English

9.26.2023

Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows ~ Review

Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows
A Marriage of Convenience Anthology
By Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams,
      and Misty M. Beller

There is nothing better than a Christmas book, and Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows offers 3 stories within its pages. In each, love is not an expectation as three couples agree to marriages of convenience. But with Christmas taking center stage in each story, you know a little bit of romance will make its way into each.             
Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund is a must-read for fans of her Colorado Cowboys and her Colorado Cowgirls series. In this story Weston Oakley gets his chance at marriage when Serena Taylor decides he'd be the perfect father for her son. And with his claim that he'd be married by Christmas her need for a husband couldn't have come at a better time. But will the secrets between them destroy their chance for love?

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams finds Minnie stuck in town while her intended rides out a blizzard hours away in his cabin. Meanwhile she makes a place for herself in the small town when disaster strikes. Aiding Doctor Jeb Dawson and befriending his son gives her glimpse at life she's always dreamed of but never had. No matter what the future holds this is one Christmas she'll never forget. But will she finally find a place to belong and be wanted? 

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller finds Two Stones, a Salish warrior, making a deathbed promise to his dearest friend, to marry his daughter Heidi. But marriage is the last thing Heidi wants. Not now that she is widowed and free of her late husband. But she needs protection and agrees to marry Two Stones but only for the protection it provides against the danger Virginia City provides to any and all unmarried women. But could her father's final plea actually be the life she has long desired?

These delightful Christmas tales of Historical Fiction are just what you are looking to find under your pre-Christmas TBR list. Each is a standalone novella that introduces the reader to a series by each author. Reading the previous books in the various series isn't necessary to enjoy these Christmas tales. Experience talking here as I've only read Jody Hedlund's coresponding series and enjoyed all three with no issues.

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:           
From bestselling and award-winning authors, experience Christmas on the rugged western frontier with three novellas filled with unforgettable adventures, enduring romance, and the timeless message of hope found in the Savior’s birth.

Order a copy at https://a.co/d/fXtnNwO

Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to keep her son safe, and she knows the best way to protect him is by marrying again and giving him a father. Weston Oakley needs a wife by Christmas to placate his meddling family, but after being spurned one too many times in love, he’s reluctant to give his heart away again. When they agree on a marriage of convenience, both of them get much more than they bargained for.

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams

Minnie steps off the train ready to become a mail-order bride, but she finds the well-dressed man waiting for her isn't her intended husband. The protective oath Jed took when he became a doctor doesn't cover stranded women, but he can't leave the beautiful stranger alone in a building blizzard 
two days before Christmas. When circumstances force them into close proximity, Jed and Minnie find that their growing feelings aren't convenient at all.

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller
Two Stones, a Salish warrior accustomed to navigating between tribes and miners, unexpectedly finds himself summoned to the side of a dying friend in Virginia City. Sworn to honor the miner’s last wish, Two Stones agrees to marry his daughter, Heidi, but plans to take her to live with his parents. He’ll provide all her needs, make sure she’s safe, and visit her on occasion when his path leads him that direction. As they set out on the journey, their path is fraught with challenges that defy Two Stones' plans and reveal a surprising depth to Heidi's character. As they near the end of their trail and join the Christmas festivities at the Coulter Ranch, Two Stones begins to realize this inconvenient marriage might really be a Christmas gift he’ll always treasure.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor ~ Review

The Legacy of Longdale Manor
By Carrie Turansky

When Gwen Morris makes a costly error she is sent to England's Lake District in a hope to redeem herself and get out of the public's eye. What she never expected was to find a link to her own family. With questions about her father she sets off on a journey of discovery while at Longdale Manor. But some questions are almost impossible to answer when secrets are closely guarded. But with the help of David Bradford, grandson of the owner of Longdale Manor, Gwen looks for what may be long hidden away in the rescesses of the home.

Charlotte Harper is doing what she can to see that her mother and sister are provided for. But in 1912 any meaningful employment for women is nearly impossible to find. Fortunately the Storey family has offered them a place in their home. And as Charlotte grows closer to Ian she has to deal with what she sees as a betrayal. And this betrayal will have an affect on her life and her decisions. But can all of life be judged by another's deceit? This is something that Charlotte will have to discover before she can move forward.

I love how these two story threads are woven together. The questions that both Gwen and Charlotte face are ones so many have to face at some point in life. The struggles that they face and their reactions to disappointments along the way make the journey meaningful when we get to the end. Was it worth the fight that they put forth? Or a fruitless endeavor? This is a lovely book that is worthy of its cover and one you won't want to miss!

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:

Two women—a century apart—embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness,
and romance.

In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

PRAISE FOR The Legacy of Longdale Manor
 "This novel will stir your faith—and your desire to visit England's Lake District!"
—Julie Klassen, bestselling author of The Sisters of Seaview
 "Turansky opens the door of Longdale Manor and invites readers to explore the
secrets hidden inside."—Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Chateau
of Secrets
 "A beautiful book to warm and lift the heart." —Cathy Gohlke, Christy Hall of
Fame author

PURCHASE LINKS


AUTHOR BIO

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the
Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal. 







QUICK FACTS
Title: The Legacy of Longdale Manor
Author: Carrie Turansky
Genre: Historical Romance, Dual Timeline Fiction, Inspirational FictionPublisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 26, 2023) Length: (352) pages
Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook 
 ISBN: 978-0764241055‎

Seeking Justice ~ Review

Seeking Justice
By Sharee Stover

When someone tries to take her out, FBI Agent Tiandra Daugherty doesn't know if her cover has been blown or if a rival gang is behind the attacks on her and her partner, Graham Kenyon. All she knows is that time is running out if they have any hope of stopping the Kings from becoming one of the largest drug distributors in the nation.

With Graham's injuries threatening his very life, the team has to find a way to keep the operation in play so they do the only thing they can. Graham's twin brother Elijah Kenyon is called upon to step into his brother's shoes, going undercover as his brother! What could possibly go wrong?

As Tiandra and Elijah look for answers, they have to stay ahead of the people who are targeting them, which proves to be easier said than done. And then there's a little matter about Graham having feelings for a woman he worked with. After meeting Tiandra, there's no doubt in Elijah's mind who she is. Now to just not lose his heart to her, too.

Seeking Justice is full of danger, and barely-out-of-there-escapes. If you like your Suspense and your Romance clean, here's the next title to add to your TBR list. 

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


About the Book:
An agent and her K-9 partner risk their lives
in the ultimate mission

With her partner gravely injured in the line of duty, FBI agent Tiandra Daugherty has one shot to complete her mission. She’ll have to convince her partner’s twin brother, Officer Elijah Kenyon, to take his place undercover in a deadly drug ring. Together they must find justice for his brother and dismantle the gang. But the target is now on them, and the mission could prove fatal.

From Love Inspired 
Courage. 
Danger. 
Faith.

9.22.2023

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous ~ Review

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous
Sisters of the Rockies #1
By Misty M. Beller

The Collins sisters are on a journey to fulfill a promise made to their dying father. He made a seemingly impossible request - return a special set of blue beads to Steps Right, a Piegan Blackfoot woman who saved his life years ago.

But traveling alone and unchaperoned isn't the safest, not when their destination is a trapper rendezvous in the Rocky Mountains and women, specifically white women, are scarce. 

Juniper and her sisters are grateful for the assistance Riley Turner offers them - both protection and in looking for Steps Right. But finding a woman among so many camps proves more difficult than they had anticipated. Riley's knowledge soon proves invaluable. But a deathbed promise deserves their best efforts, and the one thing the sisters all know is they are determined to keep it.  

Juniper is surprised by just how free she feels in this rough land, and she isn't the only Collins sister to feel this way. But even more surprising is the connection she feels towards Riley. With plans to return to Virgina, Juniper can't allow her heart to derail the plans she and her sisters have made. 

This is was an enjoyable read that had some moments of danger. The search for Steps Right really made the story resonate for me. And the way the book ended. I can't wait for the next one. I really connected with Juniper and could appreciate her feeling of freedom. All four of the Collin sisters have a great relationship that is to be envied, and I hope they all get their own story, especially Lorelei.  

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 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's deathbed request for them to return a special set of beads to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels West. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came West to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return East or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

"What an adventure! Rocky Mountain Rendezvous brought the wilds of the Wyoming area and Juniper's unique story to life."--KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE, Carol Award-winning and bestselling author

"Brimming with vivid imagery, historical details, and a compelling storyline, this is a book Misty's readers will absolutely adore."
--JEN TURANO, USA Today bestselling author

The Art of Writing

Art of Writing JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2023 webinars, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

The Art of Writing 

Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT 

online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9

This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

Session One: Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. central Kelsey Bowen, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Rachel McMillan

Kelsey Bowen Jamie Lapeyrolerie Rachel McMillan

Christian fiction is alive and well and this will be a great opportunity to hear more. Join a panel of publishing experts as they dispel myths surrounding this genre. This session will encourage you to replace unsettling rumors with exciting truths and be reminded of the unique and powerful place that Christian storytelling has in our world. 
 
Session Two: How Great Books Can Improve Your Novel and Your Life 
Thursday, October 26, 7 p.m. central 
Claude Atcho, Jamie Lapeyrolerie

Claude Atcho Jamie Lapeyrolerie

This session will provide dynamic conversation with authors and publisher sharing great works that provide excellent examples of authentic scenes, character arcs, characters with varying life experiences, and more -- to help you write a really great book. Come away with a few must-reads and a list of excellent writing examples to inspire your own craft. 

Session Three: Publishing Doesn’t Have to Terrify You! 
Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. central 
Stephanie Broene, Tamela Hancock Murray, Barb Roose, Laura Wheeler

Stephanie Broene Tamela Hancock Murray Barb Roose Laura Wheeler

Writing a book is only the beginning of the publishing process and it can feel overwhelming. After you sign a contract or decide to self-publish, what comes next? With a panel of publishing experts, we’ll cover publishing aspects everyone needs to know, such as: How do I get endorsers? If I need an authenticity reader, where do I start? How can an agent help me in the process? If I’m just starting to build a platform, what should I focus on? Come away with tips and tricks that cover all areas of publishing! 

Session Four: Going Deep with Award-Winning Authors 
Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. central 
Patricia Raybon, Steven James, Becky Wade

Patricia Raybon Steven James Becky Wade

Hear and learn from the life songs of three award-winning authors who will weave their real-life tales about writing fiction later in life, moving from nonfiction to fiction, then gaining a “seat” in the Christy Hall of Fame. Find out what motivates them, how they stay inspired, and what encouragement they have to pass on to fellow writers. Patricia, Sean, and Becky will provide a peek into their world to help you, with pen in hand.

Added Bonus

All registrants to the Art of Writing sessions can opt to “add-on” a publisher consult. Choose one or more of these small group sessions with a publisher: Pitch & Publish, Ask Me Anything, Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door, Calling All Debut Authors. Time/dates are determined based on attendee and moderator schedules. Space is limited. First come, first served.

Learn More about The Art of Writing 2023 Webinar Series


Register

Save the dates for The Christy Award Finalists Webcast & Winners Gala Webcast on October 12 and November 16, respectively. Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA's Jeff Crosby will be announcing the 2023 finalists on October 12 at 11 a.m. CT. Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, and other award-winning novelists will be featured and winners announced during the 2023 Winners Gala Webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. The Christy Award webcasts are free but registration is required.

Chris Fabry Janette Oke Davis Bunn

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 web events


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!

Art of Writing JustRead Takeover Blitz Giveaway

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

9.19.2023

Shadowcast ~ Review

Shadowcast JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Shadowcast by Crystal D. Grant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Shadowcast

Shadowcast
The Gateway Trilogy
By Crystal D. Grant

First off, I have to admit this cover just drew me to this book. I know one isn't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but one can certainly let it convince you to at least give the book a second or third look. And anything that reminds me of space or a geode is an automatic attention grabber. So I said, "Yes, to the book."

Mason Gray has allowed the senseless murder of his brother to darken his heart to the point he desires nothing more than to get the Shadowstone so that he might more thoroughly put down those who stole his brother's life. Any and all who align themselves with the Stewart Knights are his enemy. 

When Mason is injured, he manages to deceive Serial Gayle into helping him. Thinking she is helping aid an injured Stewart, she is more than shocked and hurt to learn the truth. Worse, when the truth of her aid comes out, her very life and her freedom are in jeopardy. Until Prince Eric shows compassion on one who was guilty only of compassion and caring.

The world is on the edge, and those who have fallen to the power of the Darkness's seductive allure - promises of vengeance, fear, and worse. While those who fight for the Light feel the power weakening as despair, fear, anger, and like feelings threaten to overtake them.

Who will triumph? The battle for the hearts, minds, and souls has begun. And a single choice could change everything. 

Excellent reading. Perfect for fans of LOTR and Narnia. I highly recommend this for those 14 and up; younger readers who read at a higher level will also enjoy this. 

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: Shadowcast
Series:
The Gateway Trilogy
Author:
Crystal D. Grant
Publisher:
Quill and Flame Publishing
Release Date: September 20, 2023
Genre:
Fantasy Romance (Clean)

He has known nothing but darkness for years. Now it’s time to let it consume him. 

After witnessing the brutal death of his brother at the hands of the Steward Knights, Mason Grey turns to vengeance. Using his Gifts to read and control the minds of others, he climbs the ranks of the Dark Army, determined to earn the coveted Shadowstone-a powerful tool against the light-wielding Stewards. But when he is wounded in battle, he finds himself recovering in the home of a chatty peasant girl...without the use of his Gifts. Even worse, the girl mistakes him for one of the Stewards he despises. 

