Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma by Danielle Thorne

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma by Danielle Thorne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma 
Author: Danielle Thorne
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: October 24th, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Home for the holidays… 

 

Or home for good? 

 

Once upon a time, Ben Cooper left his hometown to follow his dreams of becoming a big-city doctor. Now he’s back to run his father’s clinic and spend Christmas with his daughter, not to fall for McKenzie Price, the woman who broke his heart. But when McKenzie steps in to help Ben reconnect with his little girl, and old sparks begin to ignite, will Ben give up city life for a second chance at love? 

 

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

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

 

Excerpt

Rustic copper locks the same shade as the mums outside the door stopped McKenzie’s usual greeting from reaching her lips. The blood drained from her cheeks as a man with an expensive watch stared at on her name tag. If she imagined him thinner, added gold-rimmed glasses and a generous smattering of freckles, she’d be seventeen again. And so would he.

“Ben Cooper.” She found her words as she wrestled with a confused feeling of pleasant surprise. “I go by McKenzie instead of Mac these days.”

“Well, other than that, you haven’t changed.” Ben smiled, but McKenzie’s response caught in her chest. She knew they’d meet again one day. And with his father ill, she’d recently suspected it would probably be sooner rather than later. “You still wear your hair in a ponytail,” Ben said, as if he didn’t know what else to say.

It’d been twelve years, but McKenzie knew what he was thinking despite the friendly charade. This was the same place she’d worked during high school, and the only thing new about her was she’d changed her nickname back to her full name. But the truth was, she was the same. No family. No career. Not even the little bookstore she’d always said she would own someday.

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About the Author

Danielle Thorne writes happily-ever-afters set in the South for Harlequin Love Inspired. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she also writes stories about Regency ladies, pirates, and not-so-distressed damsels from her home south of Atlanta. Free time is filled with documentaries, too much yard work, and not enough travel. When not writing wholesome romances, Danielle hangs out with friends or chases cats. She enjoys the outdoors and serving in her church and community. Danielle's been married to the same fellow for thirty years, has four sons, four bonus daughters and two grandbabies. She loves them more than life.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win an autographed print copy of The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma, a bookmark, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 7, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 14, 2023. Winner 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.

Enter Giveaway

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

 

Review: Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

My Review

As a parent who adopted, this book spoke right to my heart! I loved the message of God's timing and His perfect plan, which we can't always see, especially when we are in the middle of the journey. I learned some new things about international adoption, which the author pulled from her own personal experience. Josh was such a delightful character, and his vibrant personality offset Lauren's anxiety about her family and her adoption plan. Her family dynamics are complicated and slightly dysfunctional, but you could tell she still loved them even when her feelings were hurt. I felt like I connected with Josh and Lauren individually, but had a harder time connecting to their relationship because Lauren had to hold herself back, then their situation grows even more complicated. I loved all the friends that support Lauren, from her colleagues at work, to her church family, to her adoption support group. There is a strong sense of community and it shows how we can be a conduit for God's love as we serve each other.

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.

Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023!

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2023 Finalists & Winners!

YOU ARE INVITED

The Christy Award Gala 2023
Via webcast
November 16, 2023 | 7 pm CT
Featuring Chris Fabry, Davis Bunn, Janette Oke, and a host of Christy-winning authors

Hosted by Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry, the Christy Award Winners Gala will be held Thursday, November 16th at 7pm CT via free webcast to recognize the finalists and announce the winners of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award. The event will feature two literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. Award presenters will include Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green, Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck, and Kara Swanson.

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The Christy Award Finalists 2023

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg (Larkspur Press)
All That It Takes by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
To Believe in You by Emily Conrad (Hope Anchor LLC)
To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

   

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsfold (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon by Linda MacKillop (Kregel Publications)
Porch Music by Kathy Maresca (TouchPoint Press Faith)

GENERAL FICTION

   

By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett (Kregel Publications)
Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL

   

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar (Tyndale House Publishers)
Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt (Kregel Publications

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

 

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

 

By Way of Deception by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn (Harvest House Publishers)
Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Forged by Sara Davison (Mountain Brook Ink)
The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM

   

Always a Lady (in A Return to Hawthorne House) by Kristi Ann Hunter (Oholiab Creations, LLC)
Hopes and Fears (in O Little Town) by Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications)
Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon (Sarah Monzon)

SPECULATIVE

   

Drawn in Ash by John W. Otte (John W. Otte)
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)
Yesterday's Gone by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall (Tyndale House Publishers)

YOUNG ADULT

   

 

Blood Secrets by Morgan L. Busse (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson (Sara Watterson)
The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd (Scrivenings Press)
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes (Thomas Nelson)
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2023 EVENTS

The Art of Writing webinars on Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT $69
online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9
This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and
recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. - free but registration is required.
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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

 

Review: Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's final request in his will for a special set of beads to be returned to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels west. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came west to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return east or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

Discover the majesty--and treachery--of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller.

My Review

This begins a new series with four sisters from the East, venturing into the mountains on a quest to locate a Native woman who saved their father's life, returning her heirloom beads. Each sister has a unique personality, and I loved the way they complemented each other. Rosemary is the natural leader as the oldest and can be a bit domineering, but they all look to Juniper as well for thoughtful wisdom. Lorelei has a soft heart for animals, nurturing a coyote pup on their journey. Faith is enthusiastic and up for adventure, and follows the lead of her sisters. I was nervous for them as they stayed at the rendezvous with all the mountain men and no protector or guardian, even though they had weapons. Riley immediately saw their need for an advocate and fills the role slightly begrudgingly. The sisters learn to value his input, while not letting him dissuade them from their goal. There was a sense of anticipation with each Indian camp they visit, searching for Steps Right. I loved the natural chemistry between Juniper and Riley, and the sweet, slow burn romance that develops. The sisters made a pact at the beginning of their journey to not depend on any man or start a relationship, which provides the conflict in Juniper's mind as Riley becomes more integral to their mission. While they make some discoveries, the hunt for Steps Right continues and it seems that it will be the overarching plot that connects all the books in the series.

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

Don't miss the next book in the Sisters of the Rockies series . . .