Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts

Friday, May 8, 2026

My Thoughts and More on A Girl's Guide to Having it All by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

 

A Girl's Guide to Having it All JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Girl's Guide to Having it All by Leslie Kirby DeVooght, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Girl's Guide to Having It All

Title: A Girl's Guide to Having it All 
Series: Magnolia Bluff #3 
Author:
Leslie Kirby DeVooght 
Publisher: Lanier Price Publishing 
Release Date:
April 30, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction with Romance

She mastered her career. Finding a husband? Not so much. 

High-powered political lobbyist Carleigh Chastain turns thirty-five with an impressive résumé, a packed calendar, and no love life to speak of. When her longtime friend—and former marriage-pact partner—Lawson announces he’s marrying a woman he barely knows, Carleigh does what any sensible best friend would do: she drops everything in DC and jets to Magnolia Bluff, Georgia, determined to save him from a costly mistake. 

Instead, her plans unravel, forcing Carleigh to confront the choices she’s made—and the ones she’s avoided. 

Meanwhile, Spencer MacDowell, her steady, loyal best friend since law school, is done waiting in the friend zone. 

As faith, friendship, and romance collide, Carleigh wonders if she’s been too busy chasing success to notice where God—and her heart—have been pointing all along. Funny, heartfelt, and romantic, this story asks what “having it all” really means.

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

More in This Series

 


About the Author

Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction with faith, love, laughter, and a lot of Southern charm. Her stories are inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! When Leslie isn’t writing, she’s cheering on her three children, and enjoying date nights with her husband, who loves that she researches kissing.

In addition to writing her own stories, Leslie co-owns Spark Flash Fiction, an online magazine that publishes short, short romance collections four times a year. 
 
Connect with Leslie by visiting lesliedevooght.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

My Thoughts:

Carleigh Chastain is a smart, career-driven woman, who as the saying goes, can't see the forest for the trees. She has just reached her thirty-fifth birthday, her marriage pact best friend and birthday buddy, Lawson, is getting married to someone who is not her. He was always her Plan B. Also, her brother is getting married too. A co-worker and friend, Jordan, yep, you guessed also just got married. Carleigh is feeling a little bit lost and kind of desperate.

Spencer her best friend guy who lives in the same apartment and does everything with her, is trying to calm her down. However, she will not have any of that which leads to some big fights between the two of them, not to mention the crazy mixed-up emotions she is feeling whenever she is around him. Could Spencer possibly like her more than a friend? Sometimes I really felt like Carleigh was really sabotaging herself and she had no clue she was even doing it.

Carleigh still has a lot of growing up to do even though she is very successful. Her clock is ticking and she really does not want to be just a cat lady, even though she loves her kitty. This was a heartfelt, sometimes crying, other times laughing journey that Carleigh needed to take if she really was going to have it all. Hang on as Carleigh's rollercoaster life zips you up and down on the road to true love.

This was such a fun story from start to finish by a new to me author and I look forward to more of her stories.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a bookish tote bag with all three books from the Magnolia Bluff series (A Girl's Guide to Having it All, How to Sparkle, and Stealing Magnolias)!

A Girl's Guide to Having It All JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 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

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Unending Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart

 



About the Book


Book: Unending Hope

Author: Cindy Kay Stewart

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release Date: July 29, 2025

As WWII expands across Europe, members of the Circle of Hope are drawn deeper into the struggle to survive in the face of overwhelming adversity.

April 1940. Nazi Germany carries out a devastating invasion, trapping Americans David Jensen and Natalie Thompson in Norway. Determined to use their medical skills to aid the Norwegians, David and Natalie embark on a harrowing journey to treat the injured and evade the Nazis.

Natalie, a dedicated Red Cross worker, values deep relationships. Fearful of settling for a shallow marriage, she broke off her engagement to David several years before. But she never stopped loving him and spending time working together in Norway plays havoc with her heart.

David, a charismatic and confidant doctor with the Red Cross, desires to advance his career and rekindle his relationship with Natalie. Even though she once rejected him, he believes she is the only woman for him. But years of keeping others at arms’ length guarantees that winning Natalie back will be the biggest challenge he’s ever faced.

The saga introduced in Abounding Hope continues in this inspiring second installment of courage and devotion.

Readers of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Lee Jackson’s After Dunkirk series will love this book.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a WW2 story that takes place in Norway trapping two American Red Cross aid workers in that country. David and Natalie have both been sent oversees to help those in need with their medical skills. They both also have a history together as they were once engaged. Now their main focus is to make it out of the combat zone alive, and David wants to win Natalie back, and make her his wife.

This story is full of danger as the war is heating up. It takes place over only a couple of months, but it seems the characters have lived a lifetime for what they must go through. I liked that their faith played such a huge part in their lives, especially since they weren't sure if they would make it out of Norway alive. It also helped them to treat those that needed their help in such a highly stressful situation. 

This story is the second in a series, about a different couple, but together gives a bigger picture of the circumstances these couples are facing. If you like WW2 stories and want to know about what was going on in Norway during this time, this is great book to start with.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author


Cindy Kay Stewart, a retired high school social studies and special education teacher, writes stories of hope, steeped in love, and anchored in faith. Passionate about revealing God’s handiwork in history, Cindy loves to research until she uncovers hidden gems to share with her readers. She resides in North Georgia with her college sweetheart. Her daughter, son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren live nearby.

 

 

 

More from Cindy

Those who love learning about bygone eras through fiction, will enjoy escaping to WWII Norway and France in Unending Hope, Book 2 in the Circle of Hope series. This novel follows the adventures of former boarding school classmates who vowed to come to each other’s aid in times of crisis, and WWII provides plenty of trouble for these diehard twenty-somethings to work through. Abounding Hope, Book 1 in the series, is a friends-to-lovers romance, and Unending Hope is a second-chance romance. The novels are sequential to the timeline of WWII.

As well as struggling to safely navigate their responsibilities, the major characters in both novels seek answers to their needs and problems, which can only be found by embarking on a spiritual journey that’s just as climactic as their physical adventures.

I love to research and dig up true stories I’ve never heard about or seen before and then share the most interesting ones through the lives of my characters. Bringing history to life is an adventure for me, and keeping my stories historically accurate is a goal I always strive to meet.

Blog Stops

Bizwings Blog, November 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 9

For Him and My Family, November 10

lakesidelivingsite, November 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 12

The Bookish Pilgrim, November 12

Connie’s history classroom , November 13

Stories By Gina, November 14 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 14

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 15

Holly’s Book Corner, November 16

Mary Hake, November 16

Cover Lover Book Review, November 17

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 17

Pause for Tales, November 18


Tuesday, May 20, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Unshakable by K.J. Rowe

 

 


About the Book


Book: Unshakable (Casts of Silver Book 4. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: K.J Rowe

Genre: Teen / Y.A

Release date: January 13, 2025

Self-assured. Perceptive. Determined. Character traits Nick Marshall wears with pride, along with a bit of charm.

He knows himself and what his future holds.

At last, living the life he had long dreamed for himself as a Police Officer, Nick struggles to understand why things he witnessed as a first responder early in his career continue to haunt him. Reoccurring dreams grow a nagging anxiety which, combined with the stress of keeping up with his grueling work roster, as well as extracurricular activities, begin to shadow his professionalism.

Frustrated at himself slipping, Nick begins to take steps to ease his workload when his youth minister drops a bombshell on the Leadership Team that leaves them all reeling, but also sparks a question in Nick’s mind: was he really doing what God wanted him to do?

With rumors starting at work amid a sense of impending threat, Nick continues to pursue the life he’s long envisaged for himself, believing the blessings of God are still upon him. However, when he finds himself in mortal danger, Nick is forced to reconsider everything he’d come to believe and the plans he had for himself.

Will Nick win the battle within his mind and decode the will of God for his life? Will he be willing to let go of his own will and take hold of God’s?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Nick is all set. He has started his career as a police officer; has a girl he is serious about and a great group of friends that help keep him on the straight and narrow. Yet Nick feels like there is a change in the air. He is also dealing with some PTSD from an accident he was on the scene for, and it is giving him some major nightmares. There is also a thread of danger due to some bad decisions a friend has made. This decision has put him and all of his friends and their families in danger.

