Blog Tour & Giveaway: Murder at the Courthouse by Meghan Carver

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Murder at the Courthouse by Meghan Carver, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Murder at the Courthouse
Series: Grace Pointe Cozy Mystery #1
Author: Meghan Carver
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: October 28, 2019

The first book in the Grace Pointe Cozy Mystery Series!

“Fiction is a waste of time.”

The heated comment made by a church library ministry team member shocks MacKenzie Baker, but it quickly becomes the least of her worries. 

MacKenzie Baker is an impetuous, eavesdropping small-town librarian who lives in the apartment above the parsonage garage and refuses to be defined as the pastor’s single sister. She thought she was happy for years re-shelving books and helping patrons find their next great read, but as she turns forty, she suddenly struggles to figure out what more to do with her life. Solving murders in her small town of Grace Pointe wasn’t a part of her plan...until she and her brother find a local judge who had come to Pastor Baker for counseling murdered in his chambers, hit over the head with a massive volume of the Indiana Code.

Now, to clear the name of a family friend, she begins to work with the handsome criminal justice professor Ian Canter. Even though the detective with the chocolate brown eyes tells her to stick with making casseroles for the church pitch-in, she soon discovers the Judge’s scheming wife, his rebellious teen daughter, a network of lawyers in Grace Point who were disgruntled with the Judge, and even secrets that lurk among the library ministry team. But with the help of her new kitten Mr. Darcy, her best friend Callie, and her always-pastoring brother, MacKenzie debates the pros and cons of attending law school mid-life while she searches out a killer.

Welcome to Grace Pointe… where most of the people are friendly, the church is to die for, and the sleuthing is as strong as the coffee.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

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EXCERPT

1.      Sleep was slow to come as her mind replayed snatches and pieces of conversations she had overheard throughout the morning. A judge was dead in Grace Pointe. How could this have happened in their peaceful little town?

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By sixth grade, Meghan Carver knew she wanted to write. After earning a degree in English from Millikin University, she detoured to law school, earning a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. She then worked in immigration law and taught Comp 101 at the local college. Now, she homeschools her six children with her college professor husband, writing her stories of cozy mystery and romantic suspense in the nooks and crannies of her time. Her debut novel hit the Publisher's Weekly Bestseller list. When she isn't writing, homeschooling, or planning the family's next travel adventure, she is active in her church, sews for her kidlets, and reads.

CONNECT WITH MEGHAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Cozy Mystery Prize Pack including a “I’d rather be reading a cozy mystery” tee-shirt – size and color to be determined by winner, a signed paperback of Murder at the Courthouse, and $10 Amazon gift card!

(Tee Sizes: small – xxx-large, colors: white, red, gray, pink, or green)

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 14, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 21, 2020. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

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: Return to Sender by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

He never wanted to leave her. She never expected him to return.

If Ariana Stanton has learned anything in life, it's that men leave. She's been taught this lesson well from the father she's never met, who sends her a mysterious letter once a year, to her ex-fiancé, who left her for another woman. So, when she meets the charming and seemingly perfect Jonah, she promises him they will never be more than friends. It's a promise she can't keep. But before he has a chance to leave her, she sends him away.

Dr. Jonah Adkinson has one regret--that he let Ariana remain convinced that love never lasts. But now, nine years later, the single dad is back in Pine Falls and on a mission: prove Ariana wrong. He's determined to win over the love of his life. And this time he won't let anything get in the way, not even her.

Now, not only does Ariana have to face the man she's still in love with, but she must confront the mystery of her father's letters, forcing her to reevaluate the past and her choices. But will it be enough to make her believe that, unlike the letter she's always returned, Jonah is hers to keep?

