Blog Tour, Excerpt &Giveaway: An Unlikely Proposal by Toni Shiloh

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for An Unlikely Proposal by Toni Shiloh, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: An Unlikely Proposal 
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: February 1, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Their friendship can survive almost anything…

For two best friends, marriage could be their greatest test yet…

Trinity Davis must not have heard firefighter Omar Young correctly. Did her handsome widowed best friend just suggest they get married? Omar needs a mom for his adorable little girls, and it’ll fix Trinity’s financial woes. But saying “I do” isn’t just business. Especially when the only vow they’re in danger of breaking is their promise to not fall in love…

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

EXCERPT

 
“Did you have to look so shocked by saying three little words?”
 

“We’re not like that!” Why was Trinity mad at him?
 

“I know that. You know that. The girls weren’t even insinuating something romantic.”
 

“It just caught me off guard since we’re married now.”
 

“That doesn’t change anything, Omar. You know that. We entered this for a mutually beneficial arrangement. Don’t treat me like I have cooties.”
 

“Trinity, come on. You mean to tell me it didn’t surprise you?” He motioned for her to walk down the stairs.
 

“Of course not. I’m not falling in love again. Ever. And you…”
 

“I’m still in love with Christine.”
 

“Exactly.” She sighed, grabbing the end of one of her braids. “Sorry. I just don’t want our friendship to change and it seems like it has anyway.”
 

“Still friends?” he asked, holding out his hand.
 

“Yes.” She slid her hand into his. “Next time just say you love me. Remember, I already know it’s as a friend.”
 

But as much as he didn’t want their friendship to change…
for him, it already had.

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at tonishiloh.com. 

CONNECT WITH TONI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of An Unlikely Proposal, a Texas bluebonnet mug, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 1, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 8, 2021. 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.

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Driven by Sara Davison

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Driven by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Driven 
Series: Night Guardians #3
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: February 1, 2021
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Children aren’t the only ones who can disappear. 

Driven by ongoing grief and relentless dreams, Holden Kelly is determined to track down the child his brother Gage abducted eight years earlier. The kidnapping that saved Matthew Gibson’s life had cost Gage his. Proving his brother hadn’t sacrificed his life for nothing might be the only way Holden can start fully living his again. And it could be the last chance he has to find his way back to the wife he loves but who is also mired in grief and a crisis of faith. 

Mikayla Grant has nightmares of her own. A road trip with private investigator Jax Rodriguez—a man she is drawn to even though his primary goal seems to be to drive her crazy—can’t be the way to heal from a terrible loss. Can it? 

 As Holden, Mikayla, and Jax follow the missing child’s trail from Toronto to Chicago, their mission is not as secret as they thought. Someone knows they are coming and will stop at nothing to prevent them from finding Matthew. 

And to make sure that no one ever hears from the three of them again.

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

 

EXCERPT

Grabbing the knife, she waved it in Nicole’s direction. “I’m only staying for Christina’s sake. I am not interested in meeting some random guy who makes a living out of sticking his nose into other people’s business.”

Nicole ripped a few paper towels from the roll mounted beneath a cupboard and wiped the gravy off the floor. “He’s not a random guy. I really like him and he’s a friend of Daniel’s, so you know he’s okay.”

Mikayla had to give her that one. Grudgingly. “Even so. I am not looking to get involved with—”

The doors swung open and a tall man in black jeans and a fitted gray, V-necked T-shirt under a light khaki leather jacket stepped into the kitchen. His long, dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and even from across the room, his eyes appeared so dark they were almost black.

Mikayla pressed her lips together to stifle a groan. You have got to be kidding me. This was the random guy? In addition to the extra effort God had clearly put into him, the man definitely knew how to dress. Weren’t private investigators supposed to be good at blending in, not drawing attention to themselves? If so, he had to be the worst PI in the world.

 

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of three romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, and The Rose Tattoo Trilogy. She has been a finalist for ten national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, a Selah, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children. The words on the mug she uses every morning pretty much sum up her life—I just want to sleep, drink coffee, and make stuff up. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Driven and a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 1, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 8, 2021. 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!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Set at Nashville's historic Belle Meade Plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in America's history, To Whisper Her Name weaves the struggles of real people of the post-war South with the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.

Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from "Aunt" Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Harding's head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a Southern man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.

Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn "the gift" that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.

As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for "betraying" the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.

My Review

I was sucked right into the story and the lives of Ridley and Olivia as they struggle and thrive in the post-Civil War South. I can't imagine Olivia's feelings of helplessness after not only an abusive marriage, but also the shunning from all society after his misdeeds came to light. Even with the compassion shown her by her mother's friend, her options are still limited, being expected to make a match with one of the general's friends. I admired her grace and the way she seeks to help those around her in small but significant ways. Ridley is taking a big risk by working at Belle Meade with the general's strong anti-North sentiments, but the priceless lessons he learns from Uncle Bob are worth it, as well as his deepening feelings for Olivia. I loved the way the setting and era was brought to life with the complex dynamics of the time.

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.

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Don't miss the other books in the Belle Meade Plantation series . . .

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hope Series by E.C. Jackson

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Gateway to Hope

(Hope Series #1)

By E. C. Jackson

Christian Contemporary Romance

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 297 Pages

May 20, 2015

Twenty-one-year-old Neka is a bit of an introvert, she also happens to be stunningly beautiful.

When she discovers her friend James is about to be dumped, she sees the perfect opportunity to escape from her quiet life. Can she summon the courage to leave it all behind?

James Copley comes from a ruthless family. It’s rubbed off.

Years ago, he disengaged from his brother’s smear campaign, but now his father has offered him an ultimatum, “Get married or lose your seat at the table.”

Plotting to stamp his design on the family business, he proposes to a woman, even though he doesn’t love her.

But his carefully laid plans start to unravel when she leaves him on the day she’s due to meet his family.

Could years of planning his comeback vanish with her departure?

A possible solution comes in an unexpected form: Neka. She’s not only a friend, but the daughter of his benefactor. And she’s right there, offering to support him.

But will her support stretch to marriage?

He attempts to win her over to his plan but collides with her powerful father who wants to leverage the situation for his own gain.

In their fight for survival and love, they are forced to face some uncomfortable truths.

Can they overcome thwarted dreams and missed chances to find true love, or does forcing destiny’s hand only lead to misery?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

A Living Hope

(Hope Series #2)

By E. C. Jackson

Christian Contemporary Romance

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 287 Pages

July 31, 2016

It was a match made in heaven. Or so everyone thought. Sadie Mae Cummings is all set to marry her childhood sweetheart, Kyle, when she is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back. This sophomore phenomenon has all the girls on campus knocking on his door. But Sadie isn't interested in his advances.

Lincoln’s overblown ego doesn't take well to being shunned, and he resolves to make Sadie his own. He pursues her relentlessly, until finally Kyle finds himself shut out of Sadie's life, with their shared future crumbling around him.

After two years, Sadie’s relationship with Lincoln ends, and she is left having to put the pieces of her life back together. She desires nothing more than to recapture her relationship with Kyle. He has stayed true to the dreams they had planned together, living the vision even without Sadie by his side.

When she moves back to her hometown, she labors to rekindle their love. But things have changed, and Kyle has moved on. Sadie quickly discovers how hard it is to rebuild burned bridges.

Follow Sadie’s story as she fights for a chance to restore broken dreams. Will love endure?

This inspirational romance by E. C. Jackson is book two of the Hope series and is a standalone book.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

The Certain Hope

(Hope Series #3)

By E. C. Jackson

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 318 Pages

December 5th 2018

Love at first sight. It’s every girl’s dream. But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions. She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future? Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

The Confident Hope

(Hope Series #4)

By E. C. Jackson

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 338 Pages

September 28, 2020

Is there hope for this love between friends?

Pamela Hayes is a smart, successful business owner with a supportive family and a thriving bakery. She should be the happiest girl in the world. But she can’t shake the melancholy that accompanies every conversation she has with her best friend, Mark. Pamela doesn’t know how much longer she can hide her true feelings.

Why can’t Mark see how perfect they would be together? She would make a much better girlfriend than the one he currently has. Pamela prays he’ll come to his senses soon and realize he’s with the wrong girl. But when her dream comes true, it isn’t the fantasy she had envisioned.

There is trouble in paradise from the start, and all the red flags she’s been ignoring are starting to threaten her confidence…and her relationship with Mark. She’ll have to rely on family and her faith in God to help her secure the hope she so desperately needs.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

EXCERPT

The Certain Hope

It’s time to spend the rest of our evening alone.

Luke smoothed Tara’s hair with his hand, smiling when her teeth nipped her bottom lip. His finger lingered in a tangle that curled around her ear. Tara’s facial expression depicted determination— but to what end?

She cleared her throat. “Have you ever attended an interactive sky show at the planetarium? If so, did you like it?”

Her lips quivered. Did she want to laugh? No. Her eyes are solemn. She’s sad.

“Not since my elementary school days. We could go next week.”

Tara studied her hand instead of him. “Tell us about your previous blind dates.” Her gaze sought his when her lips trembled. “Am … I the first? … Do you normally … date strangers?”

Her awkward retort to a simple response about a potential date location bothered Luke. Tara should be more at ease by now.

Luke stretched out his hand, palm up. Perhaps his body language would elicit trust where his words hadn’t.

Without looking at him, Tara lay her palm on his.

Luke enclosed her hands in his grasp and tugged her arm. Her gaze centered on him as she rose. The ambivalence in her eyes compelled Luke into action.

He gazed at the room at large. “I thoroughly approve of Tara changing the subject. However, my response may cause her embarrassment.”

Bewildered eyes focused on Luke. Tara tugged away from his hold.

