Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Midnight Blue by Suzie Waltner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Midnight Blue 

Series: Love in Color #1 

Author: Suzie Waltner 

Publisher: Anaiah Press Publishing 

Release Date: September 6, 2022 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance 

A series of heartbreaking setbacks behind her, Scarlett Sykes is now focused on creating the best life possible for her daughter. One where innocence and joy is not colored by rejection or loss. While finances are tight and Scarlett’s job isn’t ideal for a single mother, her child will always know she’s loved. Especially since Harmony’s father wanted nothing to do with them. 

As lead singer and the face of a successful country band, Jake Turnquist’s closest friends depend on him, but life in the spotlight is quickly losing its appeal. At a party celebrating another accomplishment, he’s stunned to discover Scarlett assisting the caterer. Almost ten years have passed, but he’s never forgotten his first love. 

In the hours after a surprise revelation, Jake scrambles to orchestrate a way to spend time with Scarlett and Harmony—the family he’s always wanted but never knew he had. He once gave her up to pursue his music. What will he have to surrender to win her back?

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

 

Guest Post from Author Suzie Waltner

 

Weaving Faith with Romance

With faith being an every-day part of many of my characters’ lives, weaving it into the storyline came naturally in Midnight Blue. And for those who have strayed away from faith or don’t intentionally practice it (like Jake), they were raised in it, so the progression back to it is natural.

I feel like faith and romance connect well because they have a few things in common, starting with the heart. Both faith and romance don’t always look worth it on paper or in our heads. With romance, a person gives up some of their independence and has to learn to compromise in some situations. And faith? Faith can be downright scary because you commit to handing control over to God. Often, both require unlocking those places in our hearts we don’t want to examine, but to grow in relationship (with that other person or with the Lord), it’s pain we have to experience.

There’s also a bit of an unknown factor in both. With romance, you’re questioning whether the other person feels the same about you as you do them, plus there’s this underlying thrum of excitement and hope that everything will work out. When someone takes their first step of faith, they’re not sure of what’s next for them, but oh, what joy we find in continuing that journey, even when we’re in a valley and have to hold on to hope.

And finally, there’s the Happily Ever After. In romance, I read for the “I love you” moment and what comes after—the engagement, the wedding, a glimpse into the couple’s married life. The story ends there and even though I know real life will still have plenty of bumps, bruises, and hardships, I remember these fictional couples in their happiest moments because that’s where I left them at the end of the story. With faith… Oh, what joy heaven will bring to. The new heaven and new earth are the only happily ever after that promises no tears, no pain, and no suffering that will never end.

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About the Author

Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. When she’s not at work or reading or writing, you can find her cheering on the Nashville Predators (hockey) or dancing an hour away in Zumba class. Until her second year of college, her life plan was to become a veterinarian. A fainting spell while watching a surgery performed on a sheep changed that plan. Now she works in the corporate world during the day while creating stories in her free time. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. She currently serves as the president of the Middle Tennessee ACFW chapter.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Everything But the Book Cozy Reading Basket: sherpa throw, I'd Rather Be Reading mug, I Read Past My Bedtime socks, 12 oz orange spice candle, portable power bank, book cozy, and some reading snacks plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 16, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 23, 2023. 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

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Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: The Reunion by Natasha D. Frazier

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Reunion by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Reunion 

Series: Langston Sisters #1 

Author: Natasha D. Frazier 

Publisher: Encouraging Works 

Release Date: October 25, 2022 

Genre: Christian romantic suspense 

Divorced. 

 Dragged through the mud by entertainment media outlets. 

Determined to rise above her past. 

Crystal Langston's plan was perfect: go to her 20th college class reunion to prove her divorce from her abusive ex-husband, NFL player, Dante Green, didn't break her. Her life was thriving outside of his shadow. Though it's been over a year since their divorce, Dante makes a huge announcement during their reunion mixer. His latest stunt results in his death. 

And Crystal is the number one suspect! 

Marcel Singleton recently launched his political campaign for Houston's District Attorney. Now that his childhood friend is no longer tied to Dante, he attends their class reunion with one goal in mind: to finally tell Crystal how he feels about her. What he didn't expect was that he'd be representing her in a murder case against her ex-husband. 

Crystal's life is going up in flames -- fast! 

Will Marcel's feelings for Crystal cloud his judgment? How will his involvement with a murder suspect affect his campaign? 

And if Crystal is innocent, will the real murderer come for her next?

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

Also Available

Guest Post from Author Natasha D. Frazier

I love writing romance stories, especially second-chance romances! I’d been toying with the idea of writing romantic suspense for a couple of years before I got started. It’s one of those things where I was already working on a series, so it had to wait. I wanted to try romantic suspense because it is a step outside of my comfort zone and I wanted to stretch myself as a writer.

One of the most challenging things about writing romantic suspense is balancing romantic tension along with the suspense in such a way that one is not overshadowing the other. It is a delicate line because we want the reader to feel and believe the characters falling in love despite what’s happening, but also experience the danger the characters are in.

In The Reunion, I think writing the romantic tension was easier because Crystal and Marcel had a past—they’ve known each other since grade school and have had unexplored feelings for each other for at least twenty years. There was no way they could hide their emotions when Marcel assigns himself the duty of protecting Crystal and clearing her name. This detail keeps the characters on the pages together and gives room for their relationship to bloom—allowing them to recognize what’s been between them all this time. And I love it!

Writing the suspense plot was different for me, but I had quite a bit of fun doing so. My twentieth high school reunion festivities were held in October 2022. The idea for The Reunion stemmed from random thoughts I had about my own high school class reunion.

What if something crazy happened?

As I explored that thought, The Reunion was born, except in our story, it is a college reunion. I think most of us are familiar with what happens at reunions. There is lots of catching up, reminiscing, etc. But what if things don’t go according to plan? And for Crystal, she only showed up because she wanted to prove to everyone that she was doing well outside of her ex-husband’s shadow. However, it didn’t work out in her favor, and as a result, several terrible things happened we could continue to explore while she and Marcel grew closer.

And (un)fortunately, while Crystal’s situation has been solved, it isn’t the end of the Langston sisters’ troubles. Ava’s story, The Wrong Seat, is coming April 6, 2023, and she finds herself in need of protection.

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About the Author

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of McCall Family Series and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 17, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Captive Set Free by Valerie Limmer

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Captive Set Free by Valerie Limmer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Captive Set Free 

Author: Valerie Limmer 

Publisher: Green Sap Publications 

Release Date: October 18, 2022 

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Living

Have you been hurt? Are you hounded by turbulent feelings and looping thoughts? Do you know you need to forgive but aren't sure where to begin?

Captive Set Free is a lamppost along the path of healing, offering engaging stories and examples, explaining how forgiveness fits into our spiritual DNA, and examining mindsets that make forgiving easier or harder. In this book, you'll learn how to

 - take concrete steps to forgive; 

- be sure forgiveness has taken hold in your heart; and 

 - guard your spirit from bitterness, both now and in the future. 

If you're tired of being imprisoned by pain and toxicity and want to step into the free and abundant life Jesus has planned for His children, this book is for you.

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

 

EXCERPT

This passage always touches me with its tenderness:

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, 

So great is His loving kindness toward those who fear Him. 

As far as the east is from the west, 

So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 

(Psalm 103:11–12)

These verses remind me of a parent and child. The parent says, “How much do you love me?”

Stretching out his arms as wide as they can go, the child exclaims, “This much!”

In this case, it’s God who’s widening His arms—and they are very big indeed! He isn’t afraid of being undignified.

“How much do You love me?”

“This much.” His arms get really tall. “How much have You forgiven me?”

“This much!” He stretches as far as the east is from the west. God is extravagant that way.

The apostle Peter once asked Jesus an important question: “How many times should I forgive? Seven times?”

Jesus replied, “Seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21–22)

Four hundred and ninety times. That doesn’t seem so outrageous. I would have been more comfortable if Jesus had said, “One million times”; I’m sure I’ll sin against my husband and family more than four hundred and ninety times during my life.

But Jesus combined His godly extravagance with gentleness toward human frailty. We tend to get overwhelmed. We turn off and tune out the impossible. Jesus took Peter’s number—the highest he was willing to go—and multiplied it by another, ten times bigger. Though large, it wasn’t so inconceivable that Peter would give up.

I have a feeling that if Peter’s original number had been one million, then Jesus would have said, “10,000,000 ⨉ 1,000,000 times.”

Jesus is like that. He’s patient with our limitedness. He knows our smallness and comes to meet and teach us right where we are.

 

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About the Author

Valerie Limmer is a missionary in Japan. She is neither a therapist nor a theologian, but she has experienced severe abuse from a handful of people. In Captive Set Free, she shares the principles and techniques she's learned in her own life on her journeys towards forgiveness.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Captive Set Free and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 9, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 16, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Secret of the Sonnets by Samantha Hastings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and at the advanced age of twenty-six, she is undoubtedly a spinster. Her single-minded ambition leads her not to seek a husband but to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. So when she discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, she pens a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic triumph.

Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and must turn things around or risk losing his ancestral home. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has little time to bother with a letter from an M. Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers―until he realizes there may be some financial merit in granting the request. To his great surprise, M. Hatch turns out to be none other than the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon embarks on the trail of a centuries-old mystery, drawn together not only by their shared goal but by their growing attraction. However, someone else is seeking the priceless papers, and they will not hesitate to remove anyone in the way of glory.

My Review

I loved the unique plot in this book! Miranda and her father have a great love (bordering on obsession) for literature and especially all things Shakespeare. Her self-confidence is admirable, and she is comfortable with herself and finds joy and laughter in life, reminding me a bit of Elizabeth Bennett. She has a lovely family dynamic with her mother and father. They are impressed with Robert as a gentleman and although he doesn’t share their literary interests, there is a connection of congeniality and sense of humor that makes him fit right in. I enjoyed how naturally their relationship progressed. There is a sense of tension as Robert has limited time to pay the debts left by his father, and the presence of a saboteur lingers in the background, leaving the reader in suspense as to when he will meddle with our characters. I was intrigued by the details I learned about Shakespeare and couldn’t wait to see if they would actually make a discovery.

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.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Into the Spotlight by Leslea Wahl

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Into the Spotlight by Leslea Wahl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Into the Spotlight 

Series: Finding Faith 

Author: Leslea Wahl 

Publisher: Vinspire Publishing 

Release Date: October 25, 2022 

Genre: Christian YA, adventure, mystery, romance

The devastation of a ruined summer.

The gift of a second chance. 

Can Josie learn the lessons she needs ito discover her true self? 

After a humiliating event and overwhelming peer pressure, 16-year-old Josie flees her home to spend the summer with her aunt on a South Carolina Island. Her fresh start turns into the summer of her dreams as friendships grow, romance blossoms, and a series of thefts surround her with excitement. 

However, when tragedy strikes someone close to her, Josie realizes there are more important things than her reputation. As she sets out to solve the mystery she has become entangled in, she not only realizes the importance of relying on her faith but along the way also discovers who God wants her to be.

PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon | Goodreads | Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT

“You were wonderful, Jozay.” His brown eyes peer into mine. “I wonder, would you be free tomorrow?”

“Yes.” OMG, he just asked me out!

“You can snorkel?”

“Snorkel? Sure.”

He doesn’t need to know everything. Like, the first time I tried, instead of breathing in clean air through my tube, I sucked in a bug and spit out my mouthpiece in total disgust…which resulted in me gulping in a mouthful of saltwater and choking. Luckily, he hasn’t read any of my mom’s books to know of this little incident.

I could get used to this anonymity.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leslea Wahl is an award-winning author of adventurous teen mysteries. She not only writes for teens but is also an avid reviewer of Christian fiction. Her journey to become an author came through a search for value-based fiction for her own children. Leslea now strives to be an advocate for other families battling against society’s secular messages through her faith-based writing and reviews.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Into the Spotlight, bookmark, bible verse magnet, and designer soap!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 4, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 2023. 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!

 

Reading Challenges for 2023!

Happy New Year!

 

I'm excited to be participating in two reading challenges this year! I haven't successfully completed a year-long challenge in the past, despite my good intentions, but these two look like I'll be able to accomplish them. The graphics link to the original blog posts if you'd like to join in! I'll be sharing my progress on social media throughout the year, and will do a halfway check-in post on the blog in the summer.

 

Book Tour & Review: The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

My Review

Julie Klassen is an auto-read author for me, and I'm so excited for a new series to devour! The Sisters of Sea View very much has the vibe of her Ivy Hill series, with a slower pace and rich details intricately weaving together the lives of her characters and immersing the reader in the setting. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and doesn't focus on one couple only, but creates an ensemble cast that I anticipate will continue throughout the rest of the books. Each sister has her own unique and vibrant personality, and I loved seeing them come into their own and develop their strengths in their new circumstances. Such a cozy read that held my interest through each page and plot development. I can't wait for the next installment!

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.

Author Julie Klassen sends her greetings from Sidmouth, the location of her newest book, The Sisters of Sea View

Read an exclusive interview with author Julie Klassen at Austenprose

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Jane Austen fans will delight in this nimble series launch…Klassen excels at weaving her various story lines, each emphasizing the colorful qualities of her characters and allowing them the space to shine. Readers will be eager for the next installment.” —Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)


PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF JULIE KLASSEN

“Julie Klassen delights with a winsome love story…” —Publisher’s Weekly, on A Castaway in Cornwall

“I couldn’t put it down! It you are a historical fiction fan you need this one on your radar! It was a spooky delight full of heart. ”—Anne Mendez, The Lit B****, on Shadows of Swanford Abbey

“…a wonderfully engaging novel full of intriguing characters and storylines. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for more in the series.” —Laura Gerold, Laura’s Reviews, on The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Portal Slayer: Beneath the Shadows by S.L. Dooley

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Portal Slayer: Beneath the Shadows by S.L. Dooley, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Portal Slayer: Beneath the Shadows 

Series Realms of the Periferie #3 

Author: S.L. Dooley 

Publisher: Torn Parchment 

Release Date: December 2, 2022 

Genre: Fantasy (clean)

Darkness comes in many forms.

