Takeover Blitz for the Art of Writing Conference & #Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the Art of Writing Conference organized by ECPA, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT THE CHRISTY AWARD FINALISTS

 

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in each category live on October 11 at 11 am (CDT), featuring award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

Registration is available at ecpa.org/event/Christy22Finalists

 

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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

 

The Art of Writing conference will be held from 12:30-5 pm (CDT) on November 17th at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and is designed to bring Christian writers, creatives, storytellers, and publishing curators together for a half-day of intensive seminars that: celebrate the creative life while recognizing the weariness; provide practical tips for engaging in a rapidly-changing industry; introduce challenges to become better writers; and answer the questions authors are asking.

The four-session conference will bring together writers, creatives, and publishing curators for training and connection around these topics presented by industry experts, authors, and publishers:

What Makes a Gush-Worthy Book with book reviewer Carrie Schmidt, Revell senior acquisitions editor Kelsey Bowen, author and agent Cynthia Ruchti, and WaterBrook editor Jamie Lapeyrolerie.

 

How Reading Diverse Books Makes Us Better Authors and Humans with a panel of writers, agents, and publishers including Edwina Perkins, Deborah Gonzalez, Dorena Williamson, Jeff Crosby, and Jevon Bolden who share their own stories and best practices through this approach.

 

To Tok or Not to Tok with reel pros Emilie Haney (pen name Bell Renshaw) and author/ podcaster Kristi Ann Hunter

 

When Weary & Discouraged: How We Can Care for Our Writing Souls with author Carolyn Weber, whose debut book Surprised by Oxford, is being made into a feature film.

REGISTER: The Art of Writing conference $99 | The Art of Writing conference + The Christy Awards Gala Bundle $139   

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive their choice of one ticket to the Art of Writing conference OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles from one category!

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 10, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2022. 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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REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2022 EVENTS

 

The Christy Award Finalist Reveal Webinar on October 11 at 11 am CT FREE 
Christian fiction fans are encouraged to watch the announcement live!
SIGN UP

Art of Writing on November 17, 12:30-5 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $99
A conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators.

The Christy Award Gala on November 17, 7-9 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $89
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

Bundle the Art of Writing Conference & The Christy Award Gala $139

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

 

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

 

Blog Blitz & Giveaway: Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers by Hope Bolinger, Linda Fulkerson, Rowena Kuo, and Carrie Schmidt

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers by Hope Bolinger, Linda Fulkerson, Rowena Kuo, and Carrie Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers 

Authors: Hope Bolinger, Linda Fulkerson, Rowena Kuo, and Carrie Schmidt 

Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC 

Release Date: October 11, 2022 

Genre: Nonfiction / Writing

Remember when Dorothy finally reached the Emerald City only to be halted by the Gatekeeper, blocking her hopes of seeing the Great and Powerful Wizard?

The path to publication is like that. Agents, and Editors, and Publishers, oh, my! 

Each one is a barrier between you and a publishing contract. 

 But what if you understood what agents, editors, publishers, and readers really want? 

 If you’re struggling to get past the publishing gatekeepers, this book will give you a behind-the-scenes peek at how to win the heart of each type of publishing professional. In fact, Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers won’t just give you a peek—it will give you a guided tour. In this book, four publishing professionals—an agent, a publisher, an editor, and an influencer—share what it takes to unlock each “gate” within the publishing industry. 

 Getting Past the Publishing Gatekeepers is a must-have resource for all aspiring authors, and it offers insights to help multi-published authors as well.

 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

Subscribe to the Publishing Gatekeepers newsletter and receive a tip sheet on 12 ways for getting past the gatekeepers.

EXCERPT

Before you can get your book in front of new readers, you obviously must find them and then plant yourself where they spend time.

Most readers are, by nature, introverted. This is certainly not true for all, but many of us recharge by being alone and, well, reading. We tend to prefer low-contact socializing, but we love to talk about books. We are on most social platforms, and we gravitate toward others who read the same books that we love. While more difficult to find us in person, it’s not impossible. We do still love spending hours in libraries, bookstores, and even book festivals. Readers have established active discussion groups on Facebook, creative networks on Instagram and TikTok, and popular hashtags on Twitter. We’ve also infiltrated the less obvious places you’d look for readers, including a community of over 2 million members who ask others to ‘suggest me a book’ on Reddit. Readers are everywhere, waiting to be found by you and your books.

In equal turn, however, this ‘everywhere-ness’ can be overwhelming for authors who already have limited bandwidth. Juggling family life, an additional career or two, writing books, and marketing books doesn’t leave much margin, does it? From Facebook to Instagram to TikTok to local festivals and everything in between, how can you best focus your time and energy in looking for readers?

Prioritize

The truth is this: You must filter out some of the options and pick the focus that works best for you. If you don’t, you run the considerable risk of burning out on the social/promotion tasks and losing your passion to write those yummy words readers crave. When you do give yourself the freedom to zero in on one or two options, you will invest the largest portion of your budgeted engagement time in platforms that best fit you and your books.

Trying to spend time promoting your work in all the places becomes more like a game of Whac-A-Mole instead of a good return on your time and energy. I understand the fear of missing out on readers through other platforms, but sometimes we are most effective when we become more selective. One of my favorite movie lines of all time (from the 1995 version of Sabrina, with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond) says the same thing a different way: “More isn’t always better, Linus. Sometimes it’s just more.” This is not only true of material things or money; it’s also true of book promotion.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

 

Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press and the author of 21 books. She's contributed to 10 other books, in addition, including Getting Past the Gatekeepers. She loves to model, do theater, and get lost in the woods.

Connect with Hope by visiting hopebolinger.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

USMC veteran Linda Fulkerson began her writing career as a copyeditor and typesetter at a small-town weekly newspaper. She has since been published in several magazines and newspapers, including a two-year stint as a sportswriter and later the online editor of a midsize daily. Linda also served as the director of digital services for the largest media outlet in central Texas. She is the author of two novels, two novellas, and several nonfiction books. In 2020, she founded Scrivenings Press LLC, a traditional publisher of clean and Christian books. 

Linda and her husband, Don, live on a ten-acre plot in central Arkansas. They are part of an RV ministry group and travel the country volunteering at various entities. Linda and Don have four adult children and eight grandchildren. In addition to kicking back in her recliner with a good book, Linda enjoys photography, travel, and spoiling her two dachshunds. 

Connect with Linda by visiting scriveningspress.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.   

Rowena Kuo is the CEO and Executive Editor for Brimstone Fiction, Brimstone Books and Media, and Brimstone Fire. With over 15 years of ministering to children, youth groups, young adults, women, and family groups, Rowena advocates for writers to build God-centered support systems consisting of people, perseverance, practice, and most of all, prayer. She has written for Christian Devotions, Written World Communications, Splickety, and the 168 Write of Passage. When not working on words or films, she is a full-time mom with secret aspirations for spaceflight. 

Connect with Rowena by visiting www.brimstonefiction.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.   

Carrie Schmidt is an avid reader, book reviewer, story addict, KissingBooks fan, book boyfriend collector, and cool aunt. She also loves Jesus and THE Story a whole lot. Carrie started the popular blog ReadingIsMySuperPower.org in 2015 and since then has had the honor of co-founding the Christian Fiction Readers' Retreat and JustRead Publicity Tours. In addition to these endeavors, she is a regular contributor to Seekerville and has written for magazines such as RT Book Reviews and Christian Market. Carrie now lives in Georgia with her husband, though her roots range from East Tennessee to Central Kentucky and northern Illinois. 

Connect with Carrie by visiting readingismysuperpower.org to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 5, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2022. 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!

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Elite Guardians Collection by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Sami A. Abrams, and Kelly Underwood

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Elite Guardians Collection by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Sami A. Abrams, and Kelly Underwood, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOKS

 

Dive into the exciting ignition to the Elite Guardians Collection.

Title: Driving Force 

Series: Elite Guardians Collection #1 

Authors: Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: March 22, 2022 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

He’s the last client she wants to protect… 

Elite Guardians bodyguard/former sniper CHRISTINA SHERMAN has protected uncooperative clients before—but this time, well her client is bossy, headstrong and occasionally eats off the floor. Yes, he’s a highly trained military working dog, but certainly her skills could be put to better use, right? 

Not according to former Special Forces Air Commando GREY PARKER. He needs her help to protect his dog while he undergoes an experimental surgery that could restore his ability to walk. He just needs someone to keep his canine partner safe. Most of all, Grey wants back on his feet so he can track down a deranged scientist known as The Scavenger who unleashed a nerve agent that left Grey sidelined in a wheelchair. 

When an attempt is made on Grey’s life, and dead bodies begin piling up—with evidence the same toxin is responsible—suddenly Christina is tasked with keeping both dog and soldier alive…and with them, the secrets that could stop a terrorist attack. But this time, even Christina might be in over her head.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | BookBub | Christian Book

Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!

Title: Impending Strike 

Series: Elite Guardians Collection #2 

Authors: Lynette Eason and Sami A. Abrams 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: June 28, 2022 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

Protecting him just might cost her everything…

Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself.

Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for?

Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why.

But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. Problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble.

It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub | Christian Book

Book three of the riveting, high-octane world of the Elite Guardians reboot!

Title: Defending Honor 

Series: Elite Guardians Collection #3 

Authors: Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: October 4, 2022 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

She'll have to pretend to be his wife to save his life...but what will it cost her heart?

Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it.

Billionaire and former playboy Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but then his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident. Since he’s next in line to helm the family business, now someone wants him dead. Preston needs someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is a fake marriage.

In order to keep him safe, Laila will have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love. She’s used to putting her life on the line for a client. But what will this case cost her heart? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

EXCERPT FROM DEFENDING HONOR

“Preston!” She screamed over the crackle of the fire and whipped out her phone to call 911. Alarms from a fire truck blared in the distance, so she shoved her phone back in her pocket. Help was on the way.

She skirted the perimeter of the property, staying clear of the flames. “Preston!”

When she hit the backyard, the sound of barking stopped her dead in her tracks, and she looked at the burning house.

Preston’s face appeared at the window across from her. He banged on the pane. “It’s stuck! I can’t find anything heavy enough in the room to break the glass.”

Laila pulled her weapon from her holster. “Stand back!”

Preston looked at her, his eyes wide. She held up her gun. “Back away from the window. The bullet will shatter the glass.”

He got the message and retreated. Once she knew she wouldn’t accidentally shoot Preston, she fired a single shot. The bullet pierced the center of the pane, and the glass splintered into a thousand fragments. “Okay,” she yelled.

Preston reappeared, using his elbow to knock out any remaining pieces of glass. He disappeared for a second but returned with a blanket to cover the windowsill.

Preston ducked out of view again and returned with a golden retriever. “Can you grab Duke?” he asked. He lowered the dog out the window, and Laila wrapped her arms around the dog’s middle, lowering him to safety. But not before she got a paw in her face and a slobbery lick.

The sizzle of fire made Laila’s heart stop. She wouldn’t rest until Preston’s feet were on the ground. “Preston, you’re going to have to jump.”

“Run, Laila. Get out of here. The propane tanks in the garage might blow. I’ll be right behind you.”

He threw his legs over the sill, and Laila bolted the minute his boots hit the ground.

They’d reached the woods at the edge of the property when a tremor nearly knocked her down. The house erupted into a giant fireball, and flames lit the sky like a fireworks display.

For a moment, all they could do was stare.

“I think I might need a bodyguard after all,” Preston finally muttered.


© 2022 Sunrise Publishing

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

 

 

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.

Connect with Lynette by visiting lynetteeason.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Kate Angelo is an author, minister, and public speaker from Southwest Missouri who works alongside her husband strengthening and encouraging marriages and families through their ministry. As the mother of five mostly grown children, she is fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls-subjects she never intentionally taught while homeschooling. With her chihuahua taking up half of her desk space, she writes suspenseful stories of imperfect people who encounter hope and healing through Jesus. Kate is a tech enthusiast, coffee lover, productivity guru, accomplished knitter, avid boater, prayer warrior, and known klutz.

Connect with Kate by visiting kateangelo.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn't until her 30s that she found authors who captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. In her opinion, a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

Connect with Sami by visiting samiaabrams.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Kelly Underwood's favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don't ask her about snow, because she's been a Florida girl since she was twelve. She writes book reviews for her blog bestinsuspense.com and is an active member of the Central Florida chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She's a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you have to read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you're looking for her, she's probably on her back patio with a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Visit her at kellyunderwoodauthor.com

Connect with Kelly by visiting kellyunderwoodauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback set of all three Elite Guardians Collection novels, plus an Elite Guardians T-shirt!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 3, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 10, 2022. 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!

 

Spotlight: Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert

Synopsis

A one-of-a-kind Christmas market offers holiday magic in the new romance from the author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club.

With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn't just a seasonal specialty--it's a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra's yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She's ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.

For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He's never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he's been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.

After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons, or if what they're feeling is as ephemeral as marshmallows in a mug of hot cocoa.

