Magic City Murder

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Magic City Murder 
Series: Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series #16 
Author: Bruce Hammack 
Publisher: Jubilee Publishing 
Release Date: August 6, 2026 
Genre: Mystery / Private Detective

A missing husband. A murdered journalist. A city where everyone has something to hide. 

Blind former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his partner Heather McBlythe take on what looks like a straightforward case: track down a missing husband so his estranged wife can finally file for divorce. 

The simple case turns deadly when the body of the woman the husband has been living with is found in a Miami canal. She wasn't just the missing man's companion — she was an investigative journalist silenced before her story could see the light of day. 

As Smiley and McBlythe dig deeper, they uncover a trail of political corruption and cartel money that someone powerful is determined to keep hidden. With a growing list of suspects, a city full of secrets, and a killer working in the shadows, Smiley must sort through the tangle of lies before whoever is cleaning up loose ends decides Smiley's next.  

Pick up your copy of Magic City Murder today and follow Smiley and McBlythe from Houston to Miami as they chase down a missing husband and a killer who's running out of places to hide. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots, professional detective work, and clean reads without the gore, violence, or explicit content.  

My thoughts: I haven’t read it he previous books in this series, so I was a little lost with just jumping into the story and trying to figure out who all the side characters were. It took a little to get into the story, but once the partners arrived in Miami, things started to pick up and get interesting. I like how quickly the story changed from something cut and dried to a story of suspense and corruption. The author does a wonderful job of writing a hard to put down mystery! 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BruceHammack.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Bruce Hammack, a native Texan, began his professional writing career in the tenth grade when the local Rotary Club sponsored a writing contest for students in civics class. To the amazement of students and teachers alike, he won the prize of a twenty-five-dollar savings bond.

After retiring from a career in criminal justice, Bruce picked up the proverbial pen again. He now draws on his extensive background with law enforcement (and criminals) to write contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries. 

An avid Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes fan, Bruce firmly believes the world can’t have enough whodunits. When not writing, he enjoys travel, classic whodunits and a quiver full of children and grandchildren. Having lived in eighteen cities around the US and the world, he now makes his home in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of thirty-plus years. 

Connect with Bruce by visiting brucehammack.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Magic City Murder, a Smiley And McBlythe bookmark, a Reading Log, and book lover stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Winners 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!

A Whim and a Prayer

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Whim and a Prayer by Julie Lessman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Whim and a Prayer 
Series: The Cousins O'Connor #4 
Author: Julie Lessman 
Publisher: Independent 
Release Date: September 8, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romance

She’s a former orphan desperate to protect her heart. 
He’s a best friend who protects her from the start. 
Till prayer protects them both from a true love torn apart. 

Discarded like so much trash on the steps of an orphanage at age two, seventeen-year-old Winifred Dennehy thinks God has it out for her. Abandoned by abusive parents and born cross-eyed to boot, she spent the first four years of her life battling bullies and verbal abuse. Deliverance came in the form of one Beckett Campbell, the ten-year-old orphan who became her best friend and guardian angel for life, along with an orphanage volunteer by the name of Mrs. D. When Mrs. Charity Dennehy adopts Winnie into her family, has her crossed eyes fixed, and secretly arranges for Beckett to be fostered and then adopted by elderly neighbors down the street, Winnie figures her luck has changed. But instead of attributing it to God like Beckett does, she’s inclined to believe it’s her own grit, charm, and spontaneity that has paved the way. 

From the moment twenty-four-year-old Beckett Campbell saw the tiny, cross-eyed orphan who reminded him of the sister he lost, he wanted to love and protect her forever. Best friends from the start despite over five years apart, Winnie’s naïve spontaneity for wild hairs and whims keeps Beck’s mature responsibility busy and happily so. Until the little girl he wanted to protect suddenly becomes the young woman he wants to love. When Winnie insists on protecting their friendship from the fear and risk of anything more, Beck has a decision to make. Friendship forever … or a life apart from the best friend he loves. Praying that Winnie will change her mind, Beck doesn’t hold out much hope for that day. But when an unexpected turn of events alters both of their lives, it puts “a wing and a prayer” on a collision course that just might make a way.  

My thoughts: I enjoyed this sweet friends to lovers story! I loved the historical detail and how the characters grow up over the course of the story. I loved the aspect of their working for the theater, it added such a fun element to the story! While I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I didn’t feel like it detracted from Winnie and Beck’s story. 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

More in This Series

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About the Author

A lover of all things Irish, Julie Lessman writes close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together. Award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 24 Romance Writers of America and other awards.

Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, Julie also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-2021, 2023, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. 

In addition, Julie has written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets, and What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity. Contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 21, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 28, 2026. Winners 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

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

The Gentlewoman’s Apprentice

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Gentlewoman Apprentice 
Series: The Gentlewoman Series #5 
Author: Emily Opal 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: September 3, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romance

Every seam hides a secret. Every valentine reveals the truth.  

When Margaret Cooper departs the slums of East London for an apprenticeship in a quiet market town, she topples the established order—and no one feels it more than Peter Sloan, the handsome tailor forced to teach her his trade. 

Margaret is steeled to prove her worth in a man’s world and has no leisure for courtship. But when anonymous Valentines begin to arrive, each with gifts and words that pierce her heart, she feels truly known for the first time. If only she could unmask the hand that distracts her from her aspirations. 

Burdened by a failing business and an ill father, Peter has no patience for a female apprentice who upends his orderly life. Yet through a reckless wager, he finds himself sending Valentines to none other than Miss Cooper. What begins as halfhearted duty blossoms into admiration—and dangerous longing.  

My thoughts: This is the first book I have read in this series, but I found that it did just fine as a stand alone novel. I enjoyed the characters and the unique setting, with a woman working for a tailor. I like that this series focuses on the heroines being in unique fields for the ladies of that time. 

Margaret and Peter’s story is a delightful one, as what starts as a business relationship begins to turn into something else when Peter starts sending Meg anonymous valentines. This is a lovely, sweet historical romance to pick up and enjoy. I look forward to reading more books in the series!

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Emily Opal spent her childhood reading, having tea parties, and imagining she existed in another century. While pleased to live in a time when chamber pots are obsolete, she loves researching a bygone world full of hardships both foreign and relatable. Fortunate to find a spouse equally afflicted with wanderlust, Emily and her husband travel whenever and wherever they can. They live with their children and Labradoodle in Utah, where she enjoys mountain views and hiking but pretends to love skiing.

Connect with Emily by visiting emilyopal.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a book box with 18th century bits and bobs and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026. Winners 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 for gift card. 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!

The Song of Our Heart

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Song of Our Heart by Kathy Dye, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Song of Our Heart: Remembering God's Faithfulness Through Every Season 
Author: Kathy Dye 
Publisher: Westbow Press 
Release Date: April 9, 2026 
Genre: Bible Study

Life doesn’t always sound like we expect. Disappointments come, relationships fracture, health fails, and dreams fade. In these moments, we need something—Someone—to be the steady song of our hearts.  

The Song of Our Heart presents a five-week Bible study journey through Psalm 71. It provides a way to discover how to make God your song through every season of life—not just the easy ones, but especially the hard ones. This isn’t about superficial positivity or pretending everything is fine. It’s about honest faith that clings to God when life is messy. Through daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application, you’ll explore what it means to find God as your refuge when you’re overwhelmed, your hope when circumstances look bleak, and your praise even when you don’t feel like singing. Each week focuses on a specific aspect of making God your song: 

Week 1: God Is Our Song 
Week 2: A Life Led by God 
Week 3: God as Our Refuge 
Week 4: God as Our Hope
Week 5: God as Our Praise 

Whether you’re in a season of joy or walking through shadows, this study will help you rediscover that God isn’t just with you—He is your song. And when He becomes your song, you’ll be able to build a legacy of faith that sings long after you’re gone. 

My thoughts: This devotional is a perfect length to add to a busy schedule, offering thought provoking scripture verses and thoughts to set or finish your day with the Lord. I love the way this devotional is written, since it’s a good one to do on your own (or in a group), since the author wrote it in such a personal way that it feels like you are doing it together. This is a delightful devotional for all walks of life. 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Publisher's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Kathy Dye resides in Evansville, Indiana, with her husband Sid. A retired elementary teacher turned Christian author and speaker, Kathy has taught women's Bible studies for over 40 years. She is the author of A Song in Her Heart, the Kit Kat Camp series, and the newly released Bible study The Song of Our Heart—a five-week journey through Psalm 71 helping women make God the song of their hearts through every season of life. Her commitment is to equip mothers and women to build a legacy of faith across generations.

Connect with Kathy by visiting kathydyeauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of The Song of Our Heart and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 1, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2026. Winners 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!

Fatal Finale

 About the book: They’d started back to the house when they heard a male voice behind them. Then a shot rang out.

“Run!” Kaely said.

When bestselling author Erin Delaney’s novel gets picked up for a movie deal, she eagerly awaits her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter’s arrival in Tennessee before they head to California to observe the film’s production. However, when Kaely does not arrive at the scheduled time and Erin can’t reach her by phone, her concern grows.

A cryptic phone call from Kaely’s kidnapper confirms Erin’s worst fear–she has exactly six days to save her friend’s life by solving his twisted clues. The message comes with a warning: Contact the police or FBI, and Kaely dies. But Erin works for the Sanctuary Police Department, and Kaely’s husband is with the FBI, putting her in an impossible situation. As Erin races against time, she’s forced to crack the kidnapper’s chilling puzzle before it’s too late.

My thoughts: I love how Nancy Mehl wraps up Erin’s series with a bang! When she goes to California to observe  her book bring made into a movie, she plans to meet up with profiler Kaely. But, when Kaely doesn’t show up and then Wein gets word that she has less than a week to save her friend, things go from bad to worse. 

I love that we get snippets from both sides of the story, as well as little scours to who has it out for the ladies. This is a fast paced, suspenseful read to pick up. I love that it also has some thought provoking parts on faith and trusting God. This is a wonderful series to pick! I highly recommend starting with book one and reading in order, since they are just that good. 

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

Magic City Murder

A Whim and a Prayer