Lilac ~ Review

Lilac: A Plain Princess Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales

By Madisyn Carlin

No matter what she does, Princess Ivelisse Shenden is a disappointment to her parents. Somehow, she's managed to drive away every prince that has come seeking her hand. Now she is being sent away to a remote cabin in the woods. What's worse she is being guarded by a less than thrilled spy, not that she's supposed to know that he is a spy.

Cage Nior tried to prevent the King and Queen from chosing his aunt to guide and help Ivelisse find herself away from the pressures of court. There is just one thing wrong with this plan, well maybe more than one, Ivelisse is not suited for working and living as a peasant.

When it becomes apparent that danger is encircling them Cage and Ivelisse must learn to trust one another if they hope to survive the evil that has found them.

This was a delightful story that took elements from The Plain Princess and Little Red Riding Hood to create a unique and engaging story of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Truly lovely and not to be missed.

FYI: This book is in the same storyworld as A Noble Protector and several of the characters make an appearance in Lilac. But it is not necessary to read A Noble Protector first to enjoy this book. 

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:

She's a spoiled princess. He's a spy unknowingly protecting a deadly secret.

Spy Cage Nior is used to lurking in the shadows. What he's not used to is being called out of a mission and sent to babysit a withdrawn princess who has no idea how to smile or survive outside the palace walls. He expects the three months to pass in tedious dullness, but what he instead finds is danger and secrets.

Princess Ivelisse Shenden is used to hiding in the shadows, ignored by most and gossiped about by all. She's also used to rejection, and it's after her tenth courtship rejection that she finds herself shipped off to a humble hovel in the middle of nowhere. She expects drudgery and toil, but what she finds is danger and something she's long forgotten about---her purpose in life.

The quaint cottage may be surrounded by idyllic woods and fragrant lilac bushes, but sinister intentions shift in the shadows. If Cage and Ivelisse are to survive, they must learn to not only trust themselves, but each other.

Lilac is a combined Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling of The Plain Princess and Little Red Riding Hood and features tropes such as forced proximity, slow burn, and royalty x commoner.

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order.

Forget-Me-Not ~ Review

Forget-Me-Not: A Snow Queen Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales Book

By J.F. Rogers

Forget-Me-Not closely follows the original fairy tale that it is retelling. But, and this is the critical part, it is a more fleshed-out version of the original story. This is an excellent retelling of The Snow Queen, and I love the role the forget-me-nots play in restoring Kata's memories. 

Now, if you are not familiar with the Snow Queen, Kata must brave unknown dangers when her friend Mikkel falls under the Snow Queen's curse. Mikkel's heart is frozen, and his sight is distorted by icy shards of a shattered mirror. Kata's love gives her purpose and the strength to undertake this harrowing journey. 

But nothing is without cost, and Kata's quest to save the boy she loves could very well cost her her life and her freedom. But finding Mikkel is only the first step in bringing him home. She must also break the curse that has turned him against all those he loves.

This is a clean read and a sweet romance suitable for tweens and older readers. There is sweet romance that won't offend even the most sensitive reader's sensibilities. Highly recommended.

About the Book:

Inseparable friends. A cursed mirror. A harrowing journey.

Kata and Mikkel have always been each other’s world. But as Kata’s feelings deepen, Mikkel vanishes—drawn into the grasp of the Snow Queen.

Once, Mikkel risked everything to save Kata. Now, with a shard of a wicked mirror in his heart, he may not even remember her.

To save him, Kata must journey across a frozen world ruled by winter and sorrow. But if the boy she loves is lost to ice and shadow... can love still bring him home?

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order.

Forget-Me-Not is a retelling featuring tropes such as friends-to-lovers, magical corruption, and a perilous quest.

The Puzzle Within ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Puzzle Within 
The Game Masters #1 
By Gina Holder 

Ari (Arizona) Powers has this last chance to prove she isn't crazy. But when the young woman she's assigned to protect is kidnapped, Ari finds that her life is on the line as the kidnapper lures her and the analyst assigned to the protection detail into a dangerous game.

Nick Trueheart isn't an agent and isn't sure why he's been assigned to protect the teenage daughter of an ambassador. But when Bridgette disappears from a locked escape room, he'll have to rely on his past to help him understand what's going on.

Ari and Nick find themselves facing a deadly foe who seems bent on vengeance. The deeper they dig, the more puzzling the case becomes. And time is not on their side. But when they discover links to their pasts, they realize that more than Bridgette's life is in danger.

The Puzzle Within delves into the power of memory, taking readers on an intense race against time. This book is filled with suspense and a determined villain. Several unexpected twists definitely kept me from figuring out who Enigma was and what the endgame was. There is a faith element that runs throughout as both Ari and Nick struggle to make sense of the case, each other, and their own painful pasts. A good and engaging read.

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

Title: The Puzzle Within 
Series: The Game Masters #1 
    Author: Gina Holder 
    Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC 
    Release Date: June 3, 2025 
    Genre: Romantic Suspense

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who's been receiving threats signed: Enigma. 

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as "Nick of Time" turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette's security detail, his biggest concern isn't the threats—it's the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers. 

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzle hunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman's twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Gina Holder is a hybrid author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card,
a signed paperback copy of The Puzzle Within,
and a pair of wooden jigsaw puzzle earrings!

Full tour schedule linked below.
The giveaway begins at midnight June 10, 2025,
and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 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!

Peaflower ~ Review

Peaflower: A Princess and the Pea Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales Book

By Jessica A. Tanner

Princess Marion Thornhill is forced to flee when her kingdom is attacked. She, her lady-in-waiting, and guards are sent to ask for aid from Princess Marion's betrothed. But surprises await Marion, starting with a betrayal. Thank goodness, Marion has Cleeevy, her loyal pet rat, to keep her company and assist her as she struggles to survive the evil plots of those who turned on her. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Prince Rupert, her betrothed's younger brother, he helps her as much as his curse allows. But can they find a way to overcome curses and betrayals to find a happily-ever-after?

Peaflower is A Princess and the Pea retelling, but the further one gets into the pages of this book, the more nods there are to other fairy tales. Then there is Cleevy, who is a significant character throughout this book. We get to hear his thoughts and see his heroic personality in action. This is a charming read featuring a dangerous adversary or two who aim to bring down Marion and the Kingdom of Becker. Truly dastardly doings that need a furry hero to step up and thwart them.

I love Cleevy and wish all rats could be so helpful. This was a fun read, and I thoroughly enjoyed this truly unique retelling and mash-up of fairy tales. A few of the fairy tales I noted were Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, and Jack and the Beanstalk. This is a world I would love to visit again. There were several characters whose lives I would love to explore further.

About the Book:

Her kingdom is under attack. His brother is her betrothed.

Princess Marion Thornhill and her lady-in-waiting Emma flee their kingdom of Brecker with the hope of reaching the princess’s betrothed and garnering help against attacking forces. But along the way, Emma reveals her true loyalties. Left stranded in the woods during a spring storm, Marion crosses paths with her betrothed’s brother Rupert, a prince cursed by an angered fairy. Rupert helps Marion - but can they get help for Brecker before it’s too late? And what about their entangled hearts?

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent, and they can be read in any order. Peaflower is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea featuring tropes such as an evil lady-in-waiting and a princess with an animal sidekick. 

Want to learn more about the author Jessica A. Tanner? Check out my recent interview with Jessica at the following link: https://bloomingwithbooks.blogspot.com/2025/05/interview-with-jessica-turner-author-of.html    

Guinevere and the Three Brothers ~ Review

Guinevere and the Three Brothers

Once in a Wood #3

By Sienna Peake

I loved how this book retold Goldilocks and the Three Bears in a Regency setting. Guinevere Goldwyn must find a husband now or face being forced to accept her stepfather's choice for her. In an attempt to help Guinevere find a match, her mother arranges a visit to a distant cousin in Yorkshire who just happens to have three eligible sons. But Guinevere refuses to settle for anything less than love. Is there a brother who is just right for her? But after several unsuccessful London seasons, she's just about given up hope of catching any man's eye. 

I really enjoyed this book. Guinevere's interactions with the three Morley brothers provide a definite nod to the tale on which it was inspired. There is a scene with jam that is perfectly reimagined for this retelling - I love it! Of course, I now need to try the featured jam. This is a sweet and clean story that is suitable for readers aged twelve and up.

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

About the Book:

In a manor in Yorkshire lived three brothers near a wood...

Despite several unsuccessful London seasons, Guinevere Goldwyn is determined to marry for love or not at all, no matter what her stepfather insists. A surprise trip to visit distant relatives in Yorkshire may be Guinevere's last chance at finding a match of her own, but when her attempts at courtship with the first two Morley brothers utterly fail and the third brother seems hopelessly out of reach, what is she to do? Guinevere must find the courage to reach for what she truly wants if she is to find her own happily ever after.

Guinevere and the Three Brothers is a sweet, clean Regency romance inspired by the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It is the third book in the Regency fairy tale retellings series Once in a Wood. Each book in the series is a stand-alone work, and the stories can be enjoyed in any order.


Once in a Wood series--Where fairy tale forests meet Regency romance

Pearl and the Baker - inspired by Hansel & Gretel

Rosalyn and the Wolf - inspired by Little Red Riding Hood

Guinevere and the Three Brothers - inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Hannah and the Nightingale - inspired by The Nightingale

To Kiss a Knight ~ Review

To Kiss a Knight

Best Laid Plans #2

By Grace Hitchcock

Vivienne Poppy is running away. She has no choice in the matter, not when her family is about to marry her off to the most deplorable of men. Of course, she didn't expect to be abducted by a highwayman. Nor did she anticipate having her funds stolen. 

Sebastian Larkby didn't think he would abduct a lady while in service for the crown, but he couldn't leave her in the company of the man he had just relieved of money and letters. He also didn't expect Vivienne to be so determined to escape him, to the point of putting herself in danger. He's even more shocked to learn that she has assumed the name of his nonexistent wife, Lady Larkby. When his grandmother hears about this, Sebastian has no choice but to convince Vivienne to play the role of his wife for his dying grandmother's sake.

But when you first attempt to deceive, you open a whole unexpected mess of complications. Now Sebastian and Vivienne have to deal with the mess they have created without falling in love. How does one break the news to your beloved grandmother who rallied from death's door because she learned you were married?  Breaking grandma's heart is the least of their worries. Enter the evil relatives who bring a whole host of problems with them. Yes, they are truly evil. They are the kind that, if you know they are coming, you pack up, move to a different country, and don't leave a forwarding address, and for good measure, add a moat around your house and fill it with sharks to be sure they don't decide to make themselves at home. I would also play the Jaws theme song, but Vivienne and Sebastian don't have this as an option. They have to deal with the problem.

Overall, this was a good read, and one that, reading the first book in the series, is not necessary to fully enjoy To Kiss a Knight. It is a clean read with a Regency setting. And I loved Vivienne's character; she had determination, kindness, and spunk in abundance.

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.

You can purchase a copy of the book from Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825448107?

About the Book:

When everything is going right, something must go wrong

Vivienne Poppy's plans are working out quite well. She's run away from her family and the prospect of a horrid marriage of convenience and plans to spend her time writing under her pseudonym, Lady Larkby. Until she discovers the old Larkby title is not as dead as she thought.

Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted Sir Sebastian Larkby is stunned to discover a Lady Larkby that he does not remember marrying. Suddenly, Vivienne is left with a choice: relinquish her pen name, expose her true identity, and break Sebastian's dying grandmother’s heart—or feign marriage to Sebastian to keep the title and fulfill the old woman's wishes.

This witty novel from award-winning author Grace Hitchcock is filled with scandal, mishap, and just the right amount of romance.

