Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Mercy Seat by Henry O. Arnold

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Mercy Seat by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Mercy Seat
Series: The Urban Chronicles #1
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

Hells Canyon is a neighborhood in Richland, Tennessee where tourists never venture, and locals fear to tread. Maxwell Crane, former Marine chaplain and pastor of The Mercy Seat church, struggles to provide a beacon of hope. 

But others have their eyes set on Hells Canyon: power elites, robber barons, and street gangs seek their own gain at the cost of the beleaguered urban neighborhood. For the people who live there, it’s been a fight to exist their whole lives, and that fight is getting harder. 

Maxwell doesn’t have to stay in Hells Canyon. He and his family could leave to live a comfortable middle-class existence. Instead, Maxwell chooses to risk his life—and the lives of those around him—to stand against the oppressors. 

But what happens when this pastor crosses a line, taking justice into his own hands? Will his family, his community, and his God ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?  

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

 

Excerpt

“I need an activity,” Kenda said. She leaned forward on the table, her arms circled around her plate and glass. She tapped the table with her hands and bounced her lopsided shoulders to the rhythm she improvised.

“How about a kiss?” Maxwell pointed to his lips.

“I was thinking of something more productive like cleaning up the kitchen.” Kenda kept drumming on the table long enough for Maxwell to provide a sulk before leaping from her chair to fulfill his request.

“Am I a bad parent for sometimes thinking we overpopulated the world by one male child?” Maxwell opened his eyes after receiving his wife’s loving kiss.

“Show me one parent who’s never had a moment’s secret regret about their offspring, and I’ll show you the alien ship they flew in on.”

Kenda placed her hand upon his heart cupping it over the emotional wound like a bandage to slow the internal bleeding.

"I'm so thankful for your love," Maxwell said.

"It's a solid commodity, free and infinite, no strings attached," Kenda whispered.

 

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About the Author

Mr. Arnold's career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is The Hiding Place. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled The Song of Prophets and Kings. When not writing he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere on the planet. He and his lovely wife Kay have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

Connect with Henry by visiting henryoarnold.com to follow him on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print copy of The Mercy Seat & $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 18, 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 & Excerpt: Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson

 

 

Synopsis

Jane Fairfax knows she is truly fortunate. Most orphans face lives of hardship, whereas she was adopted by doting surrogate parents who elevated her place in Society and love her as their own. Yet even they cannot shield her from the grim realities of life without a suitable marriage. In moments of despair, Jane comforts herself with a well-worn memory: that of a young man whose kind words when they were children once soothed her heartbreak. But now that boy has grown into a dashing gentleman―and their lives could not be more distant.

Frank Churchill is a prisoner of his station. His inheritance is held in the balance by his demanding aunt, and the weight of her expectations is suffocating him. But when a chance encounter brings the lovely Miss Fairfax back into his life, he discovers what it is to truly live. As the pair secretly become acquainted amid the confines of Society’s strict rules, their friendship blossoms into love. But in a world ruled by unyielding traditions, endeavoring to build a life together would mean inviting a scandal that would shake the very foundation of the ton. 

Excerpt

 

The wind whipped Jane’s bonnet off her head, and she held on to the ribbons to keep it from blowing away altogether. Cassandra moved closer to the edge of the cliff in front of them, then bent to see over it. Jane’s heart stopped just watching her.

“Cassandra, please!” she yelled above the breeze.

Cassandra turned and laughed. “It is perfectly safe. Come closer and see for yourself.” She pointed out toward the ocean. “There is Durdle Door. Isn’t it marvelous?”

Jane shook her head and held her arms closer to her. She could see the rock formation coming out of the ocean from where she stood. Even with her jacket and warmest dress, the wind seemed to cut right through her. The Campbells were wise to have stayed in the carriage. Colonel Campbell’s ears would not have liked the cold. He had insisted his girls see the sight though.

“Please, not so close to the cliff,” she begged.

Cassandra gave her an annoyed look but came away from the edge. Jane immediately felt the tension inside her subside.

“I saw some steps on the other side,” Cassandra said. “We could walk along the beach below. Remember the ammonite fossil Mr. Brenchworth showed us? He told me he found it here. Surely you could get behind such an academic experience.”

“Academics should not be nearly this dangerous,” Jane said, her teeth chattering.

Cassandra laughed. “Quite the contrary! Studies should only be this way!” She linked arms with Jane. “Come. We shall go down the steps slowly and find some fossils to show Papa.”

