The Stand-In ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

The Stand-In by Kit Hawthorne, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Stand-In 
By Kit Hawthorne 

It took a bit for me to actually get into this story and what was going on. Things like why Tamryn was so opposed to seeing anything beyond her bedroom walls, her barely suppressed anger at her mother, and such. Now don't get me wrong, I could easily disappear from the outside world and be content hanging with my dogs, but I'm not seeing Tamryn chilling out with pets, nope she stuck in a hole of depression and anger. 

Enter mom with a plan, a plan that brings Halverson (call me Hal now) Ramsay Ford back into Tamryn's life when mom organizes a pool party for an informal high school reunion/get together to hopefully knock her daughter back into life from her self-imposed prison of solitude, dark bedroom, and noise cancelling-earphones. (Yup that was one wordy sentence.) But guess what? Mom knows best, as you'll soon discover, at least in getting Tamryn to acknowledge that there is something worth exploring beyond the walls of her room.

This book then takes us on a discovery about who we are and can one reinvent oneself following tragedy or a life changing event. How do we know when this change in others is honestly who they have become or a carefully constructed mask? Can hurts and betrayals of the past keep us trapped in the past, the familiarity of pain more comforting that the possibility of something better? These are the questions that Hal and Tamryn must face as they navigate the new and unfamiliar path before them set in motion by a concerned and loving parent.

This was an interesting read that falls into the realm of contemporary romance with all its confusion of questions and emotions what should I do, what do I want? 

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

About the Book

Title: The Stand-In 
Author: Kit Hawthorne 
Publisher: Highsmith Books 
Release Date: October 13, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

He reinvented himself. Now the truth could cost him everything. 

For years, Halverson Ramsay Ford cultivated a reputation for brilliance and reckless arrogance. But after a devastating accident leaves him with a permanent limp, the notorious biotech genius disappears from public view…and emerges as a very different man. 

Intelligent, sensitive, and scarred by a past betrayal, librarian Tamryn Page has no interest in falling for a charming billionaire—especially one with Hal’s history. Yet the man she comes to know is thoughtful, vulnerable, and kind, with a love of history and literature to match her own. 

But the relationship is built on a lie. And when the truth comes to light, it threatens to destroy not only the future of Hal’s company, but the trust of the only woman who has ever truly seen him. 

Now Hal must choose whether to step out from behind the identity he created—or lose the woman he loves forever.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KitHawthorne.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

A lifelong resident of the American South, Kit Hawthorne lives on a Texas farm that’s been in her husband’s family for two centuries. She used to play in a Celtic folk band, and the only sport she understands is Highland games.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a copy of The Stand-In and a $30 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 19, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Crestwood Ranger ~ Cover Reveal

Welcome to the Cover Reveal Blitz for
Crestwood Ranger by Jessica Ashley,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Crestwood Ranger 

Series: Ridge Defenders #1 

Author: Jessica Ashley 

Publisher: B.A.D. Publishing, LLC (self) 

Release Date: February 22, 2027 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

A wounded Ranger. 

        A mother on the run. 

                                            One cabin, 

        and nowhere left to hide. 

 Norah has run as far as she can. With an abusive ex-husband hunting her, and a blizzard swallowing the mountain, she carries her five-year-old son toward the only light for miles. But the man who opens the door just wants to be left alone. Former Army Ranger Theo Dancer lost his unit to betrayal and has spent every day since refusing to forgive himself for surviving. Determined to die alone in the mountains like he should have in that desert, he lives completely secluded from everyone. And then she shows up. Battered, broken, and carrying a little boy with bright eyes and a heart full of hope. The last thing Theo wants is a complication. But when it becomes clear that Norah isn’t just running from a storm, he jumps back into the fight. Keeping her alive means trusting her. But trusting anyone means opening a door he nailed shut the day he lost his brothers.

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Ready to see the cover?

PREORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author: 

Jessica Ashley is a three-time award winning author of faith-filled stories where swoony romance meets edge-of-your-seat suspense. Her stories serve as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God's love shines through with hope, healing, and redemption. When she's not writing, she's homeschooling her three kids, baking homemade bread, or sneaking in quiet moments with her husband in their New Hampshire home. 

GRITTY READS FULL OF GRACE.

You can find out more about her on her website.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 gift card to the author's website shop 

and a signed copy of SEAL of Courage!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Coordinates of Death ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Coordinates of Death by Darlene L. Turner, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Coordinates of Death 

Arctic Protectors #2 

By Darlene L. Turner 

Corporal Aurora (aka Rory) Hunt's past is about to become part of a serial killer's twisted game of cat-and-mouse. Her deepest-held secrets are about to be held against her, taunting her, wounding her all over again. She is determined to get the person who eluded her two years ago. But she needs help, so she reaches out to childhood friend Kordell (aka Kord) Greene, as part of the Canadian Watchers Squad for assistance.

Kord has his own painful past, one filled with secrets, foster homes, and time as a teen runaway before he was adopted by Maxwell Greene. (I'm not sure how Rory reconnected with him or what his former last name was.) But he is determined to do what needs to be done to help her and keep her safe. The feelings they felt as teens are given a chance to be revisited after years of separation, and when a serial killer has you in their sights, that is not a good thing.

I found this book to be much darker than I had anticipated. The murder scenes had some definite eww factors, nothing overly graphic, but still disturbing, which may or may not have been made worse as I was suffering from a nauseating headache during the reading (full disclosure here).  And the killer, yeah, truly sick. (Can't say more because it would be a spoiler even if subtle.) Would not recommend reading right before bed; aim for daylight hours and go outside for breaths of fresh air and sunshine.

This book was decidedly twisted, delving into past pains, manipulating people, and just plain evil on the part of the villain. And the climax definitely played into creepy vibes as Aurora, Kordell, the Watcher Squad, and the Sweetwood Falls police force work to outsmart a killer who is more than two steps ahead of them in this twisted "game" of revenge.

There are potential triggers in this book that I was unaware of before I agreed to read it that you may want to be aware of: (in the past, various characters experienced) rape, miscarriage, kidnapping, abuse, and death of a loved one.

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

About the Book 

Title: Coordinates of Death 
Series: Arctic Protectors #2 
Author: Darlene L. Turner 
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: October 6, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Thriller

A police officer will do anything to catch the serial killer that got away—even if it means playing a deadly game in the icy wilderness. 

Sweetwood Falls, Yukon, has seen too much terror for one small town. Corporal Aurora Hunt still blames herself for not catching the Shadow Box Killer before five women lost their lives. The killings stopped two years ago, and her colleagues believe the murderer is dead. But Aurora isn’t convinced. 

A chilling discovery on a winter’s morning confirms her fears. The crime scene is all too familiar—a woman’s mutilated body, and beneath it, a box containing a gruesome souvenir. But this time, there’s a special message, daring Aurora to play a game that will lead her into the wilderness to try and save the next victim. 

Canadian Watcher Squad survivalist Kordell Greene is part of the past that Aurora has tried to put behind her. He’s also the only person equipped to guide her through this deadly terrain. But somehow, the killer knows all their secrets. Solving cryptic clues as they battle the elements, Aurora and Kordell must confront dark truths they’ve withheld, even from each other. And always, the Shadow Box Killer is one step ahead, drawing them deeper into a twisted game where the slightest mistake may be their last.  

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

 

Darlene L. Turner is a New York Times and 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

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 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.

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Sanctuary and Sabotage ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sanctuary and Sabotage 
Guarded Hearts #2 
By Lori DeJong 

Guilt over a failed mission finds Trevor Paxton returning to his hometown of Bandry, Texas, but when an emergency finds him reconnecting with a childhood friend after sixteen years, he's more than shocked at the changes in her life. Kinsley Talbot has taken over her late father's veterinary practice, turning it into a world-class operation. She's no longer the pigtailed tomboy who tagged along with her big brother Eli, and Trevor's best friend.

When a series of suspicious incidents start occurring at Kinsley's clinic, Trevor suspects someone has nefarious intentions and is targeting Kinsey or her clinic. The question is who and why. Soon Trevor has a list of possible suspects who have motives, but can he convince Kinsey to let him help her with what he does best?

Sanctuary and Sabotage is the second book in the Guarded Hearts series and is as good as the first book, but it can be enjoyed without reading the first book. This is one book I kept reading wanting to get the end just to find out who was trying to hurt or destroy Kinsey. And then waiting for Kinsey and Trevor admit to each other what was weighing so heavily on their hearts and minds, I was like, "Just say something, it's obvious that they know you are not admitting what is really bothering you." But overall, this was a good read that I'm pleased to recommend if you are looking a new Romantic Suspense option to add to your TBR pile.

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

About the Book

Title: Sanctuary and Sabotage 
Series: Guarded Hearts #2 
Author: Lori DeJong 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: September 15, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them. 

Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future. 

When Kinsley’s clinic is sabotaged and her barn goes up in flames, Trevor’s instincts tell him she's in danger. But Kinsley refuses his help, determined to protect her family’s legacy without revealing the secret that could bring it all down. 

As threats close in and old feelings rekindle, Trevor makes a quiet choice that could cost him her trust. To save Kinsley, he’ll have to expose his own subterfuge—and convince her that love sometimes means standing guard, even from the shadows. 

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning 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.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. 

Lori loves to write about love and romance with a touch of suspense, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly. 

Lori is an ACFW Genesis Award winner, four-time Selah Award finalist, two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, has been awarded an Angel Award, and placed second in the FHL Reader's Choice Awards. She's also a member of several organizations, including ACFW, Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers, Novel Academy, CenTex Christian Writers, among others. You can visit Lori at https://loridejongwrites.com and sign up for her newsletter for writing updates, book recommendations, a monthly giveaway, and more.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus a signed copy of both Mistletoe and Malice and Sanctuary and Sabotage!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Cascade ~ Review

Cascade

The Waterfall Mysteries #3

By Linda K. Rodante

The book opens with Sid Martin and his friend Richard climbing a Waterfall early one morning while Christa Henson feels an internal prodding to head to the same area. What follows is a double shooting and unanswered questions about who and why that Sid and Christa decide to investigate. 

Now this book has two main characters with a whole lot of baggage in their pasts and of course it plays into the current day. Sid and Christa develop feelings during the course of their investigation, an investigation that brings them into even more danger. There are bears, killers, and a bunch of angry people who may or may not be involved in the initial shooting.

This was a shorter read that would appeal to readers who don't wants lots of graphic descriptions. I found the romance to be a bit rushed and had a bit more kissing than I prefer, but nothing overly descriptive, just my personal comfort reading level preferrence.

I will say that it was not surprising that the victim (not Sid's friend Richard) was shot, not that I think that is the answer to handling anything, but I could see how it happened. The guy was a jerk, and that is being kind. 

There are references to past relationships that were not chaste, nothing is shown just referenced. Additional issues that are referenced include spouse loss and drinking which the MCs are dealing with and are major points in their pasts that find them in the here and now of this book.

I have not read the previous books in this series but was able to easily read Cascade as a standalone title.

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

About the Book:

A fresh start in the Tennessee mountains was supposed to bring peace. 

Instead, it brought a killer.

Crista Henson fled to a quiet Tennessee town to rebuild her shattered life, trading her past for a fresh start as a vacation planner and a deeper reliance on God. She wants peace. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a deadly web of secrets with enough suspects to challenge Hercule Poirot himself. She never planned on playing amateur sleuth—and she certainly didn't plan on Sid Martin.

Sid is running from his own devastating past, swearing off the wilderness forever.
But when a friend lures him back, a desperate cry for help and a brutal attempted murder force him to confront his guilt and his fears.

As their investigation expands and danger closes in, can Crista and Sid narrow the suspects in time to prevent their own demise?

Clean Romance
Brainy Mystery
Multiple suspects
Twists and turns
Suspense
Small town
Tennessee mountains
Rock climbing
Beautiful waterfalls
Swoony hero
Strong, relatable heroine
Faith and forgiveness

Sabotage Games ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sabotage Games 
Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #3 
By Danielle Grandinetti 

First off can I just say, I love the cover of this book. Oh wait, I just did. But it is super cute and works so well with the main character's love of sports. Emma Hancock loves sports, especially baseball, and she is super excited that she will be reporting from the third Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. As a female sports journalist, she's thrilled with the opportunity.

But soon she is putting her investigative skills to a much bigger task when various athletes are forced out of their competitions. Conveniently timed illnesses seem too suspicious in Emma's journalistic mind.  

So, what's girl to do?

Investigate, of course.

If you loved girl sleuths of the past, think Nancy Drew, Donna Parker, Trixie Belden, and Brenda Starr (used bookstore junky here), you will love Emma Hancock, the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, and their journalists. 

But there is more to this book than Emma Hancock and the investigative nature it delved into. We are introduced to the Callahan family, Ryan who is competing as a speed skater and Meg who is demonstrating the same sport in the hopes it will become an official Olympic sport in the next Olympic Games.  The Callahan family opened their home to Emma and her fellow journalist, Lena Carney, so that they would have a safe place to stay during their time away from Chicago.

As Ryan and Emma begin working together they discover an unexpected connection that could lead to something more. But both have plans for their future and live in different areas of the country. But as a friend points out to Ryan, he's an athlete hoping to compete in the Summer Games in Los Angeles later that year and Emma is a sports journalist. I have say it was strange thinking of Olympic taking place in the same year, I mean I know it used to be that way, but not for awhile.

I found the mystery aspect of this story interesting and was a tad shocked when a climactic moment occurred - let's just say I never saw it coming. Overall, I give this book a resounding Must Read to Reread vote. A want to reread is the ultimate like of a book in my opinion.

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

About the Book

Title: Sabotage Games 
Series: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #3 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: September 22, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

Who will pay the ultimate price for Olympic Gold? 

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock is determined to claim her place in the press box, despite the male colleagues who slam the door in her face. But when a mysterious illness begins systematically sidelining athletes, Emma’s gift for spotting patterns reveals a plot far more sinister than mere competition. 

With the Games in his own backyard, Olympic sprinter Ryan Callahan laces up his speed skates to compete in his first winter games. He has no time for distractions—especially not the inconvenience of the beautiful female journalist staying as a guest in his family’s crowded home. 

But when the pattern of sabotage deepens, Emma and Ryan must work together to follow the threads before they become the next targets to fall. 

La Verità con Integrità. 

Truth with Integrity. 

The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.  

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery This page-turning novel offers a sweet, slow-burn romance mixed with cozy suspense. Set during the historic III Olympic Winter Games—the first year women’s speed skating was featured—it unfolds against the snow-covered, high-stakes press boxes of Lake Placid, New York, in 1932. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and J’nell Ciesielski looking for an inspirational read.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Danielle Grandinetti's Shop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Undercover Wish & Eyewitness Sketch!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 29, 2026. 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.

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The Ballerina's Bargain ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Ballerina's Bargain 

Danforth Theatre #1 

By Lorri Dudley 

Emmeline Laurent has spent most of her life dancing and hiding. Her parents were victims of a betrayal during the French Revolution, and since then she and her guardian have been hiding her identity, never staying anywhere if danger came near. And Emmeline dances, her skill unmatched, though she stays in the shadows, never a lead dancer. She shares her love of dance with the petite ballerinas as their instructor. But when the future of the Danforth Theatre is in doubt, she begs the new owner not to sell it to a man of pure evil.

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, did not know that he had inherited a theatre following his father's death. No, he was surprised that this, along with his father's debts, was draining the entire estate, threatening not only the estate's future financial security but also his sister's education and dowries. He sees no way forward but to sell the theatre until a plea of desperation prompts him to look more closely at the situation, to look beneath the facade. 

But how can he choose between his family and the young dancers of the theatre? Could Miss Laurent be telling him the truth when she promises that the Danforth will become profitable? And just how will she do so? 

This book examines the dangers these young women/girls faced who undertook such a life and why they did so. And the disrespect they faced from society's elite. The term gentleman for some of these men was merely a title to allow despotic behavior with little to no consequences.

What I did like was Grant's determination to not be one of those gentlemen, to be someone who treated people for who they were, not because they had a title or wealth. And Emmeline's story was tragic, and when the full truth was revealed... let's just say this is one that has to be read to fully understand just how great a tragedy it was. And before you start worrying, this book does have a satisfying ending that points to better days and a HEA. 

This is a Historical Regency Romance that delves into a world of contrasts while staying true to one's faith and conscience in the face of resistance, fear, and both societal and familial expectations. I'm interested in where this series goes with book two - those involved in the theatre or Grant's younger siblings?

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

About the Book

Title: The Ballerina's Bargain 
Series: Danforth Theatre #1 
Author: Lorri Dudley 
Publisher: Wild Heart Books 
Release Date: September 8, 2026 
Genre: Historical Regency Romance

A burdened earl. A determined ballerina. Saving the theatre was part of their bargain. Losing their hearts wasn't.  

London, 1815 

Emmeline Laurent has survived by grace and grit. After her parents' execution in France, she has learned to live unseen as a humble ballerina instructing young pupils in a small London theatre. When whispers spread that the Danforth Theatre may be sold to an unscrupulous buyer, Emmeline fears not only for her livelihood but for the safety of her impressionable students. With no time and no options, she does the only thing she knows to do: leap into a moving carriage and bargain with the new lord who holds their fate. 

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has inherited the crushing weight of duty along with a failing theatre, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters to usher into society, and a mountain of his father's secrets. Selling the Danforth is the only way to save his family from ruin. The last thing he needs is a beautiful, infuriatingly determined ballerina turning his careful plans upside down. 

But when Emmeline's hidden past begins surfacing and the danger circling the theatre proves far deadlier than either of them realized, Grant must choose between the life he planned and the one God may have been preparing all along.  

For fans of Roseanna M. White and Jen Turano — a sweeping Regency romance about the grace found in surrender, the courage it takes to trust, and the God who makes a way when every door seems closed.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Wild Heart Books | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Lorri Dudley is the bestselling author of The Leeward Island Series and The Agents of Espionage Series. She has a master’s degree in psychology and lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a prize bundle with reading blanket, socks, and candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 8, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 2026. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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The Art of Writing 2026

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the 

Art of Writing 2026, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Conference

The Art of Writing conference will be held on November 6 in Nashville at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel, Tennessee. This focused, four-session conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing professionals, curated by Thomas Nelson Fiction's Laura Wheeler.

 

Session One: State of the Industry: What's Changing, What's Selling, and What You Can Do About It

The Christian fiction marketplace is shifting—and the authors who thrive will be the ones who understand why. This panel of publishing professionals opens with a data-driven look at the current state of Christian publishing, drawing on the latest market research to map what's actually moving books today. From there, the conversation gets practical: how platform sales really work, what authors can do to actively support their books, and why audio is the format no one can afford to ignore. Whether you're traditionally published or exploring indie paths, you'll leave with a clearer picture of the industry landscape and concrete next steps for your own author education. 

Panel moderated by Laura Wheeler, and featuring Kelsey Bowen, Stephanie Broene, Nick Gilbert, Becky Monds, and Kerri Potts.

Session Two: AI and the Christian Author: Ethics, Opportunity, and a Rapidly Changing Landscape

 

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape faster than anyone predicted—and for many authors, it's raising as many questions as it eyebrows. This panel brings together diverse industry voices to cut through the noise with clarity and hard-won wisdom. What can AI legitimately help you do? Where are the ethical lines—and why do they keep moving? What do you need to know to protect yourself legally and act with integrity as a creative? This session is about being informed, staying anchored in your values, and navigating a fast-changing landscape with wisdom. 

Panel moderated by Jeff Crosby, and featuring Chad Harrington, Hannah Johnson, and Joshua Tallent. 

Session Three: Soul of the Writer, Heart of the Story: Writing Fiction That Reaches Every Reader

The metrics are loud. The algorithms are relentless. And somewhere in the middle of it all, there's a writer trying to create something that actually matters. This session begins with the writer and asks what it takes to stay spiritually and creatively whole in an industry that never stops measuring. From that foundation, the conversation moves into craft: how do you write fiction that carries deep conviction without losing readers who don't share your faith? What's the difference between a story that illuminates and one that lectures? How do you make those choices at the level of character, scene, and structure? This is a session for authors who believe their stories are for something—and want to write them in a way that proves it. 

Panel moderated by Amanda Cox, and featuring Amanda Dykes, T.I. Lowe, Johanna Vann, and Roseanna M. White. 

Session Four: Fix That Manuscript: Inside the Author-Editor Relationship 

What actually happens when an editor gets their hands on your manuscript—and how do the best author-editor partnerships improve the work without making it smaller? This Q&A session pulls back the curtain on the editorial process with real manuscript pages, real edits, and a real conversation between an author and editor who have done this work together. You'll learn the difference between different levels of editing and walk away with a clearer understanding of what to expect—and how to get the most—from your editorial relationships. 

Panel featuring Laura Wheeler, Vanessa Miller, and Marybeth Whalen.

Learn More about Art of Writing 2026

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New: Beyond the Books

Add-On: Get to Know the Finalist Authors during this special morning gathering of authors and readers. 

Meet and hear the hearts of the 2026 finalist authors in this intimate time of connection between authors and their readers, hosted by Amanda Dykes and ECPA President Jeff Crosby. Available to anyone registering for a single event or the bundle. Featured finalist authors will be posted on The Christy Award website after the Finalists Reveal webinar.

Learn More about Beyond the Books

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The Christy Award Finalists Reveal

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in nine categories live on September 11 at 10 a.m. CST, featuring Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

“With each passing year, I am more aware of the power that stories have to communicate goodness, truth, beauty and hope in our world,” states ECPA president Jeff Crosby. “And because of that, I am honored to be associated with the annual Christy Gala, which honors excellence in Christian fiction, and the Art of Writing conference that nurtures the work of writers of faith and contributes tools as they refine their craft.” The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award events

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 11, 2026. 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!