The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas ~ Review

Review:

A poignant tale of family, growing up, friendship, and forgiveness.

The summer of 1934, 13 year old Loyal Raines discovers a dead body, disrupting his small town community as accusations fly and tensions rise. 

Loyal is a 13 year old boy kept on the outside looking in, deaf from a young age, he can see things that others can't hear. I loved how he grows in confidences and courage under the guidance of a father, and opening his silent world to others by teaching them sign. He is clever and intuitive, eager to please and fit in with the hearing world. One of my favorite parts of this book was his friendship with Rebecca, a girl similar in age who has a speech impediment, I loved how she embraces Loyal as he is, seeing all the things that he can do rather than the things he can't. 

The book also follows Loyal's parents Delphy and Creed as they are forced to confront the things that fractured their relationship.  I loved how Creed comes to admire his son, as he sees him connecting with others, and courageously protecting his friends and fighting for truth. 

This is a beautiful story of family and forgiveness, coming alive against the backdrop of the West Virginia Mountains during the Depression. Loyal is an incredible young man, not shying away from the challenges of the hearing world. Compelling and mysterious, with well developed characters and a grippingly poignant plot, with strong themes of faith, forgiveness and courage. This was well worth the read!

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

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

Review:

A marriage of convenience is the only option for Greta Nilsson, but not the one she expected. 

Heartwarming, engaging, and at times humorous, with a sense of romantic tension throughout, A Cowboy for Keeps is the first in what is sure to be a winning new series. I mean, this book has everything that I could possibly ask for, a beautifully wild landscape, compelling characters, simmering romance, marriage of convenience, an adorably forthright child, faith, and a handsome cowboy, what more could I ask for? 

I admired Greta for her devotion to her 9 year old sister, Astrid, her strong work ethic, and could relate all too well to her desire to not be a bother to anyone. Astrid is a little firecracker, doesn't let her perceived weakness fool you, she shoots straight with her questions and adds much of the humor to the story, I loved her friendship with Judd. In fact Judd was one of my favorite supporting characters and I hope to see more of him in the upcoming additions to the series, he doesn't say much, but when he does you listen. 

Wyatt is a hardworking man, he is fair, wants to make his ranch a success. I loved how he welcomes Greta and Astrid to his home, even though it was far from the original plan, and he fights for them as well. He is respectful and has a strong set of values instilled in him. 

Overall, a terrific start to what is sure to be a fantastic series. I loved how Greta and Wyatt worked together as they got to know each other, and neither of them is afraid of hard work. A well balanced, well paced read, with characters that you can cheer for throughout. Romantic, compelling, with moments of humor, faith, and survival in the mountains of Colorado. Highly recommend!

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

Still the One by Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren ~ Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Still the One by Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Still the One
Series: Deep Haven Collection #1
Author: Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: January 12, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

It’s never too late to finish a love story… 

Cole Barrett, former Army Ranger, has a new mission objective. Sell his grandfather’s house and put Deep Haven, a place that holds too many hurts, in his rearview mirror as fast as possible. Recently divorced, single, and unattached, Cole just wants a new life as a US Marshal. One where he can forget the past and start new. 

Unfortunately, there’s a tenant in the garage apartment who’s refusing to move. Even worse? It’s his childhood crush, Megan Carter, and her son. 

Wedding planner and single mom Megan Carter loves Deep Haven. To her, it’s the place where she makes dreams come true—at least, everyone else’s. Her big dream is to purchase the Black Spruce Bed & Breakfast to turn it into a premier event venue and, if she can stay booked for enough weddings over winter, she’ll have the needed funds to buy the inn, move out of Grandpa Barrett’s garage apartment, and finally give her nine-year-old son, Josh, the life he deserves. She just needs four thousand dollars in the next thirty days. 

Still, she’s oh, so close…until Cole Barrett returns to Deep Haven. Even if he’s not back to fulfill a silly childhood promise to marry her, but she never expected him to evict her! The last thing she needs is more expenses. Or for another man to walk into her heart…and break it. 

When a blizzard strikes Deep Haven, and Megan is overrun with wedding catastrophes, it takes a former Ranger to step in and help. Besides, the more he comes to her rescue, the sooner she’ll be able to move out…and he can move on. And that’s what they both want, right? 

Return to Deep Haven with this magical tale about the one who got away…and came back.

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

Review:

Welcome back to Deep Haven a wonderful small town community filled with familiar faces, in this heartwarming romance of faith and second chances. 

Childhood friends reunite unexpectedly when Cole Barrett returns to Deep Haven to sell his grandfather's property and little does he know that the woman he is evicting is his former best friend, Megan, and her young son, Josh. Cole is a man who likes to have a plan and have his next move plotted out, but coming back to Deep Haven has him questioning it all. I liked how he takes the times to spend time with Josh and be a positive role model in his life. 

This was such an enjoyable read, with fantastic characters and great character development and relationship building throughout the storyline. I loved the close knit community, and how they joyfully welcome Cole into their lives, inviting him to take part in everyday occurrences. This book pulled me in from the beginning and even though it's been a while since I've read a Deep Haven book, I felt like I'd never left, also I think that someone new to the world of Susan May Warren would have no trouble fitting right in. 

Overall, a engaging second chance romance filled with faith, and an amazing community that pulls together to help each other out. Megan is a amazing mother, who wants the best for her son, I admired her faith and her quick thinking. You won't want to miss this fantastic Deep Haven story!

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

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Rachel D. Russell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and My Book Therapy’s Novel Academy and is a regular contributor to the Learn How to Write a Novel blog. The mother of two teenagers, she often interrogates her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent cantering her horse down the Oregon trails. Visit Rachel at www.racheldrussell.com. 

CONNECT WITH RACHEL: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.

  

CONNECT WITH SUNRISE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | admin@sunrisepublishing.com

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Still the One ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 18, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 25, 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 Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Laura Callaway feels like an outsider in the coastal Cornwall village where she resides with her uncle, and his wife. Laura wanders the beaches after the wrecks, gathering things of value in hopes of returning them to their rightful owners, but when a mysterious man washes up on the beaches she feels compelled to help him, but feels that there is more to his story than he has revealed.

Laura finds herself unsure of where to turn and risking it all for a man rescued from the wreckage. Julie Klassen brings the salty coastal air of Cornwall to life in this mysterious tale of sacrifice, risk, and identity. I loved how Laura had many close supportive friends, who helped her over the course of the book, Wenna, and even her stepsister, Eseld. 

Engaging from the start, I loved the beautiful coastal setting of Cornwall, though I felt like the pace slowed in the mid-section and I questioned some of the character's choices. This was a pleasant read, with themes of faith and friendship, trust, and belonging, as well as intriguing characters. 

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

Excerpt from Hamelin Stoop: The Ring of Truth by Robert B. Sloan ~ Guest Post ~ Prism Tours Blog Blitz and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the third book in the Hamelin Stoop series, The Ring of Truth! Today, the author is sharing an excerpt from book three. If you missed his post about the inspiration for the series, you can check that out HERE, and he shared about the storybook world for the series HERE. There's also a giveaway to enter below, if you haven't already. Enjoy!

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge

(Hamelin Stoop #1)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 332 Pages

November 15, 2016 by 12 Gates Publishing

Afraid of being caught by trackers from another world, a young mother abandons her baby boy in a tomato box inside the screened porch of a children's home. The staff at the orphanage name him Hamelin Stoop, but he grows up longing to learn his real name, find his parents, and thus discover his true identity.

Life is not easy for Hamelin. He belongs to everyone, though in some ways to no one fully. And the people he is closest to leave him one by one. A letter from an older friend advises Hamelin to "keep waiting and keep hoping." Bitter experiences force Hamelin to wait, but he has to learn how to hope.

When the children's home forgets his eighth birthday, he sneaks away at night. He soon discovers that he isn't just running away -- he is being summoned by the Ancient One. Guided by the Great Eagle through a mysterious cave, Hamelin must pass a dangerous test of courage before he can find his parents.

