Friday, May 19, 2023

Book Spotlight: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse

26 Below JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

26 Below

Title: 26 Below
Series
: Alaskan Cyber Hunters #1
Author
: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publisher
: Kregel Publications
Release Date
: April 4, 2023
Genre
: Christian Romantic Suspense

"A THRILL RIDE . . . AS CURRENT AS TODAY'S FRONT-PAGE NEWS!" --Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author

A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air. 
 
Temps are dropping and time is running out. 
 
In her new role as Emergency Operations Center director for Fairbanks, Alaska, Darcie Phillips prevents disasters. But none of her training can prepare her for the terror that's coming. 
 
As a cybersecurity specialist, Jason Myers is determined to ferret out any threats to the town he now calls home--and that includes his reckless brother and his ecoterrorist friends. 
 
When an old woman's wild prediction--widespread destruction as soon as the Fairbanks temperature falls to 26 below--hits national headlines, neither Darcie nor Jason sees a real risk to anything but tourism. 
 
Then the bodies start dropping. 
 
Darcie is relying on her experience and intelligence to stop a killer; Jason is relying on God to guide the way. But they'll have to work together to find the truth and prevent their Alaskan town from becoming a city of nightmares. 
 
"An action-packed page-turner that . . . blew me away. If you like stories of intrigue, action, romance, and biblical hope, this is the story for you." --Tracie Peterson, ECPA and USA Today best-selling author

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


Excerpt


Apparently an older, native woman held everyone’s interest. From what Darcie understood, the woman had made small waves all summer with her dire predictions. But she appeared in random locations and disappeared without a trace. Most people had said she was superstitious or crazy. Then a news crew just happened to be in the right place at the right time and had caught her on video. That’s when it went viral. Everyone was talking about it now.

As long as the woman kept people’s attention elsewhere, Darcie was content to let them talk. It was nice to not be in the limelight. Not that she wanted to sweep anything under the carpet, but she needed control—to have all the answers to all the questions—before anything was printed about her new position.

A blast of cold air greeted her as she swung open the door. The heating and cooling system in the building probably didn’t know what to do with these temps that were crazy for this time of year.

Thank God she didn’t have to program the thermostat.

The words filled her mind before she even realized it. That sounded like her mom. Praise God for this and thank God for that . . .

Faith in an almighty creator was from her past. She’d gone to church until her parents split up when she was twelve. Yeah, she’d been sincere when she’d given her life to Christ. But she’d been a child. As an adult, she was all too aware that the world’s blows were far stronger than whatever faith she’d once had.

First thoughts of her dad. Now her mom. Ugh. She didn’t need this right now.

(pp 32-33)

About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now makes her home in the Pennsylvania Poconos.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

26 Below blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 15, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 22, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US Amazon accounts only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Thursday, May 18, 2023

Book Spotlight: Where Promises Remain

Where Promises Remain JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for Where Promises Remain by Heidi Chiavaroli, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Where Promises Remain Title: Where Promises Remain 
Series: The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series #7 
Author: Heidi Chiavaroli 
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers 
Release Date: May 16, 2023 Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction 

Hannah Martin thought she was about to have an empty nest . . . until the illegitimate daughter of her late husband shows up on her doorstep. 

Five years after her husband’s death, Hannah Martin runs a successful inn and serves the needy in her community. Despite a house full of guests, she’s worried about the loneliness that will come with an empty nest. Now that no one needs her for anything other than serving her famous five-course breakfasts and retrieving fresh towels, she throws herself into winning Camden’s Hospitality Grant. With the help of the grant, the bed and breakfast will bring in even more customers and Hannah won’t have time to think about what she’s missing. 

But when a handsome lumberjack named Kevin moves in next door, Hannah’s attraction to the widowed bachelor knocks her off-kilter. Just as she begins to think about dating again, a young woman arrives at the bed and breakfast claiming to be the illegitimate daughter of Hannah’s late husband. 

When the Orchard House’s chances at the Hospitality grant is threatened, Hannah's children oppose her "new" daughter moving in, and Kevin’s problems start to bleed over into her own, she must decide what matters most—before she loses the grant, the bed and breakfast’s reputation, and perhaps, her second chance at love. 

This is Book 7 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on the well-loved classic, Little Women. Readers will fall in love with the Martin family—Maggie, Josie, Lizzie, Bronson, Amie, and their mother Hannah—each trying to find their own way in the world and each discovering that love, home, and hope are closer than they appear.

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


More Books in this Series

Where Grace Appears Where Hope Begins Where Love Grows Where Memories Await Where Dreams Reside Where Faith Belongs


About the Author


“This is the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast. Were you looking for another inn? There’s quite a few in this town.”

“I’m not looking for an inn. I’m actually looking for a person.”

“Perhaps I can help. It’s a small town.” Eddie whined again and I readjusted the pacifier in his mouth and bounced him a bit more.

“I’m looking for a man named Amos Martin.”

I stilled, my mouth suddenly dry. Was this woman a former student, then? Or perhaps someone my late husband had counseled? I hated to be the one to tell her the news.

I bit my lip before answering. “I’m sorry, but Amos passed. Five years ago, actually.”

The woman’s mouth fell open. She blinked, shook her head. “No . . . no, he couldn’t have . . .”

I led the woman to a nearby chair and Lizzie handed her a bottled water.

“I’m so sorry.” I placed a hand on her thin shoulder. “He touched many lives. Were you a student of his?”

She looked up at me and piercing brown eyes stared back. All at once, I knew why they were so familiar. But no . . . that was impossible, of course. Amos didn’t have a younger sister, especially not this young. Perhaps she was a relative I’d never met? I bounced Eddie, and Josie came to my side, sliding him from my arms.

“How did you know Amos?” I lowered myself to the chair closest to the young woman.

“I didn’t know him, actually, although I was hoping to. You see, Amos Martin is—was—my father.”

About the Author

Heidi Chiavaroli

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her second Carol Award-winning novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott's life and led her to write The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the complete Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series (7 books) plus $25 gift card to winner's choice bookstore!

Where Promises Remain 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 17, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 24, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Friday, May 12, 2023

Book Review: Wonder Dogs by Maureen Maurer with Jenna Benton

About the Book:


Discover the true stories of dogs who open doors, pull wheelchairs, and save lives.

After a potentially devastating diagnosis at the age of thirty-nine, Maureen Maurer was given a second chance at life and took a leap of faith to pursue her childhood dream: teaching dogs to help people with disabilities.

In Wonder Dogs, Maureen shares the inspiring stories of some of the many assistance dogs she's had the privilege to train, like

  • Tucker, a puppy who visits a young girl desperately in need of a Christmas miracle
  • Leader, an abandoned German shepherd mix, who becomes a loyal service dog and best friend for a boy with muscular dystrophy
  • Freedom, a golden retriever who helps a disabled vet regain her independence and saves her when she is trapped in a house fire
  • Pono, a sweet black lab who becomes Hawaii's first courthouse dog, helping children find the courage to testify
If you love heartwarming stories about dogs and people getting second chances and overcoming challenges, you will find in this book a whole pack of kindred spirits.


My Thoughts:

My 10YO daughter read Wonder Dogs by Maureen “Mo” Maurer and Jenna Benton months ago, and I’m so glad I finally took time to read it. Each chapter had a feel-good tale of a service dog who helped someone in need. I truly enjoyed returning to this book every night as I knew the stories would lift my spirit and leave me smiling.

In Wonder Dogs, I learned about the intelligence and skills of trained assistance dogs, as well as their loyal and caring natures. Some dogs learned to smell cancer or detect UTIs. Another helped a scared child testify about a crime. Many became personal companions to people with special needs. I wish every hospital and courthouse could have one of Mo’s trained dogs.

Quietly threaded through Wonder Dogs were snippets of Mo’s personal story. She left her career to pursue God’s calling to train service dogs. From humble beginnings to land ownership and a second location, her business grew as she sought to help people by providing trained canine companions. Her mentions of prayer and seeking God’s will places this book in the Christian nonfiction realm, but I think anyone who enjoys heartwarming animal stories would love this book.

 


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.


Monday, May 8, 2023

Author Interview: Love in the Squared Circle

Love in the Squared Circle JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Love in the Squared Circle by Heather Greer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Love in the Squared Circle

Title: Love in the Squared Circle
Author:
Heather Greer
Publisher:
Scrivenings Press
Release Date:
April 19, 2022
Genre:
Christian Contemporary Romance

Trinity Knight is not a fan of professional wrestling. But with her husband gone, it falls to her to give their son the father-son trip they daydreamed about when he was alive. After Trinity causes them to miss a meet and greet with Jay’s favorite wrestler, a random act of kindness saves the trip and starts Trinity on an unexpected path.

Universal Wrestling Organization Champion Blane Sterling hears whiny children at photo ops all the time. However, overhearing a young boy comfort his mother piques his interest. Touched by their story, Blane works with the UWO Public Relations team to give Jay the experience of a lifetime. As they learn each other’s stories, Trinity and Blane are drawn to each other. 

But they don’t just come from different states. They live in different worlds. Trinity might learn to fit into his life, but can those in her world look beyond Blane’s profession to see his heart? Or will a lack of acceptance cause Trinity and Blane to lose their shot at love?

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


Excerpt from Love in the Squared Circle


Blane fastened the heavy belt around Jay’s waist and watched him preen and pose in the dressing room mirror. Stopping suddenly, Jay frowned into the glass before turning to Trinity.

“I need to take off my shirt,” he announced.

“And why is that?” Trinity looked skeptical.

“Mom,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “You know why. This is wrestling.”

“I don’t know, Jay,” she reasoned. “I may not have watched with you and your dad, but I think I’ve seen wrestlers with their shirts on.”

“They may start the match with a shirt, but they always come off by the end. Especially the champion. He doesn’t ever wear a shirt. You can ask Blane. He’ll tell you. Please, Mom.”

“Don’t drag me into this.” Blane threw up his hands in surrender.

A momentary look of disappointment was aimed at him before Jay’s attention returned to Trinity. “Please. Can I? I’ve got to look like a pro.”

Trinity rubbed her lips together, and Blane had the sneaking suspicion it was intended to stifle a laugh. But would Jay’s persistence pay off?

“Fine. Hand it here.”

With his shirt removed, Jay once more began to strut in front of the mirror. The child’s powers of persuasion were impressive. As Blane watched her using her phone to take pictures of Jay looking like a real wrestler, Blane doubted that if Jay asked for the moon, she wouldn’t make it happen.

About the Author

Heather Greer

Heather Greer loves growing in her relationship with God and helping others do the same. While she's served in ministries dealing with toddlers through adults, her focus is on encouraging and challenging teen and adult believers to go further in their faith. She is blessed to be able to use her God-given passion for writing to do this, both in her books and blog. 

Heather is a pastor's kid from southern Illinois. While she never intended to marry a pastor, she became a pastor's wife when her husband answered the call to preach five years into their marriage. Now that three of her four kids have flown the nest, Heather enjoys more time for reading and writing and writing about reading. And when she's not doing any of those things, you'll probably find her in the kitchen baking for her friends and family. 

Connect with Heather by visiting heathergreer.com to follow her on social media and sign up for newsletter updates.


Author Interview with Heather Greer


Q:
What was the inspiration behind Love in the Squared Circle?

Heather: The inspiration was two-fold. The biblical inspiration was the story of David. He wasn’t what was expected for the king, but God looked beyond the physical to his heart. I believe that’s what we should each strive for. The character of Blane and his career as a professional wrestler came from the biography of Shawn Michaels, a professional wrestler who is also a man of faith. The biography was all about his journey to find a relationship with God.


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

Heather: From idea to publication, it probably took me nine to twelve months of focused writing. It’s actually the first book I wrote without working full-time outside of writing. Because of that, it didn’t take as long.


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

Heather: “That’s the most amazing part. God needs each story.”

It’s amazing to me how not one person is an extra. God weaves all our stories together to show His truth and love to those who need it most.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from Love in the Squared Circle?

Heather: I hope readers come away from Trinity and Blane’s story with encouragement to look beyond what’s obvious to see people the way God sees them. I pray they come away more open to getting to know those who might challenge their ideas of what a Christian looks like and learning how God is working in their lives.


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

Heather: I’m pretty open about what I like and don’t like. But I was at a writer’s conference last week, and I found out there is something about me that is apparently surprising. I have never been on a plane, train, or boat.


Q: What are you reading now?

Heather: Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller is at the top of my TBR list.


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Heather: Fifteen. But I have to be completely honest. I have two filled with crafting supplies, one with DVDs, one with shoes, and one with all my television and movie related collectibles. So, I only have, at most, ten filled with books. Oh, and one of those is filled with journals.


Q: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

Heather: I love that God has allowed me to use something I enjoy so much to share His truth with others. Reading Christian fiction has always encouraged and challenged me in my faith, and I’m blessed God has allowed me the opportunity to do the same.


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

Heather: I love all things crafty. I got a Cricut for Christmas and am learning how to do all sorts of cool things. I make cards and any other craft that catches my eye. I also enjoy baking and decorating cakes. And I love spending time with my husband, kids, and three grandkids.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an ebook of Love in the Squared Circle and $25 Amazon gift card!

Love in the Squared Circle JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 8, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 15, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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Sunday, May 7, 2023

Book Review: In this Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

QUICK FACTS


  • Title: In This Moment
  • Series: Timeless (Book 2)
  • Author: Gabrielle Meyer
  • Genre: Time Travel Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 2, 2023)
  • Length: (400) pages
  • Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook
  • ISBN: ‎978-0764239755
  • Tour Dates: May 1 – 15, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?


PRAISE FOR IN THIS MOMENT

"A unique thought-provoking read."— Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author

“I loved this novel and heartily recommend it.”— Elizabeth Camden, Christy and RITA Award-winning author 

"A breathtaking journey through time and history!”— Sarah Sundin, bestselling, and Christy Award-winning author



MY THOUGHTS

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer takes the reader on Maggie’s journey through three time periods – 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each timeline has a war looming for the United States and a romantic interest that draws at Maggie’s heart, but the story concentrates on Maggie’s struggle to decide which period to live in permanently. I experienced a little confusion at the beginning as I adjusted to all the timelines and secondary characters. Fortunately, after a few chapters in each year, I felt invested in each time strand’s plot and easily time hopped with Maggie.

As the lead character for In This Moment, Maggie is highly relatable. Her doubt and confusion about determining God’s will for her future leads to strong, realistic emotions. I cried right along with her at one point. Many Christians struggle to find God’s will and the recurrent message about making choices out of faith, not fear or pressure from others, felt opportune for 2023 and all of Maggie’s time periods.

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer lands as book two in the Timeless series and I do recommend reading its predecessor, When the Day Comes, first. Reading both books will offer a fuller reading experience as characters from the first novel cameo and how the time traveling works will already be understood. Of the two currently published books in the series, In This Moment is my favorite, but I am looking forward to book three.



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.


PURCHASE LINKS




AUTHOR BIO




Gabrielle Meyer has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Friday, May 5, 2023

Book Spotlight: A Love Most Precious by Anita Higman

A Love Most Precious JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Love Most Precious by Anita Higman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Love Most Precious

Title: A Love Most Precious: 90 Devotions on the Book of Ruth
Author:
Anita Higman
Publisher:
DaySpring
Release Date:
October 9, 2022
Genre:
Devotional Book

What does true love look like?

The book of Ruth has all the makings of a great love story: a grief stricken past, a homecoming, the challenge to survive, a poor Cinderella who chooses to serve, and an upstanding man of status who notices her. He fights to save her future. This Old Testament Bible story is about a love story far more immense than that of Ruth and Boaz. During this 90-day devotional by Anita Higman, you will be inspired by the heartwarming, true story of Ruth containing priceless gems: the power of an eternal love to redeem a bereaved mother, a foreign widow, a reformed prostitute's son, all God’s people, and yes, even you. God has the power redeem our broken spirits, broken hearts, and broken pasts. Come discover a precious, life-changing love hidden within four illuminating chapters of Scripture that will delight your heart and refresh your soul! It's also the perfect gift for a friend on any occasion.

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


Also Available


Excerpt from A Love Most Precious


SUCH BEAUTY IN CONFESSION

These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. They lived there about ten years, and both Mahlon and Chilion died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.

RUTH 1:4–5 ESV

What do you want most in life? Have you ever made a formal list? People may put love, purpose, peace, and joy on that list, to name a few. But sometimes our personal priorities may not line up with God’s principles. It appears that is the case with the three men in Naomi’s life—her husband and her two sons. They knew they should stay in their homeland and trust God during the famine, rather than flee to Moab. And the two sons knew they were never to marry pagan women. But they chose a lifestyle of ongoing disobedience, and faced the consequences of their decision.

Since the fall of humanity, people have been notorious for craving approval no matter what they’re up to. We never like to believe that anyone could be chastised by God, but the Almighty did bring suffering onto His people when they persisted in their rebellion against Him. Today, some people ignore or rebel against God, which never brings true fulfillment. The disciplinary measures in Ruth may seem incredibly harsh—deeply unsettling, in fact.

But if we pull back and ponder the bigger picture of real love, we discover that without justice or consequences, there can be no real love at all. No peace. No happiness. God longs for us to flee from what is evil. Proverbs says, “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy” (28:13 AMP).

There are divine rewards for turning away from sin. Such beauty in confession. May we all adopt a repentant heart and experience the sublime peace and joy and freedom that come through God’s forgiveness.

Lord, I am so sorry I have grieved Your Holy Spirit today with my recent thoughts and actions. I humbly confess them to You now. Thank You for Your mercy and compassion in forgiving me. Amen.

About the Author

Anita Higman

Anita Higman, an award-winning and best-selling author from Texas, has authored or coauthored fifty-plus books, and she has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. A few of Anita’s favorite things are fairytale castles, traveling, antiquing, exotic teas, gardening, and laughing with her family and friends.

Connect with Anita by visiting anitahigman.com to follow her on social media.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a DaySpring prize bundle which includes a market tote, Bible cover, canvas pouch, and the Spring issue of Everyday Faith magazine!

A Love Most Precious JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 1, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 8, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours