Guest Post: A Girl's Guide to Having it All by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Girl's Guide to Having it All by Leslie Kirby DeVooght, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Girl's Guide to Having it All 
Series: Magnolia Bluff #3 
Author: Leslie Kirby DeVooght 
Publisher: Lanier Price Publishing 
Release Date: April 30, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction with Romance

She mastered her career. Finding a husband? Not so much. 

High-powered political lobbyist Carleigh Chastain turns thirty-five with an impressive résumé, a packed calendar, and no love life to speak of. When her longtime friend—and former marriage-pact partner—Lawson announces he’s marrying a woman he barely knows, Carleigh does what any sensible best friend would do: she drops everything in DC and jets to Magnolia Bluff, Georgia, determined to save him from a costly mistake. 

Instead, her plans unravel, forcing Carleigh to confront the choices she’s made—and the ones she’s avoided. 

Meanwhile, Spencer MacDowell, her steady, loyal best friend since law school, is done waiting in the friend zone. 

As faith, friendship, and romance collide, Carleigh wonders if she’s been too busy chasing success to notice where God—and her heart—have been pointing all along. Funny, heartfelt, and romantic, this story asks what “having it all” really means.

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

---

Book Excerpt

“It’s my birthday! My thirty-fifth birthday!” I waved my phone, adrenaline pumping through my veins like it was preparing my body for battle.

With his brows tugging together, Spencer retreated a few steps. “I know. Generally that’s why people light candles and put them in cupcakes.” He said the words haltingly, as if he was speaking a different language and I needed time to interpret each word.

Normally, his patronizing pace would’ve frustrated me, but in this moment, time needed to slow down and not just in the metaphorical sense. Actually, time needed to stop and reverse. If anyone still had a clock with hands, I’d have grabbed them and slung them in a counterclockwise direction. Instead, I zeroed in on the candles’ taunting flames and puffed them out.

“I’m surprised you’re this upset about being a year older. You seemed fine earlier.” Spencer reached out slowly and clasped my arm. “Let’s sit down.” He guided me to the couch and placed the offending cupcake with its accursed candles on the coffee table. “I know thirty-five is sort of a milestone birthday, but what about it—”

“It’s not the age thing.” I collapsed against the couch, covering my face with my hands.

“Ohh-kaay,” he drew out the syllables, adding an extra one to the end.

“Sorry, you don’t understand.”

“I’m really trying to.”

“I have to marry my best friend.”

---

More in This Series

 

---

About the Author

Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction with faith, love, laughter, and a lot of Southern charm. Her stories are inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! When Leslie isn’t writing, she’s cheering on her three children, and enjoying date nights with her husband, who loves that she researches kissing.

In addition to writing her own stories, Leslie co-owns Spark Flash Fiction, an online magazine that publishes short, short romance collections four times a year. 

 

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

---

Guest Post by Leslie Kirby DeVooght: Writing Journey for the Magnolia Bluff Collection

When I first started writing contemporary romance novels, I set them on St. Simons Island, Georgia because it’s my hometown. They, whoever they were (I can’t remember. It’s been a minute…a long minute), said write what you know, so I did. Unfortunately, “they” forgot to mention that you can’t control what happens to real places. Islands are particularly problematic because of hurricanes.

With this knowledge, I created a fictional world for the Magnolia Bluff books, including the small town of Haslemere. It’s loosely based on Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, especially the gazebo and the town meetings. Many places in Georgia owe their names to General James Oglethorpe, so I used parts of his history to name the streets and the town. Haslemere was Oglethorpe’s hometown.

In the first Magnolia Bluff book, Stealing Magnolias, the main character, Wren. She is from Chicago but obsessed with all things Southern, something I know a lot about, and her chance encounter with her favorite romance author, another subject I have an abundance of experience with.

For the second book, How to Sparkle, I wanted to share Wren’s design associate, Zoe’s love story. This novella was so fun to write. Although the timeline crossed with the first book which nearly killed me trying to make everything meld perfectly.

For book three, A Girl’s Guide to Having it All, I finally got to write a story I’ve been dying to tackle for years. I’ve always wanted the movie, My Best Friend’s Wedding, to have a happy ending for the Julia Robert’s character. It seemed easy until I realized how terrible the character’s goals are. Seriously, no one likes the person who breaks up a wedding, but I worked with Carleigh’s story until I found a way to make her both relatable and ready for a major transformation. John Mark Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, really helped me develop Carleigh’s character in a way that hope also helps the reader. This story more has a lot of me in it and was actually really healing to write.

I’m excited to be polishing the fourth book in the collection and plan to give the novella to my newsletter subscribers at the end of June. Perfectly Imperfect is the story of Willa and Lawson who are the bride and groom in book three.

Magnolia Bluff has become like a real place to me. When I’m driving near where the fictional town would be in Georgia, I can’t help but want to take a side road and hope to find Haslemere. I’d really like a peach milkshake from the General’s Diner, but for now, I’ll settle with writing two more books for the collection. My plan is to write Willa’s brother, Wyatt’s story as a novella, and then to round out the collection with a full length novel about Wren’s sister, Robin.

As much as places change, so does life, so I can’t promise when to expect those stories, but I hope you’ll follow me for updates. If you want to visit another one of my fictional small towns, join me in Woodley, Georgia for my Love Inspired book, Taking a Second Shot, and for my newsletter giveaway book, If Only.

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a bookish tote bag with all three books from the Magnolia Bluff series (A Girl's Guide to Having it All, How to Sparkle, and Stealing Magnolias)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 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. 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!

Book Review: Anchoring You by Robin Patchen

About the Book:

On the glittering waters of the Caribbean, a yacht captain’s fight for survival forces her to rely on a man she swore she’d never trust.A fiercely independent yacht captain, Kenzie Wright has spent her life disregarding her family’s expectations. She thrives on freedom, charting her own course, and never staying in one place—or with one person—for long. But when a routine voyage thrusts her into the crosshairs of a deadly drug cartel, her carefully crafted agenda is blown apart. Her last hope to save herself and her crew is the partying playboy, Jasper Aylett.

DEA informant Jasper Aylett has spent years hunting the cartel leader known only as “the Phantom.” The mission has cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his chance at redemption. When a beautiful yacht captain gets caught in the Phantom’s web, Jasper risks his life to rescue her. It’s his last chance to secure the information he needs to take his enemy down—and get his life back.

Kenzie is forced into hiding with Jasper, and now two cartels want her dead. With their lives on the line, Kenzie and Jasper must work together to unravel the Phantom’s network before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth—and to each other—the more their past wounds and buried fears threaten to tear them apart, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy who won’t stop until they’re both destroyed.

From a USA Today bestselling author… Don’t miss this heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance as Kenzie and Jasper discover their fight for survival—and for love—can only be won together.

---

My Thoughts:

These days, it is rare for me to read through a book quickly. However, Anchoring You by Robin Patchen was a delight to pick up at the end of the day. The story held my attention from the start to the end, in particular because I really liked Kenzie as a person. She was honest; she struggled; she made mistakes; she had past hurts; and life pulled the rug out from under her at the start of this story. But, she loved Jesus and survived the hardship of it all.

Anchoring You is the best kind of romantic suspense for me. There’s danger and mystery, but it didn’t give me nightmares. Each time I picked it up, I felt eager to see what would happen. Then, Robin Patchen produced a fully satisfying ending with a solved mystery, living survivors, and committed relationships.

Anchoring You landed as book nine in the Wright Heroes of Maine series by Robin Patchen, but it read fine as a standalone. I’ve read books one and six, and I’m eager to read more of these Wright family novels.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.

Author Interview: The Escape Game by Gina Holder

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Escape Game by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Escape Game 
Series: The Game Masters 
Author: Gina Holder 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: May 5, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. 

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. 

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. 

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. 

They’re players. 

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they're ready to face. 

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape. 

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.  

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb? 

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

---

Book Excerpt

A low, dog-like growl echoed, and Liam’s hands stilled. “Uh, Demi?”

She’d had no reason to expect a wild animal—until now. “I hear it.”

Her pulse raced. Was it real? Or an actualization of the Salphae story? Should they proceed? Where else could they go?

A moment later, the growling stopped, and the silence stretched thick and prolonged. She and Liam shared a wordless exchange.

He scratched his whiskers. “Is it gone? Or was it fake?”

Demi shifted from one foot to the other. “Should we push on or find another way out?”

“Another way?” He raised an eyebrow.

Demi cringed. She was trying as hard as he was to determine how much of this ludicrous game was genuine danger and how much of it was psychological warfare. It wasn’t

like she’d visited here before. If they continued, they might be torn to shreds. Or they could stay here in relative safety while Lizette laughed, mocking them for letting recorded sound

effects frighten them.

Demi folded her arms and planted her feet. “I vote we find another exit.”

Face the beast only when they’d verified they had no other options.

“That’ll waste valuable time. It’s probably a dog. I say we go for it.”

“And if a bloodthirsty creature waits in the next room? What then?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Liam’s comment knocked her off kilter. “What did you say?”

That mischievous, swoon-worthy smile returned. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve come face to face with a wild animal.”

“Oh, sure.” He’d probably fought off a possum digging through his trash can.

“I’m serious.”

“Fine. I’ll bite. What happened?”

“I was traveling the Drakensberg Mountains by jeep. My group stopped to camp overnight. I woke up around midnight with a need to relieve myself.” Liam blushed. “Sorry, I forgot this story wasn’t suitable for mixed company.”

“It’s okay. I want to know what happened.”

“I left camp and walked out about sixty meters to dig a latrine. When I finished my business, I looked up, and two golden eyes caught my flashlight’s beam. We sized each other up, then a leopard stalked away. The next morning, we found nine-centimeter pawprints circling the camp.”

After holding her breath through Liam’s story, Demi exhaled. “Uff da. The worst thing I’ve ever faced was three loose dogs at the bus stop. They jumped on me, and I kept shouting, ‘They’re going to bite me.’ Maddie’s mom said, ‘If they were going to bite you, they would have done it by now.”

“And now you’re afraid of dogs.”

He was astute. “They were friendly, but …” Dogs terrified her. Especially ones she didn’t know.

Liam squeezed her shoulder. “Wait here. I’m going to open the door.”

“What?” She shook her head. “No way. I’m coming with you.”

She clutched his arm and closed her eyes. Her pulse pounded in her throat.

The handle squeaked, and the metal hinges creaked.

What danger awaited them on the other side?

---

More in This Series

---

About the Author

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you'll never see coming.

She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. 

 

She published her debut novel, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles. 

 

Gina is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews. 

 

Her first traditionally published novel released in June 2025 with Scrivenings Press LLC, after winning their ""GetPubbed"" contest's grand prize. 

 

Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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

---

Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Escape Game?

Gina: After I first heard of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, I started thinking about a mansion transformed into a crazy escape room with deadly traps.

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

Gina: Technically, it took about four years. I came up with the concept quite a while back. But literally, it took me about nine months to a year.

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

Gina: I had a lot of fun imagining the ancient myths that some of the puzzles are built around. Some I made up, and others are taken from real myths. LOL! Isn’t that an oxymoron?

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Escape Game?

Gina: My favorite quote is:

“If this god of yours were real, he would name himself?”

“He did. I AM THAT I AM. That’s the God I serve.”

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Gina: When I was about twelve years old.

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

Gina: Let’s be totally silly—I can touch my tongue to my nose.

Q: What are you currently reading?

Gina: I am between books right now, trying to focus on my next book. But I just finished reading Targeted in the Swamp by Kerry Johnson.

Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Gina: I have two favorites—historical romance and romantic suspense. I love them both equally. I think.

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Gina: My favorite hobby is reading. And collecting books.

 

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Gina: My favorite season is Fall/ Autumn. I love the crisp feeling in the air after the hot summer and the beautiful colors of the leaves.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card and a copy of The Escape Game (eBook or paperback, Winner's Choice)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 12, 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. 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!

Book Spotlight: The Hometown Cop's Forever Family by Tara Randel

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Hometown Cop's Forever Family by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Hometown Cop's Forever Family 
Series: A Golden, Georgia Romance #3 
Author: Tara Randel 
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Solving crimes  

And falling in love! 

Charming, small-town Golden, Georgia, has everything Briana Connelly needs—her four-year-old daughter, her family, and her job as a police officer. When her former best friend, Jackson Walker, returns suddenly and is made her partner at work, she’s forced to face the events that drove them apart. With a mysterious theft to investigate, spending time with Jax is unavoidable…and easier than she’d like. Especially when his effortless warmth wins over her precious daughter. As a deeper connection grows between them, he starts to feel like a part of Briana’s little family. But if overcoming the past means admitting their true feelings—that might be the biggest risk of all.  

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

---

Book Excerpt

“Right on time,” her boss, Police Chief Brady Davis, said as he exited his office with a file folder in hand. “Follow me to the conference room.”

His request could only mean one thing. The identity of the newest addition to the PD was about to be revealed.

After Briana’s partner had left to work with fire and rescue as a paramedic, it had been a hush-hush process to find a replacement, which was over the top for Brady.

“I still don’t understand why you haven’t told me who it is,” Briana griped.

“I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. It took a lot of back-and-forth negotiations to get him to uproot his life and move here.”

So, it was a guy.

Brady pointed in the direction of the conference room. “Besides, you were off for a few days when I confirmed the hire.”

True. She’d taken a long weekend to spend quality time with her daughter. Most days she juggled a hectic schedule and from time to time took a long weekend to focus on Cami.

Since her daughter was only four, Briana didn’t want to miss any milestones, a worry that came with working long hours and being a single mom. Brady did his best to accommodate her schedule, instilling his philosophy that a happy home life made for more productive officers.

Briana dropped her bag by her desk and hurried to catch up with Brady who was striding across the room. “He’s finally here?”

“Yes,” Brady said over his shoulder. “That’s why I want you to join me.”

More curious than ever, a trait that made her good at her job but often got her into trouble, Briana caught up and followed Brady into the room. She stopped short when a tall, dark-haired man rose from the chair. His piercing blue eyes, so very familiar to Briana, shone with an intensity she’d never admit she missed.

“Briana.”

Her mouth dropped open, but she quickly regrouped to save face.

“Jackson?” she asked, trying to moderate her tone so the higher pitch didn’t reach into the frequency only dogs heard.

“This isn’t going to be awkward, is it?” Brady asked in a serious tone, a tone he rarely used unless he meant business. His gaze moved between the two.

She’d answer if she could find her voice.

---

More in This Series

---

About the Author

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. Tara has received the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a prize bundle which includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card, bookish tote bag, booklover's keychain, bookmark and 2 autographed books by the author!

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 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. 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!

Author Interview: His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter

Welcome to the Blog Tour for His Ranch Redemption by Laurie Winter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: His Ranch Redemption 
Series: Fern Hollow #1 
Author: Laurie Winter 
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

He was her first love… 
Can he be her forever? 

Widowed Sarah Carmella has a wonderful daughter and fulfilling work running her grandparents’ horse rescue. So there’s absolutely no reason for regrets and what-ifs when her ex-husband, Pete O’Keefe, arrives in town for a mutual friend’s wedding. She and Pete eloped young, then went their separate ways when tragedy struck. But memories of their whirlwind romance and Pete’s charm have Sarah fearing for her heart. Because Pete would never settle down in tiny Fern Hollow. Fresh out of the army, he already has another job chasing danger lined up. Yet, could falling for each other all over again become the adventure they both need?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

---

Book Excerpt

Sarah shook her head in an adamant showing that the option was not on the table. “Pete isn’t staying. He has a new job in Phoenix and he’ll never be content living here. And most importantly, I am not opening to a romantic relationship. Especially one long distance with no hope of that ever changing. I was blessed with a good marriage with Mike. I already had my prince charming. Now that he’s gone, I’m content staying single and devoting myself to the ranch and Chloe. I don’t need anything more.” No more heartbreak, that’s for sure. Nothing could have prepared her for Mike’s death. If she offered herself to Pete only for him leave her, she may never recover.

---

Also Available

---

About the Author

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter creates authentic characters who overcome the odds to find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. Laurie enjoys time with her family and two dogs, all of who inspire her every day.

Connect with Laurie at lauriewinter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

---

Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write His Ranch Redemption?

Laurie: I wanted to write a second-chance romance set in a country setting. Once I settled on a horse ranch, I envisioned not an ordinary ranch, but a safe haven for rescue animals. I have a soft spot for all animals: horses, donkeys, dogs, and sheep are at the top of the list. My two adopted rescue dogs are the light of my life. The heroine of His Ranch Redemption runs a horse rescue started by her grandparents. She dedicates herself entirely to caring for her animals and her daughter, Chloe. Love is the last thing on her mind, until her first love returns to town.


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

Laurie: His Ranch Redemption took me about three months to complete. Then the editing process takes another four months or so.

 

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

Laurie: Washington State is vast and full of natural beauty. Also, that horse rescue isn’t for the faint of heart. Many horses have tragic backstories, and I really admire those who step up and care for them.

 

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from His Ranch Redemption?

Laurie: The opening line of the book, because it sets up a domino effect of hope and healing. 

“I can’t believe he’s coming!” Sarah Carmella paced back and forth across the plank floor of the front porch.

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Laurie: I’ve always loved reading and making up stories in my head. I finally had the chance to take the time for myself and try writing once my youngest entered seventh grade. Once I started, I was hooked.

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

Laurie: I work a day job in the commercial insurance industry.

 

Q: What are you currently reading?

Laurie: I haven’t started the book yet, but next on my TBR list is The Lost Book of First Loves by Raeanne Thayen.

Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Laurie: I enjoy reading romance and listening to thrillers on audiobook.

 

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Laurie: My favorite way to spend time outside of work and writing is anything outdoors. I love camping and hiking.

 

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Laurie: My favorite season is spring because of its promise of fresh starts and renewal.

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $20 Amazon gift card and a His Ranch Redemption custom premium candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 29, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 6, 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!

Book Spotlight: The Unwinding Path by Betony Coons

About the Book:

Wander into stillness.

Tuck your thoughts under the stars.

Let your breath slow with the rhythm of a prayer.

The Unwinding Path is a quiet invitation to rest—a bedtime book that gently guides children (and the grownups who love them) through soft moments that bring rest and reset. With each turn of the page, little readers are invited to use their fingers to follow a calming path, pausing, noticing, breathing, and settling into sacred stillness.

Filled with the author's tender, whimsical illustrations and a lyrical, meditative text, this book becomes more than a story. It becomes a bedtime practice that helps hearts unwind, hands unclench, and the body prepare for sleep.

With The Unwinding Path, you will

• gently introduce children to mindfulness, stillness, and awareness of God's presence;
• help children journey toward God's presence through the rich imagery of the ancient Christian tradition of a labyrinth; and
• discover author and artist Betony Coons's beautiful illustrations for an inviting and comforting reading experience.

If the little ones in your life struggle to calm and quiet themselves for bedtime, The Unwinding Path can help. As children trace the labyrinth's path with their fingers, they are invited to slow down and experience God's presence in the world around them. Night after night, experience a gentle, grace-filled close to the day with The Unwinding Path.

Preorder or learn more about The Unwinding Path on the publisher's website. 

(Release Date: May 19, 2026)

---

About the Author:

Betony Coons is an artist, storyteller, and mom of four fierce and wonderful kids. She grew up on an apple orchard in Kansas, where she spent her days climbing trees, chasing fireflies, and letting her imagination run wild. Now she lives in colorful Colorado with her family of six, where life is full of art, adventure, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind). Betony loves to make things—whether it's giant interactive art for kids, whimsical picture books, or an epic mess in the kitchen. She believes art is all about play and curiosity, and she's always looking for new ways to turn everyday moments into something magical. Her art is filled with wonder, joy, and heart, inviting kids (and grownups!) to slow down and explore the beauty around them. To see what Betony's up to, follow her on Instagram (@betonycoonsart) or check out her website at www.betonycoons.com for her latest creative adventures!