Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Book Spotlight: Paws-itive Inspirations by Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier

Paws-itive Inspirations JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Paws-itive Inspirations,

Title: Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers
Authors:
Michelle Medlock Adams, Wendy Hinote Lanier
Publisher:
Iron Stream Media
Release Date:
September 17, 2024
Genre:
Juvenile Christian Non-Fiction/Devotional

Can Dogs Really Teach Us More About God? 

Award-winning authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier say yes! That’s why they’ve teamed up to offer Paws-itive Inspirations—a great way to help dog lovers connect with God and learn more about their favorite breeds.  

Paws-itive Inspirations will have kids and adults alike digging up treasures about their favorite pups, as well as discovering new breeds and learning important biblical truths in every devotion. Each Fido-themed entry encourages readers to dig deeper into God’s Word as they uncover fascinating facts about our canine friends. The 90 devotions cover different dog breeds and include: 

Unleashing the Truth (key Bible verses)
Digging Deeper (self-reflection questions)
Fido 411 (interesting tidbits about the breed)
Weekly Tail-Waggers (activities to reinforce each lesson)  

Paws-itive Inspirations blends faith, fun, and canine facts to give readers a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The interactive format makes for a meaningful and memorable faith journey!  

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


Excerpt


Honestly, if the dog world had a supermodel, it would be the Afghan Hound. With its flowing, silky coat, distinct narrow features, and dignified (sometimes standoffish) attitude, the Afghan Hound is a beautiful, sophisticated dog. But this breed has more than beauty going for it. The Afghan hound is also quite intelligent and a great problem solver. But it’s a very stubborn breed, which makes it difficult to train. Here’s what else— Afghans are very sensitive animals. They do not respond well to harsh correction, so when you train them, you have to be gentle.

Let’s face it. Nobody likes correction—especially harsh correction. But, like the Afghan, we have to be corrected in order to become better. And, the way we receive God’s correction and training is by reading the Bible and following His commandments. Without discipline, we can’t become the people God has created us to be.

About the Authors

Michelle Medlock Adams  Wendy Hinote Lanier

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning author of over 100 books with close to four million books sold, including her best-selling What Is . . .? board book series. Michelle has written countless articles, helped pen a New York Times bestseller, hosted TBN’s Joy in Our Town TV program, and taught at more than one hundred writers conferences. Michelle is married to her high-school sweetheart, Jeff. They have two married daughters, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.

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

Wendy Hinote Lanier is a Texan, dog lover, and only child who always wanted a puppy rather than a brother or sister. She is a former elementary teacher who writes and speaks for children and adults on a variety of topics and is an award-winning author of more than 50 books for children.

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


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Paws-itive Inspirations and a $25 Visa gift card!

Paws-itive Inspirations JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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, September 17, 2024

Book Spotlight: A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch

A Thieving at Carlton House JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

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

About the Book


A Thieving at Carlton House Title: A Thieving at Carlton House 
Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #1 
Author: Erica Vetsch 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: September 17, 2024 
Genre: Regency Mystery Romance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub


Also Available:

The Lost Lieutenant (Serendipity & Secrets Book 1) The Debutante's Code (Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries Book 1)


Excerpt


They stood before a rather seedy-looking manor, vacant for the last decade but owned by the Asbury family. The property had been for lease for some time, probably because of its proximity to the Horse-monger Lane Gaol. She had been certain they could secure the tenancy but had not considered the owner’s reservations about their occupancy.

It was as if, from her birth, God had decided her path would be obstructed and she would have to fight for every inch in this life. She would spend the rest of her natural existence striving to atone for her past, overcoming hurdle after barrier—yet it was a past He had a part in subjecting her to.

She had long ago given up expecting life to be fair.

Philippa considered Mr. Asbury, what she knew about him, his fussy mannerisms, his foppish dress, the way he looked at her as if not quite able to forget what she had been.

Time to lay on some charm.

(p. 12)

About the Author

Erica Vetsch

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota.

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


Tour Giveaway

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

A Thieving at Carlton House JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 16, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 23, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. International prize ebook and egift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Friday, September 13, 2024

Book Spotlight: No Match for Love by Karen Thornell

About the Book:




Lucas Berkeley has a secret—one he cannot risk anyone discovering. After all, a future marquess belongs in drawing rooms, not underground boxing circles. Yet with a painful past and a need to control every aspect of his life, it is his only outlet. And when his brother begins to court the one woman who could ruin everything, Lucas needs the secret diversion more than ever.

Lydia Faraday is exhausted from living a life in which she has no say. When her taciturn guardian drags her to London intent on marrying her off, she determines to thwart his plans. If she is to have freedom in any aspect of her existence, it ought to be with whom she marries. And when a solicitor turns up with new information, she thinks that just might be possible. Or it may complicate her future further.

When Lucas and Lydia become entangled in a dangerous scheme, they cannot help but become closer, even as the obstacles between them grow. The last thing either is looking for is love. But their hearts have different plans.

About the Author:



Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.

Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.





Thursday, September 12, 2024

Book Spotlight: The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd

About the Book:


A long-held family feud reignites when two rival antiquities brokers arrive at the same house party in Regency England.

Olivia Brannon knows her goals are unconventional. As a young woman in Regency England, her best bet—according to society—is to marry well and secure a steady future for herself. But Olivia has never been interested in convention. She’d prefer to follow in her deceased father’s footsteps and journey to foreign lands in search of rare and valuable antiquities.

Eager to make a name for herself in the antiquities world, Olivia jumps at an invitation to join a wealthy widow at the famed Cloverton Hall to evaluate her private antiquities collection. Secrecy of the task is vital, and in order to conceal her efforts Olivia must pretend to be a house party guest to avoid suspicion and to explain her presence.

Lucas Avery, whose father was a rival of Olivia’s father, has also arrived at the Cloverton Hall house party, hired by the new master of Cloverton Hall—the widow’s nephew—to appraise the renowned Cloverton Hall collection. When Lucas discovers Olivia masquerading as a party guest while covertly conducting her own assessment, he’s keen to renew the family rivalry. But as their paths frequently cross, he’s unprepared for the effect the refreshingly honest—and beautiful—Olivia has on him.

Yet all is not as it seems. Both Olivia and Lucas are shocked by the astonishing discovery of counterfeit pieces, and when the unexpected occurs, everyone is a suspect . . . and Olivia and Lucas both must choose whom they will trust. Only the hidden treasure will allow Louisa and her sister to gain their freedom.
  • Sweet Regency romance set in the same time period as Bridgerton
  • Part of the Houses of Yorkshire series but can be read as a stand-alone novel
  • Book length: 83,000 words
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs

About the Author:


Sarah E. Ladd is an award-winning, bestselling author who has always loved the Regency period—the clothes, the music, the literature, and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period, and she began seriously writing in 2010. Since then, she has released several novels set during the Regency era. Sarah is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her family. Visit Sarah online at SarahLadd.com.


Author Interview: Conversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray




About the Book


Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author



Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.


Author Interview with Marguerite


Q: What inspired you to write this story?

Marguerite: Conversation Hearts is part of a multi-author series. I love the setting, reminding me of Maui and my vacation there. I am mostly the writer of historical fiction, but this contemporary series pulled me in because of the vast potential and room for imagination. I wanted to write a story of second chance and how that could change many lives. It’s fascinating to watch the characters exist on an island, far from my own landscape.


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

Marguerite: As a preteen, I lived in England for two years where I learned French and fell in love with history and traveling. My first boyfriend Colin was in my class. I even dedicated one of my novels to my teacher.


Q: What are you reading now?

Marguerite: I am reading many books at the present, mostly historical fiction. Here’s my list: The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin (very intense), Mystery in the Highlands by Lydia Travers, and Something New by Rebecca Connolly (beloved Cornwall).


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Marguerite: Hands down—Traveling. I don’t have to leave my house to feel like I’m traveling with all my books and unique setting. But physical travel is such a joy to me. I’m constantly planning a trip with family or friends or my husband or by myself. This summer I’m off to Spain with my daughter, the mountains with my husband, and a fall trip to England with an author friend.

Also, I’m an avid reader who loves to walk and hike.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your book?

Marguerite: I am many places on social media including:


More from Marguerite

I have enjoyed this series and the relationships forming as the characters find new ways to communicate on the journey. Are you a good communicator? Introvert or extrovert? Conversation is so very important. Think about how we use it every day: directions, warnings, concerns, prayers, instructions, disciplines. Even though I teach online, my words of concern and instruction are needed to spur the students toward success. Somehow, I have the words to communicate well in so many areas of my life.

Then what about the heart? I think of the Valentine’s candy hearts—Conversation Hearts! As relationships develop between characters in Room for Love and Conversation Hearts, the heart becomes more and more a major component with all the characters. Yet, sometimes we fail to really say what we think in order to protect our hearts. There are many lessons to learn about being honest in relationships. Sometimes we avoid the conversation part and miss out on the wonderful relationships.

I embrace the conversation of the heart in my life through love, decisions, marriage, job, God appointments, children, and difficult circumstances. Explore different facets of important conversations with Amy and Walker and their families as you read this installment of Suamalie Islands series.

Happy Reading!


Blog Stops


Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

She Lives to Read, September 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 3

A Reader’s Brain, September 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Back Porch Reads, September 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Karen Baney Reviews, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Beauty in the Binding, September 12 (Author Interview)


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5429

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Book Spotlight:Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins

Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse

Title: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse
Author:
Kate Tompkins
Publisher:
‎ The Matthewsburg Manse
Release Date:
October 26, 2023
Genre: Short stories/Poetry, Christian fiction, general fiction, rural fiction, wholesome fiction

When city girl Viv's husband Mark accepts his first pastoral charge in rural Matthewsburg, she wonders what to expect, and what will be expected of her. This collection of connected fiction stories, some humorous, some suspenseful, some even romantic, explores Viv's new life as she tries to find her place in the community while dealing with local gossip, old rivalries, suspected murder, sabotaged car shows, and more. Who says life in a small town is boring? 

"This book entertains us with our own humanity, we laugh at human foibles, nod our heads in the mutual pains of life's adventures. Interspersed are poems expressing poignant moments. These provide a place to rest, ponder and even smile before we are once again taken on the life journey of being a spouse in a small town parish. I found myself laughing out loud on occasion. This book is a wonderful read and leaves us with the feeling that life is good." - Nita Kotiuga, retired pastor, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University.  

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


Excerpt From "Another Man's Treasure"


As we pulled into the Front Street Mall, Mark said, “Do you have any cash on you? I gave the last of mine to Jillian Stephenson to reimburse her for the prizes.”

I jammed on the brakes. “You what?”

“Have I messed up your accounts? She said she needed the money for lunch.”

Someone behind me honked, and I eased into the nearest parking spot. “Something’s not right. She asked me for reimbursement this morning, too. Did she give you a receipt?”

“No. Said it was in the box with the prizes.”

“How much did you give her?”

“Thirty dollars. It’s all I had on me. You?”

“Twenty-five. Do you suppose she spent sixty? She told me they’d given her a deal, but that seems like a lot for prizes.” I stared uneasily through the windshield at the shoppers going in and out of the mall. Maybe the newest committee member wasn’t such a find after all.

“We’ll ask at the dollar store after lunch,” Mark said. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.”

So was I, but it wasn’t one I liked. “Let’s do it before lunch.”


About the Author

Kate Tompkins

Kate Tompkins lives in Montreal’s West Island, where she shares a small house and a big backyard with her husband and the latest in a series of very spoiled cats. She writes short stories, poetry (yes, the non-literary, rhyming kind), and the occasional essay. When not hanging out with her church’s writing group or getting lost down an internet rabbit hole, she can be found trying out recipes from old cookbooks for her cooking blog, Kate’s Virtual Kitchen, or outside keeping the flowerbeds in order.

Connect with Kate by visiting katetompkinsbooks.ca to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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