Heidi Reads...

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Blog Tour, Free E-book & Giveaway: The French Twist Series by Sandra Byrd

French Twist series JustRead Blog + Social Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Social Blitz for the French Twist series by Sandra Byrd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Download and devour this delicious series, lashed with romance and fun, and then spiced with a lightly Christian world view. Bon Appétit!

Title: Let Them Eat Cake
Series: French Twist #1
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Quaystrokes
Release Date: 2012
Genre: ChickLit

What do you do when you've got a degree in French and absolutely no job prospects? You slide into your favorite French bakery, of course! When a lighthearted conversation with the manager of the local patisserie turns into a job offer, Lexi Stuart gladly accepts.

She indulges in tasty pastries and wins over skeptical coworkers, but the actual glamour is minimal and the pay less than generous. Trouble by the handful is stirred into her life as she juggles the flirtatious baker she has her eye on and a handsome young executive who likes Lexi even more than her Napoleons. As she folds together dilemma and delight, Lexi learns that it's not satisfying to try to fulfill everyone else's expectations. Instead, she embarks on an adventure in trusting herself and God with her future.

February 11-15 Let Them Eat Cake Kindle edition is FREE

Title: Bon Appetit
Series: French Twist #2
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Quaystrokes
Release Date: August 25, 2016
Genre: ChickLit

Lexi Stuart is risking it all. Saying au revoir to the security of home, her job, and could-be boyfriend, Lexi embarks on a culinary adventure in France to fulfill her life dream of becoming a pastry chef. Life in her new quaint French village should be everything she dreamed of, but settling in isn’t nearly as easy as she imagined. Her optimism is greeted with both acceptance and resistance in the people and culture around her—soft and crusty at the same time— like the very best baguettes. Determined to gain her footing, she finds a church, meets new friends, and makes the acquaintance of a child named Celine - as well as Celine's attractive, widowed father. As Lexi lives her dream, she realizes she can have anything from life's patisserie display window, but not everything. How will she choose?

Title: Piece de Resistance
Series: French Twist #3
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Quaystrokes
Release Date: August 25, 2016
Genre: ChickLit

Having earned her chef's hat, Lexi Stuart bids au revoir to her glamorous and deliciously satisfying pastry mentorship to find life unexpectedly complicated.

She's put in charge of a high-end catering bakery, but there's a catch: she has to make this lavish bakery into a successful business in just a few, short months. In over her head and at a loss for creative marketing ideas, Lexi can't compose the perfect recipe for success. Stir in a complicated relationship with her French beau, then add a dash of romance with her down-to-earth lawyer, and life suddenly contains more ooh la la than Lexi can handle. With the fate of her career and her love life hanging by a thread, the phrase "piece of cake" has never been more daunting. Lexi finally trusts the dreams in her heart to the God who put them there.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling author Sandra Byrd has authored more than fifty books, and her fiction has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice award, two Christy Award nominations, Two Library Journal Best Book selections, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for kids, tweens, and teens, and devotionals, including the bestselling The One Year Be-Tween You and God Devotions for Girls. She continued her work as a devotionalist with The One Year Home and Garden Devotions and The One Year Experiencing God’s Love Devotional, which was named by Called Magazine, the #1 magazine for Christian Women, as among their favorite, must-read books.

Sandra loves walking, the beach, cooking and baking, photography, watching Escape to the Country, Fake or Fortune, and Chef’s Table, as well as spending time with family and friends.

CONNECT WITH SANDRA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $75 e-gift card to MarieBelle!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 11, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 18, 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Spotlight: Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen

Synopsis

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

Don't miss the other books in the Steampunk Proper Romance series . . .

Review: A Joyful Christmas by Cynthia Hickey, Liz Johnson, Vickie McDonough, Liz Tolsma, Carrie Turansky, Erica Vetsch

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Christmas Collection to Warm the Heart
Grab a warm cup of tea and watch as romance is kindled and joy is restored to broken lives during six bygone era Christmas celebrations.

A Christmas Castle by Cynthia Hickey
Married by proxy in Missouri, Annie Morgan sets off for Tombstone, Arizona, to join her new husband as a cattle rancher. But too soon she finds herself a widow with an unexpected daughter and butting heads with her handsome neighbor.

A Star in the Night by Liz Johnson
Wounded within Confederate territory, Union officer Jedediah Harrington finds refuge at the tiny cabin of Cora Sinclair and her grandfather. Still haunted by what she saw as a battlefield hospital volunteer, Cora finds that only Jed can understand. But, though she longs to give him her heart, the risks to both of them are too great.

