Review: Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

A second chance with your first crush.

Doesn’t happen often.

For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.

Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.

When Liam’s family moves away, Liam and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how— with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.

Even though twelve-year olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.

Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.

Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.

And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.

Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.

When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly hot Liam.

Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.

The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.

Christmas With a Crank is a grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle but none of the steam.

My Review

This author's books never disappoint! I love the natural and deep way we get to know Liam and Olive and connect with their emotions. Their charmed childhood relationship developed complications as they became older, families grew apart, and romantic rivals interfered. It was alternately fun and frustrating as Olive helps Liam break out of his grumpy self, misunderstandings and regrets are revealed, and their simmering attraction blossoms into a lovely romance with a sweet childhood friendship as a foundation. It was all too easy to fall in love with the tree farm and Olive's creative ideas to give it one last glory season. This is a story I'll be reading again in the future!

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 Christmas-themed books by Courtney Walsh!

 

 

 

Review: The Christmas Gathering by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good, Lenora Worth

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

Christmas miracles abound in this trio of stories that celebrate holiday blessings with three Amish families who discover the season’s sweetest gifts . . .

A CHRISTMAS REUNION by Shelley Shepard Gray
Tricia Troyer is thrilled when Brandt Holden, her cousin’s English friend, joins the Troyers’ holiday gathering for the second year in a row. The sparks between them are clear to everyone. When Brandt asks Tricia to be his girlfriend, they both know she’ll have important choices to make about her future. But the two aren’t as different as some believe—and with open hearts and understanding, their very own Christmas miracle just might be possible . . . 

WE GATHER TOGETHER by Lenora Worth
When Lucas Myer meets Kayla Hollinger on the shores of Lake Erie, he’s smitten. Their families are even staying at the same inn, for different gatherings. The two plan to meet again—but soon enough they discover a problem: their relatives are locked in a longtime feud and forbid them to socialize. Fortunately, Lucas and Kayla are old enough to make their own decisions—and they decide to create a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and love . . . 

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Rachel J. Good
Years ago, Mark was banished by his Amish family when he chose a career in music. It still hurts, especially during the holidays. And now, just before Christmas, he and his band find themselves stranded after their manager absconds with their money. Desperate, Mark is offered a job teaching piano—but that’s just the first miracle. His work will not only bless others in need, but a longtime fan might just capture his heart—and even lead him home . . .

My Review

This is a sweet collection of heartwarming stories perfect for any time of the year! My favorite of the three was the last one by Rachel J. Good. I was intrigued by Mark's past as an Amish rock and roll star in the region, and his current situation busking with a handicapped man. He's reunited with an elusive admirer Joline, who had been on her own journey of rebellion and faith-seeking. After reading this novella I found the original story of the Amish rock band and the community center Joline's family established with the help of a wealthy local patron. I really enjoy this author's writing style and her characters.

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

Book Tour & Review: Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .

Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

 

"Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights.

My Review

I was curious to see how a blend of two different fairy tales would work, and the author totally pulled it off! For me it was because she took elements from each story and worked them into the new setting, and didn't try to closely retell either story. That way it is fun when you notice a subtle nod to the fairy tales or see how a plot line relates to one or both stories. Letty has been isolated with her grandmother and "pet" wolf, but it has strengthened her and prepared her for the fight to reunite with her mother. Philip admires her from their first meeting, and his regard grows as they get to know one another in tension-filled circumstances. I enjoyed the pace of the suspenseful story as they journey towards Letty's future but also the danger that threatens her, with various roadblocks that must be overcome with their combined skills and faith.

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

Don't miss the previous books in the Texas Ever After series

 

 

About the Author

 

 

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Journey to Unshakable Faith
Series: Journeys of Faith #1
Author: Sydney Witbeck
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 2021
Genre: Christian Medieval Action/Adventure Fantasy

Left with no other option, fourteen-year-old Esther is forced to leave the castle for her own safety, not knowing if she will ever see her mother and father again. With only a pack of food and her faithful horse Onyx, Esther sets off on an adventure to find her mother’s people. But the enemy is never far behind, closing in on the princess who eludes them. Will she be able to make it to safety? And will she ever see her parents again? 

When all hope seems lost, Esther soon finds that God never leaves His children on their own. At every turn, Esther meets friendly faces willing to help her as she strives to find a way to get back to her parents. With only her faith in God as her weapon, Esther turns back to home, determined to have the victory once and for all. But will that be enough? It seems that Esther will never see her parents in this world again. And all hope seems lost when Esther is finally captured and hidden away. It’s time for the villagers to take up arms and fight for their freedom. Will they prevail? Or will evil finally win? The true victory lies in finding a faith that is unshakable.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author

 

Interview with Author Sydney Witbeck

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

First and foremost, I am a daughter of the King of Kings. If there is one goal I want to pursue in my writing, it is to give God the glory and make known all His wondrous works (Psalm 105:1-2). God has blessed me with wonderful parents and two sisters. They’ve been my biggest supporters on this crazy writing journey! I live out in the country in beautiful Laurens, South Carolina and help take care of our goats and chickens. Currently, I work as a manuscript editor for a Christian publishing company, Ambassador International.

