Blog Tour, Character Interview & Giveaway: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse
Author: Kate Tompkins
Publisher: ‎ The Matthewsburg Manse
Release Date: October 26, 2023
Genre: Short stories/Poetry, Christian fiction, general fiction, rural fiction, wholesome fiction

When city girl Viv's husband Mark accepts his first pastoral charge in rural Matthewsburg, she wonders what to expect, and what will be expected of her. This collection of connected fiction stories, some humorous, some suspenseful, some even romantic, explores Viv's new life as she tries to find her place in the community while dealing with local gossip, old rivalries, suspected murder, sabotaged car shows, and more. Who says life in a small town is boring? 

"This book entertains us with our own humanity, we laugh at human foibles, nod our heads in the mutual pains of life's adventures. Interspersed are poems expressing poignant moments. These provide a place to rest, ponder and even smile before we are once again taken on the life journey of being a spouse in a small town parish. I found myself laughing out loud on occasion. This book is a wonderful read and leaves us with the feeling that life is good." - Nita Kotiuga, retired pastor, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University.  

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

 

Character Interview

Interview with Viv Cottrell, main character from Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Viv Cottrell here, the pastor’s wife. I’m always reluctant to admit to that, because it leads to several expectations, including that I’m willing and able to play piano if the church organist is away, and that I’m an excellent cook who can be relied on for endless supplies of baking and casseroles. Neither of those lie among my talents.

I grew up in the suburbs of a mid-sized city, together with my two older brothers. I met Mark at a bible study at university. He was taking theology, I was taking art, but things clicked. Next thing I knew, we were married and Mark had accepted a job at Matthewsburg. I was looking forward to having a bigger garden, but wondering what I was going to do with all of my time. Silly me.

What are your hobbies or activities you enjoy?

When I’m not in my role as pastor’s wife? Lately, I’ve taken up Scottish Country Dancing. It’s good exercise and a good way to meet people. I love to garden and bird watch. Painting and drawing, and designing needlepoint pictures help fulfill my creative urge. And I enjoy talking to people and hearing their stories, though that often does fall into my role as pastor’s wife. One of my favourite things to do is sit out on the porch swing with Mark and watch the stars come out as we talk about our day.

What was your favorite part of the story?

Going on a road trip to Cape Breton with my friend Maddie. Spectacular scenery, friendly people, great music. I need to work on convincing Mark we need a vacation “Down East.”

What kind of music do you find inspiring?

I’m partial to old-fashioned hymns. My mom’s mom lived with us for several years and she loved to sing them. Hearing them reminds me of her.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from your story?

Everyone has problems in life, but with prayer and being willing to ask or give help, things generally work out. I sometimes act first and don’t think to pray until later, but God still comes through.

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

Who knows? Maybe I can learn to cook.

---

About the Author

Kate Tompkins lives in Montreal’s West Island, where she shares a small house and a big backyard with her husband and the latest in a series of very spoiled cats. She writes short stories, poetry (yes, the non-literary, rhyming kind), and the occasional essay. When not hanging out with her church’s writing group or getting lost down an internet rabbit hole, she can be found trying out recipes from old cookbooks for her cooking blog, Kate’s Virtual Kitchen, or outside keeping the flowerbeds in order.

Connect with Kate by visiting katetompkinsbooks.ca to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter by Lisa Jordan

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter by Lisa Jordan hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter 

Series: Stone River Ranch #3 

Author: Lisa Jordan 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: August 20, 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

She’s left her old life behind

…only to find a new love waiting 

After a broken engagement, Callie Morgan decides to move to Aspen Ridge, Colorado, to fix up her late grandmother’s gift shop. But the shop is in bad shape and Callie runs out of money faster than expected. Old childhood friend and single dad Wyatt Stone comes to the rescue, offering her a job at his family’s ranch, Stone River Ranch. While their friendship is rekindled, will Callie ever risk loving again…even as Wyatt’s little girl is already stealing her heart?

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

 

Excerpt

 
The door opened, and a tall man climbed out and strode over to her, wearing aviator sunglasses and a backwards baseball hat covering short dark brown hair. His navy T-shirt emphasized his broad chest and muscled arms. Faded jeans clung to muscular thighs. And his dusty boots weren’t for show.

She was definitely in cowboy country.

“Hey, there. You the owner of the blue Volkswagen back there?” Half turning, he jerked a thumb over his shoulder.

Pulling her suitcase in front of her, she nodded. “My car stalled out on my way to the Stone River Guest Ranch. I’m renting a yurt for the week.”

“Well, then, it looks like I came along at the right time.” He pulled off his sunglasses, revealing blue eyes, and hooked the arm over the collar of his T-shirt. He held out a calloused hand.

“Wyatt Stone. My parents own this spread.”

Wyatt Stone.

Her secret crush from her early high school years.

Excerpt From Bonding with the Cowboy’s Daughter (Not for Resale) by Lisa Jordan. This material may be protected by copyright.

More Books from this Series:

---

About the Author

Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements comes naturally. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning, PW bestselling author for Harlequin’s Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romance that promises hope and happily ever after. Additionally, she is an author and the line director for Hometown Hearts, Sunrise Publishing's contemporary romance line. She is the operations manager for Novel Academy, an online writing academy powered by My Book Therapy. Happily married to her own real-life hero for thirty-five years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons and two rascally rescue dogs. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys quality family time, being creative with friends, or getting lost in a good book.

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter and a basket of bookish goodies, such as socks, a mug, a bookmark, and the winner's choice of t-shirt or tote bag!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 10, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 17, 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. International prize ebook and egift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: Date with Danger by Jenessa Fayeth

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

I, Amelia Quinn, am dating again.

I must be out of practice though because I sat down at the wrong man’s table…and kissed him. And now I’m wrapped up in the middle of an FBI case… DREAM COME TRUE!

Except the super sexy agent doesn’t want my help solving this case.

I, Caleb Harris, am a stupid, stupid man. Nothing says rookie agent like kissing a civilian just to get rid of her.

But somehow that didn’t even work because she keeps showing up wherever our suspect is. And now, I’m not so sure she’s innocent in all this. Especially when someone ends up dead.

Date With Danger is a closed door, light hearted, romantic comedy with mystery and suspense.

My Review

So. Much. Fun. Earlier this year I had binge-watched all episodes of the TV show Psych, and it was awesome to get all the references the author slid into the book! There is plenty of comedy, and the author hit that perfect balance of quirky and clever, and added to it great banter, fabulous chemistry, and a suspenseful plot. An undercurrent of angst and character growth didn't take the spotlight, but added a layer of depth that I always appreciate in rom-coms since it helps me feel a connection to the emotions rather than just feel like I'm watching an entertaining fluff movie. Don't get me wrong, though- it was SO entertaining! I love when a book can make me laugh out loud, which isn't all that often. Highly recommend for readers who need some hijinks and romance with their mystery!

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: Learning to Fly by Chalon Linton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Ten months ago, Kasie Foster broke up with the perfect man. Andrew Stoll was kind and supportive and sported amazing dimples. When Kasie prayed about a future with him, it didn’t feel right, so she walked away to pursue her theater dreams in the UK. Instead, she finds herself putting her plans on hold to help her recently widowered brother care for his young son on a remote air force base in Texas. She has no regrets. London can wait a year. But when an awkward chance encounter with her college sweetheart resurrects memories of what could have been, she struggles to keep buried the complicated feelings that arise whenever Andrew shares his dimpled smile.

Kasie is the last person Andrew expects to see during his intense year of pilot training with the United States Air Force. Once upon a time, he was head over heels for her, and when they parted ways back then, he had no choice in the matter. But after their shocking reunion, he finds himself incessantly brought into her orbit. It’s impossible not to see their reunion as fate—a second chance at love—and he vows to fight for her affection. But navigating the path forward is no easier now than when she broke his heart in college. Because how can they build a life together when they’re still headed in opposite directions?

My Review

Kasie has had some difficult crossroads in her life. I appreciated how she worked through them with prayer and thoughtfulness, and growing through her sacrifices. God directing our paths is a major theme of this book. The introduction to Kasie involved a bit of an info dump which read like a narrative conversation. Once Andrew reappears in her life, the story takes off with the tumultuous feelings he brings out in her. He's pretty adorable, and I loved their vibe together, even when Kasie is unsure of their future. The author does an excellent job of portraying military life and this specific flight training phase, what the pilot and family both go through. As someone who has lived that life herself, I didn't doubt that any of the details she included were authentic. The pace of the book is slow but steady as Kasie assimilates to life on base caring for her toddler nephew, and develops a support system while also supporting others. Her dreams of theater production seem to be on hold, but she finds ways to share her talents and bring joy to those around her, opening up opportunities as well. My favorite part of the story is her relationship with Andrew and how they take it slow, but with purpose and intent, always seeking the Lord's will for them and finding peace with the reassurance of answered prayers.

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.

The Air Force Romance series

 

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Proposal for Her Cowboy by Cari Lynn Webb

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Proposal for Her Cowboy by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Proposal for Her Cowboy
Series: Three Springs, Texas #7
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: August 20, 2024
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Family brought her home…  

Can love make her stay? 

Now that she’s finally back in Three Springs, Texas, Deputy Sheriff Lacey Nash wants nothing more than to reconnect with her nine-year-old daughter, Aspen. Carefree Caleb Sloan is just a distraction—even if he is surprisingly helpful. He not only pitches in to train Aspen for the junior rodeo contest, but he also makes Lacey feel both welcome in town and truly special. Though will that be enough for by-the-book Lacey…to let this fun-loving cowboy prove he’s ready for an instant family?  

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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

 

Excerpt

 

“Don’t talk to me about love,” she challenged.

“Right.” Impatience put an edge to his light, careless words. “Because what would a frivolous, reckless cowboy like me know about something as consequential and enduring as love?”

She was only saying what needed to be said. What they both already knew. Couldn’t he see that? She whispered, “I can’t be who you need.”

“Funny.” One corner of his mouth lifted. There was nothing easy or indifferent about his half grin. “I only ever wanted you to be you.”

“This is me.” She thrust her arm at the closed hospital room door. “I’m a mother. A deputy. I live to serve and protect. That’s who I am.”

“You really don’t see yourself, do you?” he asked.

She raked her fingers through her hair. “You want a happy-go-lucky cowgirl, Caleb. And that’s not me anymore.”

 

More Books in This Series

   

   

---

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Florida with her husband. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed book from Cari Lynn Webb's backlist, and other fun goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 4, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 11, 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

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: So True a Love by Joanna Barker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

My Review

What is it about Bow Street Runners that are so appealing? If Nathaniel represents the ideal, it's the sacrifice, work ethic, clever mind, and hunt for justice. He didn't have a chance at protecting his heart from Verity, falling for the same characteristics in her. They began as rivals of a sort, but there was always respect between them as they seemed to be solving clues in tandem. Once they began working together they were unstoppable, and so was their chemistry! I loved their banter and teasing, the way they challenged and accepted each other. So many great scenes between them!!! The multiple family dynamics we see at play brought depth and character growth, with secrets slowly revealing themselves and relationships healing and shifting into something better. The mystery and suspense held me captive and the pace was perfect for exploring our characters while also pursuing leads and resolving the case in a way I found surprising. Such a satisfying read!

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

Don't miss the previous connected book featuring Verity's brother Jack . . .

 

 

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Lethal Standoff 

Author: DiAnn Mills 

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers 

Release Date: September 3, 2024 

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thriller

Justice can be elusive. Family secrets can be deadly. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle.

Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer. 

Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up. 

As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out. 

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness.

• Includes discussion guide for book groups.
• A clean contemporary thriller from Christy Award-winning author DiAnn Mills
• For fans of action-packed romantic suspense in the vein of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey
• From the popular author of Facing the Enemy

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

 

Excerpt

Phone in hand, I hurried from my parked truck and raced to where police cars barricaded the entrance to the street where Henderson held his family. A reporter blocked my way between vehicles. She rammed a mic in front of my face.

“Carrington Reed, do you think this standoff will have a peaceful resolution?”

My blood boiled. The last time I had verbally unleashed on her aggressive means to get the best story, she lied in her article about my concern for those in danger. I paused long enough to give her eye contact. “My goal is always a peaceful solution. Excuse me, I need to talk to HPD.”

“Are the police advocating a violent takedown?”

“No.” I sidestepped around her and ignored her shouts.

Aaron stood in front of the home and waved. He had the appearance of average—average height, weight, gray eyes, brown hair, and shoulder span— but nothing about his physical appearance showed his intense scrutiny of a crime scene. His rating as one of HPD’s finest hit my respect button.

“Good to see you. I’d like the man’s cell number,” I said. “I assume my cell phone is routed through the command center too?”

“Sure thing.” He gave me the information. “The wife’s name is Christine, and the son’s name is Rand.”

I nodded my thanks and pressed in the digits. A man answered on the second ring.

“Nick, this is Carrington. I’m standing beside a police car outside your house, and I’d like to help you.”

“I . . . leave me alone.” He spoke fast and loudly. “I’m busy.”

“What do you need?”

“You can get rid of all those cops. I can’t breathe.”

Also Available:

---

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone's story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? 

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Selah Award, and the Golden Scroll; and been finalists for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award and the Carol Award. 

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She's an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy, as well as a Texas themed item!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 3, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 10, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!