Author Interview & Giveaway: After the Prodigal Returned by Cassandre Brissot

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for After the Prodigal Returned by Cassandre Brissot, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: After the Prodigal Returned 

Sequel to: Six Years and a Quarter Way Through 

Author: Cassandre Brissot 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: November 5, 2021 

Genre: Christian fiction/romance 

The sequel to Six Years And A Quarter Way Through, After The Prodigal Returned, is a relevant tale about the guilt that condemns and the remorse that leads to repentance. 

Leah Albanese thought the hard part was over. Little did she know it had only just begun. It’s been seven months since Leah heeded God’s voice and returned home to the life she was all too happy to flee. She quit Star Quality, the reality show that was her best and possibly last chance at stardom. Leah gave back the six-carat diamond engagement ring and sent Trenton Shaw packing. 

When filming for the reunion episode brings familiar faces back into her life, some welcome some not, Leah begins feeling the same tugs at her heart that led her to stray from God in the first place. Can Leah resist temptation, or will she go back to the things, future, and fiancé she gave up? 

Leah came back. She never imagined staying would be the real challenge. What happens after the wayward daughter returns home? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

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ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Cassandre Brissot is a Brooklyn, NY native. She earned her bachelor of fine arts in television and radio production at the City University of New York Brooklyn College. Cassandre is the author of Six Years and A Quarter Way Through. When she’s not writing for her blog, she enjoys dance parties with her nieces.

CONNECT WITH CASSANDRE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Q: What was the inspiration behind After the Prodigal Returned?

Cassandre: After The Prodigal Returned is the sequel to my first novel, Six Years And A Quarter Way Through. The series is inspired by real life. I understand a quarter-life crisis and the spiritual tailspin that often follows. Both novels were inspired by the desire to witness and help draw souls to Christ.


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

Cassandre: I wrote the first draft of After The Prodigal Returned in four months. However, it took me another few weeks for my first revision. That was followed by my third draft. After that, I went through professional copy and line editing, another round of edits, then proofreading. In total, it took about two years.

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

Cassandre: My favorite line from the book comes from the protagonist Leah. She says, “I’ve learned to look out the door before answering because it might just be the devil checking to see who’s home.”

Q: What do you hope readers take away from After the Prodigal Returned?

Cassandre: After The Prodigal Returned is a tale of redemption. That’s what I want readers to take away from the story. There is redemption for the weary soul who comes to Christ despite your mistakes.


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

Cassandre: An interesting fact about me is that I was Miss Black New York USA 2014. I placed top ten in nationals but ultimately lost.


Q: What are you reading now? 

Cassandre: For Christmas, my sister got me The Complete Novels of Jane Austen. The volume contains all six of Austen’s novels bound in a beautiful flower embroidered lavender hardcover. I’ve read all Austen’s works multiple times, but I’m enjoying rereading them. I just wrapped Sense and Sensibility and am now reading Pride and Prejudice.


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Cassandre: My family home has a “library,” an ordinary room fitted with built-in bookshelves. There are about five full-length bookshelves. Most of the books belong to me, but there are a few medical books, which belong to my older brother.


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

When I’m not writing, I’m reading. I thoroughly enjoy karaoke, rollerblading, and spending time with my nieces. 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of Six Years and a Quarter Way Through, a copy of After The Prodigal Returned, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 31, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 7, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Review: The Lady's Mine by Francine Rivers

About the Book:

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to the California frontier in this sweeping, romantic tale of a displaced New England suffragette, a former Union soldier disinherited by his Southern family, and the town they join forces to save.

1875. When Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, falling in love is the farthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never knew: a defunct newspaper office on a main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle’s newspaper—and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say—and publish—whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.

Matthias Beck, owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh’s same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead—and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart.

Everyone may be looking to strike it rich in this lawless boomtown, but it’s a love more precious than gold that will ultimately save them all.

Read an excerpt from The Lady's Mine on Tyndale Publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Francine Rivers rates as one of my favorite authors and I’ve anticipated reading The Lady’s Mine since I first heard of it. I don’t consider this stand-alone, historical romance lighthearted, but it felt less broody than other novels by this author. With Matthias’ flirtations, Kathryn’s quick rebuttals, and a handful of squirrely side characters, the book had plenty of mild humor.

In the author’s notes of The Lady’s Mine, Francine Rivers explains that she explored the question, “Can one person impact an entire community?” Being set in Calvada, California, an 1870’s mining town replete with greed, lust, and lawlessness, the novel probes the many ways an individual affects his or her community.

Equally strong throughout The Lady’s Mine, a study on gender equality plays out. Kathryn and Matthias, the lead characters, clash often as Kathryn refuses to wilt under blatant gender discrimination and boldly pursues her God-given purpose. Avoiding overly feministic rhetoric, the narrative follows the characters as they learn the necessity and benefits of mutual respect. Frequent swirls of attraction add a delicious layer of romance to their relationship.  

In conclusion, The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers will likely appeal to Christian fiction readers who enjoy gritty historical settings, a strong heroine, and a satisfying romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Epic Book Launch: Re-Created for Faith by Ashley K. Adams

About the Book

Book: Re-Created for Faith
Author: Ashley K. Adams
Genre: Christian Nonfiction: Inspirational
Release date: March 9, 2022 (eBook)

Re-Created for Faith is the story of Carston Ford Adams and how the spiritual and physical world collided for his existence. When all the voices were crying out “death,” his mother believed for more. There had to be a purpose for these obstacles in her son’s life, but what? How could Ashley triumph over what was sealed for his fate? She was about to find out.

Through intense devotion to God’s word and prayer every day, God gave Ashley a fresh faith and supernatural strength to relentlessly pursue saving Carston’s life. This fight was not merely material but spiritual, a battle between forces of life and death. The hospital room became her training ground of righteousness as God taught her how to use the weapons He has given every believer to fight an enemy only interested in our destruction. Refusing to give up, Ashley experienced many breakthroughs-signs, visions, and answers for some of the biggest decisions she would ever have to make. Miracle after miracle pointed directly to the only One who could truly heal, which may have baffled the experts but spurred her on to keep fighting.

Re-Created for Faith shows what is possible when one mother refuses to back down to the enemy and how to anchor these strategies in everyday life to advance in our battles. When we go beyond belief to action, believing God for a victory regardless of the visible, miracles really do occur, and God’s glory is revealed…big time.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

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BOOK EXCERPT

Our small talk was nice but it came to a swift end. We were there to discuss how to physically treat Carston, not how God would save him, which would have been a much more productive meeting for me.

They started by presenting many possibilities that could happen at Carston’s birth, most of which were impossible for me to entertain; I don’t know how any mother could. One major concern was that he could have trouble breathing due to the unknown spot on his lung, so in this instance, how far would we want medical intervention, if any at all?

It was easy for us to say we wanted Carston to have life, but apparently, there were consequences if we chose to help him survive—things doctors could try at birth that would work for the moment, but long-term could leave him on machines for the rest of his life. Then they gave us the option of comfort care, just letting him pass away in our arms once he was born. Could you imagine looking down at your precious baby so helpless and simply holding back the care that he needs because you’re too afraid of the unknown? They went on about several other plans and possibilities, needing answers to all of their questions, which were impossible to even process at the moment.

If your baby would be born alive, would you give us permission to intubate or use CPAP to assist breathing?

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EXCERPT LINKS

Excerpt One: https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/2022/02/18/epic-book-launch-re-created-for-faith/

Excerpt Two: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2022/01/epic-book-launch-re-created-for-faith.html

Excerpt Three: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2022/02/re-created-for-faith-epic-book-launch.html

Excerpt Four: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2022/02/17/re-created-for-faith-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Five: http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/2022/02/re-created-for-faith.html?m=1

Excerpt Six: https://catsinthecradle.blog/2022/02/17/re-created-for-faith-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/re-created-for-faith-book-excerpt/

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Adams is an inspirational writer, who actively journals God’s voice and direction He has for her every day. Re-Created for Faith is the birthplace of her ministry. She blindly trusts in God for the next big steps to expand the Kingdom, faithfully using her social media platforms to encourage people through real-life heartache and God’s plan for it. Ashley lives to see souls saved, serving as a board member and director at Scioto Youth Camp: Reaching Kids for Christ, along with hosting Bible studies in her home for women of the community.

Ashely and her husband, Justin, now have four children, including their newest baby boy. They recently made a big move out of town and into the country. They now reside on what used to be her great-grandfather’s farm of over one hundred acres and are building a new home, excited for what the future holds. Ashley is determined to obey the Lord as He guides, raising tiny disciples through her homeschooling and pressing in on aspirations to adopt more children. Ashley’s faith has been tried by fire, yet she experiences God’s blessings ten-fold.

To read original posts from Carston’s battle, search #prayersforcartson on Facebook. For current updates and encouragement through life, follow Ashley on Facebook and Instagram @ashleyadams4faith.

Book Review: Stone by Ronie Kendig

About the Book:

She cost him everything. Now, he’s forced to protect her.

Stone Metcalfe embodies the Metcalfe legacy—blue eyes, an unfair amount of good looks, and hardcore patriot-laced character. But a foolish lapse in judgment dismantles his name and career. Humiliated and furious, he retreats to his mountain lodge to hide from media hounds and eke out a new life. However, one phone call from an old Army buddy upends Stone’s best-laid plans.

Supermodel Brighton Buchanan had designers and men eating out of her hand until a terrible mistake trapped her in the soul-eating world of human trafficking. Years later, she is used by her captors to take down the best man she’s ever known. The man she loves. Hope lost, she’s unexpectedly freed—and thrown back into Stone’s life. Being forgiven is out of the question considering how much he hates her.

Believing danger and her are one wrong move away, Brighton will do anything to keep him from being ruined again—even if it means going back to that life. As everything is falling apart and threats mount against Brighton, Stone realizes forgiveness is the easy part. Protecting her—and his heart—is another story.

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My Thoughts:

Stone by Ronie Kendig swept me away in a flow of danger, action, and second-chance romance. Both main characters, Stone and Brighton, hold hurt and regret over their shared past. Their emotions and actions/reactions felt real at their unexpected reunion. Temporarily forced together, Stone and Brighton must survive the drama their proximity rouses as they face their past and present circumstances. Character development makes way for the rekindling of love, but danger still pursues Brighton. The romantic tension paired well with the suspense. In short, Stone kept me flipping the pages as I experienced the story.

In Stone’s introductory note, Ronie Kendig conveys her hope that this novel will shed light on the darkness of human trafficking. Within the story, potential triggers exist for those who have experienced sexual assault. The author condemns the terribleness of sex trafficking without dragging the reader too deeply down into the evil. She treads lightly with Brighton’s trauma, acknowledging the challenges of recovery without delving into an extensive healing process.

Stone by Ronie Kendig kickstarts The Metcalfes series, although characters from her other novels appear or are referenced. Stone stands alone in the sense that Stone and Brighton’s story wraps up; however, an overarching plot leads into the next installment (Willow - coming Spring 2022). Readers who enjoy romantic suspense will likely be interested in this series. I am looking forward to the next story.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Spotlight: Dear Beth by Alyssa Schwarz

About the Book:

After finishing his veterinarian training, Tye Prescott is back in Colorado and ready to give his relationship with Beth another chance, only she's made it very clear she wants nothing to do with him.

Beth Walsh is a hopeless romantic, except when it comes to her own love life. In her opinion, love is best left to the storybooks. But when a few nosy octogenarians decide to play matchmaker, she grasps for the only excuse she can think of to avoid another set up.

Set against the backdrop of Loveland's historic Valentine's Day letter re-mailing program, Tye and Beth must work together to convince the town of their rekindled romance. But Tye has his own plans of winning back the woman who got away.

Might it finally be time for Beth to risk her heart again?

Purchase at: Amazon.

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Excerpt (Chapter 2):

If you close your eyes and listen, really listen, then you might just hear the whispers of heaven. All that’s required is that we slow down enough to hear that sweet song of peace.

~ Letter from a friend

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TYE REARED BACK, his horse’s hind hooves barely missing his face as they kicked against the stall door.

“Whoa, there! Steady.” Mike grabbed the reins and tried to soothe the animal before it took Tye’s head off.

“You got her this time?” Tye wiped the sweat from his face and tried to focus on the horse in front of him.

Towels, check. Calcium test strips, check. Fresh hay, check. Helmet… Tye would add that to the list for next time.

“I think I can see the head. Just keep her calm, and I’ll pull the foal out.” He released his hold on the mare and waited for the owner to get his Appaloosa under control.

There were a lot of things Tye hadn’t expected when he’d taken on the position of large animal veterinarian at Sweetheart Animal Hospital. It was one thing to work on horses and alpacas under the supervision of his professors, but it was another thing entirely when the weight of responsibility fell solely on his own shoulders.

What surprised him most, though, was how many of the surrounding ranches already had him on speed dial. Officially, he wasn’t set to start until next week, but the town must have gotten wind of his early arrival and set the phone tree ringing. Already, he’d untangled a lamb from a barbed-wire fence, popped in on a goat yoga retreat for a hoof-related emergency, and rescued a dairy cow who found herself stuck between two trees in search of the greenest grass in the pasture. And now, he was elbow-deep in his first unsupervised foal delivery.

“I think she’s ready.” Mike stroked the mare’s mane and spoke to her in soothing tones, coaxing her to relax so she wouldn’t accidentally hurt either herself or the foal.

Tye monitored the mare, checking for any complications or abnormalities that could pose a risk to either of his equine patients. According to her records, Daisy’s last foal had been born breech. He was ready to intervene in case another emergency presented itself this time.

Tye was already preparing an epidural when the first hoof appeared.

“Not again.” Mike knelt on the hay, and Tye was right there administering the medication. A few minutes later, he was able to reposition the foal, and the rest of the delivery went without another hitch.

After a thorough inspection, Tye released his newest patient, and within half an hour, she was already attempting to stand and greet her mother.

“Well, would you look at that.” Mike gave Tye a congratulatory slap on the back, a sheen of moisture gathering in his eyes. “Before you know it, she’ll be off racing with some mustang, causing all sorts of trouble.”

Tye laughed as the older gentleman sent him a rueful grin. No doubt he was referring to his experience raising three teenage daughters. “You talking about the horse or something else there, Mike?”

The man pushed back the brim of his baseball cap and squinted into the sunlight. “I don’t rightfully know. But tell me what you think when you get to be my age and have a daughter of your own.” He chuckled to himself. A few tufts of gray hair poked from underneath the worn fabric. His kids might have been a handful, but there was no doubt the man loved his family.

Tye relaxed against the metal gate and smiled as he watched the mare and her foal. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

For the next half hour, Tye stayed in the barn to observe the two horses while Mike went about his other work on the ranch. As he stood there, leaning against the rough, wooden beams, Tye’s mind wandered past the barn walls and to his recent return to the Front Range. Coming back to Colorado had brought with it all the old memories—good and bad.

It had been his dream to work in the city, and thanks to his brother, Micah, he didn’t have to worry about who would help their mom with the family ranch. But despite his promising career, there was one major thing he wished he could have done differently. One person he’d never meant to hurt by leaving.

He believed in second chances, believed God brought him back here for a reason. He only hoped it wasn’t too late to make things right with Beth.

“You planning on sprouting roots and staying there?” Mike’s loud voice echoed as he entered the barn, a bale of hay thrown over his shoulder. “I’ve been gone, what, forty minutes, and you haven’t so much as moved a muscle.”

Tye looked back at the stall where the foal was standing on wobbly legs and nursing. “Just making sure everyone’s healthy.”

“They both look fine to me.” Mike dropped the bale by the door and crossed his arms over the gate. “Why don’t you head on back home and wash up? I’ll make sure to keep an eye on these two and let you know if any problems arise.”

“I guess that’s my cue to leave, then.” Tye chuckled. He gathered his supplies and loaded them into the truck. “But I’ll be back next week to check on them,” he called as he closed the tailgate.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Mike gave him a friendly handshake and waved him off down the dirt road toward town.

Warm air pumped into the cold cab space as his truck ate up the miles of grass and shrub-lined road. At the feet of the Rocky Mountains, the small town of Loveland was just a stone’s throw away from several of Colorado’s national parks, ski resorts, and the big city all in one. But at its core, it was a country town, through and through.

Maybe that was an apt description for Tye’s life as well. He’d been drawn to the city ever since he could remember, but despite his better attempts, his heart belonged in the country, with all its bucolic beauty and spirit.

You could take the boy out of the country, but you couldn’t take the country out of the boy. And no one could remove a certain red-head from Tye’s heart, not even that letter she’d sent him three years ago.

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Dear Tye,

I’m sorry, but I can’t do the long-distance thing anymore. We both know the past year has been difficult, and it’s not fair to either of us to continue like this. I know you’ll understand. You always see the best in people, and that’s what I love most about you. I’ve missed you since the day you left for school, and I need you to allow my heart time to heal.

Take care, Beth

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About the Author: 

Contemporary romance author Alyssa Schwarz is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines with a Master's in Geology & Geological Engineering. She also works as a professional watercolor artist along the Colorado Front Range and is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Alyssa's debut novel, The Glass Cottage, is set in the Colorado mountains, and is the first book in her new series, A Prescott Family Romance. You can find her online at www.alyssaschwarzauthor.com.

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Connect with Alyssa:

Website:  www.alyssaschwarzauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralyssaschwarz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alyssaschwarzauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846420.Alyssa_Schwarz

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Healing Skye 

Series: Coastal Hearts 

Author: Janet W. Ferguson 

Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC 

Release Date: December 16, 2021 

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance 

People can’t be trusted. 

Animals always made more sense than humans did to marine biologist Skye Youngblood. After her mother’s suicide, she left Alabama and never looked back. These days, she pours her heart into protecting nature’s sea creatures. When she returns to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for a temporary manatee migration study, her dark past is much too close. She can’t let her guard down. But how can she keep her heart hidden when a kind man with a genuine smile makes her want a fresh start? 

Charter fishing pays the bills for widower Pete Thompson and his little girl, but like his father, a pastor, Pete can’t help but fish for men. Only, after growing up under constant scrutiny as a preacher’s kid, Pete’s ways are a bit more unconventional. And the bulk of his life revolves around raising his precious daughter. 

When he witnesses the car wreck of a new marine biologist on the island, it doesn’t take a genius to see that more than just her physical pain needs tending. Pete feels called to help Skye find true healing, but he’s navigating dangerous waters. And he’s not at all sure he’ll walk away unscathed. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

 

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EXCERPT

“Skye,” he whispered. “Look at me.” He cupped her cheeks, and she raised her eyes to his. “We’re all broken.”

Her gaze sought his. Searching. “What if I’m shattered beyond repair?”

“I wish I could take away your pain, but I’m just a man. God can heal our hearts. Your heart. He can lift us up and help us go on, despite what life or evil men dole out.”

“I hope you’re right.” Her hands covered his. “Because I’d like to…”

He shuddered at the slight touch. “You’d like to what?”

Her teeth caught her lip, and she dropped her gaze to his mouth. “I’d like to try.”

“I’ll let you take the lead.” He lowered his forehead almost to hers, so close her breath stroked his skin. “However you’re comfortable.”

Her face turned up, her look penetrating. Heat charged through him, but he didn’t dare move.

Hesitantly, soft lips brushed his, and her fingers feathered through his hair. His pulse thudded, and blood rushed in his ears. His thinking stalled as she took her time exploring his mouth with her kisses. Gently, he kissed her back, and all at once, with every single fiber of his being, he knew.

There was no turning back now. He was hopelessly in love with this woman. With Skye.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award-winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. ​Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. 

CONNECT WITH JANET: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Skye, a T-shirt supporting the Manatee Network, magnetic butterfly bookmarks, prayers to share, a creative Bible study journal, a magnet, and a seashell from the author!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 24, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 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

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.