9.29.2021

Snowstorm Sabotage by Kerry Johnson // JustRead Tour, Review, Giveaway

Snowstorm Sabotage JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Snowstorm Sabotage by Kerry Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Snowstorm Sabotage

Title: Snowstorm Sabotage
Author: Kerry Johnson
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Can she survive a blizzard…

and being framed? 

Single mom Everly Raven didn't just discover the murder of her friend—she's being framed for it. Now she's on the run from hired killers at her family's ski resort, all while a deadly blizzard rages. Her only hope is her ex-husband, FBI agent Isaac Rhodes—the secret father of her child. But can they live long enough for him to meet their daughter—and clear Everly’s name?

Review:
Everly Raven is doing her best to keep things going that her parent's New England ski resort, while raising her young daughter. She finds herself fighting to clear her name after being framed for a homicide, bringing her face to face with her FBI agent ex-husband Isaac Rhodes. 

A fast paced read with a well built backstory, I liked how both Isaac and Everly have grown during their time apart. There is a lot going on, and I liked the relationship building, faith, and suspense. It was a quick read, that I didn't want to put down. I really like how Isaac was there for her at the right time, with the right skills to help Everly when she needed him.

Overall, a fast paced read with characters that you can cheer for, filled with mystery, suspense and good character interaction. A highly enjoyable read!

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Johnson 

Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW, she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her engineer husband, two teenaged sons, her nine-year-old niece, and way too many books. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, and iced chai tea.

CONNECT WITH KERRY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a pinecone necklace. (1) winner will receive a $25 Starbucks gift card. (10) winners will receive an individually wrapped snowflake soap.

Snowstorm Sabotage 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 28, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 5, 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.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

9.25.2021

Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden // Review

My Review:

The first in a captivating new series set in the Gilded Age, Carved in Stone introduces the powerful Blackstone family, as secrets are revealed with the future of the largest merger in US history at stake. 

Gwen Kellerman loves her life at college hosting gatherings of some of the most inquisitive minds, drawing comfort from the familiar. But her safe haven is at risk of going under, a chance sighting has her fighting to save the college alongside Patrick a principled young lawyer who dislikes everything her family represents. Does their love stand a chance?

A captivating and engaging novel, and an excellent introduction to the powerful Blackstone family. I loved how this book juxtaposes the lives of Gwen, Liam and Patrick,  who come from vastly different backgrounds, as they try to find common ground and fight for what matters. Gwen is passionate about education, and longs for the close family connection that she was robbed of throughout her life. I admired her willingness to help, her compassion, and courage. Patrick is a hardworking and compassionate lawyer, he holds high standards of integrity for himself, and he is a wonderful friend.

Overall, a wonderful introductory to this brand new series by Elizabeth Camden. I loved the characters, rich history, and engaging plot. I'm so excited to see what happens next with this series, crossing my fingers for more on Liam and Natalia!

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

9.23.2021

The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady by Sharon J. Mondragon // I Read with Audra Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway


A knitting group’s change of scenery changes lives in unexpected ways

 
Margaret, Rose, Jane, and Fran had a good thing going: meet every week in the quiet of their peaceful chapel and knit prayer shawls. No muss, just ministry. That is, until their pastor boots them out of the church in his last-ditch effort to revive the dwindling congregation.
 
Uptight Margaret isn’t having it. Knitting prayer shawls where people can watch is the most ridiculous idea she’s ever heard of, and she’s heard plenty. Prayer belongs in the church, not out among the heathen masses. How are they supposed to knit holiness into these shawls if they’re constantly distracted by the public? But with no choice, the others embrace the challenge. They pack their knitting bags and drag Margaret—grumbling the whole way—to the mall with them. She can’t wait to prove them all wrong when it fails miserably, and show the pastor that she always knows best.
 
Without the familiar mold the group has been stuck in, their own losses, pain, and struggles rise to the surface. And the people and situations they encounter every time they try to sit quietly and knit are taking them a lot further out of their comfort zone than they ever imagined. Can they find the courage to tackle the increasing number of knotty issues they learn about in the community--or will the tangle be too much to unravel?
 
Sharon J. Mondragon’s debut is warm and delightful, full of real laughter, grief, and personality. It beautifully illustrates the power of women across generations to reach people for Christ.
 
To read an excerpt of The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady click here.

Review: A heartwarming read about friendship, faith and the power of prayer.

An engaging read filled with colorful characters and heartfelt moments, I loved the strong themes of faith and friendship throughout. We also get to know each of the main characters, their struggles and challenges, as they knit and pray. I appreciated the original premise, and as a knitter myself it's clear that the author knows her stuff!

A cozy, feel-good read, with a little something for everyone. I loved the full cast of characters, as well as the idea of knitting at the mall as a ministry. This was such and enjoyable read, heartwarming, and hard to put down, I loved that I became just as invested in the supporting characters lives as well as those of Fran, Rose, Jane, and Margaret. Filled with charm, and endearing characters that you can root for, this is a winning read from beginning to end!

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


Sharon J. Mondragón
 writes about the place where kindness and courage meet. Her debut novel, The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady (originally titled The Heavenly Hugs Prayer Shawl Ministry) was the 2017 winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis award in the Short Novel Category, and she has also been recognized by The Saturday Evening Post where her short story, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” was an Honorable Mention Awardee in the 2014 their Great American Fiction Contest.
 
Mondragón has been active in prayer shawl ministry since 2008 and currently serves as facilitator for the prayer shawl ministry at her church, St. Paul Episcopal in Waxahachie, TX. She also knits with the Circle of Healing at Red Oak United Methodist Church. She is a Level 2 Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and teaches beginning knitting at a local yarn store.
 
Mondragón is the mother of five grown children and has four grandchildren. After 26 years as an Army wife, she has settled in Midlothian, TX with her hero/husband, her laptop, and her yarn stash.
 
Visit Sharon Mondragón’s website and blog at www.sharonjmondragon.com and follow her on Facebook (Sherry Mondragón) and Twitter (@SJ_Mondragón).
 





9.21.2021

Courageous Legacy // Movie Review and Giveaway


THE MOVIE YOU LOVE, AT A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Ten years ago this fall, COURAGEOUS opened in theaters across the world.
Filled with heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud humor, and powerful inspiration,
COURAGEOUS has entertained and impacted families across the globe for the past
decade.


From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.
 
Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. When tragedy hits home, they are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?
 
Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageoushttps://www.courageousthemovie.com/

*Download the Resolution HERE for free! This is a great way for fathers to take the next step and make a commitment to their wives and children.

*Watch another fun video from the Kendrick Brothers HERE



Review:
A powerful movie about what it means to be a father, husband and man of God, to stand firm in Christ and fight for what is right no matter what the world says. 

I can't believe that it's been 10 years since this movie first came out, I remember watching it with my family and watching it is just as relevant today. A fast-paced and captivating film that goes from action packed moments, to heart challenging, and hilarious. I love how they don't shy away from a strong and clear faith message of Biblical fatherhood, as well as challenges men to be that man for their own families. 

A heartfelt and sincere film for the entire family. I loved the comradery between the men, their friendship and the humor. The additional ending adds to the story, and if you love the movie you will enjoy it! An engaging and well acted film, with a powerful message. I'm so glad that I was able to see this film again, along with the added ending! You won't want to miss it!

#CourageousLegacyMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork


Many thanks to Sony Pictures for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.



Go see Courageous Legacy in theaters starting Friday September 24th!
Find a theater here: 

Giveaway!
2 FREE tickets to see the film during the opening week (beginning Sept. 24th). Leave a comment telling me if you have seen Courageous before or not, along with your email address (youremail at hotmail dot com)
Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners (and bloggers) only. Giveaway ends 9/24/21 11:59PM CST

God's Not Dead : We the People // Movie Review


The God’s Not Dead franchise continues in God’s Not Dead: We the People as Reverend Dave (White) is called to defend a group of Christian homeschooling families. He finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for, Reverend Dave is called to Washington DC to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the future of religious freedom in our country for years to come.
 
In the words of Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is a fragile thing”. Individual freedoms and liberties are at the center of this passionate and emotional story, and it runs from the heart of the country to the corridors of Washington. Who will decide what a child needs to know for generations to come? Will God be left behind?

A few fun facts:
-Christian singer Francesca Battistelli is one of the lead characters in the film, and she plays a Christian woman who homeschools her children (Bonus fun fact: Francesca homeschools her children in real life!)
 
-Some of the original God's Not Dead movie characters are back in this film!
 
-You can learn more about the cast HERE


Go see the movie in theaters October 4th, 5th, and 6th only!



Review:
As a former homeschool student myself, I remember well watching the court decisions on cases that affected homeschooling rights over the years. So I was intrigued by this 4th installment of the God's Not Dead franchise, that centers around a group of homeschoolers facing persecution for their decision to homeschool for faith-based reasons. 

An engaging film that introduces new characters along with familiar faces. I thought that  the film did a decent job of representing homeschooling and the common misconceptions surrounding it, as well as the struggles and fears. Heart-tugging as well as patriotic, I liked the multiple interwoven storylines, and characters. 

Overall, an entertaining and engaging family film, excellently acted, and featuring well known faces. A great conversation starter, though it does tend to be the type of film that will mostly appeal to one side of the aisle and knows it. I liked the focus on family, and faith. Perfect for fans of previous movies in the franchise!

#GodsNotDeadMIN #GodsNotDeadWeThePeople
#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

9.19.2021

Roar Like a Lion by Levi Lusko and Tama Fortner, illustrated by Catherine Pearson // Review and Giveaway!

Review:

90 devotionals written presented in a vibrantly colored format, with encouragement for facing everyday challenges. 

A conversational devotional that centers around instilling confidence and courage into your child through faith. With a target audience of 6-10 years old, each devotional takes about 3 minutes to read, and includes a fun activity called Get Ready to Roar!

Overall, a fun and motivating read, great for the start of the day or for bedtime, with your young ones. Some of the devotionals focus on Bible stories and others take readers through relatable situations meant to be conversation starters with your kids, each losing with a quick prayer. A great reminder of God's presence, power and love.


Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

#RoarLikeALionMIN #roarlikealion #tommynelsonbooks



Levi Lusko is the author of the bestselling books “Through the Eyes of a Lion” and “Swipe Right.” He is also the lead pastor of Fresh Life Church – a multisite church located in Montana, Utah, Oregon, and Wyoming that he and his wife Jennie pioneered in 2007. Levi travels around the world speaking about Jesus. He takes pleasure in small things, such as black coffee, new shoes, fast Internet, and falling asleep in the sun. He and his wife have one son: Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven. His new book “I Declare War,” is now available.

Giveaway: 1 physical copy of Roar Like A Lion. Leave a comment below with your favorite Bible story and your email address (youremail at yahoo dot com). Ends 9/25/21.

Note: This giveaway is limited to US winners only.




9.17.2021

The Bull Rider's Fresh Start by Heidi McCahan // Review

Review:

With no one else to turn to, Navy diver Kelsey Sinclair is forced to reach out to the estranged father of her baby daughter.

Landon Chambers is shocked to find out that he is the father to a darling 9mo old. The last year had been a whirlwind for him, and he is committed to being there for his daughter despite his past mistakes. I admired how far he has come in his journey and his commitment to taking his newfound faith seriously.

Kelsey has been through a lot in the last year and a half, and she is in a tough spot with no one she can call on to help with her daughter while she does she job. Kelsey is a strong woman who loves her daughter dearly, I admired her dedication and protectiveness. 

Overall, a heartwarming and inspiring second chance romance with admirable characters who have both been through a lot, fighting for their daughter. I think that this book had a well built backstory, and an adorable baby. I liked the relationship development over the course of the book and the strong themes of faith and forgiveness. An enjoyable read throughout!

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



9.15.2021

Dinah's Dilemma by Linda Shenton Matchett // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review and Giveaway



About the Book

 


Book: Dinah’s Dilemma

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 15, 2020

 

Will she have to run from the past for the rest of her life?

Dinah Simpkins has no chance of making a good marriage. Her outlaw brothers and her father’s gambling addiction have ruined the family’s reputation. Then the Westward Home and Hearts Matrimonial Agency provides an opportunity for a fresh start. After Dinah arrives in Nebraska, she discovers her brothers played a part in the death of her prospective groom’s first wife.

As a former Pinkerton detective Nathan Childs knows when someone is lying. The bride sent by the matrimonial agency may be beautiful, but she’s definitely hiding something, and he has no intention of marrying her until he uncovers the truth. But an easier solution may be to send her packing. Then his young daughter goes missing. He and Dinah must put aside their mutual hurt and mistrust to find her.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Dinah takes her chance at a fresh start away from the reputation that has soiled her family name, she is matched up with former Pinkerton agent and widow, Nathan Childs, who is father to a young daughter, Florence. Can Dinah and Nathan let go of the past in order to embrace the chance of a future together?

A charming mail-order bride romance, I like how Dinah bravely takes things in stride connecting quickly with Florence and working hard to prove that she can be the wife of a farmer. Nathan loves his daughter and has good intentions, but moving on isn't easy and he puts his foot in his mouth more than a few times. I liked that Nathan and Dinah are both Christians, and rely on their faith daily.

Overall this was a quick read, with a sweet plot, an adorable little girl, plenty going on, with strong themes of faith. I especially liked that Nathan has close friends that he could rely on for advice, while getting to know Dinah. I liked seeing their relationship grow over the course of the story. An enjoyable quick read for fans of arranged marriage romance and westerns!

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

About the Author



Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

 

As a novelist, I write about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. And to me, nothing is more extraordinary than leaving all that you know to travel a great distance (often thousands of miles) to marry a man you’ve never met. Don’t you agree?

 

During the initial settlement of the American West, the population was primarily composed of men. Men who went in search of gold, to seek new opportunities in farming and ranching, or to make a fresh start where land and resources seemed unlimited. Eventually, loneliness set in for those who were single, yet there was a dearth of suitable women to marry.

 

The conundrum for the men was how to meet and court a woman without leaving for fear of someone taking their land or claims. Some of the bachelors wrote home asking friends and family for referrals to single women who would make a good wife. Courtship would take place via correspondence until the couple decided they were suited to marry. The more common scenario was that of mail-order brides.

 

Ads were placed by the men in eastern newspapers. They would tell a bit about themselves and what traits they were seeking in a wife. Interested women would reply, and the advertiser would respond to the applicant he thought was a good fit. As with those men who wrote home to find a mate, the process was much the same with courtship occurring through letters.

 

Most of the time, the marriages went smoothly, with the couple falling in love, resulting in a long and happy relationship. However, there are stories of marriages that did not survive because of abandonment, abuse, death, or the discovery of a still-living spouse. A few incidents are recorded about mail-order brides whose groom paid her railway passage, only for her to marry someone else because he seemed a better prospect. Fortunately, those instances seem to make up a small percentage.

 

I hope you enjoy Dinah’s Dilemma: A Mail-Order Bride Romance.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

Blog Stops

Blossoms and Blessings, September 14

Mary Hake, September 14

Labor Not in Vain, September 15

Texas Book-aholic, September 16

Inklings and notions, September 17

For Him and My Family, September 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 21

Connect in Fiction, September 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 22

deb’s Book Review, September 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24

Vicky Sluiter, September 25

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, September 25

Connie’s History Classroom, September 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 27

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a Book Journal, Floral Book Plates, Bookjigs Bookmark, a $25 Visa Gift Card, and an autographed paperback edition of Dinah’s Dilemma!!

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/11826/dinah-s-dilemma-celebration-tour-giveaway

9.14.2021

Hangin' by a Moment by Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren // JustRead Tour, Review and Giveaway

Hangin' by a Moment JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hangin' by a Moment by Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hangin' by a Moment

Title: Hangin' by a Moment
Series: Deep Haven Collection #5
Author: Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: September 14, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

He just wants to erase his past. She can’t seem to escape hers. But facing it might put their future in jeopardy.

The day Jack Stewart walked out of jail, he vowed to keep his conviction a secret. The whole thing was just a terrible mistake, and he did his time. Now he wants a new life in a sleepy town where no one knows his name. Deep Haven is the perfect place to start over as a chef. The last thing the former pararescue jumper wants is to get involved. But when Boone Buckam—the guy he owes for getting him out of the slammer—asks for help, how can he refuse? 

Colleen Decker has already escaped evil once—as a teenager, she was kidnapped by a murderer. But she’s put all that behind her as a trauma nurse in Minneapolis. Or maybe not, because a freak mistake in the ER sends her past crashing down on her. She needs a timeout in her hometown of Deep Haven. She doesn’t plan to stay—even when she’s roped into the job of flight nurse for the town’s Crisis Response Team chopper. Colleen’s not sure why she’s drawn to danger, but she’ll be safe enough—after all, she’ll need training, and her teacher is a handsome former pararescue jumper. What could go wrong? 

When Jack said he didn’t want to get involved, he especially meant his heart—but being with Colleen feels like a fresh start. He’ll even climb aboard a chopper again, despite his vows.  They’re headed for a happy ending… 

But secrets never stay buried in a small town. And when disaster strikes one snowy night, they’ll both have to decide if the past will destroy them…or if it just might lead them home. 

Cozy up to this perfect Deep Haven drama about discovering a season of second chances.

Review:

Colleen Decker decides to leave the big city for her hometown of Deep Haven for some much needed R&R. Coming home feels like a step back in her career, so she agrees to take flight nurse training. Jack just wants to start over, so he takes Boone up on his offer to move to the small town of Deep Haven, where he get's a job as chef for the VFW. He has experience in pararescue, so he offers to help Collen train. 

I love these trips to Deep Haven, with its small town charm, familiar friendly faces, and new friends. I liked Colleen and Jack's chemistry as they get to know each other, as Jack helps her train and condition for the demands of being a flight nurse. Jack is very supportive, patient, and he praises her strengths. I like how he grows in his faith over the course of the story, learning that God doesn't hold his past against him anymore. 

I love that there are so many familiar faces in this story, and I loved that Colleen is the girl from a previous series, and that we get to catch up with her parents too. This series is full of gems, and I love following up with characters from the Susan May Warren universe in Deep Haven, yet you can also read these books as stand alones without any prior Susan May Warren reading experience. 

A charming read, with endearing characters, faith and plenty of heart. Great characters, setting and interaction!

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 | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES


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 | FacebookInstagram | Twitter

Andrea Christenson lives in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on. She believes that a great loaf of artistic bread can turn a meal into a masterpiece. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.

CONNECT WITH ANDREA: 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. 


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive 3 Hangin' by a Moment ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Hangin' by a Moment JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 14, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 21, 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

9.13.2021

Vindication Season One // Review


Vindication is a unique crime drama series that alters the perception of faith-based entertainment. Detective Travis (Todd Terry, Breaking Bad) has spent 15 years solving cases in the small town of East Bank, Texas. When the addition of an eager trainee upends his routine, Travis is forced to adjust his ways while balancing a growing number of suspiciously consistent cases. At home, tensions between the cynical detective and his devoutly religious wife escalate when their estranged daughter returns home. http://www.vindicationseries.com/






Review:

Vindication is a unique crime drama, that centers around Detective Travis as he interviews the suspects and witnesses, exploring how it might have happened, and it is up to Detective Travis to discern the truth. The first season introduces the characters and the format of the show, and as the season progresses we get a deeper glimpse into Travis's personal and home life. 

The episodes cover a variety of topics, with a different slant than your typical crime shows. I like how it keeps you guessing, because you only have access to the information that Travis does, so the answers aren't clear cut and sometimes he is wrong and has to backtrack. 

Each of the episodes is half and hour, and does a great job with though provoking plots, with compelling teachable moments. The show is well done, directed more towards adults and older teens, with a variety of crimes presented realistically without all the explicit details, but in a ways that can be a great conversation starter about tough topics like sexting, emotional affairs, money, marriage, drug addiction, and PTSD. One of my favorite characters is Travis's wife, who is a firm Christian who lives what she believes. 

A unique crime drama with family values and teachable moments, definitely worth checking out!

#VindicationMIN

I received a complimentary code to watch this show. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.




Vindication is now streaming its second season, new episodes every Wednesday on Pureflix! 
Catch up on the first season, then start streaming the second. 

Pureflix has an entire catalog of clean family entertainment start your free trial today at https://pureflix.com


Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway of a Pureflix Subscription package!

Always a Wedding Planner by R.L. Ashley, Leeann Betts, Toni Shiloh, Davalynn Spencer // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway



About the Books

 


Book: Always a Wedding Planner

Author: RL Ashly, Leeann Betts, Toni Shiloh, Davalynn Spencer

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 1, 2021

This collection features four stories of wedding planners who are partners at Weddings by Design, located in Loveland, Colorado. Each novella will be about 30,000 words.

Can four contemporary wedding planners break the jinx of singledom, or are they destined to witness the weddings of others?

Business partners Felicity Edwards, Kiki Bell, Cassie Blackthorn, and another who has yet to be named are best of friends in Loveland, Colorado—a romantic wedding destination for many couples—and they work together to make every bride’s special day the most important of their lives.

But each of the women hides a secret from the others, one that threatens their business, their friendship, and their happiness.

Can they work out their differences, build on their strengths, and trust each other—and God—with their futures?

 

Click here to purchase your copy!

Review:

A group of friends come together to make dreams come true for others, will they find their own happily ever afters as well?

Finally  Sweetheart by Toni Shiloh, is a sweet romance--literally. Felicity Anderson is a baker, and a run in with a former flame leads them to reconnect. Will Davenport has been burned by love before, can Felicity and Will move past what holds them back. 

I really liked the characters from the beginning, this is the first story in the book and also introduces the ladies from subsequent stories. I loved the interaction between the characters and the engaging plot.

Hemmed In by R.L. Ashley - Kiki Bell is shocked to walk in one day to find all of her dresses, machines, and designs moved out into the garage by the new office manager of Weddings by Design. Kiki doesn't want to rock the boat so she tries to keep working around the changes, she is already busy caring for her young niece and nephew. When by chance encounter she meets local firefighter Bing Kelly, she brushes it off, but as they keep running into each other  their connect becomes to hot to ignore. 

My heart went out to the heroine in this story, Kiki really puts up with a lot and I was kinda disappointed in her friends for not picking up on things and standing up for her more. Tressa and Jack are super cute and I love how Bing connects with them right away. A fast paced read, with a humorous plot.  

The Worst Kept Secret by Leann Betts -- Cassie Blackthorn is the coordinator of Weddings by Design, meanwhile limo owner Brady is scrambling to remedy his damaged reputation. Can they overcome a series of misunderstandings to find their own happy ending?

Business partners Cassie and Brady have known each other for a long time, through work. My heart when out to Brady who is trying so hard to change the misconceptions that Cassie has of him, though the situations were quite humorous looking back! A cute romance of misunderstandings.

Taste and See by Davalynn Spencer -- When Chef Saffron "Ronnie" Delarosa loses her sense of smell it puts her off her game, and a terrible smell brings her together with cowboy plumber Ty. 

A cute story, and one of my favorites. I loved the interaction between Ty and Ronnie, as well as his adorable dogs. 

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable collection about a group of friends are they work together to make wedding dreams come true, while also finding loves of their own. Engaging read fill with great characters, romance, and faith. 

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

About the Authors



Leeann Betts writes contemporary romantic suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical romantic suspense. Together she and Donna have published more than 30 novellas and full-length novels.

