Book Spotlight: Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Mistletoe and Malice 
Series: Guarded Hearts Series #1 
Author: Lori DeJong 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: October 21, 2025 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge. 

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father's demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy … and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence. 

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper ... and far more perilous. 

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can't outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again ... before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.  

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

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Book Excerpt

She spun back to the man she’d declared herself to, her heart knocking hard against her ribs. “You’re leaving?”

“I thought it best.”

“I see.” She swallowed the lump swelling in her throat. “Thank you for all you did for me. I always felt safe with you.”

Until now.

He reached out and shook her hand. “It was an honor.”

Holding on tight, she held his gaze with hers, the air thick between them with the unspoken. She reluctantly let go of him, letting her fingertips linger at his for a brief moment, knowing it would be the last time she’d ever touch him.

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Also Available

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About the Author

Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-love in DFW. Lori's debut novel, Love's True Calling, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, Book 2 of the True Calling Series, was a 2025 Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June. Lori's Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.

Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.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 signed copy of Mistletoe and Malice, and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection (released in Oct 2024)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 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.

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Book Review: The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

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My Thoughts:

The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar caught my attention at the beginning and held it throughout the length of the story. Sazana, a female potter with a talent for creating exceptionally beautiful pieces, was both admirable and relatable. For all her skill, Sazana carried the unhealed trauma of losing her parents at an early age. Her broken betrothal only compounded her tendency toward self-reliance and control. I relished her character development as it blossomed. The weaving of spiritual and life truths into Sazana’s journey felt fresh and I marked many quotes.

In The Royal Artisan, the second-chance romance between Sazana and Jadon commenced with the awkwardness and tension of an unexpected reunion. As the story progressed, Jadon and Sazana experienced the resurrection of past feelings and unexpected moments of attraction. I liked that these characters communicated like adults and felt like committed partners even before their relationship resumed a romantic nature. It was a unique romance that had just the right balance of longing and loyalty.

The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar is the second installment of the Queen Esther’s Court series. Adin and Esther reappeared from book one (The Queen’s Cook), but The Royal Artisan read as a true standalone. I loved that everything was wrapped up by the end, but I’m also eager for book three. Can’t wait to read more of Esther’s Secret Scrolls and Afshar’s next powerful 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: Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song 

Series: Melodies and Memories #1 

Author: Amanda Wen 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: October 21, 2025 

Genre: Split-time Romance 

A split-time romance from an award-winning author.

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight's goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible. 

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day. 

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core. 

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town's history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | BookBub | Bookshop

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Book Excerpt

“I wasn’t her type. Not good enough for her. Or her parents.” His gaze shifted to something behind Callum, and he smiled and waved. “Sorry, Callum, I just spied some alumni I haven’t seen in a decade. If you’ll excuse me?” Without waiting for a reply, he clapped Callum on the back and strode away.

Callum watched him leave, the stadium lights reflecting off his satiny Peterson Patriots jacket. It was entirely plausible. The librarian could have interpreted events one way, while Vic’s version could be the real story.

But why would Vic have first claimed not to know Iris at all? Why not just come out with the truth? They’d dated briefly and ended things. That happened often enough in high school. And maybe Iris meant so little to him, maybe the relationship had been so brief, that Vic truly hadn’t remembered it. Not until something jogged his memory.

But what didn’t happen every day was someone’s high school significant other passing away while still in high school. Surely that would’ve been worth at least a little bit of brain space.

Blair was still up in the stands, clutching a Styrofoam cup of something and leaning over to talk to Joy. Her puffy coat and her adorable hat were the same shade of Peterson blue, and her fingertips were peeking out of a cute little pair of white gloves, and why did the words cute and adorable continually spring to mind when he saw her outside of work? It was bad enough Wednesday with the T- shirt and jeans, and now, with her all bundled up like a snow princess despite the fifty- degree temperature . . .

At least he didn’t find her cute at work yet. That would make things wicked awkward.

Well, cute or not, he needed to talk to her. Tell her what Vic said and get her read on it. She knew Vic far better than he did. And he wanted to believe Vic.

But right now, he wasn’t quite sure he did.

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Also Available:

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About the Author

Amanda Wen is a Carol– and Selah Award–winning and Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including Roots of Wood and Stone, The Songs That Could Have Been, and The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. She is also a professional musician. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

Connect with Amanda by visiting amandawen.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 Echoes of a Silent Song and a $20 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 October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 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/CAN 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!

Author Interview: The Seed of Faith by Daniel Petronelli

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Seed of Faith by Daniel Petronelli, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Seed of Faith 
Author: Daniel Petronelli 
Publisher: Walnut Publishing Company 
Release Date: October 26, 2021 
Genre: Christian - middle grade fiction

Pencraft : Christian - Children Book Awards Winner (2023) 
Kirkus Reviews - Our Verdict: GET IT! 
Mom’s Choice Awards (2022) 
Gold Medal Moonbeam Children's Book Awards: (2021) 
Gold Medal: Religion/Spirituality  

"Petronelli weaves a Christian-themed holiday tale that offers no hint of the ending, which is indeed a surprise, and will have young readers rooting for the boys as they try to save Christmas for Shiloh." 

"Pritchett's full color, painterly illustrations are soft and muted with a pleasant glow that adds to the book's overall charm."  

"A warm and inspirational holiday tale"  

It’s Christmas Eve in the small foothill Village of Shiloh. 
A father retells the miraculous story that no one will ever forget. 
A group of young boys lost in a powerful storm 
fight to survive on that glorious night. 
The incredible chance encounter with a kind stranger may be their only hope.

This award-winning book chronicles the spiritual journey of these children. 
The lessons learned, the gift received and the lives that were changed. 

This timeless Christian tale centers on the true meaning of Christmas; helping those less fortunate, love thy neighbor and assures children …and adults, that if we lose our way, face hardship or struggles, that God is always there by our side. 

This uplifting epic adventure will inspire readers to believe in Christmas miracles all year long, and in the power of just one tiny seed – The Seed of Faith.  

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

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Book Excerpt

The three Shiloh boys met at the base of the mountain, as planned.
It was lightly snowing. The sun dipped below the horizon, and the skies darkened. They were ready to leave on their journey, not knowing what fate awaited them.

Elijah led the way, gracefully weaving and navigating the steep, snow-covered trails. Joey and Yankee did their best to keep up. They were all very excited.

After climbing for almost an hour, they stopped to rest and noticed how suddenly the weather was changing. The winds had shifted and were blowing much harder from the north. Temperatures were dropping, and the snow was accumulating fast, making the trails barely visible.

Elijah warned, “Boys, we are at a crossroads. We need to make an important decision—one that will affect each of our lives. This storm may not let up. In fact, it could get much worse. Do we turn back while we still have a chance, or do we keep pushing forward?”

Yankee rubbed the snow out of his eyes. “I’d like to keep on going.”

Elijah nodded. “Yes, me too. I’m in.”

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About the Author

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader. 

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins. 

When not with his family and friends, he can be found on the first tee … asking for another mulligan. 

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today. 

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world. 

Learn more at TheSeedofFaith.net

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Seed of Faith?

Dan: I was inspired during a difficult time in my life when I put all my trust in God—it became a story about faith, hope, and the miracles that grow from belief.

Q: How long did it take to write this book?
Dan:  It took me about six months from the first idea to the finished story.

Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Dan: I was surprised by how naturally the story flowed once I focused on faith—many moments felt divinely inspired.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Seed of Faith?

Dan: “It was love that brought you all here tonight.” That line captures the heart of the entire story.

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I knew I wanted to be an author when I realized how much joy I found in sharing stories that inspire faith and hope in others.

Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Dan: I write and record music in my spare time—it’s another way I love to share stories from the heart.

Q: What are you currently reading?

Dan: I’m reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.

Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Dan: I love inspirational and faith-based stories that lift the spirit and remind us of God’s presence.

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Dan: Writing songs, playing guitar, and spending time with my family.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Dan: Christmas—it’s a season filled with faith, giving, and the joy of celebrating God’s greatest gift.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card plus a signed hardcover copy of The Seed of Faith!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 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/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 Spotlight: Curveball on the Dance Floor by Karin Beery

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Curveball on the Dance Floor by Karin Beery, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Curveball on the Dance Floor 
Series: Novak Sisters #2 
Author: Karin Beery 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: October 28, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Chris can handle a curveball at the diamond. Can she handle one on the dance floor? 

Naturally athletic Christine Novak doesn’t shy away from physical challenges until her older sister needs help on the dance floor. Though she prefers cleats to heels, Chris agrees to help—it’s only for four weeks and for a good cause. But dancing doesn’t come as naturally as throwing a ball, so her sister calls in backup. Handsome, talented, experienced backup. 

Tony Caldwell—champion ballroom dancer and Chris’s first childhood crush—agrees to show her the stops, but between her memories of Tony fifteen years ago and the ten-year age gap, Chris struggles to keep her feet in place. Determined to help her succeed, Tony steps out the studio to prove to Chris that she can dance, and that he’s not who she thinks he is. 

Extra practices and time together do more than boost Chris’s confidence. As her nerves subside and reality replaces her memories, Chris and Tony become more than dance partners, but their new adult connection might not be enough to overcome the past that catches up to them.  

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

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More in This Series

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Excerpt

Chris reached for the door of Caldwell Dance Academy, pausing to psych herself up. She could do this—she’d won three varsity sport letters her freshman year in high school, led her high school team to a state softball title, and earned all-conference softball honors at the college level. She could figure out how to glide across a stupid floor. Straightening her practice skirt, she took a fortifying breath.

“You look great, kid. Let’s get inside.”

Her stomach clenched as she spun around, fists raised. Tony caught her hand before she hit him. “What are you—” she said, but he raised her arm and guided her into a turn before opening the front door.

“After you.” A smile brightened his whole face.

She punched his shoulder as her heart thundered. “Don’t sneak up on me like that. What are you doing here?”

“Your sister texted me.” Still holding her hand, he escorted her inside. “I’m your new dance teacher.”

“What?”

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About the Author

Author of hopeful fiction with a healthy dose of romance, Karin Beery lives in northern Michigan with her husband and pets. They drink too much (decaf) coffee, put up their Christmas tree the first weekend in November, and do their best to live every day for the Lord.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Finally Forever (book #1 in the series) and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 21, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Book Spotlight: The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Heart of Bennet Hollow 

Author: Joanne Bischof DeWitt 

Publisher: Tyndale 

Release Date: October 7, 2025 

Genre: Christian Historical Romance 

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart. 

New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor. 

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters. 

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all. 

An inspirational historical romance retelling of Pride and Prejudice for fans of Julie Klassen, Sally Britton, and Sarah E. Ladd. A clever, clean love story. Southern historical fiction in the vein of Michelle Shocklee and Pepper Basham. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.

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Also Available:

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale Fiction | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

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Book Excerpt

Lizbeth Bennet clutched the handle of the wicker basket with hope. The same hope with which she’d gathered each and every wildflower within. Slipping inside the farmhouse, she traded the brightness of day for the dim light of Ma’s kitchen—the very heartbeat of Bennet Hollow.

“Did you spot the new train car, by chance?” Jayne asked from the table, her voice as soft and mountain grown as a wild birch grove. “They say it’s called the Pemberley.”

Lizbeth lowered the basket to the table and handed a sprig of lacy white yarrow to her older sister. “I didn’t wander far enough. Have you seen it yourself? This Pemberley?” Having just come in from the sunny garden, she brushed her hands clean and sat. “Clearly I’ve missed the gossip.”

“I saw it when I walked into town this mornin’.” Jayne examined the contents of the basket. Her golden hair was bound up in rag curlers, and a single band of gray twine wrapped her pale wrist, holding a tiny nugget of violet amethyst that Pa, a geologist, had unearthed in a mine. “It’s the prettiest sight, Lizzy. Brighter than a new penny perched there right on the track.”

Lizbeth rolled back the sleeves of her striped work dress and tried to imagine such a view. A breeze blew cool against her bare neck from the open window, causing her homespun collar to flutter. Her sisters had been on the lookout ever since some weeks back, when the owner of the New River Coal Company had announced his coming guests—a slew of coal barons and investors, all eager to bid on the property that was now for sale.

And the best part of all among the Bennet sisters . . . the dance that would mark their arrivals.

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About the Author

Christy and Carol Award–winning author Joanne Bischof DeWitt writes romantic fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. Her historical romance The Lady and the Lionheart received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews and was the very first independently published novel to win a Christy Award. It has also recently taken to the stage. As a longtime Jane Austen fan, Joanne is often making popcorn with her mom so they can rewatch their favorite adaptions, and as a new wife, she celebrates God's own redemptive love stories. Joanne thanks the Lord daily for bringing along her very own hero who's a perfect balance between Colonel Brandon and Mr. Darcy. Together, they're a blended family and the grateful parents of six teens and young adults, making them huge advocates for conversations, laughter, and large dinner tables.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Heart of Bennet Hollow and a $25 gift card to Amazon, Baker Book House, Christianbook, or Walmart!

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 22, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 29, 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

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