Book Spotlight: On the Golden Cliffs

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for On the Golden Cliffs by Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: On the Golden Cliffs
Series: Big Sky Amish #2
Authors: Christen Krumm with Tricia Goyer
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: March 21, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Amish Romance

One wrong post has sent influencer Lyla Taylor’s social media empire crashing to her feet. To save it, she’ll have to escape to rural Montana. Six weeks in a high-end spa won’t hurt…except, she’s not booked into a spa, but at a rustic Amish B&B. Suddenly, her roommates are racoons, and her daily activities include hanging laundry. Thanks, but no thanks. Lyla is ready to hit delete and head back to civilization.

Amishman Reuben Milner has a secret…one that could destroy his world. For now, however, he’s kept his life as a novelist under wraps, focusing on providing for his family after the tragic passing of his father. Renting the dawdi house seems the right move—until the wrong woman moves in. However, she comes with ideas to help improve their B&B, and that, along with her feisty personality, is something Reuben can’t ignore. Even if the elders want him to focus on joining the church and finding a wife. 

When going home isn’t an option, Lyla decides to help the Milners spruce up their rental. It does help distract her from her problems online. The more Lyla works on the rental with Reuben, the more she wonders if returning to her former life is worth it. However, is it the simple life that Lyla’s heart longs for—or a particular guarded Amishman with secrets of his own? And when those secrets are discovered, what will it cost them both?  

Book two in the delightful and sweet Big Sky Amish Collection.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub | IndieBound

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More Books in this Series

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Excerpt

After grabbing the bucket of pitch, Reuben climbed down the ladder with one hand, careful not to slip. Once his right foot hit solid ground, he checked off the roof on his list, then scurried to determine what chore should be next.

“Hi, yeah, I’m supposed to connect with a Mara or Reuben Milner?”

He jumped at the soft voice from behind him. Reuben turned, practically dumping the half bucket of black tar on a woman that barely even came up to his chin. He pushed his straw hat back on his head. She stood near the bottom of the ladder, wearing black shorts, a colorful T-shirt, and a black jacket. She wasn’t Amish.

Then he noted her extremely high heeled shoes. Definitely not Amish.

How was she even able to stand upright in them? She looked ridiculous. What could she possibly need with him or Mem?

Reuben lifted an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

One hand rested on her hip. The other hand blocked the sun as she stared up at him. Her auburn hair framed a pair of flashing green eyes. He could already tell this one had more spunk than Penny, even on Penny’s best day. All that attitude had rendered him speechless.

He threaded his free hand through his suspenders. “Your shoes are so tall,” he sputtered.

She looked down at her shoes and back to him, frowning. “What do my shoes have to do with anything? Are you or aren’t you Reuben Milner?”

He shrugged, wishing he had just kept his mouth shut.

“You must be Lyla,” his older sister called from behind him.

Saved by Susanna. Married now and six months pregnant, she waddled barefoot out onto the porch and eyed the two of them standing in the yard. Without a word, Lyla moved around him and stomped up the porch steps, stopping next to her two large suitcases. Reuben winced, hoping that she didn’t go through the steps or roll an ankle. It was a toss-up which one would actually happen.

“Are you Mara Milner?” Lyla asked, holding her hand out toward his sister.

Susanna smiled and took Lyla’s hand in her own. “I’m Susanna, Mara’s daughter. Wyatt said you might be out here. Are you hungry? You must be tired from your journey. Would you like to come in and sit down for a while?”

Lyla pulled her hand back and eyed the ramshackle front porch—or at least, from the slight wrinkle of her nose that’s how he assumed she saw it. “I’d rather just head to the Airbnb, maybe get unpacked.”

Reuben thought the response was a little rude, and his sister’s smile faltered. Her brows scrunched in confusion. “Airbnb?”

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About the Authors

Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting.

This USA Today best-selling author has won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. 

Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She is a beloved author of Amish fiction, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. 

Whether for fiction or nonfiction, Tricia’s writing style is vivid and heartwarming, allowing readers to take home more than engaging stories, but also messages that inspire faith and hope. Her goal is to write stories that matter. 

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

Christen Krumm is the author of the young adult romcom It Happened At Christmas. She lives with her husband and three barefoot wildings in the middle of the world, Oklahoma. She drinks way too much coffee and reads too many books, but creating stories with her Creator is her favorite.

Connect with Christen by visiting christenkrumm.com to follow her on social media, subscribe to email newsletter updates, or listen to her podcast, Exploring the Blank Page.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of On the Golden Cliffs and a $10 voucher to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 27, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Book Review: The Other Side of Certain

About the Book:

For the love of love...and books

Mattie Mobley planned to be a teacher, but when times grew tough during America's Great Depression, and there were no teaching positions in her hometown of Asheville, NC, Mattie found work starting a school and helping the Pack Horse Librarians just over the mountains in the rural town of Certain, Kentucky. She's not certain at all that this is a good situation, but she's determined, and honestly, a little desperate. Of all the things that Mattie does have-money, comforts, a good name, she doesn't have what matters most-friends, love, and a purpose of her own.

Daniel, "The Grizzly Bear," Barrett had a lovely life for a little while. Overcoming his family's bad name and worse reputation, he made a life for himself in Certain. He was married with children and a figure of respect in his church, but desperate times called for desperate measures and a terrible tragedy was the result. Now exiled with his children along the wily run of the Hell for Certain Creek, Daniel has gotten used to being the town pariah again. It's in his blood after all. Right? Maybe not, but he'll need the powerful influence of love not only to change his own mind about himself but to convince his estranged extended family and the whole town as well.

Can one librarian with a saddlebag full of books make people see the difference between fact and fiction? Mattie loves a good story, and this may be her best one yet. Fiction tells the best truths and the best truth of all is love.

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My Thoughts:

The Other Side of Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle takes the reader to the rural Kentucky town of Certain where secrets and pain stay buried… until they can’t. The first-person point-of-view drew me into the characters’ minds but got a bit confusing when it jumped between heads within the same scene. Otherwise, it was effective for the story.

The Other Side of Certain brims with family drama. Past events slowly unfold, and we learn the truth at the same time Mattie does. I liked the mystery of not knowing what truly happened in Daniel’s past until later in the story. Daniel stars in this book as he has the most character growth and challenges to overcome. I loved that Mattie’s personality was exactly what Daniel needed to be drawn out of isolation and toward healing. The Other Side of Certain begins the A Love for Certain series by Amy Willoughby-Burle. Four 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.

Epic Book Launch: Small Town Danger

About the Author

Book: Small Town Danger

Authors: Mary Alford, Liz Bradford, June Foster, Therese Heckenkamp, Cynthia Hickey, Gina Holder, Edie James, Ann Malley, Carol Nemeth and Colleen Snyder

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 13, 2023

More than lives are in danger when small town tranquility meets heart pounding suspense in this collection of ten brand-new novels from some of the genre's most explosive romantic suspense authors!

Join Mary Alford, Liz Bradford, June Foster, Therese Heckenkamp, Cynthia Hickey, Gina Holder, Edie James, Ann Malley, Carol Nemeth and Colleen Snyder as mystery, suspense, and faith combine to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Sins of the Past – A Hope Island Securities Book by Mary Alford
Ten years earlier, Janine put him away for murder. Now Bennett’s back in her life with a challenge—help me find the real killer.

Swept Away - Tracking Danger Book Two - A Search and Rescue Novel by Liz Bradford
When a SAR mission ends with a murder, Josh and Chloe must fight rising tensions before they get swept away.

Danger in Cranberry Cove by June Foster
When Julie Wilder joins local lawyer Lucas Ethridge in uncovering clues of who murdered their high school friend on the beach fifteen years before, phone calls from their deceased classmate are unnerving. After incriminating evidence turns up, can Lucas and Julie discover the killer's identity or will they suffer the same fate as their friend?

