Author Interview: Restoring Hope by Philippa Cleall

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Restoring Hope by Philippa Cleall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Restoring Hope 
Series: Restored from Ashes #1 
Author: Philippa Cleall 
Publisher: Ark House Press 
Release Date: October 31, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Can she find safety and belonging, before the past finds her? 

After escaping an abusive marriage, Hope Elkins returns to the quiet town of Wombat Valley to reopen her late grandmother’s café, The Hearth—not to chase a dream, but to rebuild her life. 

Drawn in by the scent of wood-fired pizza and the warmth of old and new faces, Hope begins to find more than comfort within the café’s walls. As The Hearth fills with stories and second chances, she forms unlikely bonds with others—Ruby, a fiercely guarded teen; Nova, a young mother on the run; and Joe, the gentle local vet carrying grief of his own. 

With the support of her new community, Hope begins to heal and is gently drawn back to the faith she thought she’d left behind. But when a charming, dangerous figure from her past resurfaces, she must decide whether to stand firm in the life she’s begun to rebuild, or risk losing it all. 

Restoring Hope is a tender, uplifting story of resilience, rediscovery, and the quiet strength found in faith, friendship, and a place to belong 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Author's Website | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt

Chapter 11
Scene: Meeting Eve (Page 62)

Hope’s voice lowered. “I think I’ve been holding everyone at arm’s length, especially anything that smelled like church. But Eve … she made it feel like maybe genuine faith isn’t about unwritten rules and Sunday faces. Maybe it’s people actually being real. Having hands that help, a desire to understand, and hearts that wait to listen.”

Ruby didn’t say anything right away, but her expression shifted to become something thoughtful, even cautious hopefulness.

“I didn’t know you were still open to all that,” Ruby said finally, watching her carefully.

“I wasn’t sure either,” Hope admitted. “But something about Eve challenged me … and I realised that although I didn’t feel God’s presence in places I ran from, my experience here might be different.”

Another pause. Then Ruby asked, quietly, “Do you think Nova will be okay?”

Hope reached out and gently took the tea towel from Ruby’s shoulder, folding it. “She’s scared. But she’s braver than she knows. And she’s not alone.”

She looked at Ruby then and held her gaze. “Neither are you.”

Ruby swallowed and glanced away, but she didn’t leave.

Hope didn’t push, just stood there in the soft light, letting the truth linger in the air.

Outside, the evening deepened. A prayer formed in Hope’s heart. It was just a whisper, asking God to protect Nova and Lily, and to show them a safe way forward. She felt heard.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Philippa Cleall is a Children’s and Family Counsellor and volunteer Court Chaplain on the south coast of NSW, in Australia. She has a heart for seeing communities become more trauma informed so they can care for those hurting with greater wisdom, compassion, grace, and truth.

Connect with Philippa by visiting philippacleall.com.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write Restoring Hope?

Philippa: Surprisingly, I did not have this book in mind at all beforehand. I woke one morning with a strong sense that this story had been laid on my heart by God. In some respects, this book reflects parts of my own life story, but the resolution of the narrative tells a story I wish that had been my own.

 

Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Philippa: Once the story concept was formed, I became very focused on writing. My husband might even use the word “obsessed”. I spent most nights after work writing until midnight for months until the manuscript for Restoring Hope was finished. The book was completed in under five months.

 

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

Philippa: While I knew I would need to carefully portray traumatised characters interacting with caring and authentic people, I was most surprised by how instinctive my understanding was of the role of nature and animals in therapeutic healing. I have always had pets, and I rarely let a day pass without spending time outdoors, whether walking or appreciating something naturally beautiful. However, before writing this story, I had not fully considered how essential these elements are in a healing journey for someone who has been harmed.

 

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Restoring Hope?

Philippa: There are too many favourites to choose just one. However, I dedicated this novel to my adult daughter, who returned to her faith two years ago after a time wandering in the spiritual wilderness. When writing these words spoken by Joe, I was particularly thinking of her:

“God never stops reaching, even when we’re running. And when He brings someone home, it’s not just a return. It’s a restoration. You’re not the same as you were before. You’re stronger. You’re … more precious.”

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Philippa: I completed a diploma in professional creative writing almost 30 years ago, but then allowed the idea of writing a novel to drift as life took me in many different directions. Perhaps God was holding that calling for the right time and later placed it on my heart to begin this series.

 

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

Philippa: I am deeply interested in research and information. In the evenings, while my husband Greg scrolls through fishing or car maintenance videos on YouTube, I am often energetically researching a topic related to faith, social justice, or a global issue that has captured my attention that day. After a couple of hours of reading and reflecting, I usually try to share a summary of my thoughts with Greg. To his credit, he often listens politely for a few minutes at least.


Q: What are you currently reading?

