Saturday, November 20, 2021

Review: A Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis
 
The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can understand it?
 
When Juliana Issot’s godmother invites her to spend the month of Christmas for a house party in Yorkshire, Juliana feels compelled by affection to accept. Never mind that she escaped Yorkshire at first chance to secure a more glittering match in London, and the only matrimonial prospect at home is her childhood playmate, Willelm.

Willelm Armitage is a born and bred Yorkshireman, and as far as he is concerned, Juliana belongs here, too—and at his side. However, the one time he tried to convince her of this, she speedily gave him the right-about, making him question whether she truly was the right choice for him. After all, if she cannot see how well they suit, he is not about to force her hand.

A Christmas house party with pudding, games, charades, riding, and carols turns out to be just the thing to remind Juliana of how much she loves Yorkshire. But when her nostalgia slips into love will she be able to admit that Willelm knew the longings of her heart better than she knew her own?


My Review

I loved the Christmas setting at the Yorkshire house party! It was interesting how the characters expressed the vast difference between London and Yorkshire culture and customs. London is seen as more refined and high society, while Yorkshire is country, with rougher manners. It was sad that Juliana didn't understand how to balance the two, and felt that she must shun one to belong in the other. I appreciated the character growth she went through, and was able to realize the comfort and authenticity of Yorkshire can compete with the shallow glamor of London. Willelm had his eyes opened with Juliana's London behavior, but their childhood bond helps them renew their friendship during the house party. He is the ultimate good guy, being able to forgive her and understand that she wants something different from life, while still enjoying her company. I loved reading as Juliana's more genuine character begins to shine and Willelm can't help but hope for a future together. A lovely story for the holidays!

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.

A Christmas Match series








Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen

Hidden Danger JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hidden Danger
Title: Hidden Danger 
Series: Guardians Unleashed #1 
Author: Jerusha Agen 
Publisher: SDG Words 
Release Date: November 8, 2021 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

The greatest threat to this K-9 team is the one they don't see coming. 

Cora Isaksson’s guilt has shadowed her life ever since drugs ensnared her brother and he disappeared. When Bradley suddenly returns, Cora and her narcotics detection K-9 are thrust into a battle against the drug cartel that wants him back. 

DEA Special Agent Kent Thomson has his own personal reasons for bringing justice to the cartel. Cora and her drug-sniffing K-9 will only get in his way. Or are they assets that will enable him to right the wrongs of the past? 

When the cartel targets Cora, she and Kent join forces with her teammates at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency to end the cartel before it ends her. They’re prepared for danger, but when more lives than their own hang in the balance, can they trust God for the rescue that’s out of their reach? 


EXCERPT

She removed her headset and let out a long sigh capped off with another smile, this one aimed at Kent.

He couldn’t help but smile back. “You were pretty incredible.”

It was too dark to tell for sure, but her cheeks seemed to redden as she dropped her gaze and set her headset next to the console. “I have an incredible team to work with.”

“True. But I mean it. You could have a job at the DEA any time you want it.” A strange sensation, like pride or admiration, built up in his chest until he felt he had to say more to release the pressure. “You were calm and in control the whole time, even with the weapon scare.”

She kept her gaze at a downward angle, pointing somewhere near the console.

“Cora.” He put his hands softly on her upper arms.

She lifted her head, her eyes swinging up to lock on his face.

Whatever he’d been going to say vanished from his mind. She was so beautiful and amazing, but she didn’t seem to have any idea how special she was. How could he show her?

His gaze flicked down to her lips. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen 

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media. Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

CONNECT WITH JERUSHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a prize package including a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, one signed copy of Hidden Danger, a Hidden Danger mug, Hidden Danger keychain, Phoenix K-9 Agency notepad, and Phoenix K-9 stickers!

Hidden Danger JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 16, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 23, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Friday, November 19, 2021

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle

Never Too Late JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Never Too Late
Title: Never Too Late
Series: Along Came Love #3
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance 

Once, her art brought her fame. This time will it bring her love? 

Widowed homemaker Rachael Stark isn’t quite sure what comes after her only child leaves for college. To fill her suddenly quiet hours and scrawny bank account, she needs a job. But painful memories prevent her from resurrecting her former art career, and motherhood isn't much of a résumé. When her best friend needs help recovering from a gunshot wound that occurred in the line of duty, she is there. Finally, someone to take care of. 

