Takeover Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Positively, Penelope 

Series: Skymar #2 

Author: Pepper Basham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Told mostly through letters, texts, and email, this contemporary romance will charm its way into hearts as Penelope rescues a theater and discovers her true self in the process.

Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage. 

Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine. 

With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s. 

Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?

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

My Review 

 

My head was spinning as I read this book, and I never was able to get into the rhythm of the story told through messages, all in a snappy narrative. The sibling relationship between Izzy, Penelope and Luke is fun, but their random commentary sidebars were distracting from my attempts to visualize Penelope's setting. Hopping between texts and emails (often without the story finished- a habit of Penelope's) was jarring and made it difficult to keep everything straight. I enjoyed Penelope's effervescent personality, which bubbled off the pages. She compares herself to Mary Poppins and Maria VonTrapp, and I would concur, with the addition of about twenty Red Bulls. She has plenty of witty opinions on the world and people around her, but I had difficulty connecting to her or any of the characters because of the reading whiplash I experienced from the format. I would recommend this book to fans of Gilmore Girls, it definitely reminds me of Lorelei's fast-talking quirky conversations. 

 

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.

More Books in this Series

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About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. Pepper's novel, Hope Between the Pages, was a 2022 Christy award finalist. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Connect with Pepper by visiting pepperdbasham.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 Authentically, Izzy, $20 Amazon gift card, and a Peter Pan mug!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 2, 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

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

COVER REVEAL! The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

 

I'm thrilled to participate in the cover reveal for 

Katherine Reay's upcoming book, The Berlin Letters!

 

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I love so much about this cover! The model's pose, the outfit, the car, the title font, the color scheme- it all goes so well together to create a stunning book cover that makes me want to pick it up. 

 

Keep reading to learn more about the book!

Synopsis

Near the end of the Cold War, a CIA code breaker discovers a symbol she recognizes from her childhood, which launches her across the world to the heart of Berlin just before the wall comes tumbling down.

November 1989—After finding a secret cache of letters with intelligence buried in the text, CIA cryptographer Luisa Voekler learns that not only is her father alive, but he is languishing in an East German Stasi jail. After piecing together the letters with a series of articles her grandfather saved, Luisa seeks out journalists Bran Bishop and Daniel Rudd. They send her to the CIA, to Andrew Cademan—her boss.

Luisa confronts Cademan and learns that nothing is a coincidence, but he will not help her free her father. So, she takes matters into her own hands, empties her bank account, and flies to West Berlin. As the adrenaline wears off and she recognizes she has no idea how to proceed, Luisa is both relieved and surprised when a friend shows up with contacts and a rudimentary plan to sneak her across the wall.

Alternating storylines between Luisa and her father, The Berlin Letters shows the tumultuous early days of the wall, bringing Berlin, the epicenter of the Cold War, to life while also sharing one family’s journey through secrets, lies, and division to love, freedom, and reconciliation.
 

About the Author

Katherine Reay is a national bestselling and award-winning author of several novels and one work of nonfiction.

For her fiction, Katherine writes love letters to books, and her novels are saturated with what she calls the “world of books.” They are character driven stories that examine the past as a way to find one’s best way forward. In the words of The Bronte Plot’s Lucy Alling, Katherine writes of “that time when you don’t know where you’ll be, but you can’t stay as you are.”

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Review: Jane Austen's Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The ultimate companion for the Jane Austen fan filled with her penetrating insights and humor on life, love, and death.

Jane Austen is one of the most popular female writers in history, best known for her stories of love, loss, and hope, which are cleverly intertwined with her witty insights into the traits and expectations of English Georgian society.

Here, in this stunning little book, you will be able to read hundreds of individual quotes from her famous works—from Pride and Prejudice and Emma to Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility—each prompting an emotional response, thoughtful musing, or even a little snigger at the wise and shrewd perceptions that Austen had of the world around her.

Utterly charming and very profound, fans of Jane Austen can revel in these much-loved quotes, while a new audience will be introduced to the joys that her books have provided since their publication many years ago. With each chapter focusing on a different theme—from Love & Longing to Female Strength—this gorgeous gift book is the perfect compilation of Austen’s funny, moving, and thought-provoking words.

Content of themes:
❤️ Love & Longing
❤️ Friendship
❤️ Home & Society
❤️ On Being a Woman
❤️ Life, Death, and Spirituality
❤️ The Arts, Intellect, and Literature
❤️ Good Manners, Virtue, and Vice

❤️ A Philosophy of Life

My Review

This little book (about 5 inches square) has over 300 pages of quotes from the incomparable Jane Austen! They are from all her major works, poetry, and personal letters. The quotes are divided into eight categories, and it has been a joy to flip through and find nuggets of inspiration, humor, and wit. One from Pride and Prejudice that applies to my most social daughter is, "There is nothing so bad as parting with one's friends. One seems too forlorn without them." It made me chuckle since she is constantly asking for playdates- even when she has just finished one! The complete works of Jane Austen are listed at the end of the book, including her lesser known writings, and I was surprised to discover several blank pages decorated with a sweet filigree border for the reader to write in- for journaling thoughts, more quotes, etc. This lovely book would make the perfect gift for Austen-lovers!

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.

PRAISE FOR JANE AUSTEN’S LITTLE BOOK OF WISDOM

“A valuable resource for any Austen lover to use for quick reference or to read through.” —Library Journal

“It’s a lovely way to spend a little time each day revisiting and reflecting on Austen’s beloved works without embarking on a full reread—and also to test your ability to peg each isolated quote to specific events in its respective story. Feel free to invite your fellow Austenites over and turn it into a full-fledged trivia game.” —Mental Floss

“For Austen fans and lovers of wise words, Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature compiled by Andrea Kirk Assaf, provides a genuine treasure trove. Assaf has curated a wonderful collection here, her other works encompassing popes and saints, precisely in line with the reverence Austen deserves.” —NewPages.com

 

“This lovely book will provide a daily diet of Austen sensibility every day of the year. My vote: 4 out of 4 teacups.” —JaneAustensWorld.com 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. 

 

Andrea Kirk Assaf is an editor, journalist, and translator who divides her time between Rome and Michigan. 

Review: Tiny & Wild: Build a Small-Scale Meadow Anywhere by Graham Laird Gardner

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Go low-maintenance and no-mow while supporting nature and biodiversity by planting a mini wildflower meadow with guidance from Tiny & Wild.

The word “meadow” might conjure an image of a broad, expansive prairie covering acres of land, but it doesn’t have to. Meadows don’t have to be big to make a difference in the health of the planet. If you choose the right plants, even a small corner of the yard will do. In Tiny & Wild, you’ll learn how to embrace your wild side and create a low-maintenance miniature wildflower meadow that’s teeming with life.

The perks of creating a wild planting, even on a small scale, are many. Tiny but mighty meadows help mitigate climate change, foster biodiversity, sequester carbon, and calm the senses. With as little as a few square feet of space, you can create a beautiful, naturalistic planting that supports a diversity of plants, pollinators, and a plethora of other living things, not to mention its visual appeal to human eyes. Author and landscape designer Graham Laird Gardner helps you find inspiration in natural spaces so you can successfully site, design, plant, and care for your own small-scale meadow.

Whether you live in the city or in suburbia, perfect places for a mini meadow are everywhere: 

- A small corner of the yard
- The pocket-sized area between the house and driveway
- Along a property line
- Flanking the front walk
- Around your mailbox
- Tucked next to the front stoop
- At the center of the vegetable garden
- In a raised bed
- Containers, deck boxes, and patio pots
- In the sliver of land between the sidewalk and the street

The plant lists and charts in Tiny & Wild share the best plants to include in your micro prairie, and Graham offers plenty of practical advice on planting your meadow from seed, transplants, or mature plants, depending on your budget, the site, and your timeline. Plus, learn how to care for your wildflower planting, including tips for watering, plant care, and weed management.

Discover how small spaces can make a big difference in Tiny & Wild.

My Review

I'm currently planning the landscaping for both my front and back yards, and it is a bit overwhelming! The more I read about native plants and supporting the bees, birds, and butterflies, the more a meadow-type landscape appeals to me. I appreciated the foundation this book gave me and the things I learned that I need to consider. The author addresses the benefits of meadow-scaping, finding inspiration, and the planning, designing, preparing, planting, and maintaining of meadows small to large. The natural and native look is beautiful, and I enjoyed perusing the lists of suggested plants, divided by category: mid-height dry sun plants, tall dry sun plants, mesic to wet sun plants, grasses, annuals, edible plants, part-shade plants, groundcovers, bulbs and bulb-like plants. I'm more excited to get my soil prepared and design my yard after reading this book, and plan to refer back to it as a reference.

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.

Review: The Art of the Travel Journal by Abbey Sy

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Learn how to create a one-of-a-kind travel journal that documents your adventures using drawing, painting, lettering, ephemera, and more.

Travel journaling is a fun, creative way to record the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of life on the road. In The Art of the Travel Journal, you’ll find techniques, ideas, and inspiration for creating a lasting record of your travels that you’ll treasure for years to come. No experience is necessary, and you can bring your signature style or develop new ones as you discover exciting new artistic opportunities.

You’ll discover how to make your journal pages come to life with easy techniques for sketching the big picture or small details, adding simple lettering, creating stunning color palettes, and decorating pages with fun mementos that travelers love to collect, such as tickets, packaging, maps, and more. Also find tips on how to work in transit and how to plan and pack for maximum efficiency and enjoyment. Best of all, the techniques also work for documenting life right where you are, and beginners can dive in and create with confidence.

Author Abbey Sy (Instagram: @abbeysy) is a veteran traveler who has created her own travel journals for years, sharing the records of her global escapades on her social media platforms. In addition to filling this book with step-by-step instructions for a variety of techniques, she takes a holistic approach to journaling by including information on the benefits of journaling, how to hone a creative habit, and how to develop a unique style.

Other features of the book: 

- All facets of journaling are covered, from start to finish: pre-trip planning, setting intentions, gathering supplies, staying motivated, and how to archive completed journals.
- Not sure which supplies to take? Sometimes less is more—get a rundown on how to build the best compact traveling art kit.
- Explore special sections on making a travel zine and sending artful postcards, enriching the experience of being on the road.
- Learn composition tips for creating stunning journal pages and spreads.
- Get great ideas for storing ephemera and other bits travelers collect.
- Discover journal spread ideas for a variety of themes, such as architecture, museums and galleries, plants and nature, and food and drink. 

- Find creative ideas for documenting short trips and staycations.

 

Tickets? Check. Passport? Check. Travel journal? Check! Let The Art of the Travel Journal make every trip satisfyingly creative.

My Review

This book is so helpful in motivating and inspiring me to incorporate art into my road trips and travel! I loved the variety of themes, layouts, and styles presented. Creating a supplies kit so your journal can be built along the way is vital, and I appreciated the list of things to include. The tutorials were easy to understand with photographs and instructions. I gathered plenty of ideas for the future and look forward to starting my first travel journal soon!

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.

Review: Let It Be Me by Becky Wade

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have.

Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school math teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery—Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.

Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream—to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.

When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life—like love—can't be explained with numbers.

My Review

These characters were so interesting! Sebastian is part of the group of kids that survived a collapsed building during an earthquake, so we get to know him a bit in the previous books. He was a bit of an enigma, so it was really fun to get in his head, learn about his true feelings and how he views the world. I loved his friendship with Ben (and Ben's awesome family), and how he stayed loyal to Ben even though it was a major struggle as his feelings for Leah deepen. 

 

Leah's journey is not what she anticipated- taking care of her brother and teaching high school math- but her latest twist really throws her. Sebastian is a huge support in her search for answers, and as they allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other their attraction and chemistry just increase. An angsty yet hopeful story with layered characters and a dynamic supporting cast.

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 other books in the Misty River Romance series . . .

 

Review: Romancing the Artist by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renown artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline’s friends warn her that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever, but Caroline refuses to let go of the hope for something more. 

 

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take over the management of the estate from his father. His new responsibilities are many and varied, and include marrying the girl his parents have selected for him. Unfortunately, the chosen bride is in love with another, and Edward would rather help her cause than champion his own. When he stumbles upon Miss Clapham painting in the woods, he hatches a plan to help both himself and his supposed intended. The beautiful young artist agrees to enter into a pretend courtship with him, but before summer’s end, Edward’s emotions are far from feigned. 

 

Though it starts as a ruse, Caroline and Edward’s relationship quickly deepens into something neither of them expected. Edward has a role to fill, and Caroline’s lifelong dream is almost within reach. Will their pretend courtship have the chance to blossom into more, or will Edward follow the wishes of his family and risk breaking more than his own heart?

My Review

An absolute delight! I felt immersed in the setting and the characters' emotions. I loved Caroline's progress as an artist, that she recognizes her talent but also her desire for growth and further mentorship. It's fun to have characters from the author's previous books playing roles in this new series among the younger generation. It's interesting to see the dynamics between Caroline and her stepfather Lord Neil, as well as her art mentor, Lady Inglewood (Esther, from Rescuing Lord Inglewood- this makes me want to read it again!) Edward and Caroline have delicious chemistry based on friendship, and I enjoyed every minute of reading this book, even when they were still trying to figure out the future and the potential for their blossoming relationship while also following their dreams and fulfilling the expectations of others. 

