Book Spotlight: The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Girl Upstairs 
Author: Jessica R. Patch 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Psychological Thriller

"Jessica R. Patch weaves a dark, twisty tapestry that’s both unsettling and unexpectedly hopeful. Masterful." –New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan

She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life. 

Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park, is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better. 

Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood underneath. 

As Gwen delves into the history of the house and the Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined…  

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

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Book Excerpt

The house looms over the harbor, its whitewashed exterior faded. It perches on the bluff like something forgotten, left to rot against the salt and wind. The porch wraps around the front, its boards warped and buckling. I can tell they’ll protest beneath my feet when I approach. Two barrels of dead flowers flank the doors.

The windows are the worst—too many, too large. They stare blankly, smeared with age and dust, clouded, like the house has been watching for so long it’s gone blind.

According to Teresa, the house caught fire in 1980, but it was contained to the main floor’s primary room and the bathroom beside it. Tragic accident around Christmastime.

The roof curls at the edges, blackened with damp, and the chimney stands like a broken spine, bricks crumbling away one by one.

Behind it, the forest presses in. The trees of Acadia stand silent, the pines too still, the birches stripped bare like reaching bones.

Something about the house is jarring. Not just old or neglected. Plenty of houses wear their history in their walls, in their beams, in the way the air inside feels heavy with time, but this one feel like the years left behind something that never quite settled.

We finally step out of the vehicle. I stand a few feet from the porch steps. The wind shifts, cold and sudden, and I swear the house exhales. Like it’s been holding its breath.

Like it’s been expecting me.

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Also Available

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About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places. She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso. 

You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a signed copy of The Other Sister and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 27, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 4, 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 the print copy. 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 Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Other Sister
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Thriller, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life. 

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption. 

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker… 

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

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

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Excerpt

“What in the world is this?” she asks. “It’s like he’s obsessed—”

“With death, right?” All of these women, including myself, look as if we’re being laid to rest. “And he’s not asking them to pose. He’s sneaking into unsuspecting women’s homes and drawing them while they sleep.”

“What a freak show, Char. Things just become more bizarre by the second.”

“Tell me about it!” I fill her in on everything that transpired at the Newsoms’, from Bianca in the bedroom, to MacKenzie’s murderous outburst, to Ford’s displays of affection for me. “I can’t trust any of these people. There’s no loyalty, and it traces back to the mothers. They’re in some kind of competition for the better life.”

Tillie slowly glances up at me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

My hackles rise. “You can’t possibly be comparing me to them. I would…” My words trail off, because I have taken things that don’t belong to me. Things I coveted and wanted but couldn’t afford. And dark things transpired with a particular person who used to visit a restaurant I worked in. She was glamourous and well-liked. Rich.

She had everything I wanted. She was the person I wanted to be…and when you dream every moment of being someone else and living another life, escaping your own for a million reasons, those thoughts become your reality. You enter it, slipping over the edge until you don’t even know what you’ve done or how far you’ve fallen until it’s too late. All you can do is try to clean up the mess but in turn make it messier until people are hurt.

But I’m not that woman anymore.

Am I?

What constitutes change? Actions. Behavior.

Maybe I am still the old me. I can’t think about that right now. I have too many other things piling up on my plate. It’s just that now my plates are china and not paper.

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Also Available

   

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About the Author

Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Jessica R. Patch has penned over 27 novels and is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense or a dark, twisty thriller. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, down the street at the Mexican restaurant, or collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.

Connect with Jessica by visiting jessicarpatch.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to her email newsletter "Patched In" updates and receive a FREE short thriller.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Other Sister? 

Jessica: I watched a CW show called The Ringer back in 2012 and knew I wanted to write my own version of a ringer/twin story.


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

Jessica: I wrote the first draft in about 3 months and revised it in 3 weeks. Before sending it to my editor and then going through another round.


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

Jessica: Detective Patrick surprised me most, especially at the end in the conversation he had with Charlotte. It made me cry because I think it beautifully portrays how Jesus isn’t ashamed to call us his, even if we still feel our shame.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Other Sister? 

Jessica: Want is an open grave that constantly needs filling.


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

Jessica: 2008 after reading Rush of Wings and The Still of the Night by Kristen Heitzmann—highly recommend!


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know? I don’t like driving long distances, so I always have a friend or my husband in the driver’s seat!


Q: What are you currently reading? 

Jessica: I’m listening to a general market thriller by J.T. Ellison called A Very Bad Thing. I just started it so I can’t say if I can recommend it or not yet.


Q: What is your favorite genre to read? 

Jessica:Mystery/suspense/thriller/horror (not possessions or hauntings)


Q: What is your favorite hobby? 

Jessica: Ha! I’ve been trying to decide on a hobby. I think I may take up making sourdough. TikTok makes it look pretty easy and delicious. LOL

Q: What is your favorite season and why? 

Jessica: Hands down fall. I love cool weather, fall colors, bonfires, quilts, hot tea and cider and of course as a teenager T.Ping houses with toilet paper! Ahahaha.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of The Garden Girls & a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Book Spotlight: The Stranger at the Door by Henry O. Arnold

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Stranger at the Door by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Stranger at the Door
Series: The Urban Chronicles #2
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Genre: Christian Thriller

When a beat-up van screeches to a stop in front of The Mercy Seat church late one night and a young woman leaps out in an effort to escape her captors, Maxwell Crane and his family jump to her rescue. But is this desperate girl the innocent victim she appears to be? 