When he held her hand tighter, the question in her gaze flipped. Her body trembled as the pulse in her thumb throbbed.

Maybe she understands the depths of my feelings after all.

 

About the Author

E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. Thirty-one years later, she adapted the play into Pajama Party: The Story, a companion book to the second book in the five-book standalone Hope series.

Jackson’s favorite pastime is reading fiction. She enjoys taking the journey along with the characters in the books. That also led to her unorthodox approach to story writing. Her vision for each book she writes is to immerse readers into the storyline so they become connected with each character.

“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on her website and Facebook author page. She feels that if every person reading her books feels connected to the characters, her job is done.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card (US only)

Ends February 10, 2021

ENTER HERE

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson #LoxbyManor #AbigailWilson #HFVBTBlogTours

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson

Publication Date: January 26, 2021

Thomas Nelson

Paperback & eBook; 336 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Regency

A story of second chances and secrets, this mysterious Regency romance will transport you to 19th-century England as one young lady reunites with her childhood love to find his missing sister.

Her friend is missing.

After five years abroad, Charity Halliwell finally returns to Loxby Manor, the home of dear friends—and her lost love. No longer a young girl, she is now haunted by a painful secret and the demise of her dreams. Instead of the healing and happiness she hopes to find, she encounters a darkness lurking in the shadows of the once-familiar house. When her friend, Seline, disappears the very night of her arrival, Charity is determined to uncover the truth.

Her only hope is the man who broke her heart.

Branded a coward, Piers Cavanaugh has lived the last five years as an outcast far from his family home. When his sister presumably elopes with a stable hand, Piers joins forces with an unlikely partner—the one woman he thought he’d never see again. Together they launch an investigation that leads to strange nightly meetings in the ruins of an old abbey and disturbing whispers of a secret organization. The more they learn, the more desperate the situation becomes.

The house seems determined to keep its secrets.

As they struggle to piece together the clues, Charity and Piers also endeavor to rebuild their friendship. One cryptic letter changed everything between them. To find happiness they will have to overcome the grief and shame keeping them apart. But first they must discover why Seline vanished and confront the growing fear that she may never return.

Settle in, because once you start The Vanishing at Loxby Manor, you won’t be able to put it down.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

My Review

5 stars / It was amazing

I love the aura of mystery and suspense in this moody Regency! Charity had a wonderful childhood with the neighboring Cavanaugh's, but after several years apart, relationships have shifted and she struggles to find her footing as Seline's disappearance weighs on them all. I admired that she had the confidence to pursue an investigation with the limited resources available to her, and did not give up on her friend. Each character in the story has secrets hanging over them, and the author skillfully alluded to the mysteries and unfolded them slowly throughout the story. I loved that Piers and Charity have a second chance at their young romance, even though it's fraught with difficulties. A steady pace with some twists and surprises made this a book I didn't want to put down!

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 The Vanishing at Loxby Manor

“Vanishing at Loxby Manor cleverly combines Regency romance with Gothic intrigue, and the result is a suspenseful, thoroughly entertaining read. Charming and lovely.”—Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of In the Shadow of Vesuvius

“Like each of Wilson’s novels, The Vanishing at Loxby Manor drew me in from the start and didn’t let go. From the heartfelt characters to the twists that kept me guessing, I relished each turn of the page. Wilson is a master at historical mystery, and I cannot wait for her next story.”—Lindsay Harrel, author of The Joy of Falling

“Abigail Wilson’s latest Gothic romance hits the notes readers have come to expect from her talented pen: romance, shadows and intrigue and a brilliantly executed atmosphere. She is a master at her craft and a rare stand-out in a popular genre.”—Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration

“Weaving a shadow of mystery among the gilded countryside of Regency England, Wilson's tale of love lost, buried shame, and secret societies is a delicious blend of romance and intrigue. Splash in gorgeous historical Regency details, and murder brewing around every stone, and readers will be burning through the pages until the riveting end.”—J'nell Ciesielski, author of The Socialite

“A gothic romance that is filled with great characters and a mystery that unfolds chapter by chapter. A perfect blend of mystery, family relationships, lost years, and star-crossed love. Be warned, you won't be able to walk away from these characters.”—Cara Putman, award-winning author of Flight Risk

About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, January 19
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Wednesday, January 20
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, January 21
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, January 22
Review at The Green Mockingbird

Monday, January 25
Review at Jorie Loves A Story
Review at Library of Clean Reads

Tuesday, January 26
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Wednesday, January 27
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Thursday, January 28
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Friday, January 29
Review at Heidi Reads...
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, January 30
Review at Nursebookie

Monday, February 1
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Tuesday, February 2
Review at Amy's Booket List

Wednesday, February 3
Review at Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 4
Review at Hallie Reads
Review at B**** Bookshelf

Friday, February 5
Review at The Lit B****
Interview at Books & Benches

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson! Five copies are up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Loxby Manor