Hamelin's failures, fears, and hopes become part of a larger story, a story of a great struggle between worlds and kingdoms where the old myths of magic, evil contracts, and enslaved children turn out to be real.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | BAM | Apple | Kobo | 12 Gates Publishing

The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna

(Hamelin Stoop #2)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 304 Pages

February 7, 2017 by 12 Gates Publishing

Hamelin finally makes it across the footbridge only to learn that his quest to find his parents and learn his true identity will not be quickly done or easy to fulfill. The Great Eagle leads him through the dangerous Waters of Death and Life and into the Land of Gloaming, where Hamelin is thrown into the midst of a war already being waged between the evil Chimera and the mysterious Ancient One. He must help two new friends find a kidnapped princess and recover a stolen jewel, tasks for which they have special gifts that must not be misused: a scarf of sight, shoes of speed, and a sword of death. But these quests are only part of the larger story, a story including Chimera’s plan to use Hamelin—a child of two realms—to seize the kingdoms on both sides of the Atrium of the Worlds.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Bookshop | BAM

Book Depository | Apple | Kobo | 12 Gates Publishing

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge

(Hamelin Stoop #3)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 580 Pages

December 29, 2020 by 12 Gates Publishing

Will Hamelin be summoned again?

Hamelin suspects that his friend Layla is the lost princess from the Land of Gloaming. As he describes his daring adventures to trusted friends at the children’s home, an intricate tapestry of stories emerges. Layla admits that she has had dreams – or are they memories? – of another world with faded light. The orphan boy is not alone in his struggle to learn the truth, search for family, and question the Ancient One's purposes.

Meanwhile, dangerous forces continue to pursue the boy of both worlds, but the evil Chimera gives his agents an additional task: find the fourth princess, the missing daughter of Carr, and stop her. She must never return home.

(Affiliate links included.)

Amazon Print | Kindle | B&N | Apple

Excerpt from Hamelin Stoop: The Ring of Truth, Chapter 7

The snake wasn’t still either. Its head, initially facing mostly toward Mr. Kaley and Bryan, stretched up and shook side to side, clearly taking in Layla as well. Then about two feet below the head, its upper body somehow divided into several neck-like cords, and from behind its big head, six smaller heads spread out like a fan, each of them with a two-foot neck that could extend its head in different directions.

Bryan shook his head in disbelief as he saw the new heads emerge, but he continued to move slowly into a crouch, his right foot almost imperceptibly shifting back a little.

“No!” said a strong female voice suddenly and with authority. Hamelin looked straight at Layla, who had also taken another step toward the snake! “No!” she said again, louder than the first time, her eyes fixed on the large central head. The snake then twisted its upper body, and all seven heads focused fully on her.

What is she doing? Hamelin thought to himself. He wasn’t sure whether it was the glare of the sun or something he had just never seen before in her, but her skin, always fair, took on a faint glow. Hamelin glanced back to his left, and the sun was almost midway in the sky. He looked back at Layla. Her lips moved faintly.

Is she talking to the snake?

The low hiss from the snake grew, but Layla in her head heard more. She understood the creature’s words: Are you speaking to me?

Her mind answered sharply: Leave my friends alone.

You dare to tell me no? I have heard of you. The stories of your grandmother and your impudent commands have been passed down. Your family—you’ll never see them again.

Layla laughed inwardly. Your prediction is not only wrong but confused! I’ve never known a grandmother, and my parents are already gone, killed by evil men. And I won’t let you hurt my brother and friends.

The snake’s eyes narrowed, and the edges of its mouth widened slightly, its oval face hinting at a sneer.

Layla raised her right arm to about chest high, her elbow slightly bent and the palm of her hand facing outward toward the snake.

About the Author

Robert is married to his college sweetheart, Sue. With seven married children and over twenty grandchildren, they enjoy large family gatherings with good food and lively conversation around the table. Favorite family activities include role-playing games, writing and reading stories, and, of course, storytelling. Robert is also a University president and scholar.

Photo Credit: Joannah Buffington

Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Facebook

12 Gates Publishing: Website | Instagram

Blitz Giveaway

One winner will receive print copies of The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge and The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna plus bookmarks and a $15 Amazon Gift Card (US only)

Ends January 18, 2021

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Then Again, Maybe by Susan L. Tuttle ~ Just Read Tour, Review and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Then Again, Maybe by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Then Again, Maybe 
Series: Along Came Love
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: BLING! Romance
Release Date: November 17, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Former beauty queen Belle Thornton knows what it is to think she has it all, only to discover she never valued what was truly important. Raising her daughter and building a thriving thrift shop that helps single mothers like herself has taught Belle what the word beautiful really means. Unfortunately, thanks to her shady landlord, Belle must toss those hard-earned dollars into the money-pit of a rental that houses both her tiny apartment and her business or risk the city closing her doors. When funds dwindle as quickly as her to-do list grows, she is forced to rely on the absolute last rescuer she’d choose: Micah Shaw. 

Leaving Belle at the altar, pregnant, was the worst choice Micah ever made. He returns home, hoping to reconcile with Belle and their toddler. While balancing his medical residency with caring for his ailing mother, he strives to win Belle’s heart again and ensure her business remains open. Helping with that is the easy part. Chiseling through the rock encompassing Belle's heart is more of a challenge, but one he’s determined to conquer. 

If only he could get her to realize that a new lease on love may be their best collaboration of all.

Review:

Belle Thornton is in a bind, an ex-beauty queen, single mother with passion for her community and the women in it, she is struggling to keep the doors of her small business open and up to code. She is independent and outgoing, a fantastic mother to her three year old daughter. I admired how much she cares about the women in her community, and how she finds a way to integrate the older and younger generations in a positive way. 

Micah Shaw has a lot on his plate between juggling his last year of residency and caring for his ailing mother, but when he get's the chance to be a part of Belle and Anna's life again, he jumps at the chance to make it up to them. Even though he left Belle in the past, he was a likable character and it definitely helped to understand a little bit of his side of the story. He spreads himself thin and is very hardworking, making the extra effort to be present for Belle and Anna. 

This was a fast paced and engaging romance, with fantastic tension and chemistry throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, filled with wonderful characters who care for and are supportive of one another. I enjoyed the strong theme of forgiveness and second chances, even though I didn't want to like Micah, I ended up loving him! Heartwarming and sweet, with great interaction. I absolutely loved how the retirement community helped the single mothers with childcare. A highly enjoyable read, that pulled me in from the very beginning!
 

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

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State where she’s a mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between still homeschooling her youngest and leading the women’s ministry at church, she finds time to write. An ACFW Carol Award finalist, she firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire and encourage. Connect with Susan at www.susanltuttle.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $20 Visa Gift Card & 1 mini candle from Wick & Sarcasm created for Then Again, Maybe!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 11, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 18, 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

---

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Storybook World of Hamelin Stoop ~ Guest Post by Robert B. Sloan ~ Prism Blog Blitz and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the third book in the Hamelin Stoop series, The Ring of Truth! Today, the author talks about the storybook world for the series. If you missed his post about the inspiration for the series, you can check that out HERE. Come back HERE on Friday, January 15th, to read an excerpt from book three. Plus, there's a giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge

(Hamelin Stoop #1)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 332 Pages

November 15, 2016 by 12 Gates Publishing

Afraid of being caught by trackers from another world, a young mother abandons her baby boy in a tomato box inside the screened porch of a children's home. The staff at the orphanage name him Hamelin Stoop, but he grows up longing to learn his real name, find his parents, and thus discover his true identity.

Life is not easy for Hamelin. He belongs to everyone, though in some ways to no one fully. And the people he is closest to leave him one by one. A letter from an older friend advises Hamelin to "keep waiting and keep hoping." Bitter experiences force Hamelin to wait, but he has to learn how to hope.

When the children's home forgets his eighth birthday, he sneaks away at night. He soon discovers that he isn't just running away -- he is being summoned by the Ancient One. Guided by the Great Eagle through a mysterious cave, Hamelin must pass a dangerous test of courage before he can find his parents.

Hamelin's failures, fears, and hopes become part of a larger story, a story of a great struggle between worlds and kingdoms where the old myths of magic, evil contracts, and enslaved children turn out to be real.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | BAM | Apple | Kobo | 12 Gates Publishing

The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna

(Hamelin Stoop #2)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 304 Pages

February 7, 2017 by 12 Gates Publishing

Hamelin finally makes it across the footbridge only to learn that his quest to find his parents and learn his true identity will not be quickly done or easy to fulfill. The Great Eagle leads him through the dangerous Waters of Death and Life and into the Land of Gloaming, where Hamelin is thrown into the midst of a war already being waged between the evil Chimera and the mysterious Ancient One. He must help two new friends find a kidnapped princess and recover a stolen jewel, tasks for which they have special gifts that must not be misused: a scarf of sight, shoes of speed, and a sword of death. But these quests are only part of the larger story, a story including Chimera’s plan to use Hamelin—a child of two realms—to seize the kingdoms on both sides of the Atrium of the Worlds.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Bookshop | BAM

Book Depository | Apple | Kobo | 12 Gates Publishing

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge

(Hamelin Stoop #3)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 580 Pages

December 29, 2020 by 12 Gates Publishing

Will Hamelin be summoned again?

Hamelin suspects that his friend Layla is the lost princess from the Land of Gloaming. As he describes his daring adventures to trusted friends at the children’s home, an intricate tapestry of stories emerges. Layla admits that she has had dreams – or are they memories? – of another world with faded light. The orphan boy is not alone in his struggle to learn the truth, search for family, and question the Ancient One's purposes.

Meanwhile, dangerous forces continue to pursue the boy of both worlds, but the evil Chimera gives his agents an additional task: find the fourth princess, the missing daughter of Carr, and stop her. She must never return home.

(Affiliate links included.)

Amazon Print | Kindle | B&N | Apple

Guest Post: The Storybook World of Hamelin Stoop

A strange portal connects the two worlds of the Hamelin Stoop series. On one side, the portal touches the world at the mouth of a cave outside of Middleton, Texas. The cave is one of many in West Texas, surrounded by small trees and shrubs, at the top of a small hill. Just a few miles away, 8-year-old Hamelin Stoop lives at Upton County Children’s Home, where he was abandoned by his parents as an infant in 1951. The children’s home is tended to by house parents, a cook, and an old farmer named Mr. Moore. Hamelin attends an elementary school in Middleton. He likes some of his teachers, especially Mrs. Eastland, but other people at school, like Mr. Litchie and Patton McBoggerson, make the orphan’s life miserable. The winters blow cold, and the summers are hot with the occasional fast and hard storm. It is one such night, when the rain isn’t expected, when Hamelin decides to run away.

On the other side of the portal, an Atrium with beautiful flowers and light abundant awaits, but it also hides an enchanting darkness beneath healing waters. Beyond the Atrium, there is a medieval world waiting. This world has many kingdoms, including Parthogen, which has been overthrown by an evil commander; Osmethan, where waters of unending life entice the weak-minded; and Periluna, an underground kingdom dependent on a precious jewel for light. These two worlds are connected, and a great evil is attempting to grasp for more power. Nevertheless, the servants of the Ancient One on both sides of the portal have hope.

About the Author

Robert is married to his college sweetheart, Sue. With seven married children and over twenty grandchildren, they enjoy large family gatherings with good food and lively conversation around the table. Favorite family activities include role-playing games, writing and reading stories, and, of course, storytelling. Robert is also a University president and scholar.

Photo Credit: Joannah Buffington

Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Facebook

12 Gates Publishing: Website | Instagram

Blitz Giveaway

One winner will receive print copies of The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge and The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna plus bookmarks and a $15 Amazon Gift Card (US only)

Ends January 18, 2021

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love, Again by Tamara G. Cooper ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Love, Again

Author: Tamara G. Cooper

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 11, 2020

 

Jake Barrett is devastated when he loses his wife and toddler son in a terrible, fiery accident. What made it even more painful is that an unidentified man was found in the car with them. The police suggest that his wife was having an affair. Since that horrible day two years ago, Jake has questioned everything about himself and his marriage and found no answers. He returns home to his family’s Texas ranch to try to find healing there and maybe learn to trust again.

Twice, Honor McKee was engaged to be married, and twice, she was stood up just days before the wedding. Adding to her embarrassment is the fact that she is a marriage counselor, someone who gives advice to others about love and relationships. Ashamed and deeply hurt, she loses faith in herself and her ability to choose a man willing to commit.

Although they are both wounded and disappointed in love, Jake and Honor meet and manage to stumble their way toward friendship and, quite possibly, more. But their lives are turned upside down when trust in each other is needed the most, and neither has it to give.

Will they learn that there is more to life than living in past failures, that it really is possible to find love again?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

An engaging small town romance of second chances and letting go of the past. 

Well developed characters, who carry pain from their past. I liked Jake's close knit family and how they have been like a second family to Honor. They are a supportive past of their lives, especially his parents. There are many great characters in this book, I especially thought that Lydia's brother, Mark, was incredibly kind and sweet. 

I really liked Honor, she isn't perfect and is aware of her own battles, but she is working to make the best of things and move on for herself. I liked how she and Jake connect, respecting each other's pain. 

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read with great characters, and a wonderful depth of faith throughout. At times the misunderstandings were a tad frustrating, and I wished that they had been able to spend more time together between the beginning and the end. I admired Honor's character growth over the course of the book as well as her close friendships with Jake's family. Well worth the read!

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

About the Author

Tamara G. Cooper lives in Texas with her husband, three boys, and five dogs. She enjoys writing mysteries with a touch of romance. Love, Again is her first romance.

 

More from Tamara

When I thought of writing “Love, Again”, I wanted to find out what would happen between two very-hurt people who stumbled into the beginnings of a friendship but didn’t have the trust it took for the relationship to go any further. What would help them see their flaws? What did they need to learn to become more than the past had let them be?

I loved getting to know Jake and Honor. Without giving anything away, I walked with them through their discoveries about themselves and each other. I hope you enjoy their journey!

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 9

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, January 10

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, January 11

Blogging With Carol, January 11

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Labor Not in Vain, January 12

Inklings and notions, January 13

For Him and My Family, January 14

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 14

deb's Book Review, January 15

NovelsCorner, January 15

Artistic Nobody, January 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Splashes of Joy, January 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 17

Spoken from the Heart, January 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 19

Batya's Bits, January 20

Pause for Tales, January 20

Blossoms and Blessings, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

Maureen's Musings, January 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamara 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/10535/love-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Bible, The Pied Piper, and Hamelin Stoop by Robert B. Sloan ~ Guest Post ~ Prism Blog Blitz with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the third book in the Hamelin Stoop series, The Ring of Truth! Today, the author talks about the inspiration for the series. Next, on Wednesday, January 13th, he'll be talking about the storybook world of Hamelin Stoop HERE. Come back HERE on Friday, January 15th, to read an excerpt from book three. Plus, there's a giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge

(Hamelin Stoop #1)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 332 Pages

November 15, 2016 by 12 Gates Publishing

Afraid of being caught by trackers from another world, a young mother abandons her baby boy in a tomato box inside the screened porch of a children's home. The staff at the orphanage name him Hamelin Stoop, but he grows up longing to learn his real name, find his parents, and thus discover his true identity.

Life is not easy for Hamelin. He belongs to everyone, though in some ways to no one fully. And the people he is closest to leave him one by one. A letter from an older friend advises Hamelin to "keep waiting and keep hoping." Bitter experiences force Hamelin to wait, but he has to learn how to hope.

When the children's home forgets his eighth birthday, he sneaks away at night. He soon discovers that he isn't just running away -- he is being summoned by the Ancient One. Guided by the Great Eagle through a mysterious cave, Hamelin must pass a dangerous test of courage before he can find his parents.

Hamelin's failures, fears, and hopes become part of a larger story, a story of a great struggle between worlds and kingdoms where the old myths of magic, evil contracts, and enslaved children turn out to be real.

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The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna

(Hamelin Stoop #2)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 304 Pages

February 7, 2017 by 12 Gates Publishing

Hamelin finally makes it across the footbridge only to learn that his quest to find his parents and learn his true identity will not be quickly done or easy to fulfill. The Great Eagle leads him through the dangerous Waters of Death and Life and into the Land of Gloaming, where Hamelin is thrown into the midst of a war already being waged between the evil Chimera and the mysterious Ancient One. He must help two new friends find a kidnapped princess and recover a stolen jewel, tasks for which they have special gifts that must not be misused: a scarf of sight, shoes of speed, and a sword of death. But these quests are only part of the larger story, a story including Chimera’s plan to use Hamelin—a child of two realms—to seize the kingdoms on both sides of the Atrium of the Worlds.

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The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge

(Hamelin Stoop #3)

By Robert B. Sloan

Young Adult Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 580 Pages

December 29, 2020 by 12 Gates Publishing

Will Hamelin be summoned again?