The family’s act of kindness leads to dire consequences. When the young woman and the Crane sisters are abducted by members of a ruthless cartel out for revenge, Maxwell is yanked into yet another harsh reality of life in Hell’s Canyon. 

There are no good options. All strategies for rescue could exact a terrible price. Still haunted by the tragedy he caused the last time he took justice into his own hands, Maxwell can only cast his broken soul upon the mercy of God. He would rush into the gates of hell to save his daughters, but will he get there in time?  

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

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More In This Series

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Excerpt (Character of Maxwell Crane)

Maxwell had been thrown into a dark pit, one he had dug himself, one pregnant with emptiness, one so deep he felt it impossible to climb out. He was lost yet still present in the immediate world. He could recognize faces around him and acknowledge when they spoke, but he could not speak. He could not think of any coherent words to offer in response. He could only discern the sound of panic in other voices, the sound of grief in those around him, the sound of his own guttural drone.

In truth, it was his daughters that were truly lost. But how? They had been right there, right in front of him, within arm’s reach, within his grasp, and yet his hands and fingers could not gain purchase. He envisioned the girls reaching toward him, but he could not take hold of an arm, a shoulder, anything, and pull them to safety.

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About the Author

Mr. Arnold's career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the Urban Chronicles suspense series and the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled The Song of Prophets and Kings (available in all formats wherever books are sold). When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world. He and his lovely wife Kay have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

Connect with Mr. Arnold by visiting henryoarnold.com to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Stranger at the Door & $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 2025. 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: Living Secrets by S.F. Baumgartner

About the Book

Book: Living Secrets: A Thriller

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Thriller

Release Date: September 29, 2023

Can the secret love child of a U.S. Senator deliver the cure for a bioterror threat before time runs out?

Lily Tso is bored and unfulfilled. Orphaned at birth, the twenty-two-year-old Hotel Guest Service Officer is overwhelmed to discover her parents are alive. But the young woman fears she’s woefully unprepared for a treacherous operation to save America and to meet her parents.

Teaming up with an FBI Special Agent and a young tycoon, Lily sets out on a dangerous mission to prevent a heinous biological attack. But as unknown forces bent on thwarting her attempt, she fears time is running out for both her and the country she calls her new home.

Will Lily be able to survive the attacks and save America from certain doom?

Click here to get your copy!

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About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner is a Christian suspense thriller author and creator of the Mirror Estate series. She graduated from the University of Hawaii and the University of Cincinnati. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her cats, staying active, and binge-watching crime TV shows. She lives in Ohio with her family.

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Author Interview with S.F.

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

S.F.: It took me three to four months to finish it. I started it back in 2019 but set it aside when the pandemic hit. It was only last year that I picked it up again.

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

S.F.: For Lily, I’d like a younger version of Chloe Bennet or Christine Ko.


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

S.F.: I worked in a hotel soon after high school for a little bit. I also worked as a tour guide for a summer in a tourist attraction, much like The Biltmore.


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

S.F.: When I’m not writing, I read, or binge watch TV cop/crime shows (where I get a lot of inspiration)


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

I have a website, https://sfbaumgartner.com and they can follow me on my social media Linktr.ee/sfbaumgartner . My novels are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and other online retailers and some libraries, as well as my website.

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More from S.F.

The Journey to “Living Secrets”: A Tale of Hurdles, Hiatus, and Hope

Hello everyone,

I’m incredibly excited to share with you all the backstory of how “Living Secrets,” the first book in the Mirror Estate series, came to be. If you’re a fan of the series (or soon to be), you might know that we’ve got a prequel, “Buried Secrets,” already out in the wild. While it provides some extra flavor and context to the series, “Living Secrets” can totally be enjoyed as a standalone.

The Seeds of a Story

The seedling of the Mirror Estate series started forming in my brain quite some time ago. In fact, I penned an earlier version of the prequel back in 2019, under the title “The Secrets.” No sooner had I hit ‘save’ on that manuscript than I dove head-first into plotting out “Living Secrets.” The story was pulsing through my veins, and I couldn’t wait to get it down on paper.

The 2020 Slump

Then 2020 happened. Ah, yes, the year that shall not be named. Amidst the chaos, my writing spirit decided to take an unscheduled sabbatical. My keyboard gathered dust and the characters in my head seemed to go into hibernation. It was a tough period, creatively speaking, and I know I wasn’t alone in feeling that way.

Rising from the Ashes

Finally, something clicked earlier this year. It was as though my internal storytelling engine roared back to life. I decided it was time to re-enter the world of Mirror Estate. I dusted off the old prequel, gave it a facelift, and republished it as “Buried Secrets,” a more fleshed-out and refined version of the original. But I didn’t stop there; I tackled “Living Secrets” with renewed vigor. After long writing sessions, late-night plot debates with myself, and endless cups of coffee, it’s done. And I couldn’t be prouder to announce that “Living Secrets” is scheduled for release on September 29!

So, whether you’ve been with me since the early days or you’re just discovering the series now, I’m thrilled to have you on this journey. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, plot twists, and unforgettable characters.

Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait for you to dive into “Living Secrets” come September 29.

Until next time, happy reading!

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Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 17 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, December 17

Betti Mace, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Artistic Nobody, December 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 21

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Lily’ Corner, December 23

Guild Master, December 24 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 25

Beauty in the Binding, December 26 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, December 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 27

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book!!

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/293d4/living-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway