9.16.2024

A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch // Just Read Tour and Review

A Thieving at Carlton House JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Thieving at Carlton House

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #1

Author: Erica Vetsch

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: September 17, 2024

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance

Unlikely alliances form when a killer is on the loose... but who can be trusted?

The Home Office has asked Sir Bertrand Thorndike to head an investigation into stolen royal jewels. And as with everything concerning the Prince Regent, discretion is paramount.

It's the perfect chance for Bertie to step out of his brother's long shadow. Unfortunately, his superior, The Duke of Haverly, has a plan that makes him balk: in order to sell his cover, Bertie must play the part of a man looking for love, ready to reform his rakish ways. The duke is willing to let Bertie name his own investigative team, but his recommendation that the team include

Philippa Cashel has Bertie on his guard. Does the duke--known for his behind-the-scenes machinations--have an ulterior motive? Philippa Cashel escaped her life as one of society's best-known courtesans, devoting her life to helping other women in dire straits. So when Sir Bertrand Thorndike approaches her about joining his team as an agent of the Crown, she is skeptical. Why her? She's focused on getting her school for underprivileged women up and running, not in cloak-and-dagger skullduggery. Her hope is that if she labors hard enough at her charity work, she might begin to feel worthy of God's forgiveness of her past.

When one of Philippa's rescued girls is arrested for stealing the royal jewels and another is murdered, Philippa will risk partnering with Bertie to find the loot and stop the killer.

Two brilliant minds--with two wary hearts--and one cunning deceiver are on a collision course in Regency England.

Beloved Regency author Erica Vetsch begins this new series with all the elements that keep her readers coming back. From historical accuracy to rousing mystery to deep character faith journeys, A Thieving at Carlton House will please Regency lovers--and anyone else who loves a great story.

Review:

Dive deep into a world of English intrigue, with a return to the world of two of Ms. Vetsch's previous series, in a brand new adventure.

Bertie is on a sensitive mission from the Prince Regent, used to covering his tracks by playing the fop, he must now recover his image by staging a compelling romance.

Phillipa Cashal has moved past her painful upbringing, and wants to help other girls in similar situations, and finds herself against a prideful and self-seeking adversary. When she is approached by Bertie to help him pull of his ruse, she wonders how she will ever make her dreams a reality. I admired her determination to help others, despite all the challenges she faced.

A wonderful read, with a full cast of characters both familiar and new, with a compelling plot with themes of forgiveness, faith, and new beginnings, alongside a dangerous mission full of danger that kept me guessing. It was fun seeing the characters from previous books set in the same time and place, you definitely don't have to have read the other books in the serious, but there is some bonus reader payoff if you have read the books. There are a lot of characters and moving parts, and as this is the first of a trilogy there is a little more set up and backstory that is well worth it in the end, but leaves plenty to still be developed in the rest of the series.

Overall, a enjoyable read with compelling characters, and a great plot. I really liked Aunt Dolly, and how she was wholeheartedly invested in her and Phillipa's dream to help girls in need. Great first novel in a brand new regency series!

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

Also Available:

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 or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of A Thieving at Carlton House and a $25 Amazon gift card!

A Thieving at Carlton House JustRead 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 September 16, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 23, 2024. 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. International prize ebook and egift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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9.11.2024

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust // Review and Giveaway!

Amid political and spiritual turmoil, Reverend David Hill steps up to run for Congress after an incumbent's sudden death. Battling against Peter Kane, who aims to erase religion from policy, David's fight becomes a beacon of hope and optimism for people seeking moral leadership in a divided world.

The film is engaging with a captivating story and has a renowned cast that keeps the whole family entertained allowing families and friends to discuss how to engage in this current political climate with courage. Most importantly, this film that demonstrates Christians should be optimistic, excited, and hopeful about the future.

The film stars David A. R. White (GOD’S NOT DEAD, Evening Shade), Isaiah Washing ton (Grey’s Anatomy) Dean Cain (Lois & Clark), Samaire Armstrong, (The O.C.), Ray Wise (ROBO COP), Scott Baio (Happy Days), Charlene Tilton (Dallas), with guest ap pearances by Governor Mike Huckabee and Newsboys.

Buy tickets today to see God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust in theaters starting September 12th in association with Great American Pureflix and Fathom!

Buy tickets HERE

Review:

In a sudden turn of events Rev. David Hill finds himself in a treacherous political race for Congress against the progressive and antagonistic to Christianity, incumbent Peter Kane.

Rev. Hill finds himself in an unfamiliar landscape, forced to stand up for his beliefs on a public stage, and trust those on his campaign to steer him in the right direction. I admired his determination to not back down or compromise what he believed, even in the face of intense national scrutiny.

