Monday, August 1, 2022

Book Tour, Review & Instagram Giveaway: Inventions of the Heart by Mary Connealy



 
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Her heart seeks safety. But will trouble find her even here?

After her sister's marriage, Michelle Stiles is left hiding at Two Harts Ranch with the handsome but stubborn Zane Hart. She's managed to stay one step ahead of her stepfather and his devious plans, but if he finds her, she will no longer be safe.

Zane has problems of his own. Having discovered a gold mine on his property, he must figure out how to harvest it without kicking off a gold rush. Michelle, educated and trained to run her father's business, wants to manage all aspects of the mine, but Zane thinks for a person so smart she can have some misguided ideas. Running the mining operation will be a dangerous job, and he can't risk putting her in harm's way.

But danger finds Michelle anyway when she's suddenly attacked. If they go to the sheriff, they'll reveal her location, but if they do nothing . . . their troubles have only just begun.


My Review

I enjoyed this continuation of the Lumber Baron's Daughters series with Michelle and Zane's story. It was so fun to see the way her inventor's mind works and all the ideas for improvement she has. She and Zane have good chemistry despite their bickering, and he feels protective of these heiress sisters who have landed on his ranch through interesting circumstances. Naturally there is danger around every corner and plenty of adventure as the sisters fight the hold their wicked stepfather has on the family along with the honorable men who are devoted to them. Even though Zane is tied to his ranch and the struggles there, Michelle's future becomes his own and I loved the way she became just as invested in the ranch as the lumber business. We also see the perspective of their mother on the mountain as Laura and Caleb return and the overturning of power begins. This series has the author's trademark humor, action, and faith woven together with vibrant characters and interesting plots.

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.
 
Instagram Giveaway

Friday, July 29, 2022

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli


Hope Beyond the Waves JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope Beyond the Waves

Title: Hope Beyond the Waves 
Author: Heidi Chiavaroli
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers, LLC
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Dual Timeline Fiction

From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible. 

Massachusetts, 1993 

After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten? 

Massachusetts, 1916 

Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way. 

On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul? 

A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.

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


EXCERPT


Osterville, Massachusetts
April, 1993


I stand rigid, arms pinned to my sides as my mother wraps me in a loose hug in Gram’s foyer.

“I’m so glad we thought of this arrangement,” she says.

Arrangement. As if shipping me off and hiding me away is a plan we’d come up with together.

My father kisses me on the forehead, but it’s awkward. Probably a show for my grandmother. He’s kissed plenty of babies on the campaign trail, after all—this is likely no different.

“Be good, Sweet Pea.” He turns to my grandmother, who barely comes up to his armpits. “Keep in touch, Mom. Don’t hesitate to call if…” His gaze flicks to me and he doesn’t finish his sentence.

What? Does he think I’ll find a cute boy in Gram’s retirement village? One who will get me in bigger trouble than Bryan already has?


ALSO AVAILABLE

Where Grace Appears Where Hope Begins Where Love Grows Where Memories Await


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

heidi chiavaroli 

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

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


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Handmade French Market Seagrass Bag, hardcover copy of Hope Beyond the Waves, and Ocean-Lover Bookmark!

Hope Beyond the Waves JustRead Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 1, 2022. 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, July 22, 2022

Review: Kidnapped in Alaska by Beth Carpenter


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

From hiking and camping…
to hiding from kidnappers!


Alexis Mahoney is prepared for bears and bad weather on a rafting trip, not kidnappers trying to snatch her niece! Or needing to trust a wilderness recluse to keep them safe. Zeke Soto lives alone, haunted by the past. But when Alexis and Keira stumble upon his cabin, he offers protection—a dangerous move, because someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain…


My Review

I was entertained the entire journey that this book took me on! I loved the wilderness adventure and the independence of Alexis with her capability and determination. Her niece may act like a typical teenager, but she is also quick and smart enough to help her aunt as they escape danger. Zeke is a loner, trying to cope with overwhelming emotions by retreating from society. I admired that he overcame his instincts of self-preservation in order to protect Alexis and Keira. They became a great team and I loved the details about homesteading in Alaska. There was a good balance throughout the book of a quick pace with the action and a slower pace as the character development happened. I always appreciate the thread of faith woven into Love Inspired books that provides hope and healing for the characters and I feel a connection to their values. This is a great read for fans of suspense and an exciting wilderness setting!

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: The Element of Love by Mary Connealy



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

With their sharp engineering minds, Laura Stiles and her two sisters have been able to deal with their mother's unfortunate choice in husband, until they discover his plans to marry each of them off to his lecherous friends. Now they must run away--far and fast--to find better matches to legally claim their portion of their father's lumber dynasty and seize control from their stepfather.

When Laura befriends a mission group heading to serve the poor in California during their escape, she quickly volunteers herself and her sisters to join their efforts. Despite the settlement being in miserable condition, the sisters are excited by the opportunity to put their skills to good use. Laura also sees potential in Caleb, the local minister, to help with gaining her inheritance. But when secrets buried in Caleb's past and in the land around them come to light, it'll take all the smarts the sisters have to keep trouble at bay.


My Review

This series starts with the heart-pounding escape of the three sisters from their gilded cage, and doesn't slow down as they make their way deeper into California, relying on their wits and ingenuity. The voices of these independent young women are familiar as they remind me of previous characters of the author, even though their backgrounds are different. I admired the way they adapted to their rougher circumstances, learning new skills and making new friends along the way. Quick marriage is a frequent theme of the author, and while Laura has an immediate need for a husband, I missed the developing emotion of a relationship. The plot of the complicated dynamics of Caleb's mission to the gold rush families living in poverty, squatting on a local rancher's land, along with the sisters' goal to overthrow their evil stepfather's grasp of their lumber inheritance, definitely took center stage of the book. It was entertaining, but I didn't feel connected to the characters' more tender emotions. The book ended with a good wrap-up of Caleb and Laura's story, but the overall story of the three girls and their mother is only beginning and will continue throughout the series. Definitely should be read in order!

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.

The Lumber Baron's Daughters series





Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: #LoveEverLasting by #MichelleHelenFritz #EAShanniak with #HFVBTBlogTours


Love Ever Lasting by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak

Publication Date: July 14, 2022

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency
Series: Bramley Hall Regency Romance, Book 3


Miss Grace Buchanan has given up any hope of marrying. She's been too occupied raising her younger siblings while her drunkard father spends all of their funds. When a horrid sickness envelops the cottage, she meets the new Parson of Bramley, whom she's never forgotten. All she desires is an everlasting love, but with her family dynamics, it makes any sort of relationship a touch complex.

When tragedy is set to strike, Matthew Morten is called home suddenly. It's time for him to take his place as the parson of Bramley. With his meddling mother and a sickness that is sweeping through the town, Matthew has to lean on his faith to get him through. But when he sets eyes upon one industrious woman, he can't seem to keep her, nor her hazel eyes, far from his thoughts.

Will these two wounded souls find a Love Ever Lasting, or will responsibilities and family drama keep them forever apart?

Love Ever Lasting is a clean Regency Romance and the third book in a three-story series that will entertain and delight you with its swoon-worthy heroes and the compelling leading ladies that capture their hearts. Each book can be read as a standalone, but are best read in release order.
 

Available on Amazon

Excerpt

He cast his gaze over to Grace and finally allowed himself to drink in her beauty. She was ethereal. She was beautiful to behold and when she met his gaze and smiled, he felt as if he beheld the most precious treasure he would ever meet. Her expressive hazel eyes, set in a heart-shaped face, was a permanent fixture within his mind. He knew that were he to spend every minute of every day locked upon her face, he would never tire of her. Her smiles delighted him and when he was the cause of one, it was as if he had been gifted the riches of heaven. She was glorious and he hoped to tell her that presently. And when she was out of sorts, he felt the pain within his own chest. He was a besotted fool and none the worse for it that he could tell unless he counted his wandering thoughts.
 

About the Authors

 

Michelle Helen Fritz
was born and raised in Maryland and Arizona with lots of traveling throughout the States. She began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors and loves to see the process of an idea turn into a finished book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes, and the compelling women that tempt them, with a dash of intrigue, an abundant amount of romance, and scenes that hopefully make her readers swoon. She is the mother of four children whom she homeschools and currently resides in Maryland with her own jaunty hero who makes all of her dreams come true.

Author Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram


E.A. (Ericka Ashlee) Shanniak
is the author of the successful fantasy romance series – A Castre World Novel. She is hobbit-sized, barely reaching over five feet tall on a good day. When she wears her Georgia Romeo’s not only does she gain an inch, she is then able to reach the kitchen cabinets. Ericka loves to write at her desk that her daughter’s cat destroyed. Fortunately for everyone, she can see over it.

Ericka resides in the small town of Coldwater, Kansas with her husband, two kids, two dogs and two grumpy cats. The cats were her kids’ idea.

Author Facebook Page | Instagram


Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, July 14
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks
Excerpt at Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Romance
Saturday, July 16
Feature at Passages to the Past
Monday, July 18
Review at Bookworlder
Tuesday, July 19
Review at Ms. Darcy Reads
Friday, July 22
Excerpt at Heidi Reads...
Monday, July 25
Feature at Lisa Everyday Reads
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Tuesday, July 26
Review at Pages and Paws
Wednesday, July 27
Review at Cover Lover Book Review

Giveaway

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Love Ever Lasting






Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh

  

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: An Unlikely Alliance
Series: K-9 Companions 
Author: Toni Shiloh 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date: June 28, 2022 
Genre: Christian contemporary romance

To save her animal shelter,

She’ll have to work with her biggest foe… 

With her emotional support dog at her side, Jalissa Tucker will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of the local animal rescue—even ally herself with her nemesis, firefighter Jeremy Rider. As working together dredges up old hurts, putting the past aside could be the key to their future joy. But can Jalissa resist falling for the man she’s always considered the enemy?

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

 

 

EXCERPT

 
“Morning, Tucker,” Rider said when he opened her door. “Captain Simms’s wife is already here and has set up the perfect spot for the shoot.” Rider pointed toward the rear of the van. “Animals in the back?”

“Yes. They’re all in crates.”

He opened the back doors then shook his head. “How did you survive the ride with all that noise?”

“Found my happy place.” And one day she’d see Hawaii in person. She loosened Flo and moved back so the dog could exit the van through the driver’s side.

“You know what happiness is?” Rider smirked.

“Hardy har-har.” Jalissa rounded the back to start unloading the animals. “Where am I putting them?”

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” Rider cupped his mouth. “Young, Trent, Barns, come help!”

She wiggled a finger in her eardrum. “I think your voice carries well enough without you shouting.”

“Maybe, but I have no idea where they are in the firehouse. Now you don’t have to carry the animals. Plus, the guys already know where everything is set up.”

“Then I can leave?” She had a load of laundry she could do.

“Oh, no.” He tsked at her. “We need your assistance with the animals.”

Jalissa slowly inched backward but stopped when Flo nudged her. One...two... She could do this. Be near the firehouse for help. She didn’t actually have to go inside, did she? Flo licked her fingertips.

“All right,” Jalissa said slowly. “I’ll just stay out of everyone’s way unless I’m needed.”

“You’ll be needed.” He stared into her eyes.

She blinked slowly. What was going on with her? First thinking Rider was good-looking, and now they were having some kind of moment. She needed to fix this real quick.”


Excerpt from An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh



ALSO AVAILABLE

In Search of a Prince An Unlikely Proposal


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 
Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.

CONNECT WITH TONI: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 
 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of An Unlikely Proposal & An Unlikely Alliance, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a Golden Retriever key chain!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 18, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 25, 2022. 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Review: Sunburst by Susan May Warren


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others.

And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren throws you into the thick of the action in this high-stakes, globe-trotting romance.


My Review

I can always count on this author to take me for quite a ride when I read one of her adventure-suspense books! The setting of Nigeria was fascinating and I loved the things I learned about the people and culture there. The danger felt so real and I can't imagine being in those circumstances. The flashbacks to Ranger and Noemi's first meeting and brief relationship were foundational to understanding their current tension and angst, and their amazing chemistry. I loved how their personalities complemented each other in the best ways. There is also an inspirational thread as both Ranger and Noemi find and strengthen their faith in God and each other. While they were on the run, we have another continuing story in Alaska with the woman rescued from the blizzard and her ties to the Russians. By the end of the book I could start to make out some of the puzzle pieces to the bigger picture and I can't wait for the next book to see how they fit together and especially Colt and Tae's 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.

Don't miss the other books in the Sky King Ranch series . . .