About the Author

 

 

Amy Reichert earned her MA in Literature from Marquette University, and honed her writing and editing skills as a technical writer (which is exactly as exciting as it sounds). As a newly minted member of the local library board, she loves helping readers find new books to love. She’s a life-long Wisconsin resident with (allegedly) a very noticeable accent, a patient husband, and two too-smart-for-their-own-good kids. When time allows, she loves to read, collect more cookbooks than she could possibly use, and test the limits of her DVR.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Other Side of Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle #TheOtherSideofCertain #AmyWilloughbyBurle #HFVBT

 

The Other Side of Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle

Publication Date: September 21, 2022

Fireship Press

Series: Love for Certain, Book 1

Genre: Historical Fiction

For the love of love…and books

Mattie Mobley planned to be a teacher, but when times grew tough during America’s Great Depression, and there were no teaching positions in her hometown of Asheville, NC, Mattie found work starting a school and helping the Pack Horse Librarians just over the mountains in the rural town of Certain, Kentucky. She’s not certain at all that this is a good situation, but she’s determined, and honestly, a little desperate. Of all the things that Mattie does have—money, comforts, a good name, she doesn’t have what matters most—friends, love, and a purpose of her own.

Daniel, “The Grizzly Bear,” Barrett had a lovely life for a little while. Overcoming his family’s bad name and worse reputation, he made a life for himself in Certain. He was married with children and a figure of respect in his church, but desperate times called for desperate measures and a terrible tragedy was the result. Now exiled with his children along the wily run of the Hell for Certain Creek, Daniel has gotten used to being the town pariah again. It’s in his blood after all. Right? Maybe not, but he’ll need the powerful influence of love not only to change his own mind about himself but to convince his estranged extended family and the whole town as well.

Can one librarian with a saddlebag full of books make people see the difference between fact and fiction? Mattie loves a good story, and this may be her best one yet. Fiction tells the best truths and the best truth of all is love.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

 

Excerpt

Daniel

I tried not to go into town any more often than I needed to, especially in the summer when there was food to eat from the yard. But if I missed a week trading at Gibbon's, Liam was fit to be tied. Liam and I weren’t kin no more, not really, but he was used to telling me what to do like a big brother and it was hard to get him to mind his own business. When I did go to town, I tried to keep my eyes from finding the church across the street from the grocery, but it was hard not to look at it. Mostly, I went into the store from the back, so I only caught a glimpse of the old house and church as I pulled into town. It had been right at four years, but I still felt the shame of what I did.

“Whoa, Cody,” I called to my stead as he tried to steer himself toward the front door. “Let’s just take in our haul and go. I ain’t aiming to get wound up in any new gossip today.”

Gibbons was the first face I saw when I pulled the cart up to the back of the store. His smile reminded me that not everyone thought of me poorly. Mr. Gibbons had known me as a boy and known my father even, yet he still treated me with respect. He was one of the few people who actually knew what happened back then, that night in particular. Sometimes I wondered if I would have been better off just staying at home after my folks died. Maybe I should have just kept to myself. Then again, I’d not have had Emily or the kids if I hadn’t been taken in by Pastor Collins and his family. At least I still had my children. So long as I stayed mostly out of sight, people seemed to forget I existed. It was better that way.

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Praise for The Other Side of Certain

 

"As a fan of southern fiction, I had high expectations for The Other Side of Certain, and Amy Willoubhy-Burle exceeded them all. She weaves an inspiring story of redemption and finding home in a rough-around-the-edges town that both intrigues and entertains from page one. Simply put, the book is lovely! With thought-provoking dialogue, characters you can't help but cheer for, and poignant symbolism, Burle tackles the topic of hell on earth and in man-displaying God's grace and mercy throughout. The ending will leave readers with a smile on their faces and hope in their hearts." -Beth Pugh, award-winning author of The Valentine Proposal and The Santa Run

"Welcome to Certain, where mountain legends sway minds and secrets rule hearts. The Other Side of Certain is richly grounded in research, taking the reader on a sweeping journey. In the midst of the Great Depression, Mattie and Daniel discover the power of hope and the beauty of second chances." -Rachel Scott McDaniel, award-winning author of The Mobster's Daughter

"Amy Willoughby-Burle's The Other Side of Certain is a heartwarming, enduring tale of how libraries in even the most remote, impoverished towns can change lives since books are 'so much more than little black words on a white page.' Reading opens up new worlds for those involved and learning to read helps them heal to love again. A smashed stained-glass window becomes a metaphor for broken things being restored in this small Kentucky locale where many things are uncertain. The author carefully reconnects the shattered, colorful pieces of her character's journeys and situations into a beautiful and memorable design." -Delores Topliff, author of Books Afloat, Christmas Tree Wars, and Wilderness Wife

 

About the Author

 

 

Amy Willoughby-Burle grew up in the small coastal town of Kure Beach, NC, and now lives in Asheville, NC with her husband and four children. She teaches creative writing and works as a freelance editor when not working on her own fiction. She is also the director of Wildacres Writers Workshop. She is the author of the novels The Lemonade Year and The Year of Thorns and Honey. Her award-winning short fiction has been published in numerous journals and in her collection, Out Across the Nowhere. Her fiction focuses on the importance of family and friends and centers on the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and finding beauty in the world around us. She likes to write about the wonder and mystery of everyday life.

Visit her online at www.amywilloughbyburle.com. You can also Amy on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

Enter to win this fun prize package including:

Tote Bag
Journal & Pens
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Paperback copy of The Other Side of Certain

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on October 14th. 

You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Other Side of Certain

Blog Tour Schedule

 

Wednesday, September 21
Review & Excerpt at Books, Cooks, Looks

Thursday, September 22
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Review at McCombs on Main

Friday, September 23
Review at A Baker’s Perspective

Monday, September 26
Review at Reading is My SuperPower

Wednesday, September 28
Excerpt at Heidi Reads...
Review at Novels Alive

Thursday, September 29
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Books Less Travelled

Friday, September 30
Review at Bookworlder
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, October 3
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Tuesday, October 4
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, October 5
Review at Tammy Reads

Thursday, October 6
Review at Older & Smarter

Saturday, October 8
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 11
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at Robin Loves Reading

Wednesday, October 12
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Friday, October 14
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Lady's Triumph by Shelly Adina & R.E. Scott

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Lady's Triumph by Shelly Adina & R.E. Scott, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: The Lady's Triumph 

Series: The Regent's Devices #3 

Author: Shelley Adina and R.E. Scott 

Publisher: Moonshell Books 

Release Date: September 28, 2022 

Genre: Regency Steampunk

Only one thing could be worse than Napoleon’s invasion of England…

After their daring adventures behind enemy lines in France, Loveday Penhale and Celeste Blanchard cannot settle into everyday life at home. Has the Tinkering Prince forgotten them entirely? What of the prize he promised? Then, with the flourish of a royal messenger’s hand, their lives are changed. Not only have they won the prize, they are to join the Prince’s Own Engineers in London! 

They must overcome many a stone in the path, however—leave all they love, find a suitable house, and worst of all, cope with a chaperone—before they can take their rightful places among the most intelligent and forward-thinking minds in the kingdom. Their goal? To develop an airborne fleet that will end Napoleon’s dreams of conquering England forever. 

But the saboteur who has been plaguing their efforts for months has not yet been caught. And along with battling for acceptance among the engineers, tiptoeing closer to falling in love, and receiving invitations to Almack’s, they must discover the traitor’s identity … before the Prince Regent steps forward to command the fleet and finds himself playing right into Napoleon’s hands.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

 

EXCERPT

Determined to see this new planet named George, Celeste and Emory headed up the stairs, where a footman pointed them to the second flight into the top floor of the house. Several couples had also abandoned the ball and stood waiting for a chance to look through the eyepiece of the long brass telescope trained out the window.

Oblivious to the frigid air crawling in, Mr. Guelph was keeping an eye on his treasure. He wiped down the eyepiece with a cloth after each guest and adjusted this dial and that level.

“Ah, Miss Aventure, Sir Emory,” he said as they stepped forward for their turn. “I thought you’d make your way up here sooner or later. Couldn’t wait to catch a peek, what?”

“A decided attraction, sir,” Emory said. He stepped aside to let Celeste go first.

She bent to the eyepiece. In the night sky, stars popped into view, gleaming yellow and blue and red like gemstones scattered on velvet. And there, that faint bluish haze, that was the planet?

“Amazing,” she said, straightening. “But you must speak with Loveday. She has made a device that can see even farther.”

Their host’s brows rose. “Indeed. You can be sure I’ll discuss it with her at the first opportunity. In fact—” He glanced around. The other couples had left. “Keep an eye on it for me, will you?”