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.

Book Tour & Review: A Wyoming Summer (Timeless Western Collection) by Carla Kelly, Christine Sterling, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Can true love survive the changing seasons?

ELLEN FOUND by Carla Kelly
Set in location of Old Faithful Inn, 1903-4. Working in a discouraging cafe, Ellen escapes an awful situation in rough and tumble Butte, Montana, and goes to work as second in command to a wary cook in the shell that will become Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park. She meets Charles Penrose, head carpenter on the massive project of Old Faithful Inn, which is being finished in a harsh Wyoming winter. Will it really open June 1, 1904? Can Ellen start to trust the other workers? What will she learn about the other employees? And Charles. He's a widower with a young daughter there, too. Like Ellen, he wants more.

THE WIDOW OF DAYBREAK by Christine Sterling
Doris Whistler is learning how to survive in a town taken over by outlaws. When the leader of an infamous gang murders her husband, her choices are to tuck tail and run, or stand her ground and make Daybreak as promising as its name. It proves to be a difficult task with the good citizens in fear of the corrupt mayor and godlessness that abounds. What she doesn't expect is the support of a traveling lawman who believes in her and the tiny town she loves so much.

MAY I KISS THE BRIDE? by Heather B. Moore
Viola Delany is not happy about being sent to the middle-of-nowhere, small town Wyoming. Yes, it will be good to let the gossips find something else to talk about other than her failed engagement. And yes, it will be nice to spend the summer with her Aunt Beth. But as Viola sits on the train heading for Wyoming, wondering how she'll ever occupy her time in such a small town, none other than a real life cowboy sits across the way. She can't help but take peeks at him, noting that the condition of his unpolished black boots and scuffed rawhide jacket seem to be authentic . . . All right, so he might be tall, dark-haired, and handsome if a woman doesn't mind green eyes and a dangerous-looking scar, but this man certainly has nothing to do with her. Besides she'll never see him again. What are the chances he's traveling to the same middle-of-nowhere small town?

My Review

This collection was such fun to read! The first story set in Yellowstone was rich in historical details, a trademark of author Carla Kelly. She also wove in characters that came to life with admirable and realistic strengths. Ellen is sincere and genuine, with a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude despite her humble situation. She's a great match for gentle Charles and his lovable daughter Gwen. There are challenges that test the workers but with their enthusiasm for the project of building Yellowstone's large inn, they pull together as a group and find friendship, healing, and love.

The second story was by an author I had not yet read, set in a small declining town due to the outlaws running the sheriffs and families away. I could really feel the desperation of Doris. I had a harder time connecting to these characters since I didn't understand some of the choices they made that were not common sense. There was plenty of drama as Buck needlessly waits weeks to apprehend the outlaws with tensions escalating. 

 

I enjoyed the last story as Viola reinvents herself and discovers that it is possible to pursue her dream of studying to become a nurse against the wishes of her parents. The sheriff provides encouragement and support, which she had not experienced before, especially from a man. There is humor as the majority of the town's bachelors line up at Aunt Beth's bakery to catch a glimpse of Viola. The secondary characters are interesting and add to the story.

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 other books in the Timeless Western Collection series . . .

 

 

About the Authors

Carla Kelly started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars. She like writing about warfare at sea and ordinary people of the British Isles, rather than lords and ladies. In her spare time, she likes to read British crime fiction and history, particularly the U.S. Indian Wars. She is a former park ranger, and double Rita Award and Spur Award winner. She currently lives in Utah, has five interesting children and four grands. Carla’s favorite authors include Robert Crais and Richard Woodman.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Christine Sterling is a USA Today best-selling author who writes small-town inspirational romances with a touch of humor. Most of her stories take place in the plains of Nebraska or Colorado, but she will write wherever there are cowboys needing to find love. Her favorite stories involve tight-knit families, and you will often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories.

She lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, four dogs, and one spoiled cat, aka The Floof. She can often be found in her garden with a notebook and a cup of tea.

Bookbub | Bookfunnel | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today best-selling and award-winning author of more than seventy publications, including The Paper Daughters of Chinatown. She has lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as Hawaii, and attended school abroad at the Cairo American Collage in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about history and is passionate about historical research.

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