5.18.2022

Her Amish Springtime Miracle ~ Spotlight with Excerpt and Giveaway

Her Amish Springtime Miracle JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Her Amish Springtime Miracle by Winnie Griggs, 

About the Book

Her Amish Springtime Miracle
Title: Her Amish Springtime Miracle 
Series: Hope's Haven #2 
Author: Winnie Griggs 
Publisher: Grand Central/Forever 
Release Date: May 24, 2022 
Genre: Christian Amish Romance 

In this delightful and heartwarming novel, an orphaned baby brings together an unlikely couple who learn the true meaning of family. 

When Hannah Eicher discovered sweet baby Grace in her barn last spring, the adorable infant seemed like the answer to her prayers. The young Amish baker has always wanted a familye of her own and now that she’s fostered Grace for nearly a year, her adoption application is almost certain to be approved. But an unexpected visitor to Hope’s Haven could change everything… 

Englischer paramedic Mike Colder is only returning to his childhood hometown to locate and adopt his late sister’s baby. But when the trail leads to Hannah and Grace, Mike’s determination falters. With Hannah, the simple life he left behind suddenly seems appealing. Despite their wildly different worlds, can Mike and Hannah give each other—and Grace—the greatest gift of all: a life together? 

Also in this series



Excerpt

Did she know she had a smudge of flour on her cheek? Even though he thought she looked
absolutely adorable, he couldn’t resist reaching up to brush it away.

As soon as his hand touched her face, sensations jolted through him with the force of a
flashover—sudden, overwhelming, undeniable.

She felt it too. He could see it in the way her eyes widened and darkened, in the sound of her
breath catching in her throat. For that moment in time everything shifted.

They weren’t Amish and English.

They weren’t Ohioan and Missourian.

They were just a man and a woman.

And standing right here in his mother’s kitchen, he wanted nothing more than to take her in
his arms.

Winnie Griggs 
About the Author

Winnie Griggs is the multi-published, award-winning author of romances that focus on small towns, big hearts, and amazing grace. Her work has won a number of regional and national awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Winnie grew up in southeast Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. Eventually, she found her own Prince Charming, and together they built a storybook happily-ever-after, one that includes four now-grown children who are all happily pursuing adventures of their own. When not busy writing, she enjoys cooking, browsing estate sales, and solving puzzles. She is also a list maker, a lover of exotic teas, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.

Connect with Winnie: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a print copy of Her Amish Wedding Quilt (Hope's Haven #1), an insulated book lover mug, a dragonfly bookmark, a home-sweet-home figurine, and a pocket nail file!

Her Amish Springtime Miracle JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 17, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 24, 2022. US/CAN only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize (*winner may select an alternative title from the author's backlist if necessary). Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

5.16.2022

Old Loves Die Hard ~ Review with Giveaway

OLD LOVES DIE HARD by Lauren Carr

Old Loves Die Hard
A Mac Faraday Mystery #2
By Lauren Carr

Mac Faraday's life is about to get a whole lot more complicated when his ex-wife "drops in" on his new life. Just over a year ago, his wife left him for the promise of a better life, one that had more money attached to it. And on the day his divorce from Christine was finalized, Mac inherited millions from his biological mother. And now she's back seeking a second chance. But Mac has moved on, and instead of inviting Christine back into his life, he puts her up for the night at the Spencer Inn. And now he is about to become suspect number one in her suspicious death and the murder of the man she left him for. 

As Mac, Archie Monday, and the Spencer police force seek answers, more bodies start turning up. And there is an interesting and unexplained link to several past murder cases. And someone seems determined to keep Mac from discovering the answers he seeks, and they are more than willing to permanently silence his questions.

Now I enjoyed this book in the audio format, which was narrated by James C. Lewis. I found the narration to be well done, though I did play it back 1.4 times its normal playback speed. I listened to it at the pace I would have been reading it in print. At the default speed, this book comes in at less than 8 hours of listening - perfect for a week of commuting, exercise, or chores. 

I do have to admit Gnarly is my favorite character - I just love all the antics and trouble he gets into. I mean, who wouldn't want to inherit a German Shepherd with a knack for committing crimes on a regular basis? And a dishonorable discharge in his past? Gnarly is a unique and memorable character who, in my opinion, makes the series what it is.

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 Old Loves Die Hard, Carr picks up where she left off in It’s Murder, My Son. Mac Faraday is settling nicely into his new life at Spencer Manor when his ex-wife Christine shows up—and she wants him back! Before Mac can send her packing, Christine and her estranged lover are murdered in Mac’s private penthouse suite at the Spencer Inn, the five-star resort built by his ancestors.

The investigation leads to the discovery of case files for some of Mac’s murder cases in the room of the man responsible for destroying his marriage. Why would his ex-wife’s lover come to Spencer to dig into Mac’s old cases?


With the help of his new friends on Deep Creek Lake, Mac must use all of his detective skills to clear his name and the Spencer Inn’s reputation before its five stars—and more bodies—start dropping.

"The plot gave a touch of crime drama to this cozy without losing the cozy charm. ... There is suspense and twists that keep the pages turning. ... I think Ms. Carr is just hitting her stride and I suspect that we shall see each new book surpass the last." -- review by Ariel Heart, Mystery and My Musings


"As in any good who-done-it, there are red herrings and plot complications in Old Loves Die Hard and fans of mysteries and police procedurals will get a kick out of Lauren Carr's books." - review by David M. Kinchen, Huntington News
Giveaway

Prizes: ​ $50 PayPal Gift Card courtesy of 
Lauren Carr, author of SHADOW OF MURDER
(ends July 1)




Book Details:

Book Title: Old Loves Die Hard by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 2)
Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 318 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  April 23, 2011
Content Rating: PG-13 - Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language. No F-Bombs

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors. Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule can be found here

5.14.2022

Games in a Ballroom ~ Review

Games in a Ballroom
By Jentry Flint

Emerson Latham has been subtly courting Olivia Wilde. There's just one little problem Olivia has no idea that he has been doing so. No, she thinks his one offered dance at each ball they attend is because they used to be neighbors, and he is asking out of pity. Somehow he needs to redouble his efforts so that she realizes that she is the only one for him, and he needs to do so before her father manages to snag a titled gentleman who needs his money.

The only plan Emerson can come up with is to play an elaborate game of It while they and their friends spend their nights among society. But playing it while dancing and mingling amongst the ton, can they hope to pull such a thing off while keeping everyone else, especially their parents, oblivious to their antics? 

Games in a Ballroom is a mostly fun read, except when Liv's father is in a scene. Uncouth brute doesn't do him justice, and one can't but hope that he is frustrated in his attempts to move up the social ladder on his daughter's shoulders. And I love how Emerson's friends stick by him as he works through his new responsibilities following his father's death, helping him to not lose himself and aiding him in his attempts to win Liv's heart. I wouldn't mind a book or two that focuses on Bradbury and/or Northcott - the glimpses from this book were intriguing. Games in a Ballroom is one book you will want to add to your TBR pile, especially if you love historical, Victorian-era romance. Let the Games commence!

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:
London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, if only to increase his own standing and reputation in society. But the men her father deems acceptable are, at best, boring and uninspiring, and at worse, are as brutish as her father and are only looking to increase their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia decides to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including the handsome Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after the death of his father. Though he might still be learning what he needs to do as the head of his household, one thing he knows for sure is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Having grown up as childhood friends with Olivia, Emerson long ago had fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. However, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the season kicks off, Emerson proposes a bit of fun with a playful game of tag. Olivia’s friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is more wary. After all, the game must be played in secret, and they must be discreet when tagging each other at dinners and balls and the theater. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia’s father, who has an explosive and, at times, violent temper.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?   

5.07.2022

To Disguise the Truth ~ Review

To Disguise the Truth
The Blecker Street Inquiry Agency #3
By Jen Turano

Eunice Holbrooke, one of the partners at the Blecker Street Inquiry Agency, is about to face the past she thought she'd left behind seven years ago. Sitting before her is none other than Arthur Livingston, the man her late grandfather had planned on her marrying and taking the reins of the family business. Thankfully Arthur has no idea who she is, thanks to her black widow's weeds and masking veil. And there is no way her agency is going to take on his case because she refuses to find herself. 

But Arthur is determined to find Eugenia Howland and return her to her home in Butte, Montana before she is declared dead. If Eugenia is declared dead, she will lose the fortune her grandfather left to her. 

But Eunice has vowed to never return to Montana, and she has very good reasons for not doing so. The main reason her grandfather's murderer just might be waiting for her.

To Disguise the Truth is a Historical Fiction with mystery, romance, and humor running throughout. Eunice and Arthur have several exchanges that seem contentious but at times are rather amusing. And the Howland family, oy, what a mess. This is one book you most definitely have to read it is a most enjoyable diversion and the perfect way to escape from the stresses of the day. 

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:
When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.

5.06.2022

To Tame a Cowboy ~ Review

To Tame a Cowboy
Colorado Cowboys #3
By Jody Hedlund

Savannah Marshall is the daughter of The Ranch King, and she's about to marry Double L's ranch manager. Doing so will help out her parents by allowing them to return to Atlanta. But the thought of giving up everything that she is is a scary thought. And she has only one course of action - run away and gain herself a little time to think and get herself more of a mind to marry Chandler.

Brody McQuaid has troubles stemming from the war and the soul-breaking things he witnessed. Brody hates to see anyone mistreated, and he'll do anything he can to help them. And the Mustangs that roam the land are in particular danger from the ranchers who call the area home. When he steps in to help a Mustang, he leads with his fists and earns the attention of South Park's new lady veterinarian. 

Savannah can see the care that Brody has for broken and hurting critters and his gentleness in how he handles the wild horses. But she can see that he is broken too. And when she asks about a job as the ranch veterinarian, she is pleased that she has a home base for however long she calls South Park home.

Savannah soon learns that her hiring has a twofold purpose help Brody and provide vet care. She just needs to be sure to not cause more harm than good, especially when she leaves. 

To Tame a Cowboy is the third book in the Colorado Cowboy series, and there is a bit of time that has passed since the series began. Brody and younger brother Dylan are causing trouble for the rest of the McQuaid family with their issues. And we get to enjoy Ivy's less than ladylike antics as she pokes and prods her brothers in her own way of caring. But at almost 17 years old, Ivy is well on her way to adding to Wyatt and Flynn's stress. 

This book takes a few twists and turns as it progresses, so you aren't quite sure if the end result will be what you are expecting. And the last few chapters definitely will have you scooting to the edge of your chair. I love how the last chapter is setting us up for the next book. Definitely a recommended 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:
Brody McQuaid is a broken man, and he knows it. While his body survived the war, his soul did not. Besides loving his little niece, his only other sense of purpose comes from saving the wild horses that roam South Park. Ranchers in the area have taken to killing the horses, which are competing with their cattle to feed on the open grass.

Savannah Marshall is a veterinarian on her family's Colorado ranch. She longs to keep her father happy following the tragic death of her older brother, including marrying a man of his choosing. But days before her wedding, she gets cold feet and disappears to South Park. As she learns more about the destruction of the horses, she joins Brody in an attempt to save the wild creatures. But when Savannah's family and the resentments of the area cattlemen catch up with them both, Brody and Savannah will have to tame their fears if they've any hope to let love run free.

5.05.2022

Willow ~ Review

Willow
The Metcalfes #2
By Ronie Kendig


She always felt she had to prove to the rest of the family she deserved to bare the Metcalfe name. But here in Africa, she finally has found a place where she belongs.

Chijioke never thought he'd have to choose between his mission or the woman who wasn't supposed to be there. This mission could cost him his soul and his life, but he vows to keep the sister of his friend safe. Now, if she'll only let him do so.

** This book is not a clean read, nor is it a gentle read. It will leave you unsettled and uncomfortable, which I believe is the whole point. This book, Willow, like the previous book in the series - Stone, takes us into the world of human trafficking, and it is anything but pretty. As you make your way through the pages, it will touch and break your heart. Which it should. All too often we live in a protected world and never grasp the evil that exists.

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.

**This book is a PG-13+ or M rating due to the nature of the subject being covered - human trafficking and the abuse those taken face.


About the Book:
To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obiora Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.

5.04.2022

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up by Megan Besing, 

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up 
By Megan Besing 

Della Mae Wagner thought her dream of being a teacher had finally come true. The want ad she answered took her from Indiana to Missouri, but it wasn't a teacher that Roy and Alice Lamson were looking for but rather a wife for their widowed son and a mother for their grandsons. Della is shocked and dismayed to learn the truth. 

Hank Lamson is more than a little perturbed at his parents' underhanded method of attempting to find him a new wife. Worse he doesn't see the need of hiring a teacher - not with his ma handling the boys' schooling. Giving her seven days to prove herself seems the perfect way to get rid of her. After all, he knew what his boys were capable of and he knew how teachers could rile up a boy with their keeping of order. Nope, he'd soon be rid of Miss Wagner.

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up is a sweet read. All isn't happy as Hank works through his broken heart at the loss of his first wife and the stream of "ladies" wanting to be the next Mrs. Lamson with access to his money. Della has her own heartbreak that she has had to deal with. It is interesting to see how they both deal with life so differently. Hank has turned his back on God, while Della sees Him in the everyday. I loved the way Hank's boys and parents came to appreciate and love Della. And then there is Mabel, who just might be my favorite literary chicken character ever.

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: The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up 
Author: Megan Besing 
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical 
Release Date: April 26, 2022 
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance 

A mail-order mistake… 

Or a made-to-be match? 

When Della Mae Wagner’s train arrives in Missouri, she’s shocked to find that the couple who hired her don’t just want a teacher for their grandsons but a wife for their son! After a broken engagement, marriage is not in Della’s plans. And Hank Lamson isn’t pleased—with his parents, with his unexpected guest or with Della’s unfairly appealing smile. But his plans to send her packing are foiled as his family comes to love her…and he feels the walls around his wounded heart start to fall. 

Megan Besing 
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Despite always adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn't unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her own stories have won many awards, including the Selah for her novella, Perfect for the Preacher, along with the Pre-published Maggie for The Rancher’s Want Ad Mix-up. And now she’s thrilled to be a Sunrise Publishing author. However, her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family, where she's always planning a road trip with a view. Yet, her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea. Connect with Megan at meganbesing.com.



CONNECT WITH MEGAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize Package: (1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, signed copy of The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-up, rose necklace, 1 Cor. 13:13 tote, apple oven mitt, apple kitchen towel, and a Great is Thy Faithfulness bookmark!

2nd Prize: (1) winner will receive an engraved rose leather journal!

Third Prize: (1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-up!

The Rancher's Want Ad Mix-Up JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 2, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 9, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.