An Orphan's Hope by Christina Miller // Just Read Tour, Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Tour for An Orphan's Hope by Christina Miller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: An Orphan's Hope 

Series: Natchez #2 

Author: Christina Miller 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: January 25, 2022 

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian 

He trusts her with his new daughter. 

But his wounded heart is another matter… 

Twice left at the altar, preacher Jase Armstrong avoids commitment at all costs—until he inherits his cousin’s three-day-old baby. Pushing him further out of his comfort zone is Erin Tucker, the nurse for his live-in octogenarian boss, and her lessons on caring for an infant. But can Jase open his heart enough to see the family forming around him? 

Review:

Left at the alter twice,  Pastor Jase Armstrong has sworn off love. Plus he already has enough to handle working for Miss Fannie at her Rosewood wedding venue, as well as his local church. But when a tragedy leaves him the guardian of a newborn baby girl, he is glad for the help of his bosses' live-in nurse Erin Tucker. Can a Erin and Jase let go of past heartbreak to give love a chance?

I loved revisiting familiar faces like the Armstrong brothers, Georgia, and matchmaking Eugenia. This book stands well on its own, but I definitely recommend going back for Abe's story if you get the chance. Jase has a full plate between his two jobs, and the addition of a newborn. He has a big heart for others, especially the young men in his youth group. 

Erin is the right person at the right time, she fits right in with Jase's family and friends. She has her own heartaches, and Jase is the last person she could ever consider leaving her exciting job for. She is a competent nurse, and has a heart for people. 

A sweet romance, heartwarming with wonderful characters, I liked that faith was integrated naturally as part of their lives and their growing friendship. An enjoyable read all the way through. 

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

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Editor and author Christina Miller’s idea of a perfect day involves a white-sand beach, a stack of books, and a glass of sweet tea. Ten years ago, she decided to leave her job as an RN and become a writer and editor so she could read for a living—and sometimes even work on the beach.

Christina is a Bethany Global University graduate, pastor’s wife, worship leader, and author for Love Inspired, the Christian imprint of Harlequin. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book or her toes in the sand, you might catch her visiting an antebellum mansion, exploring a museum, or teaching at a women’s conference. Christina lives on her family farm with her husband of thirty-three years.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA: Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of An Orphan's Hope and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 19, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 26, 2021. 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 HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

A Cowboy to Rely On by Jill Kemerer // Review

Review:

Shocked by the death of his brother, Jett is even more surprised to find that his brother was married with a young daughter. 

I loved how Jett and his family eagerly welcome Holly and Clara into their lives, and doing their best to make her feel at home while getting to know them. Jett is a traditional oldest child, with a strong sense of responsibility and he wants to do everything he can to help his brother's widow and daughter. He is great with little Clara, and I loved how his mother and sister quickly befriend Holly. 

A heartwarming and engaging read, with good character interaction, and strong faith. I loved how this story involved Jett's whole family. Holly is a devoted mother and a strong woman who owns up to regrets. I love a good cowboy romance, and this one is top notch. Highly enjoyable. 

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

Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund // Review

Review: 

Picking up in present day aftermath of the previous book, Harrison is working to continue Marian and her father's work to find a cure for Ellen's VHL. But there are those who would use a cure for their own selfish gain and stop at nothing to attain it. 

I loved Harrison from Come Back to Me  so I knew that this book would be fantastic with his noble selflessness and quick thinking, and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I think that I liked this book even more than the first. Ellen is compassionate and has a heart for helping others, and I loved seeing her open her eyes to the possibilities of love. 

This is a fast paced read, engaging from the start, with well developed and likable heroes. Romantic and full of adventure, this was a riveting read. I enjoyed the time bending fantasy elements, as well as how this book dealt with difficult ethical questions. Harrison and Ellen work well together, both of them are so selfless and have a passion for helping others. 

Time travel, adventure, romance, this book has it all. I loved getting to see familiar faces from Marian's story, as well as meeting new characters like Sybil. A totally enjoyable read from beginning to end, it will be interesting to see if there are more books in the series, perhaps Nicholas will make an appearance? Wonderful for fans of romantic adventure, with tastes for speculative fiction.

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

Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrahams // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: Buried Cold Case Secrets

Author: Sami A. Abrams

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: December 28, 2021

Recovering her missing memories…

Could be the key to solving a murder…

Searching for her best friend’s remains could help forensic anthropologist Melanie Hutton regain her memories of when they were both kidnapped—unless the killer gets to Melanie first. For her safety, Melanie must rely on Detective Jason Cooper, who still blames her for his sister’s death. Can Jason set the past aside to solve the cold-case murder…and shield Melanie from the same fate?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Melanie's past is coming back to haunt her as she works to uncover the truth of what happened to her and her best friend Alison.

Melanie lost the memories of what happened during the horrible ordeal she experienced in middle school, in an attempt to discover the truth she finds herself fighting for her very life. Melanie must rely on Dt. Jason Cooper who still blames her for his sister's death. Together can they find the truth and escape the clutches of the past?

A suspenseful and intriguing read. Melanie has had a rough upbringing, and just wants answers. I liked that she has held to the faith, and her passion for the truth. Jason and Melanie make an uneasy team at first, but I liked how they got to know each other and how Jason protected her despite his struggles to move past what happened. 

Overall, an engaging and fast paced read with compelling characters and a twisting plot. Good character development throughout, as well as faith. Well worth the read!

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

About the Author

Two-time Genesis winner Sami A. Abrams and her husband live in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She enjoys visiting her two grown children and spoiling their sweet fur babies. Most evenings, if Sami’s not watching sports, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

 

More from Sami

What writer doesn’t grow up reading every chance they get? That would be me.

Until my thirties, I hated to read. Then someone told me about Terri Blackstock, and I decided to give her books a try. I was hooked. I guess there’s something to finding the right genre. Romantic Suspense is it for me. Of course, that makes sense. I love CSI, NCIS, and Criminal Minds. Over the years, I have expanded my taste, but there’s just something about suspense that keeps me coming back.

A little over five years ago, I decided to start checking off some of the items on my bucket list. I learned how to rock climb and got my scuba certification, among other things. When I got to the item, writing a novel, I sat down and pounded it out. Check the box; I was done. Wrong. God had other plans and placed some amazing people in my life.

One of those plans was attending MurderCon, a conference for writers where they learn from experts about, you guessed it…murder. Actually, it’s about police procedures, crime scene analysis…the list goes on and on. One of the workshops I attended was with a forensic anthropologist, and the idea for Melanie Hutton and Buried Cold Case Secrets was born.

I loved writing Melanie’s story. She’s a fighter and refuses to let anything stand in her way, including the man, Jason Cooper, who blames her for her best friend’s death. Jason holds on to the past and his hatred toward Melanie, but he soon learns that if he puts aside his assumptions and listens, he’ll discover the truth about the day his sister died. Letting go of his anger and blame is tough for Jason, but when he does, he finds the life he’s always wanted.

I hope you enjoy reading Melanie and Jason’s story as much as I did writing it.

I’d love to hear from you. Please visit my website at samiaabrams.com and sign up for my newsletter.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 8

The Avid Reader, January 8

Bigreadersite, January 8

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Bizwings Blog, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

The Sacred Line, January 10

Inklings and notions, January 11

Labor Not in Vain, January 11

Betti Mace, January 11

For Him and My Family, January 12

For the Love of Literature, January 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 13 (Author Interview)

deb's Book Review, January 13

Lights in a Dark World, January 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 14

Elly Gilbert, January 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 15

Mary Hake, January 15

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, January 16

Kayem Reads, January 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 17 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, January 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 18

Britt Reads Fiction, January 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 19

Blogging With Carol, January 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

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

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, January 21

Pause for Tales, January 21

Blossoms and Blessings, January 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sami is giving away the grand prize package of a book, a coffee mug, a notebook, a pen!!

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

 https://promosimple.com/ps/17198/buried-cold-case-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

Elinor by Shannon McNear // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

 

Book: Elinor

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Christian/Historical/Romance

Release date: December 1, 2021

A Journey Full of Hope…
Escape into a riveting story based on the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity.

In 1587, Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes. Her father, a renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her and her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more goodly and beautiful than they can ever imagine. But nothing goes as planned from landing at the wrong location, to facing starvation, to the endless wait for help to arrive. And, beyond her comprehension, Elinor finds herself utterly alone. . . .
The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Realistically bringing to life the struggles faced by the vanishing colonists of Roanoke. 

I liked that this novel draws heavily upon what little is known about the disappearance sticking as close to known facts while weaving a riveting plot. I was very intrigued by Roanoke as a preteen, so it was a no brainer to add to my TBR. In a way though, maybe knowing so much of the history made the first portion of the book more predictable for me. I liked Elinor, she is determined and practical, with a big heart for others. I like how she doesn't give in to bitterness and holds to her faith, not shying away from the hard questions. 

Overall, a well written read with well built characters. I loved the different perspectives explored in this book, especially Sees Far. Well worth the read, and I thought that it did a good job of realistically bringing the story to life along with the heartaches and struggle to hope. 

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

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

 

More from Shannon

Why did I write this story? Well, God shoved the opportunity under my nose, and I didn’t want to be guilty of taking the easy way out, by saying no. 😊

 

Really, while the concept was fascinating, the execution was daunting, and sometimes terrifying. The Elizabethan Era—before the King James Bible and even before Shakespeare was popular! As a student of the Revolutionary War and surrounding times, I felt very much out of my depth.

 

Though the research sucked me in, it was also daunting. Sifting through various interpretations of the primary accounts and their own speculations on why they felt things must have gone a certain way. Trying to “find” my story amongst all the theories and opinions. Above all, getting to know my characters and letting them come alive in my own imagination.

 

And come alive, they did—in full color, with a vividness I did not expect. I hope I was able to translate even a portion of what I envisioned to the page, so that you also can see them!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 4

The Christian Fiction Girl, January 4

Joanna Bair, January 4

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, January 5

Rebecca Tews, January 5

For the Love of Literature, January 6

Remembrancy, January 6

Texas Book-aholic, January 7

Betti Mace, January 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 8

Inklings and notions, January 8

For Him and My Family, January 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

deb's Book Review, January 10

Labor Not in Vain, January 10

Blogging With Carol, January 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11

Connect in Fiction, January 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 12

To Everything There Is A Season, January 12

Mary Hake, January 12

Bizwings Blog, January 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13

Connie's History Classroom, January 14

Splashes of Joy, January 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 15 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, January 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 16

Through the Fire Blogs, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Pause for Tales, January 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/15d5e/elinor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sons of Thunder: Season 1 // TV Show Review

Combat vet Simon motorcycles across the country, working odd jobs, helping those God puts in his path, and trying to atone for past sins in a biker club, in this Pureflix exclusive series. 

  

My Review: 

Sons of Thunder is somethings of a hidden gem, because you don't quite know what to expect until you give it a chance. Simon turned over a new leaf when he became a Christian, leaving behind his checkered past as part of an infamous motorcycle gang as well as the woman he loves.

Simon rides across the country picking up odd jobs and helping people along the way, trusting God while trying to outrun his past. Simon is an unlikely hero, but he follows where God leads, I admired his commitment and willingness to stand his ground. It was fun getting to see him in different situations using his know-how to help others. I also thought that it was awesome how he used the opportunities given him to witness to others. 

Sons of Thunder is an engaging show, filled with faith, and action. Simon is a humble hero, who stands up for his faith and is a willing helping hand to those who think they are helping him. A great series for families with teens as there are some adult situations and violence, even thought they keep it non-explicit. Definitely worth checking out!

I received a complimentary code to view this TV Show. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#SonsOfThunderMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #PureFlix

The story continues in Sons of Thunder : Redemption coming soon to PureFlix! 

A spin-off of the original "Sons of Thunder." "Redemption" follows Jacob, a lone biker on the road, on his journey to share his faith, seek forgiveness and encourage others on a ranch in California while scraping by from job to job and spreading the love of Jesus to those he meets.

You can catch up on the original series now streaming all episodes on PureFlix: HERE

A Bandit's Vow by Kate Condie // Review

Review:

A shadowed past and a marriage of convenience. 

Eloise works hard to help support her family and care for her brother, not short on suitors she agrees to marry reformed outlaw Aaron Harder to secure her family's future. 

A Eloise is a loyal daughter, and I admired her for stepping into strange new territory for the sake of her family. She makes the best out of a tough situation. It was understandable that they would have miscommunications, though I did think that Aaron could have tried harder to make things easier for Eloise, by taking more time to get to get to know her from the beginning. 

Overall a clean historical romance set in the mountains, the fourth  in series, but also a standalone. A sweet marriage of convenience romance, with a strong heroine. 

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

An Unlikely Duchess by Jessica Nelson // Review

Review: 

Sophia and Edmund agree to a marriage of convenience to help both of their causes. Sophia is a young widow with a family in need of financial help and Edmund has a infamous reputation that he doesn't want to taint his niece's season. 

Edmund isn't a man who cares what others think, to his own social detriment. Society isn't his cup of tea, and rumors run rampant. I liked that he wanted to help his niece, even though he doesn't always have patience with the rules of the ton. Sophia is patient and she does her best to be a good daughter and wife. I liked that her father encouraged her faith. 

Overall this is an engaging read with well developed characters and a riveting plot, I loved seeing Edmund and Sophia come to trust and rely up on one another. A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end!

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

Woman in Shadow by Carrie Stuart Parks // Review

My Review:

Darby Graham is  forensic linguist planning to spend much needed time relaxing in the remote mountains of Idaho. But a series of events threatening the ranch and its guests pulls her onto the case alongside local law enforcement officer Bram. 

A fast paced mystery that pulled me in from the beginning. An action packed read that never really slows down, with touches of a classic whodunit. Darby is understandably hesitant to jump into the thick of things, sent to the ranch to recover and heal. I loved her quick thinking and attention to detail, as well as her heart for animals. 

A engrossing read, that only escalates as the plot progresses. I loved that it kept me guessing and unable to put the book down. Darby and Bram make a great team. You won't want to miss this explosive adventure.

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

Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin // Review

My Review:

The heartwarming Christmastime sequel to Lynn Austin's If I Were You. 

Eve and Audrey are excited to celebrate Christmas together with their boys and newfound family, while Bobby and Harry are counting down the days until Christmas, circling the toys that they want from the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book. Eve and Audrey become concerned that their sons are missing the point of Christmas, and endeavor to teach them the true meaning of Christmas while learning lessons of their own along the way. 

A heartwarming faith filled novella that continues the story of Eve and Audrey, as well as their two sons. I loved how we got to know Bobby and Harry better in this story, and how their personalities shine as they await Christmas in childish exuberance. They made me chuckle at their all too relatable antics. It was wonderful to see Audrey, Eve and the boy surrounded by so many people that loved them, as well as making new friends along the way. Tom is a wonderful man, with a wonderful family, and I loved the addition of Mr. Hamilton. 

Overall, the perfect sequel to If I Were You, I enjoyed the lighter more heartwarming tone of this story, that still bears strong themes of faith and the true meaning of Christmas. Highly recommend!

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