Blog Tour, Guest Post and Giveaway: Nellie by Amy Walsh

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Nellie by Amy Walsh, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Nellie
Series: Apron Strings #2
Author: Amy Walsh
Publisher: Walsh Mountain Publishing
Release Date: February 15, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

Finances are tight for the O’Dwyer family who live on a mountain outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1931. Life gets even harder when their beloved Dadaí must cease work as a coal miner to become a patient at the West Mountain Sanitarium. 

Nellie is her preferred name, but family and friends have heard Mam shout “Fenella Aileen O’Dwyer!” all too often with the countless predicaments she got herself into throughout childhood. So, it’s not altogether surprising when Nellie impulsively accepts a job as an assistant cook at the Clarinda House in a case of mistaken identity -- though she’s the last person her family would ask to prepare a meal.

Fortunately, along with determination, a talent for acting, and the gift of blarney, Nellie has Mrs. Campbell’s Cookery Book, a treasure she discovered at a Red Cross drought relief sale. 

As her reluctant admiration for her employer grows, Nellie wishes she could be the sort of truthful woman of faith that Mr. Mason Peale esteems. If she confesses all, will she lose her job along with the friendships she’s formed at Clarinda House?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

 

Guest Post from Author Amy Walsh

 

Nellie and Hot Dogs

I’ll be honest, I enjoy a hot dog now and then. I have fond memories of hot dogs, French fries, and cream corn at Grandma Cooley’s house on many Sunday afternoons. She’d filet the hot dogs down the middle and fry them until the edges were dark brown and crispy. There was something about her coal stove that made everything taste so good. These days, I usually buy kosher hot dogs, or a brand of all beef, just to guarantee that there are fewer mysterious ingredients. Sometimes my husband just wants some franks and baked beans for supper. My kids are not so enthusiastic about that meal.

Hot dogs have been around at least since the 1600s in Frankfurt, Germany. They weren’t sold in a bun in the US until the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 (The Columbian Exposition). But they didn’t become popular until the Great Depression, Nellie’s era. One could buy a hot dog in a roll from a street vender for about five cents in 1931.

With Nellie’s father in the West Mountain Sanitarium, her family had to be even more frugal. The O’Dwyers were down to having meat once a week, and that would typically be something very cheap, like chipped corned beef or baloney. When one is used to beans as a main source of protein, like baked bean sandwiches, even cheap meat would taste good. I can only imagine how Nellie would have marveled the first time she opened the Clarinda House mansion’s Frigidaire and saw the abundance of meat.

Hot Dogs Recipes from the 1930s

Yay!

Hoover Stew

This stew made with hot dogs, stewed tomatoes, corn, and macaroni was named after the president at the beginning of the United States financial collapse. Supposedly a group of women wanted to have a neighborhood party but they wanted to feed a crowd with the ingredients they had on hand, and that’s how Hoover Stew originated. I think I would enjoy this dish, how about you?

Source: https://www.thefrugalnavywife.com/hoover-stew-recipe/


Depression Sandwich

I’ve actually had this same combination from Sonic – they called it the Chicago Dog. During the 1930s, this sandwich was a frankfurter topped with mustard, pickle relish, onions, a dill pickle, hot peppers, lettuce and tomatoes.


Poorman’s Meal

This weiner and potato skillet meal also sounds like one I would eat with no grumping. You will love watching this 91-year-old grandmother make this dish. https://youtu.be/3OPQqH3YlHA?si=omu9EUeE0e6JjW-X

 

What do you think of this combo? For me, it's NAY!

Source: https://shadesofcinnamon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tender-frankfurters.jpg

Speaking of nays, this one is

A Big Nay! 

 
Jellied Bouillon with Frankfurters

The fabulous ingredients in this dish are unflavored gelatin, water, beef stock, hot dogs, hard boiled eggs, and diced celery.

Source: https://www.tastemade.com/recipes/jellied-bouillon-with-frankfurters-source-500-snacks-ideas-for-entertaining-1953

In the 1950s there was a new fad – gelatin. We will devote some time to gelatin in the Apron Strings Book Series Readers group on Facebook when Beatrice releases in April. I can’t wait!

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About the Author

Amy Walsh writes historical and contemporary romance, mysteries, speculative fiction, and women’s fiction. She is a 5th-grade writing teacher in an urban public school. Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children. Amy considers herself greatly blessed in the roles God has given her as an earthling, including aspiring wordsmith, teacher of youngsters, nature appreciator, tea aficionado, avid dessert fan, book fanatic, lover of family and friends, and Christ-follower.

Connect with Amy by visiting walshmountainpublishing.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card, print copies of Nellie and Voices in the Sanitorium, and some historical memorabilia from the West Mountain Sanitarium!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2024. Winners 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Book Tour & Review: Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?

My Review

There's something about this story that really resonated with me. I feel like the author was intentional and thoughtful with the themes and difficulties of the characters and the era. The railroads have made travel to the West more accessible and swift, and the wagon trains are tapering off. It provides Beth and her mother an opportunity to hide in plain sight as her father assumes they would escape via rail travel. I enjoyed the people they meet and become close to on their journey, and loved the way Oscar, a former employee, showed his loyalty and decency by aiding Beth in her plans and supporting them on the trail. Jake and Beth have great chemistry, and their relationship and romance developed slowly and naturally as they work together through all the obstacles along the way. There is anticipation of an impending altercation as Beth's father closes in and we have some passages from his villainous perspective. Overall, the pace is steady and I appreciated the character growth as well as the details of the journey. I look forward to continuing the story with the next book, following Sebastian, a mysterious inventor they rescued and brought on the trail, and Kat, who escaped the asylum with Beth's mother.

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.

Check out the next book in A Western Light series . . .

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's daughters, and has many other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.

Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | Bookbub | Goodreads

PRAISE FOR CHASING THE HORIZON

"Mary Connealy’s Inspirational Western Romances have long been on my radar to try, but the new Western Lights series opener, Chasing the Horizon, was my first opportunity. Imagine my chagrin when I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Oh yes, dear friends, I’d waited too long to discover a gem of a writer."— Sophia Rose, The Reading Frenzy

5 STARS "What an incredible book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it.” — Camille Dayton, Fostering Literacy

 

5 STARS “Loved this story! I was intrigued right from the beginning.”— Melissa Goss, Christian Books and Coffee

Review: Something Borrowed by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Forsaking all others...

Gage Trembath is getting married. He is the only one who knows it, but the statement is true nonetheless. The woman he had once loved has been married elsewhere for a time, and he can put off his own marriage no longer. The woman he has chosen to marry, without love, is sensible, quiet, musical, and amenable, which should enable him to have a good marriage and a content life. That is all he wants now, and Honora Berkeley makes the most sense.

Honora cannot believe that a handsome and wealthy man like Gage has any interest at all in marrying her, even without love. She has certainly very little to recommend her, but escaping her life of criticism and abandonment is something she cannot resist. But what about the woman Gage had once loved? The one who was perfect for him and the one who made him determined to abandon love? Are his feelings for her truly gone? Will Honora ever have his affection along with his respect?

My Review

I was so happy to see these two make a match, but disappointed that Gage went into the marriage with unresolved baggage from his previous experience. This is a bit of a marriage of convenience for Honoria since it gets her away from her abusive family, but her feelings naturally grow swiftly for such a considerate gentleman. Their individual hangups provide the conflict in their relationship- Gage thinking he will never love again, and Honoria completely insecure about his affections. I was glad they had the support of their friends and family- the characters from the previous books- that helped them along their bumpy road to happily-ever-after.

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

Don't miss the previous books in the Cornwall Brides series . . .

Review: Secretly Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?

The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?  

 

My Review

I enjoy collections where each story builds upon the previous. Tess, Clare, Zoe, and Anna each play a role in uncovering the mystery of the military dog tags and reuniting Grandma Rose with David. Not before some serious sisterly drama plays out, however, and makes the granddaughters worry that things will never be the same. The first three stories were okay, I didn't really mesh with the authors' writing styles. The interactions between the main characters were awkward and I wasn't feeling the chemistry. The last story by Denise Hunter made up for it, and I found myself looking forward to her contribution as I read. She brings a spark to her romance and I connected more fully with the emotions of the characters.

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.

Check out the other books in the Smitten series . . .

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Renewed Hope
Series: Seven Tine Ranch Romance #3
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Can they find her son in time? 

Sophie Cayes is on the road to success as an artist. Until her ex-husband threatens to sue for full custody of their son. Upon learning of a guest ranch in Eastern Washington that keeps a room open for women in need, she grabs her son and bolts. Although Chad Davis loves starting colts on the Seven Tine Guest Ranch, his goal is to have his own spread. Everything’s on course until a woman and her preschool son show up. He’s not thrilled about helping out. Until the boy comes up missing. On his watch. Along with a tribal cop, they head back to Montana in search of the boy, knowing his dad was the one who kidnapped him. Sophie prays they find him before her ex-husband and his new wife go on the run. Taking her son with them. 

 

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

More Books In This Series

   

 

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Author Interview with Carmen Peone

Thank you for hosting me today. It’s an honor to be featured on your blog!

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a country girl at heart. Though raised in the valley of Spokane, WA, now Spokane Valley, WA, I dreamed about living in the country on a ranch and raising and riding horses in the mountains. That all came true when I met my husband in college and we moved northwest of the city and on his Indian Reservation.

I now own horses (we’re down to two) and enjoy trail rides and horse camping. What I liked most was competing in Extreme Cowboy races. That was a hoot. Especially when they were not in an arena, but in natural environments.


What do you do besides writing?

I read a lot of fiction and non-fiction, bead Native American-style jewelry, sew, paddle board, and enjoy photographing nature and animals. I also spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren. They are the joy in my life. Before the service begins at my church, I play worship music on the piano and enjoy playing the Native American flute at home.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

My favorite parts of researching Renewed Hope were my four trips to the Polson, MT, area. I traveled there three times with my husband and one time with two lady friends. I’m not sure what is more spectacular, Flathead Lake, Mission Mountains, or Hungry Horse Dam and Recreational Area. You can click on my website and follow my blog series this month. One segment is about the setting, plus I share photos of the above places and more.


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

In my month-long, weekly Renewed Hope book release blog series, I begin with Sophie Cayes on 2.6.24 and end with Chad Davis on 2.27.24. You can sign up for my blog to see all of the Renewed Hope Book Release posts. (After the book release series, I’ll continue with my monthly Women Honoring the West series.)

I do like to find the visual character inspiration images before I write so I don’t have to go back and fill in blank spots. The images help bring the characters to life and add fun and another element of creativity to the story. 

 

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

I always listen to Native Flute music because it’s soothing and there are no words to distract me. My favorite is Native American Sleep Music. There’s something special about the canyon sounds. Listen to the Music.


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

I want readers to know more about domestic violence and abuse. I want victims to know they are not alone and that there is help and hope. I have a resource page on my website to learn more and find out how to get help. Get Carmen’s Resources.


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

I’m working on a series that features rodeo queens and rodeo cowboys. I’m having a ton of fun with these three books and need the break from the heaviness of the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series.

In the Rodeo Queen series, there are second chances, enemies to lovers (or love, as these are Christian novels), and friends to lovers.

You can follow along by signing up for my newsletter. When you do, you’ll receive my novella, Gentling the Cowboy, as a thank-you gift. Sign up here.

 

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About the Author

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense and lives with her husband in Northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation. She weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after.

Connect with Carmen by visiting carmenpeone.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. 

 

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win a signed copy of Renewed Hope, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a story-related postcard!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 12, 2024. Winners 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fall When You're Ready
Series: Real American Country #1 
Author: Jennifer Carr
Publisher: JCarr Writes
Release Date: February 1, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Clean Romance

Rachel never wanted to get in the way of Jordan’s dreams, but they were supposed to chase their dreams together. They made promises and swore to remain best friends through it all. But, just as all good things must come to an end, it would seem that applies to promises as well. When Rachel and Jordan end up on separate paths toward their own versions of success, they each learn the hard way that letting go is easier than it sounds. But when those paths bring them both home, all of those promises come flooding back and they have to decide whether it’s worth the risk to reopen the chapter they closed on their story so long ago.  

 

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

 

 

Guest Post from Author Jennifer Carr

In the past I viewed dreams as mountains to be conquered, with a single-minded focus that left little room for anything else. I believed, like many do, that to achieve greatness or to realize a lifelong ambition, one must sacrifice other aspects of life, including relationships. There's a certain allure to this path – it's the narrative of many a success story we hear. But life, in its infinite wisdom, taught me that this route comes with its own set of challenges.

I've seen friends and acquaintances choose their dreams over their partners, a decision that often led them to unparalleled heights in their careers. Yet, in quiet moments, they shared their longing for a companion to share these successes with - a reminder of the emotional support and connection that was sacrificed along the way. This path, I've realized, is one of profound personal achievements but also of introspection about what we truly value.

Conversely, I've witnessed and even experienced the beauty and complexity of pursuing dreams while securely anchored in a loving relationship. This journey is not without its trials – it requires a delicate dance of balance, understanding, and sometimes, sacrifice. Yet, it's a path that enriches both the dream and the relationship. There's a unique strength found in the support of a partner who cheers you on, who becomes a part of your dreams just as you become a part of theirs.

At this stage in my life, I understand that neither path is inherently better than the other; they are simply different. The choice between pursuing a dream at the expense of a relationship, or trying to balance both, is deeply personal. It's a decision that should be made with a clear understanding of what you hold dear, what makes you feel fulfilled, and how you define success and happiness.

Looking back, it’s glaringly obvious that each choice we make in this regard shapes us in unexpected and often beautiful ways. It's not just about the achievements or the relationships we nurture; it's about the person we become in the process. Whether we choose to focus exclusively on our dreams or intertwine them with our relationships, each path offers its own lessons, joys, and challenges.

In my own journey, I've learned that life is not just about reaching a destination. It's about the experiences we gather, the love we give and receive, and the dreams we chase. And so, to those standing at this crossroads, I say: Trust your heart, embrace your choice, and let it guide you through this incredible journey of life. Whichever path you choose, it will shape you, teach you, and leave you richer in experience and wisdom.

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About the Author

A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer Carr draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.

Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. 

When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what's likely her third coffee of the day. 

Connect with Jennifer by visiting jcarrwrites.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. 

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of Fall When You're Ready and a 6-month Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 2024. Winners 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Review: Cocoa Kisses by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Two old friends, a snowed in cabin, and a mission to save Creekville’s Christmas…

Taylor Bixby is content running her café and watching her customers fall in love. She wouldn’t mind a little Cupid magic herself, but the last kiss to curl her toes was from an old friend--a rum-fueled mistake. It’s a good thing he hasn’t been around for the last four years.

She’s got her hands full overseeing the town’s most beloved annual tradition, and she’s fine leaving Levi Taft—and the night they don’t speak of—in the past.

Until he walks into her café without warning.

Levi Taft is back in Creekville to fix what he broke four years ago. He misses his best friend too much to let their friendship fade, and he sees his chance to make things right when catastrophe threatens Taylor’s ambitious winter festival plans.

It’s simple. They just need to outrun the blizzard of the decade and escape a snowbound cabin in a forest riddled with absurd amounts of mistletoe. Oh, and stay out of the clutches of their scheming moms.

Creekville needs rescuing, but is Taylor willing to try when it means risking her secrets for the only man to ever break her heart?

Revisit charming Creekville in this standalone Christmas novella full of the angst and hilarity that only happens when two best friends fall in love...

My Review

I have grown to love the fictional town of Creekville as I've read the books in this series! I appreciate that they can be read in any order, and I can revisit when the next book comes out without needing an info dump or rehashing the other plots. It's fun to see the previous characters pop up in cameos as friends or community members. Friends-to-more is one of my favorite tropes, but Taylor and Levi drove me a little crazy! I was glad when Taylor got out of her own head and gave in to the magic ;) The plot is charming and fun- rescuing the Christmas parade by procuring some last-minute reindeer, meddling moms, and unexpected time alone in a cozy cabin- this story has all the makings of a sweet Hallmark movie with the bonus of snappy banter.

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

Don't miss the other books in the Creekville Kisses series . . .