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Saturday, March 30, 2024

Hybrid

 



About the Book

Book: Hybrid

Author: Candace Kade

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Release Date: March 5, 2024

Lee Urban’s search for truth could destroy everything.

After narrowly surviving several attempts on her life, Lee Urban retreats into hiding, seeking refuge with her family for the Lunar New Year. But the relaxing holiday turns into a heist when someone crashes the party with intel on the hybrid’s identity.

Driven by desperation, Urban accepts a position within the elite Dragons AI team, a high-stakes gamble that will propel her into the heart of the turbulent West. As she follows the elusive clues to the hybrid, the journey takes her closer to uncovering the truths about her own origins and the odd circumstances surrounding her adoption.

Tensions between the Enhanced and Naturals grow increasingly violent and the Western Federation teeters on the brink of civil war. Urban’s choices threaten to tear her family apart, and the secrets she unearths just might shatter the delicate balance of society.

 My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book in this series and looked forward to discovering how things would play out. I love that there was more development with the futuristic setting that the series is in, with Urban traveling around more to find answers. There are some delightful plot twists as she seeks to find out  more about her biological dad. I highly recommend reading this series in order, since they build on one another! This is an enjoyable story to pick up.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Candace Kade grew up in China and currently lives in Austin, Texas. When she’s not missing Chinese food, she’s busy writing, exploring new countries, volunteering, hiking in national parks, teaching her husband Mandarin, and keeping a baby human alive.

 

 

More from Candace

危机 is an interesting character.

It means crisis in Mandarin. The first character, 危 or wei, symbolizes “dangerous.” The second, 機 or ji, means “opportunity.” Put those two words together and you have the Chinese word for crisis.

I learned about the breakdown of this character while I was living in Beijing and starting to write the Hybrid Series. It felt risky moving to Beijing to work in an all-Chinese office using my second language, taking on a completely new role, while in the middle of a serious relationship, and with zero friends or community there to support me.

When my health failed, my long-distance relationship wavered, and the program that sent me dissolved leaving me without a job or visa, I arrived at a crisis.

If you look at the Chinese character for crisis, there’s two ways of thinking about interpreting it. One, a crisis is something dangerous, to be feared, and to run away from. Or two, a crisis could be an opportunity.

The crisis I faced in Beijing led to some incredible things in my life.

Because of it, I ended up writing the Hybrid Series and getting published. My relationship (with my now husband) became stronger. I grew on a personal level in so many ways. My dependence on God deepened as well.

My time in Beijing was one you could not pay me to relive. It’s also a season I wouldn’t trade for the world.

I once heard someone say:

“Do what scares you most.”

Maybe if what you’re chasing after doesn’t scare you, you’re not reaching high enough.

Seeing a crisis as an opportunity involves a great deal of risk. It’s a scary thing. If I avoided the things that scared me, I never would have gone to graduate school, taken half the roles I did in my career, moved overseas, dated, gotten married, learned Krav Maga, given birth, signed a book deal, and many other things that ended up being some of the best experiences in my life.

It’s all a matter of perspective.

In Hybrid, the main character, Lee Urban, faces a crisis in her life.

When Urban risks everything to seek out answers about her birth origins, she finds more than she bargained for and danger ensues. At her darkest moment of despair, she sees the characters weiji, or crisis, for what they could be: a dangerous opportunity. That discovery changes everything for her.

That same discovery changed me.

At some point in our lives, we will all face a crisis. The question is, will we let the fear of danger cow us into taking the path of least resistance? Or will we be true to ourselves, take calculated risks, and pursue the things we know God made us for?

For me, I’m choosing the latter.

“What are you afraid of?”

- Candace

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a hardback copy of Hybrid and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter! 

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Her Temporary Cowboy

 

Her Temporary Cowboy JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Her Temporary Cowboy by Tanya Agler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Her Temporary Cowboy

Title: Her Temporary Cowboy
Series:
Rodeo Stars of Violet Ridge #3
Author:
Tanya Agler
Publisher:
Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: March 26, 2024
Genre:
Clean Romance

He’s never known love… 

Until a chance encounter 

Rodeo cowboy Lucky Harper is only making a short stop in idyllic Violet Ridge. So how did he go from being an outsider to pretty rancher Elizabeth Irwin’s wedding date—and her fake fiancé—in one night? For the first time, this lone cowboy is suddenly part of a real family. But even he’s not lucky enough to find family and love by accident…or is he?  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

My thoughts: I personally love fake dating stories, since they can be hilarious and so much fun! I loved getting to know Elizabeth and Lucky as they decide to pretend to be engaged for a wedding Elizabeth must attend. I enjoyed being along for the ride as they get to know one another in a tight spot. The cast of secondary characters are a lot of fun too! I love when a book has a wide variety of characters. This story did not disappoint!

While this book is part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone. Though, be warned, you will want to go back and read the other books!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

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

More Books in This Series

Caught by the Cowgirl 


About the Author

Tanya Agler

Tanya Agler fell in love with romance novels when her grandmother brought one home from work. After years of reading happily ever afters, she decided to write a sweet contemporary romance with the support of her wonderful husband, four children, and her lovable dogs (Linus the Beagle and Corky the Yorkie). A graduate of the University of Georgia, she loves Cary Grant movies, walking, reading, and all things chocolate.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $20 Amazon gift card and a signed, print copy of Caught by the Cowgirl!

Her Temporary Cowboy JustRead Blog Tour Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 25, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 1, 2024. 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.

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Monday, March 25, 2024

The Rancher's Secret Crush

 

The Rancher's Secret Crush JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Rancher's Secret Crush by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Rancher's Secret Crush

Title: The Rancher's Secret Crush
Series:
Three Springs Texas #6
Author:
Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date:
March 26, 2024
Genre:
Contemporary Romance (Clean)

Everything good…  

Starts with unexpected kindness 

When city girl Elsie Parks comes to Three Springs to care for her nieces while her brother recuperates, she’s in for a surprise—he expects her to run the ranch! Thankfully, Ryan Sloan—the rugged cowboy next door—is happy to help. As they get into a groove working the farm together, their attraction grows like Texas wildflowers. But can this temporary detour become something more? 

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR  

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

My thoughts: I have enjoyed this sweet series and getting to know the different couples in Three Springs. I am so glad that Ryan finally gets his own story!
I can only imagine what it would be like to be in Elsie's position, coming to help her brother with his two daughters and small ranch while he recovers from an injury. Running a farm/ranch is hard work, especially when you don't really know what you are doing! She is fortunate to have Ryan's help, her brother's friend and high school crush. The story is so cute, as they get re-acquainted and deal with matchmaking relatives, mischievous animals, and mishaps. I highly recommend picking up this sweet romance! 

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

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

More Books in This Series

    Her Cowboy Wedding Date

   


About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

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


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copies of 2 backlist books by Cari Lynn Webb!

The Rancher's Secret Crush JustRead Blog Tour Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 26, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 2, 2024. 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.

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Friday, March 22, 2024

Flicker of Trust

 

Flicker of Trust JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Flicker of Trust by Eleanor Bertin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Flicker of Trust

Title: Flicker of Trust
Series:
Burning Bright #2
Author:
Eleanor Bertin
Publisher: Leaf & Blade Publishing
Release Date:
February 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

When a woman disappears, Ryan’s past is fair game. 

Party animal Ryan Hainstock has made an about-face. He’s now an elder-caring, money-saving, church-going man with bright plans to set himself up farming. Somehow, whether he rates with her or not, those plans always include sweet and smart Lynnie Min and her young daughter. Problem is, Ryan’s past keeps coming back to condemn him. 

Lynnie Min, too young for the title of widow, travels the lonely road of single motherhood in a rural community. Her dreams were crushed by tragedy when terrorists claimed the lives of her husband and one of her daughters. While gratitude should fill her heart for the presence of three-year-old Anya, a longing for something more stirs within her. She can’t help noticing the changes in Ryan, a man she once knew as a high school jock. 

While their affection deepens, greater forces conspire to destroy their growing love. A murder charge, a kidnapping, a child abandoned…Can Ryan and Lynnie overcome danger and distrust to find each other again? 

My thoughts: I enjoyed returning to this series and the story of Lynnie and Anya! I highly recommend reading the books in order, since they build on the story. 
Life has not followed the path that Lynnie thought it would, with being a widow at such a young age. She has the chance to reconnect with Ryan, an old friend from high school, who has changed quite a bit. I love that she sees the changes that he has made, and accepts him as he is, since I know it can be hard to look at someone you have know for a long time as the person God is shaping them into, without their past clouding the picture. This story has a lot going on, with their budding friendship and the mystery. This is a wonderful story to pick up and enjoy!

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


About the Author

Eleanor Bertin

Inspired by the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the place where life’s perplexities meet faith’s certainties. Before raising and home-educating a family of seven children for thirty years, Eleanor received a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism. She is the author of five novels, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She and her husband of 42 years live in central Alberta, Canada and are the grandparents of ten amazing grandchildren.

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

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Flicker of Trust JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 26, 2024. 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.

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Thursday, March 21, 2024

This Ain't No Promise Land

 

This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for This Ain’t No Promised Land by Tina Shelton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

This Ain't No Promised Land

Title: This Ain’t No Promised Land
Author:
Tina Shelton
Publisher:
Kregel Publications
Release Date:
March 19, 2024
Genre:
Christian General Fiction

"With stellar storytelling skills, Tina Shelton reminds us that while love isn't always enough to erase the hurts, it's the only way to survive them. A powerful read!" 

--Julie Cantrell, New York Times & USA Today best-selling author of Perennials 

When her husband dies, Charlotte can't face the things she's done that could tear her family apart. So she drops a goodbye letter in the cookie jar and flees south to escape everything--her life, her three daughters, the mistakes she's made, and the secrets eating her alive. 

Now Gracey and her sisters are alone on Chicago's South Side with nothing but their home and belongings. They're doing everything they can to stay together, but young teens aren't meant to parent themselves. Their close-knit Black community gathers around them to keep them fed and clothed with the utilities on, but that's not enough to fix the damage of abandonment. 

Hundreds of miles away, Charlotte is struggling to keep her own head above water. She's made a close friend who talks to her about God in a way Charlotte's never heard before. But when her demons catch up to her, the shaky peace she tried to build shatters. Even if she's able to find the courage to embrace motherhood again, will it be enough to save the family she left behind?

My thoughts: This book tackles some difficult questions and situations! My heart went out to all the characters, with the variety of struggles they faced. Charlotte is struggling with grief and shame over past choices, while her girls struggle with abandonment and the loss of their family. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of tying their stories together and writing from different perspectives, to show what was going on with a couple of the characters. While I was quite young and don't remember a lot about the late 80's, I thought it was interesting to read more about that time frame. This is an interesting, thought provoking book that does a wonderful job of tackling difficult subjects!

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

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


About the Author

Tina Shelton

Tina Shelton is registrar at Chicago Theological Seminary and a pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is also the mother of two young adults, and loves walking, working out, and traveling with her family. This is her first novel.

Connect with Tina by following her on Instagram @ts_walking


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of This Ain't No Promised Land and several book-related goodies, including a friendship bracelet, a mini journal, a pen, and a prayer tin.

This Ain't No Promised Land JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2024. 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.

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Tuesday, March 5, 2024

8 Down

 

8 Down JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

8 Down Title: 8 Down 
Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters #2 
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: February 20, 2024 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

8 bodies down.

8 more lives at stake. 

Investigator Carrie Kintz is new blood with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage. But with a serial killer on the loose, there's no easing into the job. It's sink or swim. The only clues to help law enforcement stop this madman are the taunts he drops into crossword puzzles across the country--always in the same 8 DOWN position.

Carrie is desperate to prove her worth to the force and the community by catching the killer. But when she discovers signs that these deaths are just the tip of the iceberg in a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack, it's time to admit she needs help.

Calling in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise seems like the right move--until Carrie realizes that he may be a dangerous distraction for her heart. With her faith fading in the face of horror and uncertainty and her career in danger of ending, this is no time for flirtation.

But with a killer who is determined to prove that he's smarter than everyone else, it may be impossible to fight both the madman and their feelings for each other...

Put on your parkas as we head into a cold world of cybercrime, and hang on for the ride! Kimberley Woodhouse once again takes us on a nail-biter of a ride, and you won't want to quit until you've read the last page!" --Jaime Jo Wright, author of The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater

"An amazing, breath-stealing, knuckle-biting thrill of a ride!" --Lynette Eason, award-winning, best-selling suspense author

My thoughts: Wow! What a ride! I love how this book starts out by dropping the reader right in the middle of a high action story and doesn't let up until the discovery of who is behind the horrible deaths. This story did a wonderful job of making me feel like I was a member of the team, as Carrie and Scott learned to work together to track down the killer. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of writing a unique story that was hard to put down. I would recommend reading the first book in the series, to fully appreciate this one, though it can still be enjoyed as a stand alone. I can't wait for the next book!

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

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

More Books in Series

26 Below


About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "Craziest Mom" for "Nana the Great."

Connect with Kimberley by visiting kimberleywoodhouse.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed copies of 26 Below and 8 Down, bookmarks, and other book-related goodies!

8 Down 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 March 6, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 13, 2024. 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours