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Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

1.22.2026

Severed Ties ~ Day Review

Severed Ties
Dauntless Defenders #3
By Taylor S. Newport

First off, you can enjoy and follow this book without reading the first two, though you will be missing parts of the backstory that is referenced in the book.  Alex Romanova has a difficult past and is having trouble finding her way back into the life that was ripped away from her. Her family is limited to a grandfather whose health is failing and cousins she doesn't know. But when she learns that a drug her late mother developed has been stolen and about to be misused, she knows she has to recover it. Unfortunately, she must work with the man who she hasn't heard from in over a year.

Tyler Reid doesn't get close to anyone. He can't afford to, as a mercenary, they'd just be used against him. He's satisfied that Alex is safe in Russia living the life she was supposed to. The last thing he wanted was to be pulled into a dangerous situation with her. But with the director of the CIA pulling the strings they have no choice in the matter.

As Tyler and Alex face the dangers of rescuing a missing doctor, each step forward pulls them deeper into the net that Rawlings has tightening around them. Can they determine Rawling's end game before it is too late? 

This is an action-filled book that took this reader from Russia to Australia to Washington, D.C. to India, as danger and a dangerous threat threaten all. Tyler and Alex have some definite issues to work through. I'd suggest talking but a mercenary who wants to keep his distance from everyone and a woman who is haunted by her past and appearing weak already have a lot going against them. There are faith elements in this book, no in your face preachy moments. No, it centers on Alex and her desire to move beyond her past. When she feels moments of weakness she reaches out in prayer, asking for help and strength.

Overall, this was a good read and one I'd recommend to those who want action but not all of the graphic violence and language that come from mainstream publications.

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

About the Book:

He’s left the past where it belongs. But then it comes knocking at his door.

The silence following Tyler Reid's last mission has him eager for the next job. So when a woman from his past shows up on his doorstep with a new task—extracting a kidnapped Indian doctor from rival mercenaries—he’s ready to move. It’s dangerous. It’s fast-moving. It’s exactly what he wants. The only problem is Alexandra Romanova is going too—the one person who sees the cracks in his armor he's trying to hide.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova has returned to Russia, but she’s not ready to step into her father’s legacy. So she seizes the chance to delay that future. Especially when she learns who’s missing—and who’s going after him. But working alongside Tyler again tests more than her training. He’s different. More guarded. And something in him is unraveling.

From Libya to India to Morocco, the team races to find the missing doctor while avoiding the trap the enemy has set. But every step closer to the truth puts more pressure on the cracks already forming. And as the mission begins to spiral, Alex realizes the real danger may not be the enemies chasing them—but the severed ties Tyler leaves behind when he decides the mission is over.

1.13.2026

Of Dawn and Embers ~ Release Day and Review

Of Dawn and Embers
The Fireborn Epic #3
By Gillian Bronte Adams

This book was so good. I love how it builds on the previous book, Of Sea and Smoke. The fallout from rescuing Ceridwen is still being felt. Rafi has been captured and comes face-to-face with the past he has been running from. Jakim is returning home to his people, a people his sister long ago whispered he was destined to save.

But the land and the people are under attack from the empire and its usurper emperor. These three, separated, must somehow reunite in their efforts to stop the empire's push for an ancient power long dormant. But victory is not assured, with the numbers decidedly against them.

This book captures one's attention and holds it throughout. The future is in doubt. Throughout our heroes are faced with choices that could potentially lead to their deaths. But they are determined to free themselves, their people, and their lands from the sadistic cruelty of a ruler who will destroy them all in his quest for dominance. 

I loved how these characters all grew throughout the series yet still grappled with weaknesses as we all do. They weren't perfect but they were relatable. And I absolutely love all the Solborn horses. I so want one of each!

I enjoyed this book in both print and audio. The book is read by the author, and it is excellent, however you decide to enjoy it. I love the audio because the unique names and places are presented as the author envisioned them being pronounced. 

I was provided an early ARC with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

He rides a dawnling, a steed of light and glory, destined to restore.

Jakim Ha’Nor will save his people, or so says the prophecy that upended his life and drove his brothers to betray him. Now, he has returned as the dawnrider to fulfill his purpose and reconcile with his brothers—only to find himself embroiled in a war.

Captured in the fallout of a deadly attack, Rafi grapples with the ghosts of the past. His brother is alive but no longer himself, and Rafi will stop at nothing to save him. Farther up the coast, Ceridwen strives to reignite the embers of the rebellion to burn the empire down. When Rafi is sentenced to execution before the imperial court, Ceridwen must rally every spear and steed she can for a blistering strike at the heart of the capital.

But the empire’s schemes are already in motion, and Jakim’s two missions collide when an unexpected encounter with one of his brothers reveals the true threat behind the imperial thirst for ancient secrets. Hidden forces intend to unleash a cataclysmic power, spurring Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim to challenge the full, crushing might of the empire for the fate of the world.

Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.

 

1.08.2026

The Unending Light ~ Review with Giveaway

The Unending Light JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Unending Light by Brett Armstrong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Unending Light
The Unending Light 
Quest of Fire #7 
By Brett Armstrong 

This is the seventh book in the Quest of Fire series that is split between to two eras. In each era, war is consuming the land, threatening those who are Knights of the Light and followers of the King.  

Keeping the faith and holding fast to what you know to be true even in the face of impossible odds is repeatedly played out. As the forces in opposition to the Knights seemingly continue to achieve victory and grow in strength Jason and Anargen find their hearts tested/ Will they hold fast to their vows or fall to their fears? When those we love are in danger what holds the greater sway over us? This is the question both young men face throughout. 

I really appreciated the thorough recap of the previous books in the series it was excellent. 

This book is one that grips you from the beginning. But you MUST read the series in order as each book builds on what came before. There is an obvious faith element through the book and series, but this is what gives this book its depth.

In my opinion, those who have read and enjoyed Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, Lawhead's Bright Empires, and Walley's The Lamb Among the Stars series will find the Quest of Fire series equally engaging in depth and emotional engagement by the reader. I feel that this book is for older teens and up (or advanced younger teens).

My only complaint is that the series is now complete. There were heartbreaking loses throughout but moments of triumph that offered hope that maybe they can succeed. I really appreciate the obvious work the author put into the Quest of Fire. To bring so many threads together, weaving them into a cohesive and epic conclusion is just WOW!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               About the Book

Title: The Unending Light 
Series:
Quest of Fire #7 
Author:
Brett Armstrong 
Publisher:
Expanse Books 
Release Date: December 16, 2025 
Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

War has consumed the Lowlands in both Jason and Anargen’s eras. Each teen struggles to keep true to the Quest as the armies led by the dark powers of the Lowlands edge closer to victory. 

A secret buried in Ordumair can guarantee that evil Monarch Ilyron destroys the Tower of Light Anargen has striven to defend. And Jason’s brother, Dorian, has found an equally powerful weapon in the mysterious land of Jhi. The ancient threat of dragons returning to the Lowlands threatens to plunge the Lowlands into ruin. 

Losses that leave both teens grieving deeply and an ever-diminishing list of allies means they must be willing to give everything to rescue their world from the looming desolation. But they must face the truth that it is still far too little to win, unless they can hold on till the King’s Day arrives.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

      Shadows at Nightfall

Quest of Fire: Desperation


About the Author

Brett Armstrong

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Tomorrow’s Edge series), and layered, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

Connect with Brett by visiting brettarmstrong.net to follow him on social media and subscribe to email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card and exclusive Quest of Fire digital content (series theme music and digital maps)!

The Unending Light JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 14, 2026. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

1.04.2026

2026 is Here and Bookish News!

 Hope everyone had a lovely holiday.
I have submitted my story, Water's Gift, which you will be able to
enjoy in March 2026.

I can't wait for you to read my retelling of
The Water of Life, 
which will be published in 
Of Hope and Honor.


Preorder the ebook for only $2.99
(Now on sale for 50 % off)

https://us.amazon.com/dp/B0F9S7NT5B/







12.03.2025

Abducted in the Woods ~ Review with IG Giveaway

Abducted in the Woods
Forest Ranger Rescuers #2
By Kerry Johnson

Published by Harlequin/Love Inspired

Sarah Brindley thought she was safe. But the men who killed her husband have found her and her seven-year-old son. But why these men are so intent on finding her is beyond her understanding. 

Now she her only hope of rescuing her son lies with the help of her brother-in-law and his K-9 partner. But when she discovers the secrets her husband held, she knows that the men after her won't be satisfied until she is permanently silenced. This Christmas season is anything but jolly!

Abducted in the Woods jumps right into the action from the beginning. As the story unfolds, secrets are slowly unveiled and they don't paint Sarah's just murdered husband in a good light. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. And for kitty lovers there is a cat in addition to the dogs.

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

About the Book:
Pursued by criminals—with a child’s life on the line.

Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother-in-law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black-market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.

Be sure to enter the Instagram Giveaway - You must go to Instagram to enter!

To enter the giveaway go to the following link https://www.instagram.com/p/DRye54TCsVU/

 Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card!

 VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours(US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on December 10, 2025.)


11.18.2025

Out of Time ~ Review

Out of Time
Undaunted Courage #3
By Irene Hannon

Cara Tucker has the opportunity of a lifetime: to study a dying language with one of its last speakers. Natalie Boyer has journals from her late great aunt Marie describing life in the Old Mines community. But there is a mystery surrounding Marie's death that Natalie hopes going through the old journals might shed some light on the nearly hundred-year-old mystery.

But as Cara and Natalie work together, oddities begin occurring on the Boyer estate. Are they just a coincidence or something darker? Sheriff Brad Mitchell doesn't believe in coincidences, but with little evidence that anything else is happening, there isn't much he can do. And the body found could have been a tragic accident... 

Out of Time really grabbed my attention. It was so hard to know who the true villian was. There were several possible suspects, and oh my, the slow reveal was well worth the reading. The suspense was at the perfect level of intrigue, but not over the top. The following statement came to mind as I read: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The motivation behind the evil deeds is just so sad, and secrets and hidden truths were at the heart of it all. My thought at the end was, "What if so-and-so had just explained and asked for what they needed instead?" This was an excellent look at the human heart and its motivations. Excellent reading.

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


About the Book:
A century-old mystery, a hidden treasure, 
and an isolated estate where danger lurks in every shadow.

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and century-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begins to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.

Sheriff Brad Mitchell has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues.

But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  

The Queen of Romantic Suspense presents another page-turning, clean thriller in her Undaunted Courage series. Fans of Colleen Coble, Patricia Bradley, and Terri Blackstock will find this shadowy tale electrifying.

11.17.2025

And the Mountains in Reply ~ Review

And the Mountains in Reply
The Carols of Christmas
By Sienna Peake

Sarah Gibson is about to become Prescott, Arizona's first teacher. She left behind the life of luxury she was used to living in Philadelphia. Here she's determined that all children will be able to attend her school, and with the help of local carpenter Elijah Phelps she extends the invitation to the children some deem unfit for school.  

Elijah isn't the most sociable of men, nope he has scars both visible and of the soul. For him, his work in Prescott is a temporary stop on his way further west. Helping Sarah with various school related tasks gives him a glimpse into what could be, but he knows if she learns the truth about his past, she'll turn her back on him.

And the Mountains in Reply is a story of grace, second chances, and seeing worth in others. A lovely and sweet romance, perfect for teens and older who want a clean read.

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

About the Book:
The music of Christmas mends hearts in frontier Arizona


When Sarah Gibson arrives in Arizona, she has nothing to her name but the clothes on her back and a set of lesson plans to start her life as Prescott's first teacher. From the start, complications arise, and they all seem to bring her in contact with the same taciturn carpenter: Elijah Phelps. When Sarah's school plans begin to fall apart, she'll need to work with Elijah to prepare a Christmas concert powerful enough to bring the town together and maybe the two of them as well.

And the Mountains in Reply is a stand-alone novella in the Carols of Christmas series of Christian romances inspired by classic Christmas hymns.

11.11.2025

On the Edge of Trust ~ Review

On the Edge of Trust book front cover features woman with dark blond hair blowing across face
On the Edge of Trust
A Logan Point Novel
By Patricia Bradley

Tori Mitchell has avoided home and her father for years. She can't get past the part he played in her mother's death. But when her teenage nephew finds himself on the wrong side of a murder investigation, Tori returns to Logan Point.

Tori is dedicated to finding justice for those she feels were wrongly charged with a crime and found guilty. Over the years, she's ruffled a few feathers. Now she finds the occasional threat has actually become a reality. In addition to helping her nephew, she will also hide out from the person who seems intent on stopping her current investigation. And if her current investigation leads her back home to Logan Point, so much the better.

What she didn't expect was for danger to follow her home and endanger her family. Nor did she expect to reconnect with Scott Sinclair. With her life in danger, Scott is unofficially asked to help protect her, but with an injury that has him unable to use his right hand, Tori is skeptical of his usefulness. But to keep her family safe she agrees to the plan. 

On the Edge of Trust is a page turning read. Yes, this was a late night/early morning read that had me guessing up until the reveal as to the identity of the guilty party. The old adage about webs of lies leading to problems is so true. Adding to this is Tori's unforgiveness and her belief that people cannot change, which has damaged her relationship with her family. Overall this was an engaging and action-filled book. Reading the previous books in the Logan Point series is not necessary to enjoy this book.

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


About the Book:
Sometimes the closer you get to justice, 
the deadlier it becomes


When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option--especially when he's unofficially pulled into an investigation.

Tori Mitchell is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a wrongfully convicted man from prison, making Tori an enemy of the true killer. When her nephew is accused of a different murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.

Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori's doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They'll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Elizabeth Goddard, and readers who love faith-based fiction and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this riveting, clean romantic suspense delivers heart-pounding danger and forced-proximity romance.

11.08.2025

Love in the Castle Library ~ Review

Love in the Castle Library book cover - woman in front of library window
Love in the Castle Library
In the Castle Library #2
By Ann Swindell

This is the second book in the In the Castle Library series, in which a small European country attempts to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of its lost queen. Queen Alma disappeared in the night during World War 1, and no one knows just where she disappeared to. For more than 100 years, the people of Lethersby have felt her abandonment as a personal shame. But with word that she may have made her way to England, there is hope that the truth of her life may finally be known. 

In this search for the answers they seek, the Lethersby research team needs access to British records. But to access them, they need a British researcher on their team. In steps Castle Stewardess Delphine DuVert to find their perfect candidate. For the first time ever, Delphine makes a quick decision; she offers the position to Jack Worthington.

Something about Jack just feels right for this position, and she feels a connection she hasn't had with any of the previous candidates. 

This was a lovely story in which both Jack and Delphine delve into the past with it secrets both for the Lethersby people and their own pasts. I loved how the story unfolded with moments where the answers seemed just within reach and moments where failure seemed imminent. Of course, there has to be a villain, and Max is the perfect cringe-when-he walks-into-the-room character. Nasty doesn't do him justice. But through it all faith plays a vital role as Jack and Delphine navigate the complexities of life, love, and traditions.

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

About the Book:

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.


Purchase Links

READ | Amazon | Barnes & Noble


About the Author


Author Ann Swindell

Ann Swindell is the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses for women across the globe. She lives in West Michigan with her family and writes for many ministries, including Well-Watered Women, Risen Motherhood, and The Gospel Coalition. She has authored The Path to Peace and Still Waiting, and her first novel, Christmas in the Castle Library, released with WhiteCrown in 2024.

You can connect with her at AnnSwindell.com.


Author Links

Instagram | Facebook | Website


11.04.2025

Mistletoe and Malice ~ Review

Mistletoe and Malice JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 
Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong, 

Mistletoe and Malice
Mistletoe and Malice 
Guarded Hearts Series #1 
By Lori DeJong 

Riley Hudson doesn't fit the mold that society expects from her. She isn't a spoiled little rich girl living for her next post going viral. Nope she's an attorney who fights for the wrongly imprisoned, runs various charities, and gives her spare time to serve others. When she targeted in a kidnapping attempt, she thinks it's just a random attack, until it proves to be something more. But why?

Colton Blankenship is looking forward to 12 hours of sleep and then a vacation with his former college buddies. But everything comes to a screeching halt when he gets a new assignment - guarding the daughter of rich client. Oh, joy! NOT!! The last thing wants right now is dealing with a security detail for a society princess. Well, he's about walk into a case that defies his expectations: Riley is more than he expected and she does it well, really well. Now he just has to keep her at arm's length, figure out what's going on with his heart, and keep Riley alive.

Mistletoe and Malice opens with a glimpse into the past. This sets up the rest of the story - giving Riley a case to pursue while dealing with her near abduction. But how does one carry on while dealing with such an attack? That's what Riley has to figure out after being stuck with a team of bodyguards. 

This is a jump into the action and don't stop kind of read. I stayed up way too late and got up way too early because I needed to know what was going to happen next. The is she going to survive this, why is this happening, and who is behind everything kept the intensity on the high end throughout the book. Highly recommended for those who want romance, suspense, and Christian faith to come together in a single well-written reading experience. 

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

About the Book

Title: Mistletoe and Malice 
Series:
Guarded Hearts Series #1 
Author:
Lori DeJong 
Publisher:
Scrivenings Press 
Release Date:
October 21, 2025 
Genre:
Romantic Suspense

He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge. 

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father's demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence. 

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper ... and far more perilous. 

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can't outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again ... before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.  

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

Also Available


About the Author

Lori DeJong

Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-love in DFW. Lori's debut novel, Love's True Calling, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, Book 2 of the True Calling Series, was a 2025 Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June. Lori's Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Mistletoe and Malice, and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection (released in Oct 2024)!

Mistletoe and Malice JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2025, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2025. Winners 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

10.31.2025

Echoes of a Silent Song ~ Review

Echoes of a Silent Song JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Echoes of a Silent Song

Echoes of a Silent Song 
Melodies and Memories #1 
By Amanda Wen 

Blair Emerson is tired of the revolving door of high school choir directors. She longs for the days when Vic Nelson dedicated decades to the choir, inspiring them to excellence. And she can't understand how he endorsed Callum Knight for the roll. She can tell even before meeting him that Callum's heart isn't into it. 

But everything changes when Blair confronts Callum about his attitude and they discover an unfinished piece of music hidden away in the music library archives. Discovering the story behind this unsigned piece of work becomes their uniting goal. And the truth is more than a little surprising, and yet looking back...

I loved how the ending played out though it was tragic, too, but long hidden truths are finally revealed. The back and forth between past and present gave an added depth to the story as we learn Iris's story as Blair and Callum seek to find the rest of her unfinished piece of music. 

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

About the Book

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song 
Series: Melodies and Memories #1 
Author: Amanda Wen 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: October 21, 2025 
Genre: Split-time Romance 

A split-time romance from an award-winning author

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight's goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible. 

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day. 

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core. 

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town's history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook | BookBub | Bookshop

Also Available:

Roots of Wood and Stone The Songs That Could Have Been The Rhythm of Fractured Grace


About the Author

Amanda Wen

Amanda Wen is a Carol– and Selah Award–winning and Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including Roots of Wood and Stone, The Songs That Could Have Been, and The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. She is also a professional musician. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Echoes of a Silent Song and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Echoes of a Silent Song 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 October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

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