you can’t see Him, even if you’re looking and still can’t see Him. And when the moment comes that He reveals what’ He’s done in your life, you will look back on the journey and see Him in every step of it. 

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

The third book in this series releases in the spring of 2026. That will be the conclusion to this three-book series and features Lucia as a lead character, Mason as he’s an adult and another new character. And you’ll be able to see how little Theo, is still changing the world, even years later.

 

More Books In This Series

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About the Author

Carrie Walker is an award-winning author who lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. As an avid reader, she pens what she loves to read, stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Besides writing, Carrie enjoys board games, time with family and counting down the days ’til Christmas.

Connect with Carrie by visiting carriewalkerwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Right Before Their Eyes as well as a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 18, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Where I Found You by Betsy St. Amant

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Where I Found You by Betsy St. Amant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Where I Found You
Series: Magnolia Bay #1
Author: Betsy St. Amant
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Southern Romance

From beloved author Betsy St. Amant comes a enemies to more, Hatfields and McCoys swoon-worthy contemporary romance set in a small beach town that reminds us that true love is worth fighting for. 

Noah Hebert recently inherited the Blue Pirogue Inn—along with all its problems. He needs money to keep his beloved childhood home from being shut down by his family’s longtime nemesis, Isaac Bergeron. So when Noah’s lawyer approaches him about an additional segment of his late grandfather’s will, it’s just in the nick of time. But even from beyond the grave, his grandfather is up to his usual games. In order to receive the last portion of inheritance, Noah must follow the clues. But there’s one condition… 

Magnolia Blossom Cafe manager Elisa Bergeron is shocked to discover an acquaintance from the local Puzzlers Club left her something in his will—and even more surprised to discover they are clues to a portion of his estate. When she learns she must work with introverted inn-owner Noah Hebert to solve the puzzle, she’s torn. Growing up in the middle of a multi-generational feud between their families, she’s been taught by her father Isaac that Heberts can’t be trusted. 

When these two exes must work together to save their future, will love get a second chance or will the longstanding family feud claim another generation?

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

 

Mnterview with Author Betsy St. Amant

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Sure! I’m a wife and mom, part of a blended family now after an unexpected divorce in 2013. My now-husband Topher and I each had a daughter when we got married almost 8 years ago, and now they’re teenagers (ages 14 and 16). I also am the proud fur-mama of a spoiled miniature Schnauzer named Cooper (aka Muffin, aka Muff-Muff, aka Sir Cooperton). In this season of my life I love reading, coffee (any caffeine source, really), baby-talking Cooper, and buying work-out clothes.


What do you do besides writing?

Well, I discovered CrossFit in January 2024, right before I turned 40, and it accidentally became my entire personality! Ha! I’m working hard toward getting my first strict pull up (you’ll know when it happens, you’ll hear me yell) I recently hit a personal record on dead-lift of 200 lbs, which was very exciting. And I’m an oil & gas landman by day, and the taxi driver of my two teen girls 24/7. Needless to say, I haven’t been bored since roughly 2006! lol


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

Plotting the clues with my father! My dad and I are very close, and I gave him a heads-up before this book got contracted that if it did, I’d want his help writing the clues because he’s so good at that kind of stuff. We camped out in the sunroom at my parents’ house one afternoon with bottomless cups of coffee and had the best time bringing the treasure hunt to life. One of my favorite memories to date!


How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

Yes! I create private Pinterest boards for my books, which are practical in that they let me remember at a glance my character’s hair or eye color, but are also aesthetic and fun to post about later. Sometimes if I need to hit a word count goal for the day but am not feeling very inspired, I can pull up my Pinterest board and feel that surge of motivation in wanting to bring the photos to life. Below is an image of my board for Where I Found You. You’ll see Elisa in blue, her father Isaac in a black button down, Noah in his flannel, Mama D (Delia) in her chef’s fit…





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

I actually can’t write to music, and it’s a bit of a bummer! I would love to be able to have a book soundtrack like other authors, or turn on relaxing music to set the mood of each scene. In theory, that sounds amazing, but in application, it’s a disaster. I get too distracted and over stimulated, unfortunately. But I am often inspired by movies, and I feel like Where I Found You is a nod to Fool’s Gold (2008 romantic comedy, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey).


