I’m excited to feature The Secrets of Emberwildby Stephenia H. McGee, touring with JustRead Publicity Tours! McGee’s contemporary romance/women’s fiction novel, The Cedar Key, was a hit with my book club. I think they’d like this one as well. Check out all the details below.
Title:The Secrets of Emberwild Author:Stephenia H. McGee Publisher: Revell Release Date: October 4, 2022 Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They’re easier to handle, they’re more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father’s passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.
Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father’s death–even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he’s come to admire.
Arrow snorted and pranced. The stallion, two years old last month, was as high-strung as he was beautiful and brimmed with potential. A few more weeks of training and he’d be ready for his first qualifying race—just in time for the fair.
She hoped.
If only she could work with him longer each day. Father’s insistence that a woman had no place training horses hadn’t waned as his illness worsened, and the stable hands still thought they were doing her a favor by thwarting her efforts. Mother, for her part, seemed to think it her duty to carry on Father’s archaic ideals with a fervor. As though doing so would smother Nora’s modernized way of thinking and suddenly turn her into the pristine lady they’d both somehow failed to produce.
Nora swatted a thick seed head. She’d show them. Her methods worked faster and better than any of the stable hands’, but none of them would admit it.
She smirked. They wouldn’t have a choice if she got Arrow ready on her own.
If she could prove to Mother that women were capable of more than just tending home and hearth, then perhaps she could convince Mother to entertain her other ideas for the farm. Father wouldn’t get better, and they needed to prepare. Arrow was the key to her independence.
Stephenia H. McGee is the award-winning author of many stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. When she’s not reading or sipping sweet tea on the front porch, she’s a writer, dreamer, husband spoiler, and busy mom of two rambunctious boys.
Connect with Stephenia by visiting stepheniamcgee.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
Wow! What a great giveaway! One (1) winner will receive a print copy of The Secrets of Emberwild and $25 Barnes & Noble gift card! Enter today!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 19, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 2022. 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.
Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for A Quilt for Christmasby Melody Carlson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title:A Quilt for Christmas: A Christmas Novella Author:Melody Carlson Publisher: Revell Release Date: September 6, 2022 Genre: Christian Romance
Recently widowed Vera Swanson is having a hard time getting in the Christmas spirit in her new town. When asked to make a quilt for an ailing neighbor, she pulls together a diverse circle of quilters, including freespirited Tasha Ellison. The group becomes stitched together through shared stories, trust, and a little romantic weaving.
Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that’s not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one–until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera’s help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request–a Christmas quilt for Mama.
Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all–and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance.
So Vera would be alone for Christmas—not that she planned to acknowledge the holiday. Who was there to celebrate with anyway? After five months in Fairview, she hadn’t made a single friend. She’d heard that as one got older it grew more difficult to make new friends. Perhaps her loneliness was proof of that.
A loud knocking at her door brought Vera’s little pity party to a halt. Hurrying to see who was pounding so urgently—since no one ever called on her here—she suddenly remembered she was still in her pajamas and robe. She cracked open the door with a cautious hello? but could see no one.
“Please, please, can you help me?” a small voice pleaded from down below.
Vera blinked at the small child who stood on her doorstep. With two messy blond pigtails, bare feet, and widened blue eyes, the little girl looked somewhat lost and confused. And like Vera, the child was dressed in sleepwear, except hers was a thin, summery nightgown that looked none too warm.
“Wh-what?” Vera fumbled to unlatch the chain and fully open the door. “Who are you?”
“I’m Fiona,” the girl reached for Vera’s hand and, grasping it tightly, tugged. “We live right there.” She pointed to the opened door across the hallway. “Mama is sick. Please help me!”
“Oh my!” Leaving her own door wide open, Vera let the child lead her across the hall and into the condo.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long was made into a Hallmark movie, and the film version of The Happy Camper is soon to be released. She and her husband live in central Oregon.
Connect with Melody by visiting melodycarlson.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Quilt for Christmas, a $10 Starbucks gift card, and quilted coasters!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 12, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 19, 2022. 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.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Dark Guest by Sarah Hamaker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Dark Guest Series: The Cold War Legacy #1 Author: Sarah Hamaker Publisher: Seshva Press LLC Release Date: May 15, 2022 Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense
The Cold War is over, but The Wolf is still at the door.
When Violet Lundy isn’t cleaning rooms at Happy Hills Assisted Living Facility, she loves spending her free time with resident Rainer Kopecek. Hearing his stories of the dangerous life he led behind the Iron Curtain in East Berlin makes her own life seem more tolerable. But when Rainer is found dead and his room in disarray, Violet suspects foul play.
Dr. Henry Silverton lives among his books, teaching and writing about the Cold War. A letter about an East German traitor known only as “The Wolf” propels Henry out of academia and into Violet’s life. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth about Rainer’s death and the traitor’s identity.
Can Violet and Henry uncover the secrets of the past before one of them ends up as The Wolf’s next victim?
“No matter what happens to me, the truth must come out.” He squared his shoulders and tapped his chest with his forefinger. “I withstood the best the Stasi could throw at me. If I would not break then, I will not now.”
Violet hid the uneasiness that crept up her spine by squeezing his hand to express her support. Mr. Kopecek had hinted that his life in East Berlin had its dark side, but he had never revealed anything more troubling than stories about soap shortages. “Tell me what you need.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.
(1) winner will receive a copy of The Dark Guest (print or ebook, winner’s choice), a 20 oz Wolf Tumbler-Stainless Steel Travel Mug With Lid And Straw, a Wolf Wristlet Keychain, an assortment of specialty teas, a The Dark Guest tote, and The Dark Guest notebook.
(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of The Dark Guest, a Wolf Wristlet Keychain, an assortment of specialty teas, and The Dark Guest notebook.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 11, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 2022. 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.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Bookshop of Secrets Author:Mollie Rushmeyer Publisher: Love Inspired Trade Release Date: October 25, 2022 Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
A collection of lost books holds the clues to her family’s legacy…and her future.
Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family’s history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope’s last ties to her late mother—and to a rumored family treasure that could help her start over.
Only, the bookshop is in shambles, and the elderly owner is in the beginning stages of dementia and can’t remember where the books lie. To find the last links to the loved ones she’s lost, Hope must stay and accept help from the townsfolk to locate the treasured volumes. Each secret she uncovers brings her closer to understanding where she came from. But the longer she stays in the quaint town, the more people find their way into the cracks in her heart. And letting them in may be the greatest risk of all…
The strangest thing about The Histories of Women: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Female Life and Mind was that it wasn’t a book at all. When Hope had opened it last night, handwritten words greeted her inside. A woman named Grace Holloway seemed to have had the book created to use as her journal. Hope became taken with the woman’s writing and the woman herself. The journal was a fascinating glimpse into her 1895 life.
On the inside cover, Grace had inscribed in slanting, elegant script:
This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.” Psalm 102:18.
The birds welcomed Saturday morning with their songs despite the cold, as though willing the weather to match the date on the calendar. Tomorrow would be May. Mags had given Hope the day off since she’d be home with Ulysses. Plus, Hope had worked the full week through.
In celebration of finding her grandma’s book and her first week of work, she told them she’d make a special dinner that night. She’d already gone to the grocery store and couldn’t wait to test some literary-themed dishes on them—some potential menu items for the mobile café she dreamed of. But the meal prep could wait.
The chill of the ice-cold boulder beneath her leached into her skin, her bones. A shiver disturbed the gigantic diary balanced on her lap. From her spot on the lakeshore, Dusty Jackets was behind her and up the hill, and the whole of Arrowhead Bay was spread out to either side.
She’d found the bay mesmerizing yet disconcerting at times, with the hollowed rock “face” of Lost Lover’s Island sneering back at her. And with the water always doing as it pleased. Sometimes fierce, pummeling the rocks so hard it sounded like a thunderstorm. Sometimes gentle with barely a whisper against the pebbled shore. It took orders from no one. Today, the waves lapped quietly at her feet, white foam gathering at the edges like the world’s largest bathtub.
Tendrils from the braid she’d twisted into a bun tickled her cheeks as she read in Grace’s journal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mollie Rushmeyer writes contemporary romantic fiction with a blend of modern settings and fascinating historical elements. A born and bred Midwestern gal, Mollie makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She is not only a bibliophile (the dustier the better, in her opinion), she’s a true Britophile at heart. Tea and coffee fuel her travels, by Google maps at least, and her passion for the written word.
Connect with Mollie by visiting MollieRushmeyer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 4, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 11, 2022. 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Elite Guardians Collection by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Sami A. Abrams, and Kelly Underwood, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOKS
Dive into the exciting ignition to the Elite Guardians Collection.
