Virtually Me ~ Review

Virtually Me

By Chad Morris 

   and Shelly Brown

This school year will be different than any they have ever experienced before. With a pandemic changing everything, a new VR school is how Bradley, Edelle, and Hunter will experience the upcoming school year. 

Seeing this as a chance to reset their lives could make this the best year for some, while others see this as a significant setback to their entire existence. 

Bradley decides to make his avatar everything he isn't. He hopes to make friends and escape the public perception of who he is. And taking on a new persona is just how he plans to do this.

Edelle is in VR school because her mother doesn't like who she has become. Popularity was Edelle's goal, which affected her in ways she hadn't even realized. All Edelle wants is to get back to the life she had. And she refuses to let anyone know who she is in this new school since her mom insists that her avatar not be fashion heavy.

Hunter has a secret and doesn't want anyone to know about it. Attending this school is the perfect way to keep everyone in the dark. Now he just has to make sure he is the star that he was before.

The virtual reality portion of the book is interesting as it provides a chance for the various characters to change something about themselves. I can't say whether this was a realistic portrayal as I'm not familiar with VR personally, but I liked how this was the catalyst that allowed the main characters to change. Before, appearance was the driving factor in who was considered worthy of friendship or notice. This actually proved to be an equalizer in some respects. 

I highly recommend this book to middle-grade readers. It is an eye-opening experience. It entertains while sharing an important message about accepting a person for who they are as a whole and not because of outward appearance, athletic abilities, or other skills. Everyone is more than they appear at first. In this age of social media, I think this book is a must-read. As someone who was judged on the clothes I wore and even bullied in school, I applaud the authors on a well-delivered message. Sometimes we need to get in someone else's head to truly understand how they see a situation.

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:

A mysterious package. 

A new school. 

A chance to be someone new. 

A new virtual reality school where students get a fresh start. 

The pandemic was rough on everyone, especially since school went from being a fun place where you could hang out with your friends to a bunch of heads in small rectangles all trying to talk at once. For Bradley, Edelle, Hunter, Jasper, and Keiko, that’s about to change.

A mysterious box arrives at each of their houses, and they’re invited to attend a virtual school. More than just being online, they’ll be able to create an avatar of themselves and interact with their friends and other classmates in real time using VR headsets.

For each of them, that presents an opportunity to become someone they’re not, or someone they haven’t been. For Bradley, it’s a chance to come out of a self-imposed shell. Edelle hopes everyone will see her for who she really is, not just for how she looks. Hunter is looking forward to pretending he’s still the person he was last year. Jasper wants to get over past assumptions. And for Keiko, it’ll allow her to disappear into the crowd.

For all of them, it’s a chance to see just how much they’ve assumed about each other in the past and maybe an opportunity to become friends.

About the Authors: 

Chad Morris loves the VR set he got for Christmas and is much better at it than he is at video games, but that’s still not saying much. Still, he would love to try to keep his balance on Skatecoaster, laugh like crazy in The Furriest, and punch light blasts at alien bugs in Infestation ExtermiNation. He occasionally dances in public and is pretty terrible at social media. 

Shelly Brown went to junior high in a regular ol’ building (boring) and has never transformed into a round fuzzy animal. But she has been listening to K-pop since before BTS’s first album and feels a deep affection for well-made falafel pitas. She’s an aunt to some incredible young people, a substitute teacher, and a wannabe Kyoshi warrior. 

As a married couple, Chad and Shelly both love writing books and hanging out with each other and their five kids. They’re grateful they get to spend time with students in assemblies across the nation talking about topics from kindness to writing. 

Miss Newbury's List ~ Review

Miss Newbury's List

By Megan Walker

Rosalind Newbury is soon to be married, and she has a list things she is determined to accomplish before her wedding day. Rosalind is convinced that once she accomplishes these ten things, she'll be ready to marry, allowing her to find happiness in the arrangement with the Duke of Marlow. 

But three weeks to accomplish everything will take some strategic planning to keep her family in the dark about what she is about. After all, the future wife of a duke should not be learning to swim. or any of the other things Ros has determined to do. But she needs help, and unfortunately, the one person most likely to aid her endeavor is her best friend's cousin. 

