Review: Sundown by Susan May Warren

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--he's found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt's not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it'll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they've vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

My Review

All the loose threads from the overarching plot of the series tie together in this concluding book, as well as provide connections to the individual plots in Sunrise and Sunburst. Tae is on a mission to save the world, and Colt's mission is to save her. The epic plot is full of the adventure, suspense, and thrills of an action movie, while also pulling readers into the emotions, romance, and spiritual growth of our main characters. Colt and Tae are so impulsive that I wanted to smack my head sometimes, but with the support of the other Kingston brothers and a network of friends and colleagues, they stay one step ahead (barely) in their quest to thwart the villains threatening them and the country. I enjoyed the variety of locations in this series and it was so satisfying to have the continuing stories of Colt's brothers woven into this last book.

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

 

Don't miss the previous books in the Sky King Ranch series . . .

 

Review: The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies--and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.

My Review

I was absolutely transported as I read this book with the vibrant characters, rich historical details, and suspenseful plot. I only knew vaguely of the Jacobite rebellion, so it was fascinating to be immersed in the middle of the politics and how it personally affected the lives on both sides. Blythe is both caught in between and stuck in limbo as she hides in the home of Everard who struggles to remain neutral- disliking the king, yet not willing to be caught up the rebellion. I loved how she develops a relationship with the youngest of the brothers, and slowly learns of Everard's layers beneath his gruff surface. The pace of the book picks up as political tensions rise and nobody is able to remain uninvolved in the inevitable battle. I couldn't put the book down as the romance burned brightly and the action became more intense. One of my favorites from Laura Frantz!

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, Excerpt & Giveaway: Relational Reset by Laurel Shaler

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Relational Reset by Laurel Shaler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Relational Reset 

Author: Laurel Shaler 

Publisher: Moody 

Release Date: February 2019 

Genre: Christian Living (non-fiction)

From the author of "Reclaiming Sanity: Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress, and Overwhelming Life Events" comes this Selah Award Finalist on a topic everyone can relate to: Relationships. So, are your relationships all that you want them to be?

Despite our best intentions, we all have blind spots--bad relational habits that are keeping us from enjoying our relationships fully. And since relationships stand at the center of all we are and all we do, if we can learn to do relationships better, every aspect of our lives improves. Whether you struggle to overcome past wounds, insecurity, blame, or envy, it's time to reflect on your relational habits and reset them so that your relationships can be all you want them to be.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

 

Excerpt

When we develop empathy for others, act from realistic ex- pectations, and take responsibility for our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we gain freedom from the negativity that weighs us down and holds us back. When we toss off the weight of unhealthy patterns, we experience renewed strength and confidence . . . and a restored ability to move forward in our relationship with God and our relationships with others. As a counselor and a professor of counselor education and family studies, I wrote Relational Reset: Unlearning the Habits That Hold You Back to help you do just that.

My prayer for you is that this book will equip you to reclaim what God intended all along: healthy, whole, nurturing, loving, satisfying relationships. This can happen regardless of your past and within the many types of relationships in your life. Just think of the freedom you will feel and how much better you’ll sleep when you aren’t staying awake worrying about relationships. Even when others won’t participate in improving a messy relationship, you can learn to be your best you and feel better for having done so.

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About the Author

Dr. Laurel Shaler is a licensed mental health professional and a Professor at Liberty University . She has contributed to many well-known publications including Lifeway's Journey, Guideposts, and Proverbs 31 Ministries. Laurel is the author of "Reclaiming Sanity: Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress, and Overwhelming Life Events" (David C. Cook, 2016) and "Relational Reset: Unlearning the Habits that Hold You Back" (Moody, 2018). She regularly speaks on a wide variety of topics, and has been interviewed by Building Relationships, Focus on the Family, and more. Most importantly, Laurel is a follower of Jesus Christ and seeks to share His love with others. She and her family live in the Deep South.

Connect with Laurel by visiting drlaurelshaler.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 the book and $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 1, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 8, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Ebook available international. 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!

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Expired Return by Lisa Phillips

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Expired Return by Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Expired Return 

Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #1 

Author: Lisa Phillips 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: January 31, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She'll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one. 

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She's watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory's father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it's up to Pepper to protect the people she loves. 

Even if it costs every secret she's ever kept. 

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He's put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn't fix was the love he lost, but he isn't going to let Pepper walk away this time. 

No matter what walls he has to break down. 

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

 

Excerpt

Pepper sat in her hallway across from the bathroom, back to the wall. In front of her, Victory splashed around in the bathtub while Pepper read from the Bible app on her phone. It was the only time she’d figured out to fit it in, even if she wasn’t sure it was working.

They’d had dinner, made a game out of folding laundry—that for some reason involved karate—and watched a couple of episodes of Victory’s favorite cartoon.

She could hardly remember her evenings before her niece came to stay for the holidays. Now she wondered what she would do when Victory went home with Sage.

She wanted Victory home with her mother, where she should be.

Pepper also loved having her here.

This whole situation gave her whiplash, her emotions swinging back and forth.

