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Author, Author! — Xochitl Dixon

28 Apr

About The Book

Book: What Color is God’s Love?

Author: Xochitl Dixon

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release date: March 19, 2024

All the colors displayed in this world that God made—
every glorious, fabulous, beautiful shade—show how good God is and will always be.But what is the color of love? Come and see! In What Color is God’s Love?, a little girl and her service dog join their diverse friends through a whirlwind of adventures. As they celebrate the spectacular spectrum of colors God designed, each color invites readers to explore their God-given emotions and becomes a reminder of God’s unchanging character. While encouraging children to acknowledge God’s constant presence with every turn of the page, What Color is God’s Love? also empowers children, with and without disabilities, to play, work, and serve God together, by simply letting the colors of His love shine through them. With each turn of the page, the focus shifts to a specific color—orange, yellow, blue, green, pink, black, white, gray, brown, red, purple. Each lyrical rhyme invites readers to engage with God
through empowering and faith-building truth-statements that incite worship and encourage a lifestyle of loving God and neighbors.

Click here to get your copy!

About The Author

Xochitl (So-Cheel) Dixon, contributing writer for Our Daily Bread and God Hears Her, is the author of Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace. She loves Jesus and people, as she crosses cultural, generational, and international lines with encouraging and sound biblical teaching. Celebrating diversity and inclusion, she advocates for disability awareness with her beautifully diverse family and her
service dog, Callie. Her first children’s picture book, Different Like Me, now available in Spanish, is a 2021 ECPA Christian Book Award Children’s Book Finalist. In March 2024, Xochitl’s second picture book, What Color is God’s Love?, is releasing with WaterBrook.

More from Xochitl

The Heart Behind My Story

By Xochitl Dixon

Like most of my writing, What Color is God’s Love? began as an overflow of worship while I prayed and praised God. In 2018, my husband and I had followed God from California to Wisconsin. I’m disabled and can’t drive, so his long hours at work left me feeling isolated while I searched for a new church and new doctors. As the weather became more extreme, I grew more discouraged, frustrated, and resentful. I struggled as I wrote my first 31-day devotional for Our Daily Bread, Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace. I was praying for people, studying and teaching the Bible every day. So, I couldn’t figure out why I felt so out of touch with God.

When my new puppy, Callie, licked my tears away, I looked out the window and noticed the rain had finally stopped. Rays of sunlight pierced through the dark gray clouds, shining on a white heron that had landed in the greed foliage on the creek’s bank next to our front yard. I wept tears of grateful praise. I wrote the first draft of a free verse poem celebrating God’s loving care for the details in Creation and in the lives of His people.

As I prayed, I realized I had been spending time talking to people about God. However, as the physical, emotional, and mental effects of our transition overwhelmed me, I had stopped spending quality time withGod. As I watched the white heron take flight, God led me to Psalm 33:6-9, which became the first What Color is God’s Love? Bookend Bible verse.

I released Waiting for God in 2019 and my first picture book, Different Like Me, in 2020. But God had me tuck that free verse poem away as He dramatically transformed me and the original manuscript over the next few years. I wanted to give young image-bearers what I never had growing up: a safe place to process emotions . . . in God’s presence. I also wanted God’s beautifully diverse image-bearers, people with and without disabilities, to see each color as a reminder of His unchanging character, unlimited power, and unwavering grace, as they experienced His unconditional love flowing for them, in them, and throughthem.

After I signed the contract in November 2021, God began leading me to the right Bible verses to build the messages for each color I shared. Over time, I created the Breath Prayer Cards as a free download on my website, the YouVersion reading plan, and the devotional for the rest of the colors not shared in the reading plan.

I wanted each color to be a reminder of God’s unchanging character, unlimited power, and unwavering grace as we experience His unconditional love flowing for, in, and through us. More importantly, I began praying that everyone who read What Color is God’s Love? would be inspired to open their Bibles and spend more time with God, including me.

Q & A With Xochitl Dixon

Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

I guess I am the stereotype writer then, because I was always a storyteller. I would make up stories and act them out as a child. I won my first Young Authors Award when I was in 3rd Grade with a story I wrote and illustrated, Sonny Otter and the Four Seasons.

Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?

My mom nurtured a love for reading and creative writing ever since I was a kid. When I served as her caregiver in 2014, she told me that she had always dreamed that I would become a writer and said she hoped that I would use writing to encourage others the way she saw me encouraging people at the cancer care center.

How did you choose the genres you write?

I didn’t choose a genre. I follow God. I started out writing contemporary fiction for teens and women. However, God led me to write devotions during a Christian writers’ conference in 2011. I sold my first devotion and six short stories at that conference.

I edited a few Bible studies for teens with an editor I met in 2010. When she moved to ODB in 2015, she recommended me for an interview. I began serving as a contributing writer for Our Daily Bread and God Hears Her. Our Daily Bread published my first 31-Day devotional, Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace in 2019 and my first children’s book, Different Like Me, in 2020.

I just released my second children’s book with WaterBrook, What Color is God’s Love?, and my third children’s book, Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown, is available for pre-order now. I’ve even been able to contribute to Tyndale’s Go Bible for Kids, which releases Fall 2024. I have a new devotional being released by Our Daily Bread in 2025 and will be recording both of my ODB devotionals this summer for audio books.

Even though my writing journey is a bit different from the traditional path, I’ve been happy following God’s plan and pace. I just want to share God’s truth and love to the ends of the earth and I don’t care how. He’s been allowing me to do this with my words in different genres ever since 2012. I’m grateful for the ministry opportunities!

Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

Writing in multiple genres makes marketing and promoting a difficult balance. But God led me to this path, so I’m trusting Him to handle all the details.

What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

Bible reading and praying is always a part of my writing process. I have a back injury and am considered permanently disabled, so I don’t really have a typical writing day. I work when I can work. I listen to my body and rest when I need to rest. I don’t wait to be inspired, I ask God to give me the words to write when I sit down to write and then I just allow myself to write without editing myself.

    Blog Stops

    Lots of Helpers, April 24

    Texas Book-aholic, April 25

    Vicky Sluiter, April 26 (Author Interview)

    BookZone Reviews , April 27

    By The Book, April 28 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, April 28

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

    Splashes of Joy, April 30 (Author Interview)

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 1

    Beauty in the Binding, May 2 (Author Interview)

    Locks, Hooks and Books, May 3

    Sylvan Musings, May 4 (Author Interview)

    Guild Master, May 4

    Artistic Nobody, May 5

    Blossoms and Blessings, May 6 (Author Interview)

    Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 7

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Xochitl is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of Different Like Me, and What Color is God’s Love?!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/2b144/what-color-is-god-s-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

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    Book Review: Sandcastle Inn

    15 Apr

    About The Book

    Book: Sandcastle Inn

    Author: Irene Hannon

    Genre: Contemporary Romance

    Release Date: April 2, 2024

    Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

    A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.

    Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

    Click here to get your copy!

    My Impressions:

    It is always a treat to return to Hope Harbor, Oregon in the contemporary romance novels of Irene Hannon. Her series is now 10 books strong! And each successive story just gets better and better. I loved Sandcastle Inn! In this novel several newcomers are introduced to the small seaside town, but the community is so welcoming that they soon feel at home. Does it sound like I feel Hope Harbor is a real place? 😉 Hannon has created a wonderful setting with charming characters that have continued throughout the series. One old time resident and the two seagulls that seem to witness every new budding relationship are very special additions to each book. In Sandcastle Inn, Hannon focuses on several types of relationships — new romance, family dynamics, and a married couple. As always, the narrative’s main focus is on the the attraction and developing romantic relationship of the two main characters, but I really enjoyed how Hannon explored the varying types of relationships between parents and grown children and sibling relationships. The story line of the married couple was my favorite! All of the stories add a depth that make the book more than just a romance, as well as adding to the feeling that Hope Harbor really exists! A solid faith thread runs naturally throughout the narrative — it’s never preachy.

    If you like contemporary romance with some small town charm and well-developed characters, then Sandcastle Inn is a must-read. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, though. While 10 books may sound daunting, think of all the fun you are going to have spending time in Hope Harbor!

    Recommended.

    Audience: Adults.

    (Thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

    About The Author

    Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.

    More from Irene

    In my world, the approach of April signals not only tulips, dogwoods, and daffodils, but a return to my little seaside town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. And this year marks a milestone. Sandcastle Inn is the tenth book set in this charming locale.

    When I conceived of this series back in 2013, neither I nor my editor had any idea how long it would run—or that Publishers Weekly would deem my small fictional town “a place of emotional restoration that readers will yearn to visit.”

    But visit they have. Hundreds of thousands of copies of the books have been sold worldwide, the novels have been translated into multiple languages, and taco-making artist/town sage Charley Lopez has become an iconic figure.

    It’s been an amazing journey—with more books to come.

    If you’ve never visited Hope Harbor and are reluctant to dive in at this stage, no worries. Each book stands alone, with a whole new cast of main characters. Each story also begins and ends in each book, with no hanging plot threads from book to book. The town is the unifying element in the series—along with a few secondary characters like Charley, the bantering town clerics from neighboring churches, and the seagull couple Floyd and Gladys, who always seem to be around when romance is in the air.

    If you’re new to the series, Sandcastle Inn is a fine jumping-off point. This story features a hero struggling to recoup from a tragic loss and a heroine still reeling from an unplanned career detour. When they join forces to save a floundering inn, challenges ensue…and sparks fly. Because if it’s Hope Harbor, there has to be romance!

    The book resonates with multiple other themes too—dealing with grief, moving on, changing direction, mending past relationships, taking a leap of faith. And of course there’s a happy ending.

