Review: The Art of Watercolor Lettering by Kelly Klapstein

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Learn to letter beautifully with watercolor.

In this stunning follow-up to her highly praised and influential first book, The Art of Brush Lettering, lettering expert and workshop instructor Kelly Klapstein (popular on Instagram as @kellycreates) shares her secrets for mastering the essential techniques for creating lovely modern lettering and calligraphy with watercolor. 

 

- Start with the basics, from choosing paints, brushes, and other supplies to preparing your paper for painting.
- Learn to handle watercolor paints with essential strokes and warm-ups.
- Explore painting letterforms in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern.
- Try a range of creative techniques, including blending ombrés and rainbows, creating pictorial letterforms, and combining watercolor with other mediums.
- Enhance your lettering with special touches by complementing it with handpainted backgrounds and simple illustrations.

 

With The Art of Watercolor Lettering, you’ll learn how to master the medium—and how to go with the watercolor flow—to create one-of-a-kind lettered art and calligraphy that reflect your unique personal style.

My Review

As a beginner with watercolor, it's easy to become intimidated or frustrated, but this book helped me on my artistic journey. The recommended supplies were not overwhelming, and the "getting started" exercises were fun and playful. The author covered both block and script lettering, and it felt more like drawing the letters rather than writing them. There is a good sized section on learning how to create the letter form and shapes which was simple enough and felt encouraging. The next section covered several different ways to use the artist's newfound skills with various painting techniques and creative designs. The last third of the book included practice pages with strokes and style guides in watermark opacity on wide-lined pages. I'd recommend this book to artists from beginners to beyond.

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: Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Love Overboard
Series: Love Overboard #1
Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Romcom

A snort-laughing, cruise ship romance takes readers into topsy-turvy waters 

When a group of four quirky friends retire on a neverending round of cruises, their attire consists of more than floral shirts and gaudy skirts. Armed with walkie-talkies and battle plans, these relationship experts--who've dubbed themselves the "Shippers"--target hostess Lacey Anderson and director Jonathan King in their romantic schemes. But the young couple refuses to cooperate. They've been on the "love boat" together before, and it went down in flames. 

Boss matchmaker Emily Windsor has orchestrated multiple romantic successes, and these two upstarts certainly won't get the best of her. The chemistry between Lacey and Jonathan is obvious, but the couple rebuffs every outlandish plot and "coincidental" meeting, forcing the matchmakers to chart a new course to true love--all while inadvertently thwarting drug smugglers threatening to ruin their floating home on the ocean. 

This laugh-out-loud rom-com features loveable characters, over-the-top situations reminiscent of 1950s sitcoms, and a dash of mystery. The toe-curling romance will push the reader overboard and all in with Shannon Dunlap's new series.

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

 

Interview with Author Shannon Sue Dunlap

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m very prim, proper, and well-behaved on the outside. When my sense of humor makes an unexpected appearance, some people are surprised. I love singing songs from classic movie musicals, traveling to far off places, and drinking way too much Dr. Pepper.


What do you do besides writing?

I teach music to adorable rascals of various ages in Houston, TX. Some of them have a hard time pronouncing my last name – Dunlap. I’ve been called Miss Dum-lap, Miss Donut, etc. We recently finished playing recorders. That’s always a screechy but fun time of the year.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

It was a great excuse to take a cruise myself. I’m happy to report I didn’t get seasick, even when the dinner table rocked back and forth. And the cruise line pillows were the best. I bought a pair when I returned home.


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?

The characters sprouted in my head at the beginning, and then I searched for pictures to match. The ones I chose aren’t exactly the same as I imagined, but I don’t have enough artistic talent to draw them myself. I don’t usually do a lot of storyboarding or AI creations to inspire my characters. My brain generates the faces.

 

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

I love music. Love it. Perhaps that’s why it can be distracting to me. I prefer quiet with no distractions while working on a story.

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

If they find themselves in a situation with little joy or inspiration, search out a new experience. It’s never too late to start living. Maybe something or someone locked them up inside, but life is too short to waste even a second on bitterness. And it doesn’t matter if they’re so far over-the-hill they can’t even see it anymore. God has new adventures waiting for all of us if we’ll hold tight to His hand and take that first step.