Emory didn’t have a moment to agree before Mr. Guelph barreled out.

“You will want to look,” Celeste told Emory in the quiet that followed.

“Why?” Emory asked. “The most beautiful sight of the night is standing right in front of me.” He bent closer. Celeste raised her chin and closed her eyes, shivering in anticipation.

“Now, that’s a statement I might have to steal.”

Emory straightened, and Celeste could have wished Jacob Barnes to perdition. Leaning against the doorjamb, their colleague grinned at them both, then sighed theatrically. “Ah, young love. Truly a marvel.”

It would be a marvel, if it were only true.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

 

Shelley Adina is the author of more than 50 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk adventure and mystery as Shelley Adina; as Charlotte Henry, writes classic Regency romance; and as Adina Senft, is the USA Today bestselling author of Amish women’s fiction. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK, won RWA’s RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.

R.E. (Regina) Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t sell her first novel until she learned a bit more about writing. She now has had published more than 60 works of warm, witty historical romance for Harlequin, Penguin, and Revell. Regina and her husband of more than 30 years reside in the Puget Sound area of Washington State on the way to Mt Rainier. She has dressed as a Regency dandy, learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research, of course.

Connect with Shelley by visiting shelleyadina.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Connect with R.E. Scott by visiting reginascott.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a copy of The Emperor’s Aeronaut and The Prince’s Pilot (print + bookmarks US only, ebook internationally).

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 27, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print + bookmarks US only, ebook internationally.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!

Book Tour & Author Interview: Millstone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch

Synopsis

A Bow Street Runner and a debutante in London Society use their skills to find the killer of a wealthy businessman, but the killer’s secrets aren’t the only ones they will uncover.

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill's owner dead of an apparent gunshot--but no sign of the killer.

Even though the owner's daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, she may be the only one. It seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can't take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage--and his job as a runner--comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him.
Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha's bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. But when her trusted instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation, Lady Juliette obeys. That is, until circumstances intervene, and she drops right into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case--and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

Interview with Author Erica Vetsch

What was your greatest challenge while writing Millstone of Doubt?

This is my first true whodunnit mystery, so plotting the mystery elements and saving a few plot twists for towards the end of the story posed quite a challenge. The first book in the series, The Debutante’s Code, had mystery elements, but might be classified as more of a ‘heist’ book, but Millstone of Doubt is a true murder mystery.

Who is your favorite character in the story and why?

It’s always hard to pick a character who is your favorite, but if I was hard pressed, I would have to say Daniel. He asks spiritual questions without being disrespectful, but because he truly does not understand. He’s dealing with a lot of past hurt and tends to unravel other people’s mysteries because his own mystery seems tangled beyond sorting.

Can you share your research process? Which resource book did you find most helpful?

I do basic research before I start a story. For example, I needed to learn about grist mills, how they work, how they’re laid out. I read a couple of books, but I also visited a working grist mill and spoke with the docent there. As I’m writing, I tend to make lists of things I need to look up, or I make a note in the document. And then, as I edit, I check and double check that I’ve gotten things as right as I possibly can.

As to resource books that are helpful, I have a book called Jane Austen Shopped Here, by Teresa DesJardien, which lists shops and streets and churches and so many fascinating things that were in existence in London and the surrounding areas during the Regency.

Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

I do like to find photos that resemble my characters. I’m not certain I can share them without violating copyright, but I will give an example that folks might know. In both The Debutante’s Code and Millstone of Doubt, the heroine’s uncle plays a significant role. Sir Bertrand Thorndike was patterned after a young Cary Grant, very suave, very droll, with a nice line in irony. I picture him as I’m writing Uncle Bertie.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

The first thing I want readers to take away from my book is that it was an entertaining read. I always want my readers to be more hopeful about the sovereignty of God coupled with the goodness of God. In Millstone of Doubt in particular, the message of God being a Father to the fatherless is a strong theme.

What was your favorite book as a child?

I was always reading as a child. It was my favorite things to do! I don’t know that I could pick just one favorite book, but I did read Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder many, many times.

What do you do like to do besides writing?

I am the company bookkeeper for our family lumber business, and I like to do needlework, cross-stitch and sewing. In addition, I love to watch sports on TV. If it involves a ball and at least two players, I’m in.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

I just turned in book three in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Children of the Shadows. That story will release in 2023, and then hopefully, I’ll be writing more books set in this particular “Haverly Universe” as I like to call it.

About the Author

 

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

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