Hamelin suspects that his friend Layla is the lost princess from the Land of Gloaming. As he describes his daring adventures to trusted friends at the children’s home, an intricate tapestry of stories emerges. Layla admits that she has had dreams – or are they memories? – of another world with faded light. The orphan boy is not alone in his struggle to learn the truth, search for family, and question the Ancient One's purposes.

Meanwhile, dangerous forces continue to pursue the boy of both worlds, but the evil Chimera gives his agents an additional task: find the fourth princess, the missing daughter of Carr, and stop her. She must never return home.

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Guest Post: The Bible, the Pied Piper, and Hamelin Stoop 

Do you remember the legend of The Pied Piper? When I was young, I was attracted to many stories of myth and magic, but it was this story that I longed to see finished. It is the story of the lost children of Hameln town. The children were seduced into following the alluring music of a cunning piper (their parents failed to live up to the contract made with the Pied Piper, and he stole the children to exact their unpaid debt and avenge his wounded dignity), who led them into a magic mountain, never to be seen again. Only a few witnesses were left to go back so that the parents would know what they had done, that it was their fault the children were taken.

My childhood mind was troubled. What happened to the children who were taken away? Could they ever be rescued and come home? What about their parents and the pain they felt? Would it ever be relieved? Even today the town of Hameln has an old stained glass window commemorating the loss of the children, as well as historical documents and inscriptions that place the great loss on June 26, 1284, the day of Saints John and Paul. Will Hameln always endure the shame of its treachery? The answers are – nothing will ever be the same until the children are restored to their town and families. But how?

I lived with that painful non-ending until one day the story of the Bible and the legend of The Pied Piper connected in my imagination. The story of the Bible is also unfinished in the Old Testament, and though the beginning of the hoped for ending is picked up again in the New Testament and carried forward substantially through the story of Jesus, it remains still unfinished on the stage of history. I think the stories connected in my mind because both are unfinished, with exiles who have yet to be brought home.

Once I filled out a larger narrative for the world and backstory of The Pied Piper, the Hamelin Stoop series was born.

About the Author

Robert is married to his college sweetheart, Sue. With seven married children and over twenty grandchildren, they enjoy large family gatherings with good food and lively conversation around the table. Favorite family activities include role-playing games, writing and reading stories, and, of course, storytelling. Robert is also a University president and scholar.

Photo Credit: Joannah Buffington

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One winner will receive print copies of The Eagle, the Cave, and the Footbridge and The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna plus bookmarks and a $15 Amazon Gift Card (US only)

Ends January 18, 2021

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Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan ~ Just Read Tour, Review and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Texas Witness Threat 
Author: Cate Nolan
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: January 1, 2021
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She saw something she shouldn’t have… 

Assistant US Attorney Christine Davis is positive she witnessed a murder, but with no body, the police aren’t convinced. Now someone wants her dead, and Texas Ranger Blake Larsen is the only one who believes her. For Blake, protecting Christine must stay more important than their growing feelings for each other. But can he keep her safe from an unknown enemy who wants her silenced?

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

Review:

Christine Davis is at the wrong place at the wrong time, caught during a thunderstorm she takes cover at what appears to be an empty building site, and ends up witnessing a  murder. She is a intelligent woman, and it is infuriating for her not to be believed about what she saw. Texas Ranger Blake Larsen believes her and offers his help and protection.

An engaging and fast paced read, filled with suspense, and an original plot. I liked how Blake and Christine work together to uncover what is really going on, in the race to keep her safe as they dig for answers. Blake and Christine are both very career driven people, and are passionate about fighting for justice, and Blake is good at thinking one step ahead. Christine is good at taking a step back and thinking about the big picture. 

Overall, an entertaining read with well developed characters, and an excellent plot. I enjoyed the character growth over the course of the story, and how they were quick thinking and courageous in the face of danger. Great twists and reveals along the way. Definitely worth the read!

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Cate Nolan lives in New York City, but she escapes to the ocean any chance she gets. Cate loves to leave her real-life behind and play with the characters in her imagination. She's got that suspense writer gene that sees danger and a story in everyday occurrences. She particularly loves to write stories of faith enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary danger.

CONNECT WITH CATE:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Texas Witness Threat and Christmas in Hiding (print or ebooks, winner's choice)!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 12, 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!

 

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