Blog Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Gifted Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Gifted Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

 

Title: The Gifted Trilogy 

Author: Lisa T. Bergren 

Publisher: Stonewater Books 

Release Date: 2021 

Genre: Supernatural Suspense / Christian

An ancient, secret letter has long prophesied that the Gifted would gather. One with the ability to heal, another with the gift of wisdom. Others with the ability to see the future, discern truth, uncover evil intent, or exhibit miraculous powers. Together they are a force, born to change the world. But their gathering has drawn the attention of those who wield power…people determined to either control or destroy them.

“[A] classic battle between good and evil. Disregard Da Vinci Code comparisons, and think Lord of the Rings.” —Publishers Weekly

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

 

EXCERPT

He watched as his master was tied to a stake and a great fire was set. Tears he thought spent rose in his eyes, yet he refused to look away as the flames licked upward, as the heat made him retreat, step by step.

The bishop threw his master’s life’s work—the book, carefully wrapped in a burlap sack—into the fire at the priest’s feet. The burlap swiftly burned and curled, revealing the lambskin cover of the priceless book. It too began to burn.

The priest glanced over at the boy, a quiet question in his eyes.

The boy patted his shirt in response, reassuring his master, feeling the sacred pages next to his skin.

Go, child. Go! The boy shook his head in confusion; he could hear the priest, even though the old man’s parched lips moved not.

The boy glanced over at the bishop, his face and grand robe dancing eerily in the heat waves between them. The bishop’s eyes narrowed, and he beckoned to the boy.

Run! Run, child!

Looking at his master one last time, the boy turned and fled into the night.

--an excerpt from BEGOTTEN, book one of The Gifted, by Lisa T. Bergren

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books in a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to contemporary romance to supernatural suspense novels. She lives in Colorado Springs in a brand-new home she and her husband just finished building and intend to never leave because she’s discovered she loathes moving. You can find out more about her at LisaTBergren.com

CONNECT WITH LISA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(3) winners will receive a copy of The Gifted Trilogy and a Gifted candle.

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 1, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 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. (Winners outside the US will receive trilogy ebooks and $20 Amazon gift card) 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 Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Carved in Ebony
Author: Jasmine L. Holmes
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Christian History / Biography

Through the lives of Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Amanda Berry Smith, Mamie Till, and others, author and speaker Jasmine Holmes shares the significant role that Black women have played in the formation of our faith--and are playing in our formation as modern-day women of faith. 

As these historical figures take the stage with Holmes, you will be inspired by what the stories of these women can teach us about education, birth, privilege, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominately white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith. 

Come along on Jasmine's journey and be encouraged by the powerful and persuasive Black women of our past so that you can help inspire a better, more inclusive future.

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

EXCERPT

Chapter 2 – “The Almost-Forgotten Spitfire: Sara Griffith Stanley” from Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes, pp. 51-52, 161 words (unedited)

When I was a young girl, I remember telling my mom that I just wanted to be remembered. The William Shakespeare, not the Billy Spears who wrote really excellent community theater plays and died in obscurity. The older I’ve gotten, though, the more I’ve realized that fame is not the only measure of our impact.

The average person on the street has no idea who Sara G. Stanley was. And yet, her impact changed the lives of the students she came in contact with. Hundreds of years later, it changed my life. Her faithfulness, so broadly unseen, resonates with this girl who used to want all the credit. Her impact was not broad—but it was deep. And that’s the kind of impact I want.The Instagram followers, Twitter count, Facebook likes . . . those are not nearly as important as the lives I’m touching day-to-day: for me, my children. For Sara, her students. That’s the true test of faithfulness.

Excerpt from Carved in Ebony by Sally Clarkson provided by Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Copyright Oct. 12, 2021. Used by permission. 

 

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Jasmine L. Holmes has written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Fathom Mag, Christianity Today, and The Witness. Jasmine is the author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope, and contributor for Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Our Identity in Christ, and His Testimony, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God. She teaches humanities in a classical Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where she and her husband, Phillip, are parenting three young sons.

CONNECT WITH JASMINE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Happy Crab by Layla & Kevin Palmer, Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson, and Make Their Day by Karen Ehman.

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 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.

Book Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Texan's Christmas Baby by Linda Warren

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating Linda Warren's 50th release!

