Thursday, July 23, 2020

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Healing Their Hearts by Cleopatra Margot #HTHPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Healing Their Hearts
(Faith to Love, #6)
By Cleopatra Margot
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 302  Pages
June 21, 2020

After spring's many trials, Knox County Sheriff Liam McKay is ready for a season of restoration. He needs time to grieve the loss of his grandmother and work on becoming a better husband and father. Liam learned the hard way that life is fragile, and he doesn't want to miss out on any precious moments.

Emma McKay loves her role as a wife and mother. After she lost her parents, the McKay family became her saving grace. Being married to a police officer brings both challenges and adventures into her life, though, and when something hits on a more personal level, will her past be brought into the light?

Officer Mark MacLaughlin is motivated by two things: his family and his job. Add a beautiful stranger to the mix, and Mark can't help but want to get to know her better. But when he takes on fatherhood for a three-year-old girl, he has to learn how to blur the lines between his personal and professional life too.

Evangeline Taylor was on the way to confront her past, until her plans came to a grinding halt. Now injured and stranded in a tiny Nebraska town, Eva's heart opens up. The town, the people, and maybe one handsome police officer in particular help her to heal...but will they be enough to make her stay?

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Excerpt

You like her.Sam pointed her spoon at him. You like Evangeline!

He let his shirt fall into place and crossed to the freezer. Youre off duty and its past your bedtime. Stop throwing accusations around.

Mark Bryant MacLaughlin, youre in denial.Sam shut the freezer door before he could grab his ice cream. Admit it. You. Like. Evangeline. Taylor!

Could you not yell in my face?Using his height to his advantage, he blocked her with his shoulders, then grabbed the butter pecan gelato. I didnt say I like her, and I havent given you cause to think that. Now, if you could excuse me, Id like to enjoy my ice cream before work.

Sam let out a sigh. Come on, bro. Ive known you for twenty-nine years. Almost thirty. Also, youre getting old, so you should probably settle down and have a family before Mom disowns you and adopts another son.

Mark leaned a hip against the counter and took a bite of gelato. First of all, thirty-one is not old. And—”

Youll be thirty-two this fall.

But Im not there yet, am I? Anyhow, thirty-one is not old, and I havent found the right woman yet. What about you? Youre nearly the big three-o and youve yet to find a husband. A highway goes two ways, sis.

Yeah, well, I wasnt talking about me.She grinned. SoAre you gonna ask her out?

Really? If I wouldnt end up getting charged for assault by my own sister, Id throw this spoon at you.

No, you wouldnt. Youre a softie. Look, Mark, all Im saying is that I saw how your face lit up when I said her name. I know that shes not from here and that breaks your shop localrules, but I also know my brother. And he doesnt let minor details get in the way of what he wants. More importantly, what God wants for him. The fact that Miss Taylor happened to end up in Believe isnt just a coincidence. If you need more prodding, call Mom. Shed love to give you the spiel I just gave you, even at ten-forty-five at night. But at least hers wouldnt be specific to one lady. Maybe that would help you.

No, I think one of you is enough for one night.He set his spoon in the sink, put the lid on the gelato, and slid it back in the freezer. I wont deny that I noticed Miss Taylor, but theres a lot that would go with it. She doesnt live here, for one. Im not moving, Sam.

“Who says you have to?”

Sam. Shes from Washington state.

Fine. But Im just saying, you havent lit up like this in a long time. If ever. Even Ettie noticed it when you finally came back to the station yesterday.

You werent even at work yesterday, so how would you know? Besides that, Ettie would notice a caterpillar that likes another caterpillar, Sam. Thats a poor example to support your case. Remind me again how you passed your state patrol training?

 

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author


Cleopatra Margot resides with her family and their golden retriever in small town, rural Nebraska. Inspiration for her novels comes from both real life + fictional characters and storylines in her brain. The town of Believe is based on her own hometown, but with embellishments. She and her two younger siblings are homeschooled, and enjoy traveling with their parents and the dog. When she’s not writing, Cleopatra enjoys Bible journaling, time with family and friends, playing cards, being outside (when it’s not subfreezing temps), laughing, singing, and enjoying life.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Their Hearts by Cleoptatra Margot, a vinyl sticker, bookmark, and free shipping coupon (for a future purchase through the author)

US only
Ends July 29, 2020

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Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Review: A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Unemployed mill worker Zoe Hart jumps at the opportunity to emigrate to British Columbia in 1863 to find a better life and be reunited with her brother, who fled from home after being accused of a crime.

Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for the infant. While there, he's devastated by the news from his fiancee in England that she's marrying another man.

With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Zoe accepts a proposal from a miner of questionable character after he promises to help her locate her brother. Intent on protecting Zoe and frustrated by his failed engagement, Abe offers his own hand as groom. After a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all.

My Review

I’m always up for a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was excellent! Zoe has such a compassionate heart and I loved her desire and willingness to care for orphaned children. Abe has a plan and is doing his best to stick to it, even when he struggles with the bishop’s formality and demands for how he interacts with the community. Even though the beginning of their relationship is a bit rocky with doubts and hesitation, they are both sincere and genuine, and recognize the goodness in each other. It was fun to see their growing attraction and the blossoming of deeper feelings of romance. Their future is uncertain and a variety of obstacles challenge them and their little family that quickly grows as Zoe brings more chicks under her wing. I loved how their vulnerabilities contrasted with their strengths and the way God led them to each other and others who needed them.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't miss the other books in The Bride Ships series . . .

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Review: Letters for Phoebe by Sally Britton



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

When Phoebe starts receiving anonymous letters, she never once thinks the most irresponsible man in London is her correspondent. Or that she will fall in love with him.

Phoebe Kimball grew up believing in love, but after failing to find a gentleman capable of capturing her heart, she has turned more practical than romantic. She is determined to find a husband in London this Season. If only the annoying Mr. Fenwick would stop appearing every time she sets her cap at someone! When an anonymous letter arrives warning her that her current target is unsuitable marital material, Phoebe begins a relationship with the letter writer that promises something more than a practical alliance.

Griffin Fenwick does not usually care for women on the hunt for a husband, but Miss Kimball's quick wit and refusal to admit she enjoys his company intrigues him. When he realizes the gentlemen on her list of eligible bachelors is full with scoundrels, he warns her the only way he can - through a letter. As he comes to know Phoebe better, he soon realizes he wishes to put his own name on her list. If only she liked Griffin as much as she liked her anonymous correspondent.

When Phoebe realizes its been Griffin writing her all along, will she put aside practicality for love, or spurn Griffin for even trying to woo her?

My Review

Griffin is my kind of hero! I absolutely loved his personality. He’s fun loving and enjoys making other laugh. His antics entertain society, but Phoebe is disdainful because of his lack of propriety. She’s a bit off-putting at first, but the author skillfully reveals her layers and why she has changed. Although the prologue introduces us to Phoebe and her four close friends at finishing school when they pledge to only marry for love, she is now concerned with finding a good man who will offer security. Griffin’s knowledge of the vices of the men Phoebe pursues leads him to warn her via anonymous letter, and a friendship blossoms through their charming and surreptitious correspondence. I loved how Griffin grew enamored of Phoebe, while she began to appreciate the finer points of his infectious personality. This is a perfect novella with a complete story arc and character development. I can’t wait for the following books in the series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Don't miss the upcoming books in the Promise of Forever After series . . .

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Book Tour Grand Finale: Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye #CBPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Thank you for joining me for the Christmas in Bayberry blog tour! 

I know it’s hot here in the northern hemisphere and not exactly Christmastime but… maybe that’s the best time to visit a small town in snowy Vermont. So grab a nice cold drink and curl up to take an armchair vacation in a warm, cozy town. . .


"This is truly a Christmas reading delight! . . . This tale is such a relaxing drama, enclosed within a small town full of "Christmas Spirit". although quite predictable, it is endearing and the characters and scenes"draws one in"."

Pause for Tales - Review

"If you are looking for a little Christmas in July, look no further than Christmas in Bayberry. And if you adore Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this story from Hallmark Publishing. . . . As Wes and Kate navigate business and their attraction to each other grows, both of their dreams become at risk. Finding out what is most important to each other made this heartwarming story a welcome read."


"This is truly the sweetest Christmas book I’ve read in quite sometime . . . Jennifer’s writing and detailed descriptions have you feeling as if you are in this small town Vermont. . . . I highly recommend this beauty to get you in the holiday spirit!"

Remembrancy - Review

"The temperature outside may be in the 90s right now, but Christmas in Bayberry put me right in the holiday mood. Though a bit predictable (but Hallmark wouldn’t be Hallmark without their signature happy endings, now would they?), it is a sweet and fun escape."


Wes stepped up to his boss’s very large oak desk. “Here’s the file you requested. Everything should be in there.”

“Thank you.” Mr. Summers took the folder, then gestured to the two charcoal gray chairs in front of his desk. “Take a seat.”

Wes was torn between doing what the president of the company wanted or speaking up about his pending meeting. After all, Mr. Summers had the final say on who got the promotion. Wes had to stay on the man’s good side, but he also had to get his work done.

Wes’s mouth grew dry. He swallowed hard. “Sir, I’m expected in the conference room on the twelfth floor right now.”

Mr. Summers leaned forward, resting his elbows on the large oak desk. “They can wait.” His gray brows drew together in a formidable line. “This is important.”

Splashes of Joy - Review

"This is my favorite book that I have read by Jennifer Faye. It is a Hallmark Christmas Story, so if you are a fan of Hallmark movies, you will love this one! . . . If you love sweet, cozy, snowy, small town Christmas stories, Christmas in Bayberry is a must for you! I [thoroughly] enjoyed this Christmas in July read, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, whether you read it in July, or closer to Christmas!"

I'm Into Books - Spotlight


"In true Hallmark Channel fashion, this is a story which has an HEA and a homey afterglow - where you know that for the towne of Bayberry, nothing is ever impossible until you reach the point where you cannot believe in the small miracles which evoke the most change in your life."


"In the classic Hallmark style, Christmas in Bayberry is a swoony, feel-good, cozy read. And Bayberry, Vermont is the pinnacle setting to tug me into the Christmas (in July) mood. . . . If you enjoy a rosy-clean slow-burn romance and second chances in a magical holiday atmosphere, you’ll surely sink into Christmas in Bayberry (and you may not want to leave.)"


"I have read several books penned by Jennifer Faye and this was my favorite so far, The idyllic setting of Bayberry, Vermont, the close knit community and their Christmas festivities brought the story to life before my eyes. . . . I thought this was a fantastic book that is suitable for all ages and would make a perfect Christmas gift for the reader in your life. It flows at a great pace, it held my interest throughout . . ."


"I enjoyed this book so much. I can definitely see it as a Hallmark Christmas Movie. . . . A story I enjoyed reading as a Christmas in July book. I definitely recommend reading this book."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

“Bayberry Candle Company” was printed across the top of each sheet. The breath caught in her throat. This was it—the evaluation of the company.

Kate knew she shouldn’t look, but it was like watching a train accident: You just couldn’t turn away. As she assembled the pages in numeric order, she noticed on the next-to-last sheet a header that read: “Conclusions.”

Her heart clenched. She stared at the words.

Please let it be a vote to keep the business operating.

Please. Please. Please.

Her gaze skimmed down the page. And then it stopped.


"Jennifer Faye captures the small town charm of a Hallmark movie and weaves it into a sweet romance with a nod to Christmas miracles. Well-written & entertaining, the story also balances Hallmark’s comforting predictability with a couple twists & turns that may still surprise you. The characters are warm & likable and you’ll want to book a trip of your own to the quaint town of Bayberry!"


"It’s beautiful, moving, and so heartwarming. . . . It was an absolutely delightful read. The small town “every one works there or knows someone who does” plot line was perfection. . . . I highly recommend this sweet book for those who LOVE clean, feel good, small-town Christmas romances. Fans of Hallmark movies will more than likely love this story. And, I’m pretty certain fans of the author will be delighted as well."


"Immediately upon opening the pages of this book, I was transported to snowy, small towns, twinkling fairy lights and hot chocolate curled up by the fireplace. This is my first book by Jennifer Faye, but it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy Christmasy read."

Harlie's Books - Review

". . . I was totally invested in the town, Kate and Wes but also in the story. Ms. Faye is an excellent storyteller and takes her time here. It’s in-depth, romantic, heartwarming, and just overall a great book to read now in the heat of the summer. . . Do yourself a favor and start reading Ms. Faye. Especially this book. It will warm your heart. And yes, I could see it as a Hallmark Movie. Psst…I’d watch it, too."


"I absolutely fell in love with this book. It has such great festivity vibe with all the happy, jolly moments. Bayberry, as a place not only sounds amazing but at the same time it seems magical. Our protagonists Kate and Wes were beautifully written. The plot is engaging right from the beginning. A heartwarming story for everyone who believes in unexpected miracles."


"Jennifer Faye is a new to me author and it was very enjoyable to read her style of writing. She had me engaged throughout the whole book. . . . If you are looking for a good-feel story and something to get you in the holiday spirit then you should definitely grab this book. It definitely made me wish for Christmas decorations, warm cozy socks, sitting by the fire with a Christmas music in the background!"

Hallie Reads - Review

"Jennifer Faye’s Christmas in Bayberry is exactly what I expect from a Hallmark Christmas story: predictable, but also fun, cozy, and heartwarming. For me, it was a much-needed reprieve from the summer heat . . . So, it is easy to say that I enjoyed Christmas in Bayberry. I think it makes a delightful read; make space for it in your holiday-reading stack—or pick it up for a seasonal escape today."


"I am giving Christmas in Bayberry a very well deserved five plus stars. I would love to read more like this one by Miss Faye in the future. I recommend this one to readers who are Hallmark fans and those who like to read clean Christmas books."


"I absolutely love Christmas in Bayberry! If you’re a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies and sweet, clean romance, you will love it too. While you’re reading this book, you’ll be swept into the town of Bayberry, and you’re not going to want to leave! . . . Really, you’ll love all the characters in Christmas in Bayberry! They’re all well-developed and bring just the right balance to the book. I can’t say enough good things about Christmas in Bayberry! Read it, and you’ll see! You’ll love it too!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Christmas in Bayberry:
A Small-Town Christmas Romance from Hallmark Publishing
By Jennifer Faye
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 238 Pages
July 7th 2020 by Hallmark Publishing

She’s trying to save the family candle company.
He’s trying not to fall for Bayberry—and her—again.


Kate Taylor knows what she wants in life: to one day run her family’s candle business, which is at the heart of the close-knit community of Bayberry, Vermont. But the company isn’t doing well.

Wesley Adams is on the fast track to be an assistant vice president at his financial firm in Manhattan. Before the promotion is announced, he’s sent to this small town from his past to do an analysis of the candle company.

He doesn’t expect to bump into his childhood crush, Kate, and when he does, sparks fly. As he spends time in Bayberry, he falls for the town’s Christmas traditions—and for her. But he has a responsibility to submit an honest report. Will it extinguish Kate’s dreams…along with any chance they have for a future together?

This heart-warming romance contains a free Hallmark original recipe for Cast Iron Beef Stew.

(Affiliate links included.)


Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

Please state the quantity you desire and which bookmarks/titles you are interested in.
Feel free to order extra to share with your favorite bookstore, library and family/friends.

NOTE: A big apology but due to postal fees, only available to continental U.S. residents.

About the Author


Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus…
an autographed copy of CHRISTMAS IN BAYBERRY, Yankee Candle Bayberry, Wilton cookie cutter, Hallmark ornament, Hallmark Light-up earrings, Hallmark glass and more…

US only
Ends July 22, 2020


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