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Friday, July 26, 2024

Cold Vengeance

 

Cold Vengeance JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Cold Vengeance Title: Cold Vengeance 
Series: Ryland & St. Clair #3 
Author: Nancy Mehl 
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
Release Date: July 16, 2024 
Genre: Romantic Suspense 

When a renowned crime podcaster vanishes without a trace, former FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are called upon to track her down. As they wade through the evidence she left behind, they unearth a startling connection--she may have discovered the existence of an unknown serial killer, and he will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan. 

As the pair delves deeper, they soon find themselves the target of a relentless enemy determined to silence them. With their lives--and hearts--on the line, can they confront the evil that threatens them before it consumes them both? 

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Mehl brings her Ryland & St. Clair series to an explosive close with a pulse-pounding story where the stakes are high and silence is deadly.
My thoughts: I have enjoyed most of Nancy Mehl's mysteries, and this series has been no exception! I love how River and Tony have developed their friendship even more over the course of owning a private investigators business together. Through the course of the series, there has been the mystery of who is after them after they put a serial killer behind bars, and it seems like things are coming to a head in that arena. But, there is also the case of the missing cold case podcast host that has been brought to their attention. As they work through the cases the cases of the missing young woman, they might just find some answers for her loved ones, as well as figure out who is after them.
This story took on a lot! I loved how the cold cases played out, as well as the other mysteries. I highly recommend reading this series in order to enjoy the full scope of the mystery. 
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
 

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

More Books from this Series:


About the Author

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable and ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the complete paperback set of the Ryland & St. Clair series and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Cold Vengeance 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 July 24, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 31, 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.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Until Our Time Comes

 

Until Our Time Comes JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Until Our Time Comes Title: Until Our Time Comes 
Author: Nicole M. Miller 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: July 2, 2024 
Genre: WWII Historical Romance 

American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn. 

Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other. 

Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river. 

My thoughts: I have read a fair amount of books set in WWII, but I have never read one quite like this one! I didn't know much about Janow Podlaski before I started the story, so it was interesting to learn more about the horse of the famous stables. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and the danger that they face when they embark on a journey to save the horses from the oncoming storm. Fact and fiction were woven together beautifully and I enjoyed the notes at the end that helped pull out the facts in the story. This is a wonderful book for history lovers to pick up and enjoy!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
 

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


About the Author

Nicole M. Miller

Nicole M. Miller lives in Washington State with her husband and two sons, along with her Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. As a longtime horse owner, she's been involved in many horse organizations, including serving on the Clark County Fair Court and as Miss Teen Rodeo Washington. She's received national and regional awards for her nonfiction from American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists. See her stories in The Horse of My Heart, The Horse of My Dreams, The Dog Who Came to Christmas, and Second-Chance Horses.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Until Our Time Comes and a $25 gift card to Bookshop.org!

Until Our Time Comes 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 July 17, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 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.

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Monday, July 15, 2024

Suddenly Rural Girl

 

Suddenly Rural Girl JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Suddenly Rural Girl by Dann and Kennedy Hurlbert, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Suddenly Rural Girl

Title: Suddenly Rural Girl: Facing Life, Death, Mean Girls, and Cute Boys in Rural America
Author:
Dann & Kennedy Hurlbert
Publisher:
Kirk House Publishers
Release Date:
February 1, 2024
Genre:
Young Adult & Middle Grade Contemporary Christian Fiction

After her dad is tragically killed, Dakota Moore’s mom moves her to northern Minnesota where Dak discovers an outcast classmate may be a reclusive miracle worker. She thinks she found him too late. The truth is, she met him just in time. Will Dak discover the miracle worker’s secrets before the next tragedy strikes? 

Now, tucked into a secluded A-frame near a beaver-infested creek with her strong Sioux mom and her lisping little brother, Dak faces a new school and a trio of mean girls. Seemingly alone, she buries herself in a design app and self pity until an old blind man, his curly-haired horse named Eyeballs, a quirky dragon-doodling classmate, and a strawberry blonde with delicious sun-kissed freckles give her four reasons to keep on living. Then she decides to do more than just survive; Dak intends to thrive. When tragedy strikes again, she confronts the intriguing and repulsive miracle worker, but he doesn’t help their mutual friend. Learning why will change her life. 

Suddenly Rural Girl is a friend and faith-finding journey, featuring a strong, female, multiracial protagonist and is loaded with laugh-out-loud characters and gorgeous northern Minnesota beauty. The magnificent landscapes haunt like William Kent Kreuger’s Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land, and the quick-witted dialogue is reminiscent of Jenny B. Jones’ There You’ll Find Me and In Between books. The combination makes it an excellent YA read with cross-over into Contemporary Christian audiences. The novel also has a companion study guide full of plot-related questions for classrooms and theme based discussion prompts for book groups!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this unique story of a teenage girl trying to navigate moving to a very different place in the midst of working through the grief over losing her dad. I thought that the Hurlberts did a fantastic job of blending their voices to write a story that has some fun twists and turns. I love that this book was so much more than what I was expecting! It gives the reader a glimpse of what it is like to be a teenage girl and working through some of the struggles that come with being the new kid. I appreciated the rich messages of faith woven into the story.

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

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


About the Authors

Dann & Kennedy Hurlbert

Dann Hurlbert has BSED in English and Theater Education from the University of South Dakota, an MFA in Digital Cinema from California’s National University, and has spent many years as an educator and professional actor and director. He currently serves as a Media & Design Specialist at Minnesota’s Carleton College. He’s a sucker for the Great Outdoors, Caribou Coffee, and his beautiful wife, and three impressive kids.

Kennedy Hurlbert is a cheerful and creative teenager who inspired much of the SRG story and corrected all her dad’s teen lingo. She enjoys being with friends, whipping up sweet and tasty desserts, and spending time at the lake. Any lake. She loves lakes. Especially the Boundary Waters. But any lake will do. She also likes sports and cuddling with the family Golden Retrievers.

Connect with Dann at dannhurlbert.com to follow him on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win a signed paperback copy (or ebook) of Suddenly Rural Girl!

Suddenly Rural Girl JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 16, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 23, 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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Thursday, July 11, 2024

Her Part to Play

 

Her Part to Play JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Her Part to Play Title: Her Part to Play 
Author: Jenny Erlingsson 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: June 18, 2024 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Desperate for extra income after her mother's passing, Adanne accepts a last-minute job as a makeup artist for a movie filming in her small Alabama hometown. She's working to save her parents' legacy and help her brother, but the money hardly seems worth having to face the actor who got her fired from her last job in Hollywood.

John Pope has made his share of mistakes over the years. But after turning his life over to God and enduring a messy breakup, he's ready to start rebuilding his career. Imagine his surprise when the woman called in to cover for his usual makeup artist is a quiet but feisty newcomer on the set--and definitely not a fan. 

Sparks of tension--and could that be attraction?--fly between them, but Adanne hates the spotlight, and John's scheming manager has bigger plans for him than to end up with the humble makeup girl from the small-town South. Can these star-crossed lovers find their way to happiness? Or will the bright lights of Hollywood blind their eyes to what's right in front of them? 

Debut author Jenny Erlingsson's diverse cast comes alive with faith, romance, and a touch of humor to create a story worthy of the big screen.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this unique story that introduces us to two very unique characters. John Pope is an actor trying to make a comeback, of sorts, after a public breakup and turning his life around. Adanne is given aa second chance to work with a movie crew after years of trying to make up for past mistakes. I felt bad for her and the burden that she carries, causing her to accumulate other's burdens when she feels like she needs to pay penance. I thought that was an interesting view and it gave me some things to ponder on. 
Overall, I enjoyed having a look at a different side of the glitz of movie making, with Adanne working behind the scenes. This is a delightful debut! I look forward to reading more by Jenny Erlingsson!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
 

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


About the Author

Jenny Erlingsson

Jenny Erlingsson is an author and speaker of Nigerian descent. After 12 years working in junior high and women's ministry, she moved with her family from Alabama to Iceland. When she's not running after her four kids or ministering alongside her husband, she can be found writing romantic fiction and creative nonfiction to inspire deep faith in diverse settings, as well as encouraging other writers. Her other writings have been featured on (in)courage, Live Original, Velvet Ashes, and more. And in the margins, you might find her reading five books at a time with a side of Icelandic chocolate.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Her Part to Play and a $25 gift card to Bookshop.org!

