Author Interview: High Exposure by Kelly Borjas

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for High Exposure by Kelly Borjas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: High Exposure 
Series: Jagged Edges #1 
Author: Kelly Borjas 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: September 15, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The riveting start to an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from a debut author. 

Determined travel blogger Julia Stevens is on her final assignment in snowy Silverberg, Colorado. She's running from her past—and God—but the charm of small-town life brings little comfort when she's face-to-face with the winter sport that killed her sister: skiing. Upon her arrival in town, she discovers a dead body and is quickly compelled to research the situation, give justice to the man's story, and kick off her new career in journalism. 

Cade Haskins is back home after a failed mission and his subsequent retirement from the DEA. His father's declining health has pushed Cade to prioritize family, and he helps at the historic Silverberg Hotel on his dad's behalf. When Julia shows up at the hotel, Cade becomes her local contact. He quickly realizes she has a knack for sniffing around where she shouldn't, and he attaches himself to her side. 

With the local death connected to a meth ring, Julia's investigation has unknowingly put a target on her back. As the danger increases and she begins to learn more about Cade and his family, she finds herself trusting the God she was running from. And Cade? He doesn't want to get dragged back into DEA work, but it seems like he may not have a choice if he wants to protect Julia . . . and his growing attraction to her.

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

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Excerpt

“You.” Her brows rose.

Man, he was a sucker for the dark-hair and blue-eyes combo. “What?”

“You’re the one who rescued me earlier today.”

He hadn’t recognized her without her hat on, but now the truth hit him full force. The woman from the field. He should apologize, but what could he say? It was still a stupid decision, one that could’ve had dire consequences.

They stared at each other for a long moment. The air around them crackled, and Cade forced himself to take a breath. Did she feel this instant attraction? Or was it friction after their earlier meeting? He blinked, reining his thoughts. He couldn’t afford any distractions. And one drop-dead-gorgeous travel writer might turn out to be just that. A distraction.

“I’m Cade. Bruce’s son. He’s . . . unavailable. I’ll be your contact.”

She plopped a leather tote bag on the floor and pulled a pen from the bun in her hair, offering a view of her slight blush. “Should we get started?”

Maybe she wanted to avoid discussion of their earlier meeting as well. “Sure.”

Julia set a camera on the table, then grabbed her laptop and a leather-bound notebook from the bag by her feet. Clad in dark jeans and a button-down shirt, she crossed her legs, the embodiment of prim and proper.

“Tell me how this job of yours works.” He leaned forward.

“I’m employed by Adventures Through America magazine. I work my way through a location—the restaurants, coffee shops, tourist attractions—and get to know the culture of each place I visit, learn local stories. I post to my socials as I go and publish to my online newsletter, The Traveling Truthteller, then write a full article for the magazine at the end.”

“So you’re like a travel blogger.”

Her face flushed. “I blog about traveling, yes, but I’m a paid writer for a magazine, not just a blogger. Besides, we don’t really call them blogs anymore.” She straightened, passion flowing out of her eyes.

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About the Author

Kelly Borjas grew up in Southwest Colorado and later moved to Southern California. She has a degree in communication studies from Biola University and a master's in leadership and organizational studies from Azusa Pacific University. She is a cohost of the Lit Ladies podcast. Find her at kellyborjas.com.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write High Exposure?

Kelly: I grew up in Colorado and thought it would be the perfect setting for a romantic suspense story! I wanted an adventurous heroine and a protective hero. Once I started piecing together the adventures I wanted for Julia, the rest came to fruition: the meth ring, the DEA background, the family hotel. 

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Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Kelly:  The first draft took probably 4-5 months. However, I have written and rewritten this book more than any other story! It’s been living on my computer for eleven years! (In that time I’ve taken breaks, written other books, etc., but I kept coming back to this one).

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Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Kelly:  I gained such a respect for the DEA. It’s not a branch of law enforcement I had paid much attention to over the years, but I truly appreciate the mission and work the DEA does. I also appreciate how law enforcement agencies work together for successful operations. There is so much that goes on “behind the scenes” of real law enforcement, and I am so humbly grateful for the work these agencies do to protect citizens.

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Q: Do you have a favorite quote from High Exposure?

Kelly:  I love this realization Julia comes to: “The opening of her soul was like pouring salt into an open wound. It might heal, but not without pain racking her body first.” Sometimes it hurts to heal, but the end result is worthwhile.

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Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Kelly:  When I was younger I tried to write a novel a couple different times, but didn’t know how to do it. I first began a version of this story after a voracious stint in reading. I’ve always written in one form or another, but I finally put a book down and realized: if all these other authors could write stories, I could try writing a novel, too. That’s when I seriously began the endeavor of starting and completing a full-length novel.

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

Kelly:  I’m so clutzy! I wish I could be as capable as Julia, my heroine, but the reality is I’m not very athletic or coordinated.

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Q: What is an upcoming fiction release are you looking forward to?

Kelly:  Kate Angelo’s Fatal Pattern is on my TBR!

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Q: What are you currently reading?

Kelly: Just finished Susan Tuttle’s The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton (fiction), and Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund (nonfiction).

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Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Kelly: Aside from reading and writing (my two favorite hobbies!), I love to be outside. Walking, running, hiking, or lake days.

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Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Kelly: Summer: I love the long days, sunshine, time outside and at the pool, extra time with my kids, and the freedom of adventures.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of High Exposure, a bookmark, and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 15, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 22, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview: The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Ballerina's Bargain by Lorri Dudley, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Ballerina's Bargain 
Series: Danforth Theatre #1 
Author: Lorri Dudley
Publisher: Wild Heart Books 
Release Date: September 8, 2026 
Genre: Historical Regency Romance

A burdened earl. A determined ballerina. Saving the theatre was part of their bargain. Losing their hearts wasn't.  

London, 1815 

Emmeline Laurent has survived by grace and grit. After her parents' execution in France, she has learned to live unseen as a humble ballerina instructing young pupils in a small London theatre. When whispers spread that the Danforth Theatre may be sold to an unscrupulous buyer, Emmeline fears not only for her livelihood but for the safety of her impressionable students. With no time and no options, she does the only thing she knows to do: leap into a moving carriage and bargain with the new lord who holds their fate. 

Grant Atherton, the Earl of Quincy, has inherited the crushing weight of duty along with a failing theatre, an arranged engagement, two younger sisters to usher into society, and a mountain of his father's secrets. Selling the Danforth is the only way to save his family from ruin. The last thing he needs is a beautiful, infuriatingly determined ballerina turning his careful plans upside down. 

But when Emmeline's hidden past begins surfacing and the danger circling the theatre proves far deadlier than either of them realized, Grant must choose between the life he planned and the one God may have been preparing all along.  

For fans of Roseanna M. White and Jen Turano — a sweeping Regency romance about the grace found in surrender, the courage it takes to trust, and the God who makes a way when every door seems closed.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Wild Heart Books | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

One corner of his mouth twitched into a sardonic grin. “If your plan is to accost me and make off with my purse, you should probably show your weapon.”

“Weapon?” She’d only seen the theatre owner from behind, but he was more handsome than she imagined, with a firm aristocratic jaw, light eyes, and thick waves of dark brown hair that curled at the ends. His appealing looks only aided in unnerving her.

“Was someone chasing you?” His smile fell and he twisted to peer out the back window. “Were you being accosted?”

Emmeline also shifted to look but couldn’t explain why. She knew no one pursued her. “No.”

“Do you speak English?”

She inwardly groaned. This was going beyond poorly. “Indeed.”

His gaze hardened. “Then, are you mad?” The muscle twitching in his jaw signaled his frustration. “Whatever were you thinking, jumping into a moving carriage?”

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Also Available

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About the Author

Lorri Dudley is the bestselling author of The Leeward Island Series and The Agents of Espionage Series. She has a master’s degree in psychology and lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

Connect with Lorri by visiting lorridudley.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Ballerina’s Bargain?

Lorri: A childhood dream of mine was to become a ballerina who floated across the stage with graceful movements. That dream never came to fruition, but when I began writing The Ballerina’s Bargain, I discovered the next best thing. I could live that dream through my characters.

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Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Lorri: It took me approximately nine months to research and write the rough draft. Self-editing is done in fast sprints after that for another three months, along with marketing. The birthing of a book includes some of the emotional phases of a pregnancy (definitely not the same but bear with me): dreaming about what the book and its characters would be like, lumbering through the awkward, muddy middle, and then the doubts and fears of imposter syndrome as the release day draws closer. Have I done enough? Do I have what it takes to produce a good novel? This is my eleventh novel, and my nervousness before a release hasn’t lessened. Then there’s the joy of celebrating a new release, which is always a delight.

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Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Lorri: Two things shocked me.

A law from 1736 required theatres to be patented to perform, and the patents were granted by the lord chamberlain. The law was enacted after playwright Henry Fielding wrote a satirical play bashing the prime minister, Robert Walpole. Only two theatres held the required patents during the Regency era: The Royal Theatre, Drury Lane, and The Royal Theatre, Covent Garden. Smaller theatres got around this obstacle by performing pantomimes or musicals, and a combination of the two was the opera-ballet.

I was also shocked (and horrified) at how patrons used to support young ballerinas. Wealthy men could become what was known as a ballerina’s “protector,” offering gifts and financial assistance in exchange for the dancer’s exclusive attention and companionship. A pair of ballet slippers, ribbons, jewelry, or other small trinkets were luxurious gifts to a young woman whose family had little money. Behind the applause, these arrangements could leave a vulnerable young ballerina with very little power of her own, and the word protector appears to be a misnomer. Becoming in a family way (or with child) brought a devastating end to her career. A dancer who could no longer perform might find herself without an income and facing the additional burden of supporting a child. For a family already struggling financially, the consequences could be heartbreaking. The darker side of Regency ballet forms the premise behind The Ballerina’s Bargain. Yet I didn't want the novel to dwell upon the most sordid aspects of backstage life. Instead, the story focuses on two people’s heroic determination to spare the young ballerinas from the so-called “protectors” and a wretched fate by those who’d take advantage of their innocence. Still, the danger is always there, lurking backstage.

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Q: Have you ever taken ballet lessons or attended a ballet?

Lorri: Even though I loved dance, we lived too far out in the boonies in Illinois where I grew up for me to do dance other than a very basic ballet class put on by the church we attended. We eventually moved to Lancaster, PA, and in high school I did dance theatre, but at Hempfield High, Dance Theatre was a big production that packed the house for three performances. I was so grateful to be a part of it and to experience all sorts of dance forms: lyrical ballet, jazz, modern, Caribbean, Irish step dancing, and African dance. Being part of these amazing productions ignited my passion for dancing. I even made my husband take ballroom dancing lessons. He returned the favor by having me take rock climbing lessons, but it turns out we loved both.

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Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Ballerina’s Bargain?

Lorri: “Laurent’s do hard things.” This quote has a backstory. Usually, I would choose a funny quote. Olivia, the youngest sister, provided a lot of comical relief, like when Luke asks Grant when he bought Olivia a hamster, and Grant replies, “I didn’t,” and they’re both wondering if her pet is actually a mouse. 

The inspiration of “Laurent’s do hard things” struck me because of a conversation I had with a Christian school principal, who said how after Covid, it became a challenge to get the young kindergartners to leave their parents and come into the school. She persuaded the students to say goodbye and come inside by reminding them they could do hard things. In that moment, I needed the reminder that I could do hard things too. Jesus said, “In this life we will have trouble but take heart for I have overcome the world.” Emmeline struggles with the fear of falling and not being able to do the lifts required of a prima ballerina. She believes it’s her trust in Grant that helps her overcome her fear, but in the end she learns she needs to put her trust in God's protection.

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Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Lorri: I’ve always been creative, and I’ve had a passion for romance books since I happened upon the book Savannah in a Scholastic newsletter in the fourth grade. Since then, I’ve used plotting books to occupy my mind when I couldn’t sleep or was bored, like when I was pushing my kids on the swings. It wasn’t until my husband started playing in the church band and needed to practice that I sat down to type up some of the scenes running through my head. It wasn’t until after I’d finished writing a second full novel in 2014 that I thought that it might be good enough to publish and I could potentially become an author. Funny thing is that I kept writing and ended up getting my fourth novel published, which is now The Duke’s Refuge. I wrote five more books in the Leeward Island Series before returning to the second and third novels, and after many edits, those stories became the first two books of my Agents of Espionage Series: Revealing the Truth and Reclaiming the Spy.

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

Lorri: I’ve also written a futuristic romance that was a finalist in the Genesis Contest and Touched by Love contest called Beacon Hill. After becoming traditionally published with Wild Heart Books, I stopped pursuing publication of that particular novel, simply for lack of time. At this point, some of the futuristic items in the story have come true, and in my mind it now seems more like a contemporary romance. Who knows, now that all three of my boys are in college, I may have more time and can come back to it or put Beacon Hill on Book Funnel as a freebie.

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Q: What are you currently reading?

Lorri: Because I always feel guilty that I should be writing, I binge-read books when on vacation. I’m right now on the last book, The Songbird, of Carrie Cotton’s early Nordic Christianity series that starts with The Huntress. It’s a different genre than I typically read, but I’ve enjoyed the intensity of the series. Carrie does an amazing job weaving “The Christ” (as her characters call Jesus) and spiritual elements into her stories.

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Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Lorri: I’m definitely a summer girl. In New England, winters are long, but summers are delightful, with so many places for weekend trips or vacations. Plus, my boys come back from college, and the house and my heart feel full.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a prize bundle with reading blanket, socks, and candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 8, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview: The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Gentlewoman Apprentice by Emily Opal, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Gentlewoman Apprentice 
Series: The Gentlewoman Series #5 
Author: Emily Opal 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: September 3, 2026 
Genre: Historical Romance

Every seam hides a secret. Every valentine reveals the truth.  

When Margaret Cooper departs the slums of East London for an apprenticeship in a quiet market town, she topples the established order—and no one feels it more than Peter Sloan, the handsome tailor forced to teach her his trade. 

Margaret is steeled to prove her worth in a man’s world and has no leisure for courtship. But when anonymous Valentines begin to arrive, each with gifts and words that pierce her heart, she feels truly known for the first time. If only she could unmask the hand that distracts her from her aspirations. 

Burdened by a failing business and an ill father, Peter has no patience for a female apprentice who upends his orderly life. Yet through a reckless wager, he finds himself sending Valentines to none other than Miss Cooper. What begins as halfhearted duty blossoms into admiration—and dangerous longing.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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Excerpt

He stepped into his mother’s still room and closed the door, shutting out the conversation filtering from the parlor. Dust floated across a stream of light. He inhaled the scent of herbs and fruit, bitter and sweet. The shelves lay nearly bare, with a few bottles of apricot ratafia and sage-rosemary wine. On a ledge, once replete with sweetmeats, sat a glass jar, sparkling crimson. He dusted the parchment seal and ran his thumb over his mother’s faded scrip: “Sour Cherry Preserves.”

He collected butter biscuits from the kitchen, grabbed another teacup, and entered the parlor. With some ceremony, he removed the seal from the cherry preserves and glanced at Miss Cooper. He wanted her to understand the significance of the gift, meant for her.

“I brought a treat.” He slathered jam on two slices of bread, gave one to Father, sat beside Miss Cooper, and offered her the second.

She took it and muttered, “Bread and jam do not make up for your failing your duty.”

Peter winced. Miss Cooper did not understand the weight of what he offered, but his father licked a cherry from his thumb, a dribble of joy straight from the hand of his beloved Deborah. It was foolish to have imagined anyone but Father could have appreciated the gesture.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Emily Opal spent her childhood reading, having tea parties, and imagining she existed in another century. While pleased to live in a time when chamber pots are obsolete, she loves researching a bygone world full of hardships both foreign and relatable. Fortunate to find a spouse equally afflicted with wanderlust, Emily and her husband travel whenever and wherever they can. They live with their children and Labradoodle in Utah, where she enjoys mountain views and hiking but pretends to love skiing.

Connect with Emily by visiting emilyopal.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Gentlewoman Apprentice?

Emily: I learned that in Europe tailors (all male, as women could not join the guild) manufactured women’s clothing until 1675 when Louis XIV created a guild for female dressmakers. The history is nuanced, but this tidbit caused me to wonder about the women who forayed into this male profession. I also really love the movie You’ve Got Mail, so when I discovered that people used to exchange anonymous valentines, I had my story.

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Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Emily: About a year, including edits.

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Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Emily: On a personal note, writing is therapeutic, and I often find my own concerns falling onto the page. This time, it was Meg’s relationship with her younger sibling, Samuel. She feels responsible for him in a way that is impossible for her fulfill. As my own children are striking out on their own, Meg’s sentiment is mine. Ultimately, I trust God to find them, hold them, and bring them home.

The most surprising bit of research is that demand for chintz or printed cotton was instrumental in the industrial revolution. Colorful stamped and painted cotton came in from India and was so popular, it threatened British wool and silk industries. Calico Acts outlawed its purchase to the point that women risked having their chintz gowns torn off them by angry wool workers. But women wanted cool, easy-care cotton, so industrialists figured out how to make it quickly and cheaply.

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Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Gentlewoman Apprentice?

Emily: “Were I a queen, an empress, or in possession of a great treasure, I would learn dressmaking. Even if I must do it alone, I will master the craft—if it takes ten years, if it takes a lifetime.”

I like this expression of Meg’s determination, an ambition which does not always serve her well. Her single-mindedness makes her blind to certain truths, and she almost misses out on love.

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Q: Is it necessary to read the prior books in this series before reading The Gentlewoman Apprentice?

Emily: No, but if you do, some characters will mean more to you.

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

Emily: I can’t remember why I chose mid-18th century as my era. There was a very specific bit of trivia involved that I simply forgot. But I love it. The more I learn, the more fascinating it is.

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Q: What are you currently reading?

Emily: I am re-reading the Emma M. Lion series.

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Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Emily: I read every genre. If I had to choose, I’d say literary fiction and classics. And romance. And women’s fiction. See? I can’t choose.

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Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Emily: Reading. But I have recently taken up crochet, so listening to a book while crocheting is my favorite.

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Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Emily: Summer! I love having less of a schedule. I love sun. I love green trees. I love watching different flowers in my yard grow and expire over the months.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a book box with 18th century bits and bobs and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview: The Song of Our Heart by Kathy Dye

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Song of Our Heart by Kathy Dye, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Song of Our Heart: Remembering God's Faithfulness Through Every Season 
Author: Kathy Dye 
Publisher: Westbow Press 
Release Date: April 9, 2026 
Genre: Bible Study

Life doesn’t always sound like we expect. Disappointments come, relationships fracture, health fails, and dreams fade. In these moments, we need something—Someone—to be the steady song of our hearts.  

The Song of Our Heart presents a five-week Bible study journey through Psalm 71. It provides a way to discover how to make God your song through every season of life—not just the easy ones, but especially the hard ones. This isn’t about superficial positivity or pretending everything is fine. It’s about honest faith that clings to God when life is messy. Through daily readings, reflection questions, and practical application, you’ll explore what it means to find God as your refuge when you’re overwhelmed, your hope when circumstances look bleak, and your praise even when you don’t feel like singing. Each week focuses on a specific aspect of making God your song: 

• Week 1: God Is Our Song 
• Week 2: A Life Led by God 
• Week 3: God as Our Refuge 
• Week 4: God as Our Hope
• Week 5: God as Our Praise 

Whether you’re in a season of joy or walking through shadows, this study will help you rediscover that God isn’t just with you—He is your song. And when He becomes your song, you’ll be able to build a legacy of faith that sings long after you’re gone. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Publisher's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

From the Letter from the Author
— Closing words to readers

“You are the song He’s composing.”

Most of all, I hope you leave this study knowing deep in your heart that you are loved by the God who sings over you. Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that “the Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Can you picture that? The Creator of the universe delights in you so much that He sings over you. Your heavenly Father knows your name, your struggles, your dreams, and your fears, and still, He rejoices over you with singing. You are His beloved daughter, and your life is the song He’s composing through you.

And when life gets difficult—because it will—remember what we’ve learned together. Remember Moses at the Red Sea, remember David in the cave, remember the saints who have gone before us and found God faithful. Remember that He is your refuge, your hope, your strength, and your song.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and may His song be the soundtrack of your beautiful life.

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About the Author

Kathy Dye resides in Evansville, Indiana, with her husband Sid. A retired elementary teacher turned Christian author and speaker, Kathy has taught women's Bible studies for over 40 years. She is the author of A Song in Her Heart, the Kit Kat Camp series, and the newly released Bible study The Song of Our Heart—a five-week journey through Psalm 71 helping women make God the song of their hearts through every season of life. Her commitment is to equip mothers and women to build a legacy of faith across generations.

Connect with Kathy by visiting kathydyeauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Song of Our Heart?

Kathy: It started with A Song in Her Heart, my picture book about my mother's battle with Alzheimer's. After writing that, I realized we all truly do have a song in our heart. I later read that Isaiah, David, and Moses each spoke of having a song in their heart too, and that discovery became the seed for this study.

Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Kathy: It took me a couple of years to write the Bible study.

Q: What surprised you while writing this book?

Kathy: Studying Zephaniah 3:17 and the concept of God singing over us. It showed me how much His love plays into this, and how much we need to sing this song to others so they can hear it too.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Song of Our Heart?

Kathy: “This isn't just a study about music, though we will certainly incorporate worship. Rather, it's about allowing God's truth to become the soundtrack of your life — the melody that sustains you through every season, the rhythm that guides your steps, and the harmony that brings beauty even to life's jarring moments.”

Q: What do you hope readers take away from The Song of Our Heart?

Kathy: My deepest hope is that women will realize their story matters — that when they look back over their lives, they'll see God has been working through it all along. Even the hardest seasons have a melody, if we're willing to look back and listen for it.

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

Kathy: I have an alter ego named Gertie who loves sharing joy with everyone around her. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram.

Q: What are you currently reading?

Kathy: Theo of Golden and The Release of the Spirit.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Kathy: Fall. I love the cooler temperatures after a hot summer, the colors of the leaves changing, and browsing outdoor markets.

Q: Who did you write this study for?

Kathy: I wrote it for the woman who feels like life has drowned out her song — worn down by a hard season, a loss, or just the noise of everyday life. My hope is that she'll rediscover that the song never left; it's just waiting to be sung again.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of The Song of Our Heart and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 1, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview: Restoring Hope by Philippa Cleall

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Restoring Hope by Philippa Cleall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Restoring Hope 
Series: Restored from Ashes #1 
Author: Philippa Cleall 
Publisher: Ark House Press 
Release Date: October 31, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Can she find safety and belonging, before the past finds her? 

After escaping an abusive marriage, Hope Elkins returns to the quiet town of Wombat Valley to reopen her late grandmother’s café, The Hearth—not to chase a dream, but to rebuild her life. 

Drawn in by the scent of wood-fired pizza and the warmth of old and new faces, Hope begins to find more than comfort within the café’s walls. As The Hearth fills with stories and second chances, she forms unlikely bonds with others—Ruby, a fiercely guarded teen; Nova, a young mother on the run; and Joe, the gentle local vet carrying grief of his own. 

With the support of her new community, Hope begins to heal and is gently drawn back to the faith she thought she’d left behind. But when a charming, dangerous figure from her past resurfaces, she must decide whether to stand firm in the life she’s begun to rebuild, or risk losing it all. 

Restoring Hope is a tender, uplifting story of resilience, rediscovery, and the quiet strength found in faith, friendship, and a place to belong 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

Chapter 11
Scene: Meeting Eve (Page 62)

Hope’s voice lowered. “I think I’ve been holding everyone at arm’s length, especially anything that smelled like church. But Eve … she made it feel like maybe genuine faith isn’t about unwritten rules and Sunday faces. Maybe it’s people actually being real. Having hands that help, a desire to understand, and hearts that wait to listen.”

Ruby didn’t say anything right away, but her expression shifted to become something thoughtful, even cautious hopefulness.

“I didn’t know you were still open to all that,” Ruby said finally, watching her carefully.

“I wasn’t sure either,” Hope admitted. “But something about Eve challenged me … and I realised that although I didn’t feel God’s presence in places I ran from, my experience here might be different.”

Another pause. Then Ruby asked, quietly, “Do you think Nova will be okay?”

Hope reached out and gently took the tea towel from Ruby’s shoulder, folding it. “She’s scared. But she’s braver than she knows. And she’s not alone.”

She looked at Ruby then and held her gaze. “Neither are you.”

Ruby swallowed and glanced away, but she didn’t leave.

Hope didn’t push, just stood there in the soft light, letting the truth linger in the air.

Outside, the evening deepened. A prayer formed in Hope’s heart. It was just a whisper, asking God to protect Nova and Lily, and to show them a safe way forward. She felt heard.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Philippa Cleall is a Children’s and Family Counsellor and volunteer Court Chaplain on the south coast of NSW, in Australia. She has a heart for seeing communities become more trauma informed so they can care for those hurting with greater wisdom, compassion, grace, and truth.

Connect with Philippa by visiting philippacleall.com.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write Restoring Hope?

Philippa: Surprisingly, I did not have this book in mind at all beforehand. I woke one morning with a strong sense that this story had been laid on my heart by God. In some respects, this book reflects parts of my own life story, but the resolution of the narrative tells a story I wish that had been my own.

 

Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Philippa: Once the story concept was formed, I became very focused on writing. My husband might even use the word “obsessed”. I spent most nights after work writing until midnight for months until the manuscript for Restoring Hope was finished. The book was completed in under five months.

 

Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Philippa: While I knew I would need to carefully portray traumatised characters interacting with caring and authentic people, I was most surprised by how instinctive my understanding was of the role of nature and animals in therapeutic healing. I have always had pets, and I rarely let a day pass without spending time outdoors, whether walking or appreciating something naturally beautiful. However, before writing this story, I had not fully considered how essential these elements are in a healing journey for someone who has been harmed.

 

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Restoring Hope?

Philippa: There are too many favourites to choose just one. However, I dedicated this novel to my adult daughter, who returned to her faith two years ago after a time wandering in the spiritual wilderness. When writing these words spoken by Joe, I was particularly thinking of her:

“God never stops reaching, even when we’re running. And when He brings someone home, it’s not just a return. It’s a restoration. You’re not the same as you were before. You’re stronger. You’re … more precious.”

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Philippa: I completed a diploma in professional creative writing almost 30 years ago, but then allowed the idea of writing a novel to drift as life took me in many different directions. Perhaps God was holding that calling for the right time and later placed it on my heart to begin this series.

 

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

Philippa: I am deeply interested in research and information. In the evenings, while my husband Greg scrolls through fishing or car maintenance videos on YouTube, I am often energetically researching a topic related to faith, social justice, or a global issue that has captured my attention that day. After a couple of hours of reading and reflecting, I usually try to share a summary of my thoughts with Greg. To his credit, he often listens politely for a few minutes at least.


Q: What are you currently reading?

Philippa: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. It is a wonderful, feel-good story that encourages a character who is deeply grieving to move forward in her life.


Q:. What is your favorite genre to read?

Philippa: I enjoy realistic contemporary Christian fiction and also appreciate secular small-town rural fiction. However, any well-told story, particularly one where women are encouraged to step forward with courage, is one I am drawn to.

 

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Philippa: Does spending time with my grandchildren count? Aside from that, ocean swimming and gardening are two of my favourite pastimes, and I also enjoy painting.

 

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Philippa: I love autumn. The ocean is still warm, and the sun has lost its fierce summer intensity, instead casting a softer light that makes everything appear more beautiful and richly coloured before winter gently draws nature into hibernate.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card + a 'Kangaroo Valley' souvenir prize pack from Australia!

(1) additional winner will also receive a 'Kangaroo Valley' souvenir prize pack!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 31, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 7, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for gift card. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview: Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Taken Without a Trace 
Author: Hope Welborn 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: August 25, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

A missing person case… or a deadly cover-up? 

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.  

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

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Excerpt

Cash Brenner? She hadn’t seen him in over two years. Not since he’d carelessly ended things between them. And broken her heart.

Pushing the though aside, she stepped toward him. “Cash?”

Crystal-blue eyes met hers, and her breath caught. She’d forgotten how piercing his gaze could be.

But his eyes looked through her, not seeming to recognize her. “Go.” He glanced at the road behind them. “Have to…go.”

“You’re not going anywhere.” A deep cut at his temple mingled with his short, dark hair. He probably had a concussion. “You need medical attention.”

He took two steps and almost toppled. Definitely a concussion.

She positioned herself next to his good shoulder and braced under the impact of his weight. Maya was not a tiny woman, but Cash was a big man. Tall and muscular.

She directed him away from the wreck. “Let’s get you to my car, and I’ll call for help.”

He mumbled something that sounded like—

“Bones? Yeah, you probably have something broken. We’ll let the paramedics che—”

The sound of another motor caught her attention. A sleek, dark street bike skidded to a halt at the edge of the pavement. Before she could speak, the rider raised a weapon.

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Also Available

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About the Author

Award-winning author Hope Welborn writes spine-tingling suspense, sprinkled with romance, and saturated with faith. By day, she masquerades as a digital content marketing technology specialist, and by night, she stays up too late putting words on the page. Hope is also co-owner and design/technology manager for Spark Flash Fiction and a member of the Suspense Squad. She has two indie published works, and her next novel will release from Love Inspired Suspense in August 2026. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Connect with Hope by visiting hopewelborn.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write Taken Without a Trace? 

Hope: Any time I set out to write a story, I find inspiration in a variety of places. When I began this one, I wanted to feature an interesting law enforcement agency. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has regional offices all over the state, including one in my hometown, so I decided to learn more about how the agency operates. During my research, I read a book by a former GBI agent who wrote about a case that had really affected him. I loved the idea of giving my special agent a similar challenge, and Cash Brenner and the case he couldn't solve were born. I wanted the heroine to have just as much at stake, so I made private investigator Maya Reid desperate to find her missing sister. When similarities emerge between their two cases, Cash and Maya must work together to solve both. And because I love a good second-chance romance, I gave them a painful history they have to overcome to find their happily ever after.


Q: How long did it take to write this book? 

Hope: From the initial concept to turning the manuscript in to my agent for submission, it took about a year. That included brainstorming, research, plotting and outlining, drafting, editing, and feedback from beta readers. I'm a #writerwithadayjob, so writing isn't my full-time job. I have to find time to write in between all the other life things!

Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel? 

Hope: I was surprised by how differently the GBI operates from a local sheriff's office or city police department. I learned a lot about when and why they get involved in cases. Usually, they're called in by a local agency to assist with certain investigations, although their involvement can also be requested by the governor. And because they're a statewide agency, they don't have the same jurisdictional boundaries as local law enforcement. Learning how the agency works gave me a lot of interesting possibilities for the story.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Taken Without a Trace? 

Hope: There are a few I could pick from, but I'll go with this one: Her pain mirrored his own. She understood him like no one else ever had.

This comes from a quiet moment between Cash and Maya, a rare time when they're not running from danger! It also gets to the heart of Cash's emotional conflict. He's always held personal relationships at arm's length for fear of getting hurt or hurting someone in return. When he and Maya dated a few years before the story begins, he connected with her in a way he never had with anyone else. It terrified him, so he broke things off and crushed Maya's heart. Now that she's back in his life, he's afraid of hurting her all over again, but he can't deny how deeply she understands him or how she fills the empty places in his heart.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

Hope: When I was in third grade, my teacher had us write a short story using that week's spelling words every Friday. I discovered how much I loved coming up with ideas and creating stories. I came home one day and told my mother that when I grew up, I wanted to be an author. Through the years, I carried that dream with me, and I'm so blessed that it has become a reality. More than that, I believe writing is a purpose and calling God has given me.


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

Hope: I grew up on a small farm in northeast Georgia. Over the years, my family had chickens, ducks, geese, dogs, miniature goats, donkeys, and horses. But here's the funny part: I'm actually allergic to horses! Needless to say, that made for some interesting times on the farm.

Q: What are you currently reading? 

Hope: Between being an author, working a full-time job, and co-owning the online magazine Spark Flash Fiction, I don't have as much time to read as I'd like. When I do get a few minutes, I'm usually reading a friend's book or something in my genre because I'm always learning and growing in my craft. Currently, I'm making my way through fellow author and friend Sami A. Abrams' new Stone Creek Ranch series from Love Inspired Suspense. Suspense, romance, cowboys, and rodeo—you can't go wrong with that combination!


Q: What is your favorite genre to read? 

Hope: My first love is, of course, inspirational romantic suspense. I love the combination of sweet romance, danger, page-turning excitement, and a meaningful faith thread. I also enjoy a good rom-com as long as it's a clean read. And in a totally different direction, I sometimes enjoy fantasy or sci-fi. I'm fascinated by an author's ability to create a world that's vastly different from our own yet still feels familiar and believable. I love to read it, but I could never write it!

Q: What is your favorite hobby? 

Hope: I love music. Both sides of my family are musical, and I've been playing piano for over 40 years. I also love to sing. I play piano for my church and help with the youth choir. Before writing took up all my free time, I also enjoyed pencil drawing and acting in local theater.

Q: What is your favorite season and why? 

Hope: I'm a fall girl, through and through. Give me crisp air, brightly colored trees, and all the cozy clothes! Summer in Georgia is brutal, with the hot temperatures and high humidity. Winter in the northeast Georgia mountains means more ice than snow. Spring is pretty but full of pollen and sometimes tornadoes. So I relish our short-lived autumns and spend the rest of the year wishing fall would hurry up and come back!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Taken Without a Trace, a copy of both Hidden and Trail of Danger (also by Hope Welborn), and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Author Interview: The Last Valentine by Andrea Renee Cox

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Last Valentine by Andrea Renee Cox, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Last Valentine 
Author: Andrea Renee Cox 
Publisher: Writing to Inspire Publications 
Release Date: April 17, 2026 
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romantic Tragedy, Sweet Romance, Men's Fiction, Short Story

Zechariah attempts to make his wife's last Valentine's Day extra special, but everything keeps going wrong. When her final moments draw near, will he find a way to push beyond his own grief to gift her a final burst of joy? 

This award-winning romantic tragedy is perfect for fans of the movies Roman Holiday, Collateral Beauty, and A Walk to Remember.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Fable | BookBub

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Excerpt

He adjusted his striped tie just as a crack of thunder jolted through the air. He peeked up and got splattered on the bridge of his nose for his trouble. He’d have to run. He hunched over the rose and used his suit jacket to shield it from the biggest raindrops. His feet wouldn’t move fast enough to avoid the swiftly forming puddles.

By the time he rounded the last corner, he was drenched to the bone. He jogged to the walkway that led to his front door, but the change of texture beneath his loafer got the better of him. His sole slipped, his leg jutted out—he overcompensated, pitched forward, and fell on his face, barely missing smashing his nose when his cheek hit the pavement.

Sitting up wasn’t the trouble; the crushed rose still clutched in his hand was.

His gut wrenched. What was he going to do? It wouldn’t be a proper Valentine’s Day without a flower to present to the love of his life. He couldn’t come empty-handed!

This was Emmalie’s last special day, after all.

He glanced around, rain slithering down his face and neck, but he didn’t see pops of color near any of the doors in either direction. Why didn’t anyone garden on this street? Flower pots and boxes were still things, weren’t they?

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Also Available

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About the Author

Born and raised in north Texas, award-winning author and Editor of the Year nominee (2026) Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting Christian fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction, sweet romance, or romantic tragedy, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website (andreareneecox.com), and readers are welcome to follow her blog and subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates in her journey.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Last Valentine?

Andrea: Carrie Turansky was hosting a Valentine’s Day romance short story contest, and when I was reading through the requirements for the second time, God dropped this idea in my head: What if this guy was trying to make his wife’s last Valentine’s Day extra special, but everything kept going wrong? That premise was so juicy, the ideas of how to flesh it out immediately started popping. And that’s when I knew I was on to something sweet and emotional and romantic and tragic—all the things I absolutely love about romantic tragedy stories.

Q: With The Last Valentine being labeled as a romantic tragedy, what should readers expect in terms of content and ending?

Andrea: Fantastic question! I love a good romantic tragedy and all the tumultuous emotions the genre brings. I fell in love with romantic tragedies when I saw Roman Holiday and Wuthering Heights (the Ralph Fiennes version) when I was around twelve. Those movies gripped me for very different reasons, and they’ve stuck with me all this time.

When I wrote The Last Valentine, I knew I wanted the sweet romcom tone of Roman Holiday but also a tragic, bittersweet ending reminiscent of Wuthering Heights. While my story is not a mashup or retelling of either (The Last Valentine is an original story), it does contain those tones I strove for.

As for content and the ending, slight spoiler here (though it is majorly hinted at in the book’s blurb), one of the main characters is dying from an illness. That illness remains unnamed, and while a significant character’s death happens, it is not graphic. Instead, it is a very bittersweet moment that makes me cry from a mixture of sorrow and joy every single time.

Readers should expect an emotional story and a significant character’s death—but also sweet romance between a married couple and a bittersweet joy that only Jesus can sweep into a person’s final moments

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

Andrea: Less than a month, believe it or not. Mrs. Turansky put out the call for contest entries on January 15, 2026, and I turned in The Last Valentine on February 8, 2026. The Last Valentine won third place in that contest. What an honor! And I only made a couple of small adjustments to the story before publishing it. Why mess much with an award-winner, right?

Short stories, surprisingly, come really easily to me and don’t often need many revisions. Full-length novels, on the other hand… That’s a different thing altogether. But I have a goal of reaching a perfect first draft anyway. Yet to be known if I’ll ever reach that one, but it sure is fun trying.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Last Valentine?

Andrea: My favorite lines are the last two sentences of the story—but I can’t share those because of major spoilers. (But I hope readers will pick up the book to discover what they are and why they’re so incredibly special.) So how about my second favorite instead?

I absolutely love the cheeky, sweet romance of this exchange between Zechariah and his wife, Emmalie:

He sniffed back a mix of snot and emotion and lowered his voice to match hers. “How would you like the best seat in the house, my lady?”

“Mm.” She snuggled against his chest. “I think I already have it.”

That part makes me go, “Awwww!” every time and gives me the warm fuzzies. She might be fading fast, but she still loves her man.

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Andrea: I actually began in screenplays (movies). I had seen my dad write them since I was in elementary school, and when I was sixteen, I got an idea for one. After writing eight or nine screenplays and dreaming of seeing them up on the silver screen, I discovered it’s incredibly difficult to crack into the movie business. So I did some exploring on Facebook (I’m no longer on that site) and discovered the Christian fiction writing community was very welcoming to newcomers.

That’s when I switched to writing books.

I completely fell in love with this longer form of writing and could immediately envision myself as a published author someday. Of course, back then, I always thought I’d be traditionally published. But over the years, I’ve learned that there are many different ways to become a published author. Since 2021, I’ve had four stories published in small-press anthologies; three of those books are still in print and available to purchase (andreareneecox.com/books). But this fifth book, The Last Valentine, I indie published.

I’m excited to see where God takes me as I keep exploring the writing journey He’s set before me.

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

Andrea: This type of question always challenges me because my life is so pleasantly boring. I do love it that way (no melodrama for me!), but it makes it hard to think of something to say when asked what’s unique about me or whatnot.

Let’s see…

If anyone follows me on Twitter, they probably already know I’m a huge Dallas Stars hockey fan. I can hardly wait for preseason to start in September and regular season in October.

Readers who follow my blog, Writing to Inspire, probably already know that I read a very broad range of genres, both Christian and general market. And if they follow my reviews on Goodreads, they know that for the last many years, I’ve given content warnings at the bottom of my reviews to help other readers make better-informed decisions on books they’d like to read.

But what’s something I haven’t shared anywhere before…?

Aha! I thought of something that only people who know me in person know—until now.

I absolutely love dill pickles, but I cannot imagine trying any of the dill-pickle-flavored food items that are popping up everywhere. Dill pickle Cheetos, dill pickle chips, dill pickle baked beans… They all sound super disgusting to me. I want my dill pickles to just be dill pickles, and I want my other stuff to just be that other stuff—never to be combined together.

Q: What are you currently reading?

Andrea: In August, I’m participating in the Prairie Trail Readathon hosted on YouTube and Discord by Anne at In Search of Wonder, so I’m reading lots of Westward Expansion and Prairie Trail/Oregon Trail books right now.

I just finished Remember My Royalty by my friend Hannah E. Griggs, and it was a five-star amazing book that featured a trio of Scottish siblings who find themselves caught in the midst of the Texas Revolution. I cannot recommend this indie-published book high enough. It is definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

Right now, I’m on chapter eleven of One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick. I’m a big weather nerd, so finding out that this book was about a wagon train party that faces a humongous mountain snowstorm made me add it to my TBR so fast. I’ve put it off for years because I was afraid I wouldn’t enjoy it since I had struggled with a previous book by this author. But it fit perfectly into the readathon this month, so I decided to pull it out finally and give it a go. So far, it’s pretty fascinating. I’m not sure how accurate the personalities and marital and sibling squabbles were to the real-life people, but I’m intrigued by their plight and the adventure of it all. The party has already split up twice, so I’m well and truly hooked now. Gotta see who all makes it to the final destination alive!

And I’m really looking forward to reading Twilight Tactics by Lynette Eason, Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon, and The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy (yes, inspired by the movie Roman Holiday, which you already know I love). Those are some of my most-anticipated books of the year, and I’m pretty sure I’ll get to them early in September—right after this readathon is over and I can mood read, instead of theme read, again.

While I could talk books forever and ever, I should probably stop there. Leave ’em wanting more, right? 😉


Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Andrea: I read quite broadly, but I always end up circling back to WWII fiction. Sarah Sundin is my favorite in the genre, and I’m all caught up on her books right now (until my preorder of her next story comes in later this year), but I still have plenty of other WWII books by different authors in my stacks and on my shelves that I could read soon.

Lately, I’ve been really enjoying contemporary romcoms by authors Shannon Sue Dunlap and Sarah Monzon. I didn’t think I liked the genre until I found these authors. The others I’d tried before went more to the zany, slapstick, unrealistic side of romcoms, and that is so not my style. But the hijinks and warmth and deep discussions and sweet humor found in Dunlap’s and Monzon’s writing have been just the refreshing sort of combination I’ve needed in my life.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Andrea: Reading, hands down. I enjoy diamond art, watching sports, teaching myself to crochet, reorganizing my books and movies, binge-watching TV shows and movies, and random other things, but I always, always, always have a book with me. I’ve had a love for books since I was a toddler (there’s picture proof hanging on my parents’ living room wall), and that passion has only grown with me over the years since then.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Andrea: This is a question I’ve actually been rethinking my answer to lately. I am a redhead living in North Texas, so I’m sensitive to the extreme heat that we experience in summer. Winter used to be my favorite season because it was the complete opposite of that, though our winters can be warm (Christmas is often 70 degrees Fahrenheit around here), but they can also be brutally cold with subzero temps that cause pipes to burst if not properly dripped and insulated. I still love snow (we mostly get ice when we get any wintry precipitation), but I’ve had enough of pipes bursting to last a lifetime, thanks.

Because of that, I’m changing my mind and finding the very early days of spring and the late days of autumn to be my favorite seasons. Those are the days on either side of the oppressive summer heat when the highs are maybe upper 60s, low 70s with chilly evenings. I can leave a window cracked at night for fresh air. I can wear all my sweaters and jackets and fingerless gloves and such. And I can have hot chocolate without feeling like I’ll roast to death. Happy, happy sigh! Sweater-weather season is my absolute favorite.

Thank you so much for the fantastic questions and for hosting me on Beauty in the Binding! I hope your readers will pick up a copy of The Last Valentine and hop over to my website for all the ways to follow me. Happy reading, y’all! I would love to hear about your current reads in the comment section. Anything I ought to add to my burgeoning TBR list?

Thank you, Andrea, for joining in on the blog today!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an electronic copy (PDF, MOBI, or EPUB) of The Last Valentine, a paperback copy of Novelists in November, and a couple of bookmarks and stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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