Beauty in the Binding

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Book Review: Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele

About the Book:

Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.

Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.

She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.

Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?

My Thoughts:

Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele stands as my first Christmas read of 2021 and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Grace and Cullen, the main characters, held my interest from the start. Grace, and everyone around her, recognizes that she is far from perfect, but Cullen is an amazing male lead as he reflects the selfless love of Jesus so well to Grace. The character-driven plot gave both Grace and Cullen the necessary time and development to grow as people and embrace their future. I adored their relational tension and blossoming love.

My enjoyment of Christmas Grace’s storyline overshadowed the few typos and occasional awkward conversation in which I wasn’t sure which character was speaking. However, I mention those flaws as I know some readers might struggle with them more than I did. Amish romance is not my normal genre, so I cannot speak to the cultural authenticity or plot uniqueness, but I think many Christian Fiction readers will find Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele enjoyable.

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.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: With Every Breath by Natasha D. Frazier

With Every Breath JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for With Every Breath by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: With Every Breath
Series: McCall Family #1
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: Encouraging Works
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

She has nothing to lose, but loving her could cost him everything. Is he willing to risk it all a second time around when she has less than thirty days to live?

Renowned motivational speaker Nina Marie Robinson has received a grim prognosis. With the little time she has left, she’s giving one last commencement speech at her alma mater Jackson State University and taking a well-deserved vacation to the Bahamas. Nina is also determined to show her college sweetheart she’s still in love with him, but can she convince him to drop everything and board that plane with her?

Andrew McCall is one step away from being promoted to professor at Jackson State University. If anything goes wrong, Andrew will find himself in the last place he wants to be—chief executive officer of McCall Resorts as his father’s successor. When Nina comes to town and requests that he accompany her to the Bahamas, will he have to choose between the woman he’s always loved and everything he’s worked for?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BookBub

EXCERPT

Nina followed signage to the hall of instructor offices. Andrew’s door had been the second to the right, and she marched down the hall and stopped. Light shined into the hallway from his open door, and a sudden onset of dizziness came over her. She stumbled over to the wall and rested her head against the cold surface until the spinning subsided.

Nina inhaled and exhaled once. I can do this. I didn’t come all this way just to give a speech. Nina took another calming breath. We’ve got unfinished business. So what it’s been nearly two decades. One more calming breath, and she stood, squared her shoulders, moved to the open door, and tapped twice. Help me, Lord.

“Come in.”

How had she forgotten the smoothness of his tenor voice? She could have melted on the spot when he looked up from his laptop and his almond eyes took hold of hers, laced with a softness she probably didn’t deserve from him.

He was happy to see her.

She gripped the doorknob to steady herself. Too bad there was nothing to steady the flip-flop going on with the rapid pacing of her heart. His features hadn’t changed much, but it was apparent he’d aged. His physical maturity served him well. The light stubble under his chin, the dark cleanly shaven mustache, his strong jawline set against the canvas of his mahogany skin. If she had to die soon, she knew right then that she wanted to spend her last days with him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natasha D. Frazier

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink.

When she isn't reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

CONNECT WITH NATASHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive an audiobook bundle of the Love, Lies & Consequences series (4 titles), an autographed copy of With Every Breath, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

With Every Breath 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 October 11, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Monday, October 11, 2021

Book Spotlight: The Odyssey: A Poetic Primer by B. B. Gallagher

BOOK DETAILS:

Title: The Odyssey: A Poetic Primer

Release Date: October 2021

Publisher: Good & True Media

ISBN: 9781737079606

Format: Hardcover

Page Count: 56

Price: $24.95

Website: https://goodandtruemedia.com/poetic-primers

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Ever been lost and want to go home? Join Odysseus as he struggles to return to his family in this epic retelling of the adventures of The Odyssey.

Retold for a children audience, Poetic Primer’s The Odyssey is filled with vibrant illustrations while still maintaining the poetic format of the original work.

Together you and your reader can enter the world of Ancient Greece and see how our hero, Odysseus, exemplifies a multitude of classical virtues as he courageously slays monsters, patiently travels to magical lands, and prudently takes back his home and family.

Filled with educational materials and discussion questions, The Odyssey is bound to be you and your child’s next favorite epic.

ABOUT THE POETIC PRIMERS SERIES:

A dilemma that some parents face is whether or not to introduce their children to certain classics because they have some questionable scenes or characters. For instance, the epic, The Odyssey presents the strong moral hero, Odysseus, who faces some more adult-like vices like lust. Hence, Good & True Media has taken some of the renowned classics and made them more kid friendly without removing the elegant language or the essence of the story.

Poetic Primers focuses on the virtues that each of the heroes embodies and the poetic language of each story. In the back of each is a character development section which explains the virtues and vices present in the story and offers reflection questions for the children to relate those virtues and vices to their own lives. Together with beautiful illustrations, Poetic Primers allow younger readers to experience the epic tales of the old classic heroes while still fostering their innocence.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The Odyssey: A Poetic Primer is B.B. Gallagher's fifth published book and first of the Poetic Primers series.

Married to Alyssa and father to Charlie, John Paul, Evelyn and Henry, he appreciates what time he gets in front of the computer to write. As publisher of Good & True, B.B. is leading the future of Children's literature, one moral lesson at a time.

In what little spare time he has, B.B. teaches at Belmont Abbey College, enjoys strategic board games and losing at Fantasy Football.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Instagram: @bb_gallagher

Facebook: @bbgallagher

Twitter: @bb_gallagher

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Author Interview & Giveaway: Blood From a Stone by David James Warren

Blood from a Stone JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Blood From a Stone by David James Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

Title: Blood From a Stone
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5
Author: David James Warren
Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he’ll do anything to stop a killer.

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he’s been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his one chance at justice.

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future. Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair.

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter?

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

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

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, David Curtis Warren

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN MAY WARREN

Q: What drew you to writing this thrilling time-travel series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone?

Susan: I love time travel! And, I’ve always wanted to write a time travel series. When my good friend Jim Rubart said he ALSO loved time travel, we both thought how fun it would be to write a series together. He’s immensely creative, as is my son, David, so together we had a blast brainstorming these books. Time travel is great because as long as you follow your time travel rules (you need to establish those—thankfully, David was our “time lord” and kept track of them!), you can do all sorts of fun things with the plot! So. Fun!

Q: Blood from a Stone is the fifth novel in this series. What do you hope readers take away from this novel/series?

Susan: Well, it’s pretty epic, and it’s got a whopper of a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping readers will stick with us to book 6 because I think they’ll REALLY love the ending. I was weeping by the end, as I was writing it (and I got that feedback from our editors too!) and it’s very satisfying, so I’m hoping our readers will trust us. I think the take away is the idea that there is a reason/purpose for everything if we are willing to wait for it!

Q: How long did it take you to write Blood from a Stone?

Susan: About a month. I’m a fast writer once I start. It helped that David lived with me (Covid!) at the time so we were able to sort through and fix any roadblocks I had. We also had a brainstorming moment where we had a snarl…and then came up with a fantastic fix/twist at the same time. It’s fun to work with like creative minds!

Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know?

Susan: As I get older, I find myself more introverted. I used to be an extreme extrovert, but I’ve become more contemplative as I’ve gotten older, and that means more time thinking and diving into the stories I’m creating. I really love creating a series that brings enjoyment and satisfaction to my readers, but that also means I have to curate my life more and spend time sinking into my writing instead of traveling and teaching. But I’m okay with that as I’m liking slowing down more.

Q:. What are you reading now?

Susan: A new Thriller by one of our Sunrise Lead Authors, Lisa Phillips called The Last Taste of Freedom. It’s fantastic.

Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Susan: Eight

Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Susan: Home remodeling. I’m an addict. And okay, I like binge watching TV on a snowy day. 😊

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Blood from a Stone and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Blood from a Stone JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Murder at the Picture Show by Miranda Atchley

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lights. Camera. Murder.

On an autumn evening in New York City, amateur sleuth Fiona Clery and her partner Max Gillespie attend the picture house for the premiere of a silent film shot in their city. The night is filled with excitement and glamor…until the star of the film, Sylvie Boscombe, is murdered. Unable to sit back with a killer on the loose, Fiona pursues the case, leading her across the city, from opulent neighborhoods, to film sets, to the underground speakeasies Sylvie frequented. When a man she believes to be innocent is arrested for the murder, Fiona’s search becomes all the more urgent. Can she solve the case before it’s too late?

Meanwhile, Max gets a shocking surprise about his past that could offer answers to questions he has long held. And Fiona makes a discovery regarding her missing sister that could blow the case wide open.

BUY MURDER AT THE PICTURE SHOW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Miranda Atchley is a history enthusiast and complete bookworm whose passion for books and times gone by have compelled her to write several novels, one of which was a finalist for an indie writing award. When not writing at her home in Arkansas’s Ouachita Mountains, Miranda loves getting lost in a good book, spending time with her dogs, watching period dramas, and learning about her favorite period in time, the 1920s. Visit her blog at: mirandaatchley.blogspot.com

CONNECT WITH MIRANDA

Goodreads | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a Kindle download of Murder at the Picture Show. Must be 18 or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Book Spotlight: The Inns of Devonshire: Timeless Regency Collection

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Inns of Devonshire: Timeless Regency Collection (Book 18)
Authors: Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, & Deborah M. Hathaway
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Mirror Press (October 5, 2021)
Length: (300) pages
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
Tour Dates: October 4-17, 2021

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Three novellas, three times the romance, and three times the love . . . in this brand new Timeless Regency Collection

The Seventh Star Inn, by Sally Britton

After years of looking after one another, Susan Baxter and her mother view their neighbors in Totnes as family. When a new landlord inherits the leases on their homes and businesses alike, Susan dreads knowing her world could change at the whim of a stranger. But when she meets Collin Stonecroft and his inquisitive daughter, her feelings shift quickly from cautionary to hopeful. Collin has lived in the confines of London boarding houses all his life, and he’s determined to give his daughter more. They check into the Seventh Star Inn with plans to return to London as soon as possible, but both find Miss Baxter and her local history lessons far too enchanting to leave behind. When Susan learns of Collin’s proposed changes to her beloved neighborhood, will she be able to help him see that some things are perfect the way they are?

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore, by Annette Lyon

Leigh’s life at the Old Grey Inn is drudgery broken by flights of fancy thanks in part to novels by Simon Blackmore. When Mattias McGrady comes to the inn for a fortnight, Leigh captures his attention. A relationship develops, and she dreads the end of his stay, which will mean a return to an unhappy life. An urgent letter to Mattias leads to him inviting Leigh to an event that stands to change both of their lives forever. If all goes well, Leigh will have a life of her choosing after all. But half-truths and lies have a way of complicating matters. When their plans go awry, Leigh loses her reputation and Mattias almost surely loses his career. Can either of them find happiness?

The Coachman’s Choice, by Deborah M. Hathaway

Ever-reliable Mary Thorne has helped her widowed mother run The Golden Mermaid Inn for years. She spends her days greeting guests, ensuring the inn runs smoothly—and dodging flirtatious remarks from passing coachmen. But she’s far too busy to pay any attention to such men, even the enticingly attractive Mr. Northcott. Known far and wide for his horsemanship, punctuality, and dallying reputation, Robert Northcott relishes his life as a coachman, especially his freedom to flirt with numerous women from inn to inn, all without the messy details of commitment. There’s just one woman who's immune to his charms: the lovely, single landlady of The Golden Mermaid. Robert is determined to win Mary over, just as heartily as she is determined to keep her distance from him. But his carefree life is threatened when his pursual of Mary becomes more than just a game...

ABOUT THE SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been publishing the Timeless Regency Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories set in early 19th century England. Featuring bestselling authors from the historical romance genre, the series has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.

AUTHOR BIOS

Sally Britton is a wife, mother, and author who loves the world of romance, received her BA in English from Brigham Young University, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally primarily lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and Izzie the Aussie Shepherd. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

Annette Lyon is a USA Today Bestselling author. She's won a Whitney Award (2010) and is an eight-time recipient of Utah's Best of State medal for fiction and short stories. She's the author of more than a dozen novels, even more novellas, a cookbook, a grammar guide, and some 120+ articles. She's worked as a professional editor for publishers and bestselling authors and graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.

Deborah M. Hathaway graduated from Utah State University with a BA in Creative Writing. As a young girl, she devoured Jane Austen's novels while watching and re-watching every adaptation she could. She finds inspiration for her novels during her travels with her English husband to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall. Be sure to sign up for Deborah's Newsletter to stay updated on new releases, free and discounted Clean Romance novels, and more!

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

TOUR BLURB

Join the virtual book tour of THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE, a collection of novellas by bestselling authors Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, & Deborah M. Hathaway, October 4-17, 2021. Thirty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in Regency romance, historical romance, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of the release of the 18th book in the bestselling Timeless Regency Collection with a spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new anthology set in Regency England.

Oct 04 Fire and Ice (Review)

Oct 04 Austenprose (Excerpt)

Oct 04 Timeless Novels (Review)

Oct 05 Lu Reviews Books (Review)

Oct 05 Beauty in the Binding (Spotlight)

Oct 05 For Where Your Treasure Is (Excerpt)

Oct 06 Probably at the Library (Review)

Oct 06 Our Book Confessions (Review)

Oct 06 Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Oct 07 Literary Time Out (Review)

Oct 07 Reading with Emily (Review)

Oct 08 Bringing Up Books (Review)