Like Nick, we can sometimes be very assured of our futures. What we are going to do, where we are going, etc. And like Nick we can certainly be thrown off balance when those dreams and goals are challenged by something else. Something better possibly, but certainly something different. I was also intrigued by a certain speculation that pops up in the story too.

Nick is in for a lot of changes and challenges that are coming his way. I felt for Nick and I am curious as to what is next for this group of friends.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author


K.J. Rowe began her writing career in 2012 with the drafting of her Young Adult series called “Casts of Silver”, The series, born out of her own unique experiences and understanding how books can literally change people’s lives has been crafted to spotlight particular issues common amongst young people. To impress upon youth the importance of listening to their inner voice, remembering their self worth and to trust in Gods perfect plan for each of our lives is the mission and vision of this series. Karen lives with her husband and 2 children on a farm in North West Victoria, Australia.

 

 

More from K.J.

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. After a nagging conviction to write, I asked the Lord what it was He wanted me to pen down. The very next morning, I awoke with five clear stories in my mind.

Unshakable is book 4, of 5. It’s been an incredible journey for me writing this series with each of stories including a part of my own testimony. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless!

Now, who doesn’t love a great healthy(ish) treat while reading a fabulous book? I’ve recently come across this delicious cake recipe and thought I would share it with you all.

DATE CAKE

1.5C Boiling Water

70g dates, chopped

1 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

3/4C softened butter

1C Sugar (I used a little less)

2 eggs

2C Plain Flour

1/2 tsp salt

TOPPING

1/2C chocolate chips

1/2C sugar

1/2C chopped nuts of choice (I used Pecans, recipe uses walnuts)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 175C, grease 28x18cm lamington pan

Pour boiling water over dates, stir in 1tsp of Bicarbonate Soda. Stand until cool.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then remaining bicarbonate of soda, sifted flour and salt. Fold in date mixture.

Pour into pan, sprinkle over the topping ingredients. Bake for 35-45mins.

Goes well cold or warm with cream. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 9

Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11

Artistic Nobody, May 12 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, May 13 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, May 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 15

Blossoms and Blessings, May 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 18 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 20

A Reader’s Brain , May 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54222


Sunday, March 30, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet

 

Kate Landry Has a Plan JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Kate Landry Has a Plan

Title: Kate Landry Has a Plan 
Series: Beignets for Two #2 
Author: Rebekah Millet 
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
Release Date: March 18, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

Forty-year-old Kate Landry's carefully planned life has become as messy as the powdered sugar on her famous beignets. Juggling the responsibilities of running her café, raising her teenage niece, and the emotional baggage from her breakup, Kate finds her world once again turned upside down when her first-ever crush, Micah Guidry, returns to town as the hunky local librarian. 

As Kate struggles to implement her plans to expand her café amid the New Orleans Mardi Gras madness and the meddling of her conniving ex-fiancé, Micah becomes the unwitting hero of her misadventures, stirring up feelings she thought she'd long buried. How can falling in love in the Big Easy be this hard?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series:

Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet


About the Author

Rebekah Millet

Rebekah Millet is a double Selah Award, Cascade Award, and ACFW First Impressions Award-winning author of contemporary Christian romance novels. A New Orleans native, she grew up on beignets and café au lait, and loves infusing her colorful culture into her stories. Her husband is an answer to prayer, who puts up with her rearranging furniture and being a serial plant killer. Her two sons keep her laughing and share in her love of desserts.

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

My Thoughts:

This was a fun, romantic story with deep issues but never lost the faith message. I really liked that this story, and Julia's story deals with couples in their 40's who have already lived a bit of life, which brought a maturity to their problem solving and faith.

Kate has a plan to purchase and expand her cafe, keeping her and her late sister's dream alive. Due to tragic circumstances, Kate is raising her thirteen-year-old niece while hanging up her happily ever after when her fiancé walked out on her those eleven years ago. Kate is not looking for love, but when the boy who first kissed her walks back into her life, she starts feeling tingles and butterflies, things she doesn't want to feel.

