Tag Archives: Christmas fiction

Spotlight on Contemporary Romance/Holiday Fiction — Together This Christmas

20 Oct

Together This Christmas JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Together This Christmas by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Together This Christmas

Title: Together This Christmas
Author: Beth K. Vogt
Publisher: Story Architect
Release Date: October 13, 2025
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Contemporary Romance Christmas novella (spiritual thread)

What if true love is only a text away?

Mila Maxwell is happy with her life in New York City. Her boyfriend Zane is perfect for her – and yes perfect means he offers her the stability she’s always wanted. Zane’s also not threatened by the endless text thread she keeps with her best friend, Ben Kendrick. Why should he be? They’re friends, nothing more.

Christmas is coming – a holiday she’d much rather skip – and Mila’s the maid-of-honor for her college roommate’s December wedding. When disaster strikes the wedding coordinator, Mila rushes to Colorado to save Angie’s big day and plunges headfirst into all the marital falalala.

As Mila works the details for Angie and Charles’ wedding, Ben steps up to help. After all, he’s the best man and someone in his life should have a happily ever after. This may be Ben’s last chance to convince Mila that they were meant for more than long texts and short video chats.

Mila must confront her fears about love and choose: Zane, who offers her the security she’s always longed for, or Ben, who has never given up on her. What if her true love has always been one text away?

Excerpt

Unlike some people, New York City didn’t bypass Thanksgiving and move right to Christmas. Even after living in Manhattan for three years, Mila—like many other New Yorkers—still loved the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, now less than two weeks away. And no, Santa’s appearance at the end wasn’t her favorite part. Mila would ignore hints of the upcoming fa la la la la and enjoy time with Zane.

“That bag isn’t too heavy for you?” Mila nudged her boyfriend’s shoulder as they maneuvered through the crowd on Fifth Avenue. Ever considerate, Zane adjusted his pace to accommodate her much shorter stride. While her three-inch heels compensated for her five-foot-nothing frame, there were some things she couldn’t overcome.

Zane shifted the yellow bag with the red LEGO trademark and took Mila’s hand. “I can manage just fine.”

“The real question is, how many hours will you need to put that vintage PAC-MAN Arcade together?”

“You want to help me?” Zane’s brown eyes registered surprise.

“That’s not a serious invitation. You get too much satisfaction out of completing a model all by yourself.”

“Maybe I’ll slip a LEGO set into your stocking. Something small for you to start on.”

“Already thinking about Christmas shopping?”

“Never too early, right?”

Mila sidestepped a trio of teen girls who talked and texted as they walked. “Agreed.”

Because it was easier to agree than talk about what she really thought about Christmas.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BethVogt.com | Amazon

Also Available

About The Author

Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She writes both contemporary romance and women’s fiction because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International (now MomCo), Beth blogs for The Write Conversation and enjoys speaking to writers groups and mentoring writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

Connect with Beth by visiting bethvogt.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 “My Holidays are All Booked” mug from Pippi Post, and a print copy of Together This Christmas!

Together This Christmas JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 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.

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Spotlight on Holiday Romance — Puppy Love And Snowflake Kisses

2 Oct

Puppy Love and Snowflake Kisses JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses by Jennifer Faye, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Puppy Love and Snowflake Kisses

Title: Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Series: Kringle Falls #2
Author: Jennifer Faye
Publisher: Lazy Dazy Press
Release Date: October 1, 2025
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Christmas Holiday Romance / Small Town Romance

When she needs help, he’s the last person she would turn to…

Belle Sinclair has recently adopted a stray puppy. It was love at first snuggle. He is the best Christmas present ever. And yet her holiday happiness goes sideways when she hears a siren and spots flashing lights in her rearview mirror.

Sheriff Parker Bishop is a confirmed bachelor. He firmly believes all laws should be obeyed without exception. And so, when he spots the beautiful Belle Sinclair once more committing a moving violation, what choice does he have? He has to pull her over.

But this holiday, Belle’s puppy has gone missing. Suspecting foul play, she has to call on the one man in Kringle Falls who can get under her skin with just a look. This Christmas, will they be able to work past their differences in order to help the puppy? And along the way will they find that opposites just might attract?

Excerpt

Now that she was late for work, Mavis would give her a hard time about leaving for lunch. And Belle had to step out because she had the puppy at home counting on her to give him a potty break. With a sigh, she grabbed her purse and phone. She got out of the car and closed the door.

She turned and took a step. Her foot landed on ice. In the next instant, her feet slipped out from under her. It happened so fast the next thing she knew, her backside smacked the ice. Ouch.

She groaned. This day was totally against her. What was it her mother used to say? That bad things came in threes. She was late for work. She got pulled over. So, did this make her third bit of bad luck? She hoped so.

A car door closed in the alleyway. Before she could get to her feet, she heard a familiar voice.

“Belle, are you all right?” Sheriff Bishop rushed to her side. “Do you need an ambulance?”

He was the very last person she wanted to see, especially in this awkward situation. She frowned at him. “I’m fine.”



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

More in This Series

About The Author

Jennifer Faye

Award-winning author Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages and her work has been optioned for film. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband, one bossy cat and an ornery pup. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card & an autographed copy of Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses!

Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 30, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Spotlight on Christmas Historical Romance — The Neighbor And The Gifts

16 Jul

The Neighbor and the Gifts JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Neighbor and the Gifts

Title: The Neighbor and The Gifts
Series: A Christmas Cabin Novella
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Genre: Christmas Historical Romantic Suspense

Twelve days. Twelve gifts. One unlikely hero.

Wisconsin, 1930—When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him.

Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location.

As the man’s actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus’ life.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

Excerpt

“Keep an eye on her.” Casper pointed his chin at the box as he shrugged into his coat. “My gut says that package was meant for Ollie. We need to find out why.”

Titus agreed.

“Maybe she’ll finally talk to you.” Casper grinned, then winked. “Being loved by a good woman makes life worth living.”

“Yeah, yeah. Tell Eira Mae hello for me.” Titus shook his head as his boss left. He was happy for his friend. Honestly, he was. But Casper’s tease hit too close to home. Titus wanted a girl like Casper had found in Eira Mae, and only one had ever fit the picture in his mind.

Titus scrounged up a stack of old newspaper and carefully lifted the bird from the package to prepare it for its ceremony. He hoped this would allow Ollie to lay the trauma to rest just as much as the bird. She had such a quiet, gentle, sensitive soul.

As he settled the bird on the newsprint, a piece of paper fluttered to the ground beside his boot. He lifted it by the corner so as not to smudge the writing, and any question that the package had anything to do with the library vanished.

To my true love: please accept this gift of provision.

Titus turned cold. Ollie had a secret admirer.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

The Baby and the Guardian

Listen to The Sheriff and the Outlaw audiobook on YouTube

About The Author

Danielle Grandinetti

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of both The Baby and the Guardian & The Neighbor and the Gifts plus 1 set of series-inspired earrings!

The Neighbor and the Gifts JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 15, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 22, 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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Top 10 Tuesday — Travel Books

20 May

Happy Tuesday! Today’s TTT prompt is books featuring travel. Having done that a few times before, I have changed the topic up a bit and am listing books I have read for my upcoming trip to Maine. I love to read novels that are set in travel destinations. Do you ever do that? My list consists of the books I have read in the past couple of months plus some others I have read over the years. There’s a variety of genres too. I hope you find one to inspire you!

For more travel books, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books Set in Maine

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

A Christmas by The Sea by Melody Carlson

Clammed Up By Barbara Ross

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawson

Haven Point by Virginia Hume

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble

Memory Lane by Becky Wade

On A Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

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Mini-Book Review — Christmas at The Jekyll Island Club

22 Jan

It’s never too late — or too early — to read a Christmas book. I enjoyed reading Christmas at The Jekyll Island Club, part of the Romance at The Gilded Ages Resorts series, following a visit to the island in mid-December. The historic district and the clubhouse itself has been lovingly restored, and guests can experience a little of what it must have been like to live among the rich and powerful of the early 1900s. Author Blossom Turner does a good job of bringing those days to life in her novella-length book. The story contrasts the excessiveness of the rich with those who made their living in very different ways. The story revolves around a rich young heiress and a humble and earnest preacher tasked with delivering not-so-comfortable sermons to those on the island. There’s a salvation moment in which eyes and ears are opened to God’s truth. Christmas at The Jekyll Island Club will appeal to those who like to venture back in time through the pages of a historical romance.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens and adults.

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

She was born into privilege yet yearns for freedom. Dare she risk it all for love?

Though spunky Savannah Ensworth was born into wealth and privilege, she longs for the freedom allotted to men. Marriage is the very last thing on her to-do list. As the sole heir to her father’s fortune, she’s in no hurry to turn the freedom that comes with wealth over to a husband.

Bored and restless, she arrives for yet another mind-numbing winter season at the Jekyll Island Millionaire’s Club. There is nothing new under the sun…or so she thinks until she meets Joseph Bennett, the visiting reverend.

As sparks fly, a forbidden attraction grows. But will their very different lives snuff out any hope of a future? And is she ready to give up the freedom she’s always desired for a love that could cost her everything?

Blossom Turner is an award-winning novelist who loves to jump out of planes, garden, and sing… all for fun.

She is published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, a former newspaper columnist on health and fitness and personal trainer. She writes a monthly inspirational newsletter and blog.

As a later-in-life career she is pursuing her dream to write and is gifted in bringing to life thought-provoking stories of love and relationship sprinkled with God’s hope. Check out the award-winning Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories all with an inspirational twist.

She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, with their Shepherd/Bernese dog named Lacey.

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If You Liked . . . The Christmas Tree Farm

15 Dec

My book club chose The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson for our December selection. It was not my favorite by Carlson, but it was a quick, pleasant, Christmas-y read. If you liked it (or share my viewpoint) I have some more recommendations for you. I read all three of these books during the 2023 Christmas season and LOVED them! I usually schedule my If You Liked . . . posts on the last day of the month, but you really need to read these books before Christmas!

All’s Fair in Love And Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Better Watch Out by Natalie Walters

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray!

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands.

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no.

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas activities that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger.

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

It’s the most wonderful time of the year–for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn’t bad enough, she’s dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister’s uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding–to Starr’s ex-boyfriend. But when her brother’s best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn’t so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother’s Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away–to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?

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Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm

9 Dec

I like to include at least one Christmas novella leading into the holiday season. This year my book club chose to read The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson. If you are looking for a feel-good story with serious Hallmark vibes, then this one is for you.

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family’s Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie’s unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison’s heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there’s only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work–and some help from an unlikely ally–to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

My Impressions:

Sometimes you want an uncomplicated, feel-good story with a Christmas-y setting. You will get that with Melody Carlson’s novella The Christmas Tree Farm. With serious Hallmark vibes, this holiday romance is set in the most Christmas location — a Christmas tree farm. The main character, Madison, returns to the place of her cherished childhood memories ready to begin a new life. She faces obstacles of a depressed economy and a manipulative younger sister, but puts in the work to bring the tree farm back to its former glory. She also has a second chance at love which is always a favorite trope. Add in a hunky leading man and an adorable kid sidekick and you have the elements for a fun Christmas read. Is it predictable? You bet! But sometimes that’s just what you want or need.

The Christmas Tree Farm isn’t my favorite of Carlson’s novellas, but it was a quick read that I found enjoyable. If you are looking for a light read with all the holiday trimmings, then give this one a try.

Audience: Adults

(I received a complimentary ebook from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Spotlight on Christmas/Romance Fiction — A Guardian Till Christmas

31 Oct

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Guardian Till Christmas by Danielle Thorne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Guardian Till Christmas

Title: A Guardian Till Christmas
Author: Danielle Thorne
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romance

She’s always in charge…

Until two little hearts take over this holiday season…

After the loss of her sister, Kylee Spokes plans to take custody of her orphaned niece and nephew and return to the big city by Christmas. Except corralling four-year-old twins is much harder than the businesswoman expects. And small-town paramedic Evan Hollister refuses to abandon his godchildren to someone who has no experience with kids—and can’t even boil water! Now these opposites must find a way to temporarily co-parent together. As grudging respect turns into something more, can they find a permanent solution…that lasts past the holidays?

Excerpt

Kylee crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m sorry my parenting skills aren’t on par with your expectations. I told you my only experience was with interns. Maybe if there were penalties for their behavior, they would follow orders.”

“What are you going to do? Fine them?” Evan quipped. He held firmly to Annabelle’s hand as she began to tug. “Demote them?”

“Funny,” snapped Kylee. “If Mia had—”

“You have no idea how Mia raised her children,” he said in a low tone. “You weren’t around, were you?”

“Well, I’m here now.” Kylee’s retort sounded confident and challenging, as lightning flashed in her eyes.

“I’m here to help, Kylee.”

“Why don’t you take them both home for lunch then, and I’ll be right behind you?”

“Fine,” said Evan. “I’m sure they would rather read anyway.”

“Enjoy your time with them. I’m going to get a cupcake.”

His time with them. If her plans to leave by Christmas were set, his time with them was running short.

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

Also Available

The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma by Danielle Thorne The Beekeeper Next Door

About The Author

Danielle Thorne

Danielle Thorne writes happily-ever-afters set in the South for Harlequin Love Inspired. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she also writes stories about Regency ladies, pirates, and not-so-distressed damsels from her home south of Atlanta. Free time is filled with documentaries, too much yard work, and not enough travel. When not writing wholesome romances, Danielle hangs out with friends or chases cats. She enjoys the outdoors and serving in her church and community. Danielle’s been married to the same fellow for thirty years, has four sons, two daughters-in-law, twin grandbabies, and she loves them more than life.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an autographed paperback of A Guardian Till Christmas and a $20 Chickfila gift card!

(1) winner will receive an ebook of A Guardian Till Christmas!

A Guardian Till Christmas JustRead Tour blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 6, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copy & gift card. Ebook giveaway is open to US and international winners. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Spotlight on Christmas Fiction — A Weary World Rejoices

14 Oct

A Weary World Rejoices JustRead Blog +Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Weary World Rejoices by Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, and Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Weary World Rejoices

Title: A Weary World Rejoices
Series: A Mosaic Christmas Anthology VI
Authors: Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Johnnie Alexander, Angela D. Meyer, Sara Davison
Publisher: The Mosaic Collection, LLC
Release Date: October 16, 2024
Genre: Christian Christmas anthology

With nothing going as planned, will Christmas be a complete disaster this year?

The people in these stories are tired, weighed down by the struggles and cares of life. In the midst of their challenging situations, each receives an unexpected letter.

The Christmas Kiss – Stacy Monson
Unremarkable Sue – Eleanor Bertin
Love, Christmas – Johnnie Alexander
Gifting Christmas – Angela D. Meyer
The Back Door Christmas Tour Company – Sara Davison

Songs like “O Holy Night”are filling the airwaves and promising hope for a weary world, but what will it take for the men and women in these stories to experience true joy this Christmas?

A Weary World Rejoices is a collection of five stories about discovering joy in the midst of life’s challenges—at Christmas and every day of the year.

Excerpt

From The Back Door Christmas Tour Company by Sara Davison

The company spokesperson, who spoke English with a light, Tahitian accent, was nice enough but firm in her insistence that, like all the other companies, their over the holidays were full.

Rav drove his fingers through his hair. Might as well see if he could catch a flight home tomorrow. Pick up his life where he had left off and carry on as though this crazy little spontaneous blip had never happened.

The thought depressed him enough that he decided to take one more shot. “I’m sorry to hear that. You were my last hope. You wouldn’t consider adding one more person if I paid extra?”

After a brief pause, the woman spoke. “Just one? Are you saying you are all alone for Christmas?” As though afraid of anyone overhearing her, the woman had lowered her voice enough that Rav pressed the phone harder to his ear, straining to catch the words. Words that suddenly brought his bleak situation into sharp focus.

He sighed. “Yeah. I suppose I am.”

“What is your name?”

“Rav Temauri.”

A clicking sound echoed through the phone, as though the woman was inputting something into a keyboard. Looking him up? His muscles tensed, but then Rav relaxed. He didn’t have much of an online presence, and he certainly didn’t have anything in his mundane life to hide. What difference would it make if she did a little research on him?

After a moment, she murmured, “So, you’re the one.”

Rav raised his eyebrows. The one? What did that mean?



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available



About the Authors

Stacy Monson Eleanor Bertin

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of stories that reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the beautiful, peaceful countryside outside of the Twin Cities with an old dog and 17 chickens. She has two kids, two wonderful in-law kids, and adores being G’ma to 7 amazing grandchildren.

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

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity. She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, the Burning Bright series, Flame of Mercy and Flicker of Trust, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home.

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

Johnnie Alexander Angela D Meyer

Johnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. As a bestselling, award-winning novelist, she has written more than thirty works of fiction in a variety of genres. She is both traditionally and indie-published, serves as board secretary for the Mosaic Collection, LLC (an indie-author group) and faculty chair for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference; co-hosts Writers Chat, a weekly online show; and contributes to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog. A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Her grands call her “The Shadow” and dutifully follow this unbreakable rule ~ only she is allowed to open a new bag of Classic Lay’s potato chips.

Connect with Johnnie at johnnie-alexander.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Angela D. Meyer writes fiction that showcases God’s ability to redeem and restore the brokenness in our lives. Angela currently lives in Nebraska, where she and her husband homeschooled and graduated both of their children. Angela is a part of the Mosaic Collection and writes stories that showcase God’s redemption and restoration in our brokenness. Angela enjoys sunrises and sunsets, the ocean when she gets a chance to visit, and hopes to ride in a hot air balloon someday.

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

Sara Davison

Sara Davison is the author of The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo, two sparrows for a penny, and In the Shadows series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara at saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of A Weary World Rejoices as well as a metal wall hanging that says A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices!

A Weary World Rejoices JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 14, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 21, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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Book Review: All’s Fair In Love And Christmas

20 Dec

Looking for a great read for Christmas? Look no further than All’s Fair in Love And Christmas by Sarah Monzon. This lovely, heartwarming romance will definitely put you in the holiday mood. I loved it!

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

My Impressions:

Mackenzie and Jeremy’s boss always announces a promotion opportunity at Christmastime and always seems to give the job to the employee who exhibits the most holiday cheer. So when the two are tapped as candidates, the reindeer games commence! I really liked the workplace romance juxtaposed against the characters’ personal lives — the two have a lot at stake in the unofficial competition. As the days run up towards the Christmas party and big announcement, the two learn so much about each other and themselves. This is definitely a romance, but it is also a road to discovery as the two learn to trust God with plans and problems, and to seek help from friends and professionals. A big part of the story, as told in Mackenzie’s first person voice, is her struggle with social anxiety. I really get that. While I have never had the extreme anxiety and pain attacks that plague Mackenzie, her plight hit home. Her situation may be extreme, but it certainly rang true. Her best friend/roommate is the best! I loved how Monzon gave Mackenzie unconditional, non-judgmental support in the character of Keri. Jeremy has no issues with social awkwardness, but he does rely on his own plans, and his friends remind him that God’s plans are way better than our own.

All’s Fair in Love And Christmas checked all the boxes for me — sweet romance, endearing characters, a little bit of fun, laughter, and tears. It’s the real deal and a highly recommended read!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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