    It’s the kind of book that will put a smile on your lips and hope in your heart.

    So I invite you to find a comfy spot, pour a mug or cup of your favorite beverage, and travel with me to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal…and love blooms.

    Insider’s Tip: If you ever decide to book a stay at Sandcastle Inn, ask for the seaside room upstairs at the end of the hall that leads to the right. The view is stunning!

    Blog Stops

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

    Texas Book-aholic, April 5

    Blogging With Carol, April 5

    Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

    For Him and My Family, April 6

    Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7

    Splashes of Joy, April 7

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 8

    She Lives To Read, April 8

    lakesidelivingsite, April 9

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 10

    Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 10

    Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 11 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, April 11

    Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

    The Lofty Pages, April 13

    Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 13

    Blossoms and Blessings, April 14

    Labor Not in Vain, April 14

    Wishful Endings, April 15

    By The Book, April 15

    A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 16

    Pause for Tales, April 16

    Batya’s Bits, April 17

    JESUS in the EVERYDAY, April 17

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Irene is giving away the grand prize package of a full set of the Hope Harbor series (10 books) and a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/2ac75/sandcastle-inn-celebration-tour-giveaway

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    Spotlight On Contemporary Romance — Their Inseparable Bond

    24 Jan

    Their Inseparable Bond JustRead Blog + Review Tour

    Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

    About The Book

    Their Inseparable Bond

    Title: Their Inseparable Bond
    Series: K-9 Companions
    Author: Jill Weatherholt
    Publisher: Love Inspired
    Release Date: January 23, 2024
    Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

    They’re a mismatched family…

    But their hearts line up just right

    Training service dogs is single dad Jake Beckett’s calling. He’s determined to train rambunctious puppy Callie to help his ailing friend Myrna live independently with her growing blindness. Myrna’s granddaughter, Olivia Hart, isn’t easily convinced, but Jake, his twins and Callie are an incredibly persuasive team. If Olivia agrees to give Callie a chance, will working with Jake risk her lifelong dreams?

    From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

    Excerpt

    “So, you’re training Callie to be Gammy’s eyes?” 

    Jake nodded. “Myrna could live independently for years to come.” Maintaining Myrna’s independence was Jake’s goal.

    “What if I take over as Callie’s Puppy Raiser? Then she could get used to living with Gammy.”

    Jake hadn’t expected this. “Do you like dogs? I don’t require my foster parents to have experience training, but they must have a love for dogs.”

    “Who doesn’t love puppies?” Olivia smiled. “I’ve taken a sabbatical from my job with no set return date, so I can stay as long as it takes to get Callie trained. By then, I’ll be able to better assess whether it’s in my grandmother’s best interest to stay in Bluebell or move to Miami and live with me.”

    Didn’t Myrna get a say in the matter? Of course, that was between Olivia and her grandmother. “Okay then.” He extended his hand. “It’s a deal. We’ll work together to get Callie trained if you agree to hold off on any decision about moving Myrna.”



    PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

    About The Author

    Jill Weatherholt

    Jill Weatherholt is an author of sweet, emotional, small-town romance novels that guarantee a happy ending.

    She’s sold over half a dozen sweet romance short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.

    Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.

    She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

    Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

    Connect with Jill by visiting jillweatherholt.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

    Tour Giveaway

    (2) winners will win a print copy of Their Inseparable Bond and a $25 gift card.

    Their Inseparable Bond JustRead Tours giveaway

    Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 29, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

    Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

    Enter Giveaway

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

    JustRead Publicity Tours

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    Author, Author — Christa Joy Spaeth

    25 Sep

    About The Book

    Book: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God

    Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

    Genre: Christian non-fiction, devotional

    Release Date: February 22, 2023

    Powerful Whispers gives you a glimpse of how awe-inspiring God’s whispers of His love are for you. He desires to capture your heart, to communicate personally with you, to encourage and strengthen you.

    Each daily devotional offers God’s life-giving words, suggests powerful worship, and provides an activation step applying that day’s principe to your life. Let the Lord fill your cup to overflowing as you embark on this amazing 7-week journey.

    Whether you’be been walking with the Lord for years or have been recently saved, you will discover in fresh new ways that: God Knows You – God Loves You – God Fights for You – God provides for You – God Chose You – God’s Peace is for You – God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change your Life

    Click here to get your copy!

    About The Author

    Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries. It was in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a compelling message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He prompted her to write a seven-week devotional.

    Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the hurting and share the love of Christ.

    This blessed wife, mother of two, and businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day. So much so that in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the promptings of the Lord and encourage others in Christ.

    Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries where she publishes her own books, writes daily encouragements and God whispers on her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various social media accounts.

    More from Christa

    One morning while I was away at a prayer cabin, the Lord laid on my heart that I was to write a book. My first thought was, “Oh, my! Lord, I have never written anything other than work-related documents. Where do I begin? What do you want me to write?”

