Book Spotlight: Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Where Trees Touch the Sky 

Series: National Parks 

Author: Karen Barnett 

Publisher: Kregel 

Release Date: August 13, 2024 

Genre: Christian Fiction, Dual Timeline 

Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall. 

In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she's grown to love, is the son of one of the area's worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity--if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father's greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side? 

Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?

When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion's life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt's worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams. 

Karen Barnett's beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday. 

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

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Also Available: 

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Excerpt

If the color green had a scent, it would smell like a redwood grove. Marion cradled the bouquet of roses in one arm and breathed deep of the fresh air. This was the one place she sensed God’s voice, as sure as she heard the wind whispering in the branches and the chatter of the trickling stream. Whenever her soul splintered, the forest had a way of piecing her back together. The treetops disappeared into the misty canopy several hundred feet above her head, but it wasn’t their size that gave her solace. It was their age. Living to be over a thousand years old, these ancient trees would likely consider her twenty-two as a mere blink of an eye.

Entering her favorite grove, Marion pulled off her cloche hat and gazed up at the large tree to her left. Sweet memories flooded her mind. Years ago, she’d begun naming a few of the giants after people she had lost, transforming this section of woods into a personal memorial garden. A sacred space.

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About the Author

Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of eight novels including When Stone Wings Fly and The Vintage National Parks Novels. A former national park ranger, she’s also a hobby photographer and enjoys teaching writing workshops with both Cascade Christian Writers and West Coast Christian Writers. She and her family live in Albany, Oregon.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Where Trees Touch the Sky and book related goodies!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 14, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 21, 2024. 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

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

July 2024 Reading Recap & August 2024 TBR

 My July 2024 Reads: 

1. Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Romance, romance, and romance! - Read my review.


2. The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A deep, probing novel about multigenerational relationships. Also, my local book club's July selection. We used it as an opportunity to discuss each person's heritage and bring/eat a favorite childhood food.


3. Treason Trail by Kit Hawthorne - ⭐⭐⭐½ - A shorter novel set a the end of America's War for Independence. I liked the characters and found the encryption/decoding element interesting. I enjoyed the story while I was reading it, but I don't think I would reread it.

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Expected August 2024 Reads:

1. The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay - My local book club's August selection.
 
2. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!


3. Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team - Currently reading, but to meet my deadline, I've published this review based on what I've read so far.


4. One Prayer Away by Lauren Fortenberry - Currently reading.


5. Think This Not That by Dr. Josh Axe - Currently reading.

What will you read this month? 

Book Spotlight: Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls 

Author: Rachel Fordham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: August 14, 2024 

Genre: Historical Romance 

 Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love. 

 Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece. 

 At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor. 

 Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

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

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Also Available:

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About the Author

“Mildred has agreed to help me alter some of Reginald’s old clothes to fit me, and she will make me a mask. What will you wear?”

“I’m not going,” she said, and her feet faltered. Onto her back- side she went with a loud thump. “Oh!” She rubbed at the pain. “I could never go. I would fall there and die of embarrassment.”

“I’m not ready to skate without my teacher.” He sat beside her with their backs to Mildred, who now slept with her mouth slightly open, giving them a sense of privacy.

“Otis, I really am not going.”

“I thought you wanted to go.”

A small patch on the side of her skirt kept her right hand busy as she picked nervously at the edges. “A part of me does want to go, but it’s best I don’t.”

“You lecture me on going and showing the town I’m more than my appearance. Why shouldn’t you go and show them you are their equal, despite your ragged clothes? Besides, you look much better now that you have taken up bathing. At first I thought I’d taken in a stray turkey.”

“Honestly! You’re insufferable.”

“You know I was only having fun. Besides, we are our own definitions of normal. Why can’t homespun be normal too? Come with me and show them you are important and . . . and that you are beautiful.”

Her hand stilled for a moment before moving from her patch to her skates. She worked the leather strap free with an almost frantic motion, her bottom lip sucked in. This new look was one he did not know. Unsure what to do, he watched and waited.

Had he said too much?

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About the Author

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Letter Tree, Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological, adopted and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of the author’s previous 6 novels: The Hope of Azure Springs, Your's Truly, Thomas, A Life Once Dreamed, A Lady in Attendance, Where the Road Bends, and The Letter Tree!

(2) additional winners will receive one Rachel Fordham backlist print copy of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 7, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2024. 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

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

Book Spotlight: Captured in Frame by Laura Thomas

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Captured in Frame by Laura Thomas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Captured in Frame
Author: Laura Thomas
Series: Bite of Betrayal #1
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: August 5, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

In an idyllic village nestled in the English countryside, photographer Georgia Brooks is desperate to begin a new chapter in her life. Bramble Cottage was supposed to give her space to heal and hope again after suffering betrayal and rejection by the only man she ever loved. This was Georgia’s chance to rekindle her faith and reconnect with her sisters in a place that held sweet childhood memories—not expose herself to the ugly underbelly of the art world and put her family in danger. 

Local pediatric surgeon, Doctor William Hughes, is captivated by the Canadian beauty with a camera over one shoulder and the weight of the world on the other. After suffering his own tragic loss and balancing a demanding career with raising a toddler, he recognizes the heaviness of grief . . . and the burden of guilt. 

When Georgia discovers she could be in possession of incriminating evidence to frame a criminal ring, she needs to trust someone. She chooses Will. Postcards, photographs, paintings—something about Bramble Cottage is worth killing for. Can Georgia uncover the truth in time? 

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

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Exerpt

As if framed in a picture, Georgia stood in the doorway, perfectly poised. Shafts of hazy light glowed behind her silhouette and caught coppery tones in her long, brown hair.

Will closed his gaping mouth.

Dressed in stilettos, a black skirt that hugged her to perfection, and a matching top, she oozed class and style. When she removed her oversized sunglasses, he caught a heaviness in her eyes. Pain. Was she still shaken from the break-in at her cottage?

She took one wary step farther inside the foyer and bit her lower lip. A Canadian beauty with a camera over one shoulder and the weight of the world on the other—what was her story? He was captivated. Intrigued. For the first time in well over a year, something stirred in his heart.

“Morning, doctor.”

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About the Author

A published, award-winning Christian author, Laura Thomas writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, as well as her teen fiction, marriage, and children’s books. Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!

Connect with Laura at laurathomasauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

(1) winner will win a signed, personalized paperback copy of Captured in Frame, and a Captured in Frame canvas book tote!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 13, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. 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 Review: Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

About the Book:

After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family's reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.

Sullivan O'Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.

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My Thoughts:

Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund is primarily a romance, and an edgy one at that. The historical events, the characters’ spiritual growth, and Sullivan’s abolition efforts were present and enjoyable, but they played second fiddle to the physical attraction, romantic tension, and relational development between Enya and Sullivan. Some readers may be put off by the strong romance while others may embrace it. Personally, I gobbled up the story with delight.

Saved by the Matchmaker took the familiar marriage-of-convenience trope and applied it to Sullivan, a man of strong morals, and Enya, a woman broken by a man of poor morals and her own past decisions. The beautiful way that Sullivan loved Enya allowed their physical attraction to be on display without feeling lusty and overbearing. In the formation of their relationship, the story cast out the idea that “obligation sex”– a practice that the church has perpetuated and caused much harm with – is appropriate. Rather, Hedlund chose to have Sullivan love and support his wife until she was ready for the physical expression of their love for each other. This healthy view of marriage and sex is the opposite of what the church taught me as a young wife, and I applaud Hedlund for her courage in addressing the topic.  

Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund lands as the second book in the Shanahan Match series but read well as a standalone. Four stars for this edgy romance with a wily Irish matchmaker, sizzling romantic chemistry, and an enjoyable 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.

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About the Author:

Jody Hedlund (JodyHedlund.com) is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels and is the winner of numerous awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

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Book Review: Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst and Team

About the Book:

What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Are paralyzing fear and anxiety stealing tomorrow's peace? Listen to this invitation from Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV). 

Experiencing this kind of rest won't come from escapism, more vacation days, or stuffing our feelings. Jesus Himself provides rest to our weary souls. While He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our thoughts on His Word. In doing this, we can sleep at night with ease knowing that God has it all under control.

Through the pages of Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart, written by New York Times best selling author Lysa TerKeurst and her friends at Proverbs 31 Ministries, you will be equipped to:

• Quiet fearful and anxious thoughts that always seem to be the loudest before bedtime by incorporating the Bible into your nightly routine.
• Find relief from the stress of daily obligations and pressures through 50 encouraging devotions and guided prayers written by women like you.
• Release the heaviness you feel about hard situations in your life so you can wake up refreshed and walk into the next day with courage.

Learn more or buy now at: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/clear-mind-peaceful-heart/

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My Thoughts:

In Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart, Lysa TerKeurst and the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team have given us 50 devotions to be read at bedtime. Most of the entries take under five minutes to read, which is helpful when I’m tired. Each devotional thought is followed by a prayer. Content wise, the devotional is split into four sections: (1) Balancing Daily Obligations and Pressures, (2) Confronting Fear and Uncertainty, (3) Navigating Family Concerns, (4) Trusting God in Difficult Times. The topics covered within those sections are diverse. I appreciated the honesty and authenticity of the women sharing their experiences. I found the devotionals to be positive, comforting, and encouraging.

I intend to keep my copy of Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: 50 Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry for future use. It’s the type of book I could use repeatedly and glean new thoughts from with each read. I think this devotional would make a lovely gift for a Christian woman of any age. The hardcover book holds a gift notation page and a sewn-in ribbon bookmark.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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Giveaway:

Enter to win a $5 Starbucks gift card by commenting below with the answer to this question: Would you like to read Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart? Must leave full name and email address for entry to be valid. US only. Giveaway closes 08/05/2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST.