Good Gifts

 

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Good Gifts by Kyle Hunter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Good Gifts 

Series: Brenner Falls #1 

Author: Kyle Hunter 

Publisher: Monceau Publishing 

Release Date: December 28, 2022 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Nathan Chisholm’s high-pressure job in the big city is interrupted by an inheritance he doesn’t want, a struggling dinner theater. He returns to his hometown of Brenner Falls, Pennsylvania, so he can sell it fast and return to his normal life.

Leah Albright’s plans for her life went up in smoke and she’s forgotten how to dream. Instead, she spends her days at a dull job in Brenner Falls and her evenings with musical instruments and her cat. As holidays approach, she fakes cheer to stave off her disappointments. 

Nathan and Leah rekindle the friendship they had in high school and attraction brews. But Nathan’s leaving town once he sells the theater. And the residents of Brenner Falls, including Leah, don’t want their beloved historic theater sold. And certainly not to the developer who’s been lurking around. 

Nathan finds himself trapped by well-meaning decisions and growing feelings for Leah. He may have gone too far to turn back from the risks to his future and his heart.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this delightful, small town feel, friends to something more romance! The setting is lovely. I have a soft spot for small town vibes. I also enjoyed getting to know Nathan and Leah as they are thrown together to try and save the old theater. I particularly loved the discoveries that Leah makes throughout the story. This is a wonderful, faith filled story.

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

Also Available

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About the Author

Kyle Hunter is the author of nine novels of inspirational romance and women’s fiction. Her relatable characters will become like close friends you’ll cheer for and learn from as you join them on their journeys. Story settings range from Europe to small town America. As characters face challenges, the insights they gain will always be relevant. Kyle spent thirteen years in France, and she’s intrigued by faraway places. Currently, she lives in North Carolina where she writes fiction, non-fiction (under the pen name K. B. Oliver) and the travel blog OliversFrance.com and teaches French to adults.

Connect with Kyle by visiting Kyle-Hunter.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive an ebook of Good Gifts, ebook of Prodigals in Provence, and $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 3, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 10, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Yosemite Firestorm

 

A raging forest fire

isn’t the only threat…

When an act of arson claims the life of a hiker, Yosemite Park Ranger Livy Chatham is the only witness—putting her right into the path of determined criminals. Only rock climber Hayden Bryant can protect her from the killers destroying all evidence of their crimes. But can Livy and Hayden outrun the danger that’s as hot on their heels as the fires blazing through Yosemite?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My thoughts: This book starts off fast paced, with an arson on the loose and the forest fire quickly hemming in the characters. I can only imagine how terrifying it would be to be caught in a horrible fire like the one in this story! I thought that it added a lot of suspense and drive to the mystery as Livy and Hayden seek to help other stays ahead of the fire and try to get to the bottom of what is going on. This is a wonderful mystery to pick up and enjoy!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

The Lord Bless You

 

Step into the Lord's Unending Favor 

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible makes it clear that our God has a zealous intent to bless you. In this encouraging devotional, Pastor Terry A. Smith will help you recapture God's heart for His people and discover His extraordinary goodness in your life right now.

You will learn not only how much God wants to bless you, but also how to receive His blessing, how to bring blessing to the world around you and how blessing leads to the discovery of your true purpose. Come, see what He will do in you, to you and through you.

My thoughts: I really appreciated this little book and the challenges that it presented. When I looked at the title, I wasn't sure what I would find in the pages. I appreciated that the author used personal experiences and scripture to weave together 28 chapters of challenges and challenges to step out in faith. A lot of the chapters call us to do hard things, like remembering to forgive those who have wronged us or to step out in faith to a new calling or adventure, but the blessings that come from knowing God and following where He leads are so worth it. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

Go here to purchase a copy. This post contains affiliate links!

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness 

Author: Christopher Martin 

Publisher: Martin Family Bookstore 

Release Date: November 15, 2021 

Genre: Christian Nonfiction; self-help; chronic illness

A 2022 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner

"Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness." —James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art 

Finding Joy presents a comprehensive, practical guide for living your best life with chronic illness. This psychology self-help book integrates personal and professional insights to give you tools for handling various aspects of living with a chronic illness. There is also a chapter specifically for the loved ones and caregivers of the chronically ill. While this book is designed for anyone with a chronic illness, the spiritual content early in the book suggests the value of sticking to your faith and offers several Bible references. 

Ultimately, Finding Joy is an A-to-Z guide that critiques the literature and empowers the reader with:

1. Positive psychology techniques. These range from self-compassion, positive reappraisal, positive self-talk, and pacing to positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors such as optimism, humor, and volunteer work.
2. Stress-reduction methods. These include tools such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, simplification, and (therapeutic) journaling.
3. Proven therapies. Examples include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
4. Effective communication strategies and their impact on relationships and even the ability to access quality healthcare.
5. Numerous tips to both access and optimize your experience with high-quality healthcare.
6. Important considerations for loved ones of the chronically ill, so they too can know how to best support their loved one and take care of themselves in the process.

“This book offers great value for anyone with chronic illness as it contains clear, practical, and actionable insights and steps that can be naturally implemented into daily life. An engaging, easy, and helpful read. Highly recommended.”—Alla Bogdanova, MSc, MIM, co-founder and past president of the International Empty Nose Syndrome Association

"The thing that sets it apart from others is that it’s written by afellow sufferer who can also give valuable insight as a psychologist.This topic could easily be heavy-going, but it is mainly an upbeat, positive read. Saying that, the author has taken care to balance positivity with reality."—Elsa Bridger on Amazon.co.uk

"What I loved the most about this book is the author has his own chronic illnessess all methods are tried and tested. I really like the way this book was written as it didn't feel like any other self-help book I have ever read; it felt more relaxed. You knew that the author understood you and his manner made me take more in."—Ladyreading365 on Goodreads.com

“I have had various invisible chronic illnesses for nearly forty years, but I was still able to find suggestions that will help me. So many of the things I have gone through are reflected in this book. I highly recommend this comprehensive book.”—Sue on Amazon.ca

My thoughts: This is a wonderful, well written book about the author's journey through dealing with chronic illness. While this is partially about his personal journey, I think that so much of it is applicable to anyone who has had to deal with invisible pain and tough diagnosis. I appreciated how Christopher Martin shares the emotional struggles, since it's so relatable. If you are struggling with a chronic illness, this book is a must to pick up!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

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About the Author

Christopher Martin is a school psychologist, husband, father, and an award-winning author who has lived with multiple debilitating chronic illnesses and their hidden effects - from chronic fatigue to significant pain to seemingly endless infections - for 25 years. As a result, he is all too aware of how disruptive and life-changing they can be to our daily lives.

But don't let what was just shared fool you: while he is far from cured of his illnesses, he still maintains a fulfilling life and experiences ongoing joy, peace, and happiness. He appreciates the small things in life such as drinking hot tea, going for walks with his family (when he is feeling up to it), and reading inspirational books. It was his goal, in turn, to give back to others by doing what he loves to do: authoring books on these conditions. He wrote his most recent book, Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness, because few books exist that offer comprehensive, practical guidance on chronic illness. And even fewer books exist that include mental health tips from the perspective of a psychologist and sufferer. Christopher enjoyed integrating his background in psychology with his experiences as a patient into realistic, easy-to-understand and apply strategies. His deepest hope in writing Finding Joy is to inspire the reader to live a more abundant life. 

Learn more by visiting invisibleillnessbooks.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive $25 paypal cash and an audiobook download of the book!

(3) additional winners will receive an audiobook download of the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 22, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 29, 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

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

This Life of Mine

 

A woman alone, fleeing for her life. A man on a mission of rescue.

Each fighting their own internal battles, will the survive the one raging between countries?

Will they find healing? Or succumb to the darkness and devastation around them?


Book #2 in The Chronicles of Elira

Marcus is tired of losing those he loves. The last shred of his childhood has been uprooted, and he feels alone… again. When the ruler’s new policies take effect, the anger of the Rusalkan mountain king is unleashed upon the borderlands. With refugees streaming into Elira by the hundreds, the stories from the wall are horrific.

Marcus joins a convoy to lend his medical skills to those in need at the Eliran border. What he finds there requires him to face his own deformities. Will he be able to overcome them? Or will his life forever be marked by suffering and sacrifice?

Dilara’s life as a slave in Rusalka was anything but idealistic. Consumed by a system designed to use, abuse, and discard the likes of her, she has been taken through the very depths. Carrying a traumatic secret and wounded in her frenzied escape, she finds herself with an unlikely protector and an even more confusing relationship. Can she traverse the waters of this new life of hers and make it her own?

Endorsements for This Life Of Mine:

"Make sure you’re stocked up on tissues because Victoria Lynn has crafted yet another masterpiece. This Life of Mine is a poignant, contemplative tale of profound loss, struggle, healing, and faith. Its powerful message, compelling characters, and sweet romance will tug at your heartstrings and push you toward Jesus." -Megan McCullough, author of We Could Be Villains

"Some books stir the imagination, but This Life of Mine stirs the soul. A journey of hope from brokenness, strength in weakness, and power in unity. It’s impossible to miss Victoria Lynn’s passion in this heart-written story and if you open your own heart as you read, you’ll leave behind the world of Elira as changed as its characters." - Nadine Brandes, author of Wishtress, Fawkes, Romanov, and the Out of Time Series

"This Life of Mine has earned a forever home on my bookshelf and in my heart. Featuring memorable characters and a powerful stance on the sanctity of life, it had me in tears with its story of redemption in the wake of regret. Victoria Lynn has done it again, weaving a tale that holds out hope to the ones who have been broken…and to the ones who have broken others." - Laurel Luehmann, author of This Will Not Last and Clarion Hope

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

The Sound of Light

 

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a unique time in WWII, with the Danish and how they were treated when occupied by the Nazis. I also love that the main character is a young woman who has a doctorate in a time when the field is dominated by men. I thought that the author handled the workforce for Else well, bringing to light some of the struggles and triumphs. I also enjoyed how Else interacts with Henrik, who is passing himself as a common laborer. The story has a bit of a reverse Cinderella feel to it, with the hero hiding who he truly is.

This is a wonderful story to pick up! It's a stand alone, but some of the characters from the previous two books by the author make a cameo appearance.

I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Sweeter With You

 

A spirited bakery shop owner.

A cupcake-baking pro ball player.

A game-winning play to find love ever after.

SERENITY LEWIS has a serious problem. After several successful years, her trendy French Quarter bakery is failing—no thanks to a national chain that’s luring patrons by way of lower prices and ease of parking. She’ll do anything to keep her bakery alive. Or so she thinks ...

Philanthropic defensive end, OWEN WALKER is one concussion away from a career-ending injury. With headaches that sideline the blue chip player, he just might need to consider life off the gridiron. But working at a bakery during off season? That wasn’t the side hustle he had in mind. But if it’ll help the beautiful girl he knew in college, he’s all in.

Owen’s baking prowess and presence is a PR magnet, but it stirs Serenity’s desire for the only guy she ever considered letting into her heart.

Too bad she can’t give Owen what he wants most. Working alongside Serenity emboldens Owen to consider retirement faster than he can crack an egg in his palm. And accounting records prove the two make a winning team.

But when Serenity reveals her secret, will it send Owen running? Will the uncertain outcome of Owen’s head injuries be a justified reason to reject him first? Or will they huddle together and let love win the day?

My thoughts: I loved this unique spin on a classic story of a young woman trying to make a go with her bakery. I love reading stories that feature baking, since my family owned a bakery for years when I was a teen and in college. So, it's a trope that is near and dear to me! 

I enjoyed the characters and how they come from such different backgrounds, and yet have known one another for years. I can only imagine how hard it would be to be in Serenity's shoes, with her having feelings for Owen and yet feeling like she can't pursue those. This is a sweet, delightful story that I recommend picking up and enjoying!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.