Heidi Reads...

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Fantasy & Sci-Fi for Christmas Tour Lauch!

On tour with Prism Book Tours

We're excited to be sharing books from ten fantasy and sci-fi authors with this

holiday season, a different book each day! There is also a giveaway to enter below.

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

November 28th: Launch

November 29th: Elayne Audrey Becker - Forestborn

November 30th: Michelle Diener - The Turncoat King

December 1st: Jes Drew - Agents Adam and Eve

December 2nd: Sharon Hinck - Windward Shore

December 3rd: Kara Linaburg - The Broken Prince

December 4th: Cathy McCrumb - Recorder

December 5th: Sandra Fernandez Rhoads - Realms of Light

December 6th: Chawna Schroeder - The Vault Between Spaces

December 7th: Melissa Wright - Beneath Stone and Sacrifice

December 8th: Kristen Young - Elite

December 9th: Grand Finale

Books on Tour

Bloggers & Bookstagrammers Participating

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife

Andi's Book Reviews

A Baker's Perspective

Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters

@thechronicfangirl

Heidi Reads...

Inside the Wong Mind

Library Lady's Kid Lit

Locks, Hooks and Books

My Life Loves and Passion

Mythical Books

Remembrancy

Rincón de Joss

Rockin' Book Reviews

Sadie's Spotlight

SilverWoodSketches

@sleeping.bookish

@travelerswife4life

Wishful Endings

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $50 (USD) Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 13, 2021

ENTER HERE

Book Tour Spotlight: The London House by Katherine Reay

Synopsis

Uncovering a dark family secret sends one woman through the history of Britain’s World War II spy network and glamorous 1930s Paris to save her family’s reputation.

Caroline Payne thinks it’s just another day of work until she receives a call from Mat Hammond, an old college friend and historian. But pleasantries are cut short. Mat has uncovered a scandalous secret kept buried for decades: In World War II, Caroline’s British great-aunt betrayed family and country to marry her German lover.

Determined to find answers and save her family’s reputation, Caroline flies to her family’s ancestral home in London. She and Mat discover diaries and letters that reveal her grandmother and great-aunt were known as the “Waite sisters.” Popular and witty, they came of age during the interwar years, a time of peace and luxury filled with dances, jazz clubs, and romance. The buoyant tone of the correspondence soon yields to sadder revelations as the sisters grow apart, and one leaves home for the glittering fashion scene of Paris, despite rumblings of a coming world war.

Each letter brings more questions. Was Caroline’s great-aunt actually a traitor and Nazi collaborator, or is there a more complex truth buried in the past? Together, Caroline and Mat uncover stories of spies and secrets, love and heartbreak, and the events of one fateful evening in 1941 that changed everything. In this rich historical novel from award-winning author Katherine Reay, a young woman is tasked with writing the next chapter of her family’s story. But Caroline must choose whether to embrace a love of her own and proceed with caution if her family’s decades-old wounds are to heal without tearing them even further apart.

Advance Praise

“Carefully researched, emotionally hewn, and written with a sure hand, The London House is a tantalizing tale of deeply held secrets, heartbreak, redemption, and the enduring way that family can both hurt and heal us. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”— Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The Book of Lost Names

“An expertly researched and marvelously paced treatise on the many variants of courage and loyalty . . . Arresting historical fiction destined to thrill fans of Erica Roebuck and Pam Jenoff.”— Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code

“Reay’s fast-paced foray into the past cleverly reveals a family’s secrets and how a pivotal moment shaped future generations. Readers who enjoy engrossing family mystery should take note.”— Publisher’s Weekly

About the Author

Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and is a wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine now happily resides outside Chicago, IL.

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Review: The Lumberjack's Bride by Pam Hillman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

City girl Lucy Denson cooks for a logging crew in the Mississippi backwoods until she can return to her idea of civilization back in Chicago. Can lumberjack Eli Everett convince that her happiness lies not in the city, but with him in the piney woods?

(Originally published in The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection)

My Review

I've loved books featuring lumberjacks ever since I read The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena B. Miller. It also reminds me of a movie I saw in my childhood- The Journey of Natty Gann. I love the setting of the woods, the era, and the hardworking ethic of the people in the industry- both men and women. This novella by Pam Hillman brought all of that to life. Eli's first impression of Lucy is that she's too fragile for the life, but she quickly proves him wrong with her eagerness to help and determination to learn. It's so sweet how Eli's mother teaches Lucy how to cook since she no longer can. I wish the timeline was a bit longer for their romance to add more depth, but it is a lovely story and one I enjoyed reading. This author's writing style appeals to me.

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 book in the Mississippi Piney Woods series . . .

Review: Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She has everything Lord Farnsworth wants, including his manor.

Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth. She’s the solution to every one of his financial problems and is bewitching to boot. All he needs to do is sell her his beloved manor and then charm her to the altar, and the manor will be his again. Simple, right?

But nothing is simple when Sally starts tearing apart his ancestral home and renovating it in a way no one would consider tasteful. She is wreaking havoc on everything, but he cannot give up on owning his mother’s estate again, nor can he imagine anyone but Sally as his wife.

And so he sticks with his plan.

What a horrible mistake.

My Review

This was such a fun story to read! The mannerisms, the banter, the humor- they were all subtle enough to avoid silliness, and beautifully balanced with character development. I loved the unique aspects that brought even more interest and humor- the squirrel, Sally's sister, Lord Farnsworth's hobby, and the significance of the winter garden. Sally is independent and so clever, and she can see right through John... except when he really falls for her. I loved how she kept him on his toes, and her vibrant personality made him quickly realize how much he needed her as a partner, something he didn't even know he wanted. Even with his flaws, I admired John's sincerity and smiled at his bafflement when tradition flew out the window as Sally and her sister help his perspective shift. So much to love about this book! The romance between these two stubborn characters is not as easy one but highly entertaining!

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.

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Review: Charming Artemis by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Charlie Jonquil is mild-mannered and kind—except when it comes to his one true adversary, Artemis Lancaster. Though Charlie has a brilliant mind for mathematics, Artemis poses a problem he can’t seem to comprehend: how can one be so lovely and so infuriating? A party in London brings him into the company of the maddening young lady, and it is clear that Charlie’s disdain is mutual. But when an unfortunate incident between the pair involving Charlie’s jacket and a glass of raspberry shrub leads to scandal, the sworn enemies are left with only two options: be ruined or be married.

So it is that Artemis finds herself in a most outrageous predicament: she must wed a gentleman she’s hated for years—and she pledges to avoid him at all costs. But it is only when they enter into this mockery of a marriage that Charlie and Artemis learn things are not as simple as they once appeared. As their tentative ceasefire leads to friendship, it seems their marriage born of desperation might lead them to a love that was destined to be.

My Review

So happy to read another book featuring the Jonquil brothers and Lancaster siblings! Charlie and Artemis are the youngest of those families, so this served as the last book of both series, but it also connects the author's two newer series- The Gents, which is about Lucas Jonquil's generation of friends, and The Huntresses, which focus on Artemis and her friends. This book is not what I expected, but it was still wonderful. Charlie's deceased father is actually a bit of a scene-stealer in this book- much of the story revolves around him and his influence on the characters, as well as the impact of his passing. It was highly emotional at times, and I felt like there was quite a bit of resolution and closure of issues that had been hovering throughout the series. What most surprised me was how through this experience Artemis and Charlie's spicy relationship mellowed. I missed their banter which hinted at romantic tension, so when that was removed I felt like their interactions were missing something. In their new marriage the development focused more on overcoming prejudices about each other and giving friendship a chance. The romance was gentler than anticipated, but still it was very sweet and woven in with both Artemis and Charlie's secret vulnerabilities and their healing as the Jonquil family comes together for a final endowment from their well-loved and missed patriarch.

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 Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can understand it?

When Juliana Issot’s godmother invites her to spend the month of Christmas for a house party in Yorkshire, Juliana feels compelled by affection to accept. Never mind that she escaped Yorkshire at first chance to secure a more glittering match in London, and the only matrimonial prospect at home is her childhood playmate, Willelm.

Willelm Armitage is a born and bred Yorkshireman, and as far as he is concerned, Juliana belongs here, too—and at his side. However, the one time he tried to convince her of this, she speedily gave him the right-about, making him question whether she truly was the right choice for him. After all, if she cannot see how well they suit, he is not about to force her hand.

A Christmas house party with pudding, games, charades, riding, and carols turns out to be just the thing to remind Juliana of how much she loves Yorkshire. But when her nostalgia slips into love will she be able to admit that Willelm knew the longings of her heart better than she knew her own?

My Review

I loved the Christmas setting at the Yorkshire house party! It was interesting how the characters expressed the vast difference between London and Yorkshire culture and customs. London is seen as more refined and high society, while Yorkshire is country, with rougher manners. It was sad that Juliana didn't understand how to balance the two, and felt that she must shun one to belong in the other. I appreciated the character growth she went through, and was able to realize the comfort and authenticity of Yorkshire can compete with the shallow glamor of London. Willelm had his eyes opened with Juliana's London behavior, but their childhood bond helps them renew their friendship during the house party. He is the ultimate good guy, being able to forgive her and understand that she wants something different from life, while still enjoying her company. I loved reading as Juliana's more genuine character begins to shine and Willelm can't help but hope for a future together. A lovely story for the holidays!

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.

A Christmas Match series

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen

Hidden Danger JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Hidden Danger

Series: Guardians Unleashed #1

Author: Jerusha Agen

Publisher: SDG Words

Release Date: November 8, 2021

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

The greatest threat to this K-9 team is the one they don't see coming.

Cora Isaksson’s guilt has shadowed her life ever since drugs ensnared her brother and he disappeared. When Bradley suddenly returns, Cora and her narcotics detection K-9 are thrust into a battle against the drug cartel that wants him back.

DEA Special Agent Kent Thomson has his own personal reasons for bringing justice to the cartel. Cora and her drug-sniffing K-9 will only get in his way. Or are they assets that will enable him to right the wrongs of the past?

When the cartel targets Cora, she and Kent join forces with her teammates at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency to end the cartel before it ends her. They’re prepared for danger, but when more lives than their own hang in the balance, can they trust God for the rescue that’s out of their reach?

EXCERPT

She removed her headset and let out a long sigh capped off with another smile, this one aimed at Kent.

He couldn’t help but smile back. “You were pretty incredible.”

It was too dark to tell for sure, but her cheeks seemed to redden as she dropped her gaze and set her headset next to the console. “I have an incredible team to work with.”

“True. But I mean it. You could have a job at the DEA any time you want it.” A strange sensation, like pride or admiration, built up in his chest until he felt he had to say more to release the pressure. “You were calm and in control the whole time, even with the weapon scare.”

She kept her gaze at a downward angle, pointing somewhere near the console.

“Cora.” He put his hands softly on her upper arms.

She lifted her head, her eyes swinging up to lock on his face.

Whatever he’d been going to say vanished from his mind. She was so beautiful and amazing, but she didn’t seem to have any idea how special she was. How could he show her?

His gaze flicked down to her lips.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media. Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

CONNECT WITH JERUSHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a prize package including a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, one signed copy of Hidden Danger, a Hidden Danger mug, Hidden Danger keychain, Phoenix K-9 Agency notepad, and Phoenix K-9 stickers!

Hidden Danger JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 16, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 23, 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, November 19, 2021