When They Met Again

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: When They Met Again 
Series: Letters from Lancaster County 
Author: Leslie Gould 
Publisher: Bethany House 
Release Date: March 17, 2026 
Genre: Fiction / Romance / Amish / Contemporary

A gently humorous just friends romance from Leslie Gould, threaded with heart-deep characters and the timeless traditions of simple Amish life. 

It's love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she's less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be "just friends," but Adam's not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer--someone she deems a much more suitable match. 

When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents' successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance--but is Adam's love enough to finally win Joanna over?  

For readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray, a sweet Amish romance with matchmaking grandmas and themes of enemies to lovers, he falls first, and love at first sight versus "just friends."  

My thoughts: This was such a fun story! It reminded me a little bit of my own love story, since I thought my husband would only ever be a friend when we first got to know one another. It turns out being friends with your spouse can be a great way to go! 

Joanna gets the wrong first impression of Adam, sending her into the arms of Jacob instead. As time passes, and she has more chances to interact with Adam, she finds that all may not be as she originally assumed. 

While the story is sweet, I thought the grandma age friend group stole the show! They are delightful, as they matchmake and pray for the young people, learning some valuable lessons along the way. I enjoyed all the characters, but they were especially fun. I loved how Ike and Becky show the beauty of a love that endures over time. 

I look forward to reading more books in this series! If you like Amish fiction, I recommend picking this story up!

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

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including multiple Amish fiction series. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren. Learn more at LeslieGould.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card plus a copy of The Shop Down the Lane and When They Met Again!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 16, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 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!

Anna of Bethsaida

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Anna of Bethsaida 
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #2 
Author: Susanne Blumer 
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press 
Release Date: March 16, 2026 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle. 

As a healer traveling with Jesus's ministry alongside Andrew, Anna takes her place among the women who follow, forming bonds that offer strength as the journey grows harder. While crowds press close to hear the Teacher's words, a different kind of attention gathers. In Jerusalem, her father Joseph of Arimathea, walks an impossible line within the Sanhedrin, and with each miracle Jesus performs, the net draws tighter around them all. 

The cost of discipleship, Anna discovers, is not counted in miles walked or comforts surrendered. It is measured in the space between what she hoped following Jesus would be and what it actually demands. 

Some journeys test what you believe. 
Some reshape who you become. 
Anna's does both. 

This is Book 2 of The Arimathea Chronicles. Begin Anna's journey from the beginning with Book 1, Anna of Arimathea, where a scarred, isolated young woman discovers healing, first love, and purpose in the footsteps of Jesus.  

Anna of Bethsaida is perfect for readers who love:

• Deeply researched biblical fiction with authentic period detail
• The untold stories of women in the early church - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the community that sustained Jesus's ministry
• Love stories tested by faith and dangerous callings
• Political intrigue woven through spiritual transformation
• Character-driven narratives where personal loss intersects with world-changing events

My thoughts : I really enjoyed returning to this series and the characters! The first book ends with Anna’s wedding, while this one starts up right after and delves even more into the history of the time, as the disciples and those following Jesus of Nazareth find that their actions are being monitored. While there is a lot of history about the times and Jesus’ ministry, I like that the story also shows a very personal side, as Anna navigates being a newlywed and the hardships that come their way. This story deals with love, loss, and the cost of following Jesus. It’s a wonderful story to pick up and enjoy!

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Signed Copy from the Author| Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Susanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. As the CEO and Founder of Sassafras on Sutton LLC, she is the owner of three magical indie bookstores nestled in the North Carolina mountains of Black Mountain and Waynesville and Beaufort, South Carolina. One even has a full coffee bar. Oh, happy day!

She is the author of The Arimathea Chronicles, a series set in first-century Judea and centered on the life of Anna, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. The first two books, Anna of Arimathea and Anna of Bethsaida, are available now. The third book, Anna of Calvary, will be available later this year. She's also written several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband. Her new children's picture book series, The Story of You, will release its first book late Spring 2026 called Before Your Story Had A Name. 

When she’s not writing or doing other entrepreneurial tasks, you can usually find her hanging out on the floor of one of her stores, drinking coffee and learning the stories of her customers or spoiling her eight chickens. Susanne splits her time between Waynesville, NC in her beloved mountains and Beaufort, SC on the enchanting Lowcountry coast. 

Connect with Susanne by visiting susanneblumer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Bookshop gift card and a signed copy of Anna of Bethsaida!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 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!

Aflame

In a land of fire and ice, love is considered a weakness.

Princess Valkyrja has always been deemed "pretty and useless" by her family, who rule the kingdom of Fjordlandi. Though she has the same magical Blessing over ice and snow as her brother, sister, and father, she can never seem to use it for the brute-force ruling they require, choosing instead to make art that makes her people smile. But when a horrific attack shakes their whole world, she has to step up . . . and find a strength she didn't know she had.

Nikanor has lived his life under the greenhouse domes, a commoner with no opportunities to do things he most desires—to study the Words or the law, to be something other than a farmer. When he and his best friend follow his father to the capital, he hopes only for a nice holiday. Instead, the attack throws him into the path of a princess, and his world is never the same.

But the Blessed aren't the only ones with magic in Fjordlandi. There are others already Awakened in the volcano, those called the Cursed, with lava in their veins and rebellion in their hearts. And once the fires of revolution ignite, they won't stop until all of Fjordlandi is Aflame.

While I loved the first book in this series, I thought this one was even more amazing! I think it had to do with the fact that not only are the main characters amazing, but there are also some fun side characters that like to kept things interesting. I hope Perla gets her own story! 

I love how different Fjordlandi is from Daryatla. While the previous story had Mer people, Aflame is about a world of ice and lava. 

I loved Kyrja’s character arc. It was such a fun journey to read the book and see her come not her own! This is a wonderful story for adults and teens! 

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

Learn more here! https://4lhpr.r.sp1-brevo.net/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeGn5P8iWhFzSn3s7tJyc/iE2OC6rwUcdi

Anna of Arimathea

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Arimathea by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Anna of Arimathea 
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #1 
Author: Susanne Blumer 
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press 
Release Date: December 7, 2025 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Some wounds are carried in silence. Some healings require more than medicine. 

Eighteen-year-old Anna bears the marks of a childhood tragedy that left her motherless, scarred, and lame. Hidden within the household of her father, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy councilman of the Sanhedrin, her days are measured in herb gardens and healing tinctures, in the steady work of hands trained to help others, and in the quiet safety of a world made small. 

Then Andrew of Bethsaida arrives at her father's gate with urgent business for Joseph and talk of a teacher who calls ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. A fisherman turned disciple, Andrew follows the rabbi Jesus with a conviction that unsettles every long-held expectation—including Anna's own. 

When Andrew's kindness cracks open the door to a larger world, Anna faces an impossible choice: remain in the safety of her father's estate or risk everything for the possibility of healing, love, and a life she never dared imagine. 

Set against the dusty roads and fishing villages of first-century Judea, where miracles unfold and mercy walks among the broken, Anna of Arimathea opens The Arimathea Chronicles—a richly imagined tale of faith, first love, and redemption in the footsteps of the Messiah.  

Anna of Arimathea is perfect for readers who love: 

Biblical and historical fiction with rich period detail 
Redemptive love stories that explore the cost of faith 
Immersive historical worlds 
Characters who choose courage over comfort  

My thoughts; I love Biblical fiction that gives me a chance to reevaluate the classic passages I grew up with and see them in a new light, I thought that Anna of Arimathea did a wonderful job of bringing to life someone who is only mentioned briefly in the New Testament, Joseph of Arimathea, and giving him a daughter who has a story rich in heartbreak and hope. This is the first book I have read by Susanne Blumer, but it won’t be the last, since I was drawn to the rich historical details and character development. This story is a wonderful one to pick up and enjoy! 

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

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

Susanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. As the CEO and Founder of Sassafras on Sutton LLC, she is the owner of three magical indie bookstores nestled in the North Carolina mountains of Black Mountain and Waynesville and Beaufort, South Carolina. One even has a full coffee bar. Oh, happy day!

She is the author of The Arimathea Chronicles, a series set in first-century Judea and centered on the life of Anna, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. The first book, Anna of Arimathea, published in December 2025 and the second, Anna of Bethsaida, will be available in March 2026. She's also written several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband. Her new children's picture book series, The Story of You, will release its first book late Spring 2026 called Before Your Story Had A Name. 

When she’s not writing or doing other entrepreneurial tasks, you can usually find her hanging out on the floor of one of her stores, drinking coffee and learning the stories of her customers or spoiling her eight chickens. Susanne splits her time between Waynesville, NC in her beloved mountains and Beaufort, SC on the enchanting Lowcountry coast.

Connect with Susanne by visiting susanneblumer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a signed print copy of Anna of Arimathea plus a $50 Bookshop.org Gift Card!

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

Bernadette

 She’s supposed to be a small-town girl…

…He’s billed as America’s biggest heartthrob.

What could possibly go wrong? How about everything?

Tiny Bernie Sawrey is perfectly happy fixing carburetors until her stepmother ambushes her with a blind date. The catch? It’s with movie star Garrett Lomas, Bernie’s secret celebrity crush and the reason she’s haunted the drive-in alone her entire adult life.

There’s just one teensy problem: Bernie’s about as Hollywood-ready as a rusty muffler.

But when her dad’s garage faces financial ruin, suddenly playing Kokomo’s answer to the girl-next-door doesn’t seem so impossible, if it will help. How hard can it be to fake being normal for a few weeks?

Meanwhile, Gabe Lomas thought being his identical twin’s stunt double only involved driving race cars—not impersonating him at charity events in small-town Indiana. But when the movie studio execs set up the deal and Garrett’s fiancée says no way, Gabe trades his helmet for a fake smile and a very real problem.

The problem? Bernie Sawrey, all five-foot-nothing of her, with enough quirk and innocence to charm the grumpiest producer. That’s the problem.

Gabe is falling for her hard, only she thinks he’s his famous brother.

And she just might be falling for him too.

Now he’s caught between protecting his brother’s career and protecting his own heart. Because telling Bernie the truth might send her racing away—but not telling her guarantees he’ll lose her when she finds out.

My thought: It’s been a while since I last read one of Jennifer Lynn Cary’s books. I had forgotten how enjoyable the small town of Kokomo was! 

Bernadette, or Bernie, is a delightful character with her having grown up by her dad’s side, learning mechanics. When her step mom hatches a plan to get Bernadette to escort a movie star to local events, Bernie is torn. Garret Lomas is an amazing race car driver on screen, making her heart swoon, but she also doesn’t think of herself as a girly girl who should be seen on his arm.

Garret/Gabe has secrets of his own, ones that involve being his brother’s stunt double. Secrets that could jeopardize their career.

This is a delightful story, set in the 1970’s, with plenty of nostalgia and heart. I look forward to reading more in this series!

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

Purchase a copy here!

The Relic Keeper

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Relic Keeper 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: independently published 
Release Date: November 18, 2025 
Genre: Christian Inspirational Historical Fiction

Once a thief, always a thief? 

Italy, 1620. Angelo is an orphan, lonely and forgotten. Having been passed on from one family to the next, he ends up as a common thief, subject to and under the thumb of a ruthless robber called Tozzo. The boy knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence. 

One day, a priest invites Angelo to help with chores around the church and rectory and, in exchange, offers him room and board. Padre Benedetto’s kindness and respect are unfamiliar and confusing, but Angelo’s safety is still a grave concern. Two older robbers have heard rumors about Tozzo’s hidden treasures and will stop at nothing to attain them. 

With literary depictions and imagery, Angelo’s story is a gripping and emotional journey of faint hope and truth in seventeenth-century Italy. Using invisible threads, Heidi Eljarbo weaves together her fictional stories with historical figures and real events.  

My thoughts: I have enjoyed Heidi Eljarbo’s other stories, and found this one to be well written and every bit as enjoyable as her other stories, though different. I have found her stories to make history come alive, and enjoyed having the chance to visit seventeenth century Italy. Angelo is a character in a tough spot, trying to scrape by with stealing relics from churches. I love the themes of this story-one of redemption and life changing against all odds. This is a wonder story to pick up and enjoy! 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of The Relic Keeper and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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To Outwit them All

 

“Into the Lions’ den I go…” Betty Floyd’s uncle risked his life when he signed the Declaration of Independence, yet she is the epitome of British loyalty and social grace in 1779. Attempting to ignore the war, she attends New York’s balls and soirees with the Crown’s officers, but the city is a dangerous place for someone with Patriot ties. When a soldier she has befriended is murdered at a British prison, Betty is driven to choose sides and join General Washington’s covert spy group, the Culper Ring. Her social calendar provides the perfect backdrop to dance with the enemy, and she catches the eye of the charming Major John André, Britain’s Director of Intelligence. Garnering timely information for the Patriots becomes a never-ending balancing act, amid heightened collision between duty to her country and deepening feelings for André. When the slightest misstep could expose her and the entire Ring, a traitorous plot conducted by Benedict Arnold unfolds, and Betty is led to the very brink of death. Will she outwit the enemy, or will her flirtations with danger cost her everything?

My thoughts: I have read books before about the Culper Ring during the Revolutionary War and some of the guesses of who 355 (the Lady) might have been. I enjoyed reading this rich historical novel about Betty Floyd did a wonderful job of diving into the time period as well as what might have encouraged a young woman of that time to spy on the British and help the Patriot cause. I loved the historical notes, as well as the pictures of different likenesses from the historical figures. This story does a wonderful job of bringing history to life and what the Lady might have been like. This is my first book by Peggy Wirgau, but I look forward to reading more by her! 

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

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.