Tag Archives: Gina Holder

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — The Escape Game

6 May
The Escape Game JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Escape Game by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Escape Game

Title: The Escape Game
Series: The Game Masters
Author: Gina Holder
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal.

Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined.

Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal.

Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests.

They’re players.

Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. Each puzzle brings them closer to the truth about Demi’s missing father and Liam’s sister —but also deeper into a carefully crafted game where the stakes are far higher than they’re ready to face.

With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Demi and Liam must confront their fears, their pasts, and the faith that may be their only hope of escape.

In this gripping Christian suspense novel, every clue matters—and every mistake could be fatal.

Can Demi and Liam solve the final puzzle before the game ends…or will the escape room become their tomb?

Perfect for fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Irene Hannon who enjoy puzzle-driven Christian suspense filled with danger, secrets, and faith under fire.

Excerpt

“I found something.” 

In a heartbeat, Liam crouched beside her. “What? Where?” 

She pointed at the numbers, whipped through the possibilities, then matched each letter to its corresponding number. “G—N—I—T—N—I—A—P—E—H—T—D—N—I—H— E—B. Behind the painting.” 

Liam blinked, eyes wide. “That was fast. How did you do that?” 

“It was a simple A1Z26 cipher.” 

“Sure, but how did you recognize it so quickly?” 

Demi stood and faced the elderly gentleman’s portrait above them, popping her shoulder. “Dad and I spent a lot of time working through puzzles and riddles. I’m familiar with most types of ciphers, and my IQ is …” She let her words drift off. He didn’t need to know that. “Let’s put it this way. My IQ would make Einstein jealous.” 

Liam covered his mouth and coughed. The space around his collar flushed. “Impressive.” “Sorry. I don’t mean to sound arrogant. You asked.” 

“That should make escaping the Mystery House a breeze.” He gripped the edge of the frame. “Sorry, sir, for the intrusion.” 

The portrait swung outward on invisible hinges. 

Something clicked, and a burst of air whooshed past her cheek. A sharp sting pricked her skin. Her hand flew to her face. 

Thunk! 

Three darts embedded in the wall across the room. 

She lowered her wet palm. Blood. Her leg strength threatened to give way. Dread washed over her like ice floes on the Great Lakes. Her lungs seized, and her voice squeaked. 

“This isn’t a game.”

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series


About The Author

Gina Holder

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you’ll never see coming.

She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author.

She published her debut novel, Whither Shall I Go, in 2017, marking the beginning of her writing career. Her works often weave themes of faith, redemption, and forgiveness, aiming to inspire readers with uplifting messages rooted in Biblical principles.

Gina is also an active member of the Christian readers and writers community and is involved in the writing community through her blog, where she shares insights, interviews, and book reviews.

Her first traditionally published novel released in June 2025 with Scrivenings Press LLC, after winning their “”GetPubbed”” contest’s grand prize.

Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card and a copy of The Escape Game (eBook or paperback, Winner’s Choice)!

The Escape Game JustRead blog tour giveaway

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

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Spotlight on Romantic Suspense — The Puzzle Within

11 Jun

The Puzzle Within JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Puzzle Within

Title: The Puzzle Within
Series: The Game Masters #1
Author: Gina Holder
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who’s been receiving threats signed: Enigma.

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as “Nick of Time” turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette’s security detail, his biggest concern isn’t the threats—it’s the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers.

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

Excerpt

A buzzing sounded in the distance, and Ari swiveled toward the noise. A speed boat sliced across the surface of the lake. 

Toward the island. 

Toward them.

As it neared, Ari made out the figures of two people, burrowed in heavy winter jackets and stocking caps. The passenger held something against their shoulder. A rifle.

A sharp crack echoed off the mountains. 

“Get down,” Ari shouted and covered her head. She dropped to the ground, slamming her knees into the solid stone surface, wincing against the pain that shot through the bones.

Two more rounds rang out, then the hum of the motorboat faded, and silence prevailed once again. 

Ari moved her arms and raised her head, but the shooters had disappeared. She twisted her neck to evaluate Nick’s condition, finding him prostrate beside her, arms over his head.

She rose to her knees and called his name. When he didn’t respond, her hand found his shoulder. Blood seeped from a gash just above his right ear.

Oh, dear God. He’s been shot!



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


About The Author

Gina Holder

Gina Holder is a hybrid author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of The Puzzle Within, and a pair of wooden jigsaw puzzle earrings!

The Puzzle Within JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 10, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours