Book Spotlight: Murder in Season by Mary Winters

About the Book:

Join Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she tries to juggle a new Season and a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.

"A beautiful debutante, a wealthy widow, and a dead would-be baron. What could be more exciting?"

Countess by day, secret advice columnist by night, Amelia Amesbury has life happily balanced on a quill's edge . . . until her sister Margaret shows up in London under a blanket of scandal and Amelia is catapulted out of mourning and into the ton's unforgiving Season.

However Madge's Season debut is marred by a rather inconvenient death at the dining table as the infamous Mr Radcliffe takes ill and is later confirmed dead by poisoning. With Madge being the last person to have cross words with the soon-to-be baron, the ton's gossip mill - and the police - are looking to pin the murder on her.

Adding to the ton's troubles is a jewellery thief targeting the most lavish of Society's houses. Is the murderer and the thief one in the same? It falls to Amelia once again to uncover the secrets buried deep within the pages before her sister goes down for the crimes.

Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey.

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Author Bio

Mary Winters is the author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series, two cozy mystery series, and several short stories. A longtime reader of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she's been busily planning her next mystery - and another trip!

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Book Spotlight: An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: An Unexpected Journey: A Regency Hobbit Retelling

Author: Ann Elizabeth Fryer

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: November 28, 2024

Genre: Regency Romance/Hobbit Retelling

A heritage neither of them desires, a wrong to right. A chance to end a family curse... 

When strangers tumble through the doors of once resplendent Grandview Estate, Lady Laura Tamlow is pulled into a rather unexpected journey, away from the village she's never left along with a gentleman unlike any she's ever known. 

Jonathan Canfield is out of options. And he'd do anything to restore his family fortunes in order to keep them from poverty, including roping Lady Tamlow into playing the part of thief. They must reclaim both his and her family jewels that were stolen the night of the fated Grand Masquerade of 1770, where both the Canfields and the Tamlows fell far from society's good graces. If only his thief weren't so lovely, he'd be able to focus on the mission without distraction. 

But there's a bigger problem at hand. The jewels reside at Lombard Park under the eye of Lord Herrington, a greedy dragon of a man who knows he's about to die. Yet he has bigger claims than they ever imagined and attempts to steal something far more valuable than family jewels. With deception afoot, will Jonathan ever see Lady Tamlow again? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub  

**The author is offering free swag to the first 20 people who purchase a paperback/hardcover book. Proof of purchase required.**

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Excerpt

He reached the bottom and moved left until he spied a faint light. “Colin? Colin Tamlow?”

“They said to expect you.” A form rose from a bundle of blankets on the ground with a lantern in his hand. Days-old cuts marred his face. He staggered, resting a hand against the dirt wall for support.

“Man, what did they do to you?”

“The same as they shall threaten my sister if I do not pay.” He shook his head. “Debts are one thing, extortion quite another. I have both demons on my heels.”

Jonathan swallowed. The old debts were terrible enough. “You can help me?”

“Aye, I help you, you can help me. You must do what you can to influence my sister. If she refuses…” His head bent. “I sorrow for what may happen to her. She does not deserve the penalty for my mistakes.”

Two hours later, Jonathan had what he needed. Bromwell and the rest awaited his arrival at the coaching inn ten miles north. Grandmother would meet them at Grandview.

Lady Tamlow must agree to help. Her life could be at stake if she didn't.

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About the Author

Ann Elizabeth Fryer loves nothing more than using story and romance to relay the depths and graciousness of a Father who holds us securely in the palms of His hands. Daydreaming her surroundings from a young age, she's lived in historic homes most of her life and regularly participates in backyard archaeology. When she's not writing historical projects, her contemporary novels show a flavor of her forever-passion for all things old. Ann, her husband, and three children make their home in small-town Illinois where they can hear church bells keep time and tradition.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a hardcover copy of An Unexpected Journey, a tote bag, swag, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of An Unexpected Journey!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

November 2024 Reading Recap & December 2024 TBR

 My November 2024 Reads: 

1. Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947-2022 by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A fascinating look at the history of IVP. Read my review.


2. A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A comical Victorian romance with influences from The Nutcracker and Around the World in 80 Days. Read my review.


3. Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Book four in this unique time travel series. Read my review.


4. A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Fun and entertaining, but not without some heartbreak and obstacles to a budding romance. A keeper for my bookshelf.


5. Plotting Summer by Jess Heileman- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Entertaining and fun, but a bit overhyped.


6. Pretty Little Pieces by Carmen Schober - ⭐⭐½ - After enjoying this author's debut novel, I expected to like this one, but for a number of reasons, it was a miss for me. 

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Expected December 2024 Reads:

1. Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White - My local book club's December selection. Read my review from earlier this year.
 
2. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!


3. Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team - Currently reading, but to meet my deadline, I've published this review based on what I've read so far.


4. One Prayer Away by Lauren Fortenberry - Currently reading.


5. Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape Our Faith by Jennifer L. Holberg. - Currently reading.

What will you read this month? 

Book Review: Heart. Mind. Soul. Strength by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll

About the Book:

"Some publishers tell you what to believe. Other publishers tell you what you already believe. But InterVarsity Press helps you to believe." -J. I. Packer

The history of evangelicalism cannot be understood apart from the authors and books that shaped it. Over the past century, leading figures such as pastor-scholar John Stott, apologist James W. Sire, evangelist Rebecca Manley Pippert and spiritual formation writer Eugene Peterson helped generations of readers to think more biblically and engage the world around them. For many who take their Christianity seriously, books that equip them for a life of faith have frequently come from one influential publisher: InterVarsity Press.

Andy Le Peau and Linda Doll provide a narrative history of InterVarsity Press, from its origins as the literature division of a campus ministry to its place as a prominent Christian publishing house. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the stories, people, and events that made IVP what it is today. Recording good times and bad, celebrations and challenges, they place IVP in its historical context and demonstrate its contribution to the academy, church and world.

In honor of IVP's seventy-fifth anniversary, senior editor Al Hsu has updated this edition with new content, bringing the story up to 2022 and including stories about contemporary authors such as Esau McCaulley and Tish Harrison Warren. As IVP continues to adapt to changes in publishing and the global context, the mission of publishing thoughtful Christian books has not changed. IVP stands as a model of integrative Christianity for the whole person—heart, soul, mind and strength.

Read an excerpt from Heart. Mind. Soul. Strength. on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Call me crazy, but reading Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947-2002 made me want to work at IVPress someday. From its humble start in the mid-twentieth century to its current work as a significant Christian publisher, this history of IVP fascinated me.

Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. gave a comprehensive exploration of IVPress: who held what position, what authors were acquired, how sales were made, how departments functioned, when buildings were purchased, etc. These historical facts were expertly integrated with personal anecdotes, office camaraderie tales, and behind-the scenes looks to create an engaging and informative narrative. I thought it notable that the book discussed poor decisions and publishing missteps. I sometimes struggled to keep all the names straight, but it did get easier as I progressed through the book.

I deeply appreciated the descriptions of IVP’s ethos. The authors explained that IVP’s stance has always been to engage with culture rather than to avoid it or stand against it. For example, in a time when some church communities warned against higher education, IVP embraced academia. This mindset influenced publication decisions, but other factors such as being an ecumenical entity, affirming the gifts of women, and holding to egalitarianism also helped create IVP’s unique place in the Christian publishing market. Some would call IVP “progressive” or “liberal”, but the organization holds a high regard for the Scriptures and the Gospel that rivals any “conservative” publisher.

I thoroughly enjoyed Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll. Readers who have enjoyed many of IVP’s books or are interested in the publishing world will likely be the ideal audience for this book. Five 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.

Book Spotlight: Investigation of a Journalist by Danielle Grandinetti

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Investigation of a Journalist by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Investigation of a Journalist
Series: Harbored in Crow's Nest #6
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance/Suspense

A second chance to set the record straight, and rekindle a lost love. 

Wisconsin, 1931—Buck Wilson refuses to accept failure as his reward for all he has sacrificed, but he’s kept secrets for too long to be believed. With his freedom on the line, there’s only one person he trusts to mine for the true story: the woman he left one month before their wedding. 

All investigative journalist Caroline Wagoneer wants is to shine a light on the truth wherever darkness threatens to obscure it. Which is the only reason she agrees to help her ex-fiance when he begs for her to go undercover in Crow’s Nest. What she discovers paints Buck in a whole new light. 

With lies and rumor hemming them in, Buck and Caroline realize their love may be doomed on the altar of altruism. 

Unless love can truly conquer all. 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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Also Available

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Excerpt

“Caroline.” Her name on his lips emerged broken, just like him.

A variety of emotions danced across her round features before she shuttered them away. She was not overly tall, but neither was she short. Indeed, diminutive she was not. Dressed in her typical white blouse and black skirt, a tie at her throat, and a black eyebrow cocked, she looked like the warrior he knew her to be. Her dark hair was exactly as he remembered, pinned up with combs to soften the bob. She shifted. With one hand, she held the door open, but she relaxed a hip, resting her other hand on it as it jutted out in her signature stance. Still, not a word left her unsmiling mouth.

He’d rehearsed this moment in his mind since they left Crow’s Nest. No, ever since he’d made this ridiculous plan with Detective O’Connor, his nemesis-turned-partner. Though if this didn’t work, the man beside him might have to arrest him, as he had surely dreamed of doing the last few years. Buck could picture the older man’s bushy mustache twitching in glee as he secured Buck’s wrists in cuffs.

“Did you have something to say?” Carrie spoke firmly, neutrally, showing the skills that made him first admire her. Her gaze took in his companion but focused on him. “Or are you going to stand here in a daze until supper?”

“I need your help.” Dunderhead. Those were not the first words he’d planned. Beside him, O’Connor sighed.

The index finger of Carrie’s right hand bounced against her belt, the only sign he’d caught her off guard. “The girls think I should slam the door in your face.”

“I deserve it.”

She huffed and threw the door closed.

“Your eloquence leaves something to be desired,” O’Connor growled.

Buck cringed. But before his brain engaged, Carrie flung it open again. “Get your posteriore in here, Wilson. And shut the door.” She spun on her heels, leaving him gaping on her front step and O’Connor laughing like a crazy old man.

Caroline Wagoneer had used those exact words the first day they met over six years ago.

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books. As a FHLCW Reader’s Choice and Selah Award Finalist, she mixes romance, suspense, and history to bring her stories to life. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each win a paperback copy of Confessions to a Stranger, a Crow's Nest tote bag, and a Crow's Nest Journal!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 26, 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. 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 Spotlight: The Darkness Deepens by Sara Davison

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Darkness Deepens by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Darkness Deepens
Series: The Day Draws Near #2
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Dystopian Romantic Suspense

Their secrets protect them... but secrets are hard to keep. 

No one in the army can find out that Captain Jesse Christensen has become a believer. He and bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly are forced to meet in secret, facing imprisonment—or worse—if they are found together. 

As their relationship deepens, so does Lieutenant Gallagher’s hatred for the Christians in their city, putting all believers, especially Jesse, in extreme danger. 

Meryn wants to give her heart to Jesse fully, but her past holds her back. Although circumstances conspire to keep her silent, she needs to tell him her secret so nothing will stand between them anymore. 

 But when he finds out what she has been keeping from him, nothing will ever be the same.

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

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Also Available

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Excerpt

Jesse massaged his neck with one hand. He’d assumed the lists wouldn’t go out until the morning. If Caleb didn’t know Jesse as well as he did, he’d have sent the lists off and someone would probably have already figured out that three of the bracelets were missing. He’d come that close to being discovered, and he hadn’t had any idea. “I guess I owe you one.”

Caleb snorted. “One? I’ve lost count of how many you owe me, my friend, but I do know it will take you several lifetimes to pay me back.”

“At least you’ve bought me a little more time to try.”

“Make it count.” He crossed an ankle over a knee. “How is she?”

“Meryn? She’s good.” Jesse studied the flickering flames in the fireplace. “Not crazy about having to put that bracelet on. Still, she didn’t think twice about it when she heard the alternative.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. Those bracelets will separate the people who truly believe what they say they do from the ones who don’t. From what I know of Meryn, her faith is deeply real to her.”

“Yes, it is. And her friends are the same. They didn’t hesitate to put them on, either.”

“Would you?”

“Not for a second.”

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About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of five romantic suspense series as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of The Darkness Deepens plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 18, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 25, 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/CAN 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!