Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: Brides & Brothers by Anneka R. Walker

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A modern retelling of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Camille Kelly is in real danger of becoming an old maid—at least by Cherish, Montana, standards. She has all but given up on finding Mr. Right—until her broken laptop leads her to Aiden Peterson, a tall, dark, and handsome computer genius. Camille would never have believed her magic moment was right around the corner, but after two whirlwind weeks, she has a ring on her finger and has happily ever after in sight. However, she soon discovers Aiden is part of a daunting package deal . . .

As the eldest of seven brothers, Aiden has never had a problem living under the same roof as his rambunctious siblings. When he falls for Camille, he is confident she’ll fit right into his family’s already bursting home. He thought wrong. Aiden and Camille’s storybook romance comes to a screeching halt when she discovers her new living situation. Not willing to submit to a life mothering a bunch of grown men, Camille has only one option: she embarks on a campaign to improve her new brothers-in-law and marry them off. And what better candidates for wives than her own best friends?

My Review

This retelling of the classic film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is as entertaining as the movie! Insta-love, disillusionment, family bonds, and a hefty dose of matchmaking brought the original story to the contemporary version, which added more depth with some backstory, challenges, and faith elements. With so many characters I didn't really connect emotionally with any of them, but it was fun to read about the them as they learned about relationships and what makes them overcome the inevitable trials and become stronger. A must-read for fans of the movie and contemporary sweet romance!

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.

Giveaway

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Aspen Crossroads by Janine Rosche

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Aspen Crossroads by Janine Rosche, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Aspen Crossroads
Series: A Whisper Canyon Romance #1
Author: Janine Rosche
Publisher: Berkley Books
Release Date: August 24, 2021
Genre: Western Romance

To protect those most vulnerable, Haven Haviland must trust her heart–and her regrets–to a mysterious newcomer in this moving contemporary romance. 

Few in the community of Whisper Canyon have actually met Jace Daring, a handsome recluse who lives at Aspen Crossroads, the farm at the edge of town. But that doesn’t stop the rumors about the multiple women who live with him. He must protect the truth–that his farm-to-table restaurant will provide new livelihoods for women rescued from human trafficking–or he risks the safety and futures of those relying on him. But he can’t do it alone. 

Haven Haviland has always been everyone’s safe place to fall until one mistake closes her counseling practice and leaves her open to the town’s gossip. Trusting men has gotten her in trouble before. However, accepting Jace’s job offer to mentor the rescued women seems like the perfect way to right her wrongs. 

When the mayor’s campaign to clean up Whisper Canyon targets Aspen Crossroads, the restaurant comes under fire, dangers from the women’s pasts are awakened, and Haven’s sins are exposed for all to see. Jace would sacrifice himself to save Haven and the women under his care, but his efforts might not be enough. And in the end, it might not be the women most in need of saving after all.

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

EXCERPT

Jace Daring placed the box of chicks in the back of his pickup truck next to the potted rosebush and the wooden tractor toy for Elijah. That's who he needed to think of. Elijah. Rosalie. Jillian. Sonny. Not the brunette in the chick tent. He didn't come to Whisper Canyon to flirt with pretty girls. He had a job to do. Once he'd accomplished that, he'd shake this town's dust off his boots and never return. At least he hadn't been dumb enough to get her name. It was bad enough that he'd remember her whenever he saw Audrey Henburn. To think he had to promise to take care of her. As if he didn't have enough people relying on him to keep them safe. Now he had to add a chicken with a bum leg. He stared down at the peeping box, then brought it to the cab of the truck with him. He set it on the floor in front of the passenger seat. The engine roared to a start, and Jace fussed with the air conditioner so it wouldn't blast Audrey and friends.

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance and Whisper Canyon series. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades. Learn more online at janinerosche.com, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

CONNECT WITH JANINE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a Society 6 Mountain Morning Tote, Live By Faith Journal, & “Stay Home or Go Roam” Hoodie from the soon-to-be-released Love Wander Read apparel collection!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 7, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 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.

Review: To Marry an Earl by Karen Thornell

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Katherine Cartwright knows through bitter experience that true love is fiction and trust should not be bestowed easily. Now, after two unsuccessful London Seasons, her atrocious father has decided to marry her off to the highest bidder to pay for his gambling debts, ridding himself of the daughter he never wanted. A profitable deal is struck, and Kate is packed off to the home of her betrothed, an earl she has never met. Or so she believes.

When James Fenwick, the new Earl of Bowcott, learns that the girl he’s loved since childhood is being sold off like chattel, he’s determined to step in and save her. He makes an offer her father cannot refuse and insists on a proper engagement. But when Kate meets James again, her old friend cannot bring himself to admit it is him whom she is to marry. Soon, an intricate charade and a past that cannot be escaped jeopardize James’s chance at rekindling their friendship, to say nothing of winning Kate’s heart. Can love truly conquer all, or was this a match doomed from the start?

My Review

The path to true love does not run smoothly for Katherine and James! Giving in to their fears makes for a rocky romance, with miscommunication and deception coming between them. I loved that James stepped in and rescued Katherine, but his vulnerability shows when he hides the fact that he is the earl whom she will wed. His justification that they could rekindle their friendship before revealing it to her was thin, and thankfully his friends pointed out the flaws in his impetuous plan. Learning to trust James is understandably difficult for Katherine after all she has been through. Ironically, it is the threatening notes meant to break them apart that are the catalyst for creating a stronger bond. I enjoyed their moments together when they could interact like old friends, allowing their genuine selves free rein. The climax was a bit melodramatic for my taste, but the happily ever after was just as sweet as I could hope. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Second Chance by Walt Mussell

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Second Chance by Walt Mussell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: A Second Chance
Author: Walt Mussell
Release Date: August 24, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction with Christian, romantic, and fantasy (time travel) elements

Kira Sakamichi is a career-driven woman, trying to achieve success before her mother's constant interference sentences her to a relationship. But when a grudging drive to meet her mother's latest "selection" ends in a lake accident, Kira wakes up lost in the past, the concubine of a 16th-century samurai, and mother to his six-year-old son. 

When actions in battle lead to the samurai's condemnation, Kira learns that she and her son will share the samurai's fate. Only by understanding the importance of duty and family in both time periods can they survive.

 

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

EXCERPT

She glanced down at her feet and her gaze locked on the water.

Her reflection stared back at her, but it was not her. A Japanese woman a few years younger than Kira, wearing a gaze of fear and relief. Kira reached back and pulled her hair forward. Instead of the shoulder-length style she knew, a long ponytail tied with a ribbon reached its tendrils toward her waist.

She tugged on the ponytail and grimaced. Yes, it was definitely her. Kira took a deep breath to quell the tremors along her skin. She then knelt and touched the water.

Ripples spread across the water and erased her reflection.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Walt Mussell is an award-winning author who primarily writes historical fiction with a focus on medieval Japan, an interest he gained in the four years he lived there. You can connect with Walt via his website www.waltmussell.com (please use the contact form to be added to the newsletter) or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

CONNECT WITH WALT: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a $25 Starbucks gift card! If the winner is Canadian, the winner can request Tim Horton's!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 31, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 7, 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/CAN 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.

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rose Among Thornes 
Author: Terrie Todd
Publisher: Iron Stream Media (Heritage Beacon)
Release Date: August 31, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Forgiveness is the deadliest force on earth. 

War might be raging overseas, but Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced by her government to leave her beloved home in Vancouver and move to the Canadian prairie to work on the Thornes’ sugar beet farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. Though the Thorne family is kind, life is unbearably lonely. In hopes that it might win her the chance to play their piano, Rose agrees to write letters to their soldier son. 

When Rusty Thorne joins the Canadian Army, he never imagines becoming a Japanese prisoner of war. Inside the camp, the faith his parents instilled is tested like never before. Though he begs God to help him not hate his brutal captors, Rusty can no longer even hear the Japanese language without revulsion. Only his rare letters from home sustain him—especially the brilliant notes from his mother’s charming helper, which the girl signs simply as “Rose.” 

Will Rusty survive the war only to encounter the Japanese on his own doorstep? Can Rose overcome betrayal and open her heart? Or will the truth destroy the fragile bond their letters created?

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

EXCERPT

As they walked, Rose’s energy lifted. “Finally, Tim. A real house with our own rooms. I can’t wait to crawl into an actual bed!”

But she could not have been more wrong. The house was nothing more than a shack, and it was already filled with people—strangers with whom they were expected to share the space.

“This is the Kokura family.” The volunteer introduced them with a wave of her hand.

A mom, a dad, a boy about her own age named Kenji, and a girl about twelve named Tamika offered solemn nods in greeting. The shack was made of rough boards and lined with tar paper. Rose had seen more sophisticated construction in a neighborhood kid’s treehouse. The room contained a roughly hewn table, benches, and a stove for both heating and cooking and was strung with clotheslines from which hung damp shirts, trousers, and sheets. The smell reminded Rose of wet burlap.