Mr. Charles Winston has made a mess of his life. And he isn't about to improve it anytime soon, but he never planned on meeting Rosalind Newbury. When she manages to convince him to help her, in exchange for her silence, how can he refuse her? What neither expected was a friendship that would threaten Rosalind's future.

Miss Newbury's List is a lovely and delightful read. It is a standalone title that is full of depth that explores the expectations of duty versus the desires of the heart. How does one decide whether elevating one's family is more important than love? This is the decision that Rosalind faces. She knows her duty and is content with it until she meets Charlie, a man who sees her for who she is and not who she is expected to present herself as. 

I really enjoyed Miss Newbury's List, and I have to admit I was not sure where Rosalind would direct her future. She obviously cared about her family and wanted to help them, so she was torn when she met Charlie. And then there is Charlie, who is slipping lower in his family's estimation due to his behavior. Two more unlikely people in the estimation of those who knew them, but the heart isn't always to be understood by others. I would love to have a sequel that would follow Rosalind's brother Ben. Ben seemed more in tune with his sister's feelings and put this first in his thinking. Overall this is a book I have no reservations in recommending to fans of clean reads and Regency Romance.

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:

England, 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice. The marriage is more an agreement between two families and less a romantic connection between two hearts, but Rosalind becoming a duchess will elevate her family’s status to dizzying heights. And the duke is a kind man who will care for Rosalind, even if he doesn’t love her.

She only has three weeks before her life changes forever, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her days. As a child, Ros was inspired by her adventurous Aunt Alice and created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, Ros has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.

Of Mist and Mirrors ~ Review

Of Mist and Mirrors

Agents of the Convent #3

By Rebecca Connolly

Minerva Dalton (aka Mirrors) is undertaking her first long-term assignment posing as Lady Beddingsford when a most unexpected incident occurs at her first event - Lord Beddingsford appears. So she does the only thing possible - publicly greeting her long-absent husband.

Griffin Russell (aka Mist) is seeking information about a missing clerk. A clerk who could pose a security threat to England. What he didn't expect when taking on the persona of Lord Beddingsford was finding himself with a wife. A wife he has never met before. So he does the only thing he can - respond in kind to his wife's greeting.

Minerva and Griffin usually work without partners, but thanks to a lack of communication between the higher-ups, they are now forced to work together as husband and wife. And the eyes of society are on them. The only question is whether they can convince society that they are very happily married without killing each other when away from society's prying eyes.

Of Mist and Mirrors is the third book in the Agents of the Convent series and builds on the continuing thread that was introduced in the London League series, specifically To Sketch a Sphinx. I loved a specific scene in which Minerva and Griff are to be outfitted by Tilda and both are equally dreading the moment. Anyone who has read any previous books in which Tilda has been in will greatly enjoy these two operatives who face danger and possible death being afraid of a woman who is going to see that they are properly attired to catch Society's eye.

This is a fun read set during the Regency era. And I loved how these two characters set everything in motion with their first meeting. Presenting themselves as a married infatuated couple while away from the public eye they were anything but. Coming from two very different backgrounds one can see how that would be an issue and yet it also proved to be a strength when it came to their skills as operatives. And the cover of this book is perfect for what it is presenting.  If you have read any of the author's previous works you know what to expect and you won't be disappointed - danger, intrigue, humor, and romance all presented in a read that you won't be able to put down, at least I couldn't (can you say 5:00 am?). 

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

About the Book:

Minerva Dalton is an experienced operative among the Agents of the Convent and not easily ruffled by the nature of her work. But when the first social event of her assignment is interrupted by another operative using the same alias surname as her own, she has to make a sudden adjustment that changes the course of both missions. And that of her life.

Griffin Russell did not expect the surprise that was Minerva when he'd taken this assignment, but he was not about to argue with a woman who was stunning as well as dangerous. He takes up an unlikely partnership with her to protect them both from discovery and failure, and discovers just how skilled and accomplished an agent she truly is.

Working together, can they accomplish both missions and not kill each other in the process? Or will something far more complicated and far less expected arise from their predicament?

Ranch Under Fire ~ Review with extras

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ranch Under Fire 

by Tina Wheeler, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Ranch Under Fire 

By Tina Wheeler 

When a shooter enters her workplace, Bailey Scott takes cover before trying to escape from a masked killer. But the killer has a secret to protect, and Bailey is a threat. Fortunately (or not), Jackson Walker comes to Bailey's rescue. What does a handyman know about avoiding a determined killer? What Bailey doesn't know, and Jackson isn't at liberty to say, is that he is an undercover DEA agent. But for her safety, Bailey is kept in the dark. 

