I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.08.2021
The Piano Teacher by Kristie Self ~ Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Church People ~ Movie Review & Giveaway
Note: The giveaway is limited to North American residents ONLY
3.07.2021
Sing in the Sunlight by Kathleen Denly ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: Sing in the Sunlight
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre: Christian historical fiction
Release date: March 2, 2021
Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.
Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.
Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.
Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
I wasn't aware that this was the second in a series, and I'm glad that I didn't know that or I might have missed out on this wonderful read.
Clarinda has lived her life hiding behind a veil, a result of a childhood accident and the unkindness of others. She is used to being overlooked and unloved, but is willing to do whatever it takes to give her unborn child a safe home, even if it means marrying a man she's never met. I loved seeing how she slowly comes out of her shell, as she gets to know Richard, and we see her blossom throughout the book.
Richard is patient and kind, I loved how he keeps pursuing Clarinda, and wants to truly get to know her beyond the veil. He is a godly man, I loved how he is open about his faith, sharing what he knows, reading the Bible at night, and living what he believes. I adored how he makes it clear that he wants her to be comfortable in their home, and he listens when she has insights and ideas.
Overall this ended up being an entertaining read, with well built characters and a satisfying love story. It did have a bit of a slow start as the groundwork was laid and parts of the story could be seen as unrealistic, but it picked up quite satisfactorily as the characters were more defined and the story progressed, and culminated into a beautiful ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
More from Kathleen
Hiding our Flaws
We all have things we’d like to change about our physical appearance. Personally, I’ve yet to lose the weight I gained with my last pregnancy and sitting behind a desk all day hasn’t helped things any. Despite this, I know that my husband, kids, family, friends, and most importantly, God, loves me just as much now as when I was my healthiest self. I want to lose the weight not because I need to earn someone’s approval but because I know I’ll feel better and be able to do more without tiring as quickly if I do. In the meantime, I’m okay with where I am because it’s the best I’ve been able to do so far.
This level of self-acceptance has come with maturity and the love of a godly man. When I was younger, I’d spend hours in front of the mirror trying to disguise my flaws beneath layers of makeup and stomach smoothers. In fact, one of the most memorable moments of my courtship with my now husband was the day I returned from a women’s retreat. I hadn’t gotten much sleep all weekend and we’d had to pack up and leave early, so I’d made the unusual decision to skip my makeup that morning. I was going to carpool back to the church, grab my car, and head home for a nap. What was the point in painting my face when the only people who’d see it were the women who’d seen me wake up bare-faced that morning anyway? Well, it turns out my now husband had missed me. So he was waiting in the church parking lot when we arrived, just to say hi before I went home. Sweet, right? Um yeah. At the time, part of me thought it was sweet, but more of me wanted to melt into the floor’s carpet and vanish from sight. I had ZERO makeup on, people! And I had bags under my eyes! *gasp* *shudder*
Needless to say, after almost nineteen years of marriage, he’s seen me a few times without my makeup on. Actually, these days, I only wear makeup for videos, photographs I intend to share online, special events, and (if the kids are nice to me that morning) church. Not that I don’t have my insecure moments or those photographs that friends share but I really wish they wouldn’t. (You know who you are.) But overall, I am okay with how I look because I know that I am loved and accepted.
However, in Sing in the Sunlight, my character, Clarinda, feels unloved, and unwanted by those closest to her. She describes parts of herself with words like hideous. She uses long sleeves, high necks, gloves, and veils to hide herself from a world that has rejected her. And she keeps almost everyone at arm’s length—especially God. So when she finally lets someone in, only to be betrayed, it sets off a series of desperate decisions that tangle her in a web from which she cannot find an escape. It’s my prayer that her story will touch readers’ hearts and show them how much they are loved—flaws and all.
Blog Stops
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, March 2
Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Texas Book-aholic, March 3
lakesidelivingsite, March 3
Inklings and notions, March 4
Genesis 5020, March 4
For Him and My Family, March 5
A Novel Pursuit, March 5
Betti Mace, March 6
deb's Book Review, March 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7
Labor Not in Vain, March 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 8
Connie's History Classroom, March 9
The Meaderings of a Bookworm, March 9
Older & Smarter?, March 10
Adventures Of a Travelers Wife, March 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 12 (Author Interview)
KarenSueHadley, March 13
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14
Blossoms and Blessings, March 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Paperwhite, one bookish scarf, one pair of bookish socks, one bookish necklace, one Chaparral Hearts Pen, and one custom bookmark made and signed by Kathleen Denly!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Enter the giveaway here: https://promosimple.com/ps/1089f/sing-in-the-sunlight-celebration-tour-giveaway
3.06.2021
Delia and the Drifter by Melody Carlson ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: Delia and the Drifter
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Historical Romance (Western)
Release date: February 15, 2021
An arranged marriage to save the family from ruin?
Delia Blackstone knows what her mother is up to—she intends to marry her off to an older man who is all fortune and no future. And Delia’s having none of it.
When a mysterious visitor appears on the family doorstep and offers an opportunity for Delia to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado, Delia knows it is time for her to strike out on her own and discover a new life. Along the way she encounters a handsome drifter who captures her heart. But is he interested in trading his exciting life of adventure for love?
Two murders, a missing will, and a number of puzzling relationships are enough to unsettle anyone—even smart, capable Delia. Who can she trust? And can she trust her heart in matters of love?
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
Rebelling against the life laid out for her by her mother and stepfather, Delia takes her life into her own hands by boarding a train and heading west to reunite with her estranged father. Upon arrival she finds that her father has died, and herself thrust into ranch life, with a rivalry with a step-sister she never knew existed as she fights for her claim to her father's legacy.
I liked how Delia rolled up her sleeves and dove right into ranch life, getting to know the staff, and her father through the words of the ones who worked alongside him. She is an intelligent and capable woman, yet she did tend to be too trusting, trusting people who had already proved themselves to be unworthy of that trust. I enjoyed her friendship with Caleb, and how she finds ways to stand up for herself, though I wish that Wyatt had been more present in the main body of the story.
Overall, I loved the Colorado ranch setting of the story, but I felt that some aspects were predictable, and I just wanted to stop Delia from walking right into it. But as a whole it was an entertaining western adventure, filled with drama, faith, romance and mystery, with interesting characters and new beginnings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.
More from Melody
I love historical stories about women. Particularly ones in the American frontier and old west. Probably because I grew up hearing pioneer stories from my grandparents, whose parents arrived in covered wagons. But contributions made by pioneering females is often overshadowed by their male counterparts. That’s why I enjoy researching and telling these fictional yet reality-based stories of women who lived and loved and did their part to settle the frontier. To me they are the unsung heroes of the West.
Blog Stops
Through the Fire Blogs, February 24
lakesidelivingsite, February 24
For Him and My Family, February 24
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, February 25
Blogging With Carol, February 25
She Lives To Read, February 26
Texas Book-aholic, February 26
Pause for Tales, February 26
Inklings and notions, February 27
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 27
deb's Book Review, February 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 28
CarpeDiem, February 28
Betti Mace, March 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1
Artistic Nobody, March 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Library Lady's Kid Lit, March 2
Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 3
Older & Smarter?, March 4
Connie's History Classroom, March 4
Christian Bookaholic, March 5
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 5
Sara Jane Jacobs, March 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6
Labor Not in Vain, March 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 7
Connect in Fiction, March 7
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 8
Splashes of Joy, March 8
Hallie Reads, March 8
Batya's Bits, March 9
Jodie Wolfe - Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 9
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
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/1089b/delia-and-the-drifter-celebration-tour-giveaway
3.04.2021
A Brother's Promise by Mindy Obenhaus ~ JustRead Tour, Review, and Giveaway
Welcome to the Blog Tour for the A Brother's Promise by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: A Brother's Promise
Author: Mindy Obenhaus
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: February 23, 2021
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
Review: Sometimes love hides in plain sight.
Mick get's custody of his 5 year old niece, Sadie, after his sister and brother-in-law die in a tragic accident. His neighbor, Christa offers to help him get Sadie settled into her new home, and quickly becomes a fixture in their lives. But will he lose it all when his custody is challenged?
A heartwarming read, highly enjoyable read with an engaging plot and an adorable little girl. The second in a series, it stands on its own. I was happy to see many returning characters, and was cheering for Mick from the start, I loved his determination to honor his sister and brother-in-law's wishes by giving Sadie a stable home. Christa is a natural with Sadie, she has many great suggestions and excellent taste in color schemes. I loved how she gives Sadie space to grieve, while also helping her to feel comfortable in her new home.
Sadie is so cute, she instantly falls in love with Mick's dog, Dixie, and she would always be saying things like, " I think the dog misses us," or "I think Dixie is lonely." I think that the author did an especially great job with Sadie, showing her ups and downs as she struggles to cope with her new reality.
Overall, a heartwarming read about family, friendship, and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
CONNECT WITH MINDY: Website | Facebook | InstagramTOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a "Drink Tea, Read Books, Be Happy" teaspoon, English Breakfast tea, a $15 Amazon gift card, and a signed copy of the book!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 1, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 8, 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
3.03.2021
The Lady in Residence by Allison Pittman ~ Review
3.02.2021
Doubtless: Because Faith is Hard by Shelby Abbott ~ Review
The Earl's Lady Geologist by Alissa Baxter ~ JustRead Tour, Review, and Giveaway
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Earl's Lady Geologist by Alissa Baxter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Earl's Lady Geologist
Series: The Linfield Ladies Series
Author: Alissa Baxter
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Release Date: February 28, 2021
Genre: Clean Regency Romance
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub
Review:
Thoroughly enjoyable, with a fast moving steady plot, and endearing characters.
Cassandra is a wonderful heroine, I loved her passion for geology and her no-nonsense approach to marriage and romance. I liked that she came off as a normal girl, plain by common standards of beauty, with an independent streak. I loved how we see Rothbury open up to Cassy over the course of the book, as we get to see the man that he is. Also I loved the tender relationship between Cassy and her late mother, which brought a lot of heart to the story.
At times touching, at others humorous with snappy dialogue between the main characters, this was entertaining and satisfying read from beginning to end. The characters were well developed, and I loved how the well researched history was woven into the story, blending fictional and historical characters. I would heartily recommend this wholesome regency romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance, The Dashing Debutante, during her long university holidays. After traveling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency romance, Lord Fenmore's Wager, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England.
Alissa then published two chick-lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive (previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair).TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 2, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 9, 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
2.28.2021
When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin ~ Review
2.26.2021
Abducted in Alaska by Darlene L. Turner ~ JustRead Tour, Review, and Giveaway
Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Abducted in Alaska by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Abducted in Alaska
Author: Darlene L. Turner
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: March 1, 2021
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
could cost them their lives.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
Review:
Hannah Morgan is thrust headlong into a high stakes case, when she rescues a boy named Gabe, who has escaped a cruel child trafficking ring. She joins forces with Constable Layke Jackson who has his own personal reason to put an end to the kidnappings.
Hannah has a big heart for children, wanting to have a family of her own someday. She does a great job with Gabe, bonding with him as they fight to take down the ruthless kidnappers. I admired her strong faith and compassionate heart. Hannah and Lake make a great team, and I liked how they both begin to open their hearts to new opportunities.
Overall, a fast paced read, with solid characters, one of my favorite being Gabe who is a courageous child. Hannah and Luke make a great team, and I loved getting to know each of them better as they opened up to each other. It is an engaging read, with plenty of action, but also more steady moments that help grow the relationships. An entertaining read for fans of suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.
Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. She has two books releasing in 2021: Abducted in Alaska (March) and Lethal Cover-Up (August).TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a prize package including a Bible study book, swag, and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 23, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 2, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.