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

I would love for readers to be encouraged toward forgiveness and releasing bitterness. It’s so easy to stand back as believers and see areas where other people are harboring resentment or grudges toward others, but much harder to see that in our own hearts. I hope Noah and Elisa and their family feud shine a light on those hidden places in our hearts that we’re not surrendering to the Lord and not offering others a second chance.


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

Books 2 and 3 in Magnolia Bay! Look for Cade and Rosalyn’s story, titled No Place Like Home, this May and in August, you’ll get to read about Linc and Zoey in Meant For Me. I also have a stand-alone Christmas rom-com releasing with Waterbrook Multnomah in September this year. (I’ve been a busy bee!)

More Books in This Series

 

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About the Author

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women.

Connect with Betsy by visiting betsystamant.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Where I Found You and a $10 Sunrise Shop Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 4, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 11, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Misgivings by Anne Gibson

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Misgivings by Anne Gibson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Misgivings
Author: Anne Gibson
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: September 2, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Desperate to avoid the turmoil that now engulfs her, Dee would do anything for a chance to turn back time. Wracked with regret and paralyzed by fear, she is forced to hide halfway across the world, all in a bid to safeguard the one person she holds most dear. If only she could undo the past and prevent this disastrous situation from ever unfolding. 

After waiting five long years, Luke thought he was finally making progress in his relationship with Dee. But just as she begins to open up and trust him, she suddenly vanishes, leaving him bewildered and determined to uncover the truth behind her sudden disappearance.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

Luke smiled, still unable to believe that the woman he loved finally surrendered to the Lord. For five years he prayed and finally God answered his prayers. With Dee complete in Christ he loved her even more.

“I just thought it would be easier.” Dee broke into his thoughts. “God took so much pain and fear away when I was in the mountains. I thought it would last. But here, with Dylan...” she sighed, frustrated with how afraid she had become.

“The Bible doesn’t promise that it will get easier. In fact, quite often it gets harder.”

Dee’s eyes grew large. “But why? If God loves us...”

Luke cut off that thought. “It’s because there is a war between good and bad. You made a huge decision and the enemy hates you for choosing the right side. Quite often the enemy tries to make life harder in order to scare you away from your initial decision.”

“Then why do people remain Christians?”

“Because life is hard either way. It’s just much harder without Christ.”

  

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About the Author

Award-winning author Anne Gibson is blessed to call the stunning Canadian Rockies home. When she isn't penning her stories, she relishes time in nature—hiking, paddling, and basking in the sun at the beach alongside her family and beloved furball. A true romantic at heart, Anne often finds herself curled up with an engaging book, dreaming up her own captivating love stories.

Connect with Anne by visiting authorannegibson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Misgivings as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 10, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Interview & Giveaway: The Resurrection Project by Tanya Sparks Belvin

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Resurrection Project by Tanya Sparks Belvin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Resurrection Project
Series: The Resurrection Project Series #1
Author: Tanya Sparks Belvin
Publisher: Tonya Belvin Publishing
Release Date: September 11, 2023
Genre: Christian Futuristic, Medical Mystery

In 2034, medical student Ellen McCarthy took an internship at the mysterious Grindland Institute to fulfill a graduation requirement. But what at first seems like a boring job supervising children soon has her tangled in questions about the Institute’s Resurrection Project. Meanwhile, ER nurse Mamie Simpson is grieving the loss of her daughter, Lainey, and hoping against hope that a new scientific breakthrough will provide a miracle for her and her husband. When Ellen and Mamie's paths eventually cross, both will have to take steps of faith and courage they didn’t think possible to help save the life of a special little girl.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon (ebook/audio) | Amazon (print) | Barnes & Noble

 

Interview with Author Tanya Sparks Belvin

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I retired from teaching after 32 years. Because I was in special education, I had to be certified in language arts and math, but language arts was my favorite subject. I had the most fun reading as I set up my personal classroom library. I encouraged my students to find books that they felt their peers would enjoy reading, and I continually read and promoted middle school literature that I hoped would excite and inspire them.

In addition to teaching, my husband and I have raised three wonderful children, and we have also been blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren.

Currently, I lead Bible studies in my neighborhood and church, and I'm an active choir member.

I also play in a neighborhood Bunco group and participate in two book clubs.

What do you do besides writing?

When I retired from teaching, I began taking care of my grandchildren. I also tried to expand my cooking skills by watching the Food Channel and challenging myself to copy some of the recipes. My ultimate goal is to do an online cooking class with my grandchildren, called "Mimi's Cooking Show." However, it appears that my grandchildren would rather consume my goodies rather than help prepare them. That's fine with me.
 

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I have heard others ridicule authors who claim that their writing stemmed from a dream. Well, that's exactly what happened to me at least five years before I began writing The Resurrection Project. I truly believe I was divinely directed to share this message of the sanctity of life. When I originally wrote the book in 2015, there was a prediction of a worldwide pandemic in 2020 changing the trajectory of our medical system as we knew it. After initially meeting with some agents, each one said it wasn't ready to be published, so I put it on a closet shelf and forgot about it. Then, in 2023, God told me to take it down and try again. When I reread the prediction, I was dumbfounded. I am not a prophet, but God can do anything.

As I wrote this book, I was challenged to delve into the subjects of patient care, cryogenics, genetically modified foods, etc. I enjoyed researching and adding creativity in developing this futuristic setting.

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

All readers put their individual images to characters within a story. That's what I do as a writer. My initial dream had L2 sitting on a bench, swinging her legs back and forth, with her shoulder-length brown hair swaying from side to side. God started me with that character, and I developed the rest. None of the other character descriptions in the book are based on anyone I know.
 

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

As you read The Resurrection Project, you will find music mentioned throughout. That is from my real life. My mother was a music teacher and choir director. Music filled my home, and I have carried it with me all my life. I am a singer. My oldest son is a praise and worship leader at his church. My middle son is a band director at a local middle school. I have Christian radio playing at home and in my car wherever I go.
 

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

The message I believe God wants me to share is that He is our Sovereign God. Like the people in Genesis working together to create a tower to the heavens, a great majority of people today think they knew more than our Creator. In an effort to meet the medical needs of one group, they choose to take the lives of others deemed less important or even, as in the case of unborn babies, not even considered viable humans.

In the fall of 2023, I watched the movie, Sound of Freedom. It was one of the most uncomfortable films I have ever viewed and, honestly, I wanted to leave within the first few minutes. Seeing children being abducted and trafficked took me well out of my comfort zone. As I contemplated what to do, God told me to stay and finish watching. When the film concluded, I had to take a few minutes before I could stand to leave. I kept asking God why I needed to see this. At that moment, I realized that the message of that movie was also the sanctity of life. Just like the children in The Resurrection Project, the children in the film were not being seen as precious children of God with a purpose and a future to expand His kingdom. Their importance was being measured by how they could be used by others. I knew that I needed to give all the proceeds from the sales of my book to support the Tim Tebow Foundation for rescuing missing and exploited children.

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

I have just recently published the sequel to The Resurrection Project, Rescuing the Remnant. I hope that readers will enjoy the continuation of this "God Story."

 

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Tanya Sparks Belvin is a retired middle school teacher, with thirty-two years of experience. Her passion is serving the Lord, reading, writing, and entertaining her seven grandchildren. Tanya, her husband, Ron, and her mother, Tommie Moton, enjoy lakeside living in Denver, North Carolina. Tanya and Ron have three adult children. The Resurrection Project is her debut novel.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyasparksbelvin.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Resurrection Project and its sequel, Rescuing the Remnant, as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 27, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe audiobook by Rhonda Stoppe

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for the If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe audiobook by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe
Author: Rhonda Stoppe
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Release Date: August 1, 2015
Audiobook Publisher: ChristianAudio
Audiobook Release Date: January 7, 2025
Genre: NonFiction, Self-Help, Christian Marriage, Christian Women

What's really keeping you from enjoying a better marriage? 

"If my husband would change, I'd be happy" and "I'm falling out of love with him" are among several common myths that lead women to search for marital happiness in all the wrong places. In this book, author Rhonda Stoppe shares, with candor and humor, how to enrich your relationship with your husband (even if he doesn't change). Along the way you'll read many helpful stories and real-life examples from other couples and discover: 

 - how to deal with unfulfilled longings
- the secret to keeping your husband's attention
- 10 keys to a happy marriage. 

Let this book help you realize God's highest good for your marriage! 

Contains discussion questions and personal reflections at the end of each chapter.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Christianaudio | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Audiobook Excerpt

 

Excerpt

Many couples I have talked to will admit to having had a mediocre marriage—or even a bad one—until one of them determined to stop comparing their spouse to the person they wished he or she would be. In so doing, their newfound habit of thinking positive thoughts spilled over into affirming words and kind service to their spouse. More often than not, the actions of one spouse not only turned the marriage around, but in many instances even saved the marriage.

 

Also Available

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About the Author

Rhonda Stoppe captivates audiences with her honest, relatable, and biblically grounded teaching. As a bestselling author of seven books and the host of the awarded podcast "Old Ladies Know Stuff," she has a powerful voice in the realms of family and faith. Rhonda is a sought-after speaker, appearing on national and international TV and radio, and is known for her engaging presentations at women's events, homeschool conferences and MC for events like the Legacy Grandparenting Summit. Her episode on Moms Raising Sons at Focus on the Family was recognized in their "Best of Episodes." With nearly 40 years of ministry alongside her pastor husband, Rhonda understands the complexities of balancing marriage, parenting, ministry, and homeschooling. The Stoppes are proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to fifteen.

Connect with Rhonda by visiting NoRegretsWoman.com to follow her on social media, receive a free gift, and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a downloadable resources bundle which includes A Christian Woman's Guide to Great Sex in Marriage by Rhonda Stoppe (audiobook), The Marriage Money Myth - Does More Money Really Mean Less Stress? by Steve & Rhonda Stoppe (ebook), and Your Marriage Can Survive Toddlers & Teens with Rhonda Stoppe (video)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 21, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Squire of Truth by Jill Williamson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Squire of Truth
Series: Blood of Kings: Legends #1
Author: Jill Williamson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Genre: Medieval Fantasy

Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage. 

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future. 

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

Blood of Kings: Legends
Book 1: Squire of Truth
Book 2: Lord of Winter
Book 3: Lady of Shadows
Book:4: Heir of Light

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Sunrise Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

 

Excerpt

 

“Mistel!”

She jerked at the bite in that voice. On her left, Osrik Nath pushed through the crowd.

Thunder and rats! That man would be the death of her. Which was exactly why she kept avoiding him. At least this time she saw no sign of Lander Gysel at his side.

She was about to run when a familiar young man stepped out from between a fruit vendor and someone selling spices. He wore plain clothes and held a lute under one arm, but there was no mistaking those freckles. They gave him a friendly demeanor, and his short brown hair seemed so overly average that it was completely endearing. He had an athletic build and stood only a few inches taller than her.

“Cole!” Mistel thrust her hand into the air, waving as if she knew him.

As she approached, his gaze settled on her. He had kind and expressive hazel eyes. A moment of recognition passed across his face, then confusion wrinkled his brow.

She linked her arm with his free one. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Surely the squire to the Crown Prince of Er’Rets would help her. And if she played her cards right, he might even buy her dinner too.

 

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Jill Williamson writes fantasy and science fiction for teens and adults. She grew up in Alaska, staying up and reading by the summer daylight that wouldn't go away. This led to a love of books and writing, and her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won several awards and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. She loves giving writing workshops and blogs for teen writers at www.GoTeenWriters.com, which has been named as one of Writer’s Digest’s “101 Best Websites for Writers.” She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children.

Connect with Jill by visiting jillwilliamson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Squire of Truth & a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 13, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 20, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The New Loneliness by Cindi McMenamin

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The New Loneliness by Cindi McMenamin hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: The New Loneliness
Author: Cindi McMenamin
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Release Date: January 7, 2025 

Genre: Christian Personal Growth 

You Can Overcome Your Feelings of Aloneness 

In our age of increased social isolation and growing reliance on technology, genuine connection can feel more difficult than ever. But what if community and closeness are nearer than you thought? 

The New Loneliness is about experiencing the authentic relationships God created you for by identifying and overcoming today’s biggest relational obstacles. Cindi McMenamin explores how our current cultural environment and dependence on electronic devices have hindered our ability to connect, and she offers uplifting guidance, biblical insights, and encouraging action steps to help you

• release feelings of inadequacy and shame by realigning with how the Lord sees you and understanding His purpose for you
• take confident steps toward nourishing healthy, in-person relationships by learning to slow down and operate from a secure attachment to God
• thrive within new friendships and community with practical guidance for making life more meaningful and preferring faces over screens

God did not create us to live in isolation. Journey with the Lord from aloneness to abundance, and flourish as you deepen your relationships with God and others.

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

 

Excerpt

Are you feeling lonelier these days than you used to? Experiencing that unexplainable ache you can’t seem to get rid of? Perhaps you’re spending more time with your phone than with people and you don’t want to think about how that might’ve happened. Maybe you used to feel closer to God and some of your friends and family than you do today, and you don’t know how to reverse that. You could be feeling on the outside of popular opinion or wondering if you have a place or voice in today’s culture or even in your own family. Or, perhaps you wish you had a church or were more connected at the one you attend.

You’re not the only one feeling lonelier than ever. Loneliness has always been a struggle for many of us and continues to be. But in recent decades, the causes of loneliness have multiplied. A lot has shifted in the world around us, and there is a new loneliness afloat, making the problem more pervasive than ever. In addition to living in an increasingly high-tech and screen-focused society, we’ve been impacted by the forced isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns that persisted for nearly two years all around us. The lock- downs pushed our culture’s reliance on tech and screens even more. Video conferencing alone has forever changed the way many of us operate — at work, in schools, at church, and in our homes.

While the pandemic is now behind us, our increased reliance upon AI, high tech, and screens isn’t. And the habits formulated over an extended time of isolation and caution have led us into a new and different normal. Without necessarily intending to do so, we’ve all become more acclimated to new habits and new ways of going about life. We’ve adapted, but the results of our new normal have had a profound impact on us and aren’t all positive.

Both technology and the consequences of the pandemic have taken us to a place where the traditional kinds of loneliness we’ve struggled with — loneliness caused by anxiety, shame, suffering, feelings of inadequacy, betrayal, and more — have become increasingly pronounced. The kinds of loneliness that have always plagued humanity since the Garden of Eden are still with us. But now we have new obstacles and complications that have contributed to isolating us from others. And these have made loneliness more a part of our lives. In mid-2023, the US Surgeon General issued a health alert that confirmed there is an “epidemic of loneliness” — a health risk of iso- lation (which includes spending more time with screens than people), and a failure to connect deeply with others through friendships and risk of intimacy — that is now increasing your chance of dementia by 50 percent and your chance of premature death by more than 60 percent. It is actually unhealthy to be lonely today — mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and now physically, regardless of your age. According to the Surgeon General, the long-term health risks of loneliness are equivalent to the danger of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day! As I mentioned earlier, people have always suffered from loneliness. We have all felt it now and then. But now it’s more persistent. And these more intense feelings of loneliness didn’t happen overnight.


Excerpted from: The New Loneliness. Copyright © 2024 Cindi McMenamin. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408. www.harvesthousepublishers.com

 

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About the Author

Cindi McMenamin is an award-winning writer and national speaker who has ministered to women for nearly 40 years. She is the author of 17 books, including When Women Walk Alone (more than 160,000 copies sold) and When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts. As a Bible teacher, her passion is to help women strengthen their walk with God and their relationships.

Connect with Cindi by visiting StrengthForTheSoul.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of The New Loneliness, Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons, Well Lived by Sally Clarkson, and a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 8, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Journey to Unshakable Faith
Series: Journeys of Faith #1
Author: Sydney Witbeck
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 2021
Genre: Christian Medieval Action/Adventure Fantasy

Left with no other option, fourteen-year-old Esther is forced to leave the castle for her own safety, not knowing if she will ever see her mother and father again. With only a pack of food and her faithful horse Onyx, Esther sets off on an adventure to find her mother’s people. But the enemy is never far behind, closing in on the princess who eludes them. Will she be able to make it to safety? And will she ever see her parents again? 

When all hope seems lost, Esther soon finds that God never leaves His children on their own. At every turn, Esther meets friendly faces willing to help her as she strives to find a way to get back to her parents. With only her faith in God as her weapon, Esther turns back to home, determined to have the victory once and for all. But will that be enough? It seems that Esther will never see her parents in this world again. And all hope seems lost when Esther is finally captured and hidden away. It’s time for the villagers to take up arms and fight for their freedom. Will they prevail? Or will evil finally win? The true victory lies in finding a faith that is unshakable.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author

 

Interview with Author Sydney Witbeck

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

First and foremost, I am a daughter of the King of Kings. If there is one goal I want to pursue in my writing, it is to give God the glory and make known all His wondrous works (Psalm 105:1-2). God has blessed me with wonderful parents and two sisters. They’ve been my biggest supporters on this crazy writing journey! I live out in the country in beautiful Laurens, South Carolina and help take care of our goats and chickens. Currently, I work as a manuscript editor for a Christian publishing company, Ambassador International.

What do you do besides writing?

When I’m not writing, you can usually find me curled up with my favorite book, making memories with my two sisters, helping my parents at their store – Learning Cycle Homeschool Store, or training my miniature horse, Sunny.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I love castles. The idea of them, the structure, the aesthetics, the size – everything about castles is fascinating to me, especially when you throw in things like dungeons and secret rooms. I’ll try not to give away any spoilers but there is a battle scene that takes place over a couple chapters. About half of it takes place inside a castle. So, I knew I needed to figure out the layout and structure of medieval castles. I researched some and even printed out a couple castle floor plans to help me picture where people would most likely be fighting, where the strengths and weaknesses were, that sort of thing. It helped me write the scene in a way that would be realistic without being confusing. Plus, I got to look through a lot of pictures of castles as part of the research, so that was a bonus!

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

Characters are the first thing I imagine when it comes to starting a new story. Generally, I can already picture them and then maybe I’ll go on Pinterest and try and find a picture that matches what I see in my head. But one website I discovered midway through writing my second book that was very helpful from a visual standpoint is Armstreet.com. They sell everything from Viking jewelry to Medieval armor to Renaissance dresses. They really focus on the historic accuracy of their designs as well as the aesthetics, and I’ve found some pictures there that are close to what I was trying to imagine for my characters!

In order from left to right: Row 1 – Esther, Pellingor & Arianna (Pellingor’s hair should be darker, but I’m just picky 😊), Reia. Row 2 – Malon, Fiona.

All pictures were found on Pinterest and belong to their respective owners. Except the last one. I took the last one of my dog, Lola, who was the inspiration for Esther’s dog, Fiona.

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

I put on music with lyrics while I’m writing (especially during the first draft), my brain will become distracted! So, I tend to listen to a lot of instrumental music and soundtracks throughout my writing process. When writing my first book, the music I turned to the most was the Lord of the Rings soundtrack (which is epic even when you’re not writing, and quite helpful for getting me in the right mood to write my hardest chapter – the battle scene!)

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

As a young, teenage Christian, I struggled a lot with doubt and assurance. I want my readers to come away from this book understanding that those feelings are real, they’re something a lot of people struggle with – even under the surface – but also that you don’t have to stay in that place of doubt and questioning. God is always there for His children, willing to help them and grow their faith. I also want readers to see the importance that Godly friends, role models, mentors, and parents have on their lives. Find those kinds of people and talk to them when you’re struggling. God uses His Word to strengthen our faith, but He also uses other believers.

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

I am currently working on a Nordic/Viking-inspired novel that will hopefully be released in 2025. I want to show what an impact the light of Christianity had on the spiritually dark culture at that time. It will explore the cost of Christianity and forgiving one’s enemies while featuring redemption arcs, storms at sea, and a protective older brother/reckless younger brother duo. I’m excited to share this story as I’ve been having a lot of fun writing it!

 

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Sydney Witbeck is a Christian self-published author. She has a strong love for the Lord, her family, church, and friends. She has been blessed with supportive parents and two sisters and often helps out at the family business, Learning Cycle Homeschool Store. An avid bookworm, Sydney is happiest curled up with a good book. She has always enjoyed reading and rereading her favorite stories – a passion that soon transferred to writing books of her own. Her writing journey began when she heard how many moms were looking for fiction novels for girls that were both clean and Christian. In her free time, she likes drawing, spending time with her dog, and caring for her miniature horse and her three goats.

Connect with Sydney by visiting storiesoffaithfulness.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and signed paperback copies of A Journey to Unshakable Faith and the sequel, A Journey to Abiding Forgiveness.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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