But when the killer seems to know their every move, Jackson fears that there may be a leak and nowhere will be safe. 

Ranch Under Fire is a standalone book that immediately throws one into the middle of the action. There is non-stop danger as Bailey and Jackson work together to figure out what is happening. 

This is the first book by Tina Wheeler that I have read, and her writing style is well-executed. The characters are believable, and of course, there are secrets that could destroy a possible romance. Ranch Under Fire is what one would expect from a Love Inspired Suspense offering. Danger, Suspense, Clean Reading, and the potential of a happy ending. 

The cover is what caught my eye first. I love books with horses, and though the horses are just the smallest part of the story, you can tell they are involved from this cover. 

I would love to revisit this setting and these characters if a sequel comes along, which is the highest praise one can offer an author. I recommend this book to fans of clean-reading romantic suspense. If you are a fan of  Virginia Vaughan, I would suggest Tina Wheeler as a read-alike author.

About the Book

Title: Ranch Under Fire 

Author: By Tina Wheeler 

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 

Release Date: January 24, 2023 

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense 

A witness on the run. 

A mission to survive. 

Fleeing after witnessing a shooting in her office, Bailey Scott must rely on cowboy Jackson Walker for protection when the gunman turns his sights on her. With a drug ring determined to silence her, Jackson promises to protect her at his ranch. But he’s an undercover DEA agent with secrets he can't reveal. Can he take down the criminals before their pursuers lead them straight into an inescapable trap? 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

PURCHASE LINKS: 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub   

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About the Author

Tina Wheeler is a retired teacher and award-winning author. Although she grew up near a desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an autographed copy of the book and a $15 Amazon card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on January 30, 2023, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2023. 

The winner 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.

The 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!

 

Yesterday's Tide ~ Review

Yesterday's Tide

By Roseanna M. White

Yesterday's Tide  is a delightful split-time book, which is one of my favorite types of Historical Fiction. The two settings are on Ocracoke Island, part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. As the story opens, we are introduced to two sets of characters whose lives are affected by war. 

In 1914, rumors of unrest had not yet drawn the world into conflict, but there's an underlying tension. Remington Culbreth is spending the summer on the island, hoping to put off a decision he doesn't want to make. He never expected to be drawn to Louisa Adair, a woman who is the opposite of everything his parents expect him to marry. Is this a summer romance or something more? But when war breaks out Remington must make a decision that could destroy his hopes for a future he longs to make his own.

In 1942, Ocracoke Island found itself on the front lines due to its coastal position. German U-boats have begun patrolling the sea lanes, threatening ships making use of the lanes. Evie Farrow has felt the pain these attacks have caused. When she finds Sterling Bertrand near her family's inn she knows that he was a victim of one of these attacks. But can she trust that he is an ally? Or could he be a threat to her family and friends? Is he truly tracking a threat on their shores? Can the two work together to stop a threat they never knew had made its way to Ocracoke, or will the secrets they hold keep them at arm's length?

I love how Roseanna M. White managed to thread characters from her other books into this one. The history and prejudices she managed to weave seamlessly into the story added a depth that made the story all the more meaningful. I can honestly say I can't pick a favorite character. I loved getting to know Evie and Louisa and their ties to both Ocracoke and their family.  

If you've never read any of Roseanna M. White's books before, this is a great book to start with, as it is a standalone title.  The writing is excellent, and the story is one that you'll want to reread. I highly recommend this book to readers of Historical Fiction, WWI, and WW2.  If you are part of a book club and are in need of a suggestion, this should move into your list.

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 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn't count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale.

Her Heart's Desire ~ Review

Her Heart's Desire

A Season in Pinecraft #1

By Shelley Shepard Gray

Mary Margaret Miller needs to escape her Amish community. A community that has judged and condemned her based on an incident in her past, an incident that was exacerbated by the malicious lies spread by others. A vacation in Pinecraft, Florida, seems the perfect way to escape her past and allow her to be herself. Perhaps even make a friend, someone who doesn't judge her before she has a chance to meet them.

Jayson Raber has decided to make his life better than it has been. His younger sister will be provided for, and he'll have a steady job. The only catch is he has agreed to marry a girl back in Kentucky. This vacation in Pinecraft will be his last on his own. But then he meets Mary. Surely a vacation friendship is okay. 

Her Heart's Desire is the first book in the A Season in Pinecraft series. For those who don't know, Pinecraft, Florida, is a vacation destination favored by the Amish because of the small Amish / Mennonite community that calls it home. This community offers the various characters who have made this vacation destination a safe place to leave their cares and worries behind. But all too soon, the past has a way of catching up.  Each character - Mary, Betsy, Lilly, Esther, Jayson, and Michael - faces choices. Choices to remain trapped by the past with its judgments, fears, and hurts or to embrace a new future one not dictated by what was but rather what will be. I enjoyed getting to know each character as they tried to decide what would come next. Taking an honest look at one's life is often a difficult thing to do. They needed friends to help them see themselves. 

This is a contemporary fiction with a touch of romance. In my opinion, friendship is the many focus of the book. Everyone needs a friend. Friends help us deal with times of pain. They accept us for who we are, but they also help us grow to our fuller potential. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and just what comes next for these new friends.

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:

What happens when we allow our 

pasts to define our futures?

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she's amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky--including a girl he's supposed to marry.

When someone from Mary's past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that's nothing compared to what's coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.

Take a vacation with New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray as she explores what happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures in this story of friendship, romance, and new beginnings.

Bonita Creek ~ Series Spotlight and Excerpts

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for the Bonita Creek series 

by June McCrary Jacobs, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Title: Robin's Reward 

Series: Bonita Creek #1 

Author: June McCrary Jacobs 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: May 2021 (re-release) 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Is a relationship that began with both parties harboring secrets destined to survive?

Welcome to friendly Bonita Creek, a small town in the Coastal Mountains of the Mendocino Coast of California . . . 

Bonita Creek’s librarian, Robin Bennett, is heartbroken after being abandoned by her husband, Thomas. Mysterious Jeff Clarke arrives in town unexpectedly and touches Robin’s life with his wit and warmth. Without warning, Jeff’s harsh words and abrasive actions scare her off, and Robin’s hope of finding true, long-lasting love withers again. 

Can the couple move past their troubles and the obstacles in their path to find love and happiness together? Jeff and Robin must use their faith and their newly-forged bond with each other to remain strong and true. Will it be enough for them to embrace a life of love, trials, and blessings . . . together? 

'Robin's Reward,' Book One in the Bonita Creek Series, is a contemporary Christian romance story which is completely clean in language and content.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository | BookBub

Excerpt:

         Robin put on her sunglasses as they headed toward the park across the street. "Ready for the

official tour now?" she asked.

       "Whenever you're ready."

       "This is Veterans Memorial Park. My Grandpa John Chaplin's name is on the World War II

memorial wall here. He was in the Army and was wounded in Europe. I think it was in France.

After he recuperated, he worked in intelligence at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., until the war

ended. He worked on codes and communications."

       "Sounds like a smart man."

       "He was. He was intelligent, clever, compassionate, and kind. I was blessed to have him as

my grandfather. His name is also shown on the Korean War memorial wall over here."

        They walked further into the park to see the Korean War wall.

       "He served in both wars?" Jeff asked.

      "Yes. In the Korean War he was stationed in South Korea and saw some combat.

Fortunately, he wasn't wounded in that conflict," Robin said with a slight smile.

      "I'm in awe of anyone who saw combat in not only one, but two wars!" Jeff replied.

      "It's pretty amazing, isn't it?" she asked.

     "Definitely amazing. Maybe more like astonishing since I don't come from a military family.

Is this all right?" Jeff gestured to a bench engulfed with shade.

      "Yes, it's nice and cool here."

     They both sat down and then Jeff handed Robin her ice-cold smoothie. She slid the straw

through the lid and took her first sip.

     "Delicious. Thanks."

    "You're welcome. Tell me more about your family." Jeff sat back with his legs stretched in front of him and began sipping his smoothie through his straw.

     "My grandparents raised me from the time I was fourteen. My mother died of colon cancer

after a lengthy battle. My dad was an emotional wreck after she died. We appeared on his

parents' doorstep in Bonita Creek one July afternoon about three months after Mom's death. He asked his parents to look after me while he tried to 'find himself.'"

© June McCrary Jacobs, 2015

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Title: Jorie's Journey 

Series: Bonita Creek #2 

Author: June McCrary Jacobs 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: May, 2022 

Genre: Christian Western Contemporary Romance 

  

After an idyllic life scarred by a traumatic event, is Jorie Woodstone ready to move forward to share her life's journey with a man who loves her unconditionally? 

Welcome back to friendly Bonita Creek, a small town in the Coastal Mountains of the Mendocino Coast of California . . . 

Jorie Woodstone is the owner and operator of the wildly successful Cowgirl Bakery in Old Town Bonita Creek. She appears to have it all. She is musically gifted and belongs to a warm, loving, supportive family, but she's built a brick fortress around her heart after being traumatized by an acquaintance in an unforgettable event three years earlier. 

Join this talented, spirited cowgirl as she journeys on through life's joys and sorrows with faith, strength, courage, and love on the road to true happiness. 

'Jorie's Journey,' Book Two in the Bonita Creek Series, is a contemporary Christian Western romance story that is completely clean in language and content.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Excerpt:

     As she approached the front counter in her Cowgirl Bakery shop located on Main Street

in old town Bonita Creek, California, Jorie Woodstone wiped her wet hands on the fluffy towel

buttoned to her crisp white apron. Her long, thick hair was pulled into a ponytail peeking out

from beneath her red gingham scarf. An urge to make a detour to check her reflection in the

nearby mirror kicked in when the man standing at the counter turned to face her. His emerald

green eyes were set off by a head of thick, wavy dark brown hair.

     Jorie recited her usual greeting, "Hi, may I help you?" in a slightly more-friendly-than-

usual tone. To her surprise, the newcomer was so busy checking her out that he hesitated for

nearly thirty seconds before responding. When he spoke, his rich southern baritone vibrated

through her ears.

     "Hello, miss. I need to pick up a couple of pies to take over to my friend's house for

Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. The Cowgirl Bakery was highly recommended to me by my

hostess at the bed and breakfast inn where I'm staying. Please don't let me down by telling me it's

too late to order pies for the occasion." His mouth settled into a sweet pout.

     "What flavors did you have in mind?" Jorie tried to sound thrilled to have his business at

this late hour. In truth, she was exhausted from the multitude of Thanksgiving orders for pies and

other baked goods she'd received from her ultra-supportive hometown. She dreamed of going

home early tonight to soak her exhausted body in a luxurious bubble bath and watch a couple of

episodes of her favorite Masterpiece Mystery series.

     "What do you recommend? I mean, you're the one who works in a bakery and all."

     "I think it's always nice to offer an assortment of pies. How about one organic apple

cinnamon and one organic pumpkin nutmeg? Most people seem to like one or both of those

flavors."

      "I'm from New Orleans, so I was dreaming of a pecan pie . . ."

      "No can do," Jorie clipped off. "We don't usually do pecan pie here in California. Well, I mean we don't do pecan pie without some advance notice. It's too late to order organic pecans for tomorrow."

     "What a shame," the customer shook his head sadly. "Well, I guess I'll just have to accept

the fact tomorrow will be my first Thanksgiving feast ever without a slice or two or three of

pecan pie."

     He looked as if he were already grieving the loss of pecan pie on his Thanksgiving menu.

     Jorie felt a twinge of regret for his loss, but the line of customers behind him was stacking up and

she was short-handed today. Her most-experienced employee, Connie, had requested the day off

so that she and her husband could travel to spend the holiday with their family in Idaho. Her

other experienced employee, James, was home nursing a bad case of strep throat and was unable

to serve the public.

     She wanted nothing more than to hurry this man along. However, she accepted long ago

the reality that a large part of being a successful small business owner was to project the image

that said owner actually enjoyed working with the public. She always attempted to give the

illusion of being the queen of customer service in Bonita Creek.

© June McCrary Jacobs, 2022

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Title: Christmas in Bonita Creek 

Series: Bonita Creek #3 

Author: June McCrary Jacobs 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: December 2022 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance with Military Elements

After seeing more than two years of combat in the Korean War, will the homecoming of two men from Bonita Creek be filled with the joy and romance they are yearning for, or will it bring them even more heartache?

It's late summer 1952, in friendly Bonita Creek, a small town in the Coastal Mountains of the Mendocino Coast of California . . . 

Estelle Vincent is missing her older brother, Sam, and her fiancé, John Chaplin, who are far away fighting for the US Army in the Korean War. They've been gone for more than two long years, and she is feeling out of sorts. 

When she has a frank discussion with her mother, Estelle realizes that she is not the only one who has been moody and bored with her uneventful life. Her mother's words inspire Estelle and catapult her into action organizing a community holiday project for the children and teens whose parents work for Mountainside Ranch outside of town. 

As the story deepens, Estelle learns that several people close to her are harboring secrets—including her mother, brother, and best friend. She learns to be flexible and understanding as she looks outside of her own life and examines the impact of unforeseen events on those closest to her heart. 

Join this intelligent, strong-willed hometown young woman as she navigates the obstacles and challenges of life with hope, perseverance, faith, courage, and love on her road to a brighter future filled with dreams come true. 

'Christmas in Bonita Creek,' Book Three in the Bonita Creek Series, is a historical Christian holiday romance story which is completely clean in language and content.

PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon | BookBub

Excerpt:

    Estelle sat quietly for a few moments before she smiled. She had been in love with John
since she was barely seventeen, much too young to marry according to her mother. At that time,
Sam and John were serving in Europe in World War II. Since John had been her brother's best
friend since childhood, Estelle felt like she knew him well even though he was five and a half
years older than she. Now at the ripe old age of twenty-four, Estelle knew her mother had been
right all along.
     By the time both men returned from Europe in mid-1945, Estelle had blossomed from a
lanky teen into a pretty young woman. When she turned eighteen, John asked Mr. Vincent's
permission to date his only daughter. The Vincents trusted John completely, so he and Estelle
began dating.
    It didn't take either of them long to discover that they were meant for each other. Estelle's
spirited, independent, outgoing personality perfectly complemented John's serious, intelligent,
reserved nature. They enjoyed going on long walks, fishing, swimming, going to the theater to
see movies and plays, and attending church services and events together.
    When Estelle turned twenty-one in 1949, John proposed to her at Evergreen Pond where
they liked to go to picnic and fish. She was taken completely by surprise when he proposed.
Without hesitation, she accepted; and John gave her a modest diamond ring set in gold. They
agreed to wait until the autumn of 1950 to marry.
     Unfortunately, like many young couples across the nation, fate had other plans for the
pair. In late June of 1950, President Truman entered the United States into the Korean War after
North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. Sam and John were reactivated into the US
Army and were swiftly sent to Korea to join the military ranks fighting against the threat of
Communism.

© June McCrary Jacobs, 2022

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Box Set Sale

$5.99 for a limited time

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About the Author

June McCrary Jacobs's debut novella, 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom', was the winner of Cedar Fort Publishing's 2013 Holiday Tale Contest. 'Robin's Reward', a Christian contemporary romance, is set in the Mendocino coastal region of California. It is Book One in the 'Bonita Creek Series' and was originally released in 2015; the second edition of the book was released in July 2022. The second book in the series, 'Jorie's Journey', was released in late May of 2022. The third book in the series, a Christian historical romance, 'Christmas in Bonita Creek

', was released in December 2022. 'Romance By Proxy' is a later-in-life clean, wholesome romance set in Humboldt County on the Northern Coast of San Francisco, which was released in August 2021. June's Christian historical romance short story, 'Handmade Hearts', was inspired by the true story of how June's aunt and uncle met in New Orleans during World War II and was released in December 2018. June's debut middle-grade novel, 'RES-Q Tyler Stop', a historical novel set in Sonoma County, California, in 1968, was released in the spring of 2019. In early 2022 she published two short story collections for children entitled, 'Carter's Cookies & More Family Stories for Children' and 'Banjo & More Pet Stories for Children'. As a retired elementary school teacher and literacy mentor, June finds writing for children to be a rewarding and challenging experience.

Connect with June by visiting authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogspot.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon Gift card + Bonita Creek Series e-books!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on January 18, 2023, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 25, 2023. 

The winner 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/CAN only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The 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!