Of Sea and Sorrow ~ Release Day Review

Of Sea and Sorrow

Victorians at the Beach

By Heloise C. Kensington

Edith Linton's younger brother, Theo, is ill with consumption, and the only hope for him is the seaside town of Weymouth, although Edith has reservations about its curative qualities and the doctor overseeing his care. 

Dr. Henry Forester's new medical methods are viewed with suspicion. These include opening windows, frequent hand washing, changing linens, and disposing of soiled rags. Henry hopes he can aid Theo, but the long-term outlook is not good due to the length and severity of his illness.

As Henry becomes more involved in the Linton family, friendships form. Edith continues to hold him at arm's length until an accident allows her to see him with new eyes.

This book is a moving story of hopes, broken hearts, and misunderstandings. Both Henry and Edith manage to not share their thoughts when it is most important. Instead, misunderstanding and loss threaten to separate them forever. Edith is very stubborn and is her own worst enemy. She shares one trait with Mr. Darcy; her good opinion, once lost, is not easily changed. But overall, this was an easy read. Fortunately, her brother Theo opens Henry's eyes to the reasons behind Edith's "prickly exterior."

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Disappointed in love, Edith Linton has given up on her dreams of matrimony and a home of her own. Concerned about her beloved brother’s health, she acquiesces to a summer by the sea after her mother determines it is the only way to improve his health, setting aside her own worries about her future.

Recently returned from the war in Crimea, Dr. Henry Forester hopes to improve medical practices in the seaside town of Weymouth, England. Not everyone is receptive to his new methods, especially his new patient's protective older sister.

Will Edith and Henry find a way to see past their differences? Or will all hope for the future pass before it has a chance to thrive?

Part of Victorians at the Beach, a series of standalone sweet Victorian novellas. Of Sea and Sorrow is a standalone novella in the Victorians at the Beach series, where seaside summers meet sweet romance.

The Lady of Red River Valley ~ Release Day

The Lady of Red River Valley

Ladies of the Wilderness #2

By Gabrielle Meyer

For the last three years, Arran MacLean has worked tirelessly to establish a permanent settlement near Lake Winnipeg. If he can hold the colony together for five years, he has been promised one thousand acres of land. However, the colony's enemies have driven the colonists from the land at every opportunity. But Arran holds steady, believing in the dream that brought him to this place.

Lady Eleanor Brooke refused Arran's offer of marriage, not because she didn't love him, but because of her father. Now she has nothing, and the unfamiliar, harsh world that she has traveled to could steal all she has left - her life. Arran is determined to see her gone, but winter and its challenges have tied her to the colony until at least spring. 

This is a story of differences and misunderstanding, where those in power fail to heed the words of wisdom offered by those who see beyond the current situation. Arran sees danger and that more needs to be done to ensure the settlers' safety. He is willing to sacrifice his second chance at love to keep those dear to him safe. However, there are times when all our planning cannot control how life unfolds, and this is just such a time.

This story explores the turbulent history of the Red River Valley in Winnipeg in 1815 and the efforts of those seeking to claim the land as their own. There are several intense scenes that stayed with me long after I put the book down.  I appreciated this glimpse into Canadian history. I've read about the issues surrounding the Hudson Bay Company before, but nothing that brought it to life like this book did.   One can't help but root for Arran and Eleanor to have a chance to be together and to be out of harm's way. This one tugs at the emotions, so you may want a tissue or two nearby.    

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

By 1815, Arran MacLean has been working for three years to build the Red River Colony near Lake Winnipeg. Each year, the colonists have been driven out by disease, hunger, and their enemies, the North West Company. He's thankful that the woman he loved, Lady Eleanor Brooke, had enough sense to turn him down when he asked her to marry him. But her rejection still haunts his memories.

Lady Eleanor Brooke has one regret, not marrying Arran when he proposed to her four years ago. At the time, her father had been in deep financial trouble and needed her to marry well. Now, with her father in Newgate Prison, and a scandal hanging over her head, Eleanor has nothing left to lose. She travels to the Red River Colony as a teacher, hoping to rekindle her relationship with Arran, but quickly realizes that coming to the North American Wilderness was a mistake.

Life in the colony is dangerous and heartbreaking, and Arran doesn’t want Eleanor to suffer. He plans to put her on the first ship back to England in the spring, but his plans are thwarted when their enemy attacks, and they are faced with insurmountable odds. When the worst happens, will they have what it takes to fight for the Red River Colony, and for each other?

Shadowed Witness ~ Review

Shadowed Witness

The Secrets of Kincaid #2

By Angela Carisle

Allye Jessup knows what she saw and what she experienced. But other than the bruising on her neck there is no evidence to the brutal beating she witnessed. She saw a murder, at least she thinks she did. And with her recent memory issues she is beginning to doubt herself. 

The Kincaid police department investigates Allye's claims but they have no evidence to coroborate her claims - no body, no signs of a struggle, and a witness statement that throws doubt on her story. Detective Eric Thornton is the lone dectective in Kincaid and he is overwhelmed at present with other cases. But when it becomes apparent that something is going on and Allye might be in danger, Eric will do everything in his power to keep her safe. 

And with all engaging romantic suspense reads, there are secrets that both Allye and Eric are keeping that naturally stand in their way of finding love. And the secrets they are keeping are real doozies. Yeah, so some serious baggage to deal with. As for the ne'er-do-well responsible for the whole mess that Allye and Eric find themselves in, that is a whole other mess with some interesting twists that totally blindsided me. The climax was truly a climax.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Murder—that’s what photographer Allye Jessup knows she witnessed as she departed her studio one evening. Waking with bruises on her neck and a foggy memory, she believes she survived an attack, but everyone seems to think she simply sustained a head injury from falling down the stairs of her studio. Plagued by an undiagnosed health condition, she is torn between the haunting reality of what she may have seen and the possibility that her mind is playing tricks on her.

Without proof the other victim ever existed, Detective Eric Thornton can hardly declare the area a murder scene. Still, he adds Allye’s report to his already full caseload. But when new evidence surfaces to support her claims, Eric must stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer and uncover the truth before the suspect closes in on Allye again.

Angela Carlisle once again presents cutting-edge romantic suspense laced with danger, deception, and justice.

Connect online with Angela Carisle at

https://www.instagram.com/angelacarlislewriter/

https://www.pinterest.com/angelacarlislewriter/

https://www.facebook.com/AngelaCarlisle.Writer/

https://angelacarlisle.com/

Amidst Ruins and Remembrances ~ Release Day and Review

Amidst Ruins and Remembrances

Victorians at the Beach

By Amy Newbold

Eloise Deighton has gotten over the broken heart Griffith Hastings left her with when he promised to come back for her. He never did. At 26, Eloise knows her days as an eligible lady have come to an end, and she's good with that, really. After several years in London, she has returned to Whitby and its shores. If only she felt as if she belonged somewhere. 

But now Griffith, a widower, is back, and he has brought his young daughter with him. Can the past, with its pain, be overlooked? Can love bloom again? 

My favorite line from the book is: "No one can foresee the future. What you have to decide is this: can you live with it if you never find out the answer?" Eloise and Griffith have a chance at their dream from ten years ago. This was a sweet read that provided a lovely evening of enjoyment. 

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Where the ruins meet the sea, can love find a second chance?

Eloise Deighton grew up sharing secret adventures along the shores of Whitby, England, with summer visitor Griffith Hastings. One summer, Griffith declared his love for her and promised to return. He never did, leaving Eloise’s heart in ruins.

Now a widower, Griffith returns to the seaside town he loved as a boy, hoping to forge new, happy memories with his six-year-old daughter.

A chance encounter between Eloise and Griffith causes old memories to sweep in like the tide. Eloise’s resolve to protect her heart is crumbling like the abbey ruins, yet she fears Griffith will abandon her once again. Griffith is determined to win her back, but he will have to convince her that he has changed. Can the sea that once united them bring a second chance at love?

Amidst Ruins and Remembrances is a standalone novella in the Victorians at the Beach series where seaside summers meet sweet romance.

The Neighbor and the Gifts ~ Release Day Review and Giveaway

RELEASE DAY!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for

  The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Neighbor and the Gifts 

A Christmas Cabin Novella 

By Danielle Grandinetti

Olivia Larson's plans for Christmas include spending time with her grandfather. What she didn't plan on was an unknown admirer sending her gifts in the spirit of the Twelve Days of Christmas and declaring her his true love. Panic attack!!

Titus Wilburn has always admired and fancied Ollie, but he's just never made any overtures to declare or hint at his feelings to her. But with someone terrorizing the woman he has feelings for, he'll do anything to keep her safe. And safety means hiding her out in the Wisconsin Northwoods with her grandfather. 

All is good until Titus is injured and the gift-giver finds them. With the days until Christmas counting down, Titus and Ollie, along with Casper and her grandfather, will have to work through the few clues they have if they hope to stay safe and protect those they love.

As someone who lives in Wisconsin, I love reading historical fiction set in Wisconsin, and when there is suspense and a sweet romance thrown in nothin' could be better except throwing in a dash of Christmas. The Neighbor and the Gifts gave me all of these, and it was so good! The book was the perfect length for a long night of reading. And as to the identity of the gift-giver, no hints are given away early in the book. All around, this was a good escape from a hot, humid evening with no A/C.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed were my own.

About the Book

Title: The Neighbor and the Gifts
Series: A Christmas Cabin Novella
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Genre: Christmas Historical Romantic Suspense

Twelve days. Twelve gifts. One unlikely hero. 

Wisconsin, 1930—When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him. 

Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location. 

As the man’s actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus’ life. 

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

Listen to The Sheriff and the Outlaw audiobook on YouTube

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of both The Baby and the Guardian & The Neighbor and the Gifts plus 1 set of series-inspired earrings!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 15, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 22, 2025. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Lady of Shadows ~ Review

Lady of Shadows

Blood of Kings: Legends #3

By Jill Williamson and Kelly Fernlake

Lady Tara is finally free from the man her father married her to. But the people refuse to accept her, and there are rumors that she and her shield, Carmack, murdered her late husband. When her family doesn't come to her assistance, Tara takes matters into her own hands to save Carmack's life. Things don't go quite as planned. 

But when Tara learns of a danger to her family, she knows that she is the only one who can help them. But Carmack isn't about to let her go into danger without his protection. But the danger threatens the entire Kingdom of Er'Rets, and the safety Tara counted on may not be hers to claim. Can Tara and Carmack learn that Arman's will may not be the same as theirs?

I have to say I think Lady of Shadow may be my favorite book in the Blood of Kings: Legends series. I loved the dynamics between the characters. And the attitudes of the people of Meribah Corner are less than inviting or welcoming. Poor Lady Gershom! I am also enjoying the experience of exploring more of this world and the complex relationships between its various factions.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

About the Book:

The only man she loves is the one she can never have…

Lady Tara’s dreams of marrying for love were shattered with her arranged marriage to the sickly Lord Gershom. Fine. She may not have love, but she has purpose—a position of power that lets her make a difference in the kingdom. At least her Carmack, her fiercely loyal shield, remains by her side, even if she must deny her heart.

Then Lord Gershom dies. And to her horror, Carmack is blamed. Branded a traitor, he flees, forcing Tara to choose between protecting the life she’s built or following the man she loves.

Loving her might cost him everything…

Carmack Demry has secretly loved Lady Tara all his life, sworn to protect her at any cost—even if it meant watching her wed another man. But now, accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he’s on the run because staying away is the only way to keep her safe. Except Tara has other plans.

Determined to clear his name, she plunges into a web of treachery and deceit that reaches far beyond them both—one that threatens the very heart of the kingdom. Together, they must navigate a world of danger, unravel a conspiracy, and face a choice more perilous than any deny their love or risk everything to claim it.

Blood of Legends
Book 1: Squire of Truth
Book 2: Lord of Winter
Book 3: Lady of Shadows
Book 4: Heir of Light

Perilous Tides ~ Review

Perilous Tides

Hidden Bay #2

By Elizabeth Goddard

When her father disappears, leaving a cryptic message, Jo Cattrel leaves the safety of where she has been hiding. But her fruitless efforts put her in the sights of the very people she's been hiding from for the last three years. What Jo doesn't know is why someone is after her. Is the murder she witnessed tied to her mother's death and her father's disappearance? Or is it merely a coincidence?

When Cole Mercer suddenly comes back into her life, Jo wants to keep him out of it. She doesn't need him to break her heart again, but he's promised to help her find answers and to keep her alive. 

In Perilous Tides, secrets are the prevailing theme. Secrets that Cole is keeping about his abrupt departure, all those months ago. Secrets that her parents kept from her. And the questions she and Cole have dug up. And why is she a target? Is there something from her past that she can't remember?

From the opening chapter, this book jumps right into the action. There were several twists that I didn't see coming, and they really amped up the suspense angle. Cole wants a second chance with Jo, but he needs her to understand his reasons, which is a little difficult when there are secrets between them. Again with the secrets, poor Jo. Overall, a good story with lots of suspense and a major mystery to solve, so a good sequel in the Hidden Bay series.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Three years after her mother's suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder--and becomes a target.

More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect, none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother's death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together.

As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide to sweep them away before the truth can be revealed.

In this action-packed thriller, USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard serves up a complex plot and the sizzling romance readers have come to expect.

The Collector of Burned Books

The Collector of Burned Books

By Roseanna M. White

This book is, for the most part, set in 1940/1941 Paris. But we are given a glimpse of 1933, as a group of students gathers to burn books that don't fit their ideas. Christian Bauer is a professor of literature who hopes that someday Germany will again listen and allow ideas to flourish. Fast forward to 1940, as German troops move into and occupy Paris. First on Christian Bauer's to-do list: visit the various libraries throughout the city, examine all the books to determine which should be banned or sent to Germany. 

Corinne Bastien has a claim on the books in The Library of the Burned Books; she tended them, and now they guard a secret. A secret that could doom her or be an instrument to resist the Germans. When Corinne first meets the man who is given charge of her library, she can't see past the uniform. But when her eyes are finally opened, the two find they have more in common than being professors of literature.

I found this to be a most intriguing book, the need to control ideas, either by destroying the books or shutting down the libraries. Reading this reminded me of the Zion Covenant books written by Brock and Bodie Thoene. I liked the main characters who were, for all intents and purposes, trapped in a world not of their making, trying to survive without betraying their souls to the devil. How does one protect those most dear without losing one's soul in the effort? This is what Corinne and Christian need to discover. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.        

                                                                                                                                                                      

About the Book:

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

But he hadn’t bargained on meeting a beautiful Parisian scholar who is clearly keeping as many secrets as he is. As Christian and Corinne try to discern each other’s true loyalties, forces beyond their control are making plans that could destroy everything they hold dear.

An Unforeseen Attachment ~ Release Day and a Review

~ It's Release Day ~ 
An Unforeseen Attachment

Hearts of Somerset #6

By Miranda D. Nelson

I really enjoyed reading this newest offering from Miranda Nelson.

An Unforeseen Attachment had some fun moments, like an attack mallard named Lord Duckworth, which led to a most unconventional meeting between main characters Simon Wayford and Julianna Bartlett. Let's just say a book and Simon get damaged in the encounter.

Simon is in Bath pursuing Miss Fairfax. Unfortunately, Miss Fairfax has not given him any encouragement in that department. But Simon is determined to win her hand. His Granny Bea is equally determined to see her grandson happy and married.

Julianna is a widow of two years with a six-year-old daughter. She has no choice but to live with her parents. Her mother is bent on controlling her granddaughter's upbringing and finding Julianna a new husband.    

With a dog named Charles Bingley, a matchmaking Granny, and a mother with an iron thumb, you know something will happen when Simon and Julianna get a chance to know one another. This was a cute Regency read with clean romance (AAA+ in my book). 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book, with no expectations, but to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Simon Wayford has one objective in mind when he travels to Bath–gain the affection of the woman he’s chased for months. When his efforts prove fruitless, Simon only agrees to stay at his grandmother’s request, anticipating an uneventful summer. What he does not expect is a young widow and her daughter to capture so much of his attention or his heart.

Julianna Bartlett never thought she would be living under her mother’s thumb once more. But after the passing of her husband, she and her daughter have little choice. While her mother is pushing for another marriage, Julianna is certain a loveless match will do nothing to repair what’s been broken.

Between a chance encounter and a meddlesome grandmother, two injured hearts might just find unexpected love.

Midnight Offensive ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Midnight Offensive 
Toxic Truths #1 
By Elle E. Kay 

When a deadly bioweapon is stolen, Craig Malone is tasked with providing security to the doctor working against the clock to develop an antidote. What Craig didn't anticipate was reconnecting with his best friend's little sister, Sadie Kline. Sadie is now an ER nurse and a possible target of the thief. 

As time runs down, Craig and Sadie find danger closer than they could have imagined. Is there time to discover who is pulling the strings before terrorists unleash the deadly toxin on the unsuspecting populace? Their opponent will stop at nothing to win.

This was my first book by Elle E. Kay, and I found the characters engaging. I have to shake my head at Sadie, who seemed intent on making ill-advised decisions when danger was so close, and she was obviously a target. The twists added to the tension and the whodunit feel throughout. Overall, I'd say this was a good read, and I'm interested in what comes next in the series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Midnight Offensive 
Series: Toxic Truths #1 
Author: Elle E. Kay 
Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing 
Release Date: May 14, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense / Thriller

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line. 

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack. 

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania near Red Rock Mountain with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is active in her church’s youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Since her debut novel Shadowing Stella released in 2016, Elle has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children’s literature. Her award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes. She’s also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections. 

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail.

Connect with Elle by visiting elleekay.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Romantic Suspense Prize Pack which features 5 of Elle's most recent romantic suspense releases, including Midnight Offensive, along with a tote bag and swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on June 30, 2025, and 

will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2025. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Awakened ~ Review

Awakened 

By Roseanna M. White 

Awakened, a detail rich fantasy world that drew me in from the opening page, was worth the exploration. There are mer-people, not mermaids, this is an important difference. The Royal family of those who dwell on the land have a connection to the mer-people which results in the royals having an extended lifespan. 

For generations mer-people and land-dwellers have had peace. But something has shifted and both groups are looking to tap into a new magic, one of the air. This story centers around King Seidon and sisters Jade and Arden. For some unknown reason Jade is stolen by the mer-people, threatening the fragile peace between the two groups. What has made Jade so special? And what of Arden? The answers to these may determine the future of their world. 

Everything appears to have a blood link. Blood calls to blood. Blood determines your fate. There are a lot of fantastical elements throughout with a subtle nod to The Little Mermaid. Overall a good read with a clean dash of romance. This is not the author's usual fare of historical romance but instead a lovely romantasy debut. The faith element was particularly appealing, in my opinion. This is one story world I would love to revisit and explore further. I would compare it to Gillian Bronte Adams' The Fireborn Epic series but without the horses. It is more grown up than Narnia but has some similar vibes.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Where sea and land meet, two worlds clash in a fury of wind and waves.