    I am so honored and humbled that the Lord placed amazing book experts in my path over the next year to launch this unique devotional book in a mere 55 weeks. This feat is spectacular as I didn’t know anything about the publishing business.

    Two components of Powerful Whispers that my readers love are the suggested worship and the activations. After each devotional was written I searched for the perfect worship song. You will find several suggested indie artist songs and a few popular worship songs too. Daily you will find an activation which engages your entire body to be able to get the daily truth deeper in your soul.

    The Bible verse I read before I starting to write Powerful Whispers is found in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God continually showed His faithfulness to me by providing wisdom to share with my readers.

    My heart’s desire is that readers will soon learn through this daily devotional that God chose them, He loves them, and He wants to share His powerful whispers daily for their life.

    Q & A With Christa Joy Spaeth

    Many authors say that they have always been a writer. When did you come to realize this?

    In my day job of over two decades as a dietitian for a food manufacturing company I wrote many articles for our customers. However, I never felt like I was a writer. It was just part of my job and writing came easy to me.

    I am one of the unusual authors, I didn’t realize I wanted to be a professional writer until last year when I felt led to write Powerful Whispers. When I leaned in and listened to what the Lord had for me, I felt strongly that I was to write a book as an encouragement to others. 

    Three days after I decided to write a book, I was blessed to learn that I was able to take a free class titled “How to write a book!” I jumped into the class and simultaneously started writing my book. I’ve never looked back.

    Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?

    As a new author, I had no idea about the value of a good editor, nor did I understand the different types of editors. The first editor I hired was a copy editor, who is really meant to be the final editor. Her focus was on punctuation, spelling, and basic grammar. Thankfully, an experienced friend in book publishing suggested I hire a content editor. I was led to work with the perfect person for me and my book. This editor took a step back and provided great direction to help my book be consistent in tone and content. She challenged me to add several thousand more words. I am thankful for her insights because they made my book more complete. 

    I’ve heard it said no matter how good you think you are as a writer; you need an editor. This process sure validated that statement to me. The lesson I learned for my future books is to build in lots of time for the editing process. If you plan to write books in the future, one tip I have for you is, however long you think editing will take, double that. It’s a slow process but it was well worth the time and money!

    What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?

    When I wrote Powerful Whispers I had a fairly structured writing schedule. I would write or do research most days in the afternoon. However, at that time I wasn’t on social media, so I didn’t have that distraction nor the pressure of developing content.

    Writing my second book, I am much less structured. Between social media, writing newsletters, and hosting a podcast, which is also titled Powerful Whispers, I haven’t found a rhythm yet to get structured. I hope I will in the near future! 

    What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing Powerful Whispers: A 7-week journey Discovering Who You Are to God. 

    I want my readers to have a deeper understanding of how much God loves them, knows them and that He chose them to be here on this earth right now.

    One of my readers wrote this review which sums up what I was hoping the readers to walk away with “I grew up in a tradition focused more on theology than on relationship, and this has been a good study in listening for that still, small voice that relates to me on a personal level! I love the music recommendations for each devotional. Highly recommend this 7-week study!” 

    Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

    I am excited to share that I have a new book set to be released in November. My new book is a 50-day guided prayer journal for busy moms. I am in the final stages of editing so I am not yet ready to release the name of the book. Stay tuned and please follow me on social media to stay updated on the latest details.😊 

    Blog Stops

    Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 13

    Lily’s Book Reviews, September 14

    Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

    A Reader’s Brain, September 16 (Author Interview)

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

    Texas Book-aholic, September 18

    Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 19 (Author Interview)

    Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

    Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 20

    Its Mama Safe, September 21

    The Book Club Network, September 22

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

    Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Author Interview)

    By The Book, September 25 (Author Interview)

    Mary Hake, September 25

    Lots of Helpers, September 26

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Powerful Whispers devotional book, and a hand-crafted leather bookmark!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

    https://promosimple.com/ps/27de3/powerful-whispers-celebration-tour-giveaway

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    Spotlight on Romantic Fantasy — Shadowcast

    18 Sep

    Shadowcast JustRead Blog Tour

    Welcome to the Blog Tour for Shadowcast by Crystal D. Grant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

    About The Book

    Shadowcast

    Title: Shadowcast
    Series: The Gateway Trilogy
    Author: Crystal D. Grant
    Publisher: Quill and Flame Publishing
    Release Date: September 20, 2023
    Genre: Fantasy Romance (Clean)

    He has known nothing but darkness for years. Now it’s time to let it consume him.

    After witnessing the brutal death of his brother at the hands of the Steward Knights, Mason Grey turns to vengeance. Using his Gifts to read and control the minds of others, he climbs the ranks of the Dark Army, determined to earn the coveted Shadowstone-a powerful tool against the light-wielding Stewards. But when he is wounded in battle, he finds himself recovering in the home of a chatty peasant girl…without the use of his Gifts. Even worse, the girl mistakes him for one of the Stewards he despises.

    Seria Gayle longs to be seen as more than the town washerwoman. When she finds an injured Steward in the woods, she welcomes the chance to use her healing skills and hopes it will earn her some respect. But as she nurses the sullen stranger back to health, she discovers he is nothing like the knights she has long admired.

    When Mason’s true identity is revealed, Seria is devastated and humiliated. But she is offered a chance at redemption by the very prince that Mason hates. Now Mason struggles between two choices: accept the Shadowstone to avenge his brother or pursue this newfound light in the form of a peasant girl. With time running out and war looming, will Mason and Seria defy their own convictions for a chance at love or stand against one another like they’ve sworn to do?

    Excerpt

    “I may not know a lot. But I do know that life’s not always fair.” A shadow descended over her usual sunshine-and-roses demeanor. “Sometimes it knocks us down and completely changes us. And when that happens, it leaves us a little emptier. We see the world differently. We live differently. And sometimes we fight differently.”

    An image of swords and Stewards flashed through his mind as he stared at her. How did she do that? He was living a lie in front of her. She knew nothing about him. Nothing. But somehow in her naive, short-sighted view, she had managed to make him feel more exposed and vulnerable than he had experienced in a long time. What exactly had he said aloud while sick and feverish? 

    Seria couldn’t know how close her words had made their mark. Because no matter how wrong she was in her beliefs about him, she was right about one thing. Maybe two.

    He had seen something terrible. And it had changed him.



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

    About The Author

    Crystal D. Grant

    Crystal D. Grant is a daydreamer who adores freshly-baked cookies and anything with fur or feathers. During the day, she strives to instill a love of books and learning within her young students. As a hearing-impaired, home-school graduate, she found her voice in writing and has had multiple short stories and poems published. When she’s not reading or writing stories that sweep her away to another time and place, she watches classic movies and TV shows that do the same. Or she works on jigsaw puzzles. Crystal currently resides in smalltown Missouri, where she is always looking for space for another scented candle.

    Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalgrantauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

    Tour Giveaway

    (1) winner will win a signed copy of Shadowcast, book swag, and exclusive color art from the book!

    Shadowcast JustRead Tours giveaway

    Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 25, 2023. 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

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    Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Unseen

    30 Aug

    Unseen JustRead Blog Tour

    Welcome to the Blog Tour for Unseen by Traci Hunter Abramson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

    About The Book

    Unseen

    Title: Unseen
    Series: Guardian #7
    Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
    Publisher: Covenant Communications
    Release Date: August 15, 2023
    Genre: Clean Romantic Suspense

    Laura’s work as a nurse practitioner has pushed her to her breaking point. A trip abroad to visit her grandmother in Honduras promises a few days of relief, but when her abuela falls ill, Laura finds herself walking the halls of a hospital once more. Still wearing her scrubs, she could easily be confused for a local healthcare worker―and it’s a mistake that happens almost immediately. After a recent shootout, the local gang needs a doctor, and they don’t ask for what they want―they take it. In a split second, Laura is captured in a deadly case of mistaken identity. The outlook is dire until a mysterious rescuer appears, launching the pair on a desperate flight to freedom.

    As a member of the ultraclassified guardian program, Manuel is responsible for protecting US assets in Central America. But when a job in Honduras goes terribly wrong, his skills are pushed to the limit as he races to get Laura out of the country alive. What begins as a connection forged in a shared ordeal quickly deepens, and Manuel and Laura must learn to trust their instincts―and their hearts―if they hope to survive.

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

    Excerpt

    Manuel wasn’t about to tell her that the Jaguar Negro were known for intercepting cars right before reaching border crossings and that attempting to drive the whole way would practically guarantee another confrontation. She already looked worried enough. “Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

    “There you go, telling me not to worry again.”

    Manuel stood. “If you didn’t always look worried, I’d stop telling you that.”

    She furrowed her brow, a little line creasing her otherwise smooth forehead.

    “Trust me,” he said.

    “You’ve been telling me that a lot too.”

    Had he? “You can trust me.”

    “It’s not like I have much choice.”

    The resignation in her voice caused Manuel to hesitate. He was used to clients needing time to learn he was on their side, but he hated that Laura hadn’t truly let herself believe in him.



    More Books In This Series

    About The Author

    Traci Hunter Abramson

    Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year.

    Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

    Tour Giveaway

    (2) winners will win a $20 Amazon gift card, a print copy of Unseen, and a swag pack!

    Unseen JustRead Tours giveaway

    Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 30, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 6, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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    Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — Hero Debut

    28 Aug

    Hero Debut JustRead Blog + Review Tour

    Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hero Debut by Angela Ruth Strong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

    About The Book

    Hero Debut

    Title: Hero Debut
    Series: Love Off Script #2
    Author: Angela Ruth Strong
    Publisher: Kregel
    Release Date: August 29, 2023
    Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

    “Another sparkling feel-good romance, brimming with perfect doses of heart and heat!”– Bethany Turner, award-winning author of The Do-Over

    Gemma Bennett is the leading lady of her own life, and her true love is writing screenplays. With her trusty pink notebook in hand, she signs up for the Citizen’s Safety Academy to research her newest blockbuster hope, a rom-com with a police officer as the hero. And the fact that the handsome and heroic Lieutenant Karson Zellner is the one leading the training? Well, who can blame her for wanting to spend evenings with the man she swooned over months ago when he responded to a call at her apartment?

    Karson already has his fair share of problems before Gemma shows up, and he’s not exactly a fan of the ditzy blonde who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. The last thing he needs is a damsel in distress to rescue; there are plenty of people in real need of his help. The fact that she seems to think his job makes him a superhero is just one more strike against her. This isn’t a movie, and he feels like the furthest thing from a leading man.

    Gemma can’t seem to stop doing the worst, most embarrassing things at just the wrong time. And as time goes on, Gemma begins to realize that the scripts for a perfect screenplay and a real-life happily-ever-after are two very different things. Can she step out of her own way to find the hero her story needs?

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

    Excerpt

    Charlie steps in front of me. “She didn’t actually rob a Dairy Queen. It wasn’t even a real gun.”

    My roommate blocked Karson’s face from my sight, which is probably a good thing. I can’t imagine his statement caused a positive expression.

    “What gun?”

    I peek around Charlie.

    Does Karson seriously not know about the gun?

    The set of his jaw tells me he’s even more serious than usual. If he doesn’t know about my almost-arrest for armed robbery, then what could my warrant possibly be for?

    “No gun,” I rush to explain. “I was acting in a robbery scene and someone called the police.”

    “It wouldn’t be the first time,” Kai quips.

    Charlie holds up a finger. “Actually that was the first time. The duct-tape scenario was the second time.”

    Karson rubs his temples. I may be giving him a headache, but that’s not illegal.

    (page 30)



    More in This Series

    About The Author

    Angela Ruth Strong

    Angela Ruth Strong is an expert on Write That Book, blogs on inspyromance.com and How to Write a Novel, and is the founder of IDAhope Writers. She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Angela lives in Meridian, Idaho

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

    Tour Giveaway

    (1) winner will receive signed copies of Husband Auditions & Hero Debut and some book-themed items that play a role in the plots of each book!

    Hero Debut JustRead Tours giveaway

    Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 4, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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    Spotlight On Romantic Suspense — Mountain Abduction Rescue

    17 Aug

    Mountain Abduction Rescue JustRead Blog Tour

    Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mountain Abduction Rescue by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

    About The Book

    Mountain Abduction Rescue

    Title: Mountain Abduction Rescue
    Series: Crisis Rescue Team #3
    Author: Darlene L. Turner
    Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
    Release Date: August 22, 2023
    Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

    A wildfire threat…

    becomes a missing person search.

    A serial arsonist is out for revenge in the Canadian Rocky Mountains—and kidnaps park warden Hazel Hoyt’s son and his camping troop. Now Hazel must team up with the man who broke her heart, firefighter Mitchell Booth, to find the missing boys as wildfires blaze around them. But someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain alive…

    From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

    Excerpt

    A gunshot sounded from the riverbank, and a bullet hit the hull.

    Mitchell’s muscles locked as terror threatened to overpower him. He tightened his grip on his paddles, scrambling to steady the canoe. His earlier assessment of someone lurking on the riverbank had been correct.

    Hazel screamed and dived for cover, as she whipped out her gun.

    Her rapid movement, coupled with the frothy rapids caused the canoe to tip. Mitchell fought to right it but failed. As they hit the next rise, they were thrown into the water.

    Hazel’s life jacket kept her buoyant, and she grasped a low-lying branch. It stopped her from being pulled into the upcoming rapids.

    Mitchell struggled to keep his head above the water as the current swept him downstream. He flailed his arms.

    “Mitchell!”

    Hazel’s garbled scream came as a large rapid crashed into him, immersing him before he could draw in a breath. One thought tumbled through his mind.

    Would he survive the turbulent waters so he could help Hazel find her son and stop the Rocky Mountain Firebug?



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

    More Books In This Series

    Fatal Forensic Investigation Explosive Christmas Showdown

    About The Author

    Darlene L. Turner

    Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at her website where there’s suspense beyond borders.

    Connect with Darlene by visiting darlenelturner.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

    Tour Giveaway

    (4) winners will win a $25 Amazon egift card!

    Mountain Abduction Rescue JustRead Tours giveaway

    Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 21, 2023. 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.

