Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Swift by R. J. Anderson

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Swift

(The Flight and Flame Trilogy #1)

By R.J. Anderson

YA Fantasy, Christian

Hardcover & ebook, 272 Pages

August 18, 2020 by Enclave Escape

To save her people, a wingless girl must learn to fly.

As a piskey girl born without wings and raised underground, Ivy yearns for flight almost as much as she misses her long-lost mother. But the world outside the Delve is full of danger, and her dreams seem hopeless until she meets a mysterious faery who makes her an enticing offer: If Ivy helps him escape the Delve's dungeon, he'll teach her how to fly.

Freeing Richard could cost Ivy her reputation, perhaps even her life. But when her fellow piskeys start to disappear and her beloved little sister goes missing, Ivy has no choice but to take the risk.

Deadly threats and shocking revelations await Ivy as she ventures into a strange new world, uncovers long-buried secrets about her family's past, and finds that no one—not even herself—is entirely what they seem.

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Excerpt

The shadows were growing longer, the sun slipping toward the horizon. If Ivy didn’t get home soon, Cicely would come looking for her. Reluctantly she got to her feet, and started back toward the Delve.

A dark shape flashed by, and instinctively she whirled toward it. A little bird with wings like a bent bow, body tapering smoothly to a two-pronged fork of a tail. It swooped over the valley, moving so fast that Ivy’s eyes barely had time to focus before it was out of sight.

Swee-ree, swee-ree, swee-ree, came its song in the distance, a piercing call that plucked at Ivy’s heart. “Wait!” she cried. “Come back!”

And to her delight, the bird did. Skimming the treetops, it darted toward her and circled her head, bright eyes watching her all the while. She’d heard piskeys had a special rapport with animals, but she’d thought that was something only hunters did. She’d never guessed she could do it, too.

“What are you?” Ivy asked, soft with wonder. The bird didn’t answer, but it dipped lower, as though making her a bow. And then another fork-tailed bird came flashing over the hillside, and the two of them chased each other in dizzying spirals across the sky.

It was like magic, and music, and dancing, all at once. And as Ivy’s heart soared with them she knew, as surely as she knew her own name, that this was the bird she was meant to be.

Excerpted from Swift by R.J. Anderson. Copyright © R.J. Anderson. Published by Enclave Escape.

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Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

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About the Author


Born in Uganda to missionary parents, R.J. Anderson is a women’s Bible teacher, a wife and mother of three, and a bestselling fantasy author for older children and teens. Her debut novel Knife has sold more than 120,000 copies worldwide, while her other books have been shortlisted for the Nebula Award, the Christy Award, and the Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Science Fiction. Rebecca lives with her family in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

November 29th: Launch

November 30th: R.J. Anderson – Swift

December 1st: Ralene Burke – Armor of Aletheia

December 2nd: Michelle Diener – Breakaway

December 3rd: Sandra Fernandez Rhoads – Mortal Sight

December 4th: J.M. Hackman – Burn

December 5th: Sharon Hinck – Forsaken Island

December 6th: Ronie Kendig – Dawn of Vengeance

December 7th: Carla Laureano – Oath of the Brotherhood

December 8th: Belle Malory – Deviant Descendants

December 9th: Sara Schaller – The Genesis of Seven

December 10th: Jennifer Silverwood – Stay

December 11th: Anne Wheeler – Treason’s Crown

December 12th: Melissa Wright – Between Ink and Shadows

December 13th: Morgan Wylie –  Silent Orchids

December 14th: Kristen Young – Apprentice

December 15th: Grand Finale

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $75 (USD) Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 19, 2020

ENTER HERE

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First Line Fridays: The Promised Land by Elizabeth Musser

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 The Promised Land by Elizabeth Musser.

"I have spent twenty years carefully stitching my family's life together, so when it suddenly starts to unravel I find myself in a tangled knot of anxiety."

Have you read The Promised Land? It's still sitting on my TBR shelf, but I'll get too it one of these days. 😅 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:

You'd be surprised at what gets through when everything else is taken away.

Abbie Jowett always has every detail perfectly planned out, including her husband's upcoming surprise fiftieth birthday party. But when he surprises her instead with news that he's leaving, she feels her life unraveling. Already distressed by her son Bobby's determination to take a gap year in Europe in addition to her father's failing health, Abbie is immobilized by grief.

Bobby Jowett has dared to take a gap year to really think about his future. His first stop is volunteering at a refugee center in Austria where he meets a beautiful Iranian girl named Rasa. For idealistic Bobby, it is love at first sight. On the spur of the moment, he invites her to join him in hiking the famed French Camino. But his mother, out of desperation, has also chosen to follow him to France.

Caroline Lefort, a young photojournalist, is writing an article about pilgrims on the Camino. However, she has been like a wandering pilgrim herself for the past ten years, having abandoned her family after a devastating event.

As the lives of these people intersect, they find that the Camino strips them bare, calling each one into deep soul-searching. Against all odds, can they find themselves again?

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Snowbound in Winterberry Falls

 

 Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Snowbound in Winterberry Falls by Ann Brodeur, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Snowbound in Winterberry Falls 
Author: Ann Brodeur
Publisher: Anaiah Press
Release Date: November 6, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A buried story. A powerful senator. A Christmas they won’t forget. 

Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget. 

Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge. 

When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

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EXCERPT

 

Stephanie grinned, picked up the folder again, and clutched it to her chest. “You won't regret it. I'm going to find the biggest Christmas story your paper has ever published.”

Jason smiled. “And if you don't?”

Stephanie smiled and shook her head, her confidence oozing from her crooked grin. “That's not going to happen.” Her eyes twinkled, daring him to contradict her.

Jason's chest rumbled with laughter. “There’s no way there’s anything newsworthy in these silly high school pranks. Wasting time working on that story when I’m down a reporter. For the record, you'll owe me for going on a wild goose chase when you could be making yourself useful.”

Stephanie waved her hand as she turned to leave, the file tucked beneath her arm. “What is it that I would owe you if I'm wrong?”

She paused in the doorway and raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Not that that's going to happen.”

Jason chuckled, enjoying the banter a little too much. “Oh, don’t you worry about that. I’m thinking something along the lines of writing me a real story.” He smirked. “Like, how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

ANN BRODEUR is an avid reader and inspirational romance novelist. She’s the proud Maman of four, and is happily married to her own French Canadian Hero. After years of writing non-fiction for a variety of non-profits, and receiving an Honorable Mention in the Magazine Feature Article category in Writer’s Digest Magazine’s 86th Annual Writing Competition, Ann is pursuing her dream of publishing stories that encourage and inspire hope. 

CONNECT WITH ANN: Website | Facebook | Pinterest

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Handcrafted Pewter Christmas Ornament, Handmade Ribbon Bookmark, and The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson!

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 November 20, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 27, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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: Sprinkled with Sabotage by Allison Pearl

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sprinkled with Sabotage

(Love and Danger in St. Claire #3)

By Allison Pearl

Christian Romantic Suspense

Paperback & ebook, 164 Pages

October 27, 2020 by Anaiah Press

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

Small-town auto mechanic, Koby Knightly, is looking forward to seeing a car show in the city. But when an unexpected call from his old girlfriend disconnects suddenly, he rushes to her aid. Throwing his plans out the window, Koby makes it his mission to protect her and discover the identity of the person trying to frame her. Will he also be able to figure out what went wrong between them back in high school or will a killer get to her first?

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

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Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

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Excerpt from Sprinkled With Sabotage

“I loved that car. You did, too, if I remember. If I was driving it, you were sure to be in the passenger seat.”

Looking away, she smoothed a hand over her hair. “I did like it. As far as the rides, though, if I hadn’t come with, I’d never have seen you. As soon as you got that job, the others came rolling in. You worked more than Josh and my dad. Only sixteen, and yet you were the best mechanic in town.”

All those hours weren’t for nothing. “I kept busy. I wasn’t all that complicated back then. I was only interested in two things: you and making enough money to get you to run off somewhere exciting and marry me.”

Her shoulders fell, and a bit of light left her eyes. “You didn’t run off, though. You could’ve come here or gone to Philadelphia, but you didn’t. I left. But you’re still there. Why did you stay?”

Did she really want to do this now? He closed the space between them, standing so close he could make out every one of her perfect eyelashes. “I don’t know. I told myself that it was smart to stay. Fresh out of high school, and I already had a start. A business of my own. The beginnings of a career. But now...”

“But now what?” Her voice was soft, but he sensed an urgency in the tone. “Why did you stay?”

His heart pounded in his ears. If he could only kiss her one last time. “I think I stayed because a part of me always thought you’d come back, and if I was gone... i-if you changed your mind about us and came back... I didn’t want to miss my chance.”

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About the Author

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband, black lab, and orange tabby. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/ or follow her on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Tour Schedule

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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends November 29, 2020

ENTER HERE

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First Line Fridays: When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

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 When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas.

"Colman walked along the last car of the coal train, tapping each wheel with his long-handled hammer, listening intently to the clang clang clang."

Have you read When Silence Sings? My local book club chose this for our November selection. 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:

As a Long-Standing Feud Threatens to Spark Once More,
the Fates of Two Families Rest on the Most Unexpected of Shoulders.

For years, Serepta McClean has towered over the coal-filled hills of West Virginia, taking more than her share of legal and illegal trade alike. She's intent on securing the future of the McClean name, despite two unreliable sons and a long-standing feud with the Harpe clan that's exploded once again into violence.

While many fear her, and many more despise her, few dare to stand against her. Especially not someone like Colman Harpe--a railroad man with dreams of being a preacher. And yet it's a reluctant Colman, Serepta's sworn enemy, who finds himself in this powerful woman's territory, supposedly sent there by God himself to share stories of love and hope.

With the feud growing ever more dangerous, putting the entire region at risk, these two impossibly different people find themselves on a collision course. And the very lives of everyone close to them will be changed forever.

Book Review & Giveaway: Cupcakes & Crumbs by Melissa McClone

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Cupcakes & Crumbs

(Berry Lake Cupcake Posse #1)

By Melissa McClone

Women's Fiction

Paperback & ebook, 237 Pages

November 17, 2020 by Cardinal Press, LLC

After life takes five women on different paths, a death brings them home. But friendship might not be enough to keep them together.

When Bria Landon and her estranged father each inherit fifty percent of a small-town cupcake shop, her dad hires her worst enemy, and first love, to turn the place into a soulless franchise…or sell it.

To save her aunt’s legacy, Bria needs the help of people who love the bakery as much as she does—her old friends who worked there fifteen years ago. Except each woman is dealing with her own problem:

Juliet, who's trying to prove she’s more than a trophy wife; Missy, a widow who fears losing the job she loves; Nell, who's meddling mother won't stop playing matchmaker; and Selena, a life coach who excels at fixing everyone else's lives...but hasn't a clue what's missing in her own.

Each woman wants to believe their friendship can overcome anything. But as the Berry Lake Cupcake Posse reunite to save their beloved cupcake shop, they soon discover the undertaking will bring more trouble than they expected.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo

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My Thoughts

Cupcakes & Crumbs by Melissa McClone introduces the Berry Lake Cupcake Posse, five friends who reunite and rediscover the sweetness of their friendship. At the beginning, it was difficult to keep the characters and their stories straight. However, as the story progressed, it became easier to switch between the narratives.

Each woman in the Berry Lake Cupcake Posse struggles with her own issues – be it a crumbling marriage, a matchmaking mother, the loss of a beloved grandmother, or something else. Though the story explored difficult situations, the novel did not feel emotionally heavy. I enjoyed watching the women grow and develop.

Cupcakes & Crumbs by Melissa McClone is clean, women’s fiction that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of female friendships. Though there are some budding romances, the story focuses on the power of friendship and how it can support, encourage, and enhance life. In several ways, this novel’s ending was left open and served as set up for the rest of the series.

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

USA TODAY bestselling author Melissa McClone writes heartwarming women’s fiction and sweet contemporary romance novels for Cardinal Press, Tule Publishing Group, and Harlequin Books. When she’s not writing relatable characters and sigh-worthy happy endings, she spends rainy Pacific Northwest reading from her Kindle’s ever-growing TBR, napping, and decorating her Happy Planner. Melissa lives in Washington state with her husband, three children, a Norwegian Elkhound, and three cats who think they rule the house. They do!

 

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

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Tour Schedule

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Tour Giveaway


A Cupcakes & Crumbs Prize Pack, which includes:

A $10 Amazon gift card, cupcake makeup bag set, cupcake charm, cupcake socks, set of magnetic clips, lip gloss, key chain, sticker, swag pack, and bookmark (US only)

Ends November 25, 2020

ENTER HERE

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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Dreaming of Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Dreaming of Tomorrow

By Michelle De Bruin

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 317 Pages

November 10, 2020 by Scrivenings Press LLC

Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true.

Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.

Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.

Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

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Excerpt

“Tell us about your engagement ring, Miss Millerson.” Blanche pointed to Karen’s hand.

“It’s pretty. Who is the groom?” Jane asked.

The other members in the party, lagging after the efforts of memorization, snapped to full attention.

“His name is Logan, and he lives in Iowa.” Karen removed the ring from her finger and passed it around the gathering.

Some of the girls tried it on. Others held it in the sunlight, enjoying the sparkle.

“When is your wedding?” Gladys passed the ring to a friend.

 “After Christmas, when the fall term is finished.”

“You mean we’ll have a different teacher for the spring semester?” Stella asked.

“I’m afraid so.” Karen didn’t want to quit teaching. She wanted a life with Logan and her teaching career. Many restless nights had passed in which Karen lay awake while her mind stretched the circumstance, twisting it into various scenarios. But the outcome remained the same. Married women were not allowed to teach. She knew that when she’d accepted Logan’s proposal. The time had come to make her choice.

“Where are you getting married?” Mabel asked.

“In a little town in Iowa called Oswell City. It’s where Logan lives.”

“Will we get to meet him?” Annie handed the ring back to Karen.

“Most likely. He plans to visit me here in the city for a week in August. In fact, I think he will be here during our exhibition.” Pleasure warmed Karen’s face. She could show Logan the best of her efforts in the form of talented young ladies.

Smiles broke out on the faces of many in the group. Karen never could have predicted it, but the idea of performing for her fiancé provided the girls with the extra motivation they needed to pull through the audition.

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About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019. The third book in the series, Dreaming of Tomorrow, releases November 2020.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Tour Schedule

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $20 (USD) Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Dreaming of Tomorrow (winner can choose print if in the US and ebook outside the US)

Open internationally

Ends November 25, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Holidays, Inc. by Rachelle Paige Campbell

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Holidays, Inc.

By Rachelle Paige Campbell

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 260 Pages

November 4, 2020 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Former child actress, Danielle "Dani" Winter, left Hollywood to transform an old cinema into a dinner theater, seeing the project as her chance to take control of her future. The middle-of-nowhere location in Wisconsin is a perfect escape from backstabbing celebrity friends. The small town welcomes her help with open arms, but one man questions her plan.

After unsuccessful writing stints on both coasts, Paul Howell returns home to New Hope. He's shocked to discover that his sister has sold the family business to a beautiful woman. With the encouragement of his neighbors, he reluctantly agrees to write Dani's next musical.

Working together, they discover more similarities than differences and grow close. When Dani's former best friend and America's sweetheart, Kara Kensington arrives, their blossoming relationship is threatened in more ways than one.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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Excerpt

Dani poked her head through the slim opening and lifted her gaze.

Her blue eyes sparkled. He ran a hand through his hair. Waiting to enter the office filled him with dread from a childhood of being called to task in the very spot. He couldn’t use the same excuse for stalling today.

“Hi, Paul, what’s up?”

“I wanted to chat with you.” He cleared his throat. “About the other night.”

“Great, me too.” She pushed open the door and retreated. “Come in.”

As he stepped over the threshold, he scanned the room, his nose twitching. A faint hint of drying paint pierced the space. The tiny office was transformed into a light, bright, and airy refuge. The oak paneling and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves behind the desk were painted pale blue. “Wow, the room looks great.”

“Thanks, I had time over the weekend and wanted to make the office mine.” She sat behind the desk.

“You certainly have.” He settled in the chair opposite. Leaning back, the old wooden seat groaned. Shifting forward, he pressed both hands against his thighs and perched on the edge. He didn’t quite fit. For the thousandth time, he reconsidered his plan. Did he need absolute clarification about the Fourth of July? If Kara Kensington had been in town, he would have heard. The Higginbothams, running the only hotel for a hundred miles, would have shared the news. Shirley would have said something. He discovered no proof Kara had been on stage.

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About the Author

Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance filled with heart and hope. No matter the location—big city, small town, or European kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after. She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner, and her reluctant writing partner (her dog).

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

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Tour Schedule

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Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends November 19, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Review: The Anne of Green Gables Devotional by Rachel Dodge

About the Book:

Devotional Inspiration Especially for Kindred Spirits
 
The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.
 
This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

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My Thoughts:

Reexperiencing Anne of Green Gables while reading The Anne of Green Gables Devotional by Rachel Dodge was delightful! I remembered very little about the story from my prior reading, but this time I explored the story slowly, deeply, and carefully through the guidance of the devotional. There is one devotional per chapter and each day follows the same pattern: Bible verse, Anne of Green Gables quote, the devotional, a personal application section, and a prayer.

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional covers a variety of topics: salvation, courage, friendship, unforgiveness, and much more. I found all the readings to be a faithful interpretation to the original book and traditional Christian views.

With its beautiful cover, whimsical illustrations, and engaging content, The Anne of Green Gable Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits would make a lovely gift for Anne of Green Gables fans. I enjoyed this devotional book and rated it 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.

First Line Fridays: The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

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 The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant.

"The only thing Bri Duval loved more than romance was a perfectly executed French macaron."

Have you read The Key to Love? This book is currently sitting on my tbr shelf, but I'm looking forward to reading my first book by Betsy St. Amann! 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:

Love doesn't always look the way we expect.

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so that she's created her own version of the famous Parisian love-lock wall at the bakery where she works in Story, Kansas. She never expects a video involving the wall to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for an epic love story like the one her parents had--and that certainly will not include the love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems the Pastry Puff is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just the bakery but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.

Book Review: The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas

About the Book:

Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he'd obeyed his mother. Desperate for help, he runs to the mountain cabin of his mostly absentee father, frantically trying to communicate the news with his hands.

Driven away by fear and guilt over his son's deafness, Creed has played a distant part in Loyal's life and language. But when he's pulled into the murder investigation, he discovers that what sets his son apart isn't his inability to hear but rather his courage. As the impact of the murder ripples through their West Virginia town, both will learn what it took to kill a man and what it takes to become one.

Read an excerpt from The Right Kind of Fool on the publishers website.

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My Thoughts:

The Right Kind of Fool is the first book I have read by Sarah Loudin Thomas. I am so glad that I gave this story a chance. I fell in love with Loyal, Creed, and Delphy right at the beginning. Not only were the characters highly interesting, but their unique family situation and town culture drew my attention. Add in a murder and my interest was hooked. Even though it took me nearly a week to read through the book, I never lost interest or forgot where I was in the story. Every evening, it felt like a treat when I picked up this novel to read.

Surprisingly, I empathized and identified deeply with Loyal Raines, a deaf teenage boy on the cusp of becoming a man. Both his and his parents’ struggles and character development felt authentic. As their complicated relationships strained and strengthened, I rooted for things to work out for all involved. To my surprise and pleasure, plots twists that felt natural and right kept things fresh. I appreciated the inspiring themes of loyalty, honesty, and overcoming fear that permeated this novel.

I recommend The Right Kind of Fool to readers who enjoy historical fiction driven by relationships possessing tension, growth, and commitment. I found this book fascinating and I look forward to reading more novels by Sarah Loudin Thomas. 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.

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Time to Shine by Jo Elliott

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

History Village: Time to Shine

(History Village #3)

By Jo Elliott

Christian Middle Grade/Lower YA Sci-Fi, Time Travel

Paperback & ebook, 171 Pages

September 10, 2020

Ally, Josh and Brendan are half siblings living in Australia who have a difficult situation to face at School and at home.  They have a special interest in the past as they have previously embarked on two time-travelling adventures with God's divine help.

Once again they embark on their latest time-travelling adventure into first century, ancient Syria.  On the road to Damascus the children meet the frightening Commander who is on a mission to find and punish anyone who disagrees with his religious views.  The children must quickly learn who can be trusted in this dystopian Village as they push back against the darkness and look for the truth.  In time, the children learn that ordinary people with extraordinary faith in God can have a monumental impact throughout the generations.  

With the help of biblical heroes of old, this coming of age story will help young people discover their own unique purpose and mission in life.  If you enjoy action-packed, suspenseful drama enveloped in cultural history, you are going to love "Time to Shine".

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Other Books in the Series

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Excerpt from Time to Shine

“Is a Roman celebration appropriate for any of us to attend?” Saul asked. “I mean, won’t they have food there that’s ritually unclean because it has been offered to idols, for one thing?”


“Certainly, we need to conduct ourselves wisely when we deal with people who don’t believe what we believe,” Ananias replied, “but we shouldn’t keep away from them simply because their views don’t agree with ours.” (Ananias recalled Jesus mixing with all sorts of different people.) “In fact, we should make the most of every opportunity, Saul! And be gracious in our speech too. Our goal should be to bring out the best in others… not put them down, or cut them off.”

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About the Author

Jo Elliott was born in Melbourne Australia, to Greek parents and has resided in the world's greatest city all her life. She left a career in industrial relations to pursue her greatest love which is introducing children to God's word. Joanna is married to Phillip Elliott, a devoted writer of fiction, and together they have traveled the world, opening their minds and their hearts to new peoples and languages. When she's not plotting her next teen book, Jo is trying to learn Italian, and is tinkering with an old family piano (which requires urgent tuning!)

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Tour Schedule

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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends November 18, 2020

ENTER HERE

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