I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.31.2021
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli ~ Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.30.2021
A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown ~ Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway
Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Wish for Home by Jo Ann Brown, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: A Wish for Home
Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley #1
Author: Jo Ann Brown
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: March 30, 2021
Genre: Christian contemporary romance/Amish
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Walmart | BookBub
The trade paperback version of A Wish for Home is available exclusively at your local Walmart or Walmart.com
Review:
A story of forgiveness and second chances.
Lauren returns to her Amish hometown as a Englisher, and of all the people from her past she could run into it's childhood nemesis Adam Hershberger, now a widower with a young daughter.
This book does a great job in bringing the tension between Lauren and Adam out realistically, and I admired them both for making a real effort to move past it. Adam owns up to his mistakes, and is honest about his past, yet he has also come a long way and is a very different person now. His daughter is really cute, and I liked the friendship between her and Lauren.
There are some really fun characters in this book, I especially liked Lauren's Mennonite Aunt, who is very sharp and made her own brave choices in her life. This book has a lot going on, though it was a little slower to start. I liked that it had more going on than a romance, with a strong focus on forgiving and new beginnings, along with a little mystery, and interesting characters. Great for fans of Amish fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jo Ann Brown has created characters and stories for as long as she can remember. After college, serving as a US Army quartermaster officer, getting married and increasing her blessings with three children, she sold her first book in 1987. Since then, she has sold over one hundred titles. RT Book Reviews called her “a truly talented author.” She loves teaching and established the romance writing course at Brown University. She divides her time between Florida and Massachusetts with her husband of over forty years. Find out more about Jo Ann and her books at www.joannbrownbooks.com.
CONNECT WITH JO ANN: WebsiteTOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Wish for Home!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 30, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 6, 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.
3.29.2021
Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn ~ Review
3.27.2021
Framed in Death Valley by Dana Mentink ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: Framed in Death Valley
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational Suspense
Release date: March 1, 2021
Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
A high-stakes, against-all-odds, suspense that starts with a bang as newly married Laney finds herself pregnant, her husband falsely accused of murder and filing for divorce.
A fast-paced read with compelling characters, and plenty of action, with a plot that kept me guessing. Both characters are compelling protagonists, and I loved how protective Beckett is of Laney, willing to do anything to make sure she is safe. This book has a great balance of suspense, mystery, and relationship building--or rather relationship rebuilding. I liked the unique twist that they were already married.
Beckett is a solid guy, with the deck stacked against him. It was easy to see why he felt like he was all out of options, but wanted to do the best that he thought he could for Laney. I liked that Laney believed in Beckett, and was willing to fight alongside him as they fought for answers and their lives.
Overall, a highly entertaining read with great elements of faith, suspense, and relationship development, that is difficult to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle.
More from Dana
What’s up in Death Valley?
As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.
I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!
It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?
Blog Stops
Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 16
Among the Reads, March 16
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 17 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, March 18
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 18
Genesis 5020, March 18
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19
Betti Mace, March 19
Lighthouse Academy, March 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20
Bizwings Blog, March 20
Texas Book-aholic, March 21
Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21
Inklings and notions, March 22
Remembrancy, March 22
Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
For Him and My Family, March 23
Blogging With Carol, March 23
Older & Smarter?, March 24
Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
KarenSueHadley, March 24
She Lives To Read, March 25
deb's Book Review, March 25
Through the Fire Blogs, March 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27
Labor Not in Vain, March 27
Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, March 28
Pause for Tales, March 28
Blossoms and Blessings, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29
Daysong Reflections, March 29
Hallie Reads, March 29
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card, a set of six mini cactus candles, and a signed 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/1093d/framed-in-death-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway
3.26.2021
The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch ~ I Read with Audra Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway
Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?
Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.
When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.
Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.
It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).
3.25.2021
A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: A Dark Beauty
Author: Clarissa Kae
Genre: Fairytale
Release date: March 9, 2021
A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast
Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.
Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.
When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.
Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
As an avid lover of fairy tale re-tellings I loved the premise of Beauty and the Beast in Victorian London, with something of a gothic, steampunk twist.
Georgiana is talented at fixing watches and mechanical contraptions, while her father works hard to keep their fortune rising. I admired her devotion to her family, and how she didn't shy away from making the hard choices for the sake of family.
I liked the premise of the story, it was slow to start but picked up steam as it progressed. Parts of the story were hard to follow and felt choppy. I personally thought that the disdain to romance didn't work for me. It is a nice twist on a traditional story, I appreciated the addition of intrigue, and the various twists along the way.
Overall, there were many things that I liked about this imaginative reimaging, and felt it did a great job of paying homage to the traditional tale while also blazing its own trail. The story is clean in content, though Dom is prone to dropping "bl**dy" quite frequently. I did rather enjoy Smith who was an odd little butler, and wished that he'd had a few more moments later on. In the end a mixed bag for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About the Author
Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.
More from Clarissa
As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.
Blog Stops
For Him and My Family, March 25
Labor Not in Vain, March 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26
The Write Escape, March 26
Books and Everyday Life, March 26
Texas Book-aholic, March 27
Breny and Books, March 27
The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29
Through the Fire Blog, March 30
Inklings and notions, March 30
deb’s Book Review, March 31
Connect in Fiction, March 31
Inside the Wong Mind, March 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1
Inspiration Clothesline, April 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3
To Everything There Is A Season, April 3
Beauty in the Binding, April 3
Connie’s History Classroom, April 4
Blogging With Carol, April 4
A Baker’s Perspective, April 5
Genesis 5020, April 5
Pause for Tales, April 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6
Godly Book Reviews, April 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7
Mary Hake, April 7
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!!
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/109d3/a-dark-beauty-celebration-tour-giveaway
3.24.2021
The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark ~ Review
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron ~ Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.23.2021
Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy ~ Just Read Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway
Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: A Tapestry of Light
Author: Kimberly Duffy
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release date: March 16, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Ottilie pushed up from
her mat and, ignoring her mourning gown, wrapped herself round and round in the
white sari. The gauzy fabric slid over her hips and swathed her shoulders. She
pulled the neatly hemmed edge around her back and tucked it into her waistband.
There. Now that she was
hidden and protected within a brilliant chrysalis, God could do something with
her shattered spirit. With time, maybe a butterfly would emerge. When she wore
European dress, expected of her because of her majority of English blood, she
drew stares and abuse from British and Indian alike.
When she wore a sari,
because she looked Indian, she could hide. No one noticed her. Her waist was
uncrushed by stays, and her movements unhampered by bustle and heavy fabric
meant for foggy days. Maybe the most Anglophile in their Eurasian community
would raise their brows and the aunties would gossip about Ottilie behind
raised hands, but no one would say anything. Especially in her grief. And today
she wanted to be like Nānī.
Wanted to distance herself from the feelings that came whenever she donned
woolen gowns—as though she were a child playing dress-up. Clothing that didn’t
fit properly. A look that endeared her to no one and drew distrustful pale
English eyes and resentful Bengali frowns.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
ALSO AVAILABLE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn't mind.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Tapestry of Light, A Mosaic of Wings, and Recipes from an Indian Kitchen!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 22, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 29, 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.