Showing posts with label Laurel Blount. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laurel Blount. Show all posts

Friday, May 27, 2022

Author Interview & Giveaway: Her Mountain Refuge by Laurel Blount

Her Mountain Refuge JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Mountain Refuge by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


Her Mountain Refuge

Title: Her Mountain Refuge 
Author: Laurel Blount
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: May 24, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian

Going home could mean risking her heart… 
She needs help to start over… 
But can she ever trust again? 

Widowed, pregnant and under her controlling mother-in-law’s thumb, Charlotte Tremaine needs help—but she doesn’t expect it to come from her estranged childhood best friend. Yet after a fainting spell lands her in the hospital, Sheriff Logan Carter whisks her away to his foster mother’s mountain home to recover. But when her secrets follow, can she face her painful past with Logan at her side?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Laurel Blount 

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com

CONNECT WITH LAUREL: Website | Facebook | Instagram

AUTHOR INTERVIEW


Q: What was the inspiration behind Her Mountain Refuge?

Laurel: My books almost always start with a character, and this one started with Sheriff Logan Carter. I was intrigued by the idea of a good-hearted man so deeply wounded by lies and betrayal in his childhood that he became single-mindedly dedicated to the principles of truth and loyalty. I was interested by what problems that might cause in his life--when you can’t even bring yourself to tell a “white lie” does that cause problems in relationships? I was also curious about how a straight-arrow man like that would react when his old high school best friend (and secret crush) was in deep trouble--but keeping a painful secret. How far would he go to help her?

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

Laurel: My Love Inspired books usually take about three or four months for me to write. Of course, about half of that is writing, and half is rewriting! 😉

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

Laurel: I love it when Ruby Sawyer, Logan’s plainspoken foster mom, remarks ruefully, “I’ve been praying, and praying is dangerous business.” It really can be! A favorite theme in my writing is how God often answers us in unexpected ways. In my experience, often He will upend our lives in response to our prayers, intent on getting to the root of our problem. Sometimes those roots can run pretty deep, but the end result is always worth it.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from Her Mountain Refuge?

Laurel: I hope my readers leave this book with a sense of renewed hope and optimism, reminded that even when our lives seem bleak, we are never out of God’s reach. I also hope this story showcases the world-changing importance of ordinary folks who are willing to roll up their sleeves and wade into life’s messes in order to help others --like Ruby and Logan.

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

Laurel: Hmm, that’s a toughie because I like to chat, and if folks get my newsletter, they know a LOT about me. How about this: I majored in Spanish in college (I also took French and Latin because I love languages--go figure!) and I taught Spanish for years. Now in addition to my writing, I teach an online Spanish class for homeschoolers twice a week--and I love it.

Q: What are you reading now?

Laurel: I just finished our local book club’s most recent selection The Lost Apothecary, and I am gearing up to start next month’s book, Everything We Didn’t Say. I really enjoy participating in book club. Not only are the ladies tons of fun, but since I don’t pick out the books, it nudges me to read outside my usual genres. I learn a lot as a writer! (And they actually chose to read my own book Strength in the Storm two months ago, which was a dream come true for this bookworm!) I also just preordered Tina Radcliffe’s upcoming Love Inspired Suspense, Sabotaged Mission, and I’m very much looking forward to reading that. Finally, I’m reading a nonfiction book: Decluttering at the Speed of Life. (And if you could see my office right now, you’d know why!)

Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Laurel: I had to stop and count! Nine at the moment--and my Kindle has hundreds of books on it, too. I do love books!

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

Laurel: Writing is such a solitary activity that I like to balance it by spending time with people I care about--my family and my friends. I love poking through antique shops, visiting new places, having soul-searching chats over cups of tea or during long walks, listening to uplifting music, baking, reading, gardening. It’s a long list! The truth is, I have so many things I love to do that it’s hard to find time for them all. And all of them are so much more fun when I can share them with someone else!

And speaking of that--thanks so much for letting me visit with you! I’ve had a wonderful time!


Thanks for taking time to answer my questions! You are welcome back anytime, Laurel! 💜

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, Faith Can Move Mountains Tote Bag, and signed copies of the two Cedar Ridge Love Inspired books, Lost and Found Faith and Her Mountain Refuge!

Her Mountain Refuge JustRead Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 23, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 30, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount

Shelter in the Storm JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


Shelter in the Storm
Title: Shelter in the Storm 
Series: Johns Mill Amish Romance #1 
Author: Laurel Blount 
Publisher: Berkley Books 
Release Date: May 25, 2021 
Genre: Christian Contemporary/Amish Romance 

In this moving Amish romance, two broken hearts find hope in each other after a terrible loss.

Unspeakable tragedy strikes the Amish hamlet of Johns Mill when an unstable Englischer opens fire in the Hochstedler's General Store. In the aftermath, and under the media's spotlight, Joseph Hochstedler struggles to hold his shattered family together, drawing unexpected comfort from a faithful childhood friend. 

Born with a serious heart defect, optimist Naomi Schrock has always longed to live a life of service. She rolls up her sleeves, determined to help Joseph cope with this terrible crisis. But dare she hope that his friendship will finally deepen into love? 

As the media's obsession with the Hochstedler shooting escalates, Joseph and Naomi find themselves caught between tradition and compromise, lingering sorrows and uncertain hopes. And in the end, two people who've already lost far too much must find the courage to trust their hearts one last time.

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

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EXCERPT


“Do you like to take chances, then, Naomi?” His heart was pounding so hard now, he could barely think. All his common sense was slipping away, like reins sliding through slack fingers. Something strong deep inside him was taking control, like a horse took his head when the comfort of his barn came into view after a long ride home.

She laughed and the gentle sound tickled up the back of his neck like playful fingers. “Oh, ja, I do. I spent so long not taking any at all, you know. Mamm wouldn’t let me do anything the least bit risky while I was so frail. So I guess now I take them whenever I can to make up for lost time!”

He’d forgotten how to breathe, and he was feeling pretty light-headed, but it didn’t matter. He forged ahead. “I can think of another chance you could take, then, since you like them so much.”

She looked up at him, the metal pastry cutter motionless in her hand. “And what would that be, Joseph?”

“You could marry me.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laurel Blount

Carol award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com

CONNECT WITH LAUREL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an Amish Meets Amazon prize package including a silver Shelter in the Storm bookmark, a hand-knitted dishcloth, a package of Amish church mints, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Shelter in the Storm 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 May 24, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: A Rancher to Trust by Laurel Blount

A Rancher to Trust JustRead Blog Tour 
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for A Rancher to Trust by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


A Rancher to Trust by Laurel Blount Title: A Rancher to Trust
Author: Laurel Blount
Publisher: Love Inspired
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 17, 2019

Searching for forgiveness…and a future. 
Suddenly a husband…and a father? 
This bachelor is ready to claim his instant family.

 After learning his ex-wife isn’t so ex after all, rebel turned rancher Dan Whitlock is determined to prove he’s a changed man…but Bailey Quinn is just as set on finally ending their marriage. When tragedy makes Dan the guardian of little orphaned twins, he and Bailey are drawn back together. But can she forgive the past and open her heart to the family she’s always wanted?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christianbook 



EXCERPT


Bailey looked relieved. “Anyway, like I said, the divorce papers will be ready before long, and then you’ll be going back to Wyoming.”
The words came out before he could stop them. “Maybe not.”
“What do you mean?”
Dan hesitated, but it was too late to back off now. “I may not be going back to Wyoming. I’m considering staying on in Pine Valley, maybe for good.”
“What?” Bailey’s mouth dropped open. “But why? Because your brother’s here?”
For a second he considered letting her think that. It wasn’t the whole truth, but it would be so much easier. Smarter, too, probably.
But then he shook his head and looked her in the eye. This might be stupid. It most likely was. But he wasn’t going to start this out with a lie. “No. Because you are.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Laurel Blount

Laurel Blount lives on a small farm in middle Georgia with her husband, their four children, and an assortment of very spoiled animals. She divides her time between farm chores, homeschooling, and writing. She's busy, but she's never bored!

Laurel writes inspirational contemporary romance, and A Rancher to Trust is her fourth title for Harlequin’s Love Inspired. She’s the recipient of the Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence and has been a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the New England Reader’s Choice Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.

Whenever she's not working, you can find Laurel with a cup of tea at her elbow, a cat in her lap, and a good book in her hand.

CONNECT WITH LAUREL: Website | Facebook | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY


(1) winner will receive A Rancher to Trust “Merry Christmas from Georgia!” Prize Pack that includes: Paperback copy of A Rancher to Trust, signed by author, Georgia necklace, Swint’s Deep Fried Pecans, Southern Pecan Coffee, Dickey’s Peach Jam, and Turkey Creek Hot Sauce!

A Rancher to Trust JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 16, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on December 23, 2019. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


 


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

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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.