What do you do besides writing?

When I’m not writing, you can usually find me curled up with my favorite book, making memories with my two sisters, helping my parents at their store – Learning Cycle Homeschool Store, or training my miniature horse, Sunny.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I love castles. The idea of them, the structure, the aesthetics, the size – everything about castles is fascinating to me, especially when you throw in things like dungeons and secret rooms. I’ll try not to give away any spoilers but there is a battle scene that takes place over a couple chapters. About half of it takes place inside a castle. So, I knew I needed to figure out the layout and structure of medieval castles. I researched some and even printed out a couple castle floor plans to help me picture where people would most likely be fighting, where the strengths and weaknesses were, that sort of thing. It helped me write the scene in a way that would be realistic without being confusing. Plus, I got to look through a lot of pictures of castles as part of the research, so that was a bonus!

How do you find visual inspiration for your characters? Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters?

Characters are the first thing I imagine when it comes to starting a new story. Generally, I can already picture them and then maybe I’ll go on Pinterest and try and find a picture that matches what I see in my head. But one website I discovered midway through writing my second book that was very helpful from a visual standpoint is Armstreet.com. They sell everything from Viking jewelry to Medieval armor to Renaissance dresses. They really focus on the historic accuracy of their designs as well as the aesthetics, and I’ve found some pictures there that are close to what I was trying to imagine for my characters!

In order from left to right: Row 1 – Esther, Pellingor & Arianna (Pellingor’s hair should be darker, but I’m just picky 😊), Reia. Row 2 – Malon, Fiona.

All pictures were found on Pinterest and belong to their respective owners. Except the last one. I took the last one of my dog, Lola, who was the inspiration for Esther’s dog, Fiona.

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

I put on music with lyrics while I’m writing (especially during the first draft), my brain will become distracted! So, I tend to listen to a lot of instrumental music and soundtracks throughout my writing process. When writing my first book, the music I turned to the most was the Lord of the Rings soundtrack (which is epic even when you’re not writing, and quite helpful for getting me in the right mood to write my hardest chapter – the battle scene!)

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

As a young, teenage Christian, I struggled a lot with doubt and assurance. I want my readers to come away from this book understanding that those feelings are real, they’re something a lot of people struggle with – even under the surface – but also that you don’t have to stay in that place of doubt and questioning. God is always there for His children, willing to help them and grow their faith. I also want readers to see the importance that Godly friends, role models, mentors, and parents have on their lives. Find those kinds of people and talk to them when you’re struggling. God uses His Word to strengthen our faith, but He also uses other believers.

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

I am currently working on a Nordic/Viking-inspired novel that will hopefully be released in 2025. I want to show what an impact the light of Christianity had on the spiritually dark culture at that time. It will explore the cost of Christianity and forgiving one’s enemies while featuring redemption arcs, storms at sea, and a protective older brother/reckless younger brother duo. I’m excited to share this story as I’ve been having a lot of fun writing it!

 

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Sydney Witbeck is a Christian self-published author. She has a strong love for the Lord, her family, church, and friends. She has been blessed with supportive parents and two sisters and often helps out at the family business, Learning Cycle Homeschool Store. An avid bookworm, Sydney is happiest curled up with a good book. She has always enjoyed reading and rereading her favorite stories – a passion that soon transferred to writing books of her own. Her writing journey began when she heard how many moms were looking for fiction novels for girls that were both clean and Christian. In her free time, she likes drawing, spending time with her dog, and caring for her miniature horse and her three goats.

Connect with Sydney by visiting storiesoffaithfulness.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and signed paperback copies of A Journey to Unshakable Faith and the sequel, A Journey to Abiding Forgiveness.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Book Tour & Review: The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a "respectable female partner" in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he's hiding and if he's any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review

The tragedy and scandal of Claire was revealed bit by bit in the first two books, and now we have the chance to know her and her experiences. After paying penance at her borderline-abusive aunt's house, Claire has returned to Sidmouth on her own terms of employment, close enough to the family for a reunion, but waiting for them to meet when they are comfortable. Each sister had been affected differently by Claire's choice, but it was heartwarming to see them open and forgiving, even though it might have been hard for some. Their mother, however, is torn between her love for her daughter and her late husband's wishes of disownment. The pace of the story is much slower than I'm used to, but it matches the pace of life in Sidmouth, exploring the variety of characters and the lovely setting, building upon the story with each day that passes. The gentle romance is achingly slow to come about, and the focus on at least the first half of the book is Claire acclimating to her new life as manager of the boardinghouse as well as the company of those she works with there and her estranged family. I was relieved when her relationships began to develop more fully, and a bit of intrigue was introduced as Mr. Hammond's former line of work as a diplomat brings an element of mystery to Claire's days in Sidmouth.