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

I put my funny teaching experiences to good use in the small-town romance Substitute Sweetheart about a cinnamon-roll elementary music teacher falling for the big-city girl who fills in for the principal. It should release this autumn. And next year, my golden girl matchmakers set sail again in their second book which is yet to have an official title. But believe me, they’re still up to their old shenanigans. They’re an inspiration for what I want my later years to be (although I hope I don’t end up in the brig like them).

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About the Author

Shannon Sue Dunlap writes books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is saying her stories made you laugh-out-loud. She loves traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Shannon is a die-hard fan of happy endings and believes God has designed one for each of us.

Connect with Shannon at shannonsuedunlap.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 Love Overboard plus character-themed items for each matchmaker!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 20, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2024. 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.

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Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Texas Forsaken by Sherry Shindelar, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Texas Forsaken
Series: Lone Star Redemption #1
Author: Sherry Shindelar
Publisher: Wild Heart Books
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

The man who destroyed her life may be the only one who can save it. 

Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted, marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope at protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband. 

Enrolled in West Point to escape his overbearing father, Captain Garret Ramsey finds himself assigned to the Texas frontier, witnessing the brutal Indian War in which both sides commit atrocities. Plagued by guilt for his own role, Garret seeks redemption by taking responsibility for the woman he widowed and her baby. Though he is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them, is he willing to risk everything for a woman whose heart is buried in a grave?  

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

Interview with Author Sherry Shindelar

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I have dreamed of being a published fiction writer since I was nine years old. I used to swing for hours on my swing set making up stories. When I was in my mid-twenties, I visited a historical home in the Shenandoah Valley. That house inspired my first novel which I started writing ten years later. When publishers didn’t snap the manuscript up and give me a contract, I put it in a box and stuffed it under a dresser (I had a lot to learn about the writing life). I returned to college and earned a creative writing degree and a PhD in literature, but something was still missing. Five years ago, the Lord worked in my life, and I fell in love with writing all over again. The stories came alive in my head. I have poured my heart into writing ever since. I rewrote that first book twice, and then I moved on to Texas Forsaken. Last summer, the Lord opened the doors to my receiving a three-book contract. My life-long dream came true.


What do you do besides writing?

I’m an English professor at a small Christian college. I enjoy teaching writing and research, and I hold a writing and art contest for the school every year in hopes of encouraging and recognizing young writers and artists. In my spare time (which I have very little of between teaching and writing), I enjoy spending time with my family (I have three grown children and three grandchildren. My husband and I have been married thirty-nine years), traveling across the U.S., and doing Zumba and kickboxing.


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

This book was inspired by the life of a real person, Cynthia Ann Parker, the most famous captive in nineteenth-century America. I read her story twenty-five years ago, and her story has haunted me ever since. She was captured by the Comanche at age nine and adopted into the tribe. Twenty-four years later, after she’d married and had three children, she was recaptured by the U.S. Cavalry and Texas Rangers. She never reintegrated. Her heart was Comanche.

I enjoyed thoroughly researching her life and the fort/camp where she was taken. I especially love diaries, journals, and letters written during the time period.

At the beginning of my story, my character, Eyes-Like-Sky, has lived with the Comanche seven-years, is married to a warrior, and has a baby. The story starts at a moment of crisis similar to Cynthia Ann’s life, but the trajectory is much different.

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 usually look for images after I’m well into the writing process. I like creating the characters in my mind and having a good feel for them before I go looking at any pictures. Later in the process, I sometimes search for images of eye color or hair, especially men’s hairstyles of the time period to help with my descriptions. In the case of Texas Forsaken, I didn’t look at full facial images until my publisher asked for cover ideas.

Image 1 | Image 2 | Image 3

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

I love the period song “Shenandoah.” (My favorite performance of it is this one by Sissel Kyrkjebo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1EG_4IBzbA.) My thought is to at least mention it in every mid-nineteenth story I write. In Texas Forsaken, the heroine and hero dance to it during a significant moment.

In my stories, I also think of contemporary Christian songs that capture my vision for my characters and/or the message that I want my readers to take away from the book. For Texas Forsaken, I chose “Way Maker” and “Another in the Fire.”

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

That God isn’t as distant as the stars. He is as near as our hearts. Another message would be: Don’t give up. There is hope, and there is healing even when one has endured the worst of circumstances. We don’t have to be lost in our grief, guilt, and/or failures. God is the God of second chances. 

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

I’m currently in the middle of Book Two of the Lone Star Redemption series. The second book, Texas Divided, takes place in 1863 – 1864 in Texas. The third book, Texas Reclaimed, will be my next project. Eventually, I’ll be publishing a historical romance set in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War, but my heart is in Texas at the moment.

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About the Author

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry Shindelar loves to take her readers into the past. She is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West, and she is a romantic at heart. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of thirty-eight years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren.

Connect with Sherry at sherryshindelar.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, a signed copy of Texas Forsaken, and a Texas Bluebonnet mug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 21, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 28, 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.

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Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Healing of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Healing of the Heart
Series: Discerning God's Best #4
Author: Heidi Gray McGill
Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC
Release Date: May 10, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Post-Civil War, Inspirational Fiction

He’s sworn to heal others, but at what cost to himself? 

Step into the bustling streets of post-Civil War Philadelphia, where cultural injustice and class disparity run rampant. Amidst this chaos, Thomas, an aspiring doctor from the wilds of Missouri, struggles to find his place in a society to which he is unaccustomed. But when he meets debutante Emmaline Whitaker, she teaches him more than the social graces - she holds the key to his future. Only it is the independent, fun-loving Theodora Morse who holds his attention. 

As Thomas navigates the complexities of high society, he must also confront his inner turmoil. When devastating news comes from home, Thomas is forced to use his waning faith to determine the desire of his heart. Will Thomas stand by his convictions and fight against the malaise of those around him, or will he choose the safety and comfort of his new life? 

In this powerful Christian historical fiction, award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill weaves a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption in the City of Brotherly Love. 

 For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Guest Post from Author Heidi Gray McGill

In the bustling streets of 1871 to 1873 Philadelphia, amidst the clangor of horse-drawn carriages and the aroma of freshly baked bread, lies a treasure trove of historical gems waiting to be discovered. For a Christian romance novelist, delving into the rich tapestry of this era not only offers a glimpse into the past but also provides a fertile ground for weaving captivating tales of love, faith, and redemption.

Researching historical facts from this period opens a window to a world where societal norms were vastly different, yet ripe with potential for storytelling. Against the backdrop of burgeoning industrialization, where progress clashes with tradition, characters navigate a delicate dance between duty and desire.

Thomas, with aspirations to become a doctor and return to his beloved home in Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, confronts a challenging path. To achieve his dreams, he must delve beyond the confines of medical textbooks, immersing himself in the intricate workings of Philadelphia's high society. In his pursuit, he finds an unexpected mentor in the form of Emma Whitaker, daughter of his esteemed mentor, Dr. Whitaker. Emma, with her grace and sophistication, offers Thomas guidance in navigating the complexities of elite society.

However, amidst the polished façade of high society, it is the unassuming Teddy Morse who steals Thomas's heart. Teddy, with her down-to-earth charm and genuine sincerity, offers a stark contrast to the opulence and formality of Philadelphia's elite circles. Despite the allure of social advancement, Thomas finds himself drawn to Teddy's authenticity and the simplicity of their connection.

Exploring Philadelphia's historical archives yields a plethora of details that breathe life into the narrative. From the opulent ballrooms of Society Hill to the humble abodes of the working class, to the medical advances of the Post-Civil War East, each setting provides a canvas upon which characters can unfold their journeys. Meticulous attention to detail is key, from the fashion trends of the time to the socio-economic dynamics that shape relationships and aspirations.

The Yellow Fever epidemic serves as a poignant backdrop, casting a shadow of uncertainty and upheaval that reverberates through the lives of our protagonists. Against this backdrop of adversity, faith emerges as a guiding light, offering solace and hope in the face of adversity.

But amidst the chaos and challenges of the era, love blooms like a rose amid thorns. Through the lens of Christian faith, themes of forgiveness, redemption, and divine providence take center stage, reminding readers that love is not merely a fleeting emotion but a reflection of God's unending grace.

In the heart of 1871 to 1873 Philadelphia, where history intertwines with romance, the past comes alive in vivid detail. Through meticulous research and a touch of imagination, Christian romance novelist, Heidi Gray McGill, embarks on a journey to illuminate the timeless truths that resonate across generations. And in the pages of her novel, Heidi transports readers to a world where love knows no bounds and faith conquers all.

More Books in This Series

     

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About the Author

Heidi Gray McGill is a distinguished author acclaimed for her impactful Christian fiction works. Her Discerning God’s Best series has earned numerous awards. Despite facing challenges, such as blindness, Heidi has authored eight compelling books, showcasing her versatility as both a traditionally and independently published author of both historical and contemporary fiction. Heidi’s writing is purposeful, skillfully interweaving God’s love and wisdom into relatable characters and captivating narratives. Based in a charming town near Charlotte, NC, Heidi shares her life with her devoted husband of over three decades. Beyond her literary pursuits, she finds joy in cherished moments with family and immersive adventures through the pages of books.

Connect with Heidi at heidigraymcgill.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of Healing of the Heart!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 14, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2024. 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 for print. If winner is outside the US, an ebook will be provided instead. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Darkness Calls the Tiger: A Novel of World War II Burma
Author: Janyre Tromp
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary. 

As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages. 

War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance. 

Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness? 

"Evocative and transportive, filled with nuance and spiked with the violence of war, Darkness Calls the Tiger is a story of redemption in the midst of hopelessness." --Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author

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

 

Excerpt

 
Somehow the villagers smothered the fire licking the dry grasses, and Papa eased my hands, legs, body off the branch, tucking me in his arms. His heart beat slow and steady against my cheek, not quite drowning out the whispers of the villagers.

Over Papa’s shoulder, I watched a group dragging the dead tiger down the mountain. They would skin it and give me the pelt—a reminder of conquering the beast. Of defeating the king of the jungle—a tiger.

Papa sat me in front of our home’s chief fire pit, a blanket over my shoulders. Mama set a bowl of water in front of me and wiped away the tiny streams of blood covering my body. I stared at my reflection in the bowl, my teardrops battering the water’s surface. Everyone knew the only animal who could face a tiger and survive was another tiger.

I touched the surface of the water, shattering my image.

Mama had promised there was no truth in the legend of the sharaw. But I’d stood against the tiger and won.

Perhaps the jaiwa had been right. I shivered under the heavy blanket.

“You are safe, little tiger,” Mama whispered into my hair. “There is no great darkness in you or this world.”

I laid my ear against Mama’s giant belly, her dark hair tangling in my own. Her stomach tightened, and Mama groaned, bending against the obvious pain.

It had been the first and last time Mama was wrong.

 

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About the Author

Janyre Tromp is a developmental book editor who has worked in the publishing industry for more than twenty years, spending time in both marketing and editorial. She's the author of Shadows in the Mind's Eye and contributor to It's a Wonderful Christmas, a Christmas novella collection with other award-winning authors, including Julie Cantrell and Lynne Gentry. When she isn’t writing, she’s a Bible study leader, writers conference speaker, ACFW member, wife, and mom of two kids and their menagerie of slightly eccentric pets.

Connect with Janyre at janyretromp.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 Darkness Calls the Tiger, a bookmark, and other book-themed goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 13, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 20, 2024. 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.

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Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: The Desert Manna series by Karen Baney

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Desert Manna series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

 

Title: Beauty for Ashes
Series: Desert Manna #1
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: March 7,2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Uplifting Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1871. 

As a widow who lost her husband in Sherman’s fiery march to the sea, Rebecca Elliot struggled to provide for her son. When she hears from her brother in Prescott, Arizona, she makes the journey west to start over. An unexpected tragedy on the last leg of her travels changes the trajectory of her heart and life as she never could have imagined. 

Perry Quinn finally said goodbye to his late wife when his life is turned upside down. When he loses everything that he worked hard to accomplish, he must humble himself and start over while trying to find the answers to why he lost everything. Along the way, a kind woman steals his heart and reminds him that there is beauty in the middle of the ashes of his life. 

Will he let go of his grief to find true love?  

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

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

 

Title: Joy for Mourning
Series: Desert Manna Series #2
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: April 25, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1872. 

Grace Talbert spurns every suitor her father finds. She longs for the spark of romance and is unwilling to settle for something less. Her passion is running the Women’s Aid Society, which organizes many charitable events to help the poor and the Indians. When a trip to deliver goods to the reservation leaves her stranded with a handsome stranger, she discovers the love she longed for. 

After many years of wandering and building up his freight business, Joshua Harrison decides to return to Prescott. As bachelor, he is ill-equipped to raise the orphaned daughter of a friend. He hopes the stable life of a small town will bring what he needs to become a good father. Having failed at love twice, he is afraid to try again, until he is stranded with the unconventional and beautiful Grace Talbert. 

Can he move past his heartache to open himself to love again?  

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

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

 

Title: Oaks of Justice
Series: Desert Manna Series #3
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Gripping Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1873. 

Mel Larson is used to being underestimated as a female attorney. When her life is threatened, her mentor takes her home to Prescott. As the defense attorney for her innocent client who is on trial for murder, she goes head-to-head with the new District Attorney. When she apologizes to him for using some unconventional tactics, sparks fly, and she finds a love she had not been looking for. 

Alex Glassman was ready to settle down but after a failed courtship, he doubted if he would ever find the right match. When a major court case falls into his lap, he is unprepared to argue the case against a fiery red headed woman. When the case is over and he humbles himself to admit his mistakes, his heart is captured, and he dares to hope that she could be the one. 

When Mel's life is threatened, can Alex save her in time?  

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

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

 

Buy the Complete Series in One Volume 

 

 Guest Post from Author Karen Baney

Real Historical Inspiration by Karen Baney

I love including real historical facts in my novels. I am often inspired by great sources used for the research behind my stories. The same is true for the Desert Manna Series. Here are a few highlights of how my research helped shape the series.

Freighting

The history behind freighting and each of Perry and Dixon’s trips (Beauty for Ashes) was inspired by the recollections from Thomas Sanders, a real-life Prescott pioneer, who documented his time in Arizona from the 1860s to 1880s in a book called My Arizona Adventures. I borrowed some trips and anecdotes from his colorful stories, including:

• A 24-member military band joining the freight wagons.
• The flooding of the Salt River stranded their party on two different shores of the river.
• Contracting with the military to deliver supplies (and the leader’s ineptitude).
• And so much more!

Indian Wars

Part of my research involves general reading about the era (1871 – 1873). When I learned there were two major “Indian Wars” involving General Crook in Arizona, I read General Crook and the Western Frontier by Charles M. Robinson III. This book provided the inspiration for all the scenes that mention Crook or his wife in Beauty for Ashes and Joy for Mourning. It led me to deeper research about Camp Date Creek, where I learned about the extreme poverty forced upon the Indians by corrupt Indian Agents.

Women’s Aid Society

My husband and I love to travel throughout Arizona, visiting many museums. On one trip, I bought a picture guide of historical Prescott. One picture in the book depicted the members of a women’s “aid society,” which described their purpose as leaders in charitable works for the community. This sparked the idea of Grace Talbert leading the organization in Joy for Mourning.

Women Attorneys

In Oaks of Justice, I mention that Mel (Melissa) Larson could not practice law. This is historically accurate. I did a deep dive into the definitions of attorneys and those who were allowed to take the bar. In the 1870s in territorial Arizona, women could take part in court proceedings under the guidance of a licensed attorney (male). It wasn’t until 1892 that women were admitted to the bar and allowed to become licensed. I enjoyed incorporating this into the novel.

Life of Indians in Territorial Arizona

When I first wrote the Desert Manna Series, I intended to include a Native American character named Kowara. I wrote several scenes with him as an antagonist in Beauty for Ashes, which I later removed in favor of focusing more on Perry and Rebecca’s characters.

Much of my research happened before that decision. I had the privilege of learning more about the Yavapai’s sub-tribes through two amazing sources.

I’m currently working on Spirit of Despair: A Desert Manna Novella, which tells Kowara’s story and explains why he targeted Perry Quinn.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this peek into how I incorporated real history into the books in the Desert Manna Series.

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About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona. 

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win signed copies of all 3 books in the Desert Manna series plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 2024. 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.

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Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Case of the Bayfront Murder by S.K. Derban, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Case of the Bayfront Murder
Series: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery #1
Author: SK Derban
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door. 

There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest. 

Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor. 

Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving the murder along with Terza, and will appreciate her zest for life. Readers will also treasure the introduction to her vibrant Italian relatives. They will enjoy getting to know the Tiepolo family, and will smile at the special relationship Terza has with her mother and father. The fun never stops when the animated relatives join together each Sunday for dinner. Consider this your personal invitation!

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

 

Special Feature: Character Bios

 

 

 

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About the Author

S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre, and a passion for British murder mysteries.

S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China, and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean.  

 

Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing.  

 

She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack!

Connect with S.K. at childofthecarpenter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win an Italian Style Kitchen Goodies prize pack which includes Red and White Dish Towels, Oneida Spatula Set of 3, Oven Mitt, Pot Holder, Silicone Whisk, and Imported Italian Pasta!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 7, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 14, 2024. 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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