Did she want Victory back with Sage, or did she just want to wrap the girl up and protect her from her mama’s instability? The fact that keeping her would be a lot like kidnapping shut down those thoughts pretty quickly. Regardless of how she felt about her sister’s choices, and the fact that Pepper’s house was more stable—and drama free—might be a consideration. If this were a court battle.

Pepper let out a sigh and tried to focus on the words.

Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

Tears filled her eyes, but she wasn’t going to cry in front of Victory. She wanted to be able to pray like that, but the girl saw enough fake tears from her mother. She wouldn’t know what to do with Pepper’s sudden rush of sadness—grief at the fact God seemed to never hear her.

Victory started singing a chorus she’d learned in children’s church, loudly and off key. Which oddly sounded like when Pepper tried to sing. Laughter bubbled up, along with the sense of irony that she grieved so much right now, and yet Victory seemed more settled than she’d ever been in her life.

More Books in this Series

 

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About the Author

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians. Discover the world of Last Chance Fire and Rescue at https://lastchancecounty.com/lc-fire

Connect with Lisa by visiting www.authorlisaphillips.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 Expired Return, a $10 Amazon gift card, and sticker swag from Last Chance County!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 7, 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Review: Amazing Cat Facts and Trivia by Tammy Gagne

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Book Description

Whether you want to understand more about your fluffy friend, or are simply fascinated by the mysterious world of cats, Amazing Cat Facts and Trivia is for you.

As everyone who has ever owned a cat knows, no other animal on the planet is quite like this amazing creature. Packed with fun facts and colorful illustrations and photos, this book delves into the history and evolution of cats and feline species and breeds. Learn about the physiology of cats, from their senses to their bodies. And, of course, kittens! Explore the psychology of cats and some of their most curious behavior such as their litterbox activity, sleeping habits, and kneading of their little paws.

Amazing Cat Facts and Trivia also offers valuable advice, including how to:

• Buy or foster a cat
• Take care of cats with disabilities
• Choose a breed
• Decide on an indoor versus outdoor cat

Details about caring for cats, including playtime, carriers, and food and nutrition are covered at length, and health and safety tips help you keep yourself and your cat in tiptop shape.

My Review

I learned some useful information about cats from this book, as well as plenty of fun trivia facts. The graphics were engaging and kept my eyes busy as well as my mind as I read. While much of the advice covers basics that I already knew, there is definitely something for everyone as it covered a wide array of topics, advice, and history. It doesn't need to be read in order- just flip to a page and discover what there is to be found! It is an entertaining book as well as helpful, and long enough to keep the reader occupied for several reading sessions.

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, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Family for the Rancher 

Series: A Ranch to Call Home #1 

Author: M. K. Stelmack 

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 

Release Date: January 24, 2023 

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance 

Can the prodigal cowboy… 

Teach her to hope again? 

 Horse trainer Mateo Pavlic wants to buy back his family’s ranch. But Haley Jansson isn’t interested in selling…or forgiving his twelve-year absence. Mateo has loved Haley since they were kids, and he feels a deep connection with her sweet son, Jonah. Soon, Mateo wants to be all in with Haley and her adorable baby. But can he convince her to risk her land, her child and her heart? 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

Excerpt

 

She giggled. “Are you giving your mom ’tude already?”

“I wonder where he’d get that from?” Mateo said. He thought he’d

spoken softly, but the baby gave a startle reflex, his tiny hands splaying out. Mateo didn’t think. He held his finger out, and the baby grabbed on. A feeling of power and peace and absolute terror spread through him.

He could only imagine what Haley was experiencing. Her eyes were

on him, and she smiled quietly. “Pretty cool, eh?” He cleared his throat. “Yeah.”

He wiggled his finger as if in a handshake. “Hello there. My name is Mateo. What’s yours?”

There was a slight hesitation from Haley, and then she said, “Mateo, I’d like you to meet my son, Jonah Knut Jansson.”

Mateo looked at her in surprise. “But that’s—”

“Your middle name. I know. I’ve always liked that name—and it’s not as if you’re the only one who has it, you know. I’m not naming him

after you, just so we’re clear on that.”

They hadn’t seen each other in twelve years before today, so he believed her. Still. He thumbed baby Jonah’s brand-new soft hand. Still.

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About the Author

M. K. Stelmack writes historical and contemporary romance. She is the author of Heartwarming's A True North Hero series, the third of which, Coming Home to You was made into a movie called Love by Accident. She has also written 'The Montgomerys of Spirit Lake' series. A Family for the Rancher marks the first in her new series, A Ranch to Call Home. She lives in Alberta, Canada, close to a town that the fictional Spirit Lake of her stories is patterned after.

Connect with M. K. by visiting mkstelmack.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 A Family for the Rancher and $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 1, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway Here

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

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Max by Izzy James

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Max by Izzy James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Max 

Series: The Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Series 

Author: Izzy James 

Publisher: Bent Knee Press 

Release Date: December 2019 

Genre: Christian Romance, Time Travel

Trapped in his conservatory for 250 years by the curse of an enraged woman, Max appears to Olivia just before Christmas. Olivia is a young woman waiting for the right man to recognize her strengths and talents. Can Olivia help Max break the curse without breaking her heart?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Excerpt

Olivia removed her coat and laid it on a nearby chair. The room was a bit chilly, but she wouldn’t be here long. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard a bump in the next room. She moved slowly toward the sound while she glanced around for a weapon. She had no desire to encounter a rat or any other critter that might have sought shelter from the cold. Holding her cane in two hands she stepped into the room.

The wardrobe burst open and Max fell out.

 

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About the Author

Izzy James is the pen name of Elizabeth Chevalier Hull. Elizabeth grew up in coastal Virginia surrounded by the history of the founding of our nation. She lives there still with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

Connect with Izzy by visiting izzyjamesauthor.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 the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 24, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Book Tour & Giveaway: Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

Bethany House Publishers

Genre: Historical Romance/Christian

Series: The Blackstone Legacy, Book #3

His steel empire has catapulted him to the top of the world, but loving her could cost him everything.

Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company. But when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work.

Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortunes for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to protect everything--and everyone--they hold dear.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

About the Author

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered story lines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won Christy, Carol, and RITA Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, January 17
Review at Ms. Darcy Reads

Wednesday, January 18
Excerpt at Aubrey Wynne
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Thursday, January 19
Review at Novels Alive
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Friday, January 20
Review at Classicly Kait
Review at Tammy Reads

Saturday, January 21
Review at Reading is My SuperPower

Sunday, January 22
Review at Debjani's Thoughts

Monday, January 23
Review at The Green Mockingbird

Tuesday, January 24
Guest Post at Heidi Reads

Wednesday, January 25
Review at Bookworlder

Thursday, January 26
Review & Excerpt at Older & Smarter

Friday, January 27
Review at The Lit Bitch

Monday, January 30
Review at Jorie Loves A Story
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Tuesday, January 31
Feature at I'm Into Books

Wednesday, February 1
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Friday, February 3
Feature at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

We have two copies of Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Hearts of Steel

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Beauty from Ashes by Pamela Hart

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Beauty from Ashes by Pamela Hart, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Beauty from Ashes 

Series: Beauty from Ashes Trilogy #1 

Author: Pamela Hart 

Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing 

Release Date: July 25, 2022 

Genre: Young Adult Clean Fantasy Romance (Allegorical) 

How far are you willing to go for love? 

When Prince Arnion volunteers to infiltrate the prison colony of Gehenna, romance is the last thing on his mind. Rescuing its inhabitants is his only priority. But the corruption in Gehenna runs deep, fueled by the obsessions of its fanatical leader—a king rumored to devour human hearts. 

To succeed, Arnion must conceal his identity from the people he’s been sent to save, including a young woman he’s inexplicably drawn to. And when her life is threatened by two merciless guards, the prince risks everything to save her. 

Afterward, she wants nothing to do with him or his promises of rescue. But she soon realizes there’s more to Arnion than meets the eye, and what he’s about to unleash on Gehenna will change everything. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

 

 

Excerpt

She could feel grime sticking to her face and the back of her neck. Her throat burned from breathing in quarry dust all day, and her skin itched from the heat rash blossoming from her knuckles up to her wrists. Acadia scratched at it furiously as she walked away from the cart, drawing blood.

She was so consumed with trying to alleviate at least some of the itching that she walked into someone standing in front of her. Acadia might as well have walked into a boulder. The other person didn’t give way at all. As Acadia recoiled back a step, she stumbled.

“Careful,” a gentle grip steadied her.

Her eyes flashed up, and she jerked her arm away.

Oh no.

It was that lunatic again.

“I thought I told you to stay away from me.”

“Hey, you bumped into me this time.”

Acadia scowled. His non swollen eye was crinkled up in a crescent. He was actually smiling. She couldn’t remember the last time she had seen someone smile, certainly never in Gehenna unless you counted the serpentine smirks of the guards when they did something particularly cruel. Not that his smile is particularly pleasant to look at, she thought as she appraised his disfigured and peeling face.

“I didn’t get your name earlier.”

“And you won’t.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “No one uses names here. It’s meaningless.”

“Not to me.”

She shifted her feet warily.

What was with him?

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About the Author

Pamela Hart is the author of Beauty from Ashes and City of a Thousand Tears. Raised on a steady diet of fantasy, science fiction and anime, she spent most of her childhood failing to acquire a Boston accent. Since then, she has slurped ramen in Ikebukuro, stampeded through flamenco lessons in Granada, and splashed her way across a fishpond for the Milkman Triathlon in Dexter. During her travels, she tends to overpack horrendously, but never regrets cramming her backpack full of books to devour along the way. She wanders the planet with Joe, the love of her life, and her adorably maniacal Boston terriers, Willy and Marvin.

Connect with Pamela by visiting pamelahartwrites.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 Beauty from Ashes, 2 themed bookmarks, a $15 Amazon gift card, a book themed tote bag, and a book themed pencil case!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 17, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 24, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. 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!