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Spotlight On Contemporary Romance: Chasing Kensie

7 Jan

Chasing Kensie JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Chasing Kensie by Drew Taylor, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Chasing Kensie

Title: Chasing Kensie
Author: Drew Taylor
Publisher: Taylor Made Publishing
Release Date: December 23, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She moved to Alaska for a fresh start. He made her the object of his wry affection.

Kensington Smith, a high school English teacher fueled by coffee and plaid, looks for the good in people. The hot-but-vexing P.E. teacher and football coach, who is unfortunately her best friend’s older brother, is the exception. When he’s tapped to assist her with the annual Winter Solstice Dance, he rewrites Kensie’s long-held lesson plans of loathing as he reveals the man behind the flirtatious façade.

Nicolas Lancaster has a little thing for the pretentious, people-pleasing English teacher of Crescent Cove High School… a thing where he revels in riling her up. But as his proclivities shift and he chases the heart of the woman he’s taught to despise him, Nick begins to understand the pain behind the practiced smile she dons—a mirror that reflects his own inner demons.

Two hearts. Two histories.

One source of Hope.

Chasing Kensie is a Christian contemporary romance sparkling with Alaskan winters, unknown feelings, and a love that will light up the darkest of nights.

Excerpt

“You’d be surprised, I guess. This instance wasn’t the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.” She didn’t miss Nick’s tilt of the head in question, but she kept on talking. “When those questions start invading my headspace, I make myself recite scripture. I remember that He says I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. That He knows every hair on my head. That He will take care of me more than He takes care of the birds. That He will never leave me or forsake me. That He knows my appointed days.” Kensie held his stare, willing him to hear her as tears overwhelmed her. “That He sent His son to die for my sins. I mean, what more can God do to reassure me that He cares and that He’s with me?”

Nick fought back more drops of emotion, releasing a masculine groan as he surrendered. “You’re right. He’s here. He’s with me. Everything I went through led me to this moment. With you. And if you’re here in front of me, He has to care. Because He knows I don’t deserve you. Not after how I’ve treated you and how I’ve lived my life these past few years.” 

Kensie took his hands between hers. “This isn’t about me, Nick. Even if I wasn’t here in this moment, God still cares about you, and He’s waiting for you to run back to Him.”



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

Also Available

About The Author

Drew Taylor

Drew Taylor writes modern closed-door chick-lit romance stories from a Biblical worldview. She believes faith-based romance can be full of heart, humor, healing, and hope while showcasing the reality of our fallen human condition. Her redemptive and engaging stories point to the One who embodies true love–Jesus Christ.

Drew lives in the great state of Mississippi where she teaches high school English. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys reading, baking, researching conspiracy theories, and spending quality time with the people who mean the most to her.

Connect with Drew by visiting drewtaylorwrites.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed paperback copies of Chasing Kensie and Reverie with book swag plus a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Coffee Gift Card of winner’s choice!

Chasing Kensie JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 12, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Happy Release Day — Taking A Second Shot

30 Dec

Happy release day to Leslie Kirby DeVooght. Her lates contemporary romance, Taking A Shot, is now available! Whether or not you are a sports fan, if you love small town contemporary romance, you need to check this book out!

Can he convince her that he’s playing for keeps?

Struggling professional soccer player Rainey Allen has come to her grandparents’ small town in Georgia to train—certainly not to coach kids. But when a grief-stricken little boy gets excited about playing with her, she can’t refuse. Even if his uncle is Scott Wilcox, the source of Rainey’s worst preteen memory. Once on track to be a professional athlete himself, Scott is grappling with his new life as the high school baseball coach and guardian of his orphaned nephew. But as playing soccer puts the light back in Henry’s eyes, old wounds begin to heal. When Rainey gets her big break, will she give up on her dreams…or leave behind the family who stole her heart?

Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

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Cover Reveal — A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams

15 Dec

I am happy to reveal the cover of Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie‘s upcoming historical/biographical novel, A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams. I have read several of their books and find them well-crafted and historically-detailed, as well as unputdownable! The book is now ready for pre-order at all your favorite bookstores prior to its May 5, 2026 release. Check it out today!

In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. A stunning historical novel with modern-day implications from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.


In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.

When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of
Americans.

From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate.

Pre-order Today!

