Friday, April 28, 2023

Book Review: The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese

About the Book:



Three friends. Two broken promises. One missing manuscript.

As a senior acquisitions editor for Fog Harbor Books in San Francisco, Ingrid Erikson has rejected many a manuscript for lack of defined conflict and dramatic irony--two elements her current life possesses in spades. In the months following the death of her childhood best friend and international bestselling author Cecelia Campbell, Ingrid has not only lost her ability to escape into fiction due to a rare trauma response, but she's also desperate to find the closure she's convinced will come with Cecelia's missing final manuscript.

After Ingrid jeopardizes her career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But then Joel Campbell--the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters--offers her a sealed envelope from his late cousin, Cecelia, asking Joel and to put their differences aside and retrieve a mysterious package in their coastal Washington hometown.

Honoring Cecelia's last request will challenge their convictions and test their loyalties, but through it all, will Ingrid and Joel be brave enough to uncover a twice-in-a-lifetime love?

Read an excerpt from The Words We Lost on the publisher's website.


My Thoughts:

I loved everything about The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese. The second-chance romance trope in this novel delivered plenty of depth, a heartbreaking backstory, steady attraction between Ingrid and Joel, plus a side helping of enemies-to-lovers tension. I was hooked from the beginning. It was a delight to watch Joel and Ingrid tiptoe around each other as they searched for Cecelia Campbell’s lost manuscript and honored her final request. The questions surrounding their past and the missing manuscript kept me flipping pages, but the swoony moments and delectable romance made me want to read slowly and savor the interactions between Joel and Ingrid. I am ready to read it again. 

I marked many quotes as I read through The Words We Lost. More than a great romance, this was a story of grief over lost loved ones, a father and a best friend in Ingrid’s case. Readers dealing with grief may recognize the stages and truths presented. The book was deep, but not hard to read because of all the hope it set forth. The author seamlessly integrated spiritual themes that were honest, not overly convenient or awkwardly preachy. The author’s note tells of her own journey with unexpected grief which undergirded the profound authenticity found in the story.

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese starts the Fog Harbor Romance series, and I am eager for book two. Doubtless, this novel will make my list of favorite reads in 2023. 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: Expired Hope by Lisa Phillips and Megan Besing

Expired Hope JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Expired Hope by Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Expired Hope Title: Expired Hope 
Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #2 
Authors: Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips 
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 
Release Date: April 25, 2023 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She battled every fire she ever faced.

He’s risking everything for the chance to belong. 

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew. 

No matter if success takes everything she’s got. 

Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want. 

Or it could all go down in flames.

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


More Books in this Series

Expired Return Expired Promise Expired Vows


Excerpt


“Joey, we’ve got to go.” She gulped as darkness feathered on the outside of her vision. “There’s a fire.”

“Hold on a sec.”

She leaned into the storage compartment that was longer than any normal closet. “No, now. Fire—”

He did a fist pump. “Gold level! Take that, Simon.” He stuck the edge of his tongue along his cheek. “Dad usually has a fire when he cooks. He burned nuggets in the microwave once. That’s why we order takeout. Is that where we’re going? I’d rather have your pretzels.”

Natalie didn’t wait to explain. She crawled in farther and grabbed his earphones and the gaming device.

“Hey!”

“We’ve got to get out. There’s an actual fire in the kitchen. Your dad needs our help.”

Joey blinked at Natalie and then nodded. Natalie had a harder time moving backward in a skirt and the cramped space. She reached the closet door and was hit with another wave of heat.

Joey yanked on his gaming system, and it fell from Natalie’s fingers.

She gaped. Joey’s curtains were on fire. So was the basketball goal. The posters on his door curled and turned to ash. Flames flickered up from his trashcan.

She threaded her fingers through Joey’s. “We need to get out of here.” But the door and window were blocked by hot flames. Please, God, not again.

Joey gripped her hand. “What do we do?”

