Tour Finale & Giveaway: Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole by Auralee Arkinsly

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What inspired you to write DARLING HEDGEHOG GOES DOWN A FOXHOLE? 

My author friend, Kathy Joy, had been visiting, and for a thank you when she went home, she gave me a card with a little stuffed hedgehog in a pink tutu. Well, I put it on my window ledge and that meant that I saw it there every time I opened my eyes in the morning. It really made me smile. One morning as I was slowly coming awake, the beginning of the story just came to me. I'd never written a children's book, but I thought I'd like to try. Also, it is just in my nature to be a little quirky. I've also been known to give people out-of-the-box advice. All of these elements come to life in this story. 

Hearts and Scribbles - Excerpt

Captive Dreams Window - Review

"Darling Hedgehog is an engaging book intended to teach children about stranger danger. I found the pictures to be irresistibly cute and aptly illustrated the story. Overall, a good book for children."

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

". . . an adorable children’s story. It teaches some valuable lessons for very young readers. It, also, has some fun, vibrant and colorful illustrations by the talented Julia Swezy. The whole book was just a delight to read."

Christy's Cozy Corners - Review

"Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole has adorable illustrations and a fable-like lesson. . . . Darling is very susceptible to Miss Fox’s trickiness because she wants her to like her. That’s a lesson to teach our kids too. Don’t change yourself to make people like you. And don’t take gifts from strangers!"

Bizwings Blog - Review

"Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole has a great storyline. Every child has experiences with friends, so it's a story they can relate to. . . . It's well written and easy to understand."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt & Review

"A sweet book to read with younger children, easy enough for first-grade readers, but would be worth reading through fourth grade for a quick read."

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama - Review

"This is a good book to teach children about strangers and the dangers of believing things that people may say. This is an especially important subject in the times we are living right now."

Rockin' Book Reviews - Excerpt

Splashes of Joy - Review

"The pictures were cute, and they did fit the story. And the book cover is adorable with Darling in her tutu. . . . It is a really cute story with great potential."

Remembrancy - Excerpt

Andi's Kids Books - Spotlight

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole

By Auralee Arkinsly

Children's Chapter Book

Paperback & ebook, 44 Pages

August 8, 2019 by Capture Books

Darling Hedgehog goes on an adventure to look for her parents who dropped out of sight. 

Darling Hedgehog learns about the animal nature of things in high humor and carefree, cute, and winning episodes. Learn about opposites, homophones, and similes as two animals in nature roll into fantasy land. For children 4-8 or preschool and kindergarten, as a read-to-me picture book, and first grade and second grade as a chapter book.

Darling and Miss Fox come to life as Darling introduces herself to the strange animal who is Miss Fox. Miss Fox gives her gifts so that Darling is distracted from her mission. The two animals look for things to do together in fantastical attempts to be friendly. When Darling enters Miss Fox's kitchen, she realizes that by nature, not all strangers are good for you. Will Darling save the day when it's already dinner time?

Pictures similar to Charlotte's Web and the Mercy Watson series are characterized and painted in full-color, though the pages are set up like a chapter book.

This book helps to train children in natural wisdom, analysis, and discernment. It helps to balance the teachings of acceptance of everyone and friendliness to all. There may be good purposes for everyone to exist under heaven, yet all purposes may not be good for a child. So, beware, and flee from crafty foxes especially when they are holding your parents in the pantry.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

About the Author

Auralee Arkinsly writes in good humor about serious subjects because kids of all ages can learn a lot from laughing. Since opposites exist, she believes children can learn to identify the nature of things and get out of a risky situation. "Good Laughter sparks the mind." She reckons if she can save some from the bumps and bruises, then she has done a good day's work.

Goodreads | Amazon

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally to those who can receive the gift card through one of Amazon's branches
Ends September 2, 2020

ENTER HERE

First Line Fridays: Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first lines from Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray.

"I've face-planted myself into rock bottom."

Have you read this novel? I read it last week and loved it! Book blurb below and you can read my review here.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

There's a lot of irony in hitting rock bottom.

After a heartbreak leaves her reeling, January Sanders is open to anything--including moving into a cabin on her aunt's wedding-venue property and accepting a temporary position at her aunt's church despite being a lifelong skeptic of faith. Choosing to keep her doubts to herself, she's determined to give her all to supporting Grace Community's overworked staff while helping herself move on.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping her secret isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past-and-present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds that can't coexist, can January find the healing that's eluded her, or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?

Author Interview & Giveaway: The Secret Sisters Club by Monique Bucheger

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for The Secret Sisters Club by Monique Bucheger, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Secret Sisters Club
Series: Ginnie West Adventure #1
Author: Monique Bucheger
Publisher: True West Publishing 
Release Date: March 18, 2020
Genre: Middle-Grade Contemporary Fiction

Twelve-year-old BFF's Ginnie and Tillie, want to be sisters. Tillie's divorced mom plus Ginnie's widowed dad could equal a lifetime of round-the-clock girl talk and slumber parties. Too bad Dad vowed to never marry again. Ginnie and Tillie form a secret club. They come up with the perfect mission to change his mind: 'Operation Secret Sisters'.

Before long, Tillie seems happier about gaining a dad than a sister. Ginnie suspects that Tillie has turned 'Operation Secret Sisters' into a scam called 'Operation Steal My Dad.' Things get more complicated when Ginnie stumbles across her real mom's hidden journals. Ginnie can finally get to know the mother she doesn't remember and Dad doesn't talk about.

When Dad discovers she has the journals, he takes them away. Ginnie needs to figure out what the big mystery is before her relationship with her father and her best friend are ruined forever.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, an adorable granddaughter, a son-in-law, three cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books and plans to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works on her website.

CONNECT WITH MONIQUE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH MONIQUE BUCHEGER

What was the inspiration behind The Secret Sisters Club? 

Monique: I wanted to tell the story of two BFF’s and the power of making deliberate decisions of asking for what you want. They want to be sisters--and realize that since Tillie’s mom is divorced and Ginnie’s mom passed away--that their dream  to become sisters could actually happen--IF Ginnie’s dad could be open to loving again. 

On a deeper level, Tillie wants a whole family--as a child who was abandoned by her birth dad, she wants to belong. Ginnie wants to get to know her birth mom. When she finds her mom’s journals--she gets to know the mom she doesn’t remember and realizes that her mom really understood her. She doesn’t doubt her dad’s love for her--but she knows he doesn’t understand her the way her mom did.

Ginnie loves Miss Amanda—Tillie’s mom. She struggles to love both her mom and future stepmom—a real struggle for kids in similar situations. It may or may not work out--but if they don’t try to get their folks together--then it definitely won’t. 

I think it is a powerful lesson to know what you want and try to achieve it. But if you let fear get in your way--you definitely won’t get what you want--and if you get out of your own way--quite often, you can make your dreams come true. Even if the end result doesn’t look like you thought it would--when you try, you may be pleasantly surprised by something better than what you dreamed of. 

How long did it take you to write this book? 

Monique: This book took 2 months start to finish--the fastest time I have ever spent writing one book. 

Do you have a favorite quote from The Secret Sisters Club? 

Monique:I don’t. I do have a favorite quote from my second book “Trouble Blows West”: Wests’ don’t do friendship halfway.

What do you hope readers take away from this book? 

Monique: That if you ask for what you want and make deliberate decisions to make it happen, you can achieve most anything. 

If the book was made into a movie, who would like you to see play the main characters?

Monique:

Ginnie--if I could cast a girl as Ginnie in a movie today--it would be Gracie on the cover. Gracie has a fun personality and an impish grin.

Tillie--if I could cast a girl as Tillie--it would be Jessie on the cover. The 2 of them just did a beautiful picture shoot that embraced the essence of Ginnie and Tillie.

Uncle Ben--I always picture Bruce Boxleitner I enjoyed him a s a kid on a show called "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" and "Babylon 5"--recently he has been featured on Supergirl and he was the actor who played the main character on the original movie, Tron.

I would love to see Bruce's ex-wife, Melissa Gilbert as Aunt Sadie --I loved her as a kid as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie

Ginnie's dad Todd--my first inspiration for Todd was John Schneider--Bo Duke from Dukes of Hazzard. John would be too old to play Ginnie's dad if it was filmed today--but he was the original dad image, when I dreamed Ginnie up years ago. 

Uncle Jake--I could see Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) from NCIS playing a contemporary Uncle Jake--minus the 3 piece suits.

Miss Amanda-- I could see her portrayed by Emma Watson (real life Belle and Little Women)

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

Monique: I was a foster mom to over 100 kids. The Secret Sisters Club was actually written as the second book in the Ginnie West Adventure series.

What are you reading now? 

Monique: I have listened to my friend, James Owen’s “Drawing Out The Dragon” book on audiobook 4 times in the last 2 weeks--it has some powerful messages that he shares with middle grade students to adults. I hear something amazing and different each time I listen to it. 

How many bookcases are in your home? 

Monique: 5--one of which is filled with books signed by the authors. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about The Secret Sisters Club? 

Monique: I hope my readers will go on the full journey with Ginnie and Tillie—that they will laugh and cry and root for them. And I would love to hear from readers of all ages.

Please feel free to email me at: monique.bucheger@gmail.com and tell me what you loved, what you didn’t, if the story resonated with them personally and how.

I love it when my characters touch my readers. And most especially, when my readers share their stories with me. 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card OR winner's choice of Google Play, Apple, or Kobo!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 25, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on September 1, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Review: Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray

About the Book:

There's a lot of irony in hitting rock bottom.

After a heartbreak leaves her reeling, January Sanders is open to anything--including moving into a cabin on her aunt's wedding-venue property and accepting a temporary position at her aunt's church despite being a lifelong skeptic of faith. Choosing to keep her doubts to herself, she's determined to give her all to supporting Grace Community's overworked staff while helping herself move on.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping her secret isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past-and-present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds that can't coexist, can January find the healing that's eluded her, or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?

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My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray! January Sanders’ character and spiritual journey are as unique as her name. It is unusual in Christian Fiction to find a lead female character who remains a staunch atheist through most of the book. As the story progresses, January constantly learns more about herself and her character develops until the end. Undergirding January’s character growth were themes of truth, pain, and owning one’s faith.

As for the romance in Love and a Little White Lie, there is a love triangle with two good guys. Both guys received ample page time and I kept switching between #TeamDillon and #TeamCam. While I prefer love triangles with a clearly superior choice, the romantic tension between January and both men kept me devouring this novel all the way to the beautiful ending.

Love and a Little White Lie introduced me to Tammy L. Gray’s writing and I will be reading more of her work. 4.5 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.

First Line Fridays: Blue Moon by Jenny Knipfer

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first lines from Blue Moon by Jenny Knipfer.

"'Come. We must be quiet.' I motion to the lad as I kneel next to his bed."

Have you read Blue Moon? I have not, but it's on my TBR. Book blurb below.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

The year is 1885 and unwed Vanessa Gulet must surrender her newborn son to her married twin sister, Valerie, to raise. A seed of bitterness grows in Vanessa. When the opportunity arises for her to have what she's always wanted, Vanessa takes it despite the consequences to her family, getting more than she bargained for.

Meanwhile, Valerie, overcome with loss and grief, faces a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Will she and her husband, Felix, forge through their trials together, or will these upsets cause them to drift apart?

Will Vanessa and Valerie remain at odds, or will they allow the power of forgiveness to heal their strained relationship?

Love seems to bloom in the most unlikely of places in Webaashi Bay for an old friend of Jenay's and a woman who owns the local dress shop. A parallel tale of love, forgiveness, and reuniting lost things is spun by a local author adding another dimension to the tale of the Gulet twins and their saga.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Love Her Well by Kari Kampakis

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for Love Her Well by Kari Kampakis, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Love Her Well
Author: Kari Kampakis
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Genre: Christian Living/Parenting

Moms are eager for tips and wisdom to help them build strong relationships with their daughters, and Kari Kampakis’s Love Her Well gives them ten practical ways to do so, not by changing their daughters but by changing their own thoughts, actions, and mind-set.

For many women, having a baby girl is a dream come true. Yet as girls grow up, the narrative of innocence and joy changes to gloom and doom as moms are told, “Just wait until she’s a teenager!” and handed a disheartening script that treats a teenage girl’s final years at home as solely a season to survive.

Author and blogger Kari Kampakis suggests it’s time to change the narrative and mind-set that lead moms to parent teen girls with a spirit of defeat, not strength. By improving the foundation, habits, and dynamics of the relationship, mothers can connect with their teen daughters and earn a voice in their lives that allows moms to offer guidance, love, wisdom, and emotional support.

