9.29.2023
Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot // Review
9.28.2023
Redeeming the Cowboy by Lisa Jordan // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.27.2023
The Blind // Movie Review and Giveaway
Experience the incredible true story of Phil & Kay Robertson from Duck Dynasty in the new movie, The Blind, coming to theaters September 28th!
(Note: This is limited to US winners only).
9.26.2023
Restoring Their Family by Allie Pleiter // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.25.2023
We Three Kings by Crystal Caudill, Cara Putnam, and Angela Ruth Strong // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.22.2023
Art of Writing Webinars 2023 // Just Read Takeover Blitz
Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2023 webinars, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
You are Invited
The Art of Writing
Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT
online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9
This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.
Session One: Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. central Kelsey Bowen, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Rachel McMillan
Christian fiction is alive and well and this will be a great opportunity to hear more. Join a panel of publishing experts as they dispel myths surrounding this genre. This session will encourage you to replace unsettling rumors with exciting truths and be reminded of the unique and powerful place that Christian storytelling has in our world.
This session will provide dynamic conversation with authors and publisher sharing great works that provide excellent examples of authentic scenes, character arcs, characters with varying life experiences, and more -- to help you write a really great book. Come away with a few must-reads and a list of excellent writing examples to inspire your own craft.
Writing a book is only the beginning of the publishing process and it can feel overwhelming. After you sign a contract or decide to self-publish, what comes next? With a panel of publishing experts, we’ll cover publishing aspects everyone needs to know, such as: How do I get endorsers? If I need an authenticity reader, where do I start? How can an agent help me in the process? If I’m just starting to build a platform, what should I focus on? Come away with tips and tricks that cover all areas of publishing!
Hear and learn from the life songs of three award-winning authors who will weave their real-life tales about writing fiction later in life, moving from nonfiction to fiction, then gaining a “seat” in the Christy Hall of Fame. Find out what motivates them, how they stay inspired, and what encouragement they have to pass on to fellow writers. Patricia, Sean, and Becky will provide a peek into their world to help you, with pen in hand.
Added Bonus
All registrants to the Art of Writing sessions can opt to “add-on” a publisher consult. Choose one or more of these small group sessions with a publisher: Pitch & Publish, Ask Me Anything, Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door, Calling All Debut Authors. Time/dates are determined based on attendee and moderator schedules. Space is limited. First come, first served.
Learn More about The Art of Writing 2023 Webinar Series
Register
Save the dates for The Christy Award Finalists Webcast & Winners Gala Webcast on October 12 and November 16, respectively. Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA's Jeff Crosby will be announcing the 2023 finalists on October 12 at 11 a.m. CT. Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, and other award-winning novelists will be featured and winners announced during the 2023 Winners Gala Webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. The Christy Award webcasts are free but registration is required.The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org
Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award web events
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
9.21.2023
Shadowcast by Crystal M. Grant // Guest Post // Just Read
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Shadowcast by Crystal D. Grant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Shadowcast
Series: The Gateway Trilogy
Author: Crystal D. Grant
Publisher: Quill and Flame Publishing
Release Date: September 20, 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance (Clean)
He has known nothing but darkness for years. Now it’s time to let it consume him.
After witnessing the brutal death of his brother at the hands of the Steward Knights, Mason Grey turns to vengeance. Using his Gifts to read and control the minds of others, he climbs the ranks of the Dark Army, determined to earn the coveted Shadowstone-a powerful tool against the light-wielding Stewards. But when he is wounded in battle, he finds himself recovering in the home of a chatty peasant girl...without the use of his Gifts. Even worse, the girl mistakes him for one of the Stewards he despises.
Seria Gayle longs to be seen as more than the town washerwoman. When she finds an injured Steward in the woods, she welcomes the chance to use her healing skills and hopes it will earn her some respect. But as she nurses the sullen stranger back to health, she discovers he is nothing like the knights she has long admired.
When Mason's true identity is revealed, Seria is devastated and humiliated. But she is offered a chance at redemption by the very prince that Mason hates. Now Mason struggles between two choices: accept the Shadowstone to avenge his brother or pursue this newfound light in the form of a peasant girl. With time running out and war looming, will Mason and Seria defy their own convictions for a chance at love or stand against one another like they've sworn to do?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
Guest Post by Crystal D. Grant: What is your favorite thing about writing fantasy?
When I read or watch an epic fantasy story, it always moves me emotionally. I get invested in the characters—their struggles, hopes and dreams, failures and successes, etc. I love the relationships that come out of the journeys that they go through together. (Sam and Frodo, anyone??) And in those big climactic moments, when all seems lost against the forces of evil, the hero stands up and fights anyway. And usually, victory comes to the side of the good, even though it may come at a cost. Those kinds of stories strike a cord deep inside me. I find myself thinking about them long after I’ve finished. And I think the reason for that is it turns my thoughts to spiritual warfare. We face our own dragons and monsters, and we have our own everyday heroes who fight them alongside us. Most importantly, we have a Source of power and goodness, One who was willing to sacrifice His own life in order to save us.
Fantasy always turns my mind to spiritual things, makes me stop and think a little deeper about the battles we face in life. While the external situations in those stories may be vastly different than what we face in the real world, I find that the internal battles are much the same. We seek for courage to face our trials or redemption for our past mistakes. We struggle to rise about our current situations and find something that fills us with purpose. We fight to resist the forces of darkness that try to blind us to truth and light.
When I write fantasy, I always find myself thinking of the deeper issues the characters are facing, and I love to explore those spiritual themes. Fantasy stories tend to be bigger in scale, higher in stakes, and deeper in meaning. And those are the kinds of stories that inspire and encourage readers. They give hope to those who are in the middle of their own journeys, adventures, and battles.
And that is why I love writing them.
About the Author
Crystal D. Grant is a daydreamer who adores freshly-baked cookies and anything with fur or feathers. During the day, she strives to instill a love of books and learning within her young students. As a hearing-impaired, home-school graduate, she found her voice in writing and has had multiple short stories and poems published. When she’s not reading or writing stories that sweep her away to another time and place, she watches classic movies and TV shows that do the same. Or she works on jigsaw puzzles. Crystal currently resides in smalltown Missouri, where she is always looking for space for another scented candle.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win a signed copy of Shadowcast, book swag, and exclusive color art from the book!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 25, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
9.20.2023
Journey to Bethlehem // Official Trailer
About JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told, the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.
9.19.2023
A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.18.2023
Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks // Review
9.17.2023
Tracking the Tiny Target by Connie Queen // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.16.2023
Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows by Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams, and Misty M. Beller // Celebrate Lit
About the Book
Book: Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows – A Marriage of Convenience Anthology
Authors: Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams, and Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: September 26, 2023
From bestselling and award winning authors, experience Christmas on the rugged western frontier with three novellas filled with unforgettable adventures, enduring romance, and the timeless message of hope found in the Savior’s birth.
Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to keep her son safe, and she knows the best way to protect him is by marrying again and giving him a father. Weston Oakley needs a wife by Christmas to placate his meddling family, but after being spurned one too many times in love, he’s reluctant to give his heart away again. When they agree on a marriage of convenience, both of them get much more than they bargained for.
Doctor’s Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams
Minnie steps off the train ready to become a mail-order bride, but she finds the well-dressed man waiting for her isn’t her intended husband. The protective oath Jed took when he became a doctor doesn’t cover stranded women, but he can’t leave the beautiful stranger alone in a building blizzard two days before Christmas. When circumstances force them into close proximity, Jed and Minnie find that their growing feelings aren’t convenient at all.
Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller
Two Stones, a Salish warrior accustomed to navigating between tribes and miners, unexpectedly finds himself summoned to the side of a dying friend in Virginia City. Sworn to honor the miner’s last wish, Two Stones agrees to marry his daughter, Heidi, but plans to take her to live with his parents. He’ll provide all her needs, make sure she’s safe, and visit her on occasion when his path leads him that direction. As they set out on the journey, their path is fraught with challenges that defy Two Stones’ plans and reveal a surprising depth to Heidi’s character. As they near the end of their trail and join the Christmas festivities at the Coulter Ranch, Two Stones begins to realize this inconvenient marriage might really be a Christmas gift he’ll always treasure.
Click here to get your copy!
Review:
Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena and Weston both have different reasons for pursuing matrimony, but a marriage of convenience could be the answer to both their prayers.
An engaging read with likable characters, and great chemistry in this Christmastime marriage of convenience novella that serves as both a sequel and a prequel, that can also be read as a stand alone. I was so happy to see Serena and Weston getting a shot at love in this story. Tate is such a sweet child, and I loved his big heart, and how he glowed under the love from others. Weston is a good man, and he wants to be a good protector and provider, I liked that he realized his mistake and came through for Serena when she needed him to. It was so fun meeting his close knit, and hilariously nosy family, and I can't wait to read more about them in the future!
Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams
About the Authors
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.
USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams is devoted to bringing her readers heartwarming love stories about cowboys and the women that tame them.
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
More from Misty
When Friends Join Forces…Magic Happens!
For me, joining with my good friends Jody Hedlund and Lacy Williams resulted in Christmas magic!