"A rollicking Regency with romance, danger, humor, and unexpected plot twists you won't want to miss!"
—Crystal Caudill, Christy Award–winning author of Written in Secret

Snapdragon ~ Review

Snapdragon: A Thumbelina Retelling

A Garden of Fairytales

By Sarah Beran

Percy loves flowers and working in her mother's flower shop is the perfect way to spend her days. It's a life she loves and can't see herself doing anything else.

When Percy's mother hints at romance, she just doesn't see it happening when the men who show up in the flower shop already have sweethearts or wives. Nope not happening, and her walk with a old friend goes so bad. But when a stranger forces her into a strange world, a world that is dying, Percy is at a loss as to figure out why. He keeps saying he's taking her home. Right, mmhmm. 

And then there is a Lord of Death (aka Hayes) and an underground community. Well, if three individuals can make a community, that is. Trapped in this Fairy Realm, Percy doesn't know how she'll ever return home. She misses her mother and her flowers.

This was an enjoyable story. There is a bit of violence and kidnapping which is where the Hades and Persephone retelling comes in. Then there is Hayes who is paying the price to keep the dying world alive. And then there are the secrets, lots of secrets which have a big bearing on the entire story. 

About the Book:

A spunky florist. A dying kingdom. A bond that could change the fate of a realm.

Persephina’s idea of a perfect future has always involved exactly two things: her mother and their little flower shop. Sure, marriage would be nice, but it’s hard to find love when the only men Percy meets are there to buy flowers for their sweethearts…until a mysterious, handsome stranger shows up in her shop.

But all is not as it seems, and when an innocent walk goes disastrously wrong, Percy finds herself in a whole new realm of trouble.

Literally.

Trapped in the dying Fairy Realm, Percy is left with no choice but to seek help from the so-called Lord of Death. Just when it looks like a future is going to blossom, however, secrets come to light that could change everything.

Because fairy princes are not all that they seem.

And in the end, death comes for all.

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order. “Snapdragon” is a combined retelling of Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone, featuring tropes such as Found Family, Grumpy/Sunshine, and Hidden Identity. 

Daylily ~ Review

Daylily: A Snow White Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales

By Madeline Kersberger

Daylily is the princess of Blumen who spends much of her time among the castle's gardens. She has skills with a needle and has her looks to recommend her. But she knows she has little to offer besides her beauty, and her stepmother has decided the best way she can serve her country is by marrying as soon as possible. The first potential suitor is tolerable and, with time, could prove to be something more.

When tragedy strikes and Lily is forced to flee, she is forced to become someone with more substance. She must find a strength she never knew she possessed to survive and reclaim her rightful place. With a small contingent of loyal servants and soldiers willing to protect and give their lives for her, she must fight for what is hers.

I really enjoyed the first release in the Garden of Fairy Tales collection, which retold Snow White. The writing was engaging, and the characters came to life throughout. I recommend this book for tweens/teens and up. Overall, this is a clean read with some violence because battles are never friendly. I loved seeing Lily's growth and would love to step into this world again if given the opportunity. 

About the Book:

Amid tragedy and betrayal, will Daylily find her true worth?

Daylily, the undeniably beautiful princess of Blumen, is unprepared when her family is betrayed. Finding herself thrust into a role she never expected to take, Lily must dig beyond the beauty she was taught to treasure and find the strength to meet the challenges she faces.

Release Day! Golden Lotus is Now Available

It's Release Day!

 Golden lotus is now Available!

eBook cover

Hardcover

Paperback and Large Print editions coming soon!

She can never leave her home.
He must battle a forever winter to save her.

Years ago, Mala sacrificed everything, including her freedom, to become the guardian of a concealed glen and the golden lotus sheltered within its spring. Confined to this concealed glen, she is isolated from the outside world until someone breaches its boundaries.

Abandoned by his mother, Thorn found a sense of belonging in his grandmother's loving embrace and his friendship with Mala. A friendship that can only be experienced while he sleeps.

A forgotten evil, driven by jealousy, seeks to take over the world by attacking the spring and unleashing an unending winter on everyone. Standing in the path of this evil is Mala, who has no idea of the danger she is facing.

Now Thorn's unique bond with Mala might be the world's last hope for survival. But in this race against time, he must face winter's raging elements. Can he break Winter's deadly grip, saving the woman he loves, and enable a rebirth only Spring can bring?

Golden Lotus is a combined retelling featuring tropes such as good vs. evil, the chosen one, the hero's journey, perilous quest, self-sacrifice, friends-to-lovers, and the power of love.

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and can be read in any order.

Golden Lotus, an origin story of the House of Sorah, is set in the same world as Arabella's Song but hundreds of years earlier. It can be read as a standalone title.

Available on Amazon!

Click here to buy it on Amazon

Shadowless ~ Review

Shadowless

By Alison Robinson

Published by Village Editorial

When souls are split in two, the truth might shatter everything.

This book has an interesting premise: everyone, except Rowena, shares their soul with a magical animal companion called a Shadow. Rowena has a companion, but it is not like everyone else's. No, hers is silent and powerless, and it isn't an animal. If the wrong people learn about her, it could cost her her life. Because of this threat, her father has kept her isolated and hidden away. But when Penalynn Graft, an outcast Scholastic, moves into the area, Rowena's life changes (she becomes Penalynn's apprentice and begins venturing into her village). 

Everything seen through Rowena's point of view is flavored by her magicless existence, her father's fears, and her intelligence. I love how she grows once she is no longer isolated. But there are secrets Penalynn is keeping, secrets which have a huge bearing on Rowena and every magic-using human in the world.

This book most definitely leaves things in such a way that I want a sequel as soon as possible. I also feel that this is one of those books I'll want to reread, looking for hints I may have missed the first time. 

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 a kingdom where souls are bound to magical animals called Shadows, Rowena’s Shadow is a ghost—silent, powerless, and a death sentence if anyone finds out.

The citizens of Wyre share a soul with their Shadow, a supernatural animal companion that gives them the ability to perform magic. But Rowena was born with a ghost for a Shadow, incapable of magic and marking her as a dangerous anomaly. Her superstitious neighbors would say she must be reported to the king (and executed for good measure!). And they would if they knew she existed—but they don’t.

Hidden from the world with only her father and ghost for company, Rowena’s made the best of her secret life. She fills her days tinkering, inventing, and longing for the magic everyone else has.

When Penalynn Graft, a disgraced Scholastic who refuses to use her own Shadow’s magic, is banished to Rowena’s city, rumors swirl about her rebellion.

Both Rowena and Penalynn are outcasts: one hidden, one exiled. Both are cut off from magic: one by birth, the other by choice.

Together, they could unearth the truth about the bond linking humans to Shadows, which, until now, has been lost under a veil of ancient mythology.

But in a world where souls are split in two, the truth might shatter everything.

With the stakes of The Golden Compass, the thrilling action of The Wingfeather Saga, and the heart and spiritual depth of the Chronicles of Narnia, Shadowless is a gripping fantasy tale that will captivate fans of epic adventures and magical worlds.

⇒ Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a signed hardback edition of the book and a $20 Amazon Gift Card! US only. Giveaway ends on May 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.

Link for the Instagram giveaway is https://www.instagram.com/p/DJTETUqNmSw/

Cover Reveal ~ The Undercover Heiress of Brockton

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Undercover Heiress of Brockton
Series: Enduring Hope #2 (multi-author standalone series)
Author: Kelly J. Goshorn
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Incognito Reporter Seeks Truth and Justice

Collect a new series of six historical romances. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered. 

Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. 

Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. 

After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. But sparks fly when Leo accuses Etta of negating the human side of the disaster in her determination to get a good story. 

Will Etta go back to her socialite comforts without her story—dragging along a broken heart?

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Ready to see the cover?

I love the colors. What do you think?

PREORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Book House | Amazon | ChristianBook |
Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into inspiring stories of love, faith, and family set in America’s vibrant past. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys, binge-watching BBC period dramas, exploring historical sights, and board-gaming with her family and friends.

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

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Tour Giveaway

Two (2) winners will each receive a print copy of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on April 17, 2025, and will last 

through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 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!

Some Like it Scot ~ Review

Some Like it Scot

By Pepper Basham

Published by Thomas Nelson

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Narrated by: Joshua Manning and Stina Nielsen 

Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham is a Christian contemporary romance. The title is an obvious play on words, which will make sense once the reader (or listener) gets into the book.

Katie Campbell is a travel writer/podcaster who is very popular and is an award-winning one at that. Katie's current assignment finds her traveling to a remote Scottish island. Now, part of Katie's popularity is that she is prone to mishaps.  (I can totally relate to this) Well, someone prone to mishaps about to experience three weeks of an "Edwardian experience" will surely result in some humorous situations.  And Katie doesn't disappoint her followers. However, Katie has a secret that has defined her existence since she was 13 years old. It has left her searching for something. And she just might find it in Scotland.

Graeme MacKerrow has become a grumpy Scot. The loss of his twin sister has made him pull in. He needs to be there for his nephew, and he wants to be close to his parents and brother.  The MacKerrow family has pulled together to buy back their ancestral home, but restoring it requires funds. Funds that Graeme does not have. But when offered to lease out the home for the short term for a tourist draw, he cannot say no. Enter the Edwardian Experience! and a group of reporters/travel writers, including a tall, red-headed, accident-prone American named Katie Campbell, who just may turn his grumpy into a smile. Unless she manages to get herself killed, by mishap, of course.

I enjoyed this book as an audiobook (thank you https://libro.fm). The narration is performed by Joshua Manning and Stina Nielsen in a back-and-forth of chapters. The narration is well executed so that one can fully enjoy the performance.  

The focus of this book is family and finding where one belongs.  Katie has never measured up to her mother's expectations, and it has shaped all her relationships with family, friends, and strangers. It has determined her life too, never staying anywhere long enough to form an attachment. But now she has three weeks before her in one place. Can she find a home in Scotland, or will this Edwardian experience cast a spotlight on all she canna have?

There is a bit too much swooning over Graeme and his looks for my personal tastes (and too much kissing), but compared to many books, this is a tame book. Seriously, any description of kissing makes me squirm, so it is probably all me. But I did enjoy the book and would be willing to enjoy another book by this author. Is there a sequel with Graeme's brother in the future?   

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

Now, anyone interested in winning a paperback copy of the book should check out this post by Just Read Publicity Tours. I am sharing this as a courtesy, as I am not part of this tour. But here is the link https://justreadtours.com/2025/04/09/welcome-to-the-some-like-it-scot-takeover-review-blitz-giveaway/  You have until April 16, 2025, to enter.

She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together?

Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people’s stories. She’s built a career as “Miss Adventure,” known for saying yes to anything new–country, food, or experience–and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures.

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman.

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn’t venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme’s comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister’s death, he’s even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan.

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what’s familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life’s story when “home” is in two very different places? But maybe home–and the future–isn’t quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person.

A Noble Friend ~ Review

A Noble Friend

Cornerstone #15

By Kendra E. Ardnek

Joah was abandoned when he was 7 years old. When he was first left on the Rowanshaw doorstep, Joah was raised as if he were a sibling to Charles, Anton, and Aloise. But once the brothers were sent away to school, Joah discovered his true place within the family: that of a servant. 

Since that time, he has devoted his life to being there for Lady Aloise Rowanshaw. However, the time has come for Aloise to get married. When Joah is assigned as her personal guard, the dynamics of their relationship shift once again. 

Joah is to be a silent sentinel, ready to give his life if need be, but never to address Aloise. There is just one little problem, Aloise asks him to share his insights on her potential suitors. Yes, that works so well when Aloise is instantly smitten with a suitor, whom Joah names Bluebeard.

This is when the Bluebeard retelling really becomes apparent. Overall, it is a good story. The more gruesome aspects of the original fairytale are omitted from the story, making it suitable for teen readers.