Just as she was trying to figure out where everyone would sleep, a little girl who appeared about six came running inside, breathlessly shouting.

“Bears! I saw three bears up a tree! Just outside the outhouse!”

“Tsuyuko.” Her father tried to settle her down. “It was merely shadows.”

But the slight nod he gave Dad told Rose it was entirely possible his daughter had indeed seen bears. Petrified to visit the outhouse alone, Rose agreed quickly when Dad suggested the whole family go together and wait for each other before returning to the relative safety of the shack.

As both families huddled around the stove to warm up, Mrs. Kokura scowled at all of them, making her displeasure clear, as though the place was hers and they had no business intruding.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Terrie Todd is the award-winning author of The Silver Suitcase, Maggie’s War, Bleak Landing, and Out of My Mind: A Decade of Faith and Humor. Her next novel, Rose Among Thornes, releases in August 2021. The Last Piece releases in November 2021. Terrie is represented by Mary DeMuth of Books & Such Literary Agency. She lives with her husband, Jon, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada where they raised their three children. They are grandparents to five boys. When she’s not writing, Terrie can usually be found reading, cleaning, cooking, painting, weeding, watering, or watching something. You can follow her at www.terrietodd.blogspot.com

CONNECT WITH TERRI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive the winner’s choice of one print copy: The Silver Suitcase, Maggie’s War, or Bleak Landing!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 30, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 6, 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/CAN 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.

Review: Ace High by Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

Synopsis

Sometimes second chances are waiting when you least expect them.

Lars Jackson isn’t purposely hanging around Lost Creek to see Kellie Prosper more. All right, maybe he is. She’s single now, and well, he knows she’s been through a lot. Maybe he can be a listening ear. Something more would be a dream of his, but he’s good at waiting. Before Kellie’s divorce, he’d just kept his focus on his bronc riding career. But now . . .

Kellie Prosper is busier than she’s ever been. Running the Broken Hearts Ranch, bringing on new clients, and balancing all the changes in Lost Creek. At least her brother Ryan is there to help, though when Lars Jackson, one of the Original Six, starts hanging around more, Kellie feels . . . She doesn’t know exactly what she feels. But appreciation is just the beginning.

My Review

We finally get Kellie's story in this final book of the Lost Creek Rodeo series! She has provided wisdom, support, and friendship to the women of the previous books, and her own struggles have been hinted at. It was heartbreaking to learn what she was going through, but knowing that Lars was waiting in the wings had me full of anticipation for her to discover the potential for romance there. I adore a good friends-to-lovers story! Lara is such a good guy, he just wants Kellie to be happy, and to bring her happiness. He becomes a huge support to her, and it was gratifying to see the way she reciprocated. Absolutely loved it! A strong finish to the series!

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.

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Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Review: Half Hitch by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Wyoming cowboy surprised by love meets a young widowed Rodeo star who isn’t ready to open her heart.

Broken Hearts ranch is working its magic again with young Hazel Winters, still paralyzed by grief at the loss of her husband. She finds hope and healing with Kellie Prosper and the other women at the ranch, but more than that, she finds an opportunity for new love. But is she well enough or brave enough to accept it?

Eric Davis is happy to return to Lost Creek with his best friends in The Original Six to support the Christmas in July Rodeo the town hosts every year. He expects to rope some calves, help out with chores at the ranch, and celebrate Christmas in the Texas heat. What he doesn’t expect is to fall in love with one of the guests at The Broken Hearts Ranch.

Read book five in the Lost Creek Rodeo series to find out if Eric and Hazel can find the love they’re both craving.

My Review

The formula for this series seems to be for a woman to come to Broken Hearts Ranch to heal, and fall in love with one of the cowboys from the Original Six. However each individual is so different, and Eric and Hazel definitely stand out. I loved that Hazel comes from a rodeo background, and naturally thrives in the ranch environment. It's cathartic for her to return to her roots and with Kellie as her therapist, does the work with her grief and healing that will allow her to move forward. Eric has a vibrant personality and enjoys the limelight, always coming up with interesting content for his YouTube channel. Once he's head over heels for Hazel, it's hard for him to be patient, especially with the ups and downs in their relationship. Another engaging story from the writers of Swoony Sports Romances!

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.

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Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Releases June 2021