Evan Wayne won't let his injury keep him from being a police officer. His dedication to protect the innocent stems from the guilt he carries over having failed his childhood friend. What he needs now is to recover and get back on the streets. Instead, he's handed a myriad of light-duty tasks by his captain―one of which involves heading up the department's entry into the town's annual mural contest. He's not an artist, but he definitely knows one. And he'll take any excuse to spend more time with her. 

When Rachael agrees to paint for Evan, she never expects to also be drawn into finding answers for the mother of a missing child. As the two friends work side by side on the mural and the case, their feelings move beyond friendship. But with Evan unwilling to leave his dangerous job, and Rachael unwilling to risk another loss of a loved one, their fears may paint over the promise of a beautiful future together. 


EXCERPT


She tapped her stomach. “My stomach is growling. What were you thinking for lunch?”

His full concentration weighed heavy on her, as if her deflection of his comment wasn’t acceptable. The longer she knew him, the more he challenged her. Typically it was through humor or a new experience, but this summer he started to try to breach the locked places of her heart. That was an entirely new ballgame, and she still wasn’t sure she wanted to play.

Evan drew in a long breath, then expelled it in a heavy sigh. “Just so happens Hope and Alvaro Perez have a convenience store one town over that supposedly sells pretty amazing tacos. What do you think about eating there, and then I could talk with them too?”

“Sounds like a brilliant idea.” A good lunch along with somewhere else for Evan to place his attention? Definitely brilliant. She started for the door. Once on the front porch, she waited for him so she could lock up. “Just tell me where to point Sally.”

“Straight to the junk yard,” he mumbled as he scooted past her and headed to her jeep.

“Hey!” She hurried to catch up, donning the perfect amount of fake indignation while actually thankful for his teasing. This Evan challenged her in all the safe ways. But the other Evan who kept showing up, defying everything she thought she knew about their relationship? That Evan she wasn’t quite sure what to do with.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan L. Tuttle

ACFW Carol Award finalist Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State of Michigan where she's a mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between still homeschooling her youngest and leading the women's ministry at church, she finds time to write stories filled with inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Connect with Susan at susanltuttle.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN:  Website | FacebookTwitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a book on Floriography, a rose candle from Wick and Sarcasm, and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Never Too Late JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 15, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 22, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.





Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Horses, Hounds & Happily Ever After

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
 
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Horses, Hounds & Happily Ever After

Coming May 2022 . . .

Horses, Hounds & Happily Ever After
By Various Authors
Historical Romance, Romantic Comedy
May 3, 2022 by Carpe Vitam Press

Escape with over 20 Historical Romance stories with all the feels!

✔ Horses, animals and love, oh my!
✔ Happily ever afters

This sweet rom-com collection contains over 20 original historical romance novellas from best-selling authors.

All proceeds benefit animal rescue All Seated In A Barn

Don’t miss this limited edition box set, featuring some of your favorite authors, is both heartwarming and inspiring.

(Affiliate links included.)
 
The Contributing Authors


Tour Giveaway


Four winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card

Ends November 20, 2021

 
Grab Our Button!







Sunday, November 14, 2021

Review: A Magical Victorian Christmas by Michele Ashman Bell


My rating: 3 stars / I liked it



Synopsis

A new tradition. A season of miracles. And a decision that will change everything.In 1866, Clara Rose lives a quiet life in her hometown of York, until one day a mysterious Christmas tree appears in the town square. Clara is sure something wonderful is about to happen. The town blacksmith’s nephew, Erik Bauer, is new to town, and his ready smile, love of laughter, and handsome face charms her. Just when things couldn’t be more perfect, the most important man in town, Lord-Lieutenant Bradford, takes an interest in Clara and states his intentions of marrying her. Clara’s once simple life becomes very complicated. As Christmas time approaches, a decision must be made. Does she marry Bradford to secure her future, or go against her father’s wishes and marry the man who speaks to her heart?

My Review

I just love stories with a Christmastime setting! The cozy feeling, the traditions, and the spirit of cheer makes them a pleasure to read. This one had a slower pace than I prefer, but I was curious if Clara would grow a spine and overcome the oppression of her situation. The story picked up about halfway through and I grew more interested in the ways that the community rebelled in order to celebrate the holiday. As much as I tried to connect with the characters, I wasn't impressed with Clara or her father as they dealt with the scandal that changed the course of their lives. I wasn't feeling the romance, but I enjoyed the townspeople and was invested enough to finish the book.

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.


Saturday, November 13, 2021

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Right Here Waiting by Michelle Sass Aleckson, Susan May Warren

Right Here Waiting JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Right Here Waiting by Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Right Here Waiting

Title: Right Here Waiting
Series: Deep Haven Collection #6
Author: Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: November 9, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

She doesn’t belong in his world—but she’s determined to try.

Sled dog musher and outdoor adventurer Nick Dahlquist doesn’t mean to be a loner—he just feels at home in the woods, with his dogs, and online in his vlogging world, where he’s amassed nearly a million viewers. But he’s just a simple guy, with simple goals—care for his dogs, teach people how to survive the cold, and run the Iditarod. Unfortunately, life turns cold when his lead dog is injured, and he’s low on funds. Good thing he has LadyJHawk to chat with. She’s become an online friend he can turn to, and he’s starting to need her more than he’d like to admit. But the last thing he wants is for some random woman to show up on his doorstep… 

Chopper pilot and Texas gal Jae Lynn Washington has been following Nick’s DogQuest videos and Get Lost in the Woods vlogs since she inherited her deceased boyfriend’s military working dog. Three years later, his online friendship has made her wonder if he could be more than a friend. What if she moved to Deep Haven? Would that be considered stalking, even if she got a bonafide job on the Crisis Response Team? 

When Jae shows up in Deep Haven—and on Nick’s doorstep—he’s not at all the man she met online. And when Nick is tapped to train the team, he’s pretty sure petite, summer-loving Jae won’t last a moment in the brutal cold—a fear he pours out to LadyJHawk. As their training takes a personal turn, their chilly start begins to thaw. But what will happen if he discovers that Jae and LadyJHawk are one and the same? 

When a blizzard strikes, and the CRT is called out into the storm, more than just their relationship is at risk… 

Cozy up to this delightful twist on You’ve Got Mail set in the snowy escape of Deep Haven. 

 
EXCERPT
 
The winding dirt road climbed farther up the forested incline while the late morning sun played hide and seek with the clouds and tree branches overhead. Stark white birch branches waved high above the hood of Jae’s Subaru while stately evergreens stood tall and resolute on the hillside.

Absolutely gorgeous.

Jae checked the navigation on her panel with a glance. Nick’s vlog, Get Lost in the Woods, wasn’t too far off. It certainly wouldn’t be hard to do out here.

Everything surrounding her sang of fresh air and beauty—the perfect place to start a new adventure.

Jae’s phone rang through the Bluetooth speaker, interrupting her reverie.

“Hey, Daddy.”

“How’s my Sugar-Blossom doing?” Her father’s Texas twang came through the speaker loud and clear. “Did ya make it to Minnesoooota yet?”

She laughed at his awful attempt at the Minnesotan accent. She could picture him standing on her grandparents’ front porch, leaning against the post and sipping a dark Italian roast coffee out of an enamel mug. His gray-streaked brown hair would be hidden beneath his favorite black Stetson, his plaid shirt tucked neatly into his Levi’s and his cowboy boots caked with dust and dirt.

“I made it in last night.”

“And how is it? Did you meet Ronnie and Cole?”

“Yeah, they were great. Just like you said.”

“I tell ya, those two got more guts than you could hang on a fence. I’m glad they can watch over you.”

“Daddy, I can take care of myself. I don’t need watchin’.” And there went her own non-twangy accent she’d worked so hard to cultivate. She rolled her eyes at her own slip. “So, how’s Omma?”

“Your mama is just fine. Happens to be right here next to me making me the most blessed man in the great state of Texas. Mimi and Pap are in town picking up a few things.” His voice became muffled. “What’s that? … Yeah. … I’ll ask her.”

“Daddy?”

“Darlin’, your mama wants to know if you’ll be down here for Thanksgiving.”

“I wish I could, but I won’t have any vacation time yet. I’ll see what I can do to get down there before you go back overseas.”

“Maybe Christmas we can fly up there. Sure do miss ya, darlin’.”

“I miss you too, Daddy. I think you’ll like it up here if you come visit. Lots of forest and hills. And Lake Superior is incredible.” A glance out her driver’s side window showed a break in the trees. The sapphire lake horizon stretched wide, as far as she could see.

“Doesn’t it get mighty cold up there? I’m still surprised you’re trading the blue Texas skies for the frozen tundra.”

“The cold isn’t too bad.” When she didn’t think about it. Yes, she’d had to don her sweatshirt and bathrobe as well as her thickest socks before she could fall asleep last night, but the headquarters building was so big. Surely once she found a small, cozy apartment, she’d be fine. Besides, though people might try to treat her like one because of her size, she was no delicate flower. “Texas was okay for a while, but…I need to find my own place, Daddy. And I think this is it.”

“I get you have to find your place, but did you have to sell everything? You could’ve kept your furniture in storage or paid rent on your apartment another month or two until you were certain it would work. Or taken a leave of absence instead of quittin’ your job.”

Jae remembered Nick’s video he’d posted the day she was offered the Deep Haven job, his direct gaze coming through her screen as he’d pointed to the camera and spoken. “If you’re going to do something in life, don’t do it halfway. Give it everything. Don’t leave yourself an escape. Burn the ships and move on with the conviction that your only way through is to move forward.”

She’d heard that and she’d known. She had to do this.

“No, Daddy. I needed to burn the ships. Go all in. I’m gonna make this work.” She had to.

His deep sigh came through loud and clear. “Well, good thing you’re Texas tough. I’m sure wherever you go, you will light up a room and bring the sunshine like you always do.” A slurp sounded through her car’s speakers. “So what’s on your agenda today, Jae Hawk?”

“I’m on my way to meet someone.” Her arms relaxed now that Daddy had moved on to a different subject.

“Who are ya fixin’ to meet?”

“Nick Dahlquist. You remember, the one I told you about? The guy who does those videos.”

“You mean that guy you’re always goin’ on and on about? The one with the dogs?”

“Now, Daddy, before you start—”

“Are you sure you should be meetin’ up with him? You don’t know him from Adam. Is Seymour with you?”

“Daddy, I’m fine. And I do know Nick. Just because we’ve never met face to face doesn’t mean I don’t know him. Besides, he really helped me with Seymour. You know how hard it was when I first got him.”

“I don’t know, Sugar. This Nick could be slicker than a boiled onion. It’s easy to be somethin’ you ain’t online.”

“I can handle myself. I made it through boot camp and six years in the Army. I can handle this.”

“I know, but—”

“And I’m just going to meet him and see if he’ll board Seymour. It’s not a big deal. Ronnie said he was a great guy. He’s Peter’s cousin.”

“Who’s Peter?”

“Ronnie’s boyfriend.”

“Oh. Well, if Ronnie knows him, maybe he’s okay. But you be careful, now, ya hear? Don’t set your heart too much on something until you know for sure. I’d hate to see you get hurt again.”


© Sunrise Media Group
 
 

ALSO AVAILABLE


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Susan May Warren Michelle Sass Aleckson

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | FacebookInstagram | Twitter

After growing upon both the east and west coasts, Michelle Sass Aleckson now lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, playing Balderdash with the fam, and getting lost in good stories. Especially stories that shine grace. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit her at www.michellealeckson.com.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills. 


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Right Here Waiting ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Right Here Waiting JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 9, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 16, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Book Tour & Review: Love and Lavender by Josi Kilpack

 
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis


Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls' school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

My Review

I loved the contrast of personalities between Hazel and Duncan. Their strengths and weaknesses complement and compensate each other in a lovely balance. The progression of their relationship also changed them both in good ways, and the improvement only increased the attachment and affection they share. It was fascinating to see the world, especially a different era, through Duncan's perspective, with what today's world would diagnose as on the autism spectrum. Hazel recognizes what is different about him, but also what is unique and extraordinary. A sweet and gentle love story that captured my interest and then my heart. I had tears as I read the final pages. 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 the previous books in the Mayfield Family Romance series . . .


About the Author

Josi S. Kilpack has written more than thirty novels, a cookbook, and several novellas. She is a four-time Whitney award winner, including Best Novel 2015 for "Lord Fenton's Folly, and has been a Utah Best of State winner for Fiction. Josi loves to bake, sleep, eat, read, travel, and watch TV--none of which she gets to do as much as she would like. She writes contemporary fiction under the pen name Jessica Pack.

Josi has four children and lives in Northern Utah.