English

7.03.2023

Love on Camera ~ Review

Love on Camera
The Wonder Boys #1
By Dana LeCheminant
Narrated By Mari Bee and Jon Brattin

Who doesn't love being read to? Yes, I know that some people prefer to read a book themselves, but if you are one of those who have fond memories of being read to, this audio edition of Love On Camera is a fun way to experience this book. The narration by Mari Bee and Jon Brattin is well-done and keeps the story moving so that one's attention is held throughout the reading. 

I have read Dana LeCheminant's historical fiction offerings in the past and have greatly enjoyed them. So her contemporary offerings were new to me. I have to say this was a fun and enjoyable read (or listen). The characters were engaging, and the story was unique. 

Ten dates over a couple months, ugh. But for the chance to get more exposure for her photography business, Madi agrees to this bet. But to get out of actually dating anyone, she enlists her older brother's best friends to play the role. They all just have to pretend to have just met, no problem. Right??

But working in ten fake dates around everyone's schedules is more than a little challenging. Fortunately, Oliver is usually available. Having sold his business, he has time to fill. And what better way to fill it than spending time with Madi, his best friend for years.

This is a cute read and one that is a great break from the daily stress of work. At just under 7-3/4 hours, it is an easy listen. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait until the rest of the series makes the transition to audio. But while I wait, I'm moving the eBook versions into my digital library TBR!

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



About the Book:
Madi doesn’t have time to date. Oliver has all the time in the world.

When wedding photographer Madi is challenged to find herself ten dates in three months, she turns to her older brother’s three best friends to be her stand-ins. It helps her win the challenge without having to deal with the stress of dating. What could go wrong?

Since selling his company, Oliver hasn’t had much to do, and helping Madi has given his life meaning again. But when she asks him to pose as her boyfriend—more than just a date here and there—he suddenly finds himself questioning his feelings toward the girl he always saw as a little sister. Feelings that would get him murdered by his best friend.

No one sees the real Oliver the way Madi does, and Madi has never been as comfortable around anyone as she is with Oliver. With the fake part of their relationship feeling less and less fake, they both have to decide if they’re brave enough to take that first step toward something real. Is a chance at love worth risking a lifetime of friendship?

6.30.2023

Her Only Wish ~ Review

Her Only Wish
A Season in Pinecraft #2
By Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Only Wish follows Betsy Detweiler, whom we were introduced to in Her Heart's Desire. Betsy has decided to return to Pinecraft, Florida, in an attempt to get out from under the excessive hovering of her family. As a young girl Betsy's asthma more than once led to her being hospitalized, and her parents have never gotten over the fear of nearly losing her. But Betsy needs to break out on her own, to convince her parents that she can handle life. She has a life list and has given herself a month to fulfill as much of it as possible.

First up on Betsy's list taking golf lessons so that she can play a round of golf. Her first foray into the world of golf finds her in the middle of the green at Snow Bird Golf Course, which isn't the safest place to be. Fortunately for her, she is spotted by August Troyer, who just so happens to be who she needs to talk to when it comes to playing golf and taking lessons. Meeting August just might be the best thing to happen to her as they both connect and quickly form a friendship that could become something more with time.

Soon Betsy meets Annie, who, with her sister Danielle has the means to help Betsy mark another item off her life list. Learning to swim is up next. But we are also given a chance to get to know Annie, who is rediscovering her sister. Where Annie and Danielle are concerned, it is interesting how Annie's observations about Danielle differed from what was taking place in her life. 

This is an excellent read. There are emotional highs and lows as the various characters work through the issues they are each facing. I enjoyed getting to know each character, and revisiting some of the characters from the first book in the series was fun. This is a book that gently pulls one into it. There isn't a sudden drop into the life-shattering action, but rather a pleasant stroll onto the beach. If you want a pleasant read that will help you unwind, I would recommend this. Depending on the character, you will either love them or wish they would log out of Skype. (You'll need to read the book to get it, but yeah, just get off Skype.)

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:
Return to Pinecraft, Florida, for a Sweet Amish Romance

Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She's got a list--a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions--beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She's like no one he's ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he's met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they'll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life--and love--requires a fair amount of risk.

6.28.2023

Cover Reveal ~ Crack the Stone

Today I'm taking part in the cover reveal for Crack the Stone,
the second book in the Classics Retold series,
which will be published on September 21st.



BLURB:

I am Valshara, the black stone born of fire. 
Break me, and my edges turn into knives.

Condemned to a slave camp for her crimes, goblin convict Valshara Sh’a makes a death-defying escape to freedom. But navigating Vindor’s treacherous cavern system is only the beginning of her troubles. An encounter with a rogue king turns her world upside down, and a bargain with fairy tricksters leaves her with a human child she doesn’t know how to care for.

As she tries to smuggle the boy through the walls of a barricaded city, Valshara can’t let down her guard. Because somewhere in the darkness behind her, a bounty hunter rises—relentless as nightfall and merciless as death itself.
                                                                
Emily Golus re-imagines Victor Hugo’s beloved Les Misérables as an epic fantasy adventure about suffering, redemption, and the extraordinary power of love.


Now the Cover Reveal







6.23.2023

Blue Ridge Mountain Escape ~ Review

Blue Ridge Mountain Escape JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 
Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson, 


Blue Ridge Mountain Escape

Blue Ridge Mountain Escape
Mountain Rescue
By Loretta Eidson

Haley Gordon's relaxing vacation in the woods goes wrong when she gets caught in the middle of a raging forest fire and a prison escape. Fortunately for her, Kendall Simpson, a firefighter with the Forest Service, comes to her aid. And to survive the ever-encroaching fire, all while staying ahead of the convicts who left her to die.

Kendall Simpson wishes to make his dad proud of him, but his career choice has put them at odds for years. He loves his job working at fighting fires and working with the forestry service if only his father could see it.  When he comes across a woman trapped by not only the fire but the convicts he doesn't hesitate to help her. Soon they are in a race for their lives.

Blue Ridge Mountain Escape is the first book I have read by Loretta Eidson, so I went in with no expectations and was more than happy with the story. The book/author is a good addition to the expectations one has for Love Inspired Suspense. There are two fronts of danger that give that added layer of suspense - hero/heroine versus nature and a human enemy. The writing is good and held my attention. It was a fairly quick read, so would be a good weekend read.

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: Blue Ridge Mountain Escape
Series:
Mountain Rescue
Author:
Loretta Eidson
Publisher:
Love Inspired / Inspirational Mountain Rescue Collection
Release Date:
June 27, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

The firefighter rescued her once…  

But can they outrun the dangers? 

A peaceful vacation is what Haley Gordon needs to put her troubles behind her. Instead, she finds herself fighting for her life against a raging forest fire. Forest Service firefighter Kendall Simpson vows to protect Haley—although he has questions about her story. But with the firestorm out of control and news of escaped convicts on the mountain, can Haley and Kendall trust each other enough to survive?

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

Also Available

Pursued in the Wilderness


About the Author

Loretta Eidson

Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author who loves writing romantic suspense. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is her agent. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith Hope, & Love Christian Writers, Sisters in Crime, Heart of Christian Writers Network, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and attends the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

She loves chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Loretta lives in North Mississippi close to her family. 

Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

 Blue Ridge Mountain Escape JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 27, 2023. 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

6.22.2023

Dedicated to the One I Love ~ Review

Dedicated to the One I Love JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 
Dedicated to the One I Love
by Beth K. Vogt, 

Dedicated to the One I Love

Dedicated to the One I Love 
By Beth K. Vogt

Kylie Franklin can no longer write. Since her husband's death, she can't conjure a line of romance and that is what she's known for. But if she can't have romance, neither will her characters. What's a writer to do? Her agent has an idea to restart her career.

Joe Edwards knows military suspense but not romance, and romance is what his publisher is demanding he add to his newest offering. Ouch! And, of course, his agent has a solution. Unfortunately for him, the solution is a romance writer who can no longer write romance. 

Can two hurting people find a way to help each other while helping themselves at the same time? Kylie and Joe are about to find out.  This is a sweet story, not to say everything in it is all sweet and happy. But rather it has moments throughout that make one smile. 

I found Joe and Kylie's first meeting to be interesting especially in light of their first meeting as their pen names. And, yes, there is a difference. It is also interesting how the two personas is seen as an issue to their friendship and even the possibility of something more. This book makes one think how would one handle having a public name versus a personal one. Would I present myself differently, especially in a public place? 

Overall a well written book with characters that one can connect to. I can say I found the story to be believable and the characters to be for the most part likeable, even when they were behaving in a most exasperating manner (which gives the story some tension). This would make an excellent summer read when you need to get away from your ordinary.

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: Dedicated to the One I Love 
Author:
Beth K. Vogt
Publisher:
White Glove
Release Date:
June 20, 2023
Genre:
Contemporary Romance

She doesn’t believe in love anymore. 

He doesn’t, either.  

They’re perfect for each other. 

Beloved romance novelist Kylie Franklin walked away from her pen-name career as bestselling and award-winning Veronica Hollins the day her husband died. Her loyal readers are eager for the final book in her sensational series. But Kylie’s given up on love, both fictional and in real life. Behind her back, Kylie’s agent contrives a way to get her writing again. 

