Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Even If Nothing Else Is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Even If Nothing Else Is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Even If Nothing Else Is Certain 
Series: Love for Certain #2
Author: Amy Willoughby-Burle
Publisher: Fireship Press
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance (clean)

Even if nothing else is certain … love still is. 

Ruby Foster loves her job as a Pack Horse librarian, but secretly she dreams of being a nurse. Since there are no schools for nursing in the hills of rural Kentucky in 1937, Ruby contents herself with harvesting medicinal plants, delivering her beloved library books, and dreaming. Dreaming mostly of a life that doesn’t leave her living in the past. Until one day she discovers that “past” camped out by the Hell for Certain creek. Could it really be Cole, the one who left her heartbroken so many years ago? Just when she starts to believe in her dreams and hope for love again, Cole reveals his true colors. Or is the truth she sees only another illusion? When nothing else in the world seems certain, can the bonds of friendship bring one searching heart and one lost soul together again?  

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

 

Interview with Author Amy Willoughby-Burle

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I always start out with “I’m a mom.” So… I’m a mom, a teacher, a writer. I grew up in Kure Beach, North Carolina and now live in the mountains of NC just outside Asheville. I’ve got 5 kids. Four that I had by birth and one that God sent to me as a teenage boy. My husband and I met at a writers workshop (Wildacres Writers Workshop) that I’m now the director of some 25 plus years later. I have recently become one of those crazy chicken ladies that you see on Instagram. I’m not sure how it happened, but it did.


What do you do besides writing?

I teach high school literature at a small private school. I spend quite a bit of time cooking, doing laundry, and telling people to brush their teeth at night. I’m often distracted by petting my cats. I love to meet my husband for coffee on a random weekday if we’re both free–I’m out of school and he doesn’t have patients (he’s a chiropractor) for a little bit. I’m in a wonderful book club. I have fantastic friends. I have a wonderful church family. Hmm, I guess the next time I start to complain about something I’ll reread this answer. Life is not too shabby.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I learned so much about medicinal plants as well as the amazing Frontier Nursing Service started by Mary Breckinridge in Hyden, KY. I came across some really cool old medical books that make an appearance in the novel. I learned all about how to run an old-school printing press. I watched so many videos and read so much about those presses that I’m pretty sure if I ever travel back in time and come across one, I could totally use it!


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?

I LOVE to fantasy cast my characters.

For Cole I pictured Benjamin Hollingsworth. Someone with a sweet look about him, but the potential to have some darker places in his heart. Ben is often cast as the spoiled rich guy type for Hallmark. Cole is not that at all, but for some reason his is the face that came to mind. If you’ve seen Virgin River, he’s got a bad boy with a heart of something like gold, LOL, that is somewhat closer to Cole–wants to do the right thing, but keeps getting it wrong.

For Ruby I thought of Jessy Schram (as you can tell, I watch a lot of Hallmark movies) but with unruly brown hair. LOL. I like her spunky appeal and bright smile with the potential to be a bit sassy.


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

I have to admit I don’t listen to too much music when I’m writing per se. Especially not music with words because then I start to think about the story of the song and then I’m not paying attention to my story, LOL. But I did keep in my ear some of the folk music from the 1920s and 30s Appalachia. There’s music in the book–Daniel and his brothers-in-law play fiddle and such.


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

I hope readers will take away from the book that it’s not too late to tell the truth, to trust in God and in the people who love you, to follow your dreams and to believe in yourself and the plan that God has in store.


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

Book 3! There’s at least one more “season” of this story left to tell. After that–maybe Book 4. We’ll see if the story gets continued (I hope so!) I also have a couple of contemporary novels being shopped around and one book set in the 1970s. I’m not sure if that qualifies as historical yet or not. I’m from the 1970s and sometimes it feels like ages ago and sometimes just yesterday. One way or the next, I’m still writing!

More Books In This Series

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About the Author

Amy Willoughby-Burle is an award winning fiction author living in Asheville, NC with her husband and five children. Her fiction focuses on the importance of family and friends and centers on the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and finding the beauty in the world around us. She is the author of the novels The Lemonade Year, The Year of Thorns and Honey, The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else Is Certain. Her short fiction has been published in numerous journals and in her collection, Out Across the Nowhere. 

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, signed copies of The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else is Certain, and librarian & plant themed bookmarks, stickers and postcards!

(1) additional winner will win a signed copy of Even if Nothing Else is Certain!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 8, 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: Easy Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuven

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Leave your artistic insecurities behind as you easily re-create the simple but beautiful paintings in Art Made Easy: Easy Watercolor.

Easy Watercolor offers you a definite way to succeed as a beginning artist. Without getting bogged down in a lot of technical detail, just gather a few inexpensive supplies and put paintbrush to paper! Even if you have never painted with watercolors before, the engaging and easy subjects are simple to re-create by following the step-by-step progressive images.

Projects include: 

- Brushstrokes and shapes
- Letters
- Botanicals
- Still lifes of everyday objects
- Animal portraits
- Landscapes and architecture
- And much more
 

Along with the beautiful, on-trend art projects, tips and common pitfalls are explained throughout to ensure your art is the best it can be. No matter your skill level going in, you will be proud to frame your creations and just might feel encouraged to progress to more in-depth art in the future.

And the best part is, as you’re painting, you’ll be familiarizing yourself with art concepts without feeling like you’re taking a serious class. If you want to move on to more difficult subjects, you’ll have a basic understanding of color, value, form, texture, perspective, composition, and more.

My Review

This is a wonderful resource for beginners who are trying out watercolors. It covers the basics, including supplies, painting techniques, exploring color, and brushstrokes. The exercises create a strong foundation, and are easy to follow along with. Various tips and assignments are included in sidebars to enhance each lesson. This book definitely helps remove trepidation and eases the reader into creativity with the medium of watercolor. Starting with realistic goals and introductory lessons gives the reader success at the beginning of their watercolor journey. I appreciated the encouragement and advice from the author as I worked on each lesson.

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.

With the simple, fun, and low-pressure approach found in Walter Foster’s Art Made Easy series, absolutely anyone can create a work of art! Continue your streak of creative successes with another book in this series, Easy Drawing. 

 

 

 

 

Review: Bloom: The Secrets of Growing Flowering Houseplants Year-round by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In Bloom, The Houseplant Guru Lisa Eldred Steinkopf unleashes all the secrets on how to grow dozens of indoor plants that produce colorful, intricate, and sometimes fragrant blooms.

If you’ve ever struggled to get an orchid or African violet to rebloom, or if you’ve hesitated to add plants like hoya, anthurium, Madagascar jasmine, or clivia to your windowsill for fear you may never see their gorgeous flowers, Lisa reveals the insider strategies you need to encourage these plants to strut their stuff. In her signature warm and beginner-friendly tone, she introduces simple techniques you can use to encourage bloom alongside all the ins and outs of caring for these beautiful plants. Lush, full-color photography accompanies each in-depth plant profile.

Upping your houseplant game doesn’t have to involve spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the next trendy leafy-green foliage plant. If you want to expand both your growing skills and the number of specimens in your houseplant family, dive into the world of flowering houseplants instead. New cultivars of old favorites are taking the houseplant world by storm, and other, more unusual, species are now making their way into the limelight, thanks to the interest of millions of new houseplant parents around the world.

Inside the pages of Bloom, you’ll meet: 

- The best flowering houseplants to cascade from window ledges, hanging pots, and plant shelves
- A collection of small blooming houseplants perfect for tabletops, desks, and windowsills
- Houseplants with colorful blooms for the living room, dining room, and bedroom 

 

Fill your home with foliage and flowers, and enjoy all the color and calm they’ll add to your living space.

My Review

This book was much more than I expected! It offers so much advice, from basic tips to technical and scientific information that explain the why's. It's obvious the author is an expert and passionate about helping plant owners be successful with their indoor flowering plants. The first part of the book, about 50 pages are on caring for the plants, and then over 100 pages on individual flowering houseplants with a description and details on light, watering, flowers, propagation, and toxicity.  There is also a chart of indoor plant pests and their control, resources, and an index that includes both common and scientific names. This is an amazing resource that I highly recommend to plant lovers!

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.

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Every Bird That Falls
Series: two sparrows for a penny # 3
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Independently published through The Mosaic Collection
Release Date: April 3, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Lies have kept them apart for eight years.  

Now the truth could destroy them completely. 

Bomb squad leader Tag Monroe’s world is shattered when his sister and her foster sister are abducted by a human trafficker. Eight years later, the two of them have been miraculously freed. As thrilled as he is to be reunited with his sister, Tag has lingering questions. 

How did Jae-won Lin, the third foster sister, elude capture that night? Why didn’t she call the police or Tag to let them know what happened? And where has she been for the last eight years? He loved Jae once, but he can’t let her back into his life until he has more information. 

Unfortunately, time is running out. Someone powerful is coming after Jae, bent on revenge. If Tag can’t get to her before her mysterious pursuer, Jae could take the answers to all Tag’s questions to her grave. 

Along with any hope the two of them might have to find their way to each other again.  

The explosive Christian romantic suspense series two sparrows for a penny by multi-award-winning author Sara Davison continues with this on-the-edge-suspense love story that might finally answer the question: Where was Jae?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Interview with Author Sara Davison

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hmm, let’s see. I was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. Like most Canadians, I love hockey (watching) and baseball (watching and playing), poutine and butter tarts, my family and friends. Above all, I love God, and I love sharing the stories He gives me with readers. Every Bird That Falls is my fourteenth romantic suspense novel. While the writing journey can be frustrating and discouraging at times, it has also been for me a journey of great joy, excitement, and amazing community, and I am grateful every day to be part of it.

What do you do besides writing?

When I’m not writing, I am often pretending to fully participate in other activities and conversations while actually conjuring up characters and scenarios in my head (ha ha). I do love spending time with my husband of twenty-eight years, Michael, and our three pretty much grown kids. I also love going for coffee with friends, reading (of course), road trips, book club discussions, coffee, chocolate, and movies, especially old classics. Casablanca and anything with Jimmy Stewart in it are my favorites, although I’ll settle for Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, or Gregory Peck.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

 

My favorite part of researching for this book was looking into how to treat bullet wounds with only ingredients that might be found in a hunting cabin and how to build and detonate your own bomb, both of which have likely landed me on more than one watch list somewhere. 

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?

 

I typically have a pretty good idea of what my characters look like, but I rarely use actual images, relying on the mental image I have of them. With Jae from Every Bird That Falls, though, I did find an image that matched the one in my head. And I found one close to Tag, although Tag is bigger than this and, because he has been trapped in a cabin for a few days, would have more facial hair.

 

 

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

Although I know a lot of authors listen to music when they write and even go so far as to have a soundtrack that goes with their story, I am not like that. I’m not a big music person anyway, so I can’t say that any song inspired the story, and I don’t listen to music while I’m writing as I find that too distracting. Having said that, if I had to choose one song to go with this book, it would have to be Kathy Mattea’s “Where Have You Been?” Jae has been missing for eight years, and Tag has been asking this question since the night she disappeared, so that one would be a good fit. 

 

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

The message of this story and of every story I write is that we are never alone. That no matter what we are going through, what we have done, or what has been done to us, God is there. He sees us and knows us and has promised to never leave us or forsake us. With every book I send out into the world, I pray that each person who reads it will take that promise and assurance with them when they finish and that it will fill them with hope.

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

The third book in my Rose Tattoo trilogy, Sharp Like Glass, should come out in the fall of 2024. In the spring of 2025, I hope to release the sequel to The Color of Sky and Stone, book one in my new series, In the Shadows. I also contribute stories to the anthologies that the group of indie authors I am blessed to be part of, The Mosaic Collection, puts out every summer and Christmas. My contributions to those anthologies are always connected to my series and are either prequels or tell the stories of minor characters, so I am starting to add “Suggested Order of Reading” lists to the front of my books so readers can get the full series experience.

More Books In This Series

 

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About the Author

Sara Davison has a passion for writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats—and maybe swooning a little. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Cascade, Word, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card plus a paperback copy of Every Bird That Falls!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 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/CAN 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: A Match Gone Awry by Arlem Hawks

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She needs a match. He's here to help.

Desperate to leave Paris, Gabrielle d’Amilly has set her sights on an English diplomat who can whisk her away to a happier life. But when an attempt to catch his eye goes wrong, she enlists the British navy lieutenant Harvey Barlow to help in her scheme. Under the guise of visiting a friend, Lieutenant Barlow arrives in Paris with the task of checking France’s relations with the discontented colonies. Playing at matchmaking won't hurt his mission, especially for a good cause. But when his intentions to be helpful turn to feelings of love, he finds himself distracted from his duties. In his quest to advance in the navy, he cannot give Gabrielle the happy life she's after. With war threatening, Harvey and Gabrielle are forced to decide to hold to their previous goals or strive for an imperfectly perfect match.

♥ A Match Gone Awry is a clean & wholesome Georgian romance. ♥

My Review

This is the first book I've read set in Georgian-era Paris, and the historical details really made it stand out from the more frequent Regency books I devour. The politics of the day come into play with Harvey working for the British military, and society mingles into the dynamic as the French befriend the English diplomats and their company. Gabrielle thinks she has found the perfect escape from her domineering and abusive stepmother, but love is not cooperating, even with the assistance of Harvey. He gets involved with good intentions, and naturally his friendship turns to stronger feelings. The future seems impossible as Gabrielle digs herself in deeper, and it was entertaining to see how everything wove together to resolve with a satisfying happy ending.

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.

Be sure to check out the other books in the Georgians in Paris series . . .

Review: Only in California: Weird and Wonderful Facts About The Golden State by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Jen Taylor

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The first in a collection of state-by-state books from the best-selling 50 States series, Only in California! explores the most amazing sites, cities, history, and natural landscapes of the Golden State.

From the bright lights of L.A. to the natural majesty of the Redwood forests, this beautiful book is a deep dive into what makes California so great. Full bleed illustrations capture a sense of place, while pull-out spot artworks zoom in on the most fascinating facts.

Locations also include: San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Central Valley, San Diego with its famous beach and boardwalk scene, the coastal kelp forests, Napa and Sonoma wine country, Yosemite Valley with El Capitan, the lowest point in North America, Death Valley, Big Sur, Palm Springs, and many more!

Each book in the state-by-state subseries covers the following areas: 

- Weird and wacky stats and facts
- Historical timeline
- Local sports
- Museums, amusement parks, and cultural events
- Food and drink
- Animals and plants
- Inventions
- Fun festivals
- Changemakers and superstars
- Quiz questions 

 

Get ready to take a whirlwind adventure around the Golden State, filled with fascinating facts, beautiful illustrations, and much, much more!

My Review

This is a beautifully illustrated book with a matte cover, glossy accents, and embossed title. The pages are also matte and heavy weight. The information on each page is interesting and relevant. It made me want to explore more of the great state I live in! I loved seeing my hometown San Diego represented, as well as some National Parks. There are pages that focus on the state overall with statistics, and others explored more specific themes and locations. I especially liked the ones featuring places I have visited. Fun Festivals and Weird, Weirder, Weirdest are full of fun and zany activities, facts, and landmarks. The Changemakers pages were heavy on liberal figures, I would have liked to see it more balanced with some conservative people as well. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

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: Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed of.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheel-chair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress--someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership--she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

If she proves to have a knack for ranching and agrees to remain single for life, the ranch can be hers. Neither stipulation worries Molly. She’s resourceful and hardworking. And she gave up dreams of marriage long ago when she dedicated her life to her brother’s well-being.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s handsome and charismatic young doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness.

But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

My Review

Another series I'm reading completely out of order! Fortunately the author wove in enough of the backstory and plot that I didn't feel lost. Molly and Donny have a rough background, yet their loyalty to each other keeps them going. Molly's grit and determination are admirable, and she throws herself into working on the ranch and learning all she can. Her brother struggles with being an invalid, and the doctor has some methods of inspiring him that Molly disagrees with. The bickering, fighting, and immature behavior and thoughts of all three main characters were a bit off-putting. I didn't connect with the emotions of the characters in this book, but it was an interesting read and showed how the times were changing with medicine and the introduction of automobiles.

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 Brides of Last Chance Ranch series . . .

Review: Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This charmingly illustrated seasonal treasury of nature-based crafts, baking recipes, and gardening projects for the winter celebrates the homesteading lifestyle with self-sufficient and eco-friendly fun.

Locally printed on 100% recycled paper, Little Homesteader: A Winter Treasury of Recipes, Crafts and Wisdom offers:

- Easy yet delicious winter recipes and treats that introduce young readers to local and seasonal eating. - From berry cookies, to hot cocoa recipes to warm up after a winter walk, the easy-to-make recipes will inspire kids to get into the kitchen.
- Suggestions for using up unloved parts of produce, such as carrot tops to make a kitchen windowsill garden, demonstrate a naturally zero-waste way of living.
- Accessible and fun crafts, such as making salt-dough ornaments and foraged foliage wreaths, have instructions broken down into clear steps illustrated in AnneliesDraws’ cute and wholesome style.
- The seasonal gardening and growing projects, such as planting bare root berry bushes in the ground or in containers, can be done in a big back yard or on a balcony, making this eco-friendly activity book a fun resource, whether readers are based in town or country.
 

Woven alongside the cooking, crafting, and planting projects are little snippets of seasonal information and self-sufficient wisdom from homesteading teacher Angela Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead, with a focus on enjoying and celebrating the best of what the winter season has to offer.

My Review

I'm a fan of this adorable series of high quality books for young ones. The illustrations are simple yet fill each page with beauty and the joy of the season. The information is basic, yet includes facts and details that many adults may not know. I enjoyed the learning and the fun ideas that are perfect to do alongside children. From plants and produce to animals and insects, many aspects of the winter season in nature is explored. Like the others I would have liked more content, and I hope that the publisher will release all four books combined together in a collection!

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 Little Homesteader series . . .