Raelyn is about to encounter them all. 

 

Hidden away in the Schade Catacombs, a single portal remains in Alnok. And, pushed to near defeat, Cosyn has unleashed all his forces, taking Earth to the brink of a world war. Raelyn, in the midst of her own debilitating doubt, finds a new ally. But when no one will follow, she strikes out on her own, determined to reach the catacombs and close the portal. Only then can she finally return home. 

In the far north, her mentor and guide Kade, wounded and desperate, leads a band of soldiers, also on a path to the catacombs. 

As an impenetrable darkness falls on the realm of Alnok and Earth’s annihilation seems inevitable, Raelyn finds nothing is what it seems. Her calling, her newfound skills, even her reason for being in Alnok are shrouded in uncertainty. 

But she must uncover the light in the darkness of Alnok, and her own heart, to locate and destroy Cosyn’s last link to Earth. If she fails, she will have no home to return to.

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

EXCERPT

 

Kade let out a long, slow breath. It was time to surrender what he could not control. To rest in this moment. He let go of his anxious thoughts, one by one, as though setting them adrift on the river.

Their fate in the catacombs . . .

Raelyn’s location and condition . . .

Ditimer’s betrayal . . .

The current carried each away, the water dispersing them until they were diluted and powerless.

A heat kindled in Kade’s chest. A stirring beneath the wound, deep in his heart, something in his bones. The heat flowed down his arms and to his hands. A light flickered in his palms. Pale, unnoticeable to anyone but him.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.L. Dooley is a fantasy author looking for a neverending story to go boldly through the wardrobe into another adventure. She's a wife and mother of two grown kids. She lives in Texas where she collects old books and new journals.

Connect with S.L. by visiting sldooley.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of the Realms of the Periferie trilogy, tea, and a mug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 12, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 19, 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 Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane 

Series: Hope Crossing #2 

Author: Melissa McClone 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: December 14, 2022

Genre: Sweet/Clean Contemporary Romance (Christmas/Holiday)

She’s his Christmas miracle. Now all he has to do is convince her of that…

Figure skater Tasha Ramson used to love the holidays. But with her career on the skids, she needs a break from the festive season—and Berry Lake is the perfect place to take it. Organizing a Christmas fundraiser was not on her agenda. Neither was falling for the small town’s handsome lawyer. But…she did… 

Elias Carpenter needs a break, too. Between the demands of his family firm and managing the ice show fundraiser, he’s at the end of his rope. Tasha showing up is the best thing that could’ve happened for him professionally and personally. Now, if only he could convince her to move him out of the friendzone… 

When a pesky ghost from Tasha’s past arrives to wreck her present, will she hang onto Elias when it matters most? Or will she let her happily ever after skate away forever?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

EXCERPT

“I haven’t skated since I was a teenager.”

“What’s stopping you now?” she asked.

“No idea. Especially with the money going to a good cause.”

She peered around him. “The line for skates isn’t long.”

Elias glanced over his shoulder. “That’s the shortest it’s been compared to earlier.”

“Nothing to stop you.”

“Except I might fall flat on my face.”

She couldn’t tell if he was making an excuse or not. “Everyone falls. I did this morning. No big deal.”

“You fell because of Higgins. You wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Ninety-nine percent true—because slips happened to everyone—but she wouldn’t admit that aloud. “Skate.”

He opened his mouth and then closed it. “If you’ll skate with me.”

Yes. Desire hit hard and fast. The joy coming from the rink was palpable. But self-preservation warned against it. “I…can’t.”

“Come on,” Elias urged in a playful tone. “I can tell you want to.”

Tasha did, but his recognizing that surprised her. The only problem? She hadn’t skated in public—outside of choreographing—in three years. Berry Lake might be a small town—with fewer people than Wishing Bay—but she no longer wanted to be in the limelight. Not that anyone would recognize her after quitting the sport after Worlds.

She struggled with what to say. “I do, but…”

“No buts. I don’t know what to do out there. It’s been that long.” The words rushed out. He didn’t even stop for a breath, but she discerned each one. “Follow me.”

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA TODAY bestselling, award winning author Melissa McClone writes heartwarming women’s fiction and sweet contemporary romance novels for Tule Publishing Group, Harlequin Books, and Cardinal Press. She has also optioned two screenplays. When she’s not writing relatable characters and sigh-worthy happy endings, she spends her time in the rainy Pacific Northwest reading from her Kindle’s ever-growing TBR, napping with her Norwegian Elkhound and two mini panthers, and decorating her Happy Planner. Melissa graduated from Stanford University with a mechanical engineering degree, but discovered she prefers writing happily ever afters to jet engine testing and analysis.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Christmas Mystery Prize Pack including a $10 Amazon card, a $10 Starbucks card, and Christmas items!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 14, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 21, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. 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!