An Irish Bride for Christmas by Vickie McDonough
When Jackson Lancaster’s brother and wife die, he takes his three-year-old niece home. But a meddling busy-body makes the judge give her custody “because an unmarried man shouldn’t raise a little girl.” Now Jackson has until Christmas to find a bride or lose his niece forever. Larkin Doyle is grateful her employer took in the orphan and believes Jackson abandoned his niece. When her heart says otherwise, will romance blossom?

Under His Wings by Liz Tolsma
Adie O’Connell, orphaned and left alone in a dangerous Wisconsin logging camp, seeks the stability she once knew when both her parents lived. Despite the compassion and friendship offered by Noah “Preacher Man” Mitchell, she refuses to consider marriage to a man always drifting from one job to another for God.

Shelter in the Storm by Carrie Turansky
The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor, Rachel Thornton begins nursing James Galloway, a wounded artist-war correspondent. As James recovers, their hearts draw closer together. Having already lost one sweetheart to the war, Rachel is hesitant to reveal her feelings for James, who insists on returning to the front lines. Would she be safer in the arms of another man?

Christmas Service by Erica Vetsch
Beth Sorensen has been put in charge of the Christmas pageant at the little log church, and this year she wants something different. But she didn’t count on a Minnesota blizzard paralyzing the whole town. Can the blacksmith teach this preacher’s daughter about what it means to serve one another in love through the storm?

My Review

What's better than a Christmas novella? A collection of them! This one features several authors I enjoy, and I found all the stories to be engaging and heartwarming. I love reading Christmas stories any time of the year, and being able to feel that special holiday spirit that is inspiring and uplifting. These are all historical settings, with compelling plots and relatable characters. Perfect for binge reading or spreading out over a busy time of life, with quick access to a happy ending.

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: A Heart of Gold by Stacy Henrie

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

They'll have to conquer more than the Klondike Trail to reach her father in time; they'll have to overcome their past too.

After months of silence from her father in the Klondike, Tava Rutherford finally receives word from him. Only the outdated letter reveals that her father is ill and may be dying. Desperate to discover his fate, Tava resolves to make the journey to the wilds of northwestern Canada. But Jess Lawmen, her ranch foreman and the man who broke her heart, insists she doesn't go alone. Jess intends to keep his promise to look out for her—even if that means traveling thousands of miles with Tava, the woman he claims to feel just friendship for but has never stopped loving.

With their own ragtag group of travelers in tow, Tava and Jess confront one challenge after another as they join the hundreds of stampeders scrambling to reach the goldfields. But as the two of them come face to face with their past hurts and mistakes in their race to reach Tava’s father, they will have to decide whether to cling to safety or risk their hearts for something even greater.

My Review

An exciting adventure story of the journey Tava takes to discover what happened to her missing father. I can't even imagine not being able to communicate with loved one across long distances, but the reality is that many never saw or heard from family members again after relocating. It's pretty risky for Tava to follow her father into the Klondike, but it shows the level of devotion she has for him. Jess and she have a rocky relationship since his rejection of her, but he's also devoted to keeping her safe. Their proximity and challenges in the wilderness allow them the opportunity to reconcile and reveal the secret that is keeping them apart. Recommend to fans of Misty M. Beller and Mary Connealy!

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Trial and Error by Robert Whitlow

Trial and Error JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Trial and Error by Robert Whitlow, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Trial and Error
Author: Robert Whitlow
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: February 2, 2021
Genre: Christian Suspense/Legal Thriller

A small-town lawyer has been searching for his daughter for eighteen years. Now another young woman is missing, and he’s determined to find them both—no matter the cost.

Buddy Smith built his law practice around tracking down missing children. After all, he knows the agony of being separated from a child. Not long after his daughter’s birth, her mother ran away and Buddy never saw either one again.

Gracie Blaylock has known Buddy her entire life, and now that she is clerk of court for the county, their paths cross frequently. When Gracie hears that a teenager in town, Reagan, has gone missing, she knows Buddy is the one for the case.

Reagan’s parents are desperate for answers. Together with Gracie and Mayleah—the new detective in town—Buddy chases all leads, hoping to reach Reagan before it’s too late. And as he pursues one teen girl, he uncovers clues that could bring him closer to the girl he thought he lost forever: his own daughter.

Master legal writer Robert Whitlow will keep you guessing in this gripping legal drama while reminding you of the power of God’s restoration.

Learn More Here: https://www.tnzfiction.com/trial-and-error/

ALSO AVAILABLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review.

CONNECT WITH ROBERT: Website | Facebook | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a print copy of Trial and Error!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 8, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 15, 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, February 5, 2021

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Starstruck in Willow Falls by Pat Nichols

Starstruck in Willow Falls JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Starstruck in Willow Falls by Pat Nichols, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Starstruck in Willow Falls
Series: Willow Falls #3
Author: Pat Nichols
Publisher: Iron Stream Media, LPC
Release Date: February 2, 2021
Genre: Women's Fiction

As a Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars swoop into Willow Falls to film a full-length motion picture, the small town’s new normal as a popular North Georgia tourist destination is thrown into chaos.

Weeks away from marrying the manager of the town’s new winery Rachel Streetman fears her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. She wonders if auditioning for a role in the movie will boost her lackluster career or open the door to a lifestyle incompatible with the small-town life she has come to accept.

Rachel’s sister, Emily Hayes, also has a dream—to be a famous author. But the release of her debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the role as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by starstruck residents and ego-driven celebrities.

Can these two sisters survive the chaos in Willow Falls and still achieve their dreams?

EXCERPT

“That won’t keep everyone from bugging us. Uh oh.” Emily pointed to the mail truck pulling into a parking space in front of the Willow Post headquarters. “The temperature in here is about to heat up ten degrees.”

Mary huffed. “Try twenty.”

Mirabelle clutched a newspaper in her right hand, her lips pinched. She stormed into the office. “How long have you known about this?” She slammed the paper on the table in front of Emily and drummed her finger on the headline. “Director Selects Willow Falls to Film Feature-Length Movie. Did you keep it a secret to give your sister an advantage?”

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Retired from a twenty-seven-year corporate career, Pat Nichols is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She draws on her experience working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life to create stories about women facing challenges and triumphs in pursuit of their dreams. The Secret of Willow Inn, Willow Falls series book one, is a 2020 Selah award Winner. Starstruck in Willow Falls received a NGCWC Georgia Peach Award. Pat and her husband live in Duluth, Georgia and continue to celebrate their fifty-plus-year marriage. She is a mother of two and grandmother of four. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. She is grateful for God’s blessings through the peaks and valleys of life.

CONNECT WITH PAT: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 2, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 9, 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Valetine's Proposal by Kim Findlay

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Valetine's Proposal

(Cupid's Crossing #1)

By Kim Findlay

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 227 Pages

February 1, 2021 by Harelquin Heartwarming

Their engagement is pretend
Cupid has other plans…

Wedding planner Mariah Van Delton has a plan to save the charming small town of Carter’s Crossing—by turning it into a romance destination! All Mariah needs is a very public Valentine’s Day proposal. And her only option? A fake one between her and the handsome town veterinarian and wedding hater, Nelson Carter. But a little charade between adversaries might just be the start of something undeniably real…

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

“If we’re lost at sea, I’ll be sure to do what you tell me to. But Carter’s Crossing is different, and here I can navigate better than you.

“I made the reservation with Jaycee. I didn’t tell her who I was bringing, but I’m willing to bet any amount you want that she’s going to be there, watching every move we make. We can’t be overheard making rules about dating, or no one is going to buy what we’re selling.”

Mariah squinched up her nose. “Fine. We can’t talk about dating in there.”

“I have two stipulations.” Nelson moved his body over, leaning against the door, watching her face in the light from the storefront in front of them.

Mariah frowned. She didn’t want to argue this. She just wanted it done. This was her job—couldn’t he just let her do it?

“What are the two things you want to stipulate?” She wasn’t going to accept anything blindly.

“The first is telling Grandmother.”

Mariah nodded. She hadn’t been looking forward to pretending to fall in love with Nelson in front of Abigail. She was a party planner, not an actress. Keeping up the front in public would be hard enough. She wasn’t sure she could sell Abigail.

No, she was sure she couldn’t.

“And secondly, I end it.”

About the Author

Kim Findlay lives in Toronto, Canada, with her very handsome husband, two strapping sons, and possibly the world's cutest spaniel. When she can get time away from her accounting business, Kim can be found traveling, sailing, reading, or writing, depending on the season, time of day, and her energy level. You can find her at kimfindlay.ca, @missheyer74, or on Facebook.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Tour Schedule