Joe Edwards has made a name for himself with his popular military suspense novels under the pen name Tate Merrick. Yet he can’t quite break onto the bestseller list. What his books need, his publisher suggests, is some romance. Joe flat refuses. However, his publisher is determined and hires Veronica Hollins to save the day—and his career. 

Veronica and Tate quickly realize they’re Kylie and Joe, good friends who connected online via a popular word game and their mutual love of trivia. Surely they can wrangle their alter egos into this literary collaboration. But as the deadline looms, their differences threaten the romance developing off the page.  

From a Christy Award-winning author comes this charming mash-up of hidden identities, literary tug of war, and falling in love when you least expect it.

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


About the Author

Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, releases June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

Connect with Beth by visiting bethvogt.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Etsy Gift Card, a print copy of Dedicated to the One I Love, a box of typewriter themed gift note cards, Novel Teas Book Lover Teas, and a 24 oz insulated Tervis Floral Tumbler!

Dedicated to the One I Love JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 19, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 26, 2023. 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

6.21.2023

Break the Beast ~ Cover Reveal

 Today I'm taking part in the cover reveal for Break the Beast!,
the first book in the Classics Retold series,
which will be published on September 15th 



BLURB:

Who is to say who is the real beast?

Grendel haunts the land of Frisia in a restless need for vengeance on the human world that has rejected her. With a fiendish master urging her on, she attacks without fear of repercussion.

But the arrival of a foreign prince causes Grendel to doubt her invulnerability. Beowulf is renowned for killing monsters, and he can have only one purpose in visiting Frisia: to break her hellish reign.

When the inevitable confrontation occurs, the battle between man and beast will change both their lives forever as they find themselves thrust into a quest for truth neither could have anticipated.

Allison Tebo re-imagines the ancient legend of Beowulf in an epic story of redemption and grace in a high-stakes fantasy adventure.


Break the Beast is available for preorder via Amazon.com


Now the Cover Reveal





OTHER HELPFUL LINKS: 

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/81067534-break-the-beast


AUTHOR WEBSITE: www.allisonteboauthor.com 


AUTHOR BIO:

Allison Tebo is a writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters. She is one of the contributors to A Villain’s Ever After with her book The Goblin and the Dancer—which went on to become a Realm Makers Readers’ Choice Finalist. She is also the author of The Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy fairy tales. Her flash fiction has been featured in magazines such as Splickety; Spark; and Saddlebag Dispatches, and her short fiction has been published in anthologies by Inklings Press; Rogue Blades Entertainment; Pole to Pole Publishing; Dragon Soul Publishing; Ye Olde Dragon Books; and Editing Mee. She helps run the speculative fiction magazine Worlds of Adventure. Allison graduated from London Art College after studying cartooning and children's illustration, but she ended up working in sales before pursuing writing full-time. When not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and making lists. 



6.20.2023

A Wyoming Summer ~ Review

A Wyoming Summer
Timeless Western Collection (Book 4)
By Carla Kelly, Christine Sterling, 
      and Heather B. Moore

This delightful read is three (3) stories in one. Each story has a tie to Wyoming- as it is the setting for each.

Ellen Found by Carla Kelly takes the reader to 1903 and the construction of the Old Faithful Inn. This in itself is an interesting story, but Ellen Found is the inn's newest employee, hired before construction is complete. Ellen has never had much and has always given her best, and finally, she is about to be appreciated. A cast of workers is about to have their lives blessed by Ellen and her demeanor and uplooking outlook on life. Add in a street-smart cat, and you have a story not to be missed.

While there, Ellen, befriends a young girl, who is the daughter of Charles Penrose, head carpenter. Ellen offers a safe and loving environment while Charles completes his job. And this adds another aspect to the story - truly, Ellen Found is perfectly named as Ellen is found at Old Faithful Inn.

The Widow of Daybreak by Christine Sterling finds Doris Whistler newly widowed, as in less than a week. She has two young girls to care for and a business to tend. Unfortunately for her, she has caught the attention of the very man who ended her husband's life and is terrorizing the town of Daybreak. A plea for help to her brother sends Buck Montgomery her way.

Could Buck Montgomery be the help Daybreak so desperately needs, and more importantly, the very protection Doris needs to save her from the fate Rufus Grumblatt (what name!) has planned for her, now that her husband is gone? 

Another piece of historical fiction that will touch your heart as Doris struggles to know what to do with hers.

May I Kiss the Bride by Heather B. Moore Finds Viola Constance Delany leaving San Francisco for the desolation of Wyoming for the summer to work in her aunt's bakery. A broken engagement was not to be tolerated in her father's eyes. He had a reputation to uphold, and Viola's was taking a hit in the papers due to her now former intended's less than honorable activities.

When a stranger makes his way to her bench and joins her train trip to Mayfair, Wyoming, Viola is stunned. But when she overhears why, well, let's just say it is a good thing she wasn't faint of heart or prone to swooning (or was she?).

Sheriff Reynold "Rey" Christensen hadn't planned to hop a train, but duty called when a threat was made against a train to rob it. And do his due duty, he did.

With time away from home, Viola has the luxury of examining her life and deciding for herself what she wants out of it. And with the support of those who are new to her life, she will have the opportunity to chase her dream.


If you are looking for a short break from the Summer heat A Wyoming Summer is the perfect choice as there are three stories that are all easy reads to enjoy individually on a long afternoon.

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

About the Book:

Genre: Historical Romance, Western Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Mirror Press (June 20, 2023)
330 Pages
Available as a Paperback, eBook, and an audiobook 

ISBN: 978-1952611322

A Wyoming Summer is the fourth book in the Timeless Western Collection, a bestselling anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from acclaimed historical romance authors whose stories ask if true love can survive the changing seasons?

“Ellen Found,” by Carla Kelly

Set at the location of Old Faithful Inn, 1903-1904. 

Working in a discouraging café, Ellen escapes an awful situation in rough and tumble Butte, Montana, and goes to work as second in command to a wary cook in the shell that will become Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park. She meets Charles Penrose, head carpenter on the massive project of Old Faithful Inn, which is being finished in a harsh Wyoming winter. 

Will it really open on June 1, 1904? Can Ellen start to trust the other workers? What will she learn about the other employees? 

And Charles. He's a widower with a young daughter there, too. Like Ellen, he wants more.

“The Widow of Daybreak,” by Christine Sterling

Doris Whistler is learning how to survive in a town taken over by outlaws. When the leader of an infamous gang murders her husband, her choices are to tuck tail and run, or stand her ground and make Daybreak as promising as its name. It proves to be a difficult task with the good citizens in fear of the corrupt mayor and the godlessness that abounds. What she doesn't expect is the support of a traveling lawman who believes in her and the tiny town she loves so much.

“May I Kiss the Bride,” by Heather B. Moore

Viola Delany is not happy about being sent to the middle-of-nowhere, small-town Wyoming. Yes, it will be good to let the gossips find something else to talk about other than her failed engagement. And yes, it will be nice to spend the summer with her Aunt Beth. But as Viola sits on the train heading for Wyoming, wondering how she'll ever occupy her time in such a small town, none other than a real-life cowboy sits across the way. She can't help but take peeks at him, noting that the condition of his unpolished black boots and scuffed rawhide jacket seem to be authentic . . . All right, so he might be tall, dark-haired, and handsome if a woman doesn't mind green eyes and a dangerous-looking scar, but this man certainly has nothing to do with her. Besides, she'll never see him again. What are the chances he's traveling to the same middle-of-nowhere small town?

About the Series:

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been presenting the Timeless Romance Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories featuring bestselling authors from the contemporary and historical romance genres. The collection has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 on Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.


ADVANCE PRAISE

5 STARS – “…my new favorite of the Timeless Romance Anthologies.”— Maria Thomas, Goodreads

5 STARS – “Another wonderful collection from the Timeless Romance Anthologies...A perfect read for your summer enjoyment that just might have you planning some trips to Wyoming or another western historical feeling location. ”—Julie Carpenter, Goodreads

5 STARS – “A clean, fun, well-written collection by three talented authors.”—Lorieah, Goodreads

Purchase at AMAZON | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS


About the Authors

Carla Kelly
started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars. She like writing about warfare at sea and ordinary people of the British Isles, rather than lords and ladies. In her spare time, she likes to read British crime fiction and history, particularly the U.S. Indian Wars. She is a former park ranger, and double Rita Award and Spur Award winner. She currently lives in Utah, has five interesting children and four grands. Carla’s favorite authors include Robert Crais and Richard Woodman.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS


Christine Sterling
is a USA Today best-selling author who writes small-town inspirational romances with a touch of humor. Most of her stories take place in the
plains of Nebraska or Colorado, but she will write wherever there are cowboys needing to find love. Her favorite stories involve tight-knit families, and you will often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories.

She lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, four dogs, and one spoiled cat, aka The Floof. She can often be found in her garden with a notebook and a cup of tea.

BOOKBUB | BOOKFUNNEL | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS


Heather B. Moore
is a USA Today best-selling and award-winning author of more than seventy publications, including The Paper Daughters of Chinatown. 

She has lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as Hawaii, and attended school abroad at the Cairo American Collage in Egypt and the Anglican School of  Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about history and is passionate about historical research.





WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS