Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Love Her Well by Kari Kampakis

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Love Her Well by Kari Kampakis, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Love Her Well
Author: Kari Kampakis
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Genre: Christian Living/Parenting

Moms are eager for tips and wisdom to help them build strong relationships with their daughters, and Kari Kampakis’s Love Her Well gives them ten practical ways to do so, not by changing their daughters but by changing their own thoughts, actions, and mind-set.

For many women, having a baby girl is a dream come true. Yet as girls grow up, the narrative of innocence and joy changes to gloom and doom as moms are told, “Just wait until she’s a teenager!” and handed a disheartening script that treats a teenage girl’s final years at home as solely a season to survive.

Author and blogger Kari Kampakis suggests it’s time to change the narrative and mind-set that lead moms to parent teen girls with a spirit of defeat, not strength. By improving the foundation, habits, and dynamics of the relationship, mothers can connect with their teen daughters and earn a voice in their lives that allows moms to offer guidance, love, wisdom, and emotional support.

As a mom of four daughters (three of whom are teenagers), Kari has learned the hard way that as girls grow up, mothers must grow up too. In Love Her Well, Kari shares ten ways that moms can better connect with their daughters in a challenging season, including:

• choosing their words and timing carefully,
• listening and empathizing with her teen’s world,
• seeing the good and loving her for who she is,
• taking care of themselves and having a support system, and more.

This book isn’t a guide to help mothers “fix” their daughters or make them behave. Rather, it’s about a mom’s journey, doing the heart work and legwork necessary to love a teenager while still being a strong, steady parent. Kari explores how every relationship consists of two imperfect sinners, and teenagers gain more respect for their parents when they admit (and learn from) their mistakes, apologize, listen, give grace, and try to understand their teens’ point of view. Yes, teenagers need rules and consequences, but without a connected relationship, parents may never gain a significant voice in their lives or be a safe place they long to return to.

By admitting her personal failures and prideful mistakes that have hurt her relationships with her teenage daughters, Kari gives mothers hope and reminds them all things are possible through God. By leaning on him, mothers gain the wisdom, guidance, protection, and clarity they need to grow strong relationships with their daughters at every age, especially during the critical teen years.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook  

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EXCERPT

Encourage one-on-one resolution.

Most girls never learn conflict resolution. When they feel hurt or upset, they blow up or bottle it up. They give the offender a piece of their mind, or they pretend they’re fine while letting the truth seep out through underhanded jabs, cold shoulders, and passive- aggressive remarks.

What starts as a conflict between two girls often escalates into an issue between two groups as word spreads and people takes sides. A girl gets her feelings hurt, and rather than talk with the person who hurt her, she talks it out with everyone but that person.

Taken from “Love Her Well” by Kari Kampakis. Copyright 2020 by Kari Kampakis. Used with permission from www.thomasnelson.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is an author, blogger, and national speaker from Birmingham, Alabama. Her books for teen girls, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know and Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For?, have been used widely across the country by teen youth groups and church groups to empower girls through faith.

Kari’s work has been featured on the TODAY Show, TODAY Parents,Yahoo! News, EWTN, Proverbs 31, Ann Voskamp’s blog, The Huffington Post, and other national outlets. She and her husband, Harry, have four daughters and a dog named Lola. Learn more by visiting www.karikampakis.com or finding Kari on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

CONNECT WITH KARI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(2) winners will receive a print copy of Love Her Well by Kari Kampakis!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 17, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: The Pathways to the Heart by Mandi Ellsworth, Paula Kremser, E.B. Wheeler

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Finding love is a journey in these Regency and Western romance novellas.

The Courtship Cure
Mary Worthington has been raised in sheltered circumstances by her grandfather the duke, but now that her brother has inherited the title, he wishes her to marry well. Doctor Tyndale, a recently made baronet, is intrigued by elusive Mary, but he assumes she is the same social level as his patients and therefore not high enough to meet his father's approval. Can the two discover the truth - and love - in this Regency comedy of errors?

Hiding Gems
Matthew just wants to live in peace on his Oregon ranch. Pearl is seeking shelter for herself and two Chinese children after the 1886 riots drive them out of Seattle. The two are drawn together by their gentle hearts, but they will have to decide if they are willing to stand up and fight against fear and prejudice to find love.

Bootleggers and Basil
Helen Botsari arrives in 1920s Utah as a Greek picture bride, excited for a new life in a land of opportunity. When she discovers that her prospective groom was killed in a railroad accident, she finds herself alone in a foreign land that is increasingly hostile to immigrants. It is up to fellow immigrant Dimitrios Nikolaidis to convince her that America still holds a bright future for her.

My Review

I really enjoyed these stories! I'm always up for a good Regency, and it was fun to have a lady and a baronet both hiding their status while they serve in the local village. The second story was my favorite, and while it was a bit jarring to go from the manners of England to the backwoods of Oregon, with a switch to first person POV, I quickly grew to love Matthew, a gentle giant, and Pearl, the compassionate pillar of strength. Their friendship and romance bloomed naturally as they cared for the two young children and experienced the love of a family. They had such sweet chemistry! The last story shared a bit of history that I was unaware of- the Greek immigrants in the Salt Lake Valley of Utah. They experienced discrimination from a small part of the community, but I appreciated that the author pointed out that the Mormons also knew what it was like to be outsiders and didn't condone the racism. The two main characters are each feisty in their own ways, but learn to overcome their differences.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review & Giveaway: The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He only wanted a duchess for a day―but she's determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life―as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society―the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

My Review

Charlotte is the kind of character that I find easy to relate to in fiction. She loves reading, wants to do what is right but also speaks up, even when it is unpopular, and is compassionate and sacrificial. I loved her newfound passion for helping unfortunate women and the way she developed confidence in herself and in her new role. Marcus has quite a bit on his plate being an unexpected duke, an undercover agent, and new groom. I wish we knew more about his emotions in the early stages of his relationship with Charlotte, but he was just too good at repressing and compartmentalizing. The intrigue of the mystery he is trying to solve comes and goes throughout the book and seems to slow the pace rather than increase it. I enjoyed the focus on Charlotte and the way she navigates the new relationships in her life- husband, difficult mother-in-law, genuine friends, secret half sister, and converted former madam. There is a faith element woven in that is not often emphasized in Regency fiction, and I appreciated the way it gave hope and inspiration to the characters. I hope there will continue to be more in this series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

GIVEAWAY

To Sketch a Sphinx by Rebecca Connolly

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the Hand of Sketch...

Henrietta "Hal" Mortimer has been working with England's operatives and spies for years, her remarkable memory and artistic talents invaluable to many missions. The last thing she expects is to be pulled into a field mission herself, and to be partnered with the most insufferable asset she has ever met. Worse, then, that she has to marry the man.

And the mind of Sphinx...

There are very few people who rattle John Pratt, gifted code-breaker for the Crown, but Hal Mortimer was one of them. Marrying her in order to go into the field for their mission in Paris would be torture, but they had no choice. Will their mutual spite doom their mission before it starts or can they set it aside and work together for the safety and security of their country?

My Review

As different as these two characters are, I loved them as individuals and loved them with each other- both when they are bickering (which they do so well) and when they are romantic. It was refreshing to have a somewhat fresh storyline to follow- the League is taking a new strategy to get ahead of the Faction rather than reacting to it's treachery. I absolutely loved the setting of Paris and the new characters we are introduced to! I'm hoping that we get future stories for the deep undercover spies that helped Hal and John. Sidenote: I have to admit that Hal's nickname often threw me off since it's so masculine in my mind, but it really created a swoony contrast when John would call her Ange. Hal and John each have a "very particular set of skills" (I'm saying that in Liam Neeson's voice in my head), which make them quite brilliant assets. They start out a bit competitive with each other, but as they work together they realize that they perfectly complement each other, in more ways than just their spy skills ;) I loved their chemistry and the way they grew to care for and support each other as true partners. This book has a perfect balance of intrigue, suspense, romance, and action. It wraps up with a satisfying ending, but also with a lead-in to the next book, which I can't wait for!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the previous books in the London League series . . . 

 

 

Book Tour Grand Finale: Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe #RTPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Bookstagram Tour

(With its own giveaway through August 16th.)

Launch - Author Interview

What inspired you to write READY TO TRUST? 

Ready to Trust is the second book in the Hearts of Oklahoma series about the Rainbolt siblings who were raised by the oldest sibling, Mitch. Book 2, Ready to Trust is Reece’s story. I wanted to write about a black sheep who was called back to the flock. That’s Reece. A hunky hero with a heart for the Lord who knows only too well about making mistakes and asking for forgiveness. I think deep down inside I wanted to share that Christian men can be hunky and still be faith heroes. 

Labor Not in Vain - Review

"A second chance romance, full of family, faith, and heart. It was a fast read for me, because it just grabbed me right out of the gate with a quick hook, and I didn't put it down. Zoe is such an adorable little girl, she is so cute! I also really enjoyed Willard, who adds some years of experience and humor to the story. Highly enjoyable and satisfying read, with amazing characters."

Beauty in the Binding - Excerpt

Grief slammed into her like an Oklahoma tornado, pummeling her heart with new aches. Though emotion threatened to spill, she held back tears. She didn’t cry about the past anymore. The past was a lot like what if and Claire didn’t ever go there, because what if was a place for dreamers. She was no longer a dreamer.

Library Lady's Kid Lit - Review

"I love stories of reconciliation and forgiveness. Tina Radcliffe has crafted an enjoyable story, set in Oklahoma, that includes forgiveness of past mistakes and reconciliation that doesn’t happen overnight. . . . The characters are likeable and believable – the kind of people you wish were your neighbors. The plot is well-thought-out with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and reading. . . . While it is an adult novel, Ready to Trust would be appropriate for a k-12 Christian school library. High school girls in particular will enjoy this clean romance."

Books and Zebras - Review

"Let's take a moment to appreciate the hot guy on the cover! Ready To Trust is Tina Radcliffe's second book of her Hearts Of Oklahoma series but can be read as a standalone. This is a fast but meaningful read. . . . I enjoyed reading this book for all the warm fuzzies, humor and inspiration. Tina Radcliffe has written a lovely and charming story that I recommend for fans of contemporary Christian fiction."

Hallie Reads - Review

"As Claire and Reece sort through the complications of their relationship, Radcliffe shares a romance that is delightful to read. I enjoyed getting to know her characters, seeing them move forward from the events and feelings of the past that have held them back for far too long. It is an easy book to recommend to readers in need of a quick and entertaining romance."

Kathryn Cooper Writes - Review

"I enjoyed reading this sweet clean romance with beautiful ranch scenery. It took me through a life story of loss, challenges, and love. . . . Zoe was such a cute little girl in this story. Nan, Asa, Daisy, Mitch, and Willard were side characters that made me smile. I loved the side characters! . . . Claire went through hard things in life and so had Reece. I enjoyed watching them slowly but surely grow together."

Two Points of Interest - Review

"The book was a quick and fairly straightforward read. I like that there wasn't a ton of back and forth drama of misunderstandings. . . . I did love that family played an important role in the novel. I look forward to reading more books from the series."

My Life Loves and Passion - Review

"I really liked Claire, she was someone you could relate to. She has been through so much and dealing with pain and past is hard. Reece though was probably on of the best leading man in a romance novel. . . . I loved that I actually felt what they were feeling. I was on an emotional rollercoaster and didn't want to put the book down. I really enjoyed the story and all the characters"

Pause for Tales - Review

"Reece and Claire have some big issues they need to work through.I enjoyed walking on this journey to true love, albeit a little rocky. . . . This was another delightful romance to curl up with."

Kat’s Corner Books - Review

"Overall, Ready to Trust is a pleasant contemporary read set in Oklahoma, complete with a ranch, an orchard, horses, and even a goat. . . . The interactions between Reece and Zoe were wonderful to read. . . . There are some great secondary characters in this story who made me smile. They served to spur Reece and Clair to think beyond themselves. I like the diversity of situations and perspectives from the various characters and the wisdom they brought to the story."

Through the Fire Blogs - Review

"Tina Radcliffe pulls you into a story of finding yourself, finding hope, and learning that God always has a plan. Even if you don’t know what it might be. . . . The storytelling and characters were perfect for a solid can’t-stop-reading. The humor and grace kept the dark moments from becoming too intense while still telling a heartfelt tale.

This one is going on the keeper shelf. The messages of faith, family, and forgiveness will stay with me for a long time."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

I’m not a long-term kind of guy and I have zero interest in a future...with anyone. The words offered by Reece Rainbolt six years ago mocked Claire as she was seated at a window table at Arrowhead Diner. She stared out the window, fighting the shame of the past. What a fool she’d been—in love with a man who crushed her heart beneath his boot heel and walked away.

Splashes of Joy - Review

"Author Tina Radcliffe does a very nice job of weaving these two families together, hashing out the differences and coming to an ending that will please everyone, or at least it did me. . . . And this sweet romance is sure one that is so much fun to read. I encourage you to check out Ready to Trust for your next fun read."

 

Adventures of a Travelers Wife - Review

"Ahh, Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe was such a sweet story! . . . and let me say I was not disappointed. . . fun characters, the lighthearted romance, and the sense of community that Tina Radcliffe displayed. A truly enjoyable book with a lighthearted feel"

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt

“If you’d let yourself, you’d have more friends in Rebel than you have fingers and toes. You could find a place for yourself and Zoe here. A good life.”

Claire shook her head. “There are too many memories.”

“Make new memories.”

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting - Review

"This author is one of my favorite Love Inspired authors . I was very excited to read this book. Welcome to Rebel Ranch in Rebel, Oklahoma. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. . . . This is a book about second chances and redemptions. The characters are real feeling and well written. The storyline will grab you in the beginning - and you will not want it to end."

 

Baroness' Book Trove - Review

". . . a great book. I loved everything about it and laughed out loud at specific points. Ms. Radcliffe did a fantastic job on this novel. Zoe is such a character, and she will be a handful for her parents in her teen years. I am also recommending this book to anyone that reads inspirational clean, and wholesome romances. Or to ones that love to read romance novels!"

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"Radcliffe has written a romance which in of itself isn't a romance as it is more of a healing of hearts and a second chance at a new beginning for two characters weather worn from life. She takes you through the motions of how one of them is more willing to let go of the past than the other whilst at the same time, there is this little girl in the middle of it all, too. . . . Overall, what I loved most about the story and the characters is how grounded Reece is now in his life and how important family is to him. . ."

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"This is a very cute story about misconceptions, pre-judgements, community unity, overcoming one's past and creating new memories. It is also an inspiring tale about overcoming obstacles and prevailing.

This Christian Fiction will surely uplift and inspire the reader."

 

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"I thought this one was a great read. I loved getting to know Reece and Claire. I could relate to Claire's feelings and her trust issues. It was a delight to read and was easy to keep reading to find out how it would all end.

I am giving Ready to Trust a very well deserved five plus stars."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

“No, you didn’t.” His expression darkened. “You trusted your belief that I would let you down like everyone else. You’ve been waiting for it, expecting my betrayal every single day.” He shook his head.

reviewingbooksplusmore - Review

"I loved Reece’s and Claire story in Ready to Trust. . . . Ready to Trust is a wonderful story. I look forward to reading more of the books in the series."

Happy Cottage Quilter - Review

"Tina Radcliff writes a sweet romance. One about change, forgiveness and second chances. Reece and Claire have some big issues to overcome. I love how Zoe stole Reece's heart from the beginning. . . . The book was enjoyable from the first chapter. Engaging and heartwarming."

Rincón de Joss - Excerpt

“Reece? Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked quietly this time.

He sucked in a ragged breath and struggled to calm himself. “I don’t know what I am, to tell you the truth.”

“I understand and I know this isn’t easy,” Nan said. “But try to be kind.”

Uplifting Reads - Review

"This story was so familiar to me for some reason. Then again, I have been reading a lot of these inspirational, second chance and rancher romances lately. I'd say that you have the same general formula as a lot of those books, but Tina makes this story her own and you'll love [following] Claire and Reece along their journey."

Reading Excursions - Review

"She has a gift for creating realistic characters and such small towns that readers may want to flock to them. . . . I absolutely loved this story . . . Fans of the author and the previous novel are sure to enjoy this book. It was as sweet and precious as the first novel. Overall this is an adorable, heart-tugging, beautiful, peachy treat of a book!"

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

And he did recall. He’d often find himself in the library watching her shelve books as he struggled over homework assignments. She was always polite when he had questions about locating resource books. Claire was one of the few people at Rebel High who saw him as a person, not just a pretty face or a dumb jock. That was enough to fuel a crush on her that he never told anyone about.

Remembrancy - Review

"The Rainbolt family and the town of Rebel, Oklahoma invite readers in and make them feel so welcome, they will not want to leave. And, even when they’re pushing at each other, every scene with Reece and Claire spending time together is one I devoured.

Add to that the handsome cowboy whose heart is wrapped up in his little girl from the moment he meets her, and you just can’t get much better."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Ready to Trust

(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home

(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

And coming in December...

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

Ends August 19, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review: Coming Home to Maverick by Sophia Summers

 

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Bailey is back. Maverick thought he was over her. But neither can deny the feelings that will always be there.

Bailey has made mistakes, so many she doesn't think she'll really ever forgive herself. But her daughter deserves the kind of life Bailey had growing up. When she shows up on her parents' doorstep back to her hometown, the one person she isn't ready to see is Maverick. But will she ever be able to face him?

The minute Maverick hears Bailey is back, he knows his heart still belongs to her. But what kind of man trusts a woman who left him at the altar? As he grapples with a new daughter that he can't help but wish was his, all the responsibilities of running his family's ranch, and the hurt he feels about Bailey's betrayal, he finds new love and hope not only with her but with God.

As soon as God is a part of the equation, the sweetness they find is better than they ever had. Just maybe this second chance around is God's gift of happiness to them both.

My Review

This is a feel-good second chance romance set in small-town Texas. There are strong themes of homecoming and forgiveness as Bailey reconnects with the family and friends she left behind with no word or explanation. While it's understandable that she had wanted to chase her dreams of being a singer, I didn't get why she ghosted people she had such good and strong relationships with. She does an awful good job of self-flagellation for her bad choices now that she's back home, and her parents and Maverick are both encouraging of her turning things over to God for healing. The characters seem almost too good to be true, and the slower pace of the story matches the setting, making it a relaxing read.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)