Her Part to Play 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 July 10, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 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.

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Sounds Like a Plan

 

Sounds Like A Plan JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Sounds Like a Plan by Lorna Seilstad, Eleanor Bertin, Sara Davison, Brenda S. Anderson, and Stacy Monson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Sounds Like a Plan

Title: Sounds Like a Plan: Stories of Change and the God Who Doesn't
Authors:
Lorna Seilstad, Eleanor Bertin, Sara Davison, Brenda S. Anderson, Stacy Monson
Publisher:
The Mosaic Collection
Release Date:
July 10, 2024
Genre:
Christian Fiction Anthology

A Baby in the Mix by Lorna Seilstad
Not By Chance by Eleanor Bertin
Five Things You Know About Me by Sara Davison
Mercy’s Detour by Brenda S. Anderson
Piper’s Sweet Dream by Stacy Monson

What Reviewers are Saying About The Mosaic Collection Anthologies:  

Each is a picture of God’s grace working in the hearts of hurting people through individual writing styles.  

Each author has her own voice, yet somehow they all fit perfectly together.  

The stories are just the right length to relax with at the end of a long day.  

I love these Mosaic author anthologies. These are stories about real people with real problems and emotions. 

Such beautifully written, inspirational short stories with themes of grace, forgiveness, love, and peace.  

Uplifting stories of ordinary people dealing with their faith and life’s struggles.  

Thank you to all the Mosaic Collection authors for giving us more lovely stories to remind us that we will never be alone as God is always with us. 

Each of these faith-based fiction stories in Sounds Like a Plan is uniquely and beautifully written with believable characters sustained by the amazing grace of God. Memorable, touching, inspiring, and a true reading pleasure. May you be blessed by this collection. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this collection of novellas! I have a love/hate relationship with novella collections, since I often feel like it's hard to get a lot of character development in such a short story. That was not the case with this collection! Each of the authors did a fantastic job of writing stories that pointed to God being in control of the timing of things in our lives. I also enjoyed the common thread of a bookstore being the center of each story. I highly recommend picking up this book, along with the other Mosaic stories! 

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

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


About the Author

Lorna Seilstad  Eleanor Bertin

Lorna Seilstad delves into life’s complexities with a generous dash of humor. She is a Carol Award finalist and the author of nine novels including the Lake Manawa Summers series and the Gregory Sisters series. Her stories are part of several novella collections. When she isn’t eating chocolate, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, volunteers with 4-H, and is a wedding planner. She has three adult children and lives in Iowa with her Pyredoodle named Honey Bea.

Connect with Lorna at lornaseilstad.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity. 

She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, the Burning Bright series, Flame of Mercy and Flicker of Trust, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home.

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

Sara Davison   

Sara Davison is the author of The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo, two sparrows for a penny, and In the Shadows series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, sharing hot cocoa with friends and family, and taking road trips with her newly retired husband. She lives near Minneapolis with her husband and their mischievous twin kitties. Connect with Brenda at brendaandersonbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. 

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of stories that reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the beautiful, peaceful countryside outside of the Twin Cities with an old dog and 17 chickens, she has two kids, two wonderful in-law kids, and adores being G'ma to 7 amazing grandchildren. 

Connect with Stacy at stacymonson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of Sounds Like a Plan, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a piano music CD by Eleanor Bertin's son!

Sounds Like a Plan JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 16, 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Until Our Time Comes



 American horse trainer Adia Kensington is living her dream of working at the famous Janów Podlaski stables in Poland, where they breed the best Arabian horses in the world. But her plans to bring the priceless stallion Lubor to the US are derailed when the German army storms into her adopted country in 1939. Little does she know this is just the beginning of six long years of occupation that will threaten her beloved horses at every turn.

 
Bret Conway is at Janów Podlaski under the guise of a news reporter, but his true mission is intelligence gathering for the British. That and keeping Adia safe, which is harder and harder to do as she insists they must evacuate 250 horses to save them from being stolen, sold, or eaten by the invading forces. What follows will test their physical, mental, and emotional strength, as well as their faith in God, humankind, and each other.
 
Drawn from true events of World War II, this epic story of escape, capture, resistance, and love from debut novelist Nicole M. Miller will thunder into your heart like a herd of beautiful horses across a raging river.

My thoughts: I enjoyed learning more about the history of Janow Podlaski stables and the incredible efforts of ordinary people to try and save the beautiful horses from Nazi invasion. The cast of characters is colorful and fun to get to know as they set out on a journey a harrowing journey. This book is one of those historical works of fiction that will have to reaching for history books to find out more about the setting! I look forward to seeing what the author writes next! 
I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review.

Monday, July 8, 2024

Breath of Bones

 


Book: Breath of Bones

Authors: Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

Genre: Adult Historical Fantasy

Release date: June 18, 2024

When darkness falls, a new guardian emerges.

Kateřina Dubová has always aspired to walk in her father’s footsteps as a respected journalist, and the Second World War presents a unique opportunity for her to prove her worth to the world. A tip about an assassination attempt on a high-ranking Nazi official, Reinhard Heydrich, the “Butcher of Prague” leads Kateřina into the shadows of the Nazi occupation. Soon she discovers things are not as they seem.

As intrigue unfurls, Kateřina joins forces with Josef Loew, a descendant of the famous Rabbi Loew, renowned for creating a mystical guardian in the form of a golem to protect the souls of 16th-century Jews in Prague. In the chaos of war, some believe a new golem can once again bring help to those in need.

Like flickering candles in the abyss, Kateřina and Josef work to protect the innocent and end the evil that plagues their world. Yet, in their quest to save the Jewish people, have they inadvertently created a new danger? Could the very entity they had forged to protect become their greatest enemy?

My thoughts: This is such a fun mash up of genres! I love that this story takes Tricia Goyer's knowledge about WWII (I have read an enjoyed many of her historical based stories!) and Nathan Goyer's steam punk/fantasy addition, making this a delightfully unique story. The characters are well written and I enjoyed getting a glimpse of the world they are a part of, one that is similar to ours and yet different. This book is a wonderful story for all ages, with excellent themes and a beautiful spiritual message woven throughout. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

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

 

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

 

About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is a celebrated writer, speaker, and co-host of the Daily Bible Podcast. Author of 80 books, Tricia has won four Golden Scrolls, two Carols, and a Christian Book Award. In addition to Christy and Gold Medallion nominations, her book sales exceed 4 million copies. Tricia is a highly sought-after conference speaker, sharing on writing, parenting, and purposeful living. Tricia’s most recent work, Breath of Bones, is a historical steampunk fantasy co-authored with her son Nathan Goyer.
Nathan Goyer is an upstart designer and science fiction author, who has been writing since he was young. He has written the novel Bask: City of Shadows and solo-developed the mobile RPG game Heedless, which has surpassed 30,000 downloads. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, he is now pushing forward with new endeavors, starting with his newest novel, Breath of Bones, which he wrote alongside his fellow author and mother, Tricia Goyer.

More from Tricia and Nathan

He Said/She Said: Behind the Scenes with Breath of Bones

By Tricia and Nathan Goyer

Writing Breath of Bones turned out to be one of the most surprising and rewarding adventures I’ve ever embarked on. Let me take you behind the scenes of how this all came to be.

It all started when I decided to treat myself to something special for my 50th birthday: attending the Realm Maker’s Conference with my son Nathan. I’ve been writing books for years, over 90 of them actually, but I’ve always stuck to what I knew best. Speculative fiction? That was Nathan’s thing, not mine. But, there we were, surrounded by an incredible community of sci-fi and fantasy writers and fans. It was inspiring..

Reconnecting with my old buddy Steve Laube at the conference was a highlight. “Come to the dark side,” he joked when I marveled at how amazing everyone was. I laughed it off, but little did I know how prophetic his words would be.

After that second conference, something strange started happening. Ideas began bubbling up in my mind, and they were far out of my usual writing lane. The trigger? Believe it or not, I was doing something as mundane as sweeping near my bookshelf, filled with my favorite books about Prague, when I got an idea. That’s when it hit me—blending the Jewish legend of the Golem with my love for WWII stories. When I shared the idea with Nathan, his eyes lit up. “I love it,” he said, and that was all the encouragement I needed.

The idea really took shape when I ran into Steve Laube again at another conference. I pitched it to him during my keynote, and his enthusiasm confirmed my need.

The most surreal part of this whole journey? I first met Steve when I was pregnant with Nathan. When Nathan and Steve were introduced, Nathan joked, “No wonder your voice sounds familiar.” I thought that was perfect!

It felt like things were coming full circle. I was writing a book in a genre I never thought I’d explore for an editor I’ve admired for decades, alongside my son, who, in a way, met Steve alongside me all those years ago.

Breath of Bones is more than just a book to me. It represents stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing a new genre with the help of an incredible community, and the unique joy of collaborating with my son. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new. Also, the support of friends and loved ones can turn even the most daunting challenges into rewarding journeys. I hope this story inspires others as much as it inspired me during its creation.

He Said:

Writing Breath of Bones was certainly something I never expected to do. I had been trying to get my mother Tricia to write speculative fiction for a while, but I never thought she’d do it! It’s been very interesting to see her come to embrace the more fantastical side of writing.

When she asked me to write the novel with her, I was excited to do so. Writing something like this was right up my alley, of course, but co-authoring was a brand new experience that comes with its challenges and plenty of rewards. I really think it pulled out the best of both of us. What emerged is a story neither of us would have ever written on our own.

I may be revealing some of our secrets here, but when we first started writing, the only fantastical element in the whole book was going to be the Golem itself! I was proud of Tricia when partway through writing, she said, “This feels like another historical fiction book, we need to do more.” From then on, we dug in and got creative. There is so much to discover, and I can confidently tell you there is plenty more excitement to come as the Clockwork Chronicles continues.

I will also say Tricia isn’t the only one stepping out of their comfort zone. It’s been a learning experience for me to write within the bounds of actual history! Sure, there are spider tanks and giant machinations, but much of the story comes from people’s real experiences at that time and our carefully crafted characters who needed to take on these challenges. I loved both learning and writing about the true history. In fact, my favorite scene I wrote had no Steampunk at all. (But I’ll keep which scene a secret. No spoilers here!)

Writing Breath of Bones has been a fantastic learning experience for me. I’ve absorbed a lot of information writing alongside such an experienced author and have loved seeing the characters and storylines I created come to life in such interesting ways. Above all else, I hope all our readers can get lost in the world of Breath of Bones and go on an adventure they won’t forget anytime soon.

Giveaway here!

Friday, July 5, 2024

When Secrets Come Calling

 

When Secrets Come Calling JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for When Secrets Come Calling by Felicia Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

When Secrets Come Calling

Title: When Secrets Come Calling
Author:
Felicia Ferguson
Publisher:
Salt & Light Publishing
Release Date:
July 1, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense

Past secrets. A second chance. But can the truth really set them free? 

When former University of Alabama and Titans wide receiver Dax Carpenter learns his father is accused of a forty-year-old robbery and murder, he turns to the only person he trusts to discover the truth: his ex-girlfriend, Caitlin Fitzhugh. 

Caitlin, a cold-case specialist with the Alabama State Division of Investigations, wants nothing to do with the case nor Dax. Not only is the evidence against Dax’s father already condemning, she can’t risk having her heart broken—again. 

Caitlin’s boss, however, ignores her arguments, and she begrudgingly takes the consult, convincing herself she can keep the case and her past with Dax separate. But unlike her, longings and memories don’t follow orders. While she lends her skills to the Gulf Shores Police Department in the search for the truth, Dax fends off a possibly career-ending social media hit—leading him to question everything he knows about his father and himself. 

As the secrets of both their pasts unfold, they discover whether Dax’s father truly robbed and murdered a man forty years ago but also why Caitlin ended their relationship. Secrets that could drive a wedge between them, forever.

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading this unique mystery about what happens when a former couple is thrown together to help solve a cold case that may have new evidence. I thought that the premise was quite interesting, a man is accused with a 40 year old crime when his supposed former partner calls in with a tip. Caitlin is put in a difficult position where she wants to help solve another cold case, while not wanting to work with her ex boyfriend again. I could only imagine being in both Caitlin and Dax's position, but I can especially imagine how hard it would be to have a loved one accused of a crime and wondering if they are the person that you thought you knew. This is a wonderful, cozy mystery with some unique twists and turns. I hope that the author will write more about these characters! 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


About the Author

Felicia Ferguson

Felicia Ferguson achieved master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and Speech-Language Pathology, but has written since childhood and dreamed of authoring books that teach and inspire others. An award-winning fiction and non-fiction freelance writer, she has previously published devotions with Christian Devotions and Inkspirations, written articles for national luxury lifestyle magazine, VIE, and guest blogged on multiple websites. But her greatest writing love is contemporary Southern women’s fiction and romantic suspense. Her heroines are strong women who work through their spiritual and emotional issues using biblical principles and counseling techniques, finding real hope in their happily-ever-after endings.

As a child, Felicia lived in Kansas, Texas, and Louisiana before her family settled on a horse and cattle farm in Kentucky. As an adult, she’s lived in Tennessee, the Florida panhandle, and now Colorado. When she’s not glued to her laptop, Felicia enjoys hiking, Bible studies with friends, and looking forward to the next story.

Connect with Felicia at feliciafergusonauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a 30 oz insulated tumbler and a signed copy of When Secrets Come Calling!

When Secrets Come Calling JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 8, 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, July 2, 2024

A Small town Fourth of July



 His return sets off fireworks…


But will it blow up her dreams?

When Theo Danby returns to Maple Glen to sell his inherited land, Maura Stuart panics. Selling the land could endanger Maura’s beloved donkey therapy business…and expose her secrets. Her only hope is to rope Theo into helping with the Fourth of July festival and make Theo fall in love with their small town. But if she trusts him with the truth, will he stay…or will she lose everything?

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.
 
My thoughts:  This was an enjoyable book to pick up and read around the 4th of July, though it would be a fun story for any time of the year. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and loved the addition of the donkeys that part of Maura's therapy business. It was such a unique part of the story! I felt for Maura, with feeling that her business is threatened and the fear of her secrets being exposed. I wish that the author would have kept going with Maura's character development in this area. 
I enjoyed the side characters and look forward to reading more about this charming place! 
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review. 

Monday, July 1, 2024

The Summer of Keeping Secrets

 


"With humor and heart, Jill Lynn explores the power of family, the complicated nature of love, and the price we pay for things left unsaid. An unforgettable read from a standout voice in romance.” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Songbirds

For fans of Denise Hunter and Susan Mallery, a captivating story about a single summer that could completely break a family apart—or bring them back together.
 
Recently widowed Marin Henderson considers time with her two adult children a gift. And she’s intent on not prying into their lives while they’re all together, cleaning out her late parents’ Colorado home. But from the start, nothing goes as planned. Her free-spirited daughter, Slade, and her strait-laced son, Reed, both arrive ahead of schedule, and no one is explaining why. Marin knows they’re hiding issues in their personal lives. But she can only push so far because she, too, is keeping secrets.
 
Setting aside family tensions, the three of them get to work purging the house. But when Slade discovers a decades-old newspaper clipping about a body found on the rocks below the house, questions arise. Marin insists the death was ruled an accident, but Slade’s curiosity is piqued. And when a roof leak compels Marin to call on an old friend and flame for help, it’s the catalyst for a wave of revelations.
 
Between a daughter bent on distracting herself from her own career turmoil, a son desperate to hold on to his marriage and a mother forced to confront her choices from that long-ago summer, pieces of the past and present begin to unravel. And before the summer is over, they each must decide what to hold on to and what to let go…

My thoughts: I enjoyed this story and the three different viewpoints it had. Marin, Slade, and Reed have all come to Marin's parents house to clean it out before placing it on the market. All three of them have secrets that are about to come to the surface. I liked the generational gap. Reid is logical and serious, while Slade is a bit flighty and looking for a place to land. Marin is forced to look at some of the events of the past, in order to move forward. I don't want to give anything away with the story. This is an enjoyable one to pick up! 
I received this book from Just Read.

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