Lottie is a political strategist, who has stepped away from politics to focus on her son, haunted by how her career in politics ended, she steps up to help guide Rev. Hill through the quagmire of politics. I was really touched by her story, care for her son, and courage to come back and fight.

An entertaining addition to the successful franchise, with a solid message of not backing down from what you believe, and how faith should inform every part of our lives, and we can't build walls around politics or anything else to keep God out. Great for the whole family, compelling and well done.

#InGodWeTrustMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Buy tickets today to see God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust in theaters starting September 12th!

Buy tickets HERE

Giveaway: $10 Amazon giftcard

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Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter by Lisa Jordan // Just Read

Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter JustRead Takeover + Review Tour

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter by Lisa Jordan hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter

Series: Stone River Ranch #3

Author: Lisa Jordan

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

She’s left her old life behind

…only to find a new love waiting

After a broken engagement, Callie Morgan decides to move to Aspen Ridge, Colorado, to fix up her late grandmother’s gift shop. But the shop is in bad shape and Callie runs out of money faster than expected. Old childhood friend and single dad Wyatt Stone comes to the rescue, offering her a job at his family’s ranch, Stone River Ranch. While their friendship is rekindled, will Callie ever risk loving again…even as Wyatt’s little girl is already stealing her heart?

Review:

Fresh starts and second chances at Stone River Ranch.

Callie Morgan is ready for a fresh start, so she takes the opportunity to fix up her grandmother's shop, but that will take money so she takes on a job with Wyatt Stone, coordinating activities. Callie has been through a lot, but she is determined to do the best with what she's been dealt. She is a hard worker, and I liked how she has a strong Christian support system. Wyatt is a great father, and is very protective of his daughter, Mia. I liked how he is a strong Christian and active in his church.

I loved returning to Stone River Ranch, it is a great stand alone, but also fun to see familiar faces if you happened to have read previous books in the series. I loved the great interaction, themes of trusting God and second chances. A sweet second chance romance, with an enjoyable plot, and wonderful characters!

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

More Books from this Series:

About the Author

Lisa Jordan

Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements comes naturally. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning, PW bestselling author for Harlequin’s Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romance that promises hope and happily ever after. Additionally, she is an author and the line director for Hometown Hearts, Sunrise Publishing's contemporary romance line. She is the operations manager for Novel Academy, an online writing academy powered by My Book Therapy. Happily married to her own real-life hero for thirty-five years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons and two rascally rescue dogs. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys quality family time, being creative with friends, or getting lost in a good book.

Connect with Lisa by visiting lisajordanbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter and a basket of bookish goodies, such as socks, a mug, a bookmark, and the winner's choice of t-shirt or tote bag!

Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter JustRead 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 September 10, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 17, 2024. 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. International prize ebook and egift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

9.06.2024

The Life in Christ Bible: NKJV // Review and Giveaway

God has a purpose for your life in this moment. You have a part to play in what He is doing in the world. But knowing why you are here starts with knowing who God says you are. The Life in Christ Bible invites you to embrace your identity and purpose as you:

• Discover why you matter-not because of anything you do, but because you are made in the image of God.

• Explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ makes you a new person.

• Learn how who God says you are changes how you think, speak, work, and move through the world.

Order your copy of The Life in Christ Bible today!

AMAZON

THOMAS NELSON BIBLES

Review:

Beautifully bound in timeless brown leathersoft, with gold gilt paper edges, and two ribbon bookmarks, the Life in Christ Bible: NKJV is made for reading again and again.

I loved the simple, yet classically elegant cover design, as well as the how the Bible has some heft to it, with a nice readable averaged sized print, that also features the words of Christ in red. Great for at home study or on the go, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed having a bigger Bible again, after years of carrying a pocket/thinline edition. I personally really enjoy the NKJV because it is readable, but still uses language that encourages an air of reverence, compared to more casual translations or paraphrases.

This edition has cross references, as well as reflections, and articles themed around identity and life in Christ. In a world that tries to define us based on money, gender, sin, nationality, past, and more, we must remember that our identity is rooted in Christ. Throughout the Bible there are multipart readings on various topics centered around these themes, serving as a wonderful reminder. This Bible would be a great gift for new a Christian or someone more mature in their faith. Solid Bible for everyday reading.

#LifeInChristBibleMIN #LifeinChristBible

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Giveaway: 1 copy of The Life in Christ Bible. Giveaway limited to U.S. residents only.

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The Art of Writing 2024, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Art of Writing 2024 JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2024, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Conference

The Art of Writing conference will be held on November 14 in Chicago at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, Chicago/Downers Grove. The focused four-session conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing curators for training and connection. Hear from Christian publishers, agents, authors, and thought leaders on the Art of Writing for today’s market.

