11.03.2024

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever // Movie Review and Giveaway


Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town's yearly Christmas performance. 

 The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel. 

 Buy tickets today to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in theaters starting November 8th! 




 BASED ON A BELOVED BOOK: The newest film from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company is based on the beloved children’s book classic book. As of November 2023, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson has sold more than 7 million copies since its publication in 1972.


My Review: A heartwarming and hilarious Christmas for the whole family, that captures the true heart of Christmas. 

I was thrilled when I heard that one of my favorite childhood books was being turned into a movie, and I was even more excited when I heard it was the Kingdom Story Company because I knew that they would do a good job staying true to the story, and boy, did they surpass all my expectations!

This movie has something for everyone, hijinks and humor, along with heart and solid core truths. A compelling story told through the eyes of young Beth, who knows all too well the horrors of the Herdmans, and their tricks. I loved the character of Beth's mother, she is all too relatable as a mom who does her best everyday, and though things might not always go as planned it was never for lack of trying, and her heart is in the right place. A beautiful story of community, faith, and friendship, with a compelling storyline backed by truth about why we celebrate Jesus's birth. 

It was so fun to see a beloved book from my childhood on the big screen, told in a way that does it justice and is faithful to the original in a way that is rare in such adaptions. I loved how the true meaning of Christmas was front and center, in this beautifully chaotic and heartwarming story of the power of Christ's birth. 

This is truly one of those rare films that you can watch with your family year after year, and each time it will tug at your heart. Highly recommend taking time to share this film with your family this season!

 #TheBestChristmasPageantEverMIN #TheBestChristmasPageantEver #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.




Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only). 
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A Hope Unburied by Kimberley Woodhouse // Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

 


Book: A Hope Unburied (Treasures of the Earth Book Three)

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: September 24, 2024

\Beyond the perilous landscape lies a love that defies extinction. . . .

In the bustling world of paleontology in 1916, Eliza Mills defies societal expectations to pursue her passion. Having published her early groundbreaking papers under a false name, she has finally earned her place at the Carnegie Museum and seizes the opportunity to work at Dinosaur National Monument with a renowned paleontologist. But things in Jensen, Utah, aren’t what they appear. When Eliza gets the chance to dig up bones at a ranch with a dark history, it sparks a chain of events that will rock the very fabric of her carefully constructed world.

Devin Schmitt, Eliza’s closest friend since childhood, harbors unspoken feelings for her but knows he will never be able to win her heart. Just as he vows to give her up for good, Eliza begs him to visit her in Utah for another grand adventure. He reluctantly agrees, and within a few days of his arrival, he and Eliza find themselves entangled in a web of danger where the stakes are much higher than they ever anticipated. Together, Devin and Eliza must hold on to God as their hope as they navigate a treacherous terrain of betrayal to unbury the truth and save Eliza from those who wish to see her fail.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

Eliza Mills is determined to follow in her family's footsteps, to pursue a career in paleontology. While in the fields she reconnects with an old friend, and together they try to unravel the dangerous events unfolding on the site, that are threatening the dig. 

An engaging historical read, with an endearing friends-to-lovers romance. I liked how Devin has always liked Eliza, and is there for her when trouble comes calling. He is dedicated to keeping her safe, and is always willing to help her out, and always has her back. I liked the friendship between them, as well as the great interaction, and how they worked together to get to the bottom of the mysterious goings on. 

A high stakes adventure, set in the bone fields, with likable characters, strong faith, and great interaction. I really liked how Eliza, was passionate her work, sharing her love with others and inviting them into her passion for paleontology. This was a fun read, and the author successfully created villains that were absolutely terrible. An excellent addition to the series, and perhaps my favorite so far! Great for fans of historical romantic adventures!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author



Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of thirty-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandkids, and research all the history around them.

 

 

 

 

More from Kimberley

A couple of years ago, I asked readers on my Facebook page what they were interested in reading in Christian fiction. When one reader and friend suggested I write about the Bone Wars, I was intrigued and instantly excited. I had no idea how much of a blessing writing the Treasures of the Earth series would be.

I traveled all over western Colorado, eastern Utah and southern Wyoming, looking at the incredible displays of bones of magnificent creatures of our past. Stopping at every tiny museum along the way, and even driving miles and miles into the middle of nowhere to find just the right setting for The Secrets Beneath. But it was going to Dinosaur National Monument in Jensen, Utah that truly helped these three books come to life.

The monument was established in October 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson. The 80 acres encompassed the Carnegie Quarry, where paleontologist Earl Douglass was digging, trying to find intact dinosaur skeletons to send back to Carnegie’s museum in Pittsburgh. Eventually, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expanded the park to encompass more than 200,000 acres.

But this monument wouldn’t exist without the determination of one man: Earl Douglass. I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Diane Douglass Iverson, his granddaughter, during one of my research trips. She was generous with her time and memories as she shared her grandfather’s journals and memories with me. The longer we talked, the more the idea for what would be the third book of this series took shape. Though Earl is not a primary character in Eliza’s story, his presence and impact on the science of paleontology is felt through the pages.

In fact, each chapter of all three books has a quote from the book his son created out of his journal entries, titled Speak to the Earth and It Will Teach You. I am grateful to Diane for the opportunity to share his struggles, hopes, and dreams with my readers.

With this last book, I hope you enjoy Eliza’s joyful spirit, as well as her struggles to find her place in this world. She’s a spirited young woman with a passion for fossils and how God has created this incredible planet. You’ll get to visit Dinosaur National Monument with her, seeing the founding of this great national treasure through her eyes. I hope you love visiting there in your imagination and that you get the opportunity to visit on your own someday. But even more than that, I pray that, like Eliza, you find joy and confidence where God has placed you in His story.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 21

Bigreadersite, October 21

lakesidelivingsite, October 22

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 23

Lighthouse Academy, October 23

Daylong Reflections, October 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 25

For Him and My Family, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 28

Connie’s History Classroom, October 29

Mary Hake, October 29

Holly’s Book Corner, October 30

Cover Lover Book Review, October 31

Pause for Tales, October 31

Book Looks by Lisa, November 1

Lily’s Corner, November 2

Live.Love.Read., November 2

Labor Not in Vain, November 3

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Kimberley is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card and a paperback set of the Treasures of the Earth series: The Secrets Beneath, Set in Stone, and A Hope Unburied!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5473/

11.01.2024

Falling for a Shy Cowboy by Karen Baney // Celebrate Lit



About the Book


Book: Falling for a Shy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 2)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: December 19, 2023

She’s a single mom with a disabled son. He’s been in love with her since high school. Will this shy cowboy finally win her heart?

Dylan Vargas is too shy for his own good. While he and his best friend Adan work with the horses on his family’s ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona, Adan signs him up for an online dating service. Dylan begrudgingly looks through the profiles. One face stands out above the others—that of his childhood crush. There’s only one impossible problem—she is Adan’s little sister.

Brisa Franco moves home to Wickenburg after a tragic car accident left her four-year-old son disabled. As she starts a new job in her hometown, she never expects to help her brother’s best friend in his quest to overcome a speech impediment.

Will Dylan steal her heart as she helps him learn how to release his anxiety? Will Brisa learn to trust him and let go of her deeply engrained fears from her past relationship?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review: 

An engaging second chance romance, with a shy cowboy hero. 

Dylan Vargas has always struggled with his shyness, especially around women, and even more around the one he likes. I liked how he was able to communicate with Brisa through messaging, opening up to her and learning more about her and her young son. Dylan is a great man, with many solid qualities, strong faith, and a good heart. Brisa is a great mom, and I love how she encourages her son to try new things, and explore the things he enjoys. 

All around it was a cute read, with great characters, amazing interaction between the characters, and my heart couldn't help but go out to Dylan. He is great with Braden, helping him learn to ride, and spending time with him and Brisa. I loved returning to the Vargas Ranch, and can't wait to read more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

About the Author



Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

 

More from Karen

You’ve Got Mail?

As an author, sometimes you write something so identifiable to readers that you (the author) completely miss the obvious. Yeah, I did that in Falling for a Shy Cowboy.

Since Dylan Vargas, our hero, deals with a speech impediment, I thought a great way to help him connect with his one true love would be through a dating app—one where he keeps avoiding meeting in person. His best friend, Adan, signed him up for the dating app with a profile picture that obscures part of his face. When Dylan looked through the app, he finds Adan’s sister Brisa on the app. Imagine his excitement that his long-term crush was available!

So, Dylan responds to Brisa’s profile as Wrangler92. He’s much more comfortable pouring out his heart through messages in the dating app than fighting with his speech impediment in person. She’s keeping a few secrets of her own through their interactions on the app, creating tension.

And viola! The You’ve-Got-Mail “trope” successfully applied.

If only I had realized that’s what I’d done. It wasn’t until one reviewer wrote, “Who doesn’t like a little You’ve Got Mail in a cowboy romance?”

This is where I face-palmed, laughed out loud, and finally realized my shy cowboy and his one true love are clearly written like the old Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks movie You’ve Got Mail.

Anyway, I will be forever grateful to Jerah A. for pointing out the obvious connection. I hope you enjoy my take on a shy cowboy who woos a single mom a la You’ve Got Mail style.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Stories By Gina, October 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Devoted To Hope, October 27

For the Love of Literature, October 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

She Lives To Read, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

Labor Not in Vain, November 1

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 2 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5477/

10.29.2024

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin // Review

My Review: 

A heartwarming advent tale of hope, love, joy, and peace, that follows a newlywed couple in the month leading up to their first Christmas together, as they blend their lives, and help new friends in need. 

An enjoyable Christmastime read that I wanted to savor, as I read this heartwarming novella that follows Adelaide and Howard Forsythe, as they adjust to a life together. Addy has a big heart, and though she is used to a different lifestyle, she is mindful of how she impacts those around her. I loved her big heart, and thoughtfulness towards others, as well as encouragement. Howard is a wonderful man, with a noble heart, he wants to do everything he can to give Addy the life he believes she deserves. I liked how he was great with Jack and Polly, and always has Addy's best interests at heart. 

I loved the strong core of faith, and wonderful characters. Mrs. Gleason is a favorite, as well as the children Jack, Polly, and Susannah. Well written, with a heartwarming cozy feel to it that I savored and never wanted to end. An excellent Christmas novellas, set in the Gilded Age, about the true hope of Christmas!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks // Just Read

Review: 

A wonderful companion novel to Georgana's Secret, it also stands well on its own. 

May Byam is a young lady with a tainted family history, she takes a job at sea as a lady's companion to the captain's wife. At sea she forges friendships, finds adventure, and perhaps even love in unexpected places. 

May and Elias get off on the wrong foot, but as they spend more time together they begin to see other sides of each other, as they both work towards a new future in light of their pasts. A story that comes alive with a rich backstory and well developed characters, in this enjoyable clean historical novel set at sea. 

Overall, a well written romance, with great characters, good interaction and unlikely romance. An enjoyable read, great as a stand alone or as a companion novel to Georgana's Secret!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.28.2024

An Arrangement with the Heiress by Lisa M. Prysock // Celebrate Lit



About the Book


Book: An Arrangement with the Heiress

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 24, 2024

She’s a wealthy debutante with the finest ancestry in Kentucky horseracing circles…

He’s a member of New York’s Gilded Age elite, yet on the brink of financial ruin…

Neither of them want an arranged marriage…or do they?

Veronica Lyndon has a plan for her life, and it doesn’t include being married off to a perfect stranger. After all, she is descended from generations of Kentucky horseracing royalty. She has no need for a marriage arranged solely to secure her place among the elite of Manhattan’s Gilded Age society. But that’s exactly what her parents expect of her. Determined to defy the arrangement, Veronica formulates a plan to drive her intended away. But when Edward arrives in anticipation of the match, she doesn’t expect to find him so attractive, nor can she deny the feelings he stirs in her heart, complicating her plans. Has true love galloped into her life by conventional means, or are her estimations mistaken?

Edward Beckett realizes the futility of avoiding the arranged marriage to Miss Lyndon. His family is already on the brink of financial ruin and Veronica’s dowry may be their best opportunity to recover. But he didn’t expect to fall for the Kentucky debutante so easily. He finds himself attracted to her natural beauty and vivacious spirit, free from the conventions of other ladies in his customary circles. In fact, he’s downright smitten after meeting Veronica. Unfortunately, Edward’s sisters don’t feel the same, and if their attempts to sabotage the relationship are successful, his whirlwind courtship to Veronica may be over before it’s really begun.

Saddle up for a clean romp filled with sweet romance, inspiration, and plenty of adventure along this course of obstacles and a glide through the splendor and opulence of the Gilded Age.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

An adventure filled rom-com, set in the Gilded Age, with a fun plot, and endearing characters. 

Veronica Lyndon has been happy to live her life, riding the horses on her father's race horse farm, and is in no hurry to look for a husband. But when her father takes matters into his own hands, arranging a match with the son of ones of his friends, the aftermath is surprising.

An enjoyable read, with great characters, and a fun plot. I liked the interaction between the characters, relationship building, and friendship. There is a lot going on, and I liked the setting from Kentucky Countryside, to New York high society. Edward and Veronica concoct a plan to outwit their parents, and I loved the situational comedy, as well as wit. 

Overall, a wonderful read, great plot, characters, in this well written historical romance, with a foundation of Christian values and faith. Thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author



Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

 

More from Lisa

Q & A with Lisa M. Prysock…Writing Gilded Age Kentucky Romance!

  1. What inspired you to write An Arrangement with the Heiress?
  2. Residing here in beautiful Kentucky near many of the world’s finest horse farms, rolling hills, and rich culture, for years, I have longed to grasp hold of the inspiration around me to pen a historical story that had been mulling around in my mind.

Hence, I reached out to a dear author friend, Chautona Havig, to brainstorm and build upon what was in my head and heart thus far. She ran a hypothetical scenario by me with some conflict arising because of hypocrisy about the horseracing world…something that could stem from some possible characters. This fit perfectly with some of my research about the Gilded Age era in the horseracing world. My immediate reaction: Ooo, yes girl, yes! Imagine squealing and much chatter at this point. We writers can get a bit on the gabby side if left to ourselves. And because, well, my hero had two sisters; ideal candidates to become antagonists. Chautona and I were chuckling and laughing…and I was off and running like a horse out of the gate.

  1. Were there any challenges you faced about including some history from horseracing in your writing process?
  2. Yes! For starters, how to do it all justice? How to get the feel of it onto paper without writing it wrong? There was so much that had been written about the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland, and horseracing history in general. My deep dive into the Kentucky Derby alone could have held me captive for many months in research.

Knee deep in taking notes, I landed on a thesis paper from the 1940s that was steeped with everything that had put the Kentucky Derby and horseracing in Kentucky on the map. By the time I finished wading through the thesis and all of my other research, I had gobs of notes and a goldmine of historical tidbits to bring my story to life with some degree of accuracy. My story also takes readers to Manhattan and South Carolina. Imagine me turning my laptop sideways to study ancient theater seating charts (okay, well maybe not ancient, but some theaters from the 1900s no longer exist…) and maps for street names from Gilded Age Lexington and Manhattan, and beaches on the Carolinian coastline. All my story needed now was my imagination and a tour of a local horse farm.

 

  1. Tell us about your tour of a local horse farm.
  2. Feeling a little shaky about my knowledge of horses, on an ultra-super-hot day in July of 2023, my husband—who behaved like a trooper in agreeing to escort me toward the end of getting my horse facts straight—and I, set out to drive to Lexington from our rural suburban home on the edge of Louisville.

We’d decided to make a day of it. We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed touring Gainsborough Farm. It was sweltering hot, but by the time the tour ended, despite melting from the heat before, during, and after, I felt as though I understood more about horse farming better than before the tour.

I had some knowledge of horses from growing up on a farm in Minnesota where my dad boarded horses for locals from time to time, but that had been a long time ago. I needed to brush up on the facts and try to imagine it as if I were living in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many time machines around to satisfy my desire for temporary transportation to and from a working horseracing farm in 1908. My research, memories, books I’ve read, movies I’ve watched, and my own imagination would have to fill in the rest. It’s all part of being a fictional historical writer, right?



Hubby and me at Gainsborough Farm in 2023…it was so hot that day. My makeup was melting!

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 15

Stories By Gina, October 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

Devoted To Hope, October 19

Simple Harvest Reads, October 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

lakesidelivingsite, October 23

Holly’s Book Corner, October 24

Pause for Tales, October 25

Karen Baney Reviews, October 26

Hannahbandanarama, October 26

Cover Lover Book Review, October 27

Labor Not in Vain, October 28

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 28

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10.24.2024

Lost on a Mountain in Maine // Movie Review and Giveaway


Watch this moving family film in theaters starting November 1st! 

The inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler who, separated from his family by a fast-moving storm, must fight to stay alive while lost for nine-days in the remote wilderness of northern Maine. Donn’s disappearance captures national headlines and sparks a massive search effort attracting hundreds of volunteers, including his own father who fears he may never see his son again.
 
Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine in theaters starting November 1st!




My Review:

A moving adventure-filled, coming of age story for the family, based on a true story. 

 Donn Fendler is a 12 year old boy, growing up in the tail end of the Great Depression. His father takes him and his brothers for a mountain hike, when and incoming storm separates him from his family and he finds himself fighting for survival alone for 9 days. 

A well done film that explores the relationship between fathers and sons, as Donn faces the mountain alone, and a search team is summoned to bring him home. Donn is realistically portrayed, as a boy on the brink of manhood, far from the model child fighting with his brother, and father frequently.  He faces challenges he'd never had before. I liked how they had real-life Donn and his family telling the story from the future, confirming facts and elaborating on the details, though at times they used some adult language, so keep that in mind if letting younger children see this films. 

Action packed, survival adventure, with strong themes of family, growing up, and determination. I liked how his family didn't give up on him, continuing to fight for his safe return. A wonderful film to share with your family! 

 #LostOnAMountainInMaineMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

 Many thanks to WIT PR for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 




Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard (Note: This is limited to US winners only)

10.23.2024

Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong // JustRead Tour

Fiancé Finale JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Fiancé Finale Title: Fiancé Finale 
Series: Love Off Script #3 
Author: Angela Ruth Strong 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: October 22, 2024 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though—he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary. 

But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for. 

Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie's going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he's never really understood.

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

My Review: 

A heartfelt second chance rom-com, with a strong core of faith. 

Charlie Newberg comes waltzing back into Nicole's life after skipping their wedding for a chance to film a documentary years ago, and he is determined to win her back. Her job rides on being able to work alongside her ex-fiancé, in this faith filled second chance romance, with a healthy helping of humor. 

Nicole is struggling to forgive after how Charlie left her, and Charlie can be obtuse about why she won't give him another chance. A great read as a standalone, or as a fantastic addition to an amazing series. I loved seeing familiar faces from the previous books, seeing their dynamics and who's side they took in the aftermath of a relationship. 

A fun, fast paced read, gripping with great wit, banter, and complex characters. A poignant read, in the form of a rom com, I loved how the faith dug deep and was central to the plot. I loved the depth of the topics covered in this Christian romantic comedy that hits all the right notes!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

More Books from this Series: 

Husband Auditions: A Novel (Love Off Script Book 1) Hero Debut: A Novel (Love Off Script Book 2)


About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong

Angela Ruth Strong is the founder of IdaHope Christian Writers. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana released as a movie in 2022. Strong lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fiancé Finale and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Fiancé Finale 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 October 23, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 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

10.22.2024

Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson // Review

My Review: 

Whitney is on a mission to pay for culinary school, planning to bake pies and sell them for the holidays, but a broken oven puts her in a bind and she ends up watching the Sloan children and cooking for the Red Door Inn in exchange for use of their kitchen. 

Whitney isn't the only one on a mission, Aretha Franklin Sloan has a plan to cheer up her nephew by matching him up with a successful business woman, and enlists Whitney to help her make it happen. 

A feel good rom-com with endearing characters, adorable children, strong faith, and a matchmaking gone wrong. Whitney is a relatable heroine, and I admired her for continuing to push forward despite all the set backs. Daniel has poured himself into his work for the last few years, not willing to give love another chance. I liked how Julia Mae kept asking him to join them in their activities. 

Overall, from beginning to end this was a delightful read, with a feel-good, cozy, rom-com feel, and a strong core of faith. I enjoyed the full cast of characters, and grumpy/sunshine, matchmaking tropes. The perfect pick-me-up for the Christmas season!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.21.2024

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter // Review

My Review: 

Everything is coming into place for Jonah and Lauren, until a traumatic fall takes Lauren's memory, and she can't remember their relationship at all. 

A heartwarming romance, in a cozy small town setting, that deals with the different paths of life, and how you never forget true love. Jonah is a good man and does his best to support Lauren throughout, no matter what she chooses, giving her space and time as well as being ready in the wings when she needs him. Lauren struggles choosing between her dreams, and new one that is slowly unfolding. I liked how Lauren and Jonah have good friends to lean on, and how they trust God to see them through. 

Overall, this was a heart bending, and heartwarming read, with endearing characters in a sweet small town!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.