A Texan's Christmas Baby

(Texas Rebels #11)

By Linda Warren

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

October 26, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Christmas is a time of forgiveness…
And unforgettable surprises

Former professional football player Chase Rebel has finally come home for good. But ranching life in his small Texan hometown is far from simple—especially when it comes to Chase's beautiful estranged wife, Jody. There's no escaping the mistakes and hurts of their past…or the feelings that still linger between them. But can Jody and an unexpected Christmas surprise show this Texan where he truly belongs?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Target | Book Depository

Excerpt

Before Chase could put his phone in his pocket, the doorbell rang. He sighed. He opened the door without looking through the peephole. He froze, words sticking in his throat.

Jody stood there.

He hadn’t seen her in over a year and his heart stopped just from looking into her gorgeous eyes. In a green dress and heels she looked more beautiful than ever, grown-up, sophisticated, except there were tiny worry lines around her eyes that hadn’t been there before.

She had a box in her hands and shoved it toward him. “These are some of the things you gave me and I don’t want them in my house anymore.”

He refused to take it so she set the box on the floor by his feet. Her eyes were cold and hesitant as she waited for him to pick it up.

“How did you know I was home?” he asked, ignoring the box.

“I have to go. Just wanted you to have those things back because I know they mean something to you.”

“That’s why I gave them to you. They’re yours.”

She turned to leave as if she didn’t want to get into an argument. He couldn’t let her go. Breathing the same air as Jody was intoxicating and he wanted to keep her here as long as possible, even if they were arguing. It had always been that way with him. He could be in the dumps about a game or something but the moment he heard her voice, it lifted his spirits.

“What are you doing home anyway? Don’t you have spring training or something or another?”

“I just wanted to come home.”

Excerpted from A Texan's Christmas Baby by Linda Warren, Copyright © 2021 by Linda Warren. Published by Harlequin Heartwarming.

About the Author

Two time Rita® nominated author Linda Warren has written forty-five books for Harlequin. A native Texan, she’s a member of Romance Writers of America and the West Houston Chapter. Drawing upon her years of growing up on a ranch, she writes about some of her favorite things: Western-style romance, cowboys and country life. She married her high school sweetheart and they live on a lake in central Texas. He fishes and she writes. Works perfect. You can find out more about Linda at http://www.LindaWarren.net.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Tour Giveaway


$20 Amazon gift card & ebook of A Texan’s Christmas Baby (US only)

Ends October 30, 2021

ENTER HERE

Review: The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

  

Synopsis

Living side-by-side, a fledgling chef and a big-hearted contractor find a delicious attraction.
Trouble is, their chemistry could spoil their dreams.

Spirited PJ McKinley has the touch when it comes to food. Her dream of opening her own restaurant is just one building short of reality. So when a Chapel Springs resident offers her beloved ancestral home to the applicant with the best plan for the house, PJ believes it’s a contest she was meant to win.

Contractor Cole Evans is confident, professional, and swoon-worthy—but this former foster kid knows his life could have turned out very differently. When Cole discovers the contest, he believes his home for foster kids in transition has found its saving grace. All he has to do is convince the owner that an out-of-towner with a not-for-profit enterprise is good for the community.

But when the eccentric philanthropist sees PJ and Cole’s proposals, she makes an unexpected decision: the pair will share the house for a year to show what their ideas are made of. Now, with Cole and the foster kids upstairs and PJ and the restaurant below, day-to-day life has turned into out-and-out competition—with some seriously flirtatious hallway encounters on the side. Turns out in this competition, it’s not just the house on the line, it’s their hearts.

My Review

So much tension! The competition between PJ and Cole adds an element of resentment to their interactions, and as the reader it felt a little hard to shake as they began to get to know one another but still give priority to their own aspirations. It felt like an all or nothing scenario not just with the property but also with their potential for a relationship. It would have been nice to see thoughts of compromise enter in their consciousness. Overall I enjoyed the characters' eccentricities, PJ's overly concerned family members, and Cole's foster kids. Cole is one tough nut to crack! I appreciated getting to the part where PJ could get through to him and have an effect on how he thinks about himself.

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 Chapel Springs series . . .

 

Review: A Lady on the Chase by Jessica Scarlett

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

Synopsis

Her father promised her to one man.
She promised her heart to a second.
Until she meets the third.

Lady Alicia Kendall has it all: wealth, beauty, suitors--and a history of creating scandals. The only thing she doesn't have is her best friend and man of her dreams, Henry Crawley. When Henry announces his plans to join the Regulars, her father's adamant disapproval of him deepens and prompts a deal to be struck:

She has two weeks to secure Henry's proposal, or she must give him up forever and marry a man of her father's choosing.

Alicia agrees. But when one of her attempts goes awry, she gets a begrudging proposal from someone else entirely--Matthew Wycliffe. The most condescending man ever to walk the face of the earth, and her newly-discovered nemesis.

If only to avoid yet another scandal, Alicia accepts Mr. Wycliffe's offer. After all, with the deal she struck with her father, she'll never marry the man anyway. But as they endure dark castles, hot-tempered soldiers, and hidden secrets brought to light all in their quest for a proposal from Henry, Alicia notices something different about the insufferable, grumbling Matthew Wycliffe. And she wonders if perhaps the proposal she wants is the one she's already received.

My Review

It was hard to know what to think while Alicia is professing love for childhood friend Henry but using Matthew's grudging proposal to buy time to avoid an alliance with Lord Hawthorne who has an uncanny knack for interrupting romantic interludes and overhearing furtive plans. What a love triangle! Her motivations for pursuing Henry are subconscious and it is not until later in the book that they are revealed to herself and the reader through Matthew's skilled observations. I think my favorite parts of the book are observing Matthew and the way he holds himself aloof but is secretly caught off guard by Alicia. Their interactions are fraught with tension and chemistry, despite her supposed animosity for him and his supposed indifference to her. What banter! I don't blame her for her frustrations with Matthew, and they each give as good as they get. Highly entertaining! Definitely going on my re-read list!

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

Don't miss the previous books in the Wycliffe Family series . . .

Review: A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Lauren Richmond isn’t a fan of Christmas.

Which is why she rarely makes the trip home to the Midwest for the holidays. After all, she has plenty to keep her busy—namely, her duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom.

But this December, Lauren‘s brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will.

Unfortunately for Lauren, she’s been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years.

Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she’s stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois.

She’s circumspect and organized. He’s flirty and spontaneous.

She’s convinced that people don’t change. He’s trying to prove to her (and himself) that he has.

On this cross-country road trip, they’ll both discover that history doesn’t exactly repeat itself. . . but like any good Christmas carol, it does have a second verse.

My Review

Boy, this story is packed full of character development! The author hit the perfect balance of humor, angst, and romance as the time Lauren and Will spend together forces them to face hard things from their pasts and see it from a more mature and informed perspective. I loved the theme of forgiveness and seeing Lauren progress from bitterness to grace. Will's redemption made him an admirable character, the way he changed and left behind destructive habits, and acts as a positive role model as he provides support to others caught in the same chains. As Lauren and Will begin to understand each other, the trust and rapport grows as well as undeniable chemistry. I love road trips, especially off the beaten path, so this story was just so fun to read! Courtney Walsh never fails to bring a tear to my eye with the compelling emotion in her stories. Highly recommend!!!

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, Excerpt & Giveaway: Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Harvest Dance

(Bluestar Island #2)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 350 Pages

September 12, 2021 by Lazy Dazy Press

“Beneath the harvest moon…
true love can bloom.”

A single dad, who’s in over his head, and an event planner running from her past, are drawn together on charming Bluestar Island by a determined seven-year-old and her escape-artist goat.

Event planner, Charlotte “Aster” Smith, has fled the only life she has ever known. The situation has left her questioning her own judgment as she cautiously tries to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. Taking the job of event coordinator for the small town is a step in the right direction. The only problem is it’s currently a part-time position, but the mayor suggests with additional funding the position could transform into a full-time job. In the meantime, she needs a second job in order to stay financially afloat.

Farmer and single father, Sam Bell, is struggling to keep his aging farm from going bankrupt while raising his young daughter. And now that his daughter’s babysitter is heading off to college, he needs help. So when he finds Aster is in need of work, he thinks his problems are solved. But things aren’t always what they seem. And he can’t help wondering what Aster is keeping from him.

In the lingering rays of a Bluestar Island sunset, Sam and Aster find themselves dancing upon the sand. As they help each other heal, the possibility of a future together becomes tangible. But will the ghosts from their pasts extinguish this budding romance?

Includes a delicious recipe for Aster’s Amazing Apple Cobbler!

Bluestar Island series:
Book 1 – Love Blooms (Hannah & Ethan)
Book 2 – Harvest Dance (Aster & Sam)
Book 3 – A Lighthouse Café Christmas (Darla & Will) 
Book 4 – Rising Star (coming soon)

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Google Play

 

Excerpt

She stood and pushed in her chair. They started to walk toward the grand staircase. This city hall wasn't just a boring block building. It was situated in an enormous historic mansion that had belonged to one of the island's founders. It had been kept up over the years and was in immaculate shape.

''I'm looking forward to a future here," she said.

''That's good because I have a special project for you.'' He started down the wide wooden steps with a burgundy floral runner.

''Oh. What's that?'' She hoped it was something exciting.

''I would like you to lend a hand to a dear friend of mine, Ms. Birdie Neill. It's not exactly city business, so this would fall under the heading of special projects that I'd previously discussed with you.''

She nodded. He wanted to help the community with more than just the things approved by city council. It was more of an outreach project where the mayor helped citizens with their own community affairs.

She liked the idea. ''I'd be happy to help."

He smiled. ''That's good. It's a fundraiser for one of Bluestar's residents. It's all rather top-secret at the moment. But if you stop by Birdie's house tomorrow morning, she'll let you know what needs done.''

Excerpted from Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye, Copyright © 2021 by Jennifer Faye. Published by Lazy Dazy Press. 

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a digital copy of LOVE BLOOMS plus a $25 Amazon gift card

Ends November 3, 2021

ENTER HERE

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Perfectly Arranged by Liana George

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Perfectly Arranged by Liana George, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Perfectly Arranged 

Series: The Hopeful Hearts #1 

Author: Liana George 

Publisher: Scrivenings Press 

Release Date: October 26, 2021 

Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction 

Professional organizer Nicki Mayfield is on her way to becoming the next Marie Kondo – if only she could find clients and make ends meet! While looking for new professional opportunities, Nicki’s also determined to sort out her personal life. Despite dealing with a mother who’s a prime candidate for Hoarders and battling her own doubts about marriage and parenting, Nicki is certain she can transform the chaos around her into order. 

When all hope seems lost, the eccentric socialite Katherine O’Connor enters Nicki’s world. Boosted by Ms. O’Connor’s desperate need for organizing help, Nicki pushes out of her comfort zone — in work, love, and life. Together they discover an unknown Chinese address on a business card. Determined to uncover the identity of the address and how it connected with the father her client hardly knew, Ms. O’Connor and Nicki embark on an adventure that takes them across the world. There, both women must break down the walls surrounding their hearts to help those who can’t help themselves. In doing so, Nicki and Ms. O’Connor learn that things and people aren’t always what they seem, that hidden treasures lead to new beginnings, and that sometimes — surprisingly — God has things perfectly arranged. 

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

 

EXCERPT

I'm hanging up my label maker.

While I'd been certain I would be the next Marie Kondo, organizing superstar, the lack of clients and shortage of funds in my bank account tells a different story. I grab another moving box and glide the packing tape across the bottom to secure it. The screech of the gun as it connects the two flaps resounds as the truth flashes in front of me.

After three years of blood, sweat, and tears, I've failed at the one thing I'd believed I was meant to do.

When I open a side desk drawer that holds a rainbow assortment of alphabetically arranged files, my heart flutters at the sight of everything in perfect order - just the kind of thing that would make my mother anxious.

I wince. Mom. Without a job, I have no other choice but to move back home with her.

As if on cue, her familiar blue Honda pulls up outside my window.

Seriously, what else could go wrong today?

Plowing my way through the heap of boxes, I grab my coat and purse from the chair and dash toward the door. Before I can step outside and hide my career woes, my mother walks in.

“Nicki, I ...” Mom closes the door and studies the room. “What's going on in here?”

I survey the boxes scattered around the tiny cubicle. “Packing?”

“I see that, but why?”

“I’m closing up shop.” I dig my shoe into the stained beige carpet. “Bridgeport’s Organizing Business of the Year is no longer.” 

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liana George is a professional organizer and the owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. She is also a sought-after speaker, blogger, and writer. With the help of her writing coach, Sandra Byrd, Liana completed her first novel, Perfectly Arranged. The book was inspired by one of her eccentric clients and her passion for China, where she lived for two and a half years. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing tennis.

CONNECT WITH LIANA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of Perfectly Arranged plus a travel kit (not shown) including a $25 Amazon gift card, RDF passport wallet, packing cube, travel journal, luggage tag, packing tips, packing checklist!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 25, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 1, 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.