Amazon https://amzn.to/4rS8muU
Apple https://bit.ly/4nz4JaD
Audible https://bit.ly/4oOcidp
B&N https://bit.ly/42gg4Us
Books a Million https://bit.ly/4oGekMB
Bookshop.org https://bit.ly/4ppYrLb
GooglePlay https://bit.ly/3Wio6bO

Kobo https://bit.ly/48P47ZE

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Spotlight on Historical Fiction — The Relic Keeper

11 Dec

The Relic Keeper JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Relic Keeper

Title: The Relic Keeper
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: independently published
Release Date: November 18, 2025
Genre: Christian Inspirational Historical Fiction

Once a thief, always a thief?

Italy, 1620. Angelo is an orphan, lonely and forgotten. Having been passed on from one family to the next, he ends up as a common thief, subject to and under the thumb of a ruthless robber called Tozzo. The boy knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence.

One day, a priest invites Angelo to help with chores around the church and rectory and, in exchange, offers him room and board. Padre Benedetto’s kindness and respect are unfamiliar and confusing, but Angelo’s safety is still a grave concern. Two older robbers have heard rumors about Tozzo’s hidden treasures and will stop at nothing to attain them.

With literary depictions and imagery, Angelo’s story is a gripping and emotional journey of faint hope and truth in seventeenth-century Italy. Using invisible threads, Heidi Eljarbo weaves together her fictional stories with historical figures and real events.

Excerpt

That night, Angelo returned to the church. The street had been quiet. The merchants had packed up their stalls, and the villagers were safely asleep in their homes.

Angelo had been a thief for as long as he could remember, but lately, he’d started debating with himself, wondering whether stealing from a church was considered sacrilegious. God was a stranger…a distant king, and the people who worshipped him seemed more inclined to talk about the devil. Angelo had been the victim of plenty of threats in his short life. If there were a God, what would He think of a lowly thief like Angelo? Would He pour his wrath down on Angelo’s head like hot lava from an erupting volcano, or would He show mercy upon a young man who had experienced little goodness in his life?



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

Secrets of Rosenli Manor

About The Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of The Relic Keeper and a $20 Amazon gift card!

The Relic Keeper JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. 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!

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Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — Christmas Wishes

10 Dec

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Christmas Wishes by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Christmas Wishes

Title: Christmas Wishes
Series: Seven Tine Ranch Romance
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Western Romance

One dream wedding. Two uncertain futures. A season of decisions that could change everything….

At Seven Tine Guest Ranch, Mandie Sellars serves guests as a cook, but her aspiration is to be the ranch’s event planner. When a surprise Christmas Eve wedding lands in her lap, Mandie sees this as her chance to shine—if she can handle the pressure.

Her fiancé, Hudson Piccolo, just took the call of his his dream legal job. There’s just one catch—the job is in Seattle, clear across the state. Accepting it means leaving the ranch and upending Mandie’s and her daughter’s lives.

Can their love withstand the tension between their ambitions and their commitment?

Excerpt

The realization of having a mere seventeen days to plan one wedding and tie up loose ends with hers—without the much-needed help of her fiancé or anyone else—weighed heavy on Mandie’s shoulders. Her notes were a sopping mess.

Awesome.

She chewed on her bottom lip. Maybe they should reschedule their wedding for February. Or spring. Or summer. June is nice. She sank to the floor, wishing she had a chair, wincing at the thought of moving her wedding.

Christmas music playing from her cell phone didn’t help relieve her frustration over her drenched notes. Hudson eased down beside her with a piece of the chocolate cake Mandie had made him that morning. “How can I help you?”

He took a bite.

“Besides staying here and not flying to Seattle?”



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Iron Stream Media | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

Captured Secrets Renewed Hope

About The Author

Carmen Peone

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Inspirational Western Romantic Suspense. With the love of history and the Western woman’s lifestyle, she weaves healing, hope, and horses into her stories. With a thread of romance. She lives with her husband in Northeast Washington on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation.

Connect with Carmen by visiting carmenpeone.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Christmas Wishes and some other Christmas-related goodies!

(3) additional winners will each receive a signed copy of Christmas Wishes!

Christmas Wishes JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 8, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 15, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — The Sound of Violet

13 Nov

Sound of Violet JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Sound of Violet (10th Anniversary Edition) by Allen Wolf, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Sound of Violet

Title: The Sound of Violet (10th Anniversary Edition)
Author: Allen Wolf
Publisher: Morning Star Publishing
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

He longs for love; she fears it.

Shawn dreams of finding a lifelong relationship, but only finds frustration—until he meets Violet, a beautiful, mysterious woman who sees past his autism to the man within. From the moment their eyes first lock, something sparks.

But behind Violet’s quiet smile lies a world of pain. Trapped in a life of exploitation, she’s learned that closeness brings danger.

Yet, something about Shawn feels different. Safe. Real. Worth risking everything.

As their bond deepens, they must defy impossible odds and find the courage to fight for each other, no matter the cost. Because only love has the power to heal their deepest wounds and break them free from their past.

This inspirational contemporary romance—now a motion picture— returns as a newly revised 10th Anniversary Edition, with expanded storytelling and greater emotional depth.

Excerpt

On A Date — From Chapter 8

A gentle smile lit Shawn’s face. “I could never go to auditions. Or act. For anything. You’re very brave.”

She smirked, bitterness rising. “Or crazy.” It amazed her that he still believed her story, but she appreciated her precious moments of being treated like anyone else before she had to raise her walls again and lose that brief taste of normalcy.

He looked into her eyes. “You’re a different wavelength.”

Violet tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

Shawn paused, studying her with careful attention. “There are colors we can’t see. Beauty that’s outside our visible spectrum. There’s a lot about you that’s not visible to me yet. But I can tell it’s going to be . . . beautiful.”

Violet’s composure began to slip, but she gathered it back like armor, years of practice helping her maintain control. She wasn’t used to hearing kind words that didn’t come with strings attached, or weren’t weapons disguised as compliments. Long ago, she’d learned not to trust what people said, but something in Shawn’s voice made her want to believe him.

“Can we try the hug again?” she asked, taking a tentative step forward. He pulled back. “What if I hug you gently?” She tried to put her arms around him, but he stepped away and looked down at the sidewalk. She waited a moment, patient. “Can you give me a hug?”

He looked up, uncertainty written across his face. Scooting a little closer to Violet, he carefully put his arms around her, creating a circle that held her without touching. 

She had never experienced someone being so close without making contact. It felt more intimate than any embrace she’d known.



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

About The Author

Allen Wolf

Allen Wolf is an award-winning storyteller who creates novels, films, and games. His debut novel, The Sound of Violet, inspired him to write, direct, and produce its movie adaptation, continuing a filmmaking career that began with the worldwide release of his thriller, In My Sleep, which garnered multiple film festival awards. A graduate of NYU’s film school, he hosts the popular Navigating Hollywood podcast, where he and his guests offer an insider’s perspective on the entertainment industry. The award-winning games he created, including You’re Pulling My Leg!, have been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of players worldwide. Allen lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children, who inspire his creativity.

Connect with Allen by visiting thesoundofviolet.com to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed copy of The Sound of Violet (10th Anniversary Edition), a Blu-Ray or DVD of The Sound of Violet movie, the movie soundtrack CD, and $10 Amazon Gift Card!

The Sound of Violet JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 12, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Spotlight on Christmas Fiction — A Match Made at Christmas

12 Nov

A Match Made at Christmas JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Match Made at Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, and Heather Greer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Match Made at Christmas

Title: A Match Made at Christmas
Author: Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, and Heather Greer
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance Novella Collection

A-parent-ly Christmas (by Amy R Anguish)

Noel and Joy Davidson didn’t mean to separate, but a job promotion and educational opportunities were too much for their marriage to withstand. Now, it’s Christmas and their son Andy wants them together. Between his mischief, an unexpected snowstorm, and the holiday spirit, they’re remembering why they first wanted to be together. But which one will give up their dream for the other?

A Match of her Own (by Sarah Anne Crouch)

Victoria Wood is torn between elation and devastation now that her sister is married and gone. When she realizes her sister’s best friend is alone and best-friend-less on Christmas, she knows just what to do. Set her up with a boyfriend! But pesky Jared Knight keeps getting in the way. Jared can’t date Victoria—she’s too immature—but he can’t convince his heart to move on. How will he keep Victoria from ruining everyone’s love lives? When will she realize her perfect match is closer than she thinks?

Jingle Bell Matchmakers (by Lori DeJong)

When country music star Aubrey Mayfield is lured home after years away, she’s bewildered when she and ex-fiance-now-widowed-dad Cody Lansdale keep finding themselves in the same place at the same time. As they become reacquainted, however, old feelings stir. Aubrey’s at a crossroads in her career and is contemplating a change. But when a chance at headlining her own tour takes her back to Nashville, Cody realizes her dreams may once again come between them. Unless God, with a little help from the Jingle Bell Committee, has a better plan.

The Santa Setup (by Heather Greer)

Turning friendship into love takes magic. Good thing Nicholas Eckert and Julie Clarke work at Christmas Wonderland. The attraction brims with holiday magic, not to mention four teenage elves determined that Mr. and Mrs. Claus stop playing a couple and become one. The teens will need more than mistletoe to pair up these two. Julie is seeing someone, and Nick won’t risk their friendship for possible love. Only the elven employees’ outrageous antics stand a chance of setting up Santa in time for Christmas.

Excerpt

The Santa Setup by Heather Greer

She’d heard it before. They both had. And every time, she acted like acknowledging it would make it true. Obviously, not an idea she wanted to entertain at all. 

“I’d better get out there and greet the kids.” Nick strode from the room. “See you in a few.”

The unease between them would pass as soon as she carried out the platter of cookies. A little time between her and the suggestion. Time worked for him too. By then, his racing heart would calm. The elves had danced too close to the truth. With Jules’s distaste for even the idea of a relationship, the last thing he needed was someone guessing his secret. 

Nick Eckert was in love with Julie Clarke.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

About The Authors

Amy R. Anguish Sarah Anne Crouch

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good. Connect with Amy by visiting abitofanguish.weebly.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Sarah Anne Crouch lives in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and thousands of books. She always wanted to be an author, but spent some time as a teacher, earned a degree in library science, and makes feeble attempts to corral her small children as a stay-at-home mom. Sarah loves reading books, recipes, piano music, and emails from readers. Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahannecrouch.wordpress.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Heather Greer

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of three decades. Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Heather Greer loves growing in her relationship with God and helping others do the same. While she’s served in ministries dealing with toddlers through adults, her focus is on encouraging and challenging teen and adult believers to go further in their faith. She is blessed to be able to use her God-given passion for writing to do this, both in her books and blog. Heather is a pastor’s kid from southern Illinois. While she never intended to marry a pastor, she became a pastor’s wife when her husband answered the call to preach five years into their marriage. Now that three of her four kids have flown the nest, Heather enjoys more time for reading and writing and writing about reading. And when she’s not doing any of those things, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen baking for her friends and family. Connect with Heather by visiting heathergreer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas!

A Match Made at Christmas JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Happy Release Day! — A Love for A Lifetime

11 Nov

Happy Release Day to Lara Van Hulzen. Her newest contemporary romance featuring a married couple is now available!! I love this! Find out all the details below.

Charlie Benson is happy with her life; she just feels a little lost. The empty nest years haven’t been as easy as she thought they might be, and while planning her daughter’s wedding should be fun, it’s become more about appeasing overbearing relatives than her daughter’s happiness. Davis Benson wants nothing more than for his wife to be happy, but since their two kids left for college, things just haven’t been the same. Charlie isn’t her usual bubbly self, and the empty nest years aren’t as fun as he expected.

When a potential real estate deal threatens the small town where they live, and Charlie and Davis risk losing their home, their world feels beyond their control, making it increasingly difficult to find hope. Together, they must find a way to carve a new path unlike the one they imagined, holding tight to what matters most.

Purchase links:

AMAZON NOOK ITUNES KOBO SMASHWORDS

*******

Excerpt

Hey, honey. I’m home!” she hollered as she came through the front door.

​“In here!” Davis’s voice echoed down the hallway from the kitchen.

​Charlie set her purse on the bench inside the door and hung her coat on the rack. She took off her shoes and kicked them under the bench. Padding down the hall in her stocking feet, she found her husband of twenty-five years humming as he opened takeout containers he’d placed on the large island at the center of the kitchen. He hadn’t heard her come into the room yet. She took in the sight of him. Tall with blond hair cut short and blue eyes that reminded her of the lake in summer when the sun hit it just right. With a bright smile that won over everyone he met, Davis personified friendliness. While Charlie could get herself worked up about most anything, Davis was steady. Easy going. Her calm in any storm. Coming home to him was what soothed her most in life.

​He looked up and smiled at her. “Hey, babe.”

​She made her way around the island to him. “Hey.”

​He turned and pulled her into his arms, something he’d done thousands of times over the years. She tucked in against him, her arms around his waist, and sighed.

​“I love it when you do that.” He rested his chin on top of her head.

​“Do what?”

​“When your whole body relaxes when I hold you.”

​Charlie smiled against his chest. “I like that, too.”

​She pulled back and looked up at him. He kissed her softly.

​“I see you got us takeout from Marianny’s,” she said as she turned her head toward the containers on the counter.

​“I did. I figured it would be nice for us not to have to cook tonight.”

​“There are many reasons why I married you. Knowing when I’m not up for cooking and getting us food from Marianny’s is one of them.”

​“Hmm. Not my charm and good looks?”

​“Those are bonuses.” She winked at him and then stepped out of his arms to grab two plates from the cupboard. The sound of his laughter caused any concerns of the day to fade away.

​They dished up food, grabbed silverware, and made their way to the kitchen table. Soft jazz music played from the speaker Davis had installed in the corner of the room. As he set down two wine glasses and poured her a glass, Charlie took a deep breath and soaked in the moment. Yes, having an empty nest was a huge change. And yet, there were nights like this one that reminded her some things don’t change. Some things in life she could still rely on.

​Davis sat beside her and held her hand as he said a small blessing over their meal, then dove into their food. Marianny’s made the best arepas, a popular Venezuelan food Charlie and Davis had fallen in love with when the restaurant opened a few years back. Filled with yummy meat and cheeses, Charlie moaned with pleasure as the flavors danced across her tongue, the warm, gooeyness the best comfort food imaginable.

​“How was work today?” Davis asked once he’d finished his bite of food.

​Charlie took a sip of wine and sat back in her chair. “Interesting. Amber gave me a new listing. I went by, and it needs some work, but…”

“Where is it?” Davis took a sip of wine.

​“It’s a Colonial Revival just outside of town on White Pine Drive.”

​Davis nodded. “I think I know the one you’re talking about. It needs a bit of work, doesn’t it?”

​“It does, but it has good bones.”

​Davis smiled as Charlie took another bite of food.

​They had agreed over the years that having a common interest in architecture and building construction was something they appreciated.

​“Tell me about your day,” Charlie said as she finished her bite and wiped her face with a napkin. The food was delicious—and messy.

​“It was fine.”

​Charlie stopped and stared at Davis, the napkin halfway back to her lap. Davis didn’t say “fine” unless something was up. She placed her napkin and her hands in her lap and looked at her husband, who was doing a tremendous job of avoiding eye contact with her.

​“Davis.”

*******

Writing stories since she was a young girl, Lara Van Hulzen‘s dream of being a novelist became a reality with her Men of Honor series. An avid reader, she worked as a book reviewer for 18 years with various organizations. She has a BA in Journalism and a Masters of Divinity in Chaplaincy. Lara loves tea, baseball and living in Idaho with her husband and Great Dane.

Connect with Lara:
http://www.laramvanhulzen.com
https://linktr.ee/laravanhulzen

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Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — Mistletoe And Malice

3 Nov

Mistletoe and Malice JustRead Blog Tour

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

About The Book

Mistletoe and Malice

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

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

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

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

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

Excerpt

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

“I thought it best.”

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

Until now.

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

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



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

Also Available

About The Author

Lori DeJong

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

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Mistletoe and Malice, and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection (released in Oct 2024)!

Mistletoe and Malice JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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JustRead Publicity Tours

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Spotlight on Split-Time Romance — Echoes of A Silent Song

29 Oct

Echoes of a Silent Song JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

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

About The Book

Echoes of a Silent Song

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song
Series: Melodies and Memories #1
Author: Amanda Wen
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Genre: Split-time Romance

A split-time romance from an award-winning author

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

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

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

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

Excerpt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Also Available:

Roots of Wood and Stone The Songs That Could Have Been The Rhythm of Fractured Grace

About The Author

Amanda Wen

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

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Echoes of a Silent Song and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Echoes of a Silent Song 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 October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

JustRead Publicity Tours

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