10.31.2023

Her Darling Mr. Day by Grace Hitchcock // Review

My Review: 

After being rejected by Miss Dupre, Theodore Day finds himself in a heated competition with his brother for the reigns of the family riverboat business, and a very sought after bachelor in Southern society. 

It was torture watching her best friend Willow, be pursued by Teddy, and Flora isn't going to give up her second chance to win her friend's heart. 

A delightful friends-to-lovers romance, full of adventure, drama, faith and heart. I loved how Teddy was always there at just the right moment for Flora, and how she stands up for herself amongst the jealous Southern Belles. 

I was so happy to see Teddy and Flora again after the first book in the series, and I love a good friends-to-lovers romance so this was the perfect read for me. Flora is often put in unfortunate situations and I was happy for her to have a chance at what her heart desired. A fun fast paced read, with great characters and a plot full of twists and turns. 

Overall, a wonderful and necessary addition to the series, filled with humor, faith, romance, and adventure. Definitely recommend for fans of historical fiction with a lighter tone, and endearing characters!  


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


 * As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases

10.30.2023

Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou, illustrated by Vivienne To // Review

My Review: 

Dive into a world where art comes alive in this adventurous new middle-grade series!

Vincent and his sister, Lili, go to visit their art restorationist great uncle and get swept into a high stakes world of intrigue and art along with their spunky cousin, Georgia.

I love discovering a new middle grade series to recommend, and this one hits the marks for me. An engaging adventures that draws the readers in with compelling characters and a rich landscape of art history, with a devious. Excellent world building with a creative fantasy premise, that was well presented and fun. I loved the themes of using your gifts for good, not letting your emotions rule you, as well as seeds of faith that I hope will grow as the series progresses. 

A well written adventure that kept pulling me back in, I liked how we see Vincent's heart changes over the course of the story, as well as how he sees his quirky cousin. Georgia is a take charge kind of girl, courageous and ready to face down monsters. I liked her quick thinking, and how she doesn't give up on Vincent. 

Overall, a fantastic read perfect for middle grade readers, I loved learning cool tidbits of art history along the way. A great start to a new series, with plenty of room to expand. I hope many find this great new series!

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3S0Oc21

 * Post contains affiliate links

10.29.2023

The Mermaid's Tale by L.E. Richmond // Celebrate Lit



About the Book


Book: The Mermaid’s Tale

Author: L. E. Richmond

Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling

Release Date: October 10, 2023

A Tail Could Tell a Tale

Locklyn Adair has never fit in. The legs she inherited as a result of her great-great-grandmother’s curse make it impossible for her to belong under the sea. When her niece is also born without a tail, Locklyn is determined to save her from similar rejection by sending her to the only place in the Undersea Realm where legs are acceptable – the Lost Island of Atlantis.

Darin Aalto would do anything to protect his family, even spearheading an impossible quest to find treasure that has been lost for over a hundred years. But when his best friend, Locklyn, joins his crew, his ability to keep her safe—and his shot at winning her heart—comes perilously close to being swept away.

A family curse, lost treasure, unrequited love, and a race against time intertwine as Locklyn and Darin seek to save their family, their kingdom, and eventually the entire Undersea Realm without losing each other.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review: 

An exciting undersea tale filled with adventure, sacrifice, and love. 

A mermaid born with legs instead of fins, Locklyn has lived her life as a social outcast, but when her niece is born with the same condition she is determined to do everything she can to give her more opportunities than she herself had. 

A riveting story with fantastic world building and a compelling plot, and characters that you can root for all the way through. I loved the fast paced, twisting plot, set in the lush undersea world. The plot is original and imaginative, though inspired by the Little Mermaid, the author does and excellent job of remaking pieces of the tale into something completely her own. 

Darin is a likable hero, strong, protective, and willing to fight for others. Despite his flaws, his heart is pure. Personally I'm not the biggest fan of the third person, present tense that his chapters are told in, but as the story progressed it didn't bother me so much. 

Overall, a wonderful read with a riveting plot, and compelling characters that leave you begging for more. A terrific introduction to a new author, perfect for fans of fantasy, and friends to lovers romance!

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

About the Author



L.E. Richmond was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest by an American composition teacher and a German bookseller. Her childhood consisted in a large part of imagining stories for her Playmobil characters and checking out as many books from the library as her family could fit on six library cards. Now she spends her time chasing two blonde baby boys, reading aloud to the hazel-eyed young man who has her heart, and attempting to transfer the stories in her head into words for others. Her passion is for words and stories that thrill the soul and she is continually amazed by the One who crafted the most epic story of all time.

 

 

More from L.E.

I am a discovery writer, so when I first started The Mermaid’s Tale, I knew only the general plot and that the romance would be between the main character and the older brother of her brother-in-law.

The catalyst for this choice came from a novel published in England in 1815.

Darin Aalto, famous treasure hunting Merman from the Mediterranean, was inspired by none other than Mr. Knightley from Shropshire. He, like Jane Austen’s hero, is kind, experienced, confident, and attentive to the needs of others. On the other hand, my heroine, Locklyn Adair, is not much like Emma Wodehouse, struggling with a lack of confidence rather than the overabundance which plagues the young mistress of Hartfield.

Even though Locklyn differs greatly from Emma in temperament, she shares one marked similarity with her – a deep devotion to her sister’s children. In fact, it is to save her niece from the rejection which legs bring to Mermaids that leads Locklyn to encourage Darin to claim a disputed treasure which in turn leads to hostility from the warrior queen of a neighboring kingdom which leads to a duel to the death which leads to . . . You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Blog Stops

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 19

Madi’s Musings, October 19

By the Book, October 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 21

Denise L. Barela, October 21

Texas Book-aholic, October 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 25

Inklings and Notions, October 26

Life, Love, Writing, October 27

Blogging With Carol, October 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 28

Labor Not in Vain, October 29

Holly’s Book Corner, October 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 31 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 1 (Author Interview)

Of Blades and Thorns, November 1

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, L.E. is giving away the grand prize package of hardcover copy of The Mermaid’s Tale and 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/28799/the-mermaid-s-tale-celebration-tour-giveaway

10.27.2023

The Christy Award 2023 Finalists + Giveaway!

The Christy Award Finalists 2023 JustRead Blog Blitz Banner

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2023 Finalists & Winners!

YOU ARE INVITED

The Christy Award Gala 2023
Via webcast

November 16, 2023 | 7 pm CT

Featuring Chris Fabry, Davis Bunn, Janette Oke, and a host of Christy-winning authors

Hosted by Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry, the Christy Award Winners Gala will be held Thursday, November 16th at 7pm CT via free webcast to recognize the finalists and announce the winners of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award. The event will feature two literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. Award presenters will include Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green, Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck, and Kara Swanson.


The Christy Award Finalists 2023

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A Seaside Wonder All That It Takes To Believe in You To Win a Prince

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg (Larkspur Press)
All That It Takes by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
To Believe in You by Emily Conrad (Hope Anchor LLC)
To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip  The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon  Porch Music

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon by Linda MacKillop (Kregel Publications)

Porch Music
by Kathy Maresca (TouchPoint Press Faith)

GENERAL FICTION

By Way of the Moonlight  When Stone Wings Fly  Where the Blue Sky Begins

By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
When Stone Wings Fly
by Karen Barnett (Kregel Publications)
Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner
 (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL

All the Lost Places  The Hidden Prince  Within These Walls of Sorrow

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar
(Tyndale House Publishers)
Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt (Kregel Publications

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

The Italian Ballerina The Rose and the Thistle The Sound of Light Yesterday's Tides

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The Rose and the Thistle
by Laura Frantz (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White
(Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

By Way of Deception Cold Light of Day Forged The Souls of Lost Lake

By Way of Deception by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn (Harvest House Publishers)
Cold Light of Day
by Elizabeth Goddard (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Forged by Sara Davison (Mountain Brook Ink)

The Souls of Lost Lake
by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM

A Return to Hawthorne House  O Little Town  Kiss Me On Christmas

Always a Lady (in A Return to Hawthorne House) by Kristi Ann Hunter (Oholiab Creations, LLC)
Hopes and Fears (in O Little Town) by Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications)
Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon
(Sarah Monzon)

SPECULATIVE

Drawn in Ash  Dream of Kings  Yesterday's Gone

Drawn in Ash by John W. Otte (John W. Otte)
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)

Yesterday's Gone
by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall (Tyndale House Publishers)

YOUNG ADULT

Blood Secrets  This Dreamer  The Whisperer's Wish

Wishtress  The Wonderland Trials

Blood Secrets by Morgan L. Busse (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson (Sara Watterson)
The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd (Scrivenings Press)
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes (Thomas Nelson)
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)


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!

The Christy Award Finalists 2023 JustRead Tours giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2023 EVENTS

The Art of Writing webinars on Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT $69
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.

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. - free but registration is required.
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

The Christy Award & Art of Writing 2023 Banner

REGISTER

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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch // Just Read

Children of the Shadows JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Children of the Shadows

Title: Children of the Shadows
Series:
Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries #3
Author:
Erica Vetsch
Publisher:
Kregel Publications
Release Date:
October 23, 2023
Genre:
Christian Regency Mystery

Detective Daniel Swann and debutante Juliette Thorndike once again team up to solve a dangerous mystery--while trying to keep their growing romance secret. 

Someone is preying upon the street children of Regency London. They seem to think no one will notice when urchins go missing--and even if they are noticed, who will care? 

Daniel needs to do something about the missing children. But with recent revelations about his past and an unexpected, somewhat unwelcome inheritance to deal with, this is a terrible time to dive back into the seedy underbelly of the crime world. Nevertheless, he's still a Bow Street runner, and his partner Lady Juliette is sensitive to the plight of these wayward youngsters. They're on the case, searching shadowed alleys and coal-drenched streets to find the missing. 

But the tangle of expectation and the dynamics of power cannot be easily ignored, even if there are children in danger. When Daniel's past threatens to overwhelm his future, he will need a miracle and the help of his friends to both apprehend the villain and unravel his tangled family web. And it may be that his new responsibilities demand that he leave the children of the shadows to their terrible fate--or lose everything. 

Erica Vetsch's popular Regency mystery series concludes with a bang, sure to satisfy readers who have hung on every page since book one.

PURCHASE LINKSGoodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Review: A satisfying conclusion to a terrific series!

With pressure from multiple angles, Daniel finds himself fighting on many fronts for his job, love, and for answers about the children disappearing from the streets. Daniel is an honorable man, and I liked how this book focused more on him and his role within the Bow Street Runners, as he is challenged to fight for his future. I also enjoyed seeing him in the role of a mentor and seeing how he has matured over the course of the series. 

There is a lot going on in this book, and I also enjoyed seeing familiar faces from other favorite series by Ms. Vetsch within the pages. Action packed, with a multi-faceted plot that kept my attention riveted to the pages. There were also strong themes of faith, great interactions, as well as intrigue among high society. 

Overall, an amazing and satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series with each book better than the last! I enjoyed seeing Juliette and Daniel grow in their faith and in their love for each other throughout the series, and this was the perfect wrap up, full of action, decisions and faith.  

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

More in This Series

 


About the Author

Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

Connect with Erica by visiting ericavetsch.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a complete paperback set of the Thorndike and Swann series, and a $10 amazon gift card

Children of the Shadows JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 23, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

10.26.2023

The Cowboy's Christmas Compromise by Jill Kemerer // Review


Review:

Newly divorced Dalton Cambridge hesitantly takes the job working for Erica Black, who happens to be the ex-wife of his ex's new husband. Can two broken hearts trust again?

Gripping me right from the beginning, I liked how the author did a great job of realistically showing two people in an understandably difficult situation. I liked how Erica and Dalton found a true friend in each other through tough times, and there was great interaction and encouragement between them. 

Engaging, and well written, I liked how this book dealt with the challenges that Erica and Dalton both faced, with themes of forgiveness, hope, and faith. There is plenty of drama, growth, adorable children, and faith. 

Overall, a wonderful read with characters that I could cheer for all the way through. An emotional read, filled with hope and second chances. Highly recommend!

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

 Buy it here: https://amzn.to/46npvRY

 * Post contains affiliate links