Book Spotlight: Together This Christmas by Beth K. Vogt

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Together This Christmas by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Together This Christmas 
Author: Beth K. Vogt 
Publisher: Story Architect 
Release Date: October 13, 2025 
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Contemporary Romance Christmas novella (spiritual thread)

What if true love is only a text away? 

Mila Maxwell is happy with her life in New York City. Her boyfriend Zane is perfect for her – and yes perfect means he offers her the stability she’s always wanted. Zane’s also not threatened by the endless text thread she keeps with her best friend, Ben Kendrick. Why should he be? They’re friends, nothing more. 

Christmas is coming – a holiday she’d much rather skip – and Mila’s the maid-of-honor for her college roommate’s December wedding. When disaster strikes the wedding coordinator, Mila rushes to Colorado to save Angie’s big day and plunges headfirst into all the marital falalala. 

As Mila works the details for Angie and Charles’ wedding, Ben steps up to help.  After all, he’s the best man and someone in his life should have a happily ever after. This may be Ben’s last chance to convince Mila that they were meant for more than long texts and short video chats. 

Mila must confront her fears about love and choose: Zane, who offers her the security she’s always longed for, or Ben, who has never given up on her. What if her true love has always been one text away?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BethVogt.com | Amazon

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Book Excerpt

First find her luggage. Then text Ben again.

“Mila!” He stepped to the side of the barrier with his familiar grin.

Mila tried to move faster toward her best friend, all rugged in his dark jeans, gray thermal Henley covered by a red flannel shirt, and brown hiking boots. And then Ben enveloped her in a warm embrace.

His hug was comfortable. Familiar. And yet something was different. Ben Kendrick had changed since the last time they’d hugged three years ago. He was more muscular, his outdoorsy scent somehow more … Well, someone other than his best friend might call it enticing. His warm chuckle seemed to cause the airport sounds to fade away and cued a soundtrack of her favorite rom-com songs. Mila closed her eyes and relaxed against him. This was nice. She could stay here—What was she doing?

She opened her eyes, stepped back, and slugged his arm. “Hey! I told you to wait in the pickup lot!”

“And I told you absolutely not.” Ben grabbed her rolling suitcase and then slung one arm over her shoulders.

“I’m sorry, Ben. You’ve probably been hanging around here for hours.”

“You’re worth the wait, Mila.”

“Spoken like a true-blue friend.”

There. Best friend zone. They were surrounded by the normal airport sounds—computerized voice announcements, the blend of other people’s laughter and greetings, and luggage dumped onto the multiple circling conveyer belts.

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Also Available

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About the Author

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She writes both contemporary romance and women’s fiction because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International (now MomCo), Beth blogs for The Write Conversation and enjoys speaking to writers groups and mentoring writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a "My Holidays are All Booked" mug from Pippi Post, and a print copy of Together This Christmas!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 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!

Movie Review: GROW (In Theaters Now!)

 

About the Movie:

In the Pumpkin Capital of the World, stoic farmer Dinah Little (Golda Rosheuvel) begrudgingly takes in her spirited niece, Charlie (Priya-Rose Brookwell). But Charlie isn’t an ordinary child—she has a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. As the town prepares for the annual pumpkin-growing contest, Charlie sets her sights on winning. 

With the help of quirky Arlo (Nick Frost), plot and pumpkins thicken as rival growers pull every trick in the book. Will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows, so does her bond with Dinah, and together they learn the real prize is joy, laughter, and family.

Learn more about GROW and buy tickets to see the movie in theaters NOW! https://growthefilm.com

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Movie Trailer:

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My Thoughts:

I enjoyed watching GROW. Whether it was the movie’s humor, events, or themes, I found myself reflexively smiling and cheering for the (good) characters. From start to finish, I was hooked on Charlie’s story. The child was quick-witted and resilient despite experiencing parental abandonment. She also had the secret ability to sense a plant’s emotions, needs, or desires. After being transferred into her aunt’s custody and moving to a struggling farm, a pumpkin growing contest gave Charlie a mission to pursue. From there on, I was rooting for Charlie, her pumpkin, and the budding relationship with her Aunt Dinah.

On the surface, GROW was about Charlie’s effort to grow a huge pumpkin. On a deeper level, Charlie’s relationship with Dinah grew. And on another level, Charlie herself grew – in age, wisdom, responsibility, community, etc. Then there were themes that grew throughout the story: navigating family relationships, the importance of keeping promises, the necessity of integrity, stewarding natural resources, etc.

As far as content, GROW was a family-friendly (not faith-based) movie. There was one quick dialogue recalling a past, physically romantic encounter and one scene with some bathroom humor (not shown onscreen). Trick-or-treating on Halloween was depicted as family bonding time and lasted for a few minutes onscreen. Some may be uncomfortable with the aforementioned moments, but none were overdone or made me dislike the movie. I would allow my daughters to watch it.

In conclusion, I found GROW entertaining and inspiring. I’d happily watch this movie again, maybe once every fall because the pumpkin focus definitely gave autumn vibes. 4.5 stars!

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More About GROW:

Grow is in theaters starting today, October 17th! Buy tickets at: https://growthefilm.com

“Wild Gardening” meets whimsy. Charlie’s affinity for plants will inspire kids—and
kids at heart—to dance to their plants and care for the environment. A kid's activity book is available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IG_Wh-sjuhY95cGmKtv39ImyNETFxdHy/view

The most colorful cast of characters. From curmudgeonly farmers to over-the-top rivals, every character feels like they’ve stepped out of a cozy, autumnal fairy tale. Charlie’s pumpkin “Peter” isn’t the only thing full of personality—the whole town bursts with quirky charm.

Pumpkin spice in film form. GROW is perfectly timed for fall and Halloween season: cozy, funny, and a safe, whimsical alternative to scary movies.

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Giveaway:

Enter to win a $10 Amazon giftcard by leaving your full name and email address. (Required for entry by Momentum Influencer Network) Contest ends Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 11:59 pm.

Event Spotlight: The Christy Award Gala 2025

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2025 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2025 Finalists & Winners (announced on November 7th)!

You are Invited

The Christy Award Gala 2025 

 Via webcast November 7, 2025 | 7 pm CT 

 Featuring Chris Fabry, T.I. Lowe, Jessica Hooten Wilson, and a host of Christy-winning authors

This is our year to gather together VIRTUALLY to celebrate and honor the best Christian fiction of the year. The Christy Award® Gala Webcast will be held the evening of Friday, November 7th and will feature a premiere cast of the industry’s authors to announce The Christy Award winners in nine categories, The Christy Book of the Year®, and The Amplify Award for Christian Fiction.

The special evening will be hosted by radio personality and award-winning novelist Chris Fabry and will include keynotes by Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson and award-winning and Christy Book of the Year 2024 author, T.I. Lowe. The event will also include award-winning novelists Jaime Jo Wright, Johanna Rojas Vann, Lori Z. Scott, Katie Powner, Jamie Ogle, Rachelle Nelson, Vanessa Miller, Gabrielle Meyer, Crystal Caudill and Amanda Barratt.

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The Christy Award Finalists 2025

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - tie

A Run at Love, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Nature of Love, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Roads We Follow, Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Who Touches the Mountains, Deborah Raney (Raney Day Press)

FIRST NOVEL

 

Darkfell, Amanda Wright (Quill and Flame Publishing House) Until Our Time Comes, Nicole M. Miller (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) The Yellow Badge, Addison Crissone (Addison Crissone)

GENERAL FICTION - tie

Between the Sound and Sea, Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) Bitter and Sweet, Rhonda McKnight (Thomas Nelson) Lowcountry Lost, T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers) The Way Back, Heidi Chiavaroli (Hope Creek Publishers)

HISTORICAL

All We Thought We Knew, Michelle Shocklee (Tyndale House Publishers) Born of Gilded Mountains, Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Queen's Cook, Tessa Afshar (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - tie

As Sure as the Sea, Jamie Ogle (Tyndale House Publishers) The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, Joanna Davidson Politano (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) The Seaside Homecoming, Julie Klassen (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Walking on Hidden Wings, Rachel Scott McDaniel (Kregel Publications)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER - tie

The Crown Conspiracy, Connie Mann (Tyndale House Publishers) Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Serial Burn, Lynette Eason (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) Shattered Sanctuary, Nancy Mehl (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Terminal Danger, Jerusha Agen (SDG Words)

SHORT FORM - tie

A Daffodil in the Dress (within Something Borrowed), Susie Finkbeiner (Kregel Publications) Forgiving the Cowboy, Tabitha Bouldin (Love Inspired) A Heart in Disguise (within Something Borrowed), Rachel Scott McDaniel (Kregel Publications) A Letter to Eli (within Something Borrowed), Allison Pittman (Kregel Publications)

SPECULATIVE - tie

 

A Slice of Sky, Nancy Moser (Mustard Seed Press) Darkfell, Amanda Wright (Quill and Flame Publishing House) Memoria, J.J. Fischer (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) Protector, Megan Schaulis (WhiteCrown, an imprint of WhiteFire Publishing)

YOUNG ADULT - tie

Ben Washington is the Newbie on the Block, Jasmine Mullen (Moody Publishers) The Chaos Grid, Lyndsey Lewellen (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Echo Nova, Clint Hall (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Jake Rogers' Planet, Philip Wilder (Great Commission Alliance)

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Register for The Christy Award 2025 Winners Webcast

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 7 at 7 p.m. CT. – free but registration is required. Celebrate this year’s finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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Author and Reader Event

Join fellow readers and 46 writers at the third annual Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. This event, modeled after the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours, aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Activities will include corporate worship, The Christy Award webcast watch party, speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up book shop, and author signings.

Learn more about the 2025 Read Write Rendezvous

Registration Ends Oct 15!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of The Christy Award 2025 finalist titles for one category 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 October 10, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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