Jane sighed. “Perhaps the wind will be less fierce on that side of the hill.”

Together they found the path and began their descent. Thick patches of long grass and prickly yellow flowers lined the terraced steps. Some parts were a large stretch for Jane’s legs. As she neared one spot in particular, two gentlemen appeared quite suddenly from around the bend below them. Jane saw the pleased expression that passed between them, and uneasy, she shrank back.

Cassandra took a step down, her longer legs making it much easier for her. One of the men tipped his hat at Cassandra, who bent her head in a silent greeting. Jane stood stranded and frozen on the step.

“Please allow me to help, madam,” one said, stretching out his hand. It was gallant, and maybe necessary, as she was blocking their path. Still, she stared at his hand and hesitated. She knew her foolishness. These men did not know her social status; they would not sneer at her or make her feel inferior, nor would they try to take advantage of her because of her situation. But still she could not make her hand move. It was as if she were near the edge of the cliff again.

Cassandra stopped walking and turned around, watching Jane deliberate what to do. Finally, she hiked back up and said, “Thank you, gentleman. My friend is quite shy. Here, Jane, allow me to help you.”

The men bowed, and the one who had spoken before blushed awkwardly and said, “Of course. Good day, ladies.”

Jane felt a fresh wave of embarrassment now that the sense of danger was passed. Why hadn’t she just taken the man’s outstretched hand? Sometimes she felt her anxieties were getting worse as she aged. Cassandra linked arms with her once more and kept her close as they conquered the next several steps together.

“Really, Jane,” she said, “they meant no harm.”

“I know it was foolish. I just—you know how I feel.”

Cassandra rubbed her arm. “Dearest, not all men are little boys ready to push you down.”

“Are they not?” Jane asked, her face burning hot. “And what of Society in general? They can push harder than any boys I have encountered.” Jane did not add that the wounds they caused also did not heal. They festered and bothered and spread until she was anxious about making the acquaintance of any new person—male or female.

One day Jane must leave her safety nest. She had begun her life with the Campbells knowing they would not be able to keep her as an adult. Very soon she would need to either marry or become a governess. At age twenty-one, her chances of marrying were not high, especially with no money or connections and her tendency to be unsociable.

Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson; Chapter 3, pages 13-15.

 

 

About the Author

Robbin J. Peterson is the author of Going Home, Conviction, and 13 Days of Girls Camp. She earned her degree in English literature from Utah State University and her associate of arts degree from Snow College. She has six kids, plays the viola, and works as an elementary school librarian.
 

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

 

 

 

Review: Rocky Road by Becky Wade

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There's no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She's creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude's never met a rule he didn't respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It's going to be a rocky road.

My Review

We meet Jude in the previous book, but the real reason to read this series in order is to understand the family scandal and complicated dynamics that have resulted. Most of Rocky Road is from Jude and Gemma's perspective, but we also have the point of view of Jude's mother, the origin of the scandal, and her attempts to reconcile with the sister she betrayed. Gemma and Jude have an awesome meet-cute, and their chemistry just grows from there, despite Jude's determination to remain aloof. The romantic tension is so strong! I just loved their interactions and genuine personalities. The investigation of Gemma's cousin brings an element of suspense, and the subplot of Gemma's hunt for answers to her grandmother's secret past was heartwarming. The setting of Maine is dreamy, and makes me want to return there to explore more! We're also introduced to Max, the notorious half brother, and I'm looking forward to his story in the next book!

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 first book in the Sons of Scandal series . . .

Review: Tutored in Love by Barbara J. Adamson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Grace Ebert is focused on graduating college and launching her career as a recreational therapist, but one monumental challenge stands in her math. Desperate for help as she struggles to complete her final college course, she hires Noah Jennings to tutor her. Naturally outgoing, Grace is determined to get to know the surly math whiz, but when she pushes too hard for connection, Noah makes it painfully clear that they will never be friends and cuts ties with her. Noah feels his rejection of Grace’s friendship is perfectly justified, but when he’s unexpectedly stuck working with her again, he can’t help but admire her caring heart and determination. As Noah addresses his mental health and Grace confronts her guilt, they form an undeniable bond over the similarity of their haunting grief; still, they must resolve the volatile past that stands between them if they hope to build a future together.

My Review

Talk about getting off on the wrong foot! Grace and Noah begin on a disastrous blind double date, and then meet years later for tutoring sessions- but she doesn't remember him. Even though Noah takes grump to the next level, they are attracted to each other and form a slight friendship... which Noah burns to the ground. It was interesting how much of the book is spent with them not together, but showing them go through their own separate lives, which then randomly intersect. Serving on a mission trip in Mexico gives them a second chance, but outside forces intervene. More life happens, and then a third chance is sought by Noah, when it's almost too late. I wasn't feeling fully connected to the characters, but I appreciated that the author sensitively handled themes of grief, mental health, judging, and forgiveness. The difficulties in their early interactions made the reconciliation that much sweeter in the end, and both Grace and Noah go through so much character growth.

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

Review: Memory Lane by Becky Wade

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After surviving a trauma several years back, Remy Reed relocated to a cottage on one of Maine’s most remote islands. She’s arranged her life just the way she wants it, spending her time working on her wood sculptures and soaking in the beauty of nature. It’s quiet and solitary—until the day she spots something bobbing in the ocean.

Her binoculars reveal the “something” to be a man, and he’s struggling to keep his head above water. She races out to save him and brings him into her home. He’s injured, which doesn’t detract from his handsomeness nor make him any easier to bear. He acts like a duke who’s misplaced his dukedom . . . expensive tastes, lazy charm, bossy ideas.

Remy would love nothing more than to return him to his people, but he has no recollection of his life prior to the moment she rescued him. Though she’s not interested in relationships other than the safe ones she’s already established, she begins to realize that he’s coming to depend on her.

Who is he? What happened that landed him in the Atlantic Ocean? And why is she drawn to him more and more as time goes by?

There’s no way to discover those answers except to walk beside him down memory lane.

Travel to the rocky coast of Maine for "opposites attract" banter, witty humor, a fascinating mystery, and destiny-changing love. This sweet contemporary romance kicks off Becky Wade's new Sons of Scandal series!

*Note: For a list of sensitive topics in Becky's novels, visit BeckyWade.com and click the link you'll find at the top of the "My Books" page.

My Review

Remy is a reclusive artist who uses her isolation to exert extreme control over her life as well as experience the joy of nature. Rescuing "Jonah" from the ocean disrupts her routines, but as she acclimates to his company, she realizes that she may be ready to move forward and cope with her trauma in different ways. Jonah is on a path of self-discovery with his amnesia, finding out who he was, and making choices for who he will be. There is a mystery that haunts him as he learns more about his life before the accident, and Remy is determined to help him find the closure he needs. I loved their dynamic- they are complete opposites- but they appreciate the contrasts between them and recognize the important values they have in common. This author is skilled at making her characters come to life with unique details and mannerisms, and I was drawn into the complex story quickly. The pace was steady as circumstances changed, twisted, and disrupted Remy's careful life and her new relationship propelled her forward to explore healing and love. I'm excited for more stories from the "sons of scandal!"

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 next book in the Sons of Scandal series . . .

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Forever Free by Hope Toler Dougherty

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Forever Free by Hope Toler Dougherty, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Forever Free
Series: Forever #4
Author: Hope Toler Dougherty
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: January 29, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Phoebe Sinclair combines her love of flowers and teaching to nurture a cut flower business on her grandfather’s land. She’s got her hands full growing the farm, growing her customer base, and dealing with her growing attraction to the aloof man who’s volunteered to help make her farming dream come true. 

Can she focus on her main job, or will a pair of yearning eyes and a hurting heart divert her worthy goals? 

Heath Daniels has resigned himself to a life of singleness as he watches his siblings couple up and set wedding dates. Tracking their happiness, however, is more difficult than he expected. A real struggle, in fact. 

Feeling the old troubles creep back to tempt him—troubles from the bad time when he dropped out of college to explore less-than-noble pursuits—propels him to volunteer for manual labor that leaves him exhausted at the end of every day and out of trouble. 

His additional hours of agri-business, however, lead to more struggles with an intriguing farmer. Does he have the strength to resist old temptations as well as a beautiful new one, too?  

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

 

Excerpt

“She died in a car accident spring semester my freshman year.”

Rounded eyes misted. “I’m so sorry, Heath. She must have been special. You’re still honoring her memory. That’s wonderful.”

A harsh noise exploded from his mouth. “One way to look at it, I suppose. Realizing I forgot is what put me in that spin back there. For a minute, I thought the world was over.”

“Really? That sounds—”

“Crazy? You think I’m crazy?” A vein in the side of his neck ballooned.

“No, no. Are you ... superstitious about not remembering?”

“A horrible person forgets a loved one. If I don’t have her favorite breakfast—”

“Was she a control freak when she was alive too?”

“What?” His heart slammed into his chest.

Phoebe slid toward the edge of the seat. “I mean, she’s got a hold on you still, Heath, but not in a good way.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“But I know the difference in healthy grieving and ... something else. You scared me back there. I’ve never seen anyone change temperaments as fast as you in the barn. I didn’t know what was happening.”

“You still don’t.”

“If you want to explain, I’ll listen. If you don’t, fine, but know this—no kind, smart person—no one who grabbed your interest and your love would want her memory to cause what happened to you today.

“Honor her memory. Take flowers to her grave. Eat her favorite breakfast. If you forget, have it for dinner. I’ve watched Grandpa grieve for over a year. He has his moments, then moves on. Because life moves on.”

“You have no idea.” He shook his head.

“You’re right. I don’t. Explain it to me.”

 

More Books In This Series

   

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About the Author

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her early novels are Irish Encounter, Mars…With Venus Rising, and Rescued Hearts. Her Forever series includes her latest, Forever Free, Forever Music, Forever Home, and the novella, "A Hatteras Surprise."

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win print copies of all 4 books in the Forever series, a $25 Amazon card, and a bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 4, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 11, 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: The Beaches and Brides Romance Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Susan Page Davis, Paige Winship Dooly, Mary Davis

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Venture along historic American shorelines, enjoying five stories that are full of adventure, challenge, and romance. In Key West a couple collides over a child’s welfare. In Washington, a captain’s wife guards a secret. In Maine, a castaway returns from the dead. In Georgia, a woman dares to man a lighthouse alone. In Virginia, a wounded soldier recoups at a seaside cottage. Watch as God works through their challenges to bring them safely to a harbor of love.

My Review

I loved the seaside settings of these historical stories. They were varied enough to hold my interest, and the romance was gentle and sweet. My favorite story was The Castaway’s Bride by Susan Page Davis, because I felt more connected to the emotions of the characters. Edward had been lost at sea and presumed dead while he and some shipmates drifted, dying one by one, until a few were marooned on an island, but only Edward survived long enough to be rescued several years later. It was easy to feel for him as he returns home, but discovers his fiancee is engaged to the cousin who took over his father's company in his place. Deborah is the fiancee's little sister who idolized him, and now that she's grown, her dynamic personality is a much better fit for him. I appreciated the complex dynamics of the relationships Edward navigated as he settled back into his place in family, work, and community.

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

Review: One Perfect Spring by Irene Hannon

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbor.
 

As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
 

Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.

My Review

I enjoyed this gentle story about making the best of things, past regrets, second chances, and valuing what is most important. Keith and Claire don't make the best first impression of each other, but it was nice that they quickly grew friendly as they encountered one another more. While Keith is a workaholic like his boss used to be, he does always make time for his mother. David wanted to make sure Keith didn't make the same mistakes as he did- prioritizing work to support his family financially at the expense of the emotional support they needed more. Claire has been burned once and doesn't trust easily, but Haley is a bright light in the middle of all these adults with baggage and issues, helping them move forward and embrace hope. Claire's neighbor Maureen had placed her son for adoption and the journey to discover him brings Claire and Keith together as well as David and Maureen. David's daughter is on a path of healing as well, and the various perspectives of the characters brought a well-balanced harmony to the story.

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

Review: While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

After graduating from Fannie Farmer's School of Cookery in 1910, Charlotte Gregory is ready to stir things up. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution--the gas stove--and certainly doesn't mind that the gas company has hired the handsome Lewis Mathis to perform at her lectures. Lewis encourages her work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made--especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

My Review

This book has an interesting plot and plenty of historical details, but the main characters were difficult for me to connect with. Charlotte is passionate about the craft and science of cooking, and is single-minded in meeting her goals. Her purposes are to benefit others in need, but her methods, personality, and inner thoughts come across as self-absorbed, entitled, unyielding, and judgemental. After the manner she continued to treat Joel, it didn't seem natural that he would have a friendly or romantic interest in her, especially when he is so arrogantly dismissive of her ideas. I suppose it was meant to be an enemies-to-lovers trope, but I didn't feel that the shift made sense amid their fighting and patronizing that fell short of banter. It was also disappointing the way she treated Lewis. I was most intrigued by the era of moving from wood stoves to gas lines in homes and communities.

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.