Ever since I was young, Christmas stories have held a special place in my heart. The charm and warmth they exude, coupled with the enchantment of the holiday season, are a captivating combination I find irresistible. Can you relate?
I’ve also long been a HUGE fan of Jody Hedlund and Lacy Williams. I’ve read so many of their books over and over!
Joining them for this Christmas novella collection has been a dream come true for so many reasons. And not only are these three marriage of convenience stories set on the Rocky Mountain frontier (my favorite place!), each of these novellas is an exciting extension of the current series we’re each writing.
Jody’s novella is the finale to her Colorado Cowgirls series. We meet both the hero and heroine of this Christmas story back in book 4. You don’t have to have read Jody’s series to fall in love with them here though!
Lacy’s novella tells the story of a character from a new mail order bride series she has coming soon. This prelude is a fantastic taste that will have you swooning as you eagerly await the rest of the books!
My own contribution features Two Stones, the Coulter family’s best friend from the Brothers of Sapphire Mountain Ranch series. I love having the chance to tell his story, even though he’s not ‘officially’ one of the brothers.
If you’ve read any of these series—or if you just love Christmas books like I do!—you’ll definitely want to read the novellas in Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows. It’s our collective holiday gift to you, the readers—intertwining familiar settings and characters with the joy and love that the festive season brings. We hope these tales bring you the same warmth and joy we’ve felt while penning them.
Blessings!
Misty
Blog Stops
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 5
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6
Alena Mentink, September 6
Texas Book-aholic, September 7
Mary Hake, September 7
By the Book, September 8
She Lives To Read, September 8
Vicky Sluiter, September 9
Melissa’s Bookshelf, September 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 10
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 11
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 12
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 13 (Author Interview)
Connie’s History Classroom, September 14
Blossoms and Blessings, September 15
Britt Reads Fiction, September 15
For Him and My Family, September 16
Labor Not in Vain, September 16
Holly’s Book Corner, September 17
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 17
Books You Can Feel Good About, September 18
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 18
Giveaway
To celebrate their tour, Misty, Jody, and Lacy are giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/28138/christmas-bells-and-wedding-vows-celebration-tour-giveaway
*Post contains Amazon affiliate links.
9.15.2023
Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson // Review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
9.14.2023
A Cowboy for the Summer by Danica Favorite // Review
9.13.2023
JustRead Rendezvous // Takeover Blitz
Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for JustRead Rendezvous, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!
You are Invited
JustRead Rendezvous
November 16-17, 2023
Holiday Inn St Louis SW – Route 66
Join fellow readers and authors at the inaugural JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads with food, games, giveaways, and books. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement and is modeled after Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. Friday's activities will include speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, and author signings.Learn more about the 2023 JustRead Rendezvous
Participating Authors
Keynote speakers are Jocelyn Green and Pepper Basham, 2022 finalists of The Christy Award. Rounding out our first 30 participating authors are Amanda Cox, Ann Elizabeth Fryer, Ann H. Gabhart, Barbara M. Britton, Danielle Grandinetti, Elly Gilbert, Erica Vetsch, Heather Greer, Janine Rosche, Jenny Rae, Jerusha Agen, Kimberley Woodhouse, Kristi Ann Hunter, Lisa M. James, Lisa Phillips, Lorri Dudley, Megan Besing, Michelle Griep, Nancy Mehl, Peggy Trotter, Rebecca Hemlock, Regina Rudd Merrick, Sarah Hanks, Shaen Layle, Stephenia H. McGee, Suzie Waltner, Tabitha Bouldin, and Tamara Leigh. Additional interested authors will be invited to register as reader registration grows.Register
Friday's activities (including a book tote, light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and more) are $110 for readers and Thursday evening is an additional $30. Reader registration ends on October 13 (or earlier if event capacity is met). Subscribe to email updates and learn more about each author on the JustRead Rendezvous website. Connect with other attendees and hopefuls to arrange shared experiences or cost-sharing opportunities in the Rendezvous Roomies & Logistics ’23 private Facebook group.Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Rendezvous book tote loaded with books and swag, a signed event booklet, a cozy Route 66 throw, and an "If I can't take my BOOK, I'm not going" keychain!
The giveaway begins at midnight September 12, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 19, 2023. 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. Items may vary slightly. Throw and keychain ship immediately. Tote, books, swag, and booklet available at event or to ship in late November. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
JustRead Rendezvous Takeover Giveaway
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
9.12.2023
Divine Influencer // Pureflix
A movie about discovering your true purpose in life and recognizing that everyone from all walks of life is equal in God’s eyes.
(Note: This is limited to US winners only, and only to those who have NOT won a sub scription in the last 6 months.