Arden Bleu has always known that her stepsister, Jade, was destined for great things. In a world where beauty follows magic, she has no doubt that their upcoming Awakening ceremony will reveal that gorgeous, kind, compelling Jade is far more than a mere mortal. But when Jade is kidnapped by a mysterious sect of mer on the eve of the newly-returned king’s ball, Arden will do anything to save her sister. Even face down the man she’s always dreaded meeting because of the power he holds over her family, the man to whom her father swore loyalty long before she was born. The Sea King.

Seidon, the Sea King of Daryatla, has grown only more powerful as the centuries have gone by, but lifetime after lifetime have failed to give him what he most yearns for: a family. He knows that it will take a woman of extraordinary power to match him enough to create a child, and no such woman seems to exist…until he feels her magic calling to his one day in the water. And when Arden Bleu, daughter of his most trusted official, arrives to tell him about her missing stepsister, he knows this Jade, with a new magic so coveted that the mer would risk war with his kingdom to steal her away, may be the one he’s waited centuries for. But how can he and the determined Arden ever hope to find one young woman trapped beneath the waves? Perhaps the Great Golden Sea Hawk who has guarded the sisters all their lives holds the key.

In a world on the brink of war between the mer and the land-dwellers, friendship, faith, and love demand the ultimate sacrifice as both kingdoms seek to unlock the prophesied magic waiting to spring forth: the magic of wind and sky. To the mer, it would mean the freedom to return to the land. To Seidon’s court, it would mean safety from every storm. But how can any human hand wield the wind?

Fantastical Summer ~ Review

Fantastical Summer

By various authors

Fantastical Summer is a interesting collection of 15 short stories. In each story the main character or characters is faced with an obstacle in their life. For some it is a physical characteristic. For others it is a missing family member. But whatever the cause they feel vulnerable and isolated from those around them.   

My favorite was Alli Prince's Soul Marks in which a young woman is born without a mark that will help her identify the man she is suppose to spend the rest of her life with. She is understandably bummed out about the whole thing as her friends find their "soul marks." I especially loved how someone drove home the point that true lasting love is a choice, that happiness is not guaranteed by a sign or a feeling.

I was also intrigued by Summer Miracles and The Girl who Lived Under the Water. Both take seemingly impossible situations and yet make them feel not only possible but probable. Throughout all of these stories is a message of hope. Hope for the future is always a positive in my opinion.

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About the Book:

What would you do if you started growing a fluffy tail every time you felt embarrassed?

A mermaid outcast, a girl who can steal stars, and a high schooler suddenly affected by gravity in a gravity-free world—these are just a few of the fantastical premises you’ll find in this collection of short stories.

Weaving classic coming-of-age themes into magical versions of our world, fifteen Christian writers each bring a fresh perspective on childhood, loneliness, and identity.

Save a spot in your beach bag, because this collection of clean, fun summer stories is more than a fluff read. This beautifully brave anthology leads us to ask hard questions while staying grounded in the truth of the Bible. You'll want to revisit these thought-provoking stories throughout the year.

Presented by The Company and The Pearl, Fantastical Summer features these short stories:
“Alone,” by R.J. Catlin
“Leaving Lake June,” by Lucy Grecu
“Summer Miracles,” by K.Ann
“Closed Doors Don’t Open,” by Vella Karman
“Oh Deer,” by Adara King
“Gravitational Issues,” by Vannah Leblanc
“The Beast,” by Noah J. Matthews
“Circus of the Moon,” by Juli Ocean
“Sneakers of Joy,” by Gregory O'Donnell
“The Girl Who Lived Under the Water,” by Brad Pauquette
“Soul Marks,” by Alli Prince
“Beachcombing,” by Sarah Sax
“Goodbye to Yesterday,” by Hannah Stiff
“Turn to Face the Wind,” by Faith Tevy
“Confessions of a Mermaid Outcast,” by Thirzah

Capturing You ~ Review and IG Giveaway

Capturing You

The Wright Heroes of Maine #6

By Robin Patchen

This book is definitely a grumpy/sunshine romantic suspense that will keep you guessing at who is guilty of what.

Forbes Ballentine's been hiding most of his life, but now he's seeking answers. Brooklynn Wright was seeking the photograph of a lifetime, but instead, she's running for her life. They will need to work together to discover the truth if they want to survive. But with years of deception between them and the answers they seek, the killers just may get away with murder again. 

The deeper Forbes and Brooklyn dig, the more they unearth that Brooklyn's trusting personality won't be able to deny. Someone in Shadow Cove, someone she knows, is a murderer, and they are targeting her. The perfect photograph may cost her her life if they don't discover who committed murder all those years ago.

I have to be honest, there were some twists I didn't see coming. Small town living in Shadow Cove is not high on my list of places in books I'd like to live. My visits will be strictly via the printed page - it seems safer and spider-free. Yeah, I can't like spiders. But overall, this was an edge-of-your-seat read, especially the climax.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book, with no expectations other than to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Be sure to check out the Instagram giveaway by clicking here.

About Capturing You

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220169541-capturing-you

Series: The Wright Heroes of Maine #6
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

In a town shrouded by secrets, a photographer and the reclusive heir of the Ballentine fortune join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy.

Brooklynn Wright must win a photography contest to save her gallery, and the perfect sunrise shot at a remote inlet north of town is her best hope. But when she witnesses a smuggling operation at a hidden dock and is chased by armed men, her dreams of artistic glory become a nightmare flight for survival. Rescued by a mysterious stranger, Brooklynn is forced to take refuge with him in an abandoned mansion the townspeople claim is cursed—afraid to trust her grumpy protector but with no other choice.

Billionaire Forbes Ballentine returned to Shadow Cove for answers, not distractions. Haunted by the unsolved murder of his family twenty years ago, he’s spent his life in the shadows, hunting for the truth. He believes the network Brooklynn stumbled upon is tied to his family’s deaths, but protecting the cheerful photographer means jeopardizing the investigation he’s been chasing for decades. Especially when her presence stirs feelings he’s not prepared to face.

As Brooklynn and Forbes grow closer, so do the network’s ruthless enforcers. With everyone in town hiding something, they must navigate lies, betrayal, and deadly truths. When the network closes in, they’ll have to trust each other completely—or lose everything.

Dive into this gripping romantic suspense full of mystery, secrets, and danger, where two broken souls must uncover the truth while battling the enemies outside—and the wounds within.

Echoes of Darkness ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Echoes of Darkness 
By Darlene L. Turner

Constable Oaklynn Brock is hiding from her past in a small community in northern Ontario when she gets word of her father's death. Now it seems her past has caught up to her when a serial killer decides the community will be his target. Are these the work of a copycat who randomly selected Kenorapeake Falls? Or was Oaklynn's hidden past the draw? 

With the cases mounting, the Canadian Watchers Squad is tasked with helping the local police department. Caleb Greene has a special understanding of cults, and the deaths in Kenorapeake Falls have cult written all over them. But to get to the truth, he'll have to confront his own demons.

Echoes of Darkness offers a behind-the-scenes look into cults while delving into the mind of a serial killer. I know it's super uplifting, but as Oaklynn and Caleb work through their doubts and fears, hope is offered that no one is too broken to get a new start in the eyes of God. A powerful and moving promise.

Of note: murder, suicide, stalking, kidnapping, animal sacrifice, and abuse either take place or are mentioned. Nothing overly graphic is portrayed, but it could be a trigger for sensitive individuals.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Echoes of Darkness 
Author: Darlene L. Turner 
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: June 24, 2025 
Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Thriller

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him. 

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now? 

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse. 

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare… 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. 

You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

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Tour Giveaway

(4) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on June 23, 2025, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 30, 2025. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

Open internationally. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Feathered Thief ~ Release Day

Feathered Thief

All That Glitters

By J.M. Stengl

This book was a delightful retelling that featured to young people who developed a bond and were to marry. But then something happened and all seems lost as the kingdom falls beneath a curse.

Princess Helena isn't like the other princesses. No she longs for adventure and outdoor activities. And somehow the prince she despised has feelings for HER! Even more extraordinary he likes her for who she is and not for forcing herself into a version of herself dictated to by expectations.

I really enjoyed this retelling of The Golden Bird. The characters were fun to get to know and I really liked Helena and Kazik. Helena reminded of Meriada from Brave, the Disney animated movie.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. 

About the Book:

A bungled curse divides childhood sweethearts, a bird steals priceless apples, and one brave maiden hunts down her past. Can Lenka remember her prince in time?

Young Princess Helena of Żyrardów despises her tormentor, Prince Kazik of Ostrów, until the day she realizes the boy actually likes her and friendship blossoms. In time, their royal parents arrange a betrothal, but first the princess vanishes, then the prince, and the entire region falls under a strange curse.

Five years later, a girl known as Lenka the Archer tends a lonely golden-apple tree and wonders who she really is. Serving in the King of Trinec’s magical garden is a worthy position, but how did she and the tree come to be there? When golden apples go missing and the king’s two sons fail to identify the thief, the task falls on Lenka, who surprises a golden bird in the act. Instead of shooting it, she receives from the bird one golden feather and cryptic guidance.

The princes go in search of the elusive bird but vanish. So, at the king’s order, Lenka must bring back the golden bird, the apples it stole, and the two missing princes. While disguised as a man and guided by a talking fox, Lenka takes on multiple challenges and finds friends in unexpected places, but nothing goes as planned.

Will the stolen princess find her true self and her beloved prince? Can they rescue their land from its hopeless tangle of magic and mayhem?

Feathered Thief is a no-spice magical quest of love and loss, betrayal, lovable golden treasures, a snooty animal guide, and a romantic happily-ever-after.

In All That Glitters, fairytales clash with forbidden love, quests glitter with danger, and swoon-worthy rewards incite every risk. Magic is deadly, love can be costly, and not all that glitters is gold. Featuring twelve captivating tales of forbidden romance, high-stakes adventure, and no-spice swoon, this series turns every fairytale on its crown, revealing that treasure isn’t always golden or glittery…sometimes it’s something far better.

The Dutch Muse ~ Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for
The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Dutch Muse 
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
By Heidi Eljarbo 

Fabiola Bennett can't take a restful few days without being drawn into an art-related mystery. But when you are a well-known art historian and a priceless Ferdinand Bol piece is stolen, along with the owner being attacked, what can you do?  You investigate.

With the help of her friends, Pippa and Cary, and a new acquaintance. Fabiola soon finds herself diving into a centuries-old mystery while trying to recover the stolen masterpiece.

This was an engaging read that was split into two timelines. One followed the people involved in the painting of this masterpiece in 1641: Ferdinand Bol, Rembrandt van Rijn, and their model. And Fabiola's is set in 1973. 

I loved how one learns about art, and it is presented as a mystery that unfolds throughout the book. The cover with the windmill is gorgeous, and it perfectly suits the book. The book wraps up the story, so there is no cliffhanger, but it ends in a way that leaves me anticipating book five whenever it comes out. The author has thoroughly hooked me with this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest thoughts. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Title: The Dutch Muse 
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: June 17, 2025 
Genre: Clean Historical Dual-Timeline Mystery with a touch of romance

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.  

Amsterdam, 1973. It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city. 

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities. 

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.  

Amsterdam, 1641 

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist. 

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.  

This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive their choice of any one paperback from the Fabiola Bennett series plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 24, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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