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    Spotlight On Amish Romance — Under The Blue Skies

    16 Aug

    Under the Blue Skies JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

    Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Under the Blue Skies by Elly Gilbert & Tricia Goyer hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

    About The Book

    Under the Blue Skies

    Title: Under the Blue Skies
    Series: Big Sky Amish #3
    Authors: Elly Gilbert & Tricia Goyer
    Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
    Release Date: August 8, 2023
    Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance

    Thomas Smucker moved to West Kootenai for a fresh start—one where he could make his own decisions and build a life away from his deceased father’s harsh reputation. But when a tragedy occurs, he finds his five-year-old niece in his care. Now, he has to build a life he didn’t want and face a past that he longed to escape.

    Lovina Graber dreams of a husband and family of her own, but a lifelong limp and disfigured face have her doubting it will ever happen. Instead, she’s content working as a scribe for The Budget and spending her days helping her parents and the less fortunate in her community. Well, mostly content. And then there’s that secret anonymous column she’s been writing too …

    When a newly arrived bachelor becomes an instant father, Lovina feels compelled to come to the rescue, helping Thomas care for his Englisch niece as he works toward gaining custody. Although Thomas and his niece clash at every turn, Lovina finds herself building a bond with the girl. Could this be the family she’s longed for?

    Afraid he’s too much like his anger-driven father, Thomas has no plans to ever marry or have children, despite the sparks between him and Lovina, and his growing fondness for his niece. When he finds out Lovina’s secret—and believes she’s perhaps not the person he thought—he strikes out in caring for Emily on his own.

    But when his custody is threatened, he must do what’s best for his niece. The only problem is he’s not sure what that is. Can he and Lovina work together to fight the lies they’ve believed all their lives—and fight the system to get back their girl?

    Find out in this third installment of the Big Sky Amish Collection.

    Excerpt

    Chapter 1

    Monday, July 24

    A steady torrent of rain wet Lovina Graber’s eyelashes and fell like tears as she hobbled to the waiting SUV caked with mud and grime. While she loved the smell of rain in Montana, she wished it would have lightened up until she was safely in the car. With her uneven gait she struggled on the slick ground. Slowly. Just a few more steps.

    One foot slid, and Lovina released the tote bag she’d been holding as she reached for the side of the car to catch herself.

    “Ach, no!” The contents of her bag spilled all over the wet pavement. As gingerly as possible, she bent over to scoop up the assorted books, craft supplies, and papers, including a large manilla envelope, that had tumbled out.

    Her Englisch driver, Wyatt, an older fellow who looked every bit the stereotypical Montana mountain man, hurriedly approached as she stuffed her bag with damp skeins of yarn and rain-slicked magazines. “Let me help you with that, Miss Graber,” he offered, his deep, gruff voice and scraggly gray beard concealing his kind nature.

    She clutched the envelope to her chest, then peeked inside her bag to inventory the contents and forced a wide smile in appreciation of his offer of help. “Danke anyway, Wyatt. I think I’ve got everything now.”

    Wyatt mopped his brow on the arm of his tattered flannel shirt before opening the beat-up SUV’s back passenger door and offering a hand. She accepted and awkwardly situated herself in the seat. While buckling herself in, she noticed an Amish man she didn’t recognize sitting in the front passenger seat. Immediately her cheeks heated as she realized he’d just witnessed her near fall, but she quickly pushed the thoughts away. Not that it matters none anyway.

    The Amish man looked older than most of the new bachelors coming to the area, and the sharp cut of his jaw made him appear handsome. Her heartbeat quickened. 

    Lovina pulled in a breath and released it just as quickly, reminding herself of the truth she knew. No matter how many bachelors came into West Kootenai, it was useless to get her hopes up. Even if she caught a bachelor glancing her way, one rarely gave her a second look. Although it had pained her for years, Lovina had worked hard to move past it. She could live a happy life without becoming a wife and mother . . . couldn’t she?



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

    More Books in This Series

    Beyond the Gray Mountains On the Golden Cliffs

    About The Authors

    Elly Gilbert Tricia Goyer

    Elly Gilbert lives in central Kentucky with her husband, daughter, and twin sons. A lifelong bookworm, she finds joy in reading and writing inspirational fiction and devotions for adults and teens. When she’s away from her desk, you can find her scoping out the nearest nacho joint with her family or snuggled up with her rescue dogs, Gus and Bella. She adores leopard print, never turns down dessert, and believes that when it comes to earrings, bigger is always better.

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

    Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting.

    This USA Today best-selling author has won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference.

    Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She is a beloved author of Amish fiction, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series.

    Whether for fiction or nonfiction, Tricia’s writing style is vivid and heartwarming, allowing readers to take home more than engaging stories, but also messages that inspire faith and hope. Her goal is to write stories that matter.

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

    Tour Giveaway

    (1) winner will receive a print copy of Under the Blue Skies and a $10 Sunrise Shop gift voucher!

    Under the Blue Skies JustRead Giveaway

    Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 16, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 23, 2023. 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.

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    Spotlight On Historical Romance — Maeve’s Pledge

    15 Aug

    About The Book

    Book: Maeve’s Pledge

    Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

    Genre: Christian Historical Romance

    Release Date: March 21, 2023

    Pledges can’t be broken, can they?

    Finally, out from under her father’s tyrannical thumb, Maeve Wycliffe can live life on her terms. So what if everyone sees her as a spinster to be pitied. She’ll funnel her energies into what matters most: helping the less fortunate and getting women the right to vote. When she’s forced to team up with the local newspaper editor to further the cause, will her pledge to remain single get cropped?

    Widower Gus Deighton sees no reason to tempt fate that he can find happiness a second time around. Well past his prime, who would want him anyway? He’ll continue to run his newspaper and cover Philadelphia’s upcoming centennial celebration. But when the local women’s suffrage group agrees that the wealthy, attractive, and very single Maeve Wycliffe acts as their liaison, he finds it difficult to remain objective.

    Click here to get your copy!

    About The Author

    Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

    More from Linda

    When asked to contribute a story to the Suffrage Spinsters series, I immediately sat down and researched the suffrage movement. I was surprised to discover that the crusade to get women the right to vote began the 1830s. Nearly twenty years later, a women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, an event considered the actual “birthplace” of women’s suffrage.

    The history of suffragism in America is fascinating because of the large percentage of women who were against getting the right to vote. As I continued to delve into the history of the movement, I unearthed many references to an incident that occurred at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton decided to write a document similar to the US “Declaration of Independence,” call it the “Declaration of the Rights of Women,” and present it at the Exposition’s July 4th celebration.

    Their request to speak was summarily dismissed, and in fact, few women were able to obtain tickets to the event.

    Undeterred, Anthony came up with an alternate plan. On July 4th, in the midst of Richard Henry Lee’s speech (grandson and namesake of one of the Declaration of Independence signers), she marched down the aisle inside Independence Hall and handed a scroll tied in a festive navy-blue ribbon to the host, then turned and made her way out of the building, distributing copies to the clamoring crowd as she went. Outside, she read the document aloud as the remaining copies were distributed. Newspapers covered her presentation and printed portions of the document. Word spread, and countless newspapers outside of Philadelphia picked up the article.

    I knew I had my story, and I hope in some small way Maeve’s Pledge honors those tenacious men and women who fought to gain women the right to vote.

    Blessings,

    Linda Shenton Matchett

    Q&A With Linda Shenton Matchett

    Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?

    By nature, I’m an organized, list-making, process-oriented individual, so I can’t imagine writing a story any other way. I am very regimented in my preparation for crafting a story, and I’m amazed at “discovery” writers – those who can sit down without any idea of where they’re going and get words on a page. Occasionally, one of my characters will wander off the page which is a bit scary, but it usually works out in the end!

    Do you pen down revelations and ideas as you get them, right then and there?

    I have a pen and paper by the bed, and a notepad app on my phone for capturing ideas as they occur. Foolishly, when I first started out as a writer, I didn’t make notes because I was sure I’d remember each epiphany. Fortunately, it only took a couple of times for me to learn to write down my thoughts. I have a folder in my office where I’ve stowed my “pen and paper” ideas.

    When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?

    I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. There are two incidents that spurred the desire. The first was when I was seven or eight years old and my parents gave me a notepad and package of pens. I had a blast filling the pages, and I still have the stories. When I was twelve or thirteen, I read “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” and the story greatly affected me, to the point that I decided I would be a writer “when I grew up” so I could impact others the way I had been impacted.

    How long does it usually take you to write a book?

    My novellas take me two months to write, and my full-length novels about three months. I’m at my keyboard by 5:30 in the morning, and write for about 90 minutes. Depending on how productive I am I can get 700-1000 words on the page before I have to leave for work. On Saturdays, I’m able to write until late morning.

    Where do you get your ideas for your books?

    I’ve gotten ideas from the Bible, overheard conversations, readers, magazine or
    newspaper articles, scenes in TV shows or movies, books that I thought should have been done differently, museum displays, and historical people and events. For example, when I was trying to decide how to plot “Maeve’s Pledge,” I reviewed a history of women’s suffrage looking for standout events. When I found an article from the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial about Susan B. Anthony presenting her “Declaration of Women’s Rights,” I knew I had my story. My female protagonist is involved in that event.

    Blog Stops

    By The Book, August 15 (Author Interview)

    Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16

    Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Author Interview)

    For Him and My Family, August 17

    Bizwings Book Blog, August 18

    Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 19 (Author Interview)

    Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

    Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Author Interview)

    Texas Book-aholic, August 22

    Stories By Gina, August 23 (Author Interview)

    Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 23

    Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

    Sylvan Musings, August 25 (Author Interview)

    Connie’s History Classroom, August 26

    The Book Club Network, August 27

    Bliss, Books & Jewels, August 28 (Author Interview)

    Giveaway

    To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

    Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click HERE to enter.

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