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

 

About the Book:

He'll follow her to the ends of the earth, even as she marries another. But what happens when her husband proves to be a monster?

A Noble Friend is a New Adult Christian fantasy retelling of Bluebeard. 

Book #15 in the Cornerstone Series.

Waylaid ~ Review

Waylaid
Windy City Westons #1
By Jerusha Agen

Spring Weston is a rising star in the world of cycling, and she's determined to be the best. But when she learns the truth about the team she's on, she doesn't want anything to do with it. But before she can decide what she will do, her whole life is shattered. She's the victim of a hit-and-run accident. 

Spring is officially the Weston family failure. Her father's biggest disappointment. She'll never ride a bike again. No, she's trapped by her broken body. If only the driver had killer her, then she would have at least not been left to endure her father's disgust and the pity of others.

 

Sergeant Torin Cotter has let people down too many times. He knows the feeling of such failure. When he is asked to take over the investigation of Spring's case, something just feels off to him. He can tell Spring is holding something back and that she is scared. Torin will discover the truth and do all he can to help Spring. 

 

When his own past comes into play during his investigation, Spring may offer the only hope to overcome his pain. If only he could offer her the same. But he refuses to allow himself to connect with Spring. It's all about surviving until he learns the truth about his wife. 

 

When a killer comes after Spring, Torin is determined to protect her, while Spring is more concerned about anyone losing their lives for her.   

Waylaid is the first book in the Windy City Westons series. The Weston family siblings are focused on helping Spring overcome and conquer her depression over the fallout of the hit-and-run that left her paralyzed. I found it interesting how the family dynamics played out throughout this book. They had differences when it came to matters of faith, but they were all about loyalty to one another. No one messed with one of their own without the others rallying around them. The dynamics between the Westons came across as authentic and believable. This was an excellent and engaging read that kept me up way too late reading. The suspense was way too tempting. I wanted to know who and why, and it was definitely not what I was expecting.

 

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

 

About the Book:

Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job.

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead.

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again.

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late.

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.

 

Break My Fall is Coming Soon

Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn is about to be released.

Don't miss this new addition to her Gossamer Falls series!

Written in Secret ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for  

Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill hosted by  

JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

Written in Secret 

The Art of Love and Danger #1 

By Crystal Caudill 

Lydia Pelton finds herself in trouble with the law when she agrees to help out a friend. But that is nothing when someone decides to bring her writing out of the realm of fiction and into the real world. Lydia's mystery series meets out justice to those she feels have escaped it. Now someone has decided to use her stories as a blueprint. With a serial killer targeting her victims, Lydia finds her "hero" suspect number one. 

Officer Abraham Hall doesn't have time for Lydia's antics, and their first meeting is not about to be forgotten soon. First impressions aside, he is even more flabbergasted when Lydia's alter ego turns out to be prime suspect number one. 

 

But when the very city who embraced her hero, Billy Poe turns on him, Lydia's life just gets much more complicated. How can she prove that a character who is only a figment of her imagination is innocent? And when the good people of Cincinnati decide that her writing is it blame, how can she get the answers she seeks and keep her loved ones safe?

 

This is an interesting read that delves into more than just murder and motive, it examines the heart. Do the words we use make us guilty even if we don't do the deed? Is it the thought that counts? And then there is the question of justice, vengeance, and mercy. Which do we pass out? 

This is a book that makes you think and examine while entertaining. I love how the characters grapple with these very issues. This book was a page-turner that had some moments of levity, it isn't heavy or dreary. This is a historical romantic suspense that is well-worth reading. I love how Lydia compares what she is "experiencing" to how she writes the scenes. 

 

Of note: There are no overly graphic scenes, but there is enough description that one feels the scene. (Sensitive readers may find some scenes a little disturbing.)

 

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: Written in Secret 

Series: The Art of Love and Danger #1 

Author: Crystal Caudill 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 11, 2025 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. 

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. 

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available

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About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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