Thursday, March 19, 2026

Book Spotlight: Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer

Anna of Bethsaida JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Anna of Bethsaida

Title: Anna of Bethsaida 
Series:
The Arimathea Chronicles #2 
Author:
Susanne Blumer 
Publisher:
Sutton Avenue Press 
Release Date:
March 16, 2026 
Genre:
Biblical Fiction

Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle. 

As a healer traveling with Jesus's ministry alongside Andrew, Anna takes her place among the women who follow, forming bonds that offer strength as the journey grows harder. While crowds press close to hear the Teacher's words, a different kind of attention gathers. In Jerusalem, her father Joseph of Arimathea, walks an impossible line within the Sanhedrin, and with each miracle Jesus performs, the net draws tighter around them all. 

The cost of discipleship, Anna discovers, is not counted in miles walked or comforts surrendered. It is measured in the space between what she hoped following Jesus would be and what it actually demands. 

Some journeys test what you believe. 
Some reshape who you become. 
Anna's does both. 

This is Book 2 of The Arimathea Chronicles. Begin Anna's journey from the beginning with Book 1, Anna of Arimathea, where a scarred, isolated young woman discovers healing, first love, and purpose in the footsteps of Jesus.  

Anna of Bethsaida is perfect for readers who love:

  • Deeply researched biblical fiction with authentic period detail
  • The untold stories of women in the early church - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the community that sustained Jesus's ministry
  • Love stories tested by faith and dangerous callings
  • Political intrigue woven through spiritual transformation
  • Character-driven narratives where personal loss intersects with world-changing events
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Signed Copy from the Author| Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Book Excerpt


The sun had set, and Mary disappeared into the house.

When she returned, she carried an alabaster jar. Small, no larger than her palm, carved from translucent stone that glowed honey-gold in the lamplight. She held it with both hands, crossing slowly toward where Jesus reclined at the head table. Every eye followed her. Even the street sounds faded until only the soft shuffle of her feet on stone remained, the whisper of her robe against the ground.

She kneeled at his feet.

Then she broke it.

The crack echoed through the courtyard, and the scent hit — nard, pure nard, the kind carried by traders who crossed deserts and mountains to bring it west. The air grew thick with it, coating the inside of my mouth and lungs. The smell of exotic spices and resin, of distant places I would never see, of wealth so extravagant it felt obscene.

Mary tilted the jar over Jesus's feet. The oil poured out in a thick stream, coating his skin, running between his toes, pooling on the stone floor beneath them. The scent grew stronger, filling every corner of the courtyard until I could taste nothing else.

Jesus sat very still, watching her. Tears gathered in his eyes.

Mary set the empty jar aside. Then she reached up and unbound her hair. It fell around her shoulders in dark waves, tumbling down her back to her waist. She bent forward until her hair brushed the floor, and wiped his feet with it.

The gesture was so intimate, so tender, that part of me wanted to look away. This was not a servant washing a master's feet. The sound of her hair against his skin whispered through the courtyard.

No one spoke. No one moved. We all sat watching what we did not fully understand but knew in our bones was sacred.


More in This Series

Anna of Arimathea


About the Author


Susanne Blumer

Susanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. As the CEO and Founder of Sassafras on Sutton LLC, she is the owner of three magical indie bookstores nestled in the North Carolina mountains of Black Mountain and Waynesville and Beaufort, South Carolina. One even has a full coffee bar. Oh, happy day!

She is the author of The Arimathea Chronicles, a series set in first-century Judea and centered on the life of Anna, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. The first two books, Anna of Arimathea and Anna of Bethsaida, are available now. The third book, Anna of Calvary, will be available later this year. She's also written several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband. Her new children's picture book series, The Story of You, will release its first book late Spring 2026 called Before Your Story Had A Name. 

When she’s not writing or doing other entrepreneurial tasks, you can usually find her hanging out on the floor of one of her stores, drinking coffee and learning the stories of her customers or spoiling her eight chickens. Susanne splits her time between Waynesville, NC in her beloved mountains and Beaufort, SC on the enchanting Lowcountry coast. 

Connect with Susanne by visiting susanneblumer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Bookshop gift card and a signed copy of Anna of Bethsaida!

Anna of Bethsaida blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 2026. Winners 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

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Book Spotlight: When They Met Again by Leslie Gould

When They Met Again JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When They Met Again by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

When They Met Again

Title: When They Met Again 
Series:
Letters from Lancaster County 
Author:
Leslie Gould 
Publisher:
Bethany House 
Release Date:
March 17, 2026 
Genre:
Fiction / Romance / Amish / Contemporary

A gently humorous just friends romance from Leslie Gould, threaded with heart-deep characters and the timeless traditions of simple Amish life. 

It's love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she's less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be "just friends," but Adam's not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer--someone she deems a much more suitable match. 

When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents' successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance--but is Adam's love enough to finally win Joanna over?  

For readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray, a sweet Amish romance with matchmaking grandmas and themes of enemies to lovers, he falls first, and love at first sight versus "just friends."  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub


Book Excerpt


Mandy and Miriam’s grandfather, Daniel, was the bishop of their district, and he and Elaine were hosting the ice cream social.

Joanna noticed a stranger—a man— who was tall, muscular, and handsome with sandy hair and deep brown eyes.

She didn’t recognize him, and she tried not to stare.

After the singing, the guys took turns cranking the ice cream freezer and showing off their muscles. The stranger had a five o’clock shadow and appeared a few years older than most of the Youngie. As they all stood around in groups eating the ice cream, Caleb introduced him to Joanna and Mandy. “This is Jacob Byer,” he said. Miriam stepped into the circle. Caleb continued. “Jacob is new to our—”

“Hallo!” Miriam said, interrupting Caleb. “Welcome to Strasburg Township.”

Jacob took a step backward but then smiled. “Denki. And who are you?”

“Miriam.” She grinned and then swept her hand toward Mandy. “This is my twin.” She nodded toward Joanna. “And our friend Joanna.”

Forcing herself to be outgoing, Joanna asked Jacob, “Where are you from?”

“Ohio. Holmes County.” Jacob took a step closer to Joanna. He towered over her, even though she was five eight. “I have an uncle who lives here. Enoch Byer.”

Joanna spoke as confidently as she could. “Are you visiting

Lancaster County or do you plan to stay?”

Jacob’s eyes twinkled as his gaze met hers. “I’m staying.”

Someone called out, “Joanna!” She turned. Adam sauntered toward them. “Are you ready to leave?” She wasn’t.

“I hope I’ll see you soon.” Jacob gave her a charming smile that left her feeling flustered. Miriam was now standing beside him.

Joanna gave Jacob, and everyone, a wave and turned around slowly. She didn’t want to hurry and make Jacob think she was courting Adam. Nor did she want to go too slowly and risk having Adam say something embarrassing in front of Jacob. Her heart beat faster. Perhaps she hadn’t met the right person yet—u ntil now.

On the way home as Adam chatted away about the ice cream, about Mandy and Caleb, and about his grandparents’ business that he was excited to learn, Joanna thought about Jacob. About how tall he was. And how handsome with his square jaw and deep brown eyes. And his charming smile. Compared to Adam, who seemed to be an open book, Jacob was quiet and mysterious. She couldn’t stop thinking about him.

When they reached Mammi Lu’s, Joanna thanked Adam for the ride and started to open the buggy door.

“Wait!” Adam set the brake and jumped to the ground. “I need to do that for you.”

Joanna waited, a little impatiently. When Adam appeared at her door he extended his hand to her as he grinned.

She took his hand and jumped down. “Denki.” She started toward the back door. Mammi Lu had left a battery- operated lantern hanging to light her way.

“Wait,” he said again but not as enthusiastically as before. “Aren’t you going to ask me to stay? Lemonade on the porch? Maybe a cookie.”

Joanna turned toward him at the bottom of the steps. “I’m tired. From the trip and everything.”

“Oh.” He took off his hat and ran his hand through his dark hair. “I wanted to talk about the trip. About sitting in the back of the van together. Don’t tell me you didn’t feel something.”

Annoyed, Joanna said, “I didn’t feel anything.” But she had. Although it paled when compared with what she was feeling for Jacob.

His face fell. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow. At the office, right? You’re coming by to talk to Mammi about a job.”

“Jah.” Joanna momentarily regretted not asking him to stay. But not enough to change her mind. “See you tomorrow.” If she got the job, she and Adam would have a chance to get to know each other. Perhaps she’d want to court him eventually— unless Jacob Byer asked her out first.


More in This Series

The Shop Down the Lane


About the Author

Leslie Gould

Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including multiple Amish fiction series. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren. Learn more at LeslieGould.com.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card plus a copy of The Shop Down the Lane and When They Met Again!

When They Met Again blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 16, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 2026. Winners 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

Monday, March 16, 2026

Book Review: The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz

About the Book:


The call for liberty creates a divide between family and country, desire and duty, love and loyalty.


In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides--Patriots and Loyalists--causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Mae, torn between her deepening love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Laura Frantz offers a stirring friends-to-lovers historical romance of divided loyalties, patriotism, sacrifice, sisterhood, and love set during the American Revolution.


My Thoughts:

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz highlighted the Patriot struggle in America’s War for Independence which made it an appropriate read as the United States celebrates its 250th year in 2026. The plight of the characters, though fictional, reflected what people of that time may have experienced: financial loss, death of loved ones, physical injuries, families torn apart, and other war-related trauma. The Belle of Chatham included those realities without feeling too dark and heavy. This story reminded me of the bravery, stoutheartedness, and devotion the Patriots held to freedom, though I wished that same freedom had been extended to all genders and races in the new nation. Each chapter began with a quote from a historical figure which I enjoyed reading.

The Belle of Chatham held more romance than some of Laura Frantz’s other novels. I loved the tension and swoony moments between Mae and Rhys, but their relationship went deeper than attraction and chemistry to a union of hearts and ideals. Sadly, the book’s ending wrapped up hurriedly, and I wished that season of their relationship had been fleshed out more.

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz also touched on the price of elevating political beliefs over personal relationships, the beautiful and not-so-beautiful sides of sisterhood, and the importance of living honestly. This standalone novel provided plenty of romance, history, and intrigue that held my attention. 4.5 Stars!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Movie Review: He Calls Me Daughter




About the Movie:

HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw—One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

Buy tickets today to see HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER in theaters only 3/17-3/18!

Movie Trailer:




My Thoughts:

I knew that watching HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER would likely stir my emotions as the abandonment by my biological father and the abuse by my step-father produced deep wounds in me as a child. I’m so thankful for the healing work that Jesus has done in my life, but I still find it difficult to relate to God (Jehovah) as a good father. Perhaps I’ll someday look back and see this movie as a stepping stone to experiencing God as Father. As the women related their stories, I could empathize with their pain and I felt affirmed. I was also reminded that I’m not the only one with father wounds. Even though the movie’s structure meant that more than one woman’s story was told at a time, it was not hard to follow each narrative. The stories and discussions held my attention from beginning to end.

Because HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER can be an effective tool for understanding and promoting healing for women, I recommend HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER to anyone ages 13 and up (due to hard, gritty situations that are included). I suggest it to women with father wounds, friends seeking to better understand a friend’s struggle, churches and small group leaders seeking to serve the women in their churches, and to parents as a reminder of a daughter’s need for unconditional love.

Many thanks to HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
More Resources:

  • A Heavenly Father changes everything. HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER hits theaters March 17 & 18 only.
  • After you see the movie, visit the official website, hecallsmedaughter.org, to download a free study guide.

Giveaway:




One commenter will win a $10 Amazon giftcard. US addresses only. Enter by leaving a comment on this post with your full name (required by the tour company) and email. Alternatively, you may email me (beautyinthebinding@gmail.com) with your full name for a giveaway entry. Giveaway ends 3/18/2026 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified via email.




Friday, March 13, 2026

Author Interview: Verse by Verse by Benjamin McGreevy

Verse by Verse Vol. 1 JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Verse by Verse (Volume 1) by Benjamin McGreevy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Verse by Verse Volume 1

Title: Verse by Verse: A Daily Devotional Through the Whole Bible — Volume 1: Genesis 1–11 — Where the Story Begins 

Series: Verse by Verse: A Daily Devotional Through the Whole Bible #1 

Author: Benjamin McGreevy

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: January 13, 2026 

Genre: Christian Nonfiction Devotional

Could one devotional lead you through the entire Bible? 

If you’ve ever longed to journey through the entire Bible with fresh eyes and a deeper heart, A Daily Devotional Through the Whole Bible will be your guide. 

Written with reverence, clarity, and insight, Benjamin McGreevy takes readers verse by verse through Scripture, beginning in Genesis, to uncover the richness, order, and divine purpose woven into every line of God’s Word. 

Far more than a commentary, this devotional invites personal reflection and meditation, helping believers not only read the Bible but truly live it. 

Each passage comes with thoughtful reflections that reveal God’s wisdom, creative design, and constant presence, from the first verse of Genesis to the final revelation of His glory. 

Designed for both study and spiritual growth, this book is a companion for anyone desiring to deepen their relationship with God through daily engagement with Scripture. 

Whether you’re a pastor, student, or lifelong believer seeking renewal, this devotional will guide you to see that every word and verse holds eternal meaning. 

A Daily Devotional Through the Whole Bible is not just a book to read; it is a journey to experience the living Word of God in all its truth and power. 

 Begin your journey through the Bible verse by verse!  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub


Excerpt


The Bible is unlike any other book. For thousands of years, it has been treasured, studied, and passed down from generation to generation. But it is far more than an ancient collection of writings; it is the living, divinely inspired Word of God. Every page, every sentence, every word carries His breath, His truth, and His heart.

And yet, despite its importance, the way we often approach the Bible can be fragmented. We tend to repeatedly return to familiar stories, like Noah’s ark, David and Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den, the birth of Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection, while overlooking other passages that seem less exciting or harder to understand. Even in the Church, preaching and teaching often highlight certain books and themes while skimming past others. But if all Scripture is God-breathed, then all of it deserves our attention. From Genesis to Revelation, every word matters.

That conviction is what gave birth to this project: Verse by Verse: A Daily Devotional Through the Whole Bible. It’s built on the belief that nothing in the Bible is accidental. Even the passages we might be tempted to skip, like the genealogies, the laws, and the small details, are still abound with meaning. Take Genesis 5, for example. At first glance, it looks like a dry list of names and ages, but hidden in those verses are powerful reminders of human mortality, the unfolding of God’s plan of redemption, and the steady rhythm of His covenant faithfulness.

About the Author

Benjamin McGreevy

Benjamin McGreevy is committed to a lifelong mission to illuminate all 31,102 verses of Scripture through a monumental 104-volume series of biblical reflections. This unprecedented project guides readers through the entire Bible verse by verse, offering clarity, theological insight, and spiritual encouragement for both personal devotion and academic growth. Each reflection serves not merely as commentary, but as a devotional journey designed to draw readers into a deeper relationship with God.

Benjamin approaches this work as a lifelong academic and spiritual pursuit. He continually strengthens the project through advanced training in Christian Apologetics and ongoing graduate study in Biblical Exposition and Context, ensuring each reflection is grounded in rigorous scholarship and a faithful presentation of the Christian worldview. 

Acknowledging that no human work can exhaust the infinite nature of God, Benjamin affirms that even millions of words only begin to scratch the surface. Yet, this series invites readers to encounter eternal truth here and now, living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (2 Timothy 3:16).

Connect with Benjamin by visiting versebyversebook.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email updates.


Author Interview


Q: What inspired you to create Verse by Verse?

Benjamin: The inspiration for Verse by Verse really started as a deeply personal journey. I wanted to slow down, step away from the busyness of life, and spend intentional time with God. I began reflecting on each verse individually, writing down my thoughts and observations as a way to engage more fully with Scripture. What started as a private practice quickly became transformative—I started noticing real changes in how I thought, how I approached life, and how I understood God’s Word.

As I continued, I realized that this kind of reflection didn’t have to stay private. If something could be this impactful for me, why shouldn’t it be available to others? That’s when the idea of Verse by Verse began to take shape. I wanted to create a space where readers could experience the same growth and transformation—where they could slow down, reflect deeply, and encounter Scripture in a meaningful, verse-by-verse way.

It’s not about me or even the books themselves. It’s about helping people grow alongside Scripture and grow closer to Christ. Each reflection is a small step, a pause to consider, a moment to breathe and truly absorb God’s Word. My hope is that readers come away not just with knowledge, but with a deeper relationship with God—because that’s ultimately what inspired the project in the first place.


Q: How long did it take to write this devotional?

Benjamin: I actually started back in July of 2025, but the first month wasn’t so much about writing as it was about setting up a system. I wanted to reflect on each individual verse of Genesis, but there wasn’t a resource that let me easily take notes verse by verse. So I created my own: I copied and pasted every single verse into a Word document in order, so that when I got into the actual writing, I could focus entirely on reflection without worrying about logistics.

By August, I began the writing process itself. I set a rhythm of writing 3–5 verses a day, which allowed me to balance reflection with consistency. Over the course of about three months, I worked through Genesis 1 through 11, finishing around the middle of October. Each reflection takes roughly 30 minutes, and I would write whenever I had free time during the day—sometimes at home, sometimes on the go, always with my phone in hand.

Having the structure in place made a huge difference. It allowed me to immerse myself in each verse fully, notice patterns, explore context, and think about how the passage applied to life, without being distracted by formatting or setup. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding process. Seeing those first chapters completed gave me the motivation and confidence to continue, and it’s what eventually grew into the full devotional project.


Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this book?

Benjamin: What really surprised me was how much depth you can uncover when you go verse by verse. Complex theological ideas that I had been studying for years suddenly became much clearer when broken down into individual verses. It’s one thing to read about a concept in a textbook or lecture, but reflecting on it verse by verse allows you to see it in context and in a way that’s much easier to understand.

Take, for example, the longstanding debate in the church about predestination versus free will. By examining Scripture one verse at a time, you can see a clearer picture of God’s character. If God predestined exactly who would be saved, it would seem to contradict verses that say He desires none to perish—how could He be truly loving if He arbitrarily chose some for salvation and not others? On the other hand, giving humanity a genuine choice, like He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, allows for authentic love and relationship. Verse by verse, these ideas come alive in a way that’s both practical and deeply theological.

There are countless other areas where this approach is eye-opening. Going verse by verse lets you dig into the core of Scripture, uncovering truths that might be missed in broader summaries. It was surprising, challenging, and incredibly rewarding to realize just how much clarity this method brings to understanding God’s Word.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote or section in Verse by Verse?

Benjamin: I think my favorite part of this book isn’t a single verse or quote, but the overall experience of pouring myself wholeheartedly into something that feels deeply fulfilling. It ties closely to Scripture—Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God,” and Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the man who meditates on the law of the Lord day and night.”

Through this project, I’ve found myself doing exactly that, meditating on God’s Word consistently, reflecting on it verse by verse. That practice has given me a sense of peace and satisfaction that I hadn’t felt before. It’s not just about completing a book; it’s about the way engaging deeply with Scripture shapes my heart, my mind, and my daily life. That ongoing reflection is what I love most about this project.


Q: What are you currently reading?

Benjamin: I’m still in school, and part of this project is about continuing to learn so I can be as well-rounded as possible. I plan to keep studying throughout much of this series to make sure I’m bringing depth and context to my reflections.

Right now, I’m actively working through Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica—I just finished Summa Contra Gentiles, so I’m building on that foundation. On the lighter side, I’m also reading the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes. It’s a nice balance—rigorous study during the day and classic mysteries for fun.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Benjamin: Something most readers probably wouldn’t know is that I have Type 1 Diabetes. Managing it is a constant part of my life, and it’s taught me a lot about discipline, patience, and paying attention to the small details—lessons that carry over into both my writing and my daily walk with God.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Benjamin: It would probably have to be reading. Over the past three years, I’ve read over 150 books, ranging from deep theology texts to Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Lord of the Rings, the complete Sherlock Holmes collection, I, Robot, and pretty much every sci-fi classic out there. Reading keeps me learning, exploring new worlds, and sharpening my understanding of ideas and people.

I also really enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons. Creating stories, building characters, and navigating adventures with friends is a different kind of exploration—it’s collaborative, imaginative, and always full of surprises. Both reading and D&D allow me to dive deep into storytelling, strategy, and creativity, which I find endlessly rewarding.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Benjamin: I’d have to say fall. I really enjoy wearing sweaters, sweatshirts, beanies, and sweatpants, and fall has that perfect temperature—not too hot, not too cold—where you can go on a brisk walk comfortably in a cozy sweater. There’s something about the crisp air, the colors of the season, and just the overall atmosphere that makes everything feel a little sweeter. It’s the season that feels the most comfortable and cozy to me.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Verse by Verse: Volume 1 – Genesis 1–11, exclusive early-access PDF of Volume 2 (before public release), and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Verse by Verse blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 9, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 16, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. 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

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Book Spotlight: Eyewitness Sketch by Danielle Grandinetti

Eyewitness Sketch JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Eyewitness Sketch by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Eyewitness Sketch

Title: Eyewitness Sketch 
Series:
Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #1 
Author:
Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher:
Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date:
March 10, 2026 
Genre:
1930s Historical Romantic Mystery

Finding love at Death’s Door might destroy them both. 

CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind. 

Deputy Andri Jóhannsson has been coming to Gabby’s rescue his entire life, but having her in his secluded home tests the limits of his patience. The woman has no sense of self-preservation, and he has a smuggling ring to ferret out. Except, her skill with sketchpad and pencils might be the very investigative tool he needs in order to catch the bootleggers. 

With a murderer on her trail and criminals evading detection, Gabriella and Andri must set aside the past or risk its eruption. Because this time, the collateral damage might include more than losing their friendship. It might cost them the lives of those they love. 

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Direct from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub


Excerpt


“Give that to me.” Mr. Cook snagged the receiver out of her hands. “Who is this?”

Gabriella covered her burning face with her hands, her mortification complete. Andri already thought of her as a younger sister, a girl, not a woman. But he was the only one she trusted not to get the wrong idea.

“Who I am is none of your concern.” Andri’s bass voice crackled through the earpiece loud enough for Gabriella to hear the deadly edge to his words.

“Not until you confirm how long Gabriella’s been your girl,” Mr. Cook demanded.

Gabriella pressed into the wall, tears stinging her eyes. She’d wanted to be Andri’s girl for as long as she could remember. Once upon a time she had never felt shy or ill-at-ease around him. That changed seven years ago, and tonight would only make it worse. Why had she thought this was a good idea?

“I don’t believe you’re her boyfriend.” Mr. Cook grinned at her like a cat toying with a bird. Or was it the mouse who got the cheese?

Andri’s voice rumbled through the phone, but Gabriella heard no distinct words. Then Mr. Cook’s smile faded, and, without a word, he tossed Gabriella the earpiece like a hot coal. With words unfit for a gentleman scorching the air, he stormed off.

“What did you say to him?” Gabriella whispered into the phone. “He hightailed it out of here like he was about to lose half his millions.”

“That just confirms he’s no good.” Andri’s exasperated sigh was one she’d heard directed at her all her life. “Now, what’s going on, Gabby? Do I need to come down there? Do you need me to come get you?”

She wanted to say yes, but he only asked because he saw her as a helpless little sister. Anyway, he was three hundred miles away. “I’ll be fine. You can stand down. I don’t need a policeman.”

“Gabriella—”

“I’m fine, Andri.” She swallowed back the emotion clogging her voice. “Thank you.”

She bid him goodbye and hung up the receiver. If only she could hang up her childhood feelings toward him as easily.

More in this Series

 


About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romance filled with mystery, suspense, and hope. She is a second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions. Fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature, her stories explore love and belonging in hard times. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.


Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a paperback copy of the prequel novella Undercover Wish and swag!

Eyewitness Sketch blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 10, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 17, 2026. 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 for prize as described. Ebook available instead if winner is outside the US. 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