Micah is a fun guy, extremely romantic and his pursuit of Kate was so sweet and genuine. Their back and forth and the comical situations Kate finds herself in with him had me laughing out loud many times. And while this story has a lot of silliness it also has a lot of heart as well. 

Author Millet is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with her mature characters and swoony moments and laugh out loud situations.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Julia Monroe Begins Again, Kate Landry Has a Plan, and a $20 Cafe du Monde gift certificate!

 
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 26, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 2, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Friday, January 24, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Tracy by Jennifer Lynn Cary

 



About the Book


Book: Tracy: A Sweet, Quirky, Romantic Masterpiece (Book 6 of the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. It can be read as a stand-alone.)

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet, Wholesome Romance (Retro)

Release date: October, 2024

Her heart can’t take more breakage…

…He’s been wounded enough

Yet they’re becoming best friends without ever having met.

Tracy Callahan has learned that relationships aren’t for her. The struggling glass artist puts up barriers to keep romantic entanglements from causing more pain. However, her feelings are growing for her roommate’s brother, despite having never seen him in person.

How can just his voice on the phone hold that much attraction?

Danny Mitchell left a large part of himself in Viet Nam and is learning how to navigate life back here in the states. It’s better to just avoid the public. As long as he doesn’t have to see anyone in person, he can pretend he’s his old self, and the caller on the other end of the phone won’t know the difference.

But Tracy is breaking through, resurrecting feelings he thought were dead and gone.

They might find a way to make a telephone relationship work. Unless meddling loved ones get involved.

When that happens, can Tracy and Danny’s friendship survive meeting face-to-face?

Or could there be something more than friendship in store for them? Maybe a God-designed masterpiece built from their broken parts?

Return to 1973 Kokomo, Indiana where the legend of the cardinal in the sycamore can still prove true love.

You will enjoy this sweet, quirky tale of hidden worth, because sometimes what we need is right in front of us.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was another nice visit back to 1973 in Kokomo, Indiana, this time at the end of the Vietnam War. A war that has left its mark on Danny Mitchell who is now in a wheelchair. Danny, who figures no woman would want him and does not want to be pitied in public, is a bit of a recluse. He goes out if he must, to church, but not often. What he does enjoy the most is talking on the phone to Tracy, his sister's roommate and a woman he has not met face to face yet.

Tracy has some abandonment issues, and it seems some confidence issues as well. Sue her best friend and roommate is getting married and will be moving out. As much as Tracy is happy for her, she is also sad and if she is honest with herself feels like she is being abandoned all over again. Her daily conversations with Danny always cheer her. What would it be like to meet him in person?

Will these two let their misconceptions of themselves stand in their way of genuine happiness and love? This was a story of stepping out of comfort zones tearing down the defenses we try so hard to build around our lives thinking they are there to protect us. As Tracy and Danny realize, they can be such inspirations to others.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.  


About the Author


Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Her current spin-off series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue, contains standalones with a common thread.

 

More from Jennifer

Have you ever met characters in a story that stayed with you, even when they weren’t the main characters? That’s what happened to me after I wrote Runaround Sue. Sue’s brother and her roommate seemed to hit it off so well, and I loved those characters.

It only made sense to give Tracy and Danny their own story.

However, I will confess that I had planned to make a character named Tracy because of the song, “Tracy” by the Cufflinks. It’s such a happy, bouncy tune and I thought that fit Sue’s roommate.

I do need to add that I relied on a childhood friend for some Danny’s antics. At one point I was told that something he did wasn’t possible. The problem was, I knew it was because my friend, Maureen McKay did that very thing. Maureen had a personality like Tracy’s and determination like Danny’s.

A few years ago I was back in Kokomo for a special wedding anniversary party. I noticed a guy sitting at a table and went to talk with him. At that time, I was combing faces for someone I’d known back when I went to school there. He had that look, but as we talked, it was obvious we didn’t know each other.

A little later I told my cousin about that, and she said that he was ahead of us in school, but he had a younger sister who would’ve been about my age. I knew immediately why he’d looked familiar. He was Maureen’s big brother.

I searched him and his mother out quickly and let them know I remembered Maureen. I mentioned a few of our escapades. Then I told them that my husband and I had lost a son, and that the kindest thing anyone could say was that they remembered our Ian. So, for that reason, I wanted them to know I remember Maureen.

And that’s why Tracy is dedicated to the memory of my friend Maureen McKay.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 21

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Vicky Sluiter, January 24 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, January 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29

For the Love of Literature, January 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 1 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 3 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 3

Giveaway



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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54137


Wednesday, November 27, 2024

My Thoughts on An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White

 

About:

In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.

My Thoughts:

This has really been a fun series about private investigators with some unexpected twists on who they are and why they are. This third in the series features Lady Lavinia Hemming's story and her relationship with Lord Yates Fairfax, their complicated and enduring love for one another. Buckle up because theirs was a bit of a roller coaster.

Lavinia has had a very hard time lately. She may have every one of her heart's desires, but what she wants the most is to be seen and loved. She is very good at putting on an act and a false persona, so much so that she would make a great Imposter. But what she really is hiding is herself. She has come from quite a traumatic experience, and she is wondering how much of her life was real and how much was a lie. She only hopes her truest friends will not turn against her.

Yates has loved Lavinia for a long time. However, he feels he is certainly not worthy of her. He also sees her and that she is hiding herself away. Not just due to her poor health either. Enter Lady Alethia and things get really complicated. The test of all of their wills and loves will be put on the line in this stunning conclusion to The Imposters.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White (RoseannaMWhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

My Thoughts and More on Rediscovering Christmas by Mindy Obenhaus

 

Rediscovering Christmas JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Rediscovering Christmas by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Rediscovering Christmas

Title: Rediscovering Christmas
Series: Hope Crossing #6 
Author:
Mindy Obenhaus 
Publisher:
Love Inspired 
Release Date:
November 26, 2024 
Genre:
Christian Contemporary Romance 

She feels she’s lost everything… 

Will love give her hope? 

When a wildfire destroys her home, widowed schoolteacher Tori Stallings finds herself unexpectedly living with her mother- and brother-in-law—and struggling with her faith. With everything Tori owns consumed by the blaze, Micah vows to help his late brother’s wife and son rebuild their lives. The two of them have always been friends, but living under the same roof has their friendship turning into something more. Can love bloom amid tragic loss and shaken beliefs, and give them a fresh start for Christmas?

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

More Books in Series:

The Cowgirl's Redemption A Christmas Bargain Loving the Rancher's Children Her Christmas Healing Hidden Secrets Between Them


About the Author

Mindy Obenhaus

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.

Connect with Mindy visiting mindyobenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Monday, November 18, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Into the Sunset by Mary Connealy

 



About the Book


Book: Into the Sunset (A Western Light Book Three)

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: October 15, 2024

Will the sun set on their chance at happiness before they can seize it?

To finally escape the clutches of her controlling husband and the threat of being recommitted to an asylum, Ginny Rutledge enlists the help of her friends, Maeve O’Toole and Dakota Harlan. Fleeing their own tumultuous pasts, the group embarks on a journey to prove Ginny’s sanity. However, as they confront the shadows they wish they could forget, danger looms from unexpected places.

Maeve grapples with her mother’s impending remarriage and seizes a rare chance to escape her homestead–but that means reuniting with Dakota, the man she holds responsible for her father’s death, who is caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful family. As the two of them navigate their shared history and a dangerous mission, Dakota is forced to confront his deepest fears and fight for the woman who has unwittingly captured his heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is the third in a series about a group of women escaping from an asylum and heading west to escape the tyrannical men who care nothing for their well-being. This also continues the story of the makeshift family they meet and the men who love them and will fight for them. 

Maeve and her family met up with these women on their journey west. Maeve lost her father on the way and blames a certain man, Dakota, for that. Dakota knows that even though he did all he could for her father. Yet even with that rocky past, he finds he is still very much drawn to Maeve, even though she blames him.

Dakota is not without problems of his own as he has a family after him who are out for blood. His blood and he knows he may be running and looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life. But when his friends come to him for help, he is there for them.

Ginny is the woman whose ruthless husband is bound and determined to catch again. He is a horrible villain and only cares about money. He almost acts as if he is untouchable in his quest to recapture Ginny and destroy those who help her. It becomes quite a showdown as evil and good face off.

I was also delighted to see that a couple of characters from the previous series popped in too. This series tackled the unjust ways women were treated in regard to their mental health when the men who should have cared for them, did not.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise and The Lumber Baron’s Daughters and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 

 

More from Mary

Into the Sunset is the third book in A Western Light series, and I always love the wrap up of a series. In this book I’ve got a deliciously evil villain, and I’ve worked that villain in and out of the characters lives at the end of each of the first two books, but he keeps coming back. This time, he really gets what’s coming to him. Anyway, it’s not a shocking thing to say: the bad guy loses. I’ll bet most readers of my work knew that was coming. It’s the HOW that makes it fun.

My heroine is one I really enjoyed: Maeve O’Toole—a red-headed, sassy Irish lass with a mild brogue. And my hero, Dakota Harlan, has interested her from the first moment she laid eyes on him. Except that moment was several years ago, and she blamed him for her father’s death on the wagon train Dakota was leading. Then life separated them as he went on to Oregon and her family turned aside to homestead in Idaho. Now Dakota is back in Maeve’s life again. She’s had a chance to see that her anger with Dakota was unfair and has discovered that Dakota has always admired her. He’d probably scoop her up and marry her, if it wasn’t for the men trying to kill him. He doesn’t have much room for a wife in the life he’s living now.

In this story, I bring back all the characters from the earlier two books. The villain who’s been harassing them all along reappears, and the men hunting Dakota show up, too. Ginny must go to court to break the hold her evil husband has over her, declaring her insane and locking her away. She’s been hiding ever since. But now she’s ready to face him in court, but a conniving, wealthy man like her husband never plays fair.

Into the Sunset is packed with love and action, adventure and danger. All play out against the hectic railroad town of Cheyenne, Wyoming a few years after Wyoming becomes the first state to give women the right to vote. And there are some tough, smart women ready to stand between Ginny and a cruel husband. And plenty of tough smart cowboys, too. I hope you love this story!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9

Book Looks by Lisa, November 10

Devoted To Hope, November 10

lakesidelivingsite, November 11

Texas Book-aholic, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 12

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 14

Jeanette’s Thought , November 14

Betti Mace, November 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 16

Holly’s Book Corner, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Stories By Gina, November 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 18

She Lives To Read, November 19

Cover Lover Book Review, November 20

Labor Not in Vain, November 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 21

Connie’s History Classroom, November 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 22

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card and a full paperback set of the A Western Light series by Mary Connealy: Chasing the Horizon, Toward the Dawn, and Into the Sunset!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5491


Sunday, November 17, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Unassailable by K.J. Rowe

 



About the Book


Book: Unassailable

Author:K.J. Rowe

Genre: Teen/Young Adult

Release date: June 18, 2024

To be picture perfect on the outside can cause people to think you have it all together on the inside. Which is exactly the case for Hope Meyer.

Stuck in a dead-end job with no vision for her future, parents arguing at home and newly-single under terms she bitterly objects to, Hope puts on a brave front in the face of friends. Only, she’s not as subtle as she thinks. Called out on her pretense by a close friend and, drawn into a mission project that causes her to question everything she’s been led to believe, Hope finds herself floundering.

Until recently, the perfect hair, manicured nails, a wardrobe straight out of a fashion magazine and a handsome suitor by her side had defined her. Now seeing those things as insignificant, and understanding why her boyfriend left, Hope turns to her youth minister for help; with one burning question in mind:

Who was she?

Set on a path of self-discovery, Hope finds her day to day both unraveling and piecing together like a jigsaw as her perception begins to alter.

Will she embrace how God defines her and ultimately learn what true happiness is?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Hope is confused as she tries to navigate her life. She has a lot going on that she wishes she could change. She is not happy with her job, her family life, and her car keeps breaking down. On top of that her boyfriend has asked for a break as he is not too sure that she is that into him. It is almost as if Hope is coasting through life.

Hope does seek help in prayer and her closest friends, and as she grows, she begins to see how other people view her. From the outside she does not always seem sure of anything, and maybe a little wishy washy in her faith. She sets out to change that and to change for the better.

I found the title of the story interesting with reference to Hope. She certainly is not unassailable in the start of the story. However, this is her faith journey, and it grows till she becomes ever stronger.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister…

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

More from K.J.

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, November 5

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Fiction Book Lover, November 8 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 9

Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 11

Back Porch Reads, November 12 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 14 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, November 15 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, November 16 (Author Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, November 16

Pause for Tales, November 17

Vicky Sluiter, November 18 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5487


Monday, November 11, 2024

My Thoughts on Tea with Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn

 

About:

"If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together."
African proverb

Ever since Fern Espinoza and Lily Graden met as teenagers volunteering at a conference center in Costa Rica twenty years ago, they have shared a close friendship, even though they live in different states. They can hardly believe it when their teen dream of traveling to Africa together becomes a reality. It's the trip of a lifetime--but life sure isn't what they thought it would be back when they were young.

Along with their suitcases, both women bring emotional baggage that weighs heavily on them. The two best friends slowly open up to each other about the challenges waiting for them back home. Soon they discover that the people they meet and the places they experience have the power to change their hearts--but only if they listen to the gentle lessons God is teaching them in this land of emerald tea fields, graceful giraffes, and rambunctious elephants.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on a safari of the heart in this vulnerable exploration of how to move forward in faith even when the future is uncertain.

My Thoughts:

This story took a long awaited and postponed dream and put it into action. Why don't two friends who met as teens do what they dreamed one summer of doing? What is stopping them from dropping everything and going to Africa? Well, life actually and I found this novel a bit daring in the way these two, especially Fern who worked through her fears and went. Even when her life upended right before the trip. 

I think young people are so very hopeful and very idealistic especially when the future is wide open. Or so it seems. Then life happens and before you know it, twenty years have passed. That is what happened to Fern when she gets the call from Lilly that the time for their adventure to Africa is now.

This was an adventure of two friends against the backdrop of Africa, getting away from it all for a bit and reconnecting, sharing life stories, and ultimately putting their lives back into focus.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Robin Jones Gunn is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 books, including Tea with Elephants, the Sisterchicks series, and the Christy Miller series for teen girls. Her books have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. Robin and her husband have two grown children and four grandchildren and live in southern California, where she co-hosts the Women Worth Knowing podcast. Learn more at RobinGunn.com.

Friday, October 25, 2024

My Thoughts on The Gentleman's Confession by Anneka R. Walker

 




About:

Inexperienced in courtship and love, Jemma turns to her best friend, Miles, for guidance on how to win a man’s heart—not knowing that Miles has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Despite his selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

My Thoughts:

This is actually the first I have read in this series of friends that are helped by the Matchmaking Mama's Society to find love matches for their children and grandchildren. Already a couple of the friends have been matched up, but Jemma Fielding has no plans for marriage as she is quite happy to be single. That is until her beloved grandmother's deathbed wish propels Jemma to seek out the matchmakers help to find a suitable love match.

Jemma also seeks the help of her dearest friend, rector Miles Jackson, who is busy fending off all the other ladies seeking his hand in marriage. Miles is quite shocked at Jemma's turnaround as he is secretly in love with her. He was quite happy to see her unmarried till he could either claim her for himself or they would just stay single. However, after this request, what is Miles to do? He cannot see her with someone else nor does he feel that he is suitable to be with her himself. Everyone also expects him to marry her cousin. That was never his plan. What is a man in love to do? Especially with Jemma's request of him? Much romantic twists are entailed.

This was a fun romantic romp as friends try to be friends while hiding their true affections from one another. I kept rooting for Miles telling him, come on, this is your chance. Don't let Jemma slip away without at least telling her how you feel. Miles is a pretty romantic guy when he sets out to show Jemma that he loves her. This was a fun friend to lovers' story, even when the matchmakers were working against them.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

My Thoughts and More on High Exposure by Kelly Borjas

  Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for High Exposure by Kelly Borjas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours ! About the Book Title: High...