My Review

Oh my heart! Jonah and Ariana have beautiful chemistry and even though the beginning is heartbreaking, I quickly became caught up in Ariana's present-day transformation of healing and coming to life again as her close friends and grandma stage a bit of an intervention. Jonah's sweet determination to not only reconnect with Ariana but win her heart and commitment was amazing, and through all the bumps in the road of emotional healing they discover how they fit in each other's life again. I thought the personality and mannerisms of Jonah's daughter were so interesting and really brought another layer of depth to the story as Ariana nurtures the inner child that yearns to creep out of the mold but doesn't know how. Ariana's difficult childhood, dysfunctional relationship with her mother, and the influence of her lack of father are explored as she relents to therapy and faces her fears with Jonah's help. I loved the positive view of therapy and how the right therapist can be so helpful. I think it's so important to overcome the stigma so that when the time comes in everyone's life that they may need it, they will not feel ashamed to reach out and embrace the healing. There is a bit of a mystery with the unopened letters that keeps a sense of anticipation throughout the book, and I was satisfied with the resolution that came about. Another winner from this author that had me giggling, smiling, feeling the emotions, and wiping tears.

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

Review: The Last Shot by Amy Matayo

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

It’s the same routine every night, and country music superstar Teddy Hayes wouldn’t have it any other way.

7:00 pm: Arena doors open and fans fill the stands.
7:45 pm: Lights go out and spotlights come on.
7:46 pm: Energy from concert-goers reaches an ear-spitting crescendo.
7:47 pm: Teddy takes the stage and begins to sing.

But tonight, something is off.

It starts when a stage light malfunctions and sends sparks into the air.
It continues when his drummer stops playing and stares slack-jawed in Teddy’s direction.
It dawns on him when a fan doubles-over and a red stain spreads across her shirt.
Something isn’t just off tonight.

Someone in the crowd is shooting a gun.

And it’s up to a female bodyguard he’s never met before to save his life.

My Review

Dang. This book is pretty intense- I mean, the subject matter is a mass shooting. I thought the author really delved into the scene without crossing any boundaries of graphic description, but skillfully explored the emotions and trauma the characters went through, both during and after. Teddy and Jane both have unresolved scars from their pasts which are triggered by the post-traumatic stress. I admired that Jane recognized her feelings and the sources and was able to figuratively wake up and make the changes that she needed to in order to feel like she's herself and really living again. Teddy struggles more with confronting his demons and his feelings of grief and guilt are so raw and complex. The bond he and Jane forged continues as she supports and encourages him to see things more clearly and not let his anxiety rule his choices. This author excels at opening up and revealing the hurts and fears while weaving in the power of hope and healing and love. Each book in the Love in Chaos series is so different- stranded on a desert island, the aftermath of a tornado, and living through a mass shooting, yet the themes of how we process and heal from the chaos in our lives makes them fit together perfectly.

(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 Love in Chaos series . . .

Review: Rebound by Sophia Summers, Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

He's all in. She's all in. Nothing stands in their way--until their families get involved.

Summer Davis, small town librarian, PHD candidate, wants to fall in love.
Rocco De Luca, pro hockey player, didn’t know he was looking for love until he met Summer.

Now they try to navigate getting to know each other around his home game schedule with both their families vying for attention and meddling in ways only big families can. It’s a wonder they can go on a few dates at all once Summer’s brothers learn a pro hockey player is interested in their sister.

But the closer they become, the harder it will be when Summer is offered the chance of a lifetime…far away from their small town in Wyoming.

My Review

As much as I love this series and the sports romances this trio of authors writes, this one sadly fell flat for me. I liked Summer and Rocco, but the relationship didn't have any depth and seemed to move forward on attraction only before they really got to know each other or spent much time together. They had good chemistry, but I didn't feel an emotional connection to them. There also wasn't much of a plot- each time a conflict arose it was diffused in an anti-climactic way. The supporting cast had so much potential with the brothers, the parents, and the Wyoming teammates, but I felt like it was kept surface-level and they were way under-utilized. There was quite a bit of name dropping from the previous books in this series and then also the Belltown Sixpack series, but with no substance to the encounters. I would have rather there been more of a focus and development on a few characters that are close to Rocco and Summer instead of spreading it thin explaining so many connections that aren't really vital to the story. Overall, Summer and Rocco are totally sweet together, but the only memorable thing about them is the way they met (which was a great scene). I'm still looking forward to what comes next for this band of hockey brothers!

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

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Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite! 

Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Northbrook Hockey Elite series:

About the Authors

Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

BookBub | Website | Newsletter 

Heather B. Moore

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance, and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Blog | Email list

Sophia Summers

Sophia Summers is an award winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a

whole lot of charm.

She writes historical romance under a different name. You can follow her on www.sophiasummers.com. Be SURE to join her Newsletter for freebies and fun. 

Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub | Website | Newsletter

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Promise for Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour (and Giveaway!) for Promise for Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Promise for Tomorrow 

Author: Michelle De Bruin 

Publisher: Mantle Rock Publishing 

Release Date: November 12, 2019 

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

Living a life of faith isn’t going the way Logan and Karen hoped until some special visitors arrive and offer them their future back.

Karen Millerson dreamed of teaching high school but now finds herself boarding with a farm family and teaching country school. She is engaged to marry Logan De Witt and is getting prepared to share in ministry with him. But when she gets blamed for the tragic fire at the school, Karen’s future grows uncertain.

Logan De Witt is working to clear his family’s name with the bank. But when he breaks his leg, hindering his ability to work the farm, Logan is faced with life-changing decisions. When his best friend can’t offer the help he requested, can Logan find a way to care for his family and court Karen before his love for her destroys all of them?

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

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EXCERPT

Karen followed Logan out to the wagon that would deliver her to a new home. A parsonage. Her life had come full circle, almost like the Lord was giving her the chance to make right all the things that had gone wrong in her earlier years.

She stole a glance at her fiancé as they drove along. No one possessed a higher integrity than Logan. Would Father have moved into a drafty barn for her mother? Would he have drained his savings to care for those he loved most?

Karen couldn’t answer those questions about him, but she could about Logan. This move to the Silver Grove parsonage was the beginning of the rest of her life. Today marked a passage into new territory. A place where she could prepare to welcome into her life all the goodness and risk and reward marriage to a man like Logan would bring.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015.

Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE:  Website | Facebook | Twitter
 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) US winner will receive a print book of Promise for Tomorrow, chocolates, and quilted table runner. (1) international winner will receive an e-book of Promise for Tomorrow & $20.00 Amazon gift card.

Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 13, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 20, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to 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: Freedom in the Mountain Wind by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The last epic journey before her life changes forever.

Susanna Wilkins will do anything to make her father’s final dream come true, including trek along the path Lewis and Clark explored into the untamed wilds of the Rocky Mountains. Every mile is more crucial now that lung cancer is stealing Pa’s last days faster than she can come to terms with losing him. The journey becomes harder than she ever expected, but paddling upriver through fierce rapids and fighting hungry grizzlies isn’t what terrifies her the most.

Beaver Tail endured more than he can stand from the women in his Blackfoot camp, but the last disaster gave him the final shove he needed to join this band of brothers searching for one of their group who’s gone missing. The last thing he expected was to find a white woman and her sick father stranded at the base of a massive waterfall. His plan is to help them carry their oversize canoe and supplies, then leave them to their strange mission. Yet, the more he learns about the pair, the more he realizes his life is about to be derailed—again.

My Review

It's hard to comprehend that a young woman and her sick father would not only venture into the wilderness but be able to get as far as they did. I love the sense of adventure and the epic grandeur of the landscape that I can always count on from this author's books, and this one lived up to the standards she sets. While the harsh realities of uncivilized travel are expected, encountered, and overcome, this book felt a bit different with the grief Susanna struggles with, watching her father decline and knowing that his end is near. It brought a sense of anticipation of impending heartache, and I appreciated that she did her best to not only fulfill his wishes but soak up her time with him. The harder parts of the story are well-balanced with the friendship and sincerity of Beaver Tail and his comrades, and the sweetness of new love. The characters are well-formed and I felt like I was able to get to know them well as they journeyed. Beaver Tail's spiritual enlightenment was another aspect of the plot that brought depth and a sense of hope to both his and Susanna's future together. I'm looking forward to continuing the series as they search for the brother who is chasing the rumor of a special breed of horse among one of the tribes.

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