Archive by Author

Spotlight on Rom-Com — A Cameo for The Cowgirl

13 Jun

A Cameo for a Cowgirl JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Cameo for a Cowgirl by Carolyn Miller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Cameo for a Cowgirl

Title: A Cameo for The Cowgirl
Series: Three Creek Ranch #1
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Comedy

Welcome to Three Creek Ranch, home of the James family for over a hundred years, complete with its own Western movie set.

Franklin James might be a famous pro hockey player, but just because he’s Cassie’s older brother doesn’t mean she wants to step into the limelight. She’s too busy helping her dad run the ranch and managing the ranch’s movie set, and negotiating with the giant egos of movie stars like Harrison Woods, who’s supposed to be filming the new TV series of As The Heart Draws. And while his TV hero characters might be hugely popular, Harrison’s real character seems anything but noble. Cassie is convinced he’s hiding something, and that this diva’s nice guy moments are just an act.

Can she remind him what being a true hero is all about?

Excerpt

His lips curved. “I missed you, Cassie.”

Her breath hitched. He couldn’t mean that to sound quite like that. “Well, lucky for you, here I am again.”

“Lucky for me.” His voice held a rasp.

She stepped back. If she didn’t know better, she’d be almost inclined to think the man liked her or something. Which was ridiculous. Why would he like her when he could have his pick of Hollywood? 

Besides, just because a man might say smooth things didn’t mean a girl needed to believe them. And this girl couldn’t afford to believe them, or allow her heart to get involved. She’d gone that way before, and it hadn’t ended well. Besides, he wasn’t a Christian. Was he?



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

Also Available

Fire and Ice


About The Author

Carolyn Miller

Carolyn Miller is a bestselling Australian author of historical and contemporary romance. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include the Regency Brides and the Regency Wallflowers series. Her contemporary novels include the Original Six and Northwest Ice hockey romance series, the Muskoka Shores romance series, and those in the Independence Islands series. Her stories have been described by Publishers Weekly as “a winsome exploration of life, love and faith” and witty “with snappy repartee that rockets off the page” (Library Journal). Readers enjoy these books that are humorous yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus ‘true love’, and other challenges. Her novels can be considered ‘inspirational’, and may appeal to readers of Christian fiction, who want stories of hope and redemption – with a twist of Aussie humour.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print (US only) or ebook (where available) copy of A Cameo for the Cowgirl plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

A Cameo for a Cowgirl JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 19, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — When The Ocean Roars

12 Jun

When the Ocean Roars JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for When the Ocean Roars by Charlsie Estess, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

When the Ocean Roars

Title: When the Ocean Roars
Author: Charlsie Estess
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: June 11, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

He needs to surrender. She needs to fight. Are they ready for their next battle?​

Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life. The adored prizefighter is primed to take the win. And nothing has ever distracted him from victory in the ring.

But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Surely, he can keep his heart safe for one day.

Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together, driving their attraction―and her high-society family drama―to something more intense than Keane has ever faced. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles in the knockout of his life, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature?

Excerpt

Perhaps Ami’s reasons for pursuit extended beyond mere intrigue. So what? Keane Temple was a potent force. Like a black hole, he was drawing her in, closer and closer. Most men were predictable. And she knew more than one thing about fighters. But he was unexpected. Attentive. Patient. A fleeting opportunity for the taking.

With a glance, she admired him, head to toe. One second, her wild imagination was rushing in a treacherous direction. The next, she was flying through the air. Her toe had snagged a chunk of driftwood. As the rough beach raced toward her face, a strong arm darted under her to break the fall. Keane toppled beside her. But she wasn’t complaining.



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


About The Author

Charlsie Estess

Charlsie Estess holds a master of business administration degree and worked in finance and strategic planning before becoming a writer. She is a member of ACFW and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers and was an ACFW 2023 Genesis Finalist. She currently resides in Mississippi with her husband and two sons.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win an Ocean Adventure Giveaway, including a woven beach bag, a print copy of When the Ocean Roars, & a ROAR T-Shirt!

When the Ocean Roars JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 10, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Top 10 Tuesday — Wishing for Books

11 Jun

Happy Tuesday! I don’t have a book wishlist primarily because my family and friends look around my house and proclaim I already own too many. What do they know!? LOL! But if I did keep a wishlist these books would be on it.

For more bloggers’ wishlists, check out https://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com.

Top 10 Books I Would Put on A Wishlist If I Had One

The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron

The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann

Fatal Domain by Steven James

The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar

The Garden Girls by Jessica R. Patch

Hidden in The Night by Elizabeth Goddard

The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green

One Final Target by Janice Cantore

A Place to Land by Lauren K. Denton

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate

Happy Release Day — Bitter And Sweet

11 Jun

Happy release day to Rhonda McKnight! Her latest novel, Bitter And Sweet is now available. I very much enjoyed The Thing About Home and am looking forward to a return visit to Georgetown, South Carolina and another novel centered on complex family dynamics. Find out all about it below.

From the beloved author of The Thing About Home comes a dual timeline tale of family, grief, secrets, and the sweet redemption that lies within the bonds of sisterhood.

-The Present-

When summoned to Georgetown, South Carolina, sisters Mariah Clark and Sabrina Holland both assume their ailing grandfather’s health has gotten worse. Neither expects their grandmother’s undeniable request–save the family restaurant.

Mariah is at a crossroad in her life. After being dumped by her husband and forced to walk away from their diner that she helped rescue from bankruptcy, bitter feelings consume her. Even though the restaurant has been in the family for eighty-six years, giving her all to another struggling business isn’t something she wants to do.

Living out of her van and striving for a fresh start, Sabrina yearns for stability for herself and her daughter and a chance to turn her baking hustle into a bona-fide business. The family restaurant may be just the blessing she needs–but as old tensions and angry disagreements resurface, Sabrina wonders if her sister will let her have a say.

-The Past-

After falling victim to a love she thought would last a lifetime, Tabitha Cooper finds herself away from home and struggling to survive in Charleston in the early twentieth century. She is determined to turn corn into cornbread and to take care of her children the best way she knows how–by serving food that’s good for the soul–and along the way forges a path that leaves a legacy of success for generations to come.

Through letters that reveal Tabitha’s complicated past, the sisters discover truths that just might be the right recipe to mend their hearts–if they can find a way to savor the blessing of today and leave the bitter aftertaste of old memories behind them.

Rhonda McKnight is the author of twenty-five traditional and indie-published award-winning bestsellers, including An Inconvenient Friend, What Kind of Fool, and Unbreak My Heart. She is a two-time winner of the Emma award in the categories of Inspirational Romance of the Year (2015) and Debut Author (2010). She has been nominated thrice for the African American Literary Award. She writes inspirational book club fiction and Christian romance about complex characters in crisis. Her goal is to touch the heart of women through her stories using the themes of faith, forgiveness, and hope. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home.

She can be reached at her website at http://www.RhondaMcKnight.com and on social media at http://www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda, http://www.instagram.com/AuthorRhondaMcKnight, http://www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight and http://www.SistersofFaithBooks.com where she has joined with sixteen other authors to introduce her stories to the world.

Happy Release Day — Celebrity Pastor

10 Jun

Happy release day to Creston Mapes! His newest suspense novel, Celebrity Pastor is now available. Moral compromise is a problem for any believer, but for a pastor the temptations of the world can impact so many other people. Mapes explores the slippery slope in a book that promises to be quite the page-turner! Find out more below.

His Heart Was Right . . . Until It Wasn’t

Pastor Neil Gentry embarked on his ministry with genuine intentions, unwavering passion, and undeniable charisma. He had a gift for drawing people in and teaching profound truths that resonated deeply with the masses. As his influence grew, so did his fame.

Vine & Branches Church became one of the fastest growing in the world, with campuses in Atlanta, LA, Austin, NYC, and a TV ministry spanning the globe. Soon, Pastor Gentry and his wife Becky resembled royalty, enjoying fame and power—and basking in the adoration of their devoted followers.

Beneath the glitz and glamor, however, whispers of misconduct began to surface.

Accusations ranging from coverup and manipulation to corruption and sexual harassment cast a shadow over the once-glowing reputation of Vine & Branches. Was Pastor Gentry leading his flock above reproach, or was he using them to fuel his own ambitions? Could the rumors of emotional manipulation and abuse of power within the church’s inner circle possibly be true?

As the allure of popularity and power consume the Gentrys, they find themselves plummeting into the abyss of moral compromise. With the weight of their actions threatening to shatter everything they’ve built, one dire question remains: can anything or anyone break the spell before the unthinkable happens? Find out in the latest tension-filled thriller from acclaimed suspense novelist Creston Mapes.

Creston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad’s early American furniture store – The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.

He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.

Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.

Mini-Book Review: Already in The Kudzu

10 Jun

Already in The Kudzu is a romantic suspense novel by new-to-me author Heather Hood Lucero. The book focuses on two characters who desperately need a do-over from past mistakes and trauma. Set primarily in a charming North Carolina mountain town, Jamie and Kael find themselves facing danger together. Edge-of-the-seat suspense combines with a strong faith message to make a book that fans of inspirational fiction will love. The characters are likable and relatable, and have lots of chemistry. This book is the first in the author’s Sons of Vigilance series, so if you enjoy this book you will have more fun reading ahead.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

A suspenseful story of love, loss, and redemption. 

A series of bad choices culminated in the worst day of Jamie Moreno’s life. Although she narrowly escaped her abusive boyfriend, he left her drowning in guilt over unspeakable secrets. Now, seven years later, she’s rebuilt a meaningful but lonely existence—and then one telephone call shatters her peace as her past threatens to destroy everyone she loves.

Staff Sergeant Kael Flynn is no stranger to standing between innocence and the evil men who seek to destroy it. On the cusp of trading in his combat boots for a quiet life, his final mission leaves him with a debt he can never repay. When he uncovers his fallen friend’s plan to keep a young woman safe, he sees a chance to do right by his fellow Marine. The last thing he anticipated was falling in love with the mysterious J. Moreno.

Will Jamie’s tormentor prove to be the one Kael can’t defeat before it’s too late?

Hannah Hood Lucero is a wife, mom of three, Army veteran, and self-proclaimed word-slinger. While it is the brackish waters of the Mississippi Sound that flow through her veins, western North Carolina holds her heart. Her love for storytelling is the fruit of a lifetime of cultivation in the vibrant cultures of the Gulf Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She currently resides in South Mississippi with her husband and three children on their ten-acre homestead. They have a dog, thirteen chickens, and at least fifty species of mosquitos, depending on the month of the year. When she isn’t in the garden, at the stove, or homeschooling, she can be found at her computer—just follow the sound of frenetic typing. Her motto is, “Draft, edit, read, repeat.”

First Line Friday — Unintended Target

7 Jun

Happy Friday! Unintended Target by D. L. Wood has gotten rave reviews from my friends. I love a good suspense, and this one is said to keep a reader guessing. I can’t wait to read it, but in the meantime . . . .

Here’s the first line:

“He’s done it again,” groaned Chloe McConnaughey, her cell held to her ear by her shoulder as she pulled one final pair of shorts out of her dresser.

Her twin brother is dead. Now they’re coming for her.

Travel photojournalist Chloe McConnaughey knew that her brother—a brilliant programmer—would compromise anything to get ahead. She just didn’t know that included her.

When he dies unexpectedly, Chloe copes by taking an assignment in the Caribbean where she meets Jack, a charming Manhattan escapee who almost has her believing life could turn around. But the illusion is shattered when a series of bizarre incidents leaves them framed for murder and running from killers convinced Chloe is the key to getting what they want.

Suddenly Jack’s timely entrance seems more than coincidental, but with nowhere else to turn, Chloe must trust this man who is not only charming, but also dangerous, and much better at evading capture than he should be.Hunted from the tiny island of St. Gideon all the way to Miami, Chloe desperately searches for evidence to prove her innocence and eliminate her as a target of the shadowy conspiracy that will stop at nothing to make its problems go away. Will she expose the truth in time, or will her brother’s betrayal ultimately cost Chloe her life?

This series is can’t-put-it-down suspense that’ll keep you up to the wee hours. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

If you like riveting intrigue and heroines and heroes you root for, you’ll love USA TODAY bestselling author D.L. Wood’s thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Get it now and don’t miss another suspense-filled moment.

Unintended Target is the 2016 ILLUMINATION BOOK AWARDS GOLD MEDAL WINNER FOR CHRISTIAN FICTION EBOOK and the American Christian Fiction Writers Association Book Club May 2019 book selection.

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY and Amazon bestselling author who writes thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book.

D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline. She lives in North Alabama, where, if she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies, bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.’s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) and receive a free gift by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.

2024 Just Read Rendezvous!

6 Jun

RDV '24 JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for JustRead Rendezvous 2024, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You Are Invited

JustRead Rendezvous
November 15, 2024
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center Chicago-Downers Grove

Join fellow readers and authors at the JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. This event, modeled after the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Activities will include corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up book shop, and author signings.

Baker Publishing Group fiction imprints (Bethany House and Revell), Enclave Publishing, and Kregel Publications have joined JustRead Publicity Tours as event sponsors.

Learn more about the 2024 JustRead Rendezvous


Participating Authors

JustRead Rendezvous 2024 first 27 participating authors

first row: Amanda Barratt, Amanda Cox, Amanda Dykes, Angela Ruth Strong, Becky Wade, Elizabeth Goddard, Elizabeth Musser, Emily Conrad, Gabrielle Meyer. second row: Janilise Lloyd, Kate Breslin, Katie Powner, Kimberley Woodhouse, Kristi Ann Hunter, Laura Frantz, Linda MacKillop, Lisa Phillips, Lynn Austin. third row: Mesu Andrews, Nancy Mehl, Nicole Deese, Robin W. Pearson, Ronie Kendig, Sara Brunsvold, Sara Davison, Sara Ella, Sara Watterson

Keynote speakers include Amanda Dykes, Becky Wade, and Ronie Kendig. Kimberley Woodhouse and Lisa Phillips will lead worship. More authors will be added to the event as reader registration increases!

Check out recent releases by participating authors in the JustRead Amazon Storefront.


Register

The registration fee (including a book tote, lunch, afternoon snack, and more) is $124 for readers. We’re nearing the reader registration mark to add more best-selling, debut, and indie authors to the 2024 event. Tell your friends and register today to pave the way by August 1!

Subscribe to email updates and learn more about each author on the JustRead Rendezvous website. Connect with other attendees and hopefuls in the Rendezvous Roomies & Logistics ’24 private Facebook group to arrange shared experiences or cost-sharing opportunities.

Register Now

P.S. Join us on Thursday at the same location for the Art of Writing conference and The Christy Award Winners Gala. The Christy Award honors and promotes excellence in Christian fiction and is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Visit christyawards.com for more information and registration.


Giveaway

(1) winner will receive one paid registration to JustRead Rendezvous 2024 courtesy of ’23 Rendezvous author Tamara Leigh
(1) winner will receive a canvas tote bag, an A6 journal notebook with a ballpoint pen, a 12 oz enamel mug, a scented candle, and a reading blanket
(5) winners will receive a $10 egift card (Baker Book House, Christianbook, or Amazon)

JustRead Rendezvous 2024 Blog Tour Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 4, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 11, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for physical prizes. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Book Review: Embers In The London Sky

5 Jun

My book club chose Embers in The London Sky for last month’s selection because Sarah Sundin is one of our must-read authors. Her latest WWII-era novel was a hit! Below are a few of my thoughts on this highly recommended read.

As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes. 

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of Embers in the London Sky (February 2024), The Sound of Light (2023), Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), When Twilight Breaks (2021), and several World War II series.

Sarah’s novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Parisreceived the 2022 Christy Award and was a semi-finalist for the 2023 Carol Award, The Sound of LightWhen Twilight Breaks, and The Land Beneath Us were finalists for the Christy Award, and The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in Southern California and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers’ groups. Sarah serves as Co-Director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference.

My Impressions:

There are a lot of WWII-era novels out there. Believe me I have read a bunch. But I have to say that Sarah Sundin keeps writing fresh and unique stories. Her latest novel, Embers in The London Sky captures the very real fear when faced with an unknown future and outcome. The story revolves around a young mother who has lost her son in the escape from the Netherlands during the German invasion. She ends up in England hoping against hope that her child has been brought there as well. I can’t imagine what the people facing this real-life scenario went through. Themes of trusting God’s plans and goodness, the welcome/rejection of refugees by the Brits, and sacrificing desires for another’s good are all examined. This book really made me think. It also really touched me. I cried several times while reading, something that is a rare occurrence for me. The historical details were great — Sundin is a wonderful researcher, and the characters relatable. There’s some romance and a good twisting mystery. This book really has it all!

I can’t say enough about how good Embers in The London Sky is. It truly is highly recommended.

Highly recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Spotlight on Cozy Mystery — The Matchmaker Murders: Season One

5 Jun

I am so excited to spotlight a new cozy mystery series today! The Matchmaker Murders: Season One by Catherine Gibson looks like such a fun read. A clean series with a middle-aged matchmaker sounds right up my alley. And you get not one or two stories, but three! Find out all the details below. Plus, the author has shared a code to get a discounted ebook! The promotion runs through July 15th. The collection is also available on Kindle Unlimited.

What would you do if every match you made ended in murder? 

Meet your new favorite sleuth investigator, Penny! Middle-aged, married, and quite the matchmaker, Penny has called the cozy town of Walnut Mountain “home” her entire life.But this quiet, Christian corner of Vermont soon gets turned upside down when one ofPenny’s latest love matches ends in murder! The Matchmaker Murders, Season One,includes three wonderfully witty cozy mysteries you won’t want to put down: 

Death at the Double Date

Murder at the Movies

Poisoned at the Picnic

If you enjoy light-hearted cozy mysteries with lovable characters, surprising killers, and clean language, then Catherine Gibson’s addictive new series will keep you turning thepages to find out whodunit

Get your discounted copy here!

Catherine Gibson writes fun, witty, cozy mysteries, because that’s what she loves to read! Her stories feature lovable Christian sleuths, quaint storybook towns, and murder motives you won’t find anywhere else! In her spare time, Catherine attends ballet classes, whips up fragrant batches of homemade soap, hangs out on the beach, and spends time with her twin sister after church.