Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Decorating Club by Susan M. Meyers

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Decorating Club by Susan M. Meyers, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: The Decorating Club
Author: Susan M. Meyers
Publisher: Just Food For Thought, LLC
Release Date: February 1, 2021
Genre: Women's Fiction

The Decorating Club shares the story of what happens when a group of women come together to help each other redesign their homes. In the process, they support each other through some of the challenges encountered by women today. While the primary focus is on identifying the best purpose and theme for each room they soon find themselves faced with the need to help one another determine life's next chapter. The Decorating Club was inspired by true-life experiences with real neighbors and the friendship they shared.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

 

 

EXCERPT

* * *

HELP!

I’m being held captive by a kidnapper named Fear.

What he looks and sounds like is a mystery that’s unclear

All I know is, he’s captured my mind, heart and soul

And I have fallen deeply under his control.

* * *

“So what’s your vision for this room, besides just

adding those two pieces of furniture? Would you like

some custom curtains, have you given any thought to

accessories and lighting?” Sarah questioned. “No, I don’t

care. I have no sense of style; I’m good with whatever you

decide,” said Tricia.

“Whoa, Tricia, wait a minute,” Sarah began. “While

that may or may not be true, that was not part of the deal.

I explained to all of you in the beginning that I believe a

home should tell a story of the people who live there. I

agreed to help, but not by reflecting my story in your

home. It has to be your story!” Sarah re-emphasized.

“Well, my story is sad. In fact, I’m sorry I wasted all of

your time. Let’s forget it. I have to run now anyway—off

to my stupid job, where I’ll be for like the next hundred

hours or so!” Tricia whined.

“What a hypocrite!” Brittany snipped. “You stand on a

soapbox saying the rest of the world is paralyzed by fear,

causing us not to live the lives we were intended to live.

Yet there you are, running off to a job you clearly hate just

because you’re obviously too afraid to do something

about it. I’m sick and tired of hearing you make belittling

comments about others, when it’s you, Tricia, who

should be taking a long hard look in the mirror!”

“Oh boy, here we go again,” thought Sarah as she

watched closely to see who was going to throw the first

punch.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Susan Meyers is an optimist who believes the world would be better served if everyone were more aligned with their greater purpose. The challenge as she sees it is not only to serve one’s purpose but also to adapt as it changes from time to time.

While Susan has worn many hats throughout her life, serving as CEO of her children’s business, 3 Sisters and a Brother, LLC is the role of which she is most proud. It began in the family’s basement when they were just 12, 12, 10, and 7 and soon expanded into two storefronts; within less than eight years, it became a well-known brand in the local community. 

As time passed and each of the children began to take flight, Susan and her family made the decision to close the business. With each of her four children off pursuing their own individualized dreams and careers, Susan had to deal with a new title; unemployed CEO; as well as the closed doors that it represented for her more personally. 

Finding herself questioning her own purpose and determined to regain it, Susan invested her time looking for answers. It soon became clear that none of the information she found talked to her concerns or even spoke the same language. 

Eventually, Susan was reminded of what she already knew and in the hope of helping others facing similar challenges, was moved to write The Decorating Club. Today, Susan makes her home with her husband and youngest daughter in Fairfield, CT. For more information, visit www.susanmmeyersauthor.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $50 HomeGoods gift card, $10 Dunkin' Donuts gift card, The Decorating Club travel mug & retractable measuring tape!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 17, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2021. 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 HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Wise One by K.T. Anglehart

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Wise One

(The Scottish Scrolls #1)

By K.T. Anglehart

Young Adult Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 254 Pages

October 25, 2020 by Kat Biggie Press

Worlds collide for both young and mature readers, who will love the fast-paced thrills, chemistry between characters, and interplay of witchy fantasy, mythology, Celtic folklore, and reality in The Wise One—book one of The Scottish Scrolls series.

Mckenna's never thought much of her nightmares, but on her seventeenth birthday, a vivid dream of burning at the stake awakens her dormant abilities, thrusting her into a world where faeries are real, spirits hold a grudge, and a High Priestess obsessed with a 16th-century prophecy is tracking her every move.

Now, her overprotective dads, Seán and Andre, are forced to tell her the truth—they know who her birth mother is, and her life is not the surrogate story she's always been told. Abigail, Mckenna's mom, is some sort of mystic, and Mckenna a Wise One.

Whatever the hell that means.

With the help of a persistent little wren and company of a newfound friend, Mckenna journeys to Ireland in search of her mother and real answers. Along the way, she learns to harness her innate magic and trust her intuition, as best she can anyway—Cillian, a kind and passionate delegate who crosses her path, is proving much harder to read.

Only her mother could truly help her halt her ill fate and prepare her for what's to come . . . before she gives in to the darkness she knows is buried deep within.

Author K.T. Anglehart expertly weaves a story set in Ireland that is both timeless and unique, a perfect cross-market read for those searching for the next endearing urban fantasy classic.

Praise for the Book

"A heartwarming coming-of-age story with characters that resonate, rich European folklore, and enchanting details that tickle the senses long after the last page is read." —V. G. Anderson, author of The Light in the Sound

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

 

Excerpt from Chapter 16—The Power of Samhain

Andre slammed the phone down on Seán and kicked the kitchen chair. Seán had been with Abby all this time—the woman who deserted her family through a vague explanation on a piece of paper.

Seán said he and Abby had a strong feeling Mckenna was in Ballycastle and that they would find her together “when the time was right.” What did that even mean? Immediately, that was when the time was right. And this woman had no business feeling anything about their daughter.

“Abby says it’s the safest place she could be,” Seán had said, trying to reassure Andre.

“Right, if that’s what Abby says,” Andre scoffed. “Why are you letting her influence you?”

“Come off it, Andre, I’m not letting her do anything. She knows what she’s talking about. You can’t understand.”

“Whose fault is that?” And that was when he had hung up.

Something wasn’t right. She just happened to show up when Seán happened to be visiting the very spot they’d met seventeen years ago?

Andre was tired of waiting around. Seán was either being tricked or being drawn back into Abby’s world; Andre had seen the way Seán spoke about her before he left. He’d never gotten over his grief, his heartbreak. He was still in love with her.

It was time Andre fought for him.

About the Author

Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is a born and bred Italian-Canadian from Montreal. A devoted academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting; and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. After dabbling in TV writing and working as a digital marketing content manager, she left the nine to five to launch her freelance editing and coaching career. Today, she relishes in helping aspiring authors to develop and refine their stories.

Besides English, Katrina speaks French, Italian, and Spanglish. When she's not writing, diving into magical reads, or Netflixing, she's travelling with her favourite human--her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy--and obsessing over her pet bunny, Magic, and newly rescued pup, Nessie. Katrina currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a print copy of The Wise One (open to US, CAN and UK)

Ends August 25, 2021

ENTER HERE

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Coming Home to Mercy by Michelle De Bruin

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Coming Home to Mercy

(Coming Home Series #1)

By Michelle De Bruin

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 251 Pages

August 17, 2021 by Scrivenings Press LLC

A society woman leaves her comfortable lifestyle so that she can help her daughter adjust to the arrival of twin sons in a small town where the courageous doctor teaches her about taking risks.
 

Wealthy and sociable Margaret Millerson has always thought of her brother’s Chicago mansion as her home. But when she receives the telephone call that her daughter has given birth to twins three weeks ahead of the expected due date, Margaret must leave her comfortable home, her family, and her friends to travel out of state. While she is helping her daughter care for the infants, Margaret becomes reacquainted with the town’s doctor, Matthew Kaldenberg.
 

Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg stays busy caring for the health of the citizens of his small town. His profession offers him daily practice in defeating death, his greatest enemy. During the twenty years since losing his own wife and baby in childbirth, Matthew has saved his money for the purchase of a flying machine. But when Matthew takes Margaret for flights on his biplane, he learns that his dreams of rising above the griefs and losses of his past come with a cost. He doesn’t want to lose the trust of the people he cares about most, or the chance at a relationship with Margaret.
 

Both Matthew and Margaret must make difficult decisions to hold on to the love they have discovered. Will Matthew’s heart recover from sorrow? Will Margaret find her true home?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Target | Book Depository

 

Excerpt

“Matthew!” She took off on a run as light as a child.

“You know this person?” Henry’s incredulous words followed her out the door.

She rushed across the lawn and straight into his arms.

He wrapped her in a tight embrace and whispered into her hair. “Hello, Margaret. I’ve missed you, my dear.”

And then that kiss she missed out on her last day in Oswell City came forth full and sweet and promising.

“How’d you do it? How’d you get here?’ Margaret asked when she pulled away. Happiness radiated in her heart. Her face glowed.

“Easier than landing on a flooded hill, if you can believe that.” Matthew smiled. “I circled around over the lake and came in from the south. Had to watch out for telephone poles and tree branches, but a little maneuvering helped me avoid both.”

Margaret laughed and shook her head in wonder.

“I won’t be able to stay long, though. I see the police are rather annoyed with me.” Matthew pointed at a police car with light flashing and siren blaring while racing in their direction.

He turned his full attention on her. “I’ve come to ask you to ride with me. Will you, Margaret? I have something very important to say to you.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Ahem. Before you go, we’d like an explanation.” Henry’s voice came from behind.

Margaret had forgotten all about him. She turned to find him and Fran standing in the yard. “This is Dr. Matthew Kaldenburg from Oswell City. He’s come to take me for a ride.” Margaret gestured to Matthew. 

 

About the Author

Michelle De Bruin grew up in Southern Iowa and graduated from Eddyville High School. These beautiful memories of childhood spent on her family’s farm are the inspiration to the setting in the books of the Tomorrow series.

After high school, Michelle received an Associate’s Degree in Office Management from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. She returned to the family farm and later married Tom De Bruin.

Tom and Michelle and their two teenage sons, Mark and John, live in Pella where Michelle works as the Spiritual Services Facilitator for Christian Opportunity Center. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and in Religion with a Christian Ministries emphasis from Central College in Pella, Iowa.

In 2015, Michelle began writing and joined the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) where she discovered that the stories she wrote for fun might actually amount to something. She finished her manuscript for Hope for Tomorrow and eventually found a home for it with a small publisher of Christian fiction.

Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct.

Website | Goodreads | Bookbub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a copy of Coming Home to Mercy (print if US, ebook if outside the US) and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)

Ends August 25, 2021

ENTER HERE

 

Review: First Christmas on Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The endearingly mischievous matchmaking grandparents Anna and Felty Helmuth have helped generations of their Wisconsin community - including many of their own grandchildren - find love over the course of USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Beckstrand's beloved Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series. Now, in this heartwarming prequel set in 1952, Anna and Felty's own love story takes center stage as the young couple spends their first uncertain Christmas together.

She can't cook, sew, sing, or clean. And no matter how hard young Anna Yoder tries, she'd much rather help people in trouble than be a well-behaved pretty face and properly perfect Amish maidel. So she instantly reaches out to her old schoolmate, Felty Helmuth, when their Amish town ostracizes him for his Korean War army service. He's still the only one who's ever understood Anna--and liked everything from her green Jello carrot salads to her love of books. And this holiday season, she can't help hoping that somehow she and Felty can find a way to be the perfect match...

Felty sensed he was called by Gotte to serve his country, though it went against his community's peaceful ways. Troubled by his wartime experiences, he is resigned to being an outsider avoided by most eligible Amish girls. But lively, intelligent Anna has grown into a warm-hearted generous woman who accepts Felty for who he is. And in the face of family and community opposition, he and Anna will take a leap of faith to prove they are made for each other--and a lifetime of happiness.

My Review

Oh how I love Anna and Felty from the many books in the Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series! I was thrilled to read the story of their falling in love! It's not an easy beginning as they are both somewhat social outcasts in their community. They are both so genuine, and it was so satisfying to see their friendship rekindle and develop into romance as they support each other with the difficulties they are dealing with. I love how this author is so skilled at writing characters with vibrant personalities and memorable mannerisms. Highly recommend!

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 any of the books in The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series . . .

Review: A Double Dose of Love by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Prepare for a double dose of romance and fun when two sets of Amish twins find love.

Identical brothers Zeb and Zeke Bontrager aren’t looking for love. They have their hands full with a new horse farm, a half-finished ranch house, and a wild colt, thanks to Zeke’s hasty business dealings. Now Zeb must contend with Zeke’s bad decisions, hidden debts, and tendency to avoid responsibility, which threaten their good standing in the Birch Creek Amish community.

When a newspaper ad prompts Darla King to travel to Birch Creek in search of a husband, her identical twin, Amanda, promises their parents she’ll convince Darla to come home. After all, Amanda is the responsible and reliable one. She has always protected Darla, who acts on impulse and trusts people too easily. The sisters’ close relationship is strained as Darla asserts her independence and Amanda grapples with regrets of her past and the longings of her own heart.

When Zeb and Amanda join forces to protect Darla and Zeke from each other, none of them can possibly predict the outcome as all four come face-to-face with their highest hopes and deepest insecurities in the first installment of the Amish Mail-Order Bride series.

My Review

A romance between two sets of twins is a fun story, and thankfully there was no assuming each other's identities as a plot device ;) The characters are so well fleshed-out, it was easy to get to know them quickly and understand their personalities, vulnerabilities and strengths. It's interesting to see the similarities between Zeb and Amanda as the responsible siblings, and their struggle with resenting their twin, yet loving and supporting them as well. A new business, a new town, a new relationship, a new friendship- it all weaves together while in the background, one set of parents tries to support, while the other set discourages. Since the story is divided equally between all four twins, I felt like my interest was as well- I believe I prefer one main couple to focus on, with the others as a subplot. Overall I love this author's writing style that brings depth and emotion to a sweet story.

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

Don't miss the other books in the Amish Mail-Order Bride series . . .

Review: Amish Generations: Four Stories by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Four sweet and funny Amish love stories, spanning four different generations. Love comes at all times and for all ages!

Young Love—When Fern was diagnosed with a chronic illness in her early twenties, she knew it would limit her abilities to be a good Amish wife. And with Dan, the object of her affection, in a serious relationship, there didn't seem much point in dating. But Dan is now single, and he seems to be taking notice of Fern. She'll need a strong dose of courage to talk down the fear her illness has brought on if she ever wants to pursue her dreams.

Long-Awaited Love—When Everett left ten years ago, Jemima's love quickly turned to hate. But when they arrive back home at the same bus station on the same day, they discover some old flames aren't put out so easily. Can they move past the forces that pulled them apart ten years ago, or are some hurts too much to overcome?

Second-Chance Love—Benjamin and Lora Beth know what it's like to experience loss. They both lost spouses not long into their young marriages and connect over that through letters, exchanging recipes and commiseration as their now-grown children try to coddle them. They're only in their forties, for heaven's sake! The letters quickly reveal a deep friendship . . . or could it be more? When you've already had a great love, how do you learn to fall in love again?

Never Too Late—Jerald is a committed old bachelor. He loves nothing more than good Amish food and giving his best friend's wife a hard time. When people have asked—and believe him, people have asked—he's always said he'll marry when he finds the right woman. It's just never happened in his seventy years. Until he tastes the best blueberry pie and discovers the woman behind it: his best friend's wife's best friend, Elva.

My Review

Unrequited love, second chance love, second love, and late love. It was great to read a variety of stories which also spanned a range of ages. I didn't feel like the "young love" story was too young since Fern is considered a spinster, but compared to the other stories they are! I loved the friendship and affection that quickly bloomed in the last story, especially with Elva's unhappy marriage. It was heartwarming to see her be appreciated for her skills as a cook and as a lovely person inside and out. Jerald is such a fun guy, and it was such a sweet match. I love when books make me feel so happy when things turn out perfectly for characters that deserve it.

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

Review: An Amish Christmas Wedding: Four Stories by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From bestselling authors of Amish fiction come four delightful stories perfect for celebrating love, joy, and the everyday miracles Christmas brings.

Evergreen Love by Amy Clipston
Ryan Lapp had promised to marry Lorene Bontrager as soon as he was able to build them a house, but the day never came. Ryan moved away. Five years later, Lorene has settled in to her old maid role, and she’s shocked when her younger sister announces her quick engagement to Ryan’s younger brother. As they rush to plan the wedding, Lorene is constantly around the family she almost joined. Worse, she’s forced to face Ryan himself, who has returned to town. As both Ryan and Lorene examine their own feelings, they must decide if they can find grace with each other—and the young people they once were—this Christmas season. There just might still be love in their future.

Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin
Henry Lufkin is one of four bachelors who lived in the West Kootenai, Montana, cabins that were destroyed by wildfires. He’s the only one of them who hasn’t since married, but he likes his solitude. Then an old friend asks him to care for his son, and Henry has to share his small cabin and his life with bewildered and rebellious ten-year-old Tommy. When the child encounters trouble at school, Henry reaches out to Tommy's teacher. Leesa Yoder never expected to find herself single and teaching sixteen young scholars, and she certainly didn’t anticipate an inexperienced bachelor telling her how to do her job. Amid the flying sparks, can Henry and Leesa see that there might be hope and love in this unexpected situation?

Wreathed in Joy by Kathleen Fuller
Mary Wengerd and Jakob Mullet have been best friends since childhood. Pressured by friends and family, they decided to date—with disastrous results. When they break up, their friendship is ruined. A year later, Mary is baking her Englisch friend’s wedding and groom cakes for a Christmas Eve wedding. Mary loves the Christmas season, and had always dreamed of marrying during that time. Now she wonders if she’ll ever marry. After she and Jakob form a tenuous new friendship, Mary breaks her arm. As he steps in to help her with the cakes, Mary is inexplicably and suddenly falling for him. But they've already dated, and that ended so horribly. Could it be better this time?

A Christmas Prayer by Vannetta Chapman
Widower Micah Miller runs the Amish Tour Company, offering Englischers a glimpse of a simpler life as well as tea at Rachel King’s. Rachel has never married and has recently lost her parents. When Micah comes across an abandoned and injured dog, he gives it to Rachel for company. As Rachel is charmed by the dog and shocked by news of the existence of family she never expected, her heart and mind bend toward the possibilities of change in her life—even toward the possibility of love.

My Review

What a sweet collection of second chance at love and love later in life! It's always wonderful when I enjoy each story, and just can't stop reading. I was impressed by the vivid personalities, romantic chemistry, individual plots, and cozy Christmastime setting. The two that stood out to me are Holiday of Hope by Kelly Irvin and Wreathed in Joy by Kathleen Fuller. I admire when characters can make the best of a difficult situation and recognize the blessings that come because of their efforts.

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.