Title: Driving Force Series: Elite Guardians Collection #1 Authors: Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: March 22, 2022 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
He’s the last client she wants to protect…
Elite Guardians bodyguard/former sniper CHRISTINA SHERMAN has protected uncooperative clients before—but this time, well her client is bossy, headstrong and occasionally eats off the floor. Yes, he’s a highly trained military working dog, but certainly her skills could be put to better use, right?
Not according to former Special Forces Air Commando GREY PARKER. He needs her help to protect his dog while he undergoes an experimental surgery that could restore his ability to walk. He just needs someone to keep his canine partner safe. Most of all, Grey wants back on his feet so he can track down a deranged scientist known as The Scavenger who unleashed a nerve agent that left Grey sidelined in a wheelchair.
When an attempt is made on Grey’s life, and dead bodies begin piling up—with evidence the same toxin is responsible—suddenly Christina is tasked with keeping both dog and soldier alive…and with them, the secrets that could stop a terrorist attack.
But this time, even Christina might be in over her head.
Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!
Title: Impending Strike Series: Elite Guardians Collection #2 Authors: Lynette Eason and Sami A. Abrams Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: June 28, 2022 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Protecting him just might cost her everything…
Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself.
Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for?
Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why.
But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. Problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble.
It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her?
Book three of the riveting, high-octane world of the Elite Guardians reboot!
Title: Defending Honor Series: Elite Guardians Collection #3 Authors:Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: October 4, 2022 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
She’ll have to pretend to be his wife to save his life…but what will it cost her heart?
Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it.
Billionaire and former playboy Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but then his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident. Since he’s next in line to helm the family business, now someone wants him dead. Preston needs someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is a fake marriage.
In order to keep him safe, Laila will have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love. She’s used to putting her life on the line for a client. But what will this case cost her heart?
Laila Rabbinowitz tossed the binoculars onto the passenger seat and stifled a shudder. Jesse Cora, the man she was charged with protecting, had turned out to be a lying creep who didn’t give a second thought about stepping out on his marriage.
Ten showers couldn’t wash off the disgust smothering her like a blanket. But as a professional bodyguard, she didn’t get paid to judge people’s actions.
She just had to keep the man breathing. Once his wife got ahold of him…well, that wasn’t Laila’s problem.
Anabelle Cora was the one footing the bill for the protection detail. The wealthy woman’s fourth husband had received suspicious text messages from an alleged stalker. When his wife had pressed him to be careful, Jesse had dismissed the danger. Worried sick, Anabelle had hired a bodyguard from the Elite Guardians Agency and simply not told him.
Covert operations weren’t Laila’s favorite. She’d done enough stakeouts in her former role as a Mossad agent. Memories sprang up but were instantly dismissed. She’d long since left that life behind after moving to Columbia, South Carolina, to take a job with the Elite Guardians.
“Do not let him catch you following him,” Anabelle had warned her after their first meeting.
“Of course not,” Laila had promised. Which was why she found herself in this unpleasant situation—hiding out in her car, stalking the man she was supposed to protect from a stalker.
Jesse had told his wife he’d be working late but had instead headed to a hotel to rendezvous with a woman who appeared to be a much younger blonde wearing a little black dress and three-inch spiked heels.
Laila sighed. Why wasn’t Anabelle suspicious of a husband that worked late on a Sunday evening? The woman would rather believe her husband was being stalked than admit the truth.
Babysitting the rich and elite ranked right up there with getting a root canal, but Laila had found a parking spot in front of the swanky hotel with an excellent view of the penthouse suite and waited. The hotel looked like it would cost more than her monthly rent for a one-night stay. At least they hadn’t opted for some pay-by-the-hour seedy place.
Movement from the room made her reach for the binoculars. People should close their blinds. Thankfully, Jesse and his mistress didn’t bother. Not that she wanted a front row seat to this show, but another peek through the binoculars confirmed her initial impression. Jesse was a money-grubbing cheat. He crossed through the room and wrapped his arms around the woman who clearly wasn’t his wife.
Laila didn’t want to watch any more, but she traded the binoculars for a high-powered zoom lens and snapped a few incriminating shots. If Jesse denied his actions, well…
The philandering trophy husband was half the age of Anabelle.
Again, not your problem, Laila. Do your job and keep your opinions out of it.
Her stiff shoulders begged for a good workout. What she wouldn’t give to be in the boxing ring at the gym, releasing some of her pent-up energy by sparring with anyone who dared take her on.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.
Connect with Lynette by visitinglynetteeason.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Kate Angelo is an author, minister, and public speaker from Southwest Missouri who works alongside her husband strengthening and encouraging marriages and families through their ministry. As the mother of five mostly grown children, she is fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls-subjects she never intentionally taught while homeschooling. With her chihuahua taking up half of her desk space, she writes suspenseful stories of imperfect people who encounter hope and healing through Jesus. Kate is a tech enthusiast, coffee lover, productivity guru, accomplished knitter, avid boater, prayer warrior, and known klutz.
Connect with Kate by visitingkateangelo.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30s that she found authors who captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. In her opinion, a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.
Connect with Sami by visitingsamiaabrams.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Kelly Underwood‘s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. She writes book reviews for her blog bestinsuspense.com and is an active member of the Central Florida chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you have to read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably on her back patio with a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Visit her at kellyunderwoodauthor.com
Connect with Kelly by visitingkellyunderwoodauthor.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a paperback set of all three Elite Guardians Collection novels, plus an Elite Guardians T-shirt!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 3, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 10, 2022. 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.
Two distinct sets of villains. Two orphaned children. A man without a country and a woman with too much past . . . . All in a rambunctious young country where anything goes, especially in the West. Seriously. What can go wrong?
In this latest installment of the best-selling series, “Western Dreams”, join Jenny and White Bear as they cross the historic West in an epic story peppered with grit, guns, and glory that award-winning author Kelly Goshorn calls “a sweeping tale of faith, dedication, and perseverance set in the American west.”
Kathleen D. Bailey was a child in the 50s, a teen in the 60s, a young adult in the 70s, and a young mom in the 80s. It’s been a turbulent, colorful time to grow up, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and written about most of it.
More from Kathleen
The “Western Dreams” series
The Oregon Trail was one of the premier events in American history, with people giving up everything to see what waited on the other side of the continent. Some had nothing to give up, and they joined a wagon train simply to survive. That was the case with Caroline Pierce O’Leary, a gently-bred widow whose young husband died before they could make a go of their farm. What would happen, I mused, if Caroline took the skimpy proceeds from selling her farm, signed on as a cook for a wagon master, and worked her way West? And what would happen if the scout on that particular wagon train was the man who had betrayed her years before, and they had to work together to cross the prairie? What if, what if, what if?
Everyone who hopped on a wagon for the Western Migration had a story, and I knew I’d found mine. As Caroline and Michael Moriarty struggled to rebuild their relationship, a host of other characters formed around them like a snowball. The loving Harkness family, who befriended Caroline on the way down from Ohio. Pious matrons who looked down on her and their harried husbands. Jenny Thatcher, the saloon girl who breaks from that life to save Michael’s. And Pace Williams, the wagon master, a man who had seen too much of life before he even took to the trail. The first book in the Western Dreams series, “Westward Hope,” debuted in September 2019.
I fell in love with Jenny and I fell in love with Pace. Jenny followed her new friends to the muddy Oregon hamlet where they settled, and Pace gave up the trail to make a life in the Oregon woods. But I wasn’t done with either of them – they had their own stories to tell. Pace battled his own demons and his love for Michael’s sister Oona, and it was enough to give them their own book, “Settlers Hope,” published in July 2020. I also spun off two novellas, “The Logger’s Christmas Bride” and “The Widow’s Christmas Miracle,” from the bigger books, and these were published with Pelican Book Group’s Christmas Extravaganza.
Jenny Thatcher demanded her own book, and she had a lot to offer. Saloon girl, wagon train scout, hotel cook and maid, horse breeder. Jenny could do anything, and she’d already proved it in the first two books. But Jenny had some unfinished business – the handsome Indian brave who’d saved her life, early in the westward journey. She’d never forgotten him, and White Bear had never forgotten her. What if she left the horse farm, and all she’d achieved in Oregon, to take to the trail again and find him? And what if he had the same idea? What if they crisscrossed the known world, picking up strays and meeting historical figures before coming together in New Orleans? (Honestly, what better place to reconnect with a lost love?) And what if the forces of evil split them up again, so they had to keep searching?
Though Jenny accepted Christ as her Savior sometime in the second book, her past continues to haunt her, and she wonders if she can ever be good enough for God. She’s physically given up the saloon life, but her inner doubts remain. White Bear struggles with a different facet of their union: can he sentence her to the criticism and censure of the white world if they marry?
The epic journey of two larger-than-life people formed the basis for the third Western Dreams book, “Redemption’s Hope,” out July 22, 2022. Like Caroline and Michael, Pace and Oona, Jenny and White Bear find their answers in the Risen Christ.
Am I done with the West? Not likely. While I’m working on new novels set in other time periods, the West and my personal Western Dreams keep tugging at me. What happened to the Harkness family, Caroline’s friends, when they went to California? What happened to the ragged Smith children Caroline befriended? What happened to Jenny’s traveling companion, the would-be miner Noonday? And how can I give this up when I haven’t written a cattle drive or a barroom brawl?
Q & A with Kathleen D. Bailey
Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?
I was probably six and reading Maud Hart Lovelace’s “Betsy-Tacy” books. Always loved to tell stories. “Betsy” wanted to be a writer and I figured I could, too.
Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?
My fifth-grade teacher encouraged me and let me read my stories in front of the class.
Why did you choose the Western fiction genre?
I kind of “fell into” the Western genre. I had an idea for an Oregon Trail book, and when that was done, I had characters who demanded a sequel. And another sequel. And two related novellas. The West is so vast, and there’s so much I haven’t touched yet – the Land Rush, the Gold Rush, cattle drives and barroom brawls.
Were there any obstacles you faced in your journey to publication?
The biggest obstacle was me. I had to learn to take criticism. Could have shaved years off my journey if I’d listened to more people.
What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc.
Internet research, now. Not so much in person, though I’m always open to it.
What does a typical writing day look like? Are you structured or informal in your writing schedule?
Blocks of time Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the morning, then catch as catch can on the weekend if I have something left over. I live near a lake, and in the summer I’ll often go out and take a dip, then edit hard copy with my trusty red pen under a beach umbrella.
How long does it usually take to craft your books? (from outlines/first drafts to final edits)
It depends. Some “gel” for up to 10 years. “Redemption’s Hope” took about a year. The characters were set because Jenny was in the first two books, but I had a huge task with the plotting. She’s looking for him, he’s looking for her, so those are two separate epic journeys, and I had to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. Color-coding is my fallback for this kind of thing.
Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel.
Jenny Thatcher, the heroine of “Redemption’s Hope,” appeared in my first two Western Dreams novels, the saloon girl turned wagon train scout turned hotel cook. Jenny has accepted Jesus as her Savior, but finds it challenging to let go of her murky past. She wants to see White Bear again, the Native man she met on the Overland Trail, but she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him. And as a Native man with a foot in the White world, White Bear doesn’t know where he belongs, so he’s not sure he can take her there. She has to let go of her past, and he has to recognize that she’s strong enough to live the life he can offer her. I knew I wasn’t done with Jenny yet, so I gave her her own book. Of course that meant it had to be White Bear’s book too. I also wanted to do something in the “epic” format, with two characters criss-crossing the then-world to find each other.
What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?
That God is more than conqueror to anything they are facing, Then and Now.
Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?
I was going to step away from the Oregon Trail, and Westerns in general, to see if I could be good at anything else. But those pesky characters keep nagging at me. Right now it’s Michael Moriarty’s older brother Tom, stuck in Ireland during the Famine. What will it take for me to bring Tom to the Oregon Country, first in the steerage and then on the wagon train? I’m about to find out…
It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?
Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?
After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.
And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best selling and award winning books (with a novella in an anthology), she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
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More from Carole
Characters That Walk Off The Page
One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter’s personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I’d already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.
Hunter is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person’s intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He’s a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he’s also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.
Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.
Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it’s not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.
And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader’s interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.
Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson, who is quiet and withdrawn, has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.
Then there’s Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.
Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.
Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter’s Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.
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Q&A with Carole Brown
Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?
Although I was first published in 2013 with The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, I remember vividly that first time. It was in my sixth grade of school when we were assigned a project of writing a week-long diary of a caveman’s family. After that I wrote short stories, poems, etc., plus another full-length novel which I held onto for several years, waiting till I felt it was the right time to have it published.
Was there a special someone, such as a teacher, parent, or other relative, who encouraged you to pursue writing?
Two people (other than my husband): An older lady (Barb) in our church encouraged me to not give up when I was at the point of doing so. Also Lena Nelson Dooley loved the first book I ever wrote. Her words were a blessing in giving me hope not to quit.
What types of research do you pursue? Books, on-site visits, etc.
I love research and enjoy using all kinds, from interviews with potential people who know about the topic I’m interested in, to online research, books I’ve bought or borrowed, etc. I like to make sure my facts are straight.
What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?
I’d love to know that their faith has been restored or grown, their hearts are warmed by the forgiveness and spiritual growth of the characters. Also a sense of contentment/happiness when finished with any of my books is a sighworthy emotion.
Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?
* Right now, I’m working on the sixth book of the Appleton, WV Romantic/Mystery series. The tentative title is: Ne’er the Twain Shall Meet.
* I’m also working on the second book in my Nursery Rhyme series (romantic suspense), called A Spider Beside Her.
* And then I’m plotting the third book of this series, Troubles in the West. It’s title will beJackson’sFall.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Epic Story of RJ and York by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE SERIES
It’s an epic adventure across Europe, from France to Italy, to Germany and even Russia in this riveting, fun, romantic, enthralling trilogy about true love, honor, and the cost of, well, saving the world.
Title: Out of the Night Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #1 Author: Susan May Warren Publisher: SDG Publishing ReleaseDate: August 9, 2022 Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)
The romantic trilogy ignites in book one of the Epic Story of RJ and York!
He’s not looking for trouble…
All former spy and current national security agent York Newgate wants is to propose to the woman he loves, RJ Marshall. Then they can move to Shelly, Washington, and start the calm, safe life he’s been dreaming of for over a year.
Too bad trouble doesn’t agree…
Or maybe RJ simply attracts trouble because she’s just going out for coffee when she spots a wanted, known terrorist standing in the middle of a street in Paris. At least she thinks it’s international criminal Alan Martin, the mastermind behind a plot to kill the president.
But he’s in jail, right?
Wrong. Martin has escaped, and it’s up to RJ—and York—to keep him in their sights until he can be apprehended. But chasing down Martin means following him into the darkness of whatever plot he’s cooked up now.
Will he ever outrun trouble to find his happy ending?
So much for York’s epic proposal. Now, he just wants to escape Europe with their lives.
York wasn’t a coward. Not even a little. Besides, RJ was going to say yes.
It was just that he wanted it to be perfect. In every way—from the ambiance, to the food, the stroll along the Seine under a twinkle-light sky, even down to the buskers singing romantic French songs.
Everything had been meticulously planned and was now aligned for the moment he got down on one knee and asked Ruby Jane Marshall to marry him. Finally.
And really, that was the only reason it had taken him so very long—painfully, ridiculously, stupidly long for him to propose. Because after a year and a half of chasing down bad guys—namely, a plot to kill the president by one former vice-president, which included checking and rechecking their evidence for the federal prosecutor—he was so very ready to make good on his promise to return to small town Shelly, Montana, and build a life together.
One that included a front porch view of Lake Shelly, via the gorgeous timber-framed house he’d put an offer on—a surprise wedding gift for RJ.
Yes, York had it all figured out. Once they’d gotten clear of the trial, he’d booked this trip to Paris, purchased a beautiful vintage two carat diamond ring, made dinner reservations at the famed Le Jules Verne restaurant at the Eiffel Tower, with the glittering lights of Paris sprayed at their footsteps. And tonight, during their romantic after dinner walk, he’d tell her how she’d changed his life.
How, somehow, despite his losses, the wounds, she’d healed him.
Most of all, that he couldn’t wait one more minute to marry her, if she’d have him. In his mind’s eye, she said yes, of course, and leaped into his arms, and—
It would all end happily, he knew it in his heart.
Title: I Will Find You Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #2 Author: Susan May Warren Publisher: SDG Publishing ReleaseDate: August 16, 2022 Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)
The gripping romantic adventure continues across Europe in this second installment of the Epic Story of RJ and York!
The woman he loves has vanished…
When RJ Marshall said she’d be right back, York should have objected. No, he wasn’t going to let her run off to Berlin, even if it was to save a little girl.
Only problem—she’d told him this while he was unconscious. So really, it doesn’t count, and it’s not his fault that she’s gone missing. And, he didn’t know why he expected RJ not to chase danger into trouble. But now he has to find her before criminal mastermind Alan Martin tracks her down.
She’s in over her head…
RJ didn’t mean to leave York behind, but she’s on a mission to save a little girl caught in the crossfire of Martin’s terrorist plot. Now, she’ll have to find the girl and keep her safe while leaving clues for York to follow her.
But who will catch up to her first—York, or the man with a vendetta?
Title: No Matter the Cost Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #3 Author: Susan May Warren Publisher: SDG Publishing ReleaseDate: August 23, 2022 Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)
The riveting conclusion to the Epic Story of RJ and York!
Her worst nightmare has happened….
RJ refuses to believe it, and until she has proof, she’s going to keep searching for answers. And most of all, for the man she loves, even if it means diving into the past he always wanted to keep secret.
The kind of secrets that could have set York free. It’ll take a trip back to Russia, to the sketchy and dark history of York’s life to find the clues to the sinister plans of a global terrorist. And the answers that might lead her to a happy ending.
Or has it? What if her happy ending is more than a dream?
If RJ hopes to save her country—and find out the truth about York—she’ll have to become the high-action, Sydney Bristow spy that she always dreamed of being. But really, does RJ really have what it takes—with, or without the man she loves—to save the world?
With over 1.5 million books sold, critically acclaimed USA Today best-selling novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.
Connect with Susan by visitingsusanmaywarren.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a paperback set of The Epic Story of RJ and York trilogy.
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 2, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 9, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Hope Beyond the Waves Author: Heidi Chiavaroli Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers, LLC Release Date: June 28, 2022 Genre: Christian, Dual Timeline Fiction
From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible.
Massachusetts, 1993
After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten?
Massachusetts, 1916
Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way.
On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul?
A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.
I stand rigid, arms pinned to my sides as my mother wraps me in a loose hug in Gram’s foyer.
“I’m so glad we thought of this arrangement,” she says.
Arrangement. As if shipping me off and hiding me away is a plan we’d come up with together.
My father kisses me on the forehead, but it’s awkward. Probably a show for my grandmother. He’s kissed plenty of babies on the campaign trail, after all—this is likely no different.
“Be good, Sweet Pea.” He turns to my grandmother, who barely comes up to his armpits. “Keep in touch, Mom. Don’t hesitate to call if…” His gaze flicks to me and he doesn’t finish his sentence.
What? Does he think I’ll find a cute boy in Gram’s retirement village? One who will get me in bigger trouble than Bryan already has?
ALSO AVAILABLE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.
Connect with Heidi by visiting heidichiavaroli.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a Handmade French Market Seagrass Bag, hardcover copy of Hope Beyond the Waves, and Ocean-Lover Bookmark!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 1, 2022. 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.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title:Her Darkest Secret Author: Jessica R. Patch Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired TRADE Release Date: June 28, 2022 Genre: Christian, Psychological Thriller with a romance thread
When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.
The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.
Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.
Ty reentered. “It’s done. Death investigator is on her way. Apparently she’s been busy this morning. You want me to come with to interview the husband? You know it’s always the husband.”
“How could it be this time? The feather in her hand.”
Ty shrugged. “I just think you spend that much time with someone…you wanna kill ’em.”
Asa snorted.
“Asa, you don’t have to enlist Fiona’s help, but you owe her a courtesy call.”
Ty was right. But it would ignite a different set of fireworks. The kind that didn’t light up the night sky, but set emotional fires and burned everything to ash. “It’ll put her on a plane out here. Give me some time. It won’t hurt anything.” Asa could move past the Fourth of July, then call and inform her that he was handling things and would keep her updated.
Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be enough for Fiona.
Asa was going to have to pin Scripture verses all over his town house, car and office to keep his temper in check and his heart guarded.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.
Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Patch of Hope devotions in her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com.
She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent at Books & Such Literary Management.
(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret, Brain Games WHODUNIT: Solve Crime Scene Puzzles Book, & a Shine cross necklace!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 2022. 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.
Many of the books I review are provided to me free of charge from publishers, authors, or other groups in return for a review. The opinions expressed in the reviews are mine and mine alone. No monetary consideration is given. This disclaimer is in accordance with FTC rules.
I am an Amazon.com affiliate, which means that I earn a small percentage of the sales from products purchased through links on my site. I NEVER recommend a book in order to receive a profit. Proceeds from affiliate sales help to defray operating costs of the blog.
Giveaways are open to persons 18 years or older. All winners are picked randomly. No purchases are necessary to enter a giveaway. All giveaways are for US entries only and are void where prohibited.
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Title: Her Darkest Secret
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