About the Authors

Lisa Phillips Megan Besing

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

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

Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea.

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

Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback of Expired Hope and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Expired Hope JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 3, 2023. 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.

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Thursday, April 27, 2023

Book Review: Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull

QUICK FACTS


  • Title: Regency Therapy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy
  • Series: The Jane Austen Vacation Club (Book 2)
  • Author: Lisa H. Catmull
  • Genre: Contemporary Romance, Inspirational Fiction
  • Publisher: Saltair Press (February 3, 2023)
  • Length: (278) pages
  • Format: Trade Paperback & eBook
  • ISBN: 978-1959864011
  • Tour Dates: April 24 – May 8, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION

My publisher invited me to attend an all-expenses paid writing retreat at the posh new Hartfield Regency Resort in Loveland, Colorado. Carole isn't nice like that—there must be a catch.

There is. His name is Ryder Hawk, the outlaw leader of the all-male Western writers who work for the same publishing company. He thinks he’s agreed to attend an all-expenses-paid week at a dude ranch.

Yeah, no. Carole has other ideas. She wants to break into the cowboy romance market. If I want to renew my writing contract, I have to do more than put up with Ryder and his gang of cowboy cronies for a week. We have to write together.

The problem is, Ryder and I have a history.

And it’s more like war than peace.

PRAISE FOR REGENCY THERAPY

“Fun, sweet, slow burn. I was rooting for them!”— Liselotte, Goodreads
  
“You don't have to be an Austen fan to love this series!…If you're looking for a clean, well-written book with some truly laugh out loud moments, grab this one today!”— Lorie AH, Amazon, on Matchmaking Therapy

5 STARS “The romantic chemistry was off the charts with these two and the flirting was on another level!”— Ashley Johnson, Bringing Up Books



PURCHASE LINKS



MY THOUGHTS

Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull might be the flirtiest book ever. Do not read it unless you are in the mood for all the romance. I enjoyed the sharp banter between Ryder and Lucy. Like the Jane Austen inspired setting, the phrases had a smart wit that felt Austenesque. The snappy flirtation held my attention from the beginning and introduced me to the term “bickerflirting” which aptly described Lucy and Ryder’s communication, especially in the early part of their relationship. 

Aside from the flirting, Regency Therapy held good romantic tension while staying in the swoony-but-wholesome category. The story was extremely enjoyable as the writers interacted and competed to secure book contracts. I found the big climax a bit confusing (as did Lucy, who is the first-person POV narrator). What actually happened was explained later. Still, Lucy and Ryder eventually find their way to the expected happily-ever-after which made me close the book with a smile in my heart.

Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull is the first full-length novel in The Jane Austen Vacation Club series and worked fine as a standalone story. I read the prequel novella, Matchmaking Therapy, which detailed how the Hartfield Regency Resort came to be, but the prequel is not necessary to read prior to Regency Therapy. I enjoyed so much about Regency Therapy, including aspects I did not have space to discuss here. I look forward to reading the next installment 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.


AUTHOR BIO





Lisa Catmull writes sweet contemporary romances and clean and wholesome romances in the Victorian era. Her books have been nominated for Swoony, RONE, and Whitney awards.

She taught Middle School English and History for seven years before pursuing screenwriting and writing. She currently lives between a canyon and a lake in Utah with her husband, two cats, and two rambunctious children.

Her books can be found on Amazon and are always free for Kindle Unlimited readers.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Book Spotlight: Her Surprise Cowboy Groom

Her Surprise Cowboy Groom JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Surprise Cowboy Groom by Cathy McDavid, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Her Surprise Cowboy Groom

Title: Her Surprise Cowboy Groom
Series:
Wishing Well Springs #4
Author:
Cathy McDavid
Publisher:
Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date:
April 25, 2023
Genre:
Sweet/Clean Contemporary Romance

An instant family

Could change her plans! 

Ambitious wedding dress designer Laurel Montgomery can’t afford to be distracted…especially not by easygoing cowboy Max Maxwell. Wrangling his three-year-old twin daughters, a rambunctious puppy and a fledgling business, Max has his hands full, too. But he also knows the value of going for ice cream and fishing with his girls. Can he show Laurel there are more important things than making it big—like love and family?  

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

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


More Books in this Series

   


Book Excerpt


Laurel blinked, thinking she was seeing double. The two freckled-faced little girls were clearly sisters, their resemblance undeniable.

“Hello, there. I was just making friends with Jelly Belly.”

“She’s a bad dog,” the girl with the red T-shirt said in a solemn voice.

“Really?”

“She chews,” the girl with the purple T-shirt added. “And potties inside.”

“She pottied in there.” Her sister indicated the office door.

Ah-ha, thought Laurel. That explained the dog’s banishment. “Well, she’s just a puppy.”

“She’s this old.” The girl in purple held up four fingers.

Laurel decided she must mean four months. “How old are you and your sister?”

“This many,” the girls answered simultaneously and held up three fingers.

“And you’re twins?”

They both nodded as the office door flew open. Laurel expected a typical, casually attired, millennial couple to emerge, parents of these girls and Jelly Belly’s owner. Or, perhaps, a harried mother who’d stopped in for a quick meeting to go over some detail on her new house design.

Laurel was wrong on both counts. A tall, broad-shouldered cowboy filled the doorway. With his dusty boots, weathered hat, worn work shirt and jeans that had traveled thousands of miles in the saddle, he couldn’t possibly be these adorable girls’ father.

“Daddy, Daddy!” The girls rushed over and pulled on his hands in a bid for attention.

Okay. Wrong again.


About the Author

Cathy McDavid

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author CATHY MCDAVID is living her dream penning heart-stopping suspense thrillers for Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense and heart-touching family dramas for Harlequin Heartwarming.

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

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a Cowboy coffee mug, Starbucks gift card, print copy of A Secret Christmas Wish and How to Marry a Cowboy by Cathy McDavid, and author bling

Her Surprise Cowboy Groom JustRead giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 2, 2023. 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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Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Book Spotlight: Safeguarding the Witness

Safeguarding the Witness JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Safeguarding the Witness by Laurie Winter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Safeguarding the Witness

Title: Safeguarding the Witness
Series: The Protectors
Author
: Laurie Winter
Publisher: Inspirational The Protectors Collection (Love Inspired Suspense)
Release Date
: April 25, 2023
Genre
: Christian Romantic Suspense
 
A treasure worth killing for…  
 
Unless the bodyguard can protect them 
 
Kayla Swartz’s return to Snowberry, Montana, has been a living nightmare. She found her estranged father murdered, and unless she retrieves some missing jewels, Kayla and her three-year-old sister could be next. With nowhere else to turn, Kayla entrusts their lives to bodyguard Nicholas Galanis. But is hiding at a remote cabin in the mountains their best chance to survive…or the perfect opportunity for an ambush?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop/IndieBound | BookBub


Excerpt


Kayla raced outside after Nicolas but couldn’t react quickly enough. The blast caught her off guard, knocking her off the front stoop. She tumbled down the stairs and landed on a patch of brown grass. Her ears rang, and she pressed her hands over them to muffle the sound. She blinked, trying to soothe the sting of tears.

Nicolas! her mind screamed. He’d been close, too close. If he was hurt—or worse… Kayla halted her anxiety-producing theories. She pushed herself back onto her feet. Her vision narrowed in on Nicolas’s large form sprawled on the front lawn. He’d always seemed indestructible to her. Please let him be okay.

The front door swung out, and Detective Reimer sprinted out, barking orders into her cell phone. She skidded to a stop by Kayla. “Are you hurt?”

Kayla shook her head. “No. Nicolas was near the blast.” “Emergency services are on their way.

Stay here.” Detective Reimer left Kayla with firm instructions before heading to Nicolas.

Nicolas would be all right. He had to be. The alternative clawed inside her.

About the Author

Laurie Winter

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card & signed copy of Safeguarding the Witness

Safeguarding the Witness JustRead giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 24, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 1, 2023. 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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Sunday, April 23, 2023

Epic Book Launch: Lone Star Sweetheart

About the Book



Book: Lone Star Sweetheart
Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap
Genre: Inspirational Romcom
Release date:
May 23, 2023

Katherine Bruno is the shrew of Sweetheart, Texas. Her passionate, unfiltered temper clashes with the gentle pace of her tiny hometown. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife who wants to run in the local election against her own husband, she meets big city political consultant Ryan Park, and cue the fireworks! The handsome campaign manager gets under her skin in a big way, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

Book Excerpt

Dressed in a tailored white button-down shirt and black dress pants, his lean frame stretched a head taller than the other men. Jet black hair combed in a professional side part. Dark eyes that sparkled—whether from amusement or disdain, she wasn’t sure. And a serene expression showing no embarrassment at being gossiped about by strangers.

He drew a hand from the pocket of his slacks and held it out. “Let me introduce myself. Ryan Park. I prefer baseball over basketball. Eat way too much red meat and tend to be a little OCD about my office space. I'm the hotshot consultant. Although, I'm not sure I deserve the distinction. We'll see how good a job I do.”

The men cleared their throats in an awkward chorus. Feet shuffled as they shook his hand, one by one, their gazes not quite meeting his.

“No offense meant,” Willy mumbled as he tugged on his belt buckle.

“None taken.” The newcomer waved away the apology. “I'd be curious too.”

Curious couldn't begin to describe Katherine's emotions. She stared with her mouth open like a kid finding the deep-fried bubblegum stand at the state fair. Her feet moved forward without asking permission. She dashed to the group and stuck her hand out, the coffee cup still clasped in her other.


All Lone Star Sweetheart Excerpts

Excerpt One: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2023/05/07/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

Excerpt Two: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart-by-shannon-sue-dunlap

Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Four: https://wp.me/p7qp1R-pYg

Excerpt Five: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/04/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart.html

Excerpt Six: https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2023/04/14/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/

About the Author




Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in the lone star state of Texas. She’s a die-hard fan of happy endings and believe there’s a Heavenly Father who’s designed one for each of us. Inspiration comes from everywhere—including worldwide travels, her adorable music students, and the fun and flirty Korean dramas she enjoys watching.

Even in the hard times, there’s humor to be found, and Shannon tries to infuse every story with moments that bring a good chuckle or an all-out belly laugh. One of her greatest hopes is that readers recognize themselves in her books. We’re all such a fabulous mix of flaws and greatness, and everyone is the hero or heroine in their own life story.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Regent University and has published three romances under the pen name Shannon Kent. You can connect with her at www.shannonsuedunlap.com, and if you sign up for her newsletter, you’ll receive a free copy of her romcom novella Flower Boy Tour Guide.

Book Review: Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau

About the Book:



Christianity Today 2020 Book of the Year Award, Culture and the Arts

Writing is not easy. But it can get better.


In this primer on nonfiction writing, Andrew Le Peau offers insights he has learned as a published author and an editor for over forty years, training, guiding, and cheering on hundreds of writers. Here are skills that writers can master—from finding strong openings and closings, to focusing on an audience, to creating a clear structure, to crafting a persuasive message.

With wide-ranging examples from fiction and nonfiction, Le Peau also demystifies aspects of art in writing such as creativity, tone, and metaphor. He considers strategies that can move writers toward fresher, more vital, and perhaps more beautiful expressions of the human condition.

One aspect of writing that rarely receives attention is who we are as writers and how writing itself changes us. Self-doubt, fear of criticism, downsides of success, questions of authority, and finding our voice are all a part of the exploration of our spirituality as writers found in these pages. Discover how the act of writing can affect our life in God.

Whether you're a veteran writer, an occasional practitioner, a publishing professional, or a student just starting to explore such skills, Le Peau's wit and wisdom can speed you on your way.


My Thoughts:

Write Better by Andrew T. Le Peau offers writers a practical handbook for producing any type of nonfiction. My niche is product reviews and I found beneficial instructions within these pages that I can use in future writings.

Write Better is divided into three parts which can be read in any order. Part one, The Craft of Writing, concentrated on grammar and rhetoric. Chapters four and five discussed persuasive writing and I wish every writer, especially bloggers and social media influencers, would read these two chapters. Society might be a better place if everyone practiced honesty and these guidelines presented about persuasion.

Part two, The Art of Writing, focused on creativity, beauty, and artistic choices. Part three, The Spirituality of Writing, dealt with writing as a life calling and how to steward the message. This last portion landed as my favorite because of its down-to-earth, spiritually balanced advice. Following the main chapters, a series of short, helpful appendixes discussed social media, co-writing, and more.

I recommend Write Better: A Lifelong Editor on Craft, Art, and Spirituality by Andrew T. Le Peau to any writer, but especially to Christians writing nonfiction. It has a permanent home on my bookcase as I expect to return to it many times in the future.

 


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.


Saturday, April 22, 2023

Author Interview: Tactical Force by Lynn Shannon

Tactical Force JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tactical Force by Lynn Shannon, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Tactical Force

Title: Tactical Force
Series:
Triumph Over Adversity #6
Author:
Lynn Shannon
Publisher:
Creative Thoughts, LLC
Release Date: February 28, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Some wounds never heal.

As a former Navy SEAL, Walker Montgomery faces danger without flinching. But not even a combat zone halfway around the world was far enough to escape the trauma of his teen years. His younger sister was murdered and the killer never caught. Since returning home, he’s been quietly working the case, unable to move on with his life until justice is served.  

She’s a survivor. 

Hayley Barlow has her own tragic childhood. Abducted and held captive, she barely escaped the clutches of the same killer that murdered Walker’s sister. The invisible scars on her heart and the brand on her shoulder are souvenirs she can’t get rid of. When Hayley receives a taunting phone call from her attacker, she turns to Walker for help.  

A race to stop a killer. 

Walker is committed to safeguarding Hayley, but their closeness fractures the walls surrounding his heart. As the killer draws them into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, nothing is as it seems. Walker is used to taking the fight to the enemy, but this time, with Hayley’s life on the line, it may cost him more than he’s willing to lose.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


More Books in this Series

       


Excerpt


Hayley’s breath hitched and she pressed the cell phone harder against her ear. “Who is this?”

“You know exactly who I am.”

Casanova? No, it couldn’t be the criminal who’d kidnapped and held her for days. Hayley’s mind rejected it, even as memories assaulted her senses.

“It’s been a long time.” He hummed, the sound coming over the line. “I’ve missed you.”

The voice was the same. Smooth and haunting, with just the barest hint of a Texas accent. The brand on her shoulder burned, the pain as vibrant as it’d been on the day he’d pressed a hot iron to her skin. You belong to me. The wound was heart shaped, a constant reminder of the man who’d nearly taken her life. He’d worn an ancient Venetian mask made out of hard plastic with a pointed nose and chin. No mouth. His eyes had been malevolent, cavernous holes. He’d called himself Casanova. She’d never known his true identity.

Law enforcement believed he was dead. There hadn’t been any sign of him for ten years.

Until now.

About the Author

Lynn Shannon

It took an international move from Texas to Greece before Lynn Shannon turned her love of reading into a passion for writing. Now she spends her days penning fast-paced inspirational romantic suspense. Her novels combine intriguing mysteries with heartfelt romance.

Lynn lives with her husband, two children, an extremely spoiled dog, and a turtle who hibernates half of the year. The experience of a different country has provided amazing new foods—like Yemista and Kourabiedes—to accompany pecans and Blue Bell ice cream on her favorites list. She also never passes up coffee, chocolate, or the chance to watch cute animal videos. 

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


Author Interview


Q: What was the inspiration behind Tactical Force?

Lynn: This is a hard question to answer. There isn’t one thing that inspired me. I absorb character traits, plot lines, and complications from different books or televisions shows. Then it goes into the blender of my mind and comes out while I’m plotting. It’s a mysterious process. I wish I understood it better!


Q: How long did it take you to write this story?

Lynn:  Five months. I started and restarted this story dozens of times. I had a vision in my head for what I wanted, but it was difficult to get down on paper. That happens sometimes. It’s frustrating, but there’s no way to control the muse. I have to stick with it until I figure out how to get the story on the page in the right way.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this book?

Lynn:  I do. Tactical Force is the last book in the series and I needed a way to say goodbye to these heroes in a way that summed up their relationships with each other. “To brotherhood” is a reminder that some families you’re born into while others are formed by choice.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from Tactical Force?

Lynn:  Heartache is an easier burden when it’s shared with someone you love. It can be difficult when life throws rocks—or, let’s be honest, boulders—your way. But we aren’t meant to walk through life’s tribulations alone. Having support from a loved one can make all the difference.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know?

Lynn:  I’m terrified of heights, but went to an amusement park with my kids. Once. Just once. I rode every single roller coaster they wanted, and when we were done, promised myself never again. It was torture, but I did it so they would have a wonderful childhood memory of the day we spent together.


Q: What are you reading now?

Lynn: Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch.


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Lynn: Three tall ones, but most of my books are electronic now. I adore having dozens of books on my Kindle.


Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Lynn: Reading, traveling, watching crime shows, and spending time with my family.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon.com gift card + paperback copy of Tactical Force.

Tactical Force JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 25, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Book Spotlight: Caught by the Cowgirl by Tanya Agler

Caught by the Cowgirl JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Caught by the Cowgirl by Tanya Agler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Caught by the Cowgirl

Title: Caught by the Cowgirl
Series:
Rodeo Stars of Violet Ridge #1
Author:
Tanya Agler
Publisher:
Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date:
April 25, 2023
Genre:
Sweet/Clean Contemporary Romance

She’s got a knack…

For roping in hearts 

For rancher Will Sullivan, nothing is more beautiful than a Colorado sunrise…until Kelsea Carruthers shows up at his ranch, wanting to lease his land. But Will has plans for his struggling ranch that don’t include the gorgeous, quirky Southern belle. Now Kelsea is quickly learning how to be a true cowgirl—even as she steals everyone’s hearts. And this gruff, set-in-his-ways cowboy might just be falling the hardest…  

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

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


More Books in this Series


Excerpt

Barry’s advice was cut short as they saw Will Sullivan, all six feet of him, heading their way.

Will wore his thick brown hair an inch or two longer than stylish back east, but in Colorado that length was most likely the gold standard. The hint of dark stubble across his firm jaw might be menacing to some, but not to Preston’s daughter. Fierce determination shone in Will’s brown eyes, recognizable since she was equally resolved that he team up with EverWind.

Most people took one look at her long layered blond hair and dismissed her. Then they discovered she wasn’t as easy to detach from her objective as they believed.

“Hello, Will. Lucky for you, my calendar’s wide open.” She raised her phone and opened to her schedule. “What time tomorrow works best for you to hear my pitch? I’m staying at the Violet Ridge Inn, and I have a rental car.”

“Before sunrise, Rocket and I are heading to the northeast pasture and moving the cows and calves to fresh grass. Won’t have time.” Will glared, but Kelsea wasn’t deterred.

“You have to eat, don’t you?”

About the Author

Tanya Agler

An award-winning author, Tanya Agler makes her home in Georgia with her wonderful husband, their four children, and a lovable rescue beagle. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies, chocolate, and a good cup of tea.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of The Sheriff's Second Chance!

Caught by the Cowgirl JustRead giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 19, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 26, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Author Interview: A Country of Their Own



About the Book

Book: A Country of Their Own

Author: Hope Bolinger

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Release date: April 4, 2023

THE NOTEBOOK meets SEVENTEEN AGAIN.

Priscilla is an old soul. Carter can’t wait to leave Florida, a haven for the elderly.

Together they’re forced to do community service at a retirement home. But all the residents look like teenagers. Are they meant to bring together the lovable residents Scarlett and Paul—who are actually 80 years old? Or is it too late for them to find love?

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author


Hope Bolinger is a Managing & Acquisitions Editor at End Game Press and the Founder of Generation Hope Books.

More than 1400 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Keys for Kids to HOOKED to Crosswalk.com.

She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams.

Twenty-one of her books are under contract or out now with traditional publishers, and she hopes more of her stories will find a home soon. She has also contributed to twelve other books.

 Twenty-one of her books are under contract or out now with traditional publishers, and she hopes more of her stories will find a home soon. She has also contributed to twelve other books.


Interview with Hope


Q: 
What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Hope: Two things. First, it comes from this photo series: https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/reflections-of-the-past-tom-hussey/. But it also comes from my grandmother. She gave me a love of publishing and sadly passed away in 2020. I wrote this book for her.


Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?

Hope: Two weeks. It bled out of me fast onto that page. It was the fastest I’d written a book at the time. The record now is seven days.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Hope: I really want them to see the importance of listening to every generation. There aren’t many novels that cover ageism on both ends of the spectrum. I’m hoping this can help us to love one another better.


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

Hope: I do need to get this officially diagnosed, but after talking with a number of counselors and taking a number of tests, I do believe that I am autistic. I knew there was something always different about me but I could never put two-and-two together. Considering there aren’t many neurodivergent voices in the market, I’d love to be one of the few in the fiction realm.


Q: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Hope: I’m a busy soul for sure, and love to do a lot of things outside of the writing space. I love theater, music, modeling on local runways and shoots in Cleveland, and hiking. I enjoy so many different activities.


More from Hope

Can you write a book based on a photo series.

I did. I stumbled across this photo series in my college days and it never let me go: https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/reflections-of-the-past-tom-hussey/

It made me think about how all people, young and old, are young at heart and wise beyond their years. In the publishing industry, I have experienced a great deal of ageism. You can seldom go to a conference without someone telling you something along the lines of, “Wow. I had no idea that you were so wise. I assumed because you are young that you know nothing.”

And I know that many of my fellow writers who are older have experienced ageism to the same degrees.

So I wanted to write a book that would level the playing field.

I wanted to have two teen main characters who end up good friends with two characters who are well into their 80s—who simply look like teens thanks to the funhouse mirror effects of Country Acres (a retirement home in which the 80-year-old characters are residents).

What made the book hit even closer to home was that I wrote it right after my grandma passed away—and right as the COVID shutdown took effect in 2020.

Grandma had played a huge role in my writing. She and I read my first book together. She owned a bookstore in which, when I was eight, I helped her to run the cash register. And she always supported me in my publishing dreams.

I am sad that she and Grandpa passed long before they could read this. But this book also encapsulates them. That my grandma tap danced well into her eighties, and that my grandpa would ride the waves on a boogie board.

We’re all young, we’re all wise … let’s listen to one another.


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 8

Texas Book-aholic, April 9

Guild Master, April 10 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 15

For the Love of Literature, April 16 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 17

Holly’s Book Corner, April 18

Beauty in the Binding, April 19 (Author Interview)

Deb’s Book Review, April 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 20


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Hope is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/25497/a-country-of-their-own-celebration-tour-giveaway