Philippa: This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. It is a wonderful, feel-good story that encourages a character who is deeply grieving to move forward in her life.


Q:. What is your favorite genre to read?

Philippa: I enjoy realistic contemporary Christian fiction and also appreciate secular small-town rural fiction. However, any well-told story, particularly one where women are encouraged to step forward with courage, is one I am drawn to.

 

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Philippa: Does spending time with my grandchildren count? Aside from that, ocean swimming and gardening are two of my favourite pastimes, and I also enjoy painting.

 

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Philippa: I love autumn. The ocean is still warm, and the sun has lost its fierce summer intensity, instead casting a softer light that makes everything appear more beautiful and richly coloured before winter gently draws nature into hibernate.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 B&N gift card + a 'Kangaroo Valley' souvenir prize pack from Australia!

(1) additional winner will also receive a 'Kangaroo Valley' souvenir prize pack!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 31, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 7, 2026. 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 for gift card. 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!

Author Interview: Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Taken Without a Trace by Hope Welborn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Taken Without a Trace 
Author: Hope Welborn 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: August 25, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

A missing person case… or a deadly cover-up? 

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years—but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister—or risk losing everything they hold dear.  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.  

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

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Excerpt

Cash Brenner? She hadn’t seen him in over two years. Not since he’d carelessly ended things between them. And broken her heart.

Pushing the though aside, she stepped toward him. “Cash?”

Crystal-blue eyes met hers, and her breath caught. She’d forgotten how piercing his gaze could be.

But his eyes looked through her, not seeming to recognize her. “Go.” He glanced at the road behind them. “Have to…go.”

“You’re not going anywhere.” A deep cut at his temple mingled with his short, dark hair. He probably had a concussion. “You need medical attention.”

He took two steps and almost toppled. Definitely a concussion.

She positioned herself next to his good shoulder and braced under the impact of his weight. Maya was not a tiny woman, but Cash was a big man. Tall and muscular.

She directed him away from the wreck. “Let’s get you to my car, and I’ll call for help.”

He mumbled something that sounded like—

“Bones? Yeah, you probably have something broken. We’ll let the paramedics che—”

The sound of another motor caught her attention. A sleek, dark street bike skidded to a halt at the edge of the pavement. Before she could speak, the rider raised a weapon.

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Also Available

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About the Author

Award-winning author Hope Welborn writes spine-tingling suspense, sprinkled with romance, and saturated with faith. By day, she masquerades as a digital content marketing technology specialist, and by night, she stays up too late putting words on the page. Hope is also co-owner and design/technology manager for Spark Flash Fiction and a member of the Suspense Squad. She has two indie published works, and her next novel will release from Love Inspired Suspense in August 2026. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Connect with Hope by visiting hopewelborn.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write Taken Without a Trace? 

Hope: Any time I set out to write a story, I find inspiration in a variety of places. When I began this one, I wanted to feature an interesting law enforcement agency. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has regional offices all over the state, including one in my hometown, so I decided to learn more about how the agency operates. During my research, I read a book by a former GBI agent who wrote about a case that had really affected him. I loved the idea of giving my special agent a similar challenge, and Cash Brenner and the case he couldn't solve were born. I wanted the heroine to have just as much at stake, so I made private investigator Maya Reid desperate to find her missing sister. When similarities emerge between their two cases, Cash and Maya must work together to solve both. And because I love a good second-chance romance, I gave them a painful history they have to overcome to find their happily ever after.


Q: How long did it take to write this book? 

Hope: From the initial concept to turning the manuscript in to my agent for submission, it took about a year. That included brainstorming, research, plotting and outlining, drafting, editing, and feedback from beta readers. I'm a #writerwithadayjob, so writing isn't my full-time job. I have to find time to write in between all the other life things!

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

Hope: I was surprised by how differently the GBI operates from a local sheriff's office or city police department. I learned a lot about when and why they get involved in cases. Usually, they're called in by a local agency to assist with certain investigations, although their involvement can also be requested by the governor. And because they're a statewide agency, they don't have the same jurisdictional boundaries as local law enforcement. Learning how the agency works gave me a lot of interesting possibilities for the story.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Taken Without a Trace? 

Hope: There are a few I could pick from, but I'll go with this one: Her pain mirrored his own. She understood him like no one else ever had.

This comes from a quiet moment between Cash and Maya, a rare time when they're not running from danger! It also gets to the heart of Cash's emotional conflict. He's always held personal relationships at arm's length for fear of getting hurt or hurting someone in return. When he and Maya dated a few years before the story begins, he connected with her in a way he never had with anyone else. It terrified him, so he broke things off and crushed Maya's heart. Now that she's back in his life, he's afraid of hurting her all over again, but he can't deny how deeply she understands him or how she fills the empty places in his heart.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

Hope: When I was in third grade, my teacher had us write a short story using that week's spelling words every Friday. I discovered how much I loved coming up with ideas and creating stories. I came home one day and told my mother that when I grew up, I wanted to be an author. Through the years, I carried that dream with me, and I'm so blessed that it has become a reality. More than that, I believe writing is a purpose and calling God has given me.


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

Hope: I grew up on a small farm in northeast Georgia. Over the years, my family had chickens, ducks, geese, dogs, miniature goats, donkeys, and horses. But here's the funny part: I'm actually allergic to horses! Needless to say, that made for some interesting times on the farm.

Q: What are you currently reading? 

Hope: Between being an author, working a full-time job, and co-owning the online magazine Spark Flash Fiction, I don't have as much time to read as I'd like. When I do get a few minutes, I'm usually reading a friend's book or something in my genre because I'm always learning and growing in my craft. Currently, I'm making my way through fellow author and friend Sami A. Abrams' new Stone Creek Ranch series from Love Inspired Suspense. Suspense, romance, cowboys, and rodeo—you can't go wrong with that combination!


Q: What is your favorite genre to read? 

Hope: My first love is, of course, inspirational romantic suspense. I love the combination of sweet romance, danger, page-turning excitement, and a meaningful faith thread. I also enjoy a good rom-com as long as it's a clean read. And in a totally different direction, I sometimes enjoy fantasy or sci-fi. I'm fascinated by an author's ability to create a world that's vastly different from our own yet still feels familiar and believable. I love to read it, but I could never write it!

Q: What is your favorite hobby? 

Hope: I love music. Both sides of my family are musical, and I've been playing piano for over 40 years. I also love to sing. I play piano for my church and help with the youth choir. Before writing took up all my free time, I also enjoyed pencil drawing and acting in local theater.

Q: What is your favorite season and why? 

Hope: I'm a fall girl, through and through. Give me crisp air, brightly colored trees, and all the cozy clothes! Summer in Georgia is brutal, with the hot temperatures and high humidity. Winter in the northeast Georgia mountains means more ice than snow. Spring is pretty but full of pollen and sometimes tornadoes. So I relish our short-lived autumns and spend the rest of the year wishing fall would hurry up and come back!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Taken Without a Trace, a copy of both Hidden and Trail of Danger (also by Hope Welborn), and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 2026. 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!

Author Interview: The Last Valentine by Andrea Renee Cox

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Last Valentine by Andrea Renee Cox, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Last Valentine 
Author: Andrea Renee Cox 
Publisher: Writing to Inspire Publications 
Release Date: April 17, 2026 
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romantic Tragedy, Sweet Romance, Men's Fiction, Short Story

Zechariah attempts to make his wife's last Valentine's Day extra special, but everything keeps going wrong. When her final moments draw near, will he find a way to push beyond his own grief to gift her a final burst of joy? 

This award-winning romantic tragedy is perfect for fans of the movies Roman Holiday, Collateral Beauty, and A Walk to Remember.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Fable | BookBub

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Excerpt

He adjusted his striped tie just as a crack of thunder jolted through the air. He peeked up and got splattered on the bridge of his nose for his trouble. He’d have to run. He hunched over the rose and used his suit jacket to shield it from the biggest raindrops. His feet wouldn’t move fast enough to avoid the swiftly forming puddles.

By the time he rounded the last corner, he was drenched to the bone. He jogged to the walkway that led to his front door, but the change of texture beneath his loafer got the better of him. His sole slipped, his leg jutted out—he overcompensated, pitched forward, and fell on his face, barely missing smashing his nose when his cheek hit the pavement.

Sitting up wasn’t the trouble; the crushed rose still clutched in his hand was.

His gut wrenched. What was he going to do? It wouldn’t be a proper Valentine’s Day without a flower to present to the love of his life. He couldn’t come empty-handed!

This was Emmalie’s last special day, after all.

He glanced around, rain slithering down his face and neck, but he didn’t see pops of color near any of the doors in either direction. Why didn’t anyone garden on this street? Flower pots and boxes were still things, weren’t they?

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Also Available

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About the Author

Born and raised in north Texas, award-winning author and Editor of the Year nominee (2026) Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting Christian fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction, sweet romance, or romantic tragedy, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website (andreareneecox.com), and readers are welcome to follow her blog and subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates in her journey.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Last Valentine?

Andrea: Carrie Turansky was hosting a Valentine’s Day romance short story contest, and when I was reading through the requirements for the second time, God dropped this idea in my head: What if this guy was trying to make his wife’s last Valentine’s Day extra special, but everything kept going wrong? That premise was so juicy, the ideas of how to flesh it out immediately started popping. And that’s when I knew I was on to something sweet and emotional and romantic and tragic—all the things I absolutely love about romantic tragedy stories.

Q: With The Last Valentine being labeled as a romantic tragedy, what should readers expect in terms of content and ending?

Andrea: Fantastic question! I love a good romantic tragedy and all the tumultuous emotions the genre brings. I fell in love with romantic tragedies when I saw Roman Holiday and Wuthering Heights (the Ralph Fiennes version) when I was around twelve. Those movies gripped me for very different reasons, and they’ve stuck with me all this time.

When I wrote The Last Valentine, I knew I wanted the sweet romcom tone of Roman Holiday but also a tragic, bittersweet ending reminiscent of Wuthering Heights. While my story is not a mashup or retelling of either (The Last Valentine is an original story), it does contain those tones I strove for.

As for content and the ending, slight spoiler here (though it is majorly hinted at in the book’s blurb), one of the main characters is dying from an illness. That illness remains unnamed, and while a significant character’s death happens, it is not graphic. Instead, it is a very bittersweet moment that makes me cry from a mixture of sorrow and joy every single time.

Readers should expect an emotional story and a significant character’s death—but also sweet romance between a married couple and a bittersweet joy that only Jesus can sweep into a person’s final moments

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

Andrea: Less than a month, believe it or not. Mrs. Turansky put out the call for contest entries on January 15, 2026, and I turned in The Last Valentine on February 8, 2026. The Last Valentine won third place in that contest. What an honor! And I only made a couple of small adjustments to the story before publishing it. Why mess much with an award-winner, right?

Short stories, surprisingly, come really easily to me and don’t often need many revisions. Full-length novels, on the other hand… That’s a different thing altogether. But I have a goal of reaching a perfect first draft anyway. Yet to be known if I’ll ever reach that one, but it sure is fun trying.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Last Valentine?

Andrea: My favorite lines are the last two sentences of the story—but I can’t share those because of major spoilers. (But I hope readers will pick up the book to discover what they are and why they’re so incredibly special.) So how about my second favorite instead?

I absolutely love the cheeky, sweet romance of this exchange between Zechariah and his wife, Emmalie:

He sniffed back a mix of snot and emotion and lowered his voice to match hers. “How would you like the best seat in the house, my lady?”

“Mm.” She snuggled against his chest. “I think I already have it.”

That part makes me go, “Awwww!” every time and gives me the warm fuzzies. She might be fading fast, but she still loves her man.

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Andrea: I actually began in screenplays (movies). I had seen my dad write them since I was in elementary school, and when I was sixteen, I got an idea for one. After writing eight or nine screenplays and dreaming of seeing them up on the silver screen, I discovered it’s incredibly difficult to crack into the movie business. So I did some exploring on Facebook (I’m no longer on that site) and discovered the Christian fiction writing community was very welcoming to newcomers.

That’s when I switched to writing books.

I completely fell in love with this longer form of writing and could immediately envision myself as a published author someday. Of course, back then, I always thought I’d be traditionally published. But over the years, I’ve learned that there are many different ways to become a published author. Since 2021, I’ve had four stories published in small-press anthologies; three of those books are still in print and available to purchase (andreareneecox.com/books). But this fifth book, The Last Valentine, I indie published.

I’m excited to see where God takes me as I keep exploring the writing journey He’s set before me.

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

Andrea: This type of question always challenges me because my life is so pleasantly boring. I do love it that way (no melodrama for me!), but it makes it hard to think of something to say when asked what’s unique about me or whatnot.

Let’s see…

If anyone follows me on Twitter, they probably already know I’m a huge Dallas Stars hockey fan. I can hardly wait for preseason to start in September and regular season in October.

Readers who follow my blog, Writing to Inspire, probably already know that I read a very broad range of genres, both Christian and general market. And if they follow my reviews on Goodreads, they know that for the last many years, I’ve given content warnings at the bottom of my reviews to help other readers make better-informed decisions on books they’d like to read.

But what’s something I haven’t shared anywhere before…?

Aha! I thought of something that only people who know me in person know—until now.

I absolutely love dill pickles, but I cannot imagine trying any of the dill-pickle-flavored food items that are popping up everywhere. Dill pickle Cheetos, dill pickle chips, dill pickle baked beans… They all sound super disgusting to me. I want my dill pickles to just be dill pickles, and I want my other stuff to just be that other stuff—never to be combined together.

Q: What are you currently reading?

Andrea: In August, I’m participating in the Prairie Trail Readathon hosted on YouTube and Discord by Anne at In Search of Wonder, so I’m reading lots of Westward Expansion and Prairie Trail/Oregon Trail books right now.

I just finished Remember My Royalty by my friend Hannah E. Griggs, and it was a five-star amazing book that featured a trio of Scottish siblings who find themselves caught in the midst of the Texas Revolution. I cannot recommend this indie-published book high enough. It is definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

Right now, I’m on chapter eleven of One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick. I’m a big weather nerd, so finding out that this book was about a wagon train party that faces a humongous mountain snowstorm made me add it to my TBR so fast. I’ve put it off for years because I was afraid I wouldn’t enjoy it since I had struggled with a previous book by this author. But it fit perfectly into the readathon this month, so I decided to pull it out finally and give it a go. So far, it’s pretty fascinating. I’m not sure how accurate the personalities and marital and sibling squabbles were to the real-life people, but I’m intrigued by their plight and the adventure of it all. The party has already split up twice, so I’m well and truly hooked now. Gotta see who all makes it to the final destination alive!

And I’m really looking forward to reading Twilight Tactics by Lynette Eason, Bookmarked for Love by Sarah Monzon, and The Roman Holiday Rule by Andra Loy (yes, inspired by the movie Roman Holiday, which you already know I love). Those are some of my most-anticipated books of the year, and I’m pretty sure I’ll get to them early in September—right after this readathon is over and I can mood read, instead of theme read, again.

While I could talk books forever and ever, I should probably stop there. Leave ’em wanting more, right? 😉


Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Andrea: I read quite broadly, but I always end up circling back to WWII fiction. Sarah Sundin is my favorite in the genre, and I’m all caught up on her books right now (until my preorder of her next story comes in later this year), but I still have plenty of other WWII books by different authors in my stacks and on my shelves that I could read soon.

Lately, I’ve been really enjoying contemporary romcoms by authors Shannon Sue Dunlap and Sarah Monzon. I didn’t think I liked the genre until I found these authors. The others I’d tried before went more to the zany, slapstick, unrealistic side of romcoms, and that is so not my style. But the hijinks and warmth and deep discussions and sweet humor found in Dunlap’s and Monzon’s writing have been just the refreshing sort of combination I’ve needed in my life.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Andrea: Reading, hands down. I enjoy diamond art, watching sports, teaching myself to crochet, reorganizing my books and movies, binge-watching TV shows and movies, and random other things, but I always, always, always have a book with me. I’ve had a love for books since I was a toddler (there’s picture proof hanging on my parents’ living room wall), and that passion has only grown with me over the years since then.

Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Andrea: This is a question I’ve actually been rethinking my answer to lately. I am a redhead living in North Texas, so I’m sensitive to the extreme heat that we experience in summer. Winter used to be my favorite season because it was the complete opposite of that, though our winters can be warm (Christmas is often 70 degrees Fahrenheit around here), but they can also be brutally cold with subzero temps that cause pipes to burst if not properly dripped and insulated. I still love snow (we mostly get ice when we get any wintry precipitation), but I’ve had enough of pipes bursting to last a lifetime, thanks.

Because of that, I’m changing my mind and finding the very early days of spring and the late days of autumn to be my favorite seasons. Those are the days on either side of the oppressive summer heat when the highs are maybe upper 60s, low 70s with chilly evenings. I can leave a window cracked at night for fresh air. I can wear all my sweaters and jackets and fingerless gloves and such. And I can have hot chocolate without feeling like I’ll roast to death. Happy, happy sigh! Sweater-weather season is my absolute favorite.

Thank you so much for the fantastic questions and for hosting me on Beauty in the Binding! I hope your readers will pick up a copy of The Last Valentine and hop over to my website for all the ways to follow me. Happy reading, y’all! I would love to hear about your current reads in the comment section. Anything I ought to add to my burgeoning TBR list?

Thank you, Andrea, for joining in on the blog today!

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an electronic copy (PDF, MOBI, or EPUB) of The Last Valentine, a paperback copy of Novelists in November, and a couple of bookmarks and stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 2026. 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!

Author Interview: A Lot Like Lavender by B.R. Goodwin

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Lot Like Lavender by B.R. Goodwin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Lot Like Lavender
Series: Happy in Honey Hill #3 
Author: B.R. Goodwin 
Publisher: Independent 
Release Date: August 3, 2026 
Genre: Closed door romantic comedy

Operating Purple Pastures & Alpaca on my own was not ever in my plans, but neither was becoming a widow and a single mom at twenty-two. Though I love this land and the life I’ve built for myself and my daughter—including the alpacas we adore, the strays we’ve taken in along the way, and the rolling hills of lavender surrounding our farm—all the years of hard work and one-woman juggling since James’ death may not be enough to keep it all together. 

In fact, I’m failing. Miserably. At farming, running a small business, managing the wild women of the Honey Hill PTA, and maintaining any semblance of a personal life. 

To top off my utter insufficiencies, I’m now being forced to accept help from the last person I ever expected to show his face again, Jordan Love. But—though it pains me to admit—having him around repairing fences, caring for my fur babies, and bonding with Molly is the first time I haven’t felt so alone in all this since I lost my husband. 

And most unexpectedly, Jordan's return to my life feels a lot like mending my heart.

 ________ 

For ten years, I’ve done a great job working through the grief of losing my best friend and the shame of selfishly walking away from the people we both cared about when I should have stayed. Even still, I knew coming back home to Honey Hill would dredge up regrets for past decisions. But when I see Emory Nelson for the first time since James’ death, I don’t expect the feelings I’ve kept well-suppressed for so long to come bubbling to the surface. Feelings I’ll need to get well under control if I intend to stick around. 

I ran away when she needed me most. With a second chance to show up for Emory and her daughter, there’s no way I can walk away again. I'm determined to be someone she can depend on, even if it means forever pretending I don't want more. 

Challenging. Beautiful. Forebearing. Resilient. Worthwhile… 

Love looks a lot like lavender. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | RomanceLandia | Amazon

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Excerpt

“I’m here because I’m still selfish, Red,” I say and can’t help but draw her a little closer, searching her face for worry. For distress. For a signal that what I’m feeling isn’t crazy, even if it is completely wrong. Even if I feel guilt inhabiting every nerve of my body. Because I am here, and James isn’t.

And I want to kiss Emory.

More than I want to practice medicine or ride my motorcycle or make this harsh world a little bit softer with balloons and well wishes. I want to kiss the woman who makes clothes for her pets but can’t make a meal from scratch. Who’s capable and strong and more remarkable than she knows. The woman who wears a mask for everyone else but, thanks to some stroke of providential favor, lets it fall for me.

And I don’t know what kind of man this makes me, but I want to kiss Emory more than I want to continue grieving for my best friend.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

B.R. Goodwin is a Georgia native, married to her college sweetheart, and the mother of three wild animal children she adores.

When she isn’t writing Christian Fiction, she’s reading, hiking, bee-keeping, soccer mom-ing, or planning her family’s next big adventure while drinking copious amounts of tea & coffee. Above all else, the heartbeat of everything she does in life, friendship, and writing is with an eye to sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with everyone she meets. Connect with her at Facebook or Instagram.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write A Lot Like Lavender?

B.R.: The idea for A Lot Like Lavender originated with my husband’s and my dream to own an Airbnb and alpaca farm in our retirement. Emory was thrown into the mix back in book one of Honey Hill, Forget Me Knot, and it seemed that overarchingly, my readers were anxious to see Emory get her happy ending. I loved the idea of writing a character that felt like she had to have herself together all the time. Which is SO not me.

I tried to write the complicated feelings of a widow finding love as heartbreaking and also hopeful. One of my dear friends and readers is a widow who found love a second time and was gracious enough to share her story with me. It felt deeply personal to write something with her in mind, while also kind of self-reflecting in a way I think many happily married women do, playing the “what if” game. What would I do in this situation? What would that grief look like? Could I ever fall in love a second time?

My hope is that anyone reading this, who may be in a difficult season or walking through grief, pain, loneliness, etc., would look to Jesus Christ as the true comforter and provider of all that we need.

Q: How long did it take to write this book?

B.R.: Seven grueling months. Usually my romcoms take about 2-3 months, depending on family life and my schedule. I began writing this novel in November 2025, then moved internationally with my family in early January. That transition, caring for my kids, diving into our new community, and supporting my husband, really took a toll on my writing time and creativity. It felt like such a huge accomplishment to finally type “the end.”

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

B.R.: I don’t generally get emotional while writing, but A Lot Like Lavender held quite a few “firsts” for me. So, when I couldn’t make it through the bonus epilogue (don’t skip out on that one, gals) without a little weep sesh, I found myself pretty surprised.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from A Lot Like Lavender?

B.R.: Bleh. Can I share two? I think I have to. They're both important and I couldn’t narrow it down. :)

I love when Jordan says,

“And I don’t know what kind of man this makes me, but I want to kiss Emory more than I want to continue grieving for my best friend.”

It’s so honest and such a conundrum of emotions he’s been fighting. The man’s patience knows no end and this moment felt like he was finally being honest with himself. That those feelings he’d try to deny were not going to disappear.

My favorite of Emory’s is from my favorite scene in the whole book,

“The paper has to come off. It has to be today. Tonight. Right now. I can’t abide one more night with it hanging over this bed. Over my life.

“I’m ready,” I whisper, hoarse and depleted into the dim light of my bedroom.”

This woman has truly been through more loss than most can imagine. The final stripping down and surrender to that grief and allowing herself to move forward was the removal of the horrible wallpaper that had haunted her for so long. This is the climatic moment for her, and it had nothing to do with a new found love, but everything to do with the freedom she needed to have to continue living.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

B.R.: I wrote so many “books” as a kid. My mom probably has them stored away somewhere in her basement. I studied fine art in college and even had my freshman English teacher encourage me to pursue creative writing. I remember saying to her “I’ll never be able to get a job doing that…”

It took over ten years of my husband encouraging me to write before I sat down to tap out my first novel, What Remains in the Wilderness. It’s a YA, Christian dystopian novel and I didn’t know if it would ever go anywhere, but I LOVED the way the story came together. Eleven books later, I am so grateful to God for the chance to create in a way I never imagined I would, that I get to share the Gospel so uniquely with potentially thousands of strangers, and that I get to write “kissing” books for a living.

 

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

B.R.: This is such a silly detail, but most of my books contain quite a bit of food. Homemade recipes, scones, MoonPies, cookies, pretzels, etc. But, I actually have to adhere to a pretty strict diet thanks to an inflammatory disease, so most of the food I write about I don’t actually eat. Maybe it’s like therapy. I love when readers tell me they made treats to go along with the books as they read. For A Lot Like Lavender, you’re gonna need a plate of brownies.

Q: What are you currently reading?

B.R.: I’m currently reading an early copy of an upcoming release, Made Like the Moon, by one of my dearest friends and critique partners, Carrie Cotten. It’s a Christian Mafia Romance (you don’t hear those words put together very often) and so far it is so delightfully entertaining.

Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

B.R.: I love Romantasy. Romcoms. Anything quirky and unexpected.

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

B.R.: I started running a couple of years ago recreationally. (Like, no bears chasing me are even involved.) I am NOT a runner by nature, but working my way up to high mileage and seeing that longevity and mental clarity grow as I train has been such a cool blessing. It’s become such an important part of my life, something I really look forward to, and something I’ve been able to share with my kids, which makes it extra special.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

B.R.: I LOVE Spring. Everything is fresh and new and there’s nothing better than losing some layers after being bundled all winter long. I also recently moved to a small village in Western Germany. Our home has a beautiful Hausgarten, a flower garden filled to the brim with tulips in the Spring and every flower you can think of blooming from early March through July. I’m already looking forward to Spring 2027.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Grits and Glamor (A Romance on the Menu Christian Romcom) as well as an exclusive swag pack including stickers and character print!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 24, 2026. 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!

Author Interview: Beach House Rescue by Hope Toler Dougherty

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Beach House Rescue by Hope Toler Dougherty, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beach House Rescue 
Author: Hope Toler Dougherty 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: June 23, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Two strangers. One beach house. Zero plans to share it. 

Tessa Trask expects a quiet summer restoring a friend’s beach house—not waking up to an intruder and defending herself as best she can. Wyatt Henry isn’t a burglar, though. He’s just as surprised to find her there—and just as determined to stay. 

Under protest, the two agree to an uneasy truce. Tessa is creative and spontaneous. Wyatt is disciplined and guarded. Keeping their distance should be easy…until a surprise visitor arrives and turns their temporary arrangement into something far more complicated. 

As sun-soaked days lead to deeper conversations, irritation softens into a fragile peace and grows into something worth protecting. While Tessa begins to trust God’s leading for her future, Wyatt wrestles with a past that makes trust feel dangerous. 

Are their growing feelings worth the risk—or is walking away the only safe choice?  

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

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Excerpt

“I don’t think she’s armed. She’s asleep on my couch.”

Tessa Trask blinked her eyes open, hit by the fog that always accompanied a nap stretching longer than fifteen minutes. What a crazy dream.

A man’s voice. Calm, but firm.

A squatter in a beach house.

Requesting police.

The beginning bloom of a headache seeped behind her forehead. Her eyelids fell back in place, giving her a chance to regroup and take a minute to consider waking up.

The dream continued. The voice continued.

Wait. What?

She pressed her eyelids together.

“Just send someone right away, please, and no sirens. I don’t want to startle her. Just get her out of here.”

Heart galloping from lounging to horror movie gear with the speed of a Kentucky Derby darling, she squeezed the book on top of her chest in a death grip. Her lungs struggled to keep up, whooshing out breaths in short puffs.

Somebody—some man is in this house with me. Think, brain, think.

Lord God, help me.

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Also Available

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About the Author

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her early novels are Irish Encounter, Mars…With Venus Rising, and Rescued Hearts. Her Forever Series includes Forever Music, “A Hatteras Surprise,” a novella featured in Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams, Forever Home, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA)’s 2023 Romance Novel of the Year, and Forever Free, first place in the Faith, Love, & Hope Reader’s Choice Award for 2025.

A chronic community volunteer as well as a member of ACFW, NC Writers’ Network, and Neuse River Writers, she shares her belief in God “Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” in her daily life and stories. 

She and her husband, Kevin, live in North Carolina and delight in visits with their two daughters and twin sons. 

Connect with Hope by visiting hopetolerdougherty.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write Beach House Rescue?

Hope: In August of 2023, an idea kept popping into my mind. So, on my birthday, I began freewriting about a woman who wakes up from an afternoon nap to find an intruder in the beach house her friend loaned her for the summer.

We live about two hours inland from the beaches of North Carolina. Although we don’t do it frequently, we can drive to the beach in the morning, enjoy the beach for the day, then drive home. We like to rent houses and have our children join us when their schedules match. A story set on a beach is a familiar location for me.


Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Hope: I’m a slow writer. My typical goal is 1500 words per day, but I have friends who write much more than that. I mentioned beginning Beach House Rescue in August of 2023. I turned it in to my publisher in October of 2025. During those two years, I launched Forever Free in January of 2024, then focused on marketing that book while I kept up volunteer responsibilities for my public library and church.


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

Hope: I was surprised with two characters, Skylee and Ms. Louise. Skylee is a lively teenager who shakes up the story, and Ms. Louise has a strong personality that helps Tessa find her purpose in life. These two characters definitely weren’t in my beginning notes, but I’m so glad they showed up!

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Beach House Rescue?

Hope: Don't let the familiar diminish the extraordinary.

One of the secondary characters encourages Tessa, the main character, not to let the familiar diminish the extraordinary. It’s a variation of the old adage, familiarity breeds contempt. Tessa discounts her crafting skills as true art which leads to discontentment.

Seeing with new eyes is an important idea for all of us. We sometimes look for the shiny without realizing that every day miracles are happening all around us if we open our eyes to see them. I hope Beach House Rescue will remind readers to use fresh eyes to see extraordinary things in the familiar.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Hope: I’ve known it as long as I can remember, but the thought terrified me. Although I knew the structure of story, I couldn’t figure out how to make an idea work. I contented myself in writing for local newspapers and magazines until an idea of a woman writing in an Irish café popped into my head. That scene became an early scene in my first novel, Irish Encounter.

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

Hope: Most readers don’t know that when I was in high school, I drove a school bus to school. Yes, North Carolina allowed teenagers who’d just received their licenses to drive those huge buses with no seatbelts and screaming children. Driving was a lot of responsibility, but it was also a great way to earn money.

 

Q:. What are you currently reading?

Hope: I’m reading The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower. I’m beginning volume 8, the last one of the series…so far. The books, charming, humorous, and poignant, are set in London in the 1880’s with a host of intriguing and unique characters. Because of reading this series, I’ve changed my morning coffee to hot tea a few times!


Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Hope: Romance! I love happy endings. I also enjoy the meet cute and then watching how the characters grow in their acknowledging one another, then being intrigued with each other, and finally loving each other.

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Hope: I love to cook and bake. In fact, I sometimes read cookbooks like a novel. I like to buy local cookbooks on vacations. I enjoy trying new recipes and revisiting old favorites, too.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Hope: I’m grateful to live in an area which has all four seasons because I enjoy different aspects of each one, but spring and fall are special. I enjoy spring because I love flowers and love to see them pop up again in my yard. I look forward to fall for the cooling temperatures, the back-to-school sales of colored ink pens, index cards, and new notebooks, and for me, fall is baking season!

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed copy of Beach House Rescue and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 10, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 17, 2026. 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  for print copy. Ebook available instead if winner is outside the US. 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: The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck

About the Book:

Can anything rekindle the summer love between former sweethearts facing old wounds and a divided town?

Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.

Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.

As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.

Read an excerpt from The Sands of Sea Blue Beach on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

In The Sands of Sea Blue Beach, author Rachel Hauck wove small town charm and drama with sunshine, sand, and a second-chance romance. This combination created a lovely, summertime beach read. I particularly enjoyed Emery and Caleb’s romance because of the support and long-standing friendship they shared. Both main characters came from families with difficult relational issues that required love, forgiveness, and healing to set things right (or at least on the right path). Their common experiences drew them together and created an abiding affection between them.

Other aspects I enjoyed in The Sands of Sea Blue Beach included:

• The citizen preservation efforts and cherishing of local history (by some of the characters).
• Family love as an important source of strength and support was a key theme.
• A faith element that somehow felt both subtle and poignant as both Caleb and Emery were open to the idea and presence of Immanuel, God With Us.
• I enjoyed both of the timelines (though most of it is present day) because the dual-timeline showed the past events instead of summarizing what had occurred.

Readers who enjoyed Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck will recognize name dropping in The Sands of Sea Blue Beach, but it reads as a full stand-alone novel with no requirement to read the previous book. Four Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.