 


R.L. ASHLY is a master seamstress with a Master of Arts degree in Literature (May, 2019). S, who is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Literature.  A mother and grandmother, she is active in her local writing community, never says never to a home improvement task, and strives to one day write the Great American Novel.

RL Ashly writes on the run. She enjoys a good mystery with a complicated plot. Iced tea is her beverage of choice. Hemmed In is her first traditionally published novel.

 

DAVALYNN SPENCER is a Publisher’s Weekly and ECPA bestselling author with novellas in three Barbour collections, The 12 Brides of Christmas, The 12 Brides of Summer, and The Cowboy’s Bride. She won the Will Rogers Gold Medallion for Inspirational Western Fiction and is the author of ten additional titles, both contemporary and historical. She blogs monthly for Christian Authors Network, Heroes, Heroines & History, contributes to the American Christian Fiction blog, and writes her own weekly inspirational blog. She appears on an area radio broadcast, Write Time Radio, and teaches writing workshops when not wrangling Blue the Cowdog and mouse detectors Annie and Oakley.


Toni Shiloh
is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

 

 

 

Interview with the Authors

How did you become a writer?

Toni Shiloh: I took some creative writing classes while earning my bachelor’s degree and I caught the bug!

 

RL Ashly: In fifth grade, I was standing in the hallway of my elementary school and deep in conversation with my classmates. We were discussing writing and I told them that someday I would be a writer. That was my initial decision, but it would take a while and a bit of education before I could pursue a writing career.

 

Leeann Betts: I’m that kid in class who, when the teacher said, “Write a one-page story”, I wrote two or three pages, edge of paper to edge of paper. I loved telling stories. My parents called them ‘fibs’. In more recent years, I wondered if I had at least one book inside me that needed outing. So I sat down and tried. Messed up. Tried again. Finally, with the support of my husband who supported me and cheered me on, I finished the book, then went on to write many more.

 

Davalynn Spencer: I wrote my first story as an assignment from my sixth-grade teacher. That was all it took.

 

What is the most important thing God has taught you through your writing?

 

TS: That I can’t do this alone. I’ve been blessed with great critique partners, beta readers, readers overall. And of course a lot of other people who have helped in various ways.

 

RA: Persistence

 

LB: That He is the One who does the writing – all I do is transcribe the story. Before I write, I pray that I would do my part faithfully.

 

DS: My purpose is to proclaim Him and His faithfulness. Regardless of what happens in a character’s life or my own.

 

Writing has a lot of rejection. How do you deal with it?

 

TS: Chocolate! Lol, honestly I usually whine to my bff and pray. And maybe eat a piece of chocolate or two.

 

RA: Rejection or a closed door? The older I get, the more I understand a ‘no’ as not the right opportunity for me. A ‘no’ can certainly protect us from a frustrating situation that we might not understand at the time. That being said, rejection is hard. A strategy I find helpful is to let myself be discouraged, angry, or frustrated for a limited time period. All emotions need to be processed before I go to bed. Tomorrow is a new day, new adventures. I am a human and need to process like everyone else. But I have found setting time limits is healthy for me.

 

LB: Being a writer is much like being a follower of Jesus—there are people who love the story, and there are those who just don’t get it. In both cases, I just remind myself that they aren’t rejecting me—they are rejecting the Living Savior.

 

DS: Rejection can deteriorate into dejection if we allow it. Remembering that Christ too was rejected helps ease the sting. But so does remembering to keep going. Keep doing. Keep writing. Quitting is the enemy of obedience.

 

Who is your support for writing? Family? Writing group?

 

TS: My husband definitely supports me and then I have my circle of writing friends. They’ve been along for the majority of my writing career and have helped me become better with each book.

 

RA: Definitely my critique group. Leeann Betts is the leader, and the entire group are great cheerleaders.

 

LB: My husband is a huge support, as are my critique group, my writing friends, and my readers. I love hearing from readers, and always respond.

 

DS: I have many author friends and I enjoy spending time with them sharing commons struggles and victories.

 

Who are some of your favorite authors (either secular or Christian)?

 

TS: There are too many to name! I love all books by Sarah Monzon, Jaycee Weaver, Andrea Boyd, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, Ronie Kendig, Lynn Blackburn, etc.

 

RA: My biggest addiction is reading. I read whatever I can get my hands on including the cereal box. If I cannot read, then I will listen to an audio book. It is impossible to pick a favorite author. Everything from Socrates and Plato to Jane Austen and every contemporary writer on the planet right now.

 

LB: Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

 

DS: C.S. Lewis, Tamera Alexander, Laura Frantz, Louis L’Amour.

 

Do you have a favorite routine for writing?

 

TS: I put on my playlist that I create for each book then write. 🙂

 

RA: Rather than climb the walls in my house, I sit in parking lots and write my novels. Open space parks are nice too. Now that things are returning to more of a normal situation, it is easier for me to write at home. I keep my tablet and notepad in a bag for easy access. I haul that thing around everywhere I go. Then if a great idea pops into my head, I can jot it down on paper or electronically.

I do not really have a routine. Between work and chasing grandbabies, I need to write on the go. This way of writing would drive most people nuts. But it is the only way I can get things done. I catch a little bit of time on my lunch break, and before and after work.

 

LB: No routine, apart from praying to faithfully transcribe. I wish I could have something, like music, or candles. But I don’t.

 

DS: I sit down at my computer with a cup of coffee and jump right in. During the colder months of the year, I sit by the fire in my rocker and write on my laptop. With  coffee close by.

 

Tell us about your most recent book. What inspired you?

 

TS: I actually just kind of brainstormed and let the character develop in my mind. 🙂

 

RA: Hemmed In is a story about a seamstress and a firefighter. As a professional seamstress, my world revolves around sewing.  It was a natural choice to make the lead character a seamstress. My late uncles and aunts were the inspiration behind the story. My uncles stepped up to the plate, married my aunties, and became fathers to my cousins. They treated them as their own. The word ‘step’ did not refer to people. The only ‘step’ in their vocabularies were the ones outside leading to the front door. That left a lasting impression upon me.

 

LB: Worst-Kept Secret, my contribution to this collection, came as the result of a brainstorming session with my late writing friend, Darlene Franklin. We were coming up with ideas for collections. We started with “Always a Bridesmaid” then thought, “nah, that’s been done to death”. So “Always a Wedding Planner” came out, contemporary, which was a change, since the other collections were all historical. To create the heroine, I made her a lot like me. Introverted, afraid to disappoint, wanting to please.

 

DS: A Change of Scenery, Book 4 in the Canon City Chronicles series, focuses on the third generation of the Hutton family in 1911. Canon City was an early Hollywood, hosting movie makers of the silver screen. When I was a reporter for the newspaper in Canon City, I often visited the local History Center and Museum for stories from the past. Discovering so much intriguing movie history from this area led me to create characters around actual events and bring them to life in my Western-romance series.

 

Anything else you’d like to tell my readers?

 

TS: I hope you enjoy Always a Wedding Planner!

 

 RA: I have a cat named Messy. She is better than any alarm clock. Woe to the human who does not get out of bed on time and put food in the dish.

 

LB: I am a Canadian by birth, American by choice (naturalized), and a patriot to my core.

 

DS: Nope, that’s it.

Blog Stops

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Inklings and notions, September 4

By The Book, September 4

For Him and My Family, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, September 6

Kayem Reads, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 7

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 8

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting, September 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 10

She Lives To Read, September 10

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 11

deb's Book Review, September 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12

Labor Not in Vain, September 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13

Splashes of Joy, September 14

Through the Fire Blogs, September 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 15

Pause for Tales, September 15

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)


Giveaway



To celebrate their tour, R.L., Toni, Leann and Davalynn are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a print copy of the book (US only)!!

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/116b7/always-a-wedding-planner-celebration-tour-giveaway