As a mom of four daughters (three of whom are teenagers), Kari has learned the hard way that as girls grow up, mothers must grow up too. In Love Her Well, Kari shares ten ways that moms can better connect with their daughters in a challenging season, including:

• choosing their words and timing carefully,
• listening and empathizing with her teen’s world,
• seeing the good and loving her for who she is,
• taking care of themselves and having a support system, and more.

This book isn’t a guide to help mothers “fix” their daughters or make them behave. Rather, it’s about a mom’s journey, doing the heart work and legwork necessary to love a teenager while still being a strong, steady parent. Kari explores how every relationship consists of two imperfect sinners, and teenagers gain more respect for their parents when they admit (and learn from) their mistakes, apologize, listen, give grace, and try to understand their teens’ point of view. Yes, teenagers need rules and consequences, but without a connected relationship, parents may never gain a significant voice in their lives or be a safe place they long to return to.

By admitting her personal failures and prideful mistakes that have hurt her relationships with her teenage daughters, Kari gives mothers hope and reminds them all things are possible through God. By leaning on him, mothers gain the wisdom, guidance, protection, and clarity they need to grow strong relationships with their daughters at every age, especially during the critical teen years.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook  

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EXCERPT

Empower her to handle hurtful people.

Your daughter is a flawed, imperfect human surrounded by flawed, imperfect humans. She will never stop encountering hurtful people, but she can learn to deal with them.

How? By understanding that nobody is a waste. Everyone serves a purpose. The worst behaviors offer the best examples of how not to act, and while some people teach her who she does want to be, others teach her who she doesn’t want to be. Even sharks can offer unforgettable lessons on social graces, dignity, and the importance of being kind.

Many people become kind after they are hurt because they promise themselves to never make anyone else feel the same way. They boost their emotional IQ by letting their pain become their teacher. Your daughter can’t control how other people treat her, but she can control her response. She can do the right thing and save her energy for positive people, choosing a path that God can (and will) bless.

Taken from “Love Her Well” by Kari Kampakis. Copyright 2020 by Kari Kampakis. Used with permission from www.thomasnelson.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is an author, blogger, and national speaker from Birmingham, Alabama. Her books for teen girls, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know and Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For?, have been used widely across the country by teen youth groups and church groups to empower girls through faith.

Kari’s work has been featured on the TODAY Show, TODAY Parents,Yahoo! News, EWTN, Proverbs 31, Ann Voskamp’s blog, The Huffington Post, and other national outlets. She and her husband, Harry, have four daughters and a dog named Lola. Learn more by visiting www.karikampakis.com or finding Kari on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

CONNECT WITH KARI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a print copy of Love Her Well by Kari Kampakis!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 17, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Review: Creative Journaling by Renee Day

About the Book:

Spark your creativity and keep yourself organized with the beautiful pages and easy-to-follow instructions of Creative Journaling. With 52 projects, from simple tricks, like making your own washi tape, to more ambitious projects, like crafting a custom planner, you’ll soon have the best-looking to-do list around.

Author Renee Day will take you on an artistic adventure as you take on each new task and become an expert on amazing DIY ideas! You'll learn to work with watercolors, acrylic paint, brush pens, and much more as you personalize your stuff, making things uniquely you. 

Going beyond basic tools, this stunning book offers tips, tricks, and creative ways to transform your notebook into a treasured life companion, including:

• Ornamental lettering
• Personalized habit trackers
• Colorful calendars
• Decorative headers
• Customized productivity lists
• Inspiring artwork
• Creative future logs
• Unique planning pages

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My Thoughts:

Creative Journaling by Renee Day divides into four main sections: dot grid pages, junk journals, mixed-media projects, and travel records. I gave this book a complete read-through in a few days. Each project includes step-by-step photos of the process, plus a completed example photo. I loved this format! It makes it so much easier for me when I can see something in-process, not just the finished project. Now, about each part:

Dot grid journaling stands as the first and largest section of Creative Journaling. I have seen beautiful dot grid pages on social media, but they always seemed too difficult to create myself. However, the author’s clear and easy to follow instructions made the projects feel doable. Planners and scheduling projects dominate this section, but other projects such a reusable meal plan layout and a gratitude log add a little variety.

Junk journaling (aka an altered book project) is new-to-me. This section looked fun, but seemed more complicated to do and I haven’t tried any of the projects yet.

My favorite section of Creative Journaling was the mixed-media journaling. This section is mostly about creating page layouts and there are so many projects in this section that I want to try: the tissue paper layout, the hot glue layout, etc! They look so pretty!

The traveling section contained gorgeous projects with precise and clear instructions. However, I don’t travel so it was not applicable to me.

The last section, DIY accessories and papers, offers some very cute and fun projects. My daughters and I tried out the Shaving Cream Paper project and we had a blast! It was messy, but so much fun. The papers turned out beautifully. (See photos) This section is, in my opinion, more kid friendly. Most of the prior sections are teen or adult level, but things like yarn tassel paper clips and stained paper towel paper are projects they can do and enjoy!

In conclusion, I am very pleased with Creative Journaling: A Guide to over 100 Techniques and Ideas for Amazing Dot Grid, Junk, Mixed-Media, and Travel Pages by Renee Day! The girls and I are looking forward to doing more projects from this book! Five stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.

First Line Fridays: Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from Ruby Moon by Jenny Knipfer.

"I see the moon, and I imagine the moon sees me -- every hidden part."

Have you read this novel? If not, check out the book blurb below and read my review here.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

RUBY MOON EMBODIES A TALE OF GRIEF, GUILT, AND REDEMPTION...

On the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario during the mid 1890's, Jenay, a young woman of mixed French and Ojibwe descent, must survive the trauma of causing a horrific accident.

Amidst this drama, Jenay is caught in a web spun by Renault, a rich, charming man who once threatened ruination of her father's shipping company but now seeks something even more valuable...
Jenay must find where her strength lies in order to face the challenges life brings her or be washed away like driftwood on the tumultuous shores of Lake Superior. 

Life's richest dramas are played out under the banner of two ruby colored moons and become the hidden gems which forge her into a mature strong woman. Jenay realizes God is by her side, using even the harsh events of life to create something precious in her.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Accidental Target by Theresa Hall

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour and Giveaway for Accidental Target by Theresa Hall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Accidental Target
Author: Theresa Hall
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

On an icy road in the dead of night what she sees might get her killed.

Allison Moore can’t deny what she sees—a lifeless hand sticking out of a tarp in the back of a crashed pickup truck. Seconds later, she’s on the run with a murderer on her heels.

Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except police sergeant Jackson Archer.But with someone set on silencing her, can Jackson keep his promise of protection?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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EXCERPT

“Why do you think they came back?”

“Someone tipped them off.” He slapped the steering wheel. “I wish I knew who the rat was.”

“Who could have done that? No one knew we were back here except the police station.”

“Exactly.”

“Do you think someone in your department is dirty?”

Just the idea of it made his insides recoil. Nothing in this world sickened a cop more than finding out one of your own was corrupt.”

“I don’t know, but I’m sure someone’s telling them where you are.”

“Who do we trust?”

“No one.”

Excerpt From: Theresa Hall. “Accidental Target”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Theresa Hall is an award-winning author of Christian fiction whose stories include military, law enforcement, and first responder heroes. As a native Texan, she loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values. She’s also a first-grade teacher who loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline and Discovery ID. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog and can be found online at www.theresalynnhall.com.

CONNECT WITH THERESA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Chocolate Cake cookbook and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 10, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 17, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print US only. International winner may receive ebook & egift card at the discretion of the author. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

First Line Fridays: Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first lines from Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green.

"When Charlotte and Alice told their mother they were taking the omnibus down Broadway, they weren't lying. They just didn't tell her where they would be getting off."

I fell in love with Jocelyn Green's writing earlier this year when I read Veiled in Smoke. Recently, I won one of her Instagram giveaways and she sent me a copy of Wedded to War. I'm looking forward to reading this novel!

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

It's April 1861, and the Union Army's Medical Department is a disaster, completely unprepared for the magnitude of war. A small group of New York City women, including 28-year-old Charlotte Waverly, decide to do something about it, and end up changing the course of the war, despite criticism, ridicule and social ostracism. Charlotte leaves a life of privilege, wealth-and confining expectations-to be one of the first female nurses for the Union Army. She quickly discovers that she's fighting more than just the Rebellion by working in the hospitals. Corruption, harassment, and opposition from Northern doctors threaten to push her out of her new role. At the same time, her sweetheart disapproves of her shocking strength and independence, forcing her to make an impossible decision: Will she choose love and marriage, or duty to a cause that seems to be losing? An Irish immigrant named Ruby O'Flannery, who turns to the unthinkable in the face of starvation, holds the secret that will unlock the door to Charlotte's future. But will the rich and poor confide in each other in time?

Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey's letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured.

Jocelyn Green's debut novel is endorsed by historians and professors for its historical accuracy and detail, by award-winning novelists for its spell-binding storytelling, and by entertainment journalists and book club leaders for its deep and complex content, perfect to share and discuss with others.

Book Review & Giveaway: The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch

About the Book:

He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she's determined to make it a marriage for life.

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown. 

But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered. 

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

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My Thoughts:

The Gentleman Spy stands as the second installment in Erica Vetsch’s Serendipity and Secrets series. References to events and characters from the prior novel do appear. However, I think this novel still works as a stand-alone. Personally, I liked The Gentleman Spy better than The Lost Lieutenant.

The Gentleman Spy himself – Marcus Haverly – rates as my favorite character in this novel. In many ways, he is a romantic, ideal hero. However, his flawed logic about compartmentalizing every area of his life leads to conflict and difficulties.  Charlotte battles her own issues and I appreciate that both of leading characters underwent growth and change throughout the novel. The author used the character development, as well as the plot itself, to touch on many issues: hypocrisy, the plight of the war widows, the cruelty of prostitution, and more.

I enjoyed The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch and look forward to reading the next book in this series. 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.

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About the Author:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.  

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England. 

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

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Tour Giveaway:

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Calm Before the Storm by Janice L. Dick

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour and Giveaway for Calm Before the Storm by Janice L. Dick, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Calm Before the Storm
Series: The Storm Series #1
Author: Janice L. Dick
Release Date: August 15, 2020 (re-release)
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

South Russia, 1914.

The world is at war and revolution threatens. Against this backdrop of fear and danger, three young people search for hope and love. Katarina Hildebrandt’s tranquil life on her family’s Crimean estate is about to change. Tutor Johann Sudermann has found true faith, but it will turn his life upside-down. And Paul Gregorovich Tekanin, working for the revolution in St. Petersburg, finds his choices will demand his soul as well as his wit and strength.

Will they find faith to weather the coming storm?


PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon  

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EXCERPT

This feeling was similar to what she had felt four years ago at the sinking of the Titanic in the frigid Atlantic. She vividly recalled the photographs in the newspapers, and her reaction to them. All the finery, class and luxury meant nothing as people were swallowed by the monster sea.

We all hide behind some form of security. We play at living, pretending all is well, denying the waves of reality crashing upon the deck of our fragile lives. She returned to her desk to write. One day we find ourselves unprepared, calamity stealing every vestige of the life we knew. We discover that the things we rely on offer no security at all, but weights that would drag us down to the depths. We must be willing to jump into the arms of our Savior, trusting Him to bring us safely to shore. (p. 128)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janice L. Dick is an award-winning author who writes from her rural home in Saskatchewan, Canada. She writes historical and contemporary fiction, blogs, book reviews, and inspirational articles. In September 2016, Janice became the first recipient of the prestigious Janette Oke award, presented by the InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship.

In 2016 Janice established her indie imprint: Tansy & Thistle Press: faith, fiction, forum, and has since released two more historical novels. She has completed two historical trilogies based on her Mennonite heritage in South Russia. Find out more at her website.

CONNECT WITH JANICE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Calm Before the Storm ebook + $10 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 4, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 11, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Ready to Trust

(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

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Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home

(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

And coming in December...

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

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Excerpt from Ready to Trust

The smiling faces of her parents in the orchards filled pages of the book. Claire stared, mesmerized, at one of her mother and father together beneath the branches of the fruit trees. For the first time, she understood all that her father lost. Claire ran finger over the glossy protective plastic as she turned page after page. At the end, she stopped and closed the book. Leaning back in the chair, Claire closed her eyes.

Grief slammed into her like an Oklahoma tornado, pummeling her heart with new aches. Though emotion threatened to spill, she held back tears. She didn’t cry about the past anymore. The past was a lot like what if and Claire didn’t ever go there, because what if was a place for dreamers. She was no longer a dreamer.

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About the Author

Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Tour Schedule

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

Ends August 19, 2020

ENTER HERE