Session One: The Balance of the Art of Writing and the Business of Publishing

A panel of Christian fiction publishers and agents discuss market changes and current trends and address your most important questions with Tyndale Fiction publisher Karen Watson and agents Danielle Egan-Miller and Cynthia Ruchti.

Session Two: Processing Pain through Writing and Reading Christian Fiction

In a special LIVE Moody Radio conversation, author and host Chris Fabry will lead a discussion of how pain helps writers process their lives and can help readers do the same with therapists turned authors Amanda Cox and Kelly Flanagan

Session Three: Authors as Marketers: How to Build a Thriving Ecosystem

Join Andrea Garcia, senior marketing manager at Tyndale House Publishers, as she helps you navigate how to be an author-marketer, explains how your author channels can work together, and assures you that you can have fun spreading the word about your books.

Session Four: What Is Christian Fiction? Writing for a Broader Audience

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, has the audience for Christian fiction shrunk or broadened? Does that or should that change the way you write your novels? How much should you write with your audience in mind versus letting your creativity lead and find its own audience? A panelist of authors will cover these questions and more!

Learn More about The Art of Writing 2024

The Christy Award Finalists Reveal

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in nine categories live on September 12 at 11 a.m. CST, featuring Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

“With each passing year I am more aware of the power that stories have to communicate goodness, truth, beauty and hope in our world,” states ECPA president Jeff Crosby. “And because of that, I am honored to be associated with the annual Christy Gala which honors excellence in Christian fiction and the Art of Writing conference that nurtures the work of writers of faith and contributes tools as they refine their craft.” 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 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 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 13, 2024. 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!

9.02.2024

Guess Who's in God's Family by Karen Ferguson // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Guess Who Is in God’s Family

Author: Karen Ferguson

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release date: June 24, 2024

When Lucy comes across some old family pictures, she has a lot of questions for Papa Joe.

Who are these people?
Why doesn’t she look like them?

As Papa Joe tells Lucy about her family, he shares with her the uniqueness that God created in each of us from the very beginning, all the way back to our first ancestors, Adam and Eve.

What follows is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her papa discover God’s love and faithfulness for all people throughout all of history.

In this second book in the Questions for Kids series, discover how much God loves diversity and how God created your family in the most beautiful and perfect way.

Click here to get you copy!

My Review:

Lucy and Papa Joe are back in this bright and colorful adventure that takes them back to the Garden of Eden to learn about original sin, family, and God's perfect plan to bring us back to Him.

A vibrantly colored storybook that talks about how all humans are made in God's image, even if we all look different. I loved the beautiful illustrations, and solid truths that they learned about through Adam and Eve. A very well done and age appropriate book for young readers, I liked the frequent use of Scripture, as well as the lovely pictures sure to captivate young minds. Also, very creatively drawn to keep Adam and Eve modest!

Overall, a wonderful addition to the Questions for Kids Series. I'm excited to see what Papa Joe teaches Lucy about the Bible next. A wonderful series to share with children, great to read aloud and open conversations on deeper topics!

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

About the Author

Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and children’s book author with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom she is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attentions, while teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them. She wants every child to know their life matters. Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was published through Ambassador International in 2022. Now a seven book series, her newest book, Guess Who Is in God’s Family is scheduled to release June 2024.

More from Karen

Did you know the cherubim that guard the Garden of Eden have four faces – that of an ox, human, lion, and eagle? You’ll find their description in Ezekiel 10:14, and it’s quite different from most angels you’ll see in traditional children’s books. But you will see them beautifully illustrated in this second installment in the Questions for Kids picture book series, all about the First Family in the Garden of Eden.

You see, my mission from the very beginning has been to present accurate biblical accounts to young readers that are foundational to increasing their understanding of the Bible and growing a solid faith in God. Kids are bombarded with so many counterfeit messages these days that contradict the Bible, and it’s leaving them confused and hopeless. Is truth relative? Absolutely not! The real Truth lies in God’s Word, and I am grateful to play a part in counteracting the lies of our culture by presenting Truths straight from the Bible, in a fun and dynamic way.

In this book (and book series), you won’t find a regurgitation of Bible facts (that never worked for me as a child). Rather, you’ll find a young girl with many questions about God and life, much like our own children and grandchildren. And you’ll find her loving grandpa who is happy to answer those questions by pointing her to the Word of God. Their adventures into unique periods in Bible history, driven by some serious 7-year old questions, will help pull young readers into the narrative and connect the Bible to their world. It’ll also open doors to faith-building conversations with parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers.

The hardest part of writing these books? Keeping it short enough to fit into the picture book category ;).

I pray you and your young reader will be blessed as you journey with Lucy and her Papa Joe into the Bible to discover God’s power, His faithfulness, and His never-ending love.