Escaping Illusions – A Frozen Footprints Book by Therese Heckenkamp
All she wants is a new beginning, but a man famous for deception is the last person she should trust.

A Place to Hide by Cynthia Hickey
Is there nowhere to hide? Will Marley and Dirk escape a fan who always seems to be one step ahead of them?

Handmade Mayhem - Addie Masters Mysteries Book 1 by Gina Holder
“Who Knew DIY Could Be So Deadly.”

Hidden Sins - A Redemption Creek Romantic Suspense by Edie James
Redemption Creek, where sometimes justice needs a helping hand.

Debt of Honor by Ann Malley
Where's the honor in loving your best friend's wife? Or keeping the secrets that may get her and her baby killed?

Death Goes to School by J. Carol Nemeth
The rewarding profession of teaching: it could get you killed.

Twisted by Colleen Snyder
She’s eighteen. A visitor to a tornado-stricken town in need of help. Half of the residents think she’s a saint. While the other wants her dead.

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Small Town Danger Excerpt #4

She waved to a couple of the local fisherman heading out for their catches of the day and hit play on her phone. Soon, her favorite playlist blasted through the earbuds.

The chill in the air was exhilarating. She picked up speed and made sure her friend wasn’t overly taxed.

Most of the shops lining Main Street, which was called the boardwalk, were still closed at this time of the morning except for the Hopeful Coffeeshop. One of Janine’s favorite treats after running was a caramel latte. The owner loved Bailey and kept a supply of dog treats and a bowl for water behind the counter especially for the pug.

As Janine passed by the coffeeshop, the smell of fresh baked sweets was hard to resist. She’d stop by on the way home and maybe buy a Hopeful cinnamon roll, the coffee shop's flagship pastry.

Her favorite Christian song came up on the rotation. Janine pushed forward, empowered by the song’s strong faith message. She’d started jogging in college and had loved the feeling of freedom it gave her.

As one song turned into another, Janine reached the pier.

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About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a preteen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

Author Interview: The Whisperer's Wish

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Whisperer's Wish
Author: Janilise Lloyd
Publisher: Expanse Books (Imprint of Scrivenings Press)
Release Date: March 21, 2023
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

For sixteen years, Laurelin Moore has been keeping a secret. She is a whisperer, and she knows that to reveal her gift now is a dangerous risk. Past whisperers have been exploited for their power. But Ausland’s queen is dead and acknowledging her magic is her only chance at becoming a Rook in the Pentax—a competition that will decide the kingdom’s next ruler.

Laurelin isn’t in it for the crown, though. She’s after the wish that will be granted to the victor. A wish that would save her dying brother, Pippin. But there are dangerous undercurrents to the competition, and Laurelin finds herself at the center of it. She begins to search for answers and discovers a secret with the potential to shatter the entire kingdom.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

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Excerpt

Pippin’s green eyes fluttered. I grabbed his hand expectantly. We shared a lot of characteristics, but hair color was not one of them. His was like a flame; the burst of wild red curls demanded attention. Mine, on the other hand, was vanilla ice cream—pale, flat, and forgettable. I studied the freckles dotting his cheeks. His were darker and more abundant than mine. Most teenage girls couldn’t stand their little brothers, but the feeling that Pippin could slip away in an instant somehow erased any of his flaws. He was perfect.

“Hey, Laura.” Pippin’s voice quivered, his eyes open now. “You a Rook yet?”

I laughed. “Not yet, but I gave it my best shot a couple hours ago.”

Pippin smiled weakly. “You’ll make it. The duke won’t be able to pass up a whisperer, even if she’s not nobility.”

I prayed to the Matrons that he was right. I ruffled his hair. “It’s nothing for you to worry about either way. You just work on getting better.”

“I’m not getting better, Laura. We both know that.”

I hated the way he said that with such finality. I rearranged the green quilt that lay over his shrunken body. “Hang in there a little longer—just until I get my wish from the Matrons. Their magic is so much stronger than a pygsmy’s. It can heal you. Promise me you’ll hang on.”

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About the Author

Janilise Lloyd is a former junior high school teacher who lives in Northern Utah with her husband and toddler. She balances a love for running with a love for all things dessert. Her family likes to be on the go, so you will often catch them at the zoo, the park, or skipping rocks by the river. Janilise is the coordinator for the ScrivKids writing community for student writers and is a member of the Storymakers Guild. You can find her on Instagram or Facebook @janiliselloyd or on her website, janiliselloyd.com.

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

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Author Interview

Q: What was the inspiration behind The Whisperer’s Wish?

Janilise: The Whisperer’s Wish is a book full of magic, a competition for a crown, and a bunch of other things that aren’t real or possible in this world. But in the end, writing the story was a way for me to process some of my own emotions and experiences.

At the heart of the story, Laurelin is desperate to save her brother’s life. Pippin is dying of cancer, and though Laurelin’s magic gives her access to pygsmy elixir, which can heal many injuries and illnesses, it cannot cure a condition that is biological. This is the root of Laurelin’s motivation. Even though she can’t fix Pippin’s situation, she still feels responsible to find a solution.

Readers will notice the book is dedicated to my two brothers. My younger brother passed away when I was very young, and my older brother had a scare when I was seventeen. Both of these experiences shaped my outlook on many things in life, and readers will see some of that reflected in Laurelin and Pippin’s relationship and the things Laurelin learns throughout the book. That’s not to say Laurelin and Pippin are the same as me and my brothers. They’re not. But there are aspects of their relationship that were shaped by my own experiences. That’s the wonderful thing about writing. Even in the most unexpected ways, I’ve found it very therapeutic.

 

Q: How long did it take you to write this story?

Janilise: The bulk of the writing was done in about a four month period. After that, there was a lot of back-and-forth between beta readers, critique partners, and editors that took another several months or so. In total, from putting the first word on the page to turning in the final version to my publisher, this book took almost exactly one year.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this book?

Janilise: I can’t seem to nail a favorite quote, but this is one of my favorite excerpts:

Tonight, I’d cross a line that could not be redrawn, and it was all for Pippin. His freckled face and green eyes filled my mind, though it was the younger version, before cancer sucked him dry. I kissed my four fingers and pressed them to his door. “Love you, little brother,” I whispered.

Exiting the house felt like stepping out of my own body. The carefully crafted shell of Laurelin Moore, a typical Linguan girl, crumpled behind me. I knew that the next time I came home, I’d be someone else. Life would never be quiet again.

Lingua buzzed with news of another pygsmy whisperer—the first in ninety years—and everyone was trying to catch a glimpse of who it might be. By morning, the rumors would be confirmed. The entire province would know the whisperer was me.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from The Whisperer’s Wish?

Janilise I hope readers find courage to face really difficult things in life. There are few experiences more challenging than grappling with the potential loss of a loved one, like Laurelin does throughout the book. I want readers to feel hope for the future—no matter the outcome of similar situations they may face.


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

Janilise: I went to school to become a health and history teacher, and I was very young when I first stepped into the classroom. In fact, just two months before, I was a teenager myself. I also have a litter box trained rabbit with his own bedroom, I’m a very picky eater, and I met my husband in high school.


Q: What are you reading now?

Janilise: I’m currently reading Skyward by Brandon Sanderson.


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Janilise: Not as many as you might expect. I have three book shelves, and two of them hardly even count because they’re so small. I don’t keep a lot of books, and I also read lots of ebooks.


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

Janilise: I love to be outdoors. I’m a summer-loving girl who likes to hike, camp, kayak, and run. Most of all, I love hanging out with my husband and kiddo, with baby number two joining us soon!

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of the paperback (ebook if outside US), and character art print.

 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 21, 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 for print copy & art print. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Book Review: Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti

About the Book: 

She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.

Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. When her identity comes under threat of exposure, she must choose between running once more or helping the man who teaches her to hope again.

First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, can David put aside his own struggles in time to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both?

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

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My Thoughts:

Confessions to a Stranger starts off Danielle Grandinetti’s Harbored in Crow’s Nest series. The little fishing town of Crow’s Nest makes a charming setting for this book and future novels. It’s got the typical small-town mystery elements: social hierarchy, gossip, corruption, a shocking crime, etc. The main storyline in Confessions to a Stranger concludes within the novel, but some lesser threads continue into the next book.

Adaleigh Sirland, the female lead in Confessions of a Stranger, has grit. Her boldness makes her likable and interesting. She confronts serious threats but runs for her life because PTSD prevents her from standing up to her sister. The on-page PTSD depictions felt authentic but not overly disconcerting. Adaleigh’s physical and emotional journey encapsulates a prominent theme in the book – not allowing fear to rule one’s life.

I found Confessions of a Stranger to be more historical romance with mystery rather than historical romantic suspense (which is what I expected from reading the book blurb). Although circumstances get intense and dicey at the end, most of the story focuses on Adaleigh and David’s blossoming relationship.

Confessions of a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti was entertaining to read but in need of another round of editing. Most of the typos were minor, but some truly detracted from the story. I also thought David and Adaleigh’s feelings developed a bit too quickly to feel authentic. In conclusion, Confessions of a Stranger contains good themes and interesting characters, but it has typos and development issues. 3.5 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.

Movie Review: Southern Gospel (In Theaters March 10)

About the Movie:

Samuel Allen, a 1960's rockstar, finds himself in jail after struggling with years of anger and blame toward organized religion that has led him down a road of rebellion. In a moment of divine intervention, the judge dismisses drug charges against him under the pretense that Samuel speaks to local schools and churches about the dangers of drugs. Given a second chance, he follows in his father's foot steps to become a preacher, overcoming the influence of a powerful church leader with a personal vendetta against his family.

SOUTHERN GOSPEL is the story of a man overcoming brokenness and never surrendering the dream on his journey to find the gospel... Southern Gospel.

Buy tickets today to see SOUTHERN GOSPEL exclusively in theaters MARCH 10! 

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Watch the Trailer:

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My Thoughts:

I enjoyed watching Southern Gospel. Based off a true story, the movie holds tragedy within a framework of hope and authentic faith. The beautiful, redemptive love of Jesus is repeatedly presented as the characters grapple with church legalism versus grace, a familiar concept to many Christians. Being set in the 1950s-1980s, the man-made ideas of the era included rules about profanity, women’s makeup, and proper skirt length. Though church-imposed practices look different in 2023 and are often well-intentioned, churches sometimes wobble in balancing God-given requirements with church custom. (Examples: expectations about Sunday school attendance, political affiliation, child-rearing methods, etc.)  I appreciated Samuel’s organic, Jesus-focused faith.

Content/Trigger Alerts: Southern Gospel earned its PG-13 rating through brief, on-screen depictions of drug use and domestic violence. A handful of mild cussing is present. Childhood sexual assault is part of one character’s history, and its emotional effects are addressed. The movie uses the cut-to-black technique to depict a suicide. All that being said, the Southern Gospel doesn’t feel terribly dark, and the main characters get a happy ending that left me smiling.

Southern Gospel’s timeless messages make the movie relatable and relevant for today’s Christians. As expected, the movie includes Southern Gospel style songs, but the music isn’t limited to that single genre. I would watch this movie again and recommend Southern Gospel for viewers 16+. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Many thanks to BMG for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More about SOUTHERN GOSPEL

• Movie Website: https://www.southerngospel.film/

• An amazing true story of redemption and hope starring four-time Emmy nominee Max Ehrich, Katelyn Nacon (The Walking Dead), Emma Myers (Netflix's Wednesday), and J. Alphonse Nicholson (P. Valley and Just Mercy)!

• You don't want to miss this powerful story of redemption. Get your tickets today at: https://www.southerngospel-tickets.com/

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Giveaway:

One reader of this post will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US only. Giveaway ends 03/13/2023 at 11:59 P. M. EST.

Enter by leaving a comment on this post that includes your name and email address.