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.

On Devonshire Shores series

 

 

About the Author

 

 

 

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit JulieKlassen.com.

Review: The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List. 

 

When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.  

 

Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book. 

 

Bella agrees to the scheme for her dear cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for…the wrong lady.

My Review

This is a highly entertaining book! We are quick to know best friends and cousins Bella and Issie, although the difference in their stations has Bella as more of a companion who waits and dotes on Issie, while both bear the brunt of Issie's verbally and emotionally abusive mother. I was glad that the book began with her demise so we didn't have to read those difficult scenes, but we could understand the fallout and influence on the two young women. Bella has a vivid personality- loyal, adventurous, and with a wonderful sense of humor. Her banter with Lord Brooke was fantastic, and I loved how their chemistry grew quickly from friendship to attraction to romance. Issie's health, her young doctor, the meddling aunt, and complicated family dynamics brought layers to the story and I was captivated until the very end!

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.

About the Author

photo: Jonathon Allain 2019

 

 Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband.

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Once Upon a Horse
Series: The Vets of Heavenbrooke County #1
Author: Helena Smrcek
Publisher: EverWind Press
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

In the charming Heavenbrooke county, where country life meets big-city dreams, 28-year-old accountant Stella Barkley is about to discover that sometimes love arrives when you least expect it. 

After a flat tire leaves her stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue—Dr. Jason Alba, a dedicated veterinarian with a heart as big as his ambitions. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable connection, aided by Stella's spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Milkbone, who takes an immediate liking to Jason thanks to his pocket full of treats. 

As their paths intertwine, Stella finds herself drawn to Jason, despite their differing views on farm life and future aspirations. Their budding romance takes unexpected turns, especially when a mysterious missing horse from a local breeder, Enrique Rodriguez, complicates matters. 

When Thanksgiving arrives, Jason becomes Stella's unexpected hero, saving her from a culinary disaster and charming her city friends with his warm spirit. But just as their relationship begins to flourish, a crisis emerges in the barn: the missing mare, Starling, is discovered in distress, leading Jason to perform a life-saving surgery that brings them even closer. 

However, secrets and misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart. Stella’s desperate attempt to protect a champion mare sends her on a collision course with both Jason and Enrique, forcing her to confront her choices and the future she thought she wanted. 

When Stella realizes that her life in Heavenbrooke may be over, she pens a heartfelt goodbye letter to Jason, leaving it at the church where their story began. Alone on Christmas morning, she grapples with loneliness and regret, only to be surprised by the appearance of the man who stole her heart. 

Can a simple letter and the magic of Christmas lead them to a second chance? Will they find a way to bridge the divide between city and country, love and loyalty? 

Join Stella and Jason on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and the enduring power of second chances in Once Upon a Horse. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this tale of unexpected connections and the bonds we forge will leave you believing in the wonder of love.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

 

Excerpt

Dr. Jason Alba stepped into the Four Corners Country Store as the bell chimed over his head.
This better be the right place. He gripped the garment bag a little tighter. If I’m wrong, the
person working here will have a good laugh on my account, suit, and tie in a feed store. But the
woman he met on the side of the road earlier today was worth searching for. How many feed
stores could there be in Heavenbrooke County? This was the Four Corners, as the vet tech
described when he’d told him about the girl with the red 1976 Ford pickup truck. He took a deep
breath and slowly shut the door behind him.
 

And then he saw her. His heart did the same strange thing as earlier today when he
spotted her parked on the shoulder. Thankfully, he listened to that quiet voice, somewhere deep
in his soul, telling him to pull over and see if she needed help. He was sure she also felt the spark
between them when their eyes first met. She was cautious, and who could blame her, but there
was something there, a sense of connection, this visceral reaction he’d never felt before. Like
their chance meeting was not by chance at all. Or was he wrong?
 

In any case, here he was, and he would savor the moment. She was standing behind the
cash register, her black hair cascading over her shoulder, momentarily unaware of his presence.
And here was the strange feeling again. She was here but didn’t quite fit, like her brand-new
Spider ski hat and the well-worn parka, the designer bag on the console between the front seats
of the old beat-up truck, or the lack of a diamond sparkle on her ring finger.

 

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Helena Smrcek is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. From her romantic suspense series to women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and humor, and her latest favorite, dual timeline historicals—like a box of chocolate truffles—she loves them all. With a passion for storytelling sparked by her grandparents, Helena Smrcek weaves heartfelt tales that explore themes of faith, love, and redemption.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of all 3 books in the Alicia Yu FBI series plus Once Upon a Horse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Winner location limited to where Amazon will ship. 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!