Seria Gayle longs to be seen as more than the town washerwoman. When she finds an injured Steward in the woods, she welcomes the chance to use her healing skills and hopes it will earn her some respect. But as she nurses the sullen stranger back to health, she discovers he is nothing like the knights she has long admired. 

When Mason's true identity is revealed, Seria is devastated and humiliated. But she is offered a chance at redemption by the very prince that Mason hates. Now Mason struggles between two choices: accept the Shadowstone to avenge his brother or pursue this newfound light in the form of a peasant girl. With time running out and war looming, will Mason and Seria defy their own convictions for a chance at love or stand against one another like they've sworn to do?

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


Crystal D. Grant

About the Author

Crystal D. Grant is a daydreamer who adores freshly-baked cookies and anything with fur or feathers. During the day, she strives to instill a love of books and learning within her young students. As a hearing-impaired, home-school graduate, she found her voice in writing and has had multiple short stories and poems published. When she’s not reading or writing stories that sweep her away to another time and place, she watches classic movies and TV shows that do the same. Or she works on jigsaw puzzles. Crystal currently resides in smalltown Missouri, where she is always looking for space for another scented candle.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of Shadowcast, book swag, and exclusive color art from the book!

Shadowcast JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 25, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Song of the Selkies ~ Review

Song of the Selkies
By Sarah Pennington

I have to admit I love fairy tale retellings, and this year's offerings via the Stolen Songs tour have some interesting twists on The Little Mermaid. First up is the Song of the Selkies

All her life Ceana has expected to have an arranged marriage with a member of one of the neighboring kingdoms. As the youngest, she is more than a little surprised to learn her parents have made no such plans for her. She seeks a marriage of meaning for the good of Atirse. The idea of pursuing a marriage solely of her own choosing and with no political advantages to it is beyond belief. So, she sets out to find a potentially advantageous marriage of her own. 

Ceana's research convinces her that one Kingdom has been overlooked - the Selkie Kingdom is secretive and largely unknown. But Ceana is convinced that her plan would have succeeded if she had access to better information. Being a determined young woman, she decides to seek out the information she needs. And the only way to do this is to go to the Selkies for the answers she seeks. But she needs a disguise. And she needs a lie to hide her identity.

What Ceana discovers will leave her with questions she never expected. But will she find the answers she seeks? Or will her ruse be discovered? This is an interesting twist on The Little Mermaid that offers plenty of intrigue to keep one's attention from the beginning. 

So, if you are expecting a Disney retelling, you couldn't be further from the truth. No, this is something entirely different and new, yet it has all the expected key moments, just with a twist. Get ready to enter a new world! I have to admit, I wouldn't mind revisiting this story world again in the future.

I was provided with 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:

Undercover in a foreign land, a princess discovers the secrets behind a generations-old enmity.


The youngest princess of Atìrse, Ceana always planned to marry for the good of her people and let love come later. With her sisters' marriages ensuring peace with the nearby human kingdoms, Ceana sets her sights on their last unallied neighbor: the magical and reclusive selkies. The two peoples have experienced a wary peace for generations, and the time seems ripe for a deeper alliance that will benefit both kingdoms. The last thing Ceana expects is for Fionntan, king of the selkies, to take the proposal as a grave insult.


With relations between the two peoples suddenly precarious, Ceana is determined to set things right. Aided by her grandmother, she disguises herself as a selkie and travels to their hidden home of Emain Ablach, where she hopes to discover the reason behind King Fionntan's reaction. But the more she learns about the selkies, the more she uncovers long-kept secrets of her people — and her heritage — that shake the foundations of how she viewed the world. Her growing friendships with and affection for some of the selkie nobility, including King Fionntan himself, further complicate matters, especially as her admiration for the selkie king begins to blossom into something more. No relationship built on a lie can survive, but revealing her true identity as an Atìrsen princess will doom her efforts towards peace.


In order to bridge the divide between selkies and humans, Ceana will have to overcome generations of selkies' suspicion and reveal the insidious evil that's taken root in her homeland. But the greatest obstacle to her success may be her own heart.


Discover a magical new world in this Little Mermaid retelling from the author of Through a Shattered Glass and the Bastian Dennel, PI mysteries.

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBJ3TL61/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/186791005-song-of-the-selkies 

Learn About the Stolen Songs: https://aristasdirectory.blogspot.com/p/five-stolen-songs.html 

About the Author

Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres.  When she isn't writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive to-be-read list.

Find her online at: