Defending Honor by Lynette Eason & Kelly Underwood - Review

 

Defending Honor

By: Lynette Eason & Kelly Underwood

Goodreads Synopsis:

She'll have to pretend to save his life...but what will it cost her heart?

Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it.

Billionaire and former playboy Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but then his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident. Since he’s next in line to helm the family business, now someone wants him dead.

Preston needs someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is a fake marriage. In order to keep him safe, Laila will have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love. She’s used to putting her life on the line for a client. But what will this case cost her heart?

Book three of the riveting, high-octane world of the Elite Guardians reboot!

 

My Take:

I literally just read a rom-com (not inspirational) that had the same exact plot, and you know what? It made me want to read this one even more! I absolutely love this new-to-me trope of a female body guard. I was hooked from the synopsis alone but once I opened and began reading, I could hardly put it down.

Laila is a very relatable character, full of character and flaws that I could personal relate to in most every way. Reading about a female lead with such a tough exterior and guards up to protect her heart is my favorite kind of main character and it basically sets my heart on fire for her. I want to see her overcome her pain, and hurt, and open her heart up again.

On the other hand, I immediately fell in love with Preston also. Seeing someone who is born from power and money, walk away from the scene, for any reason, is enough to earn mass amounts of respect from me. I was more than ready and excited to see him and Laila get matched up and watch this friendship develop into its full potential.

I’ve always loved Eason’s writing and now, I am definitely a full fan of Kelly Underwood’s as well. Way to go Sunrise Publishing!!!

New Release - The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey!

Do you know anyone who has served or is serving in the armed forces?

My husband is a Navy veteran and I'm so thankful to him everyday for the service that he provided to our country. I keep my fingers crossed that my son, might choose to serve in any of the branches at some point in the future.

I was ready to join JustRead Publicity Tours to bring you The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey As soon as I saw "Coast Guard" I was hooked! I was sooooo close to joining the Coast Guard myself but alas, life took me in a different direction. Regardless... See the tagline and synopsis below for a book, I know you will be happy to have read!

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

ebook only $0.99

The Christy Awards are Coming!!!

 OOOh do I have an exciting announcement and GIVEAWAY for all you writers! Thank you JustRead Publicity Tours for letting me help spread the word about The Christy Awards!

A conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators, the sixth annual Art of Writing conference will be held on November 17 in Nashville.

Learn more and register at christyawards.com

Plus sign up to watch The Christy Award Finalists announcement live online on October 11 at 11 am!

The Art of Writing conference will be held from 12:30-5 pm (CDT) on November 17 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and is designed to bring Christian writers, creatives, storytellers, and publishing curators together for a half-day of intensive seminars that: celebrate the creative life while recognizing the weariness; provide practical tips for engaging in a rapidly-changing industry; introduce challenges to become better writers; and answer the questions authors are asking.

Giveaway (1) winner will receive their choice of one ticket to the Art of Writing conference OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles from one category! (see JustRead website for details)

Enter giveaway @ justreadtours.com

#justreadtours #ArtOfWritingConference #TheChristyAward #ECPA #writersconference #giveaway #ECPA #writersconference #readgoodbooks #writerlife

To Win A Prince by Toni Shiloh - Review

 

To Win A Prince

by Toni Shiloh

Synopsis:

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a business to help citizens in impoverished areas. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his countrymen. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

As Iris strives to get her business off the ground while keeping her heart intact, will her dreams of happily ever after survive the challenges she faces?

My Take:

I loved how Shiloh started this book out with Ekon facing the reprimands of his decisions and actions. I did though, feel that his father’s actions seemed a little unrealistic though, I’m not from royalty and only have my opinions gathered from watching The Crown. Regardless, I enjoyed the opening very much.

Iris seemed a lot more of a relatable character to me. I’m sure that’s because neither of us are royalty 😉 I loved that Iris constantly prayed to get through her life’s situations. It’s something that I strive to do and so admired this character so much for it.

The Oloro Ilé culture really came alive and seemed so realistic. Shiloh has a knack for visualization in her writing and I’m all for it.

Toni write themes of forgiveness, endurance, strength in faith and redemption so well. I’m excited to read more from this author!

The Forever Farmhouse - Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Forever Farmhouse

Series: Hometown Brothers #1

Author: Lee Tobin McClain

Publisher: HQN Books

Release Date: September 6, 2022

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

A Chesapeake island homecoming—and a life-changing discovery

When Ryan Hastings first came to Teaberry Island, he was a troubled teen on his last chance. He’s returning as a renowned scientist, checking in on his widowed foster mother. But one thing hasn’t changed—Ryan’s feelings for the girl next door whom he loved…and left. Mellie Anderson has a son now, and a good life that Ryan believes he’s still too damaged to share. But he knows he can help young Alfie, who’s getting picked on at his new school.

Mellie is grateful her gifted son is getting extra support, and torn about where it’s coming from. Ryan has no idea he’s Alfie’s father. No matter how valid her reasons were, could Ryan ever understand why she didn’t tell him? But in this close-knit community, friendship and forgiveness are always near at hand, and forever love might be waiting just next door.

Excerpt

The big rambling farmhouse wasn’t fancy, but it was the best place Ryan had lived throughout a chaotic
childhood. Situated at the end of a residential street—one of only a few on the island—it overlooked the bay and adjoined a marshland that had been the key to Ryan’s love of the area, the beginning of his interest in the bay’s ecosystems. Next door, with plenty of yard in between, was Mellie’s much smaller house, where she’d grown up with her father and two sisters. It was surrounded by flowers, a rainbow of them, pretty enough for a garden magazine. Even as a teenager, Mellie had liked growing flowers and plants, and it looked like the hobby had become a passion.

Mellie and her sisters had been in and out of Mom’s house constantly; Ryan had seen her with skinned
knees and covered with mosquito bites and mud, far more often than he’d seen her dressed up. In fact, there was a streak of mud on her leg now. He quelled a very inappropriate urge to wipe it off with
his finger.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES 

The Bluebird Bakery

The Beach Reads Bookshop

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | BookBub

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Tobin McClain is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. A professor-turned-writer, she finds inspiration in her beautiful and brilliant daughter, her goofy goldendoodle, and her aptly named cat, Trouble.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Forever Farmhouse, a cute tabletop farmhouse decor piece, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 6, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 13, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Shadow of Honor Review

 

Shadow of Honor 

By Ronie Kendig

Goodreads Synopsis

Held captive, tortured by monsters of a nightmarish alien race, Marco Dusan clings to a final goal: keep these beasts from the Quadrants, even if it means orchestrating his own death. But his dreams betray that singular design. In them his bonded calls to him across lightyears. Does he leave her to fight Symmachia alone, or risk bringing an unwinnable war to every planet in the Quadrants? 

On board the alien dreadnought, Eija Zacdari flounders, torn amidst military machinations, prophecies, and an inexplicable bond with one of the fearsome creatures who have imprisoned her friends. Only by uncovering the truth about an ancient conflict now shrouded in deception will she find her place.

Faced with her true identity, Eija sees her purpose snap into focus, and she realizes the war Marco fears may be the very one he has been called to start.

 

My Take

I knew this chapter of the story would be super epic and I was not disappointed! This has been the best Sci-Fi series I've ever read and that means a lot from me because I LOVED Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amy Kaufman, but I LOVE this series even more! 

I love all the military aspects of this series. It puts me right back in my days of military school allows me to relive so much. There is just so much action in this series and this book specifically that I could not put it down. Give me all the space!!!

 I loved that this series is full of different POV, which really shakes things up and gives me the chance to experience everything differently. Kendig has a way of making us hate characters and then loving them and it just astounds me! I never knew just how much I loved Sci-Fi until I picked up this series!

 

Willow by Ronie Kendig

Willow 

by Ronie Kendig

Synopsis:

To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When Mile's Obiora Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she's taken, hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape - and are thwarted. 

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke "Chiji" Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face - a friend's sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry. 

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems... familiar, kind - but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions - all of them. Even if it kills him.

My Take:

Willow was actually my first ever Ronie Kendig book and I was not disappointed. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The content was definitely more series than any other Christian fiction I’ve read to date but I actually loved it. I’m a huge Criminal Minds fan and while that’s not what the show is about, I was more than prepared and then enthralled by the story’s premise.

I didn't, however, know how to pronounce Chiji’s name. I hope I said it correctly in my mind the whole time but until I see Ronie in an interview, I won’t know. Regardless, the characters and their relationships kept me hooked and wanting more. For me, it was a character and plot-driven story and that’s what I like to read. I didn’t quite connect with Willow’s character, but I don’t always with the main character and that’s ok for me.

I’m ready for the next book!

  

Laurel's Dream JustListen Blog Blitz

 

Welcome to the audiobook Blog Blitz for Laurel's Dream by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Laurel's Dream 

Series: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge #1 

Author: Pepper Basham 

Narrator: Catherine Gaffney 

Publisher: Woven Words 

Release Date: January 13, 2022 

Genre: Christian, Historical Romance 

Dreams are precious commodities in the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918, and Laurel McAdams is attempting to make hers come true. But sometimes, life in the mountains has a way of squandering dreams. As she attempts to avoid matrimony, she is secretly saving for her future with the sole purpose of becoming a teacher and bringing consistent education back to her people. 

Having failed his British father again by being unable to fight in the Great War, Jonathan Taylor joins his uncle's missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse in Appalachia, but nothing prepares him for the rugged wilderness, narrow-minded natives, and...Laurel McAdams. Her joy and friendship prove a guiding light in the middle of his new responsibilities and tempt his timid heart toward a future he never expected. 

But when Jonathan's teaching methods lead to dangerous outcomes and Laurel's dream is threatened by an unexpected choice, will these two learn how to find hope and maybe even love beyond the heartache? Can Jonathan and Laurel create a new dream from the shattered pieces of the old ones or will bitterness and brokenness keep them apart? 

Laurel's Dream was originally published by Barbour Publishing as My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream in January 2019

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

COMING SOON

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her newest novel is The Mistletoe Countess, a historical romantic romp with a dash of mystery and a bunch of humor too. You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com.

CONNECT WITH PEPPER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Laurel's Dream audiobook download code and print copy plus a Mountain Air candle!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 29, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 5, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Blog Blitz for Whatever Happens Next!

 

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Whatever Happens Next by Jaycee Weaver, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Whatever Happens Next 

Series: Everyday Love #4 

Author: Jaycee Weaver 

Publisher: Sandia Sky Press 

Release Date: May 12, 2020 

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance 

Growing up in nowhere Oklahoma gave US Air Force vehicle maintainer TSgt Dyson what his momma calls itchy feet. His wanderlust has kept him from romantic entanglements for years, until the day an over-dramatic, strawberry-scented chatterbox slams into him and turns his world upside down. 

Jenna Davis was a quintessential good girl, deeply rooted in her family and faith until one mistake three years ago changed everything. Unable to admit her failure, she goes through the motions watching everyone else live their dreams. But it’s hard to find her purpose when opening up to anyone—even God—feels impossible. Then she meets Dyson, who personifies the strong, silent type. 

Dyson gets her to open up and begin dreaming again, rebuilding the trust she’s lost in men and especially in herself. But Dyson has something important to tell Jenna, and he knows it’ll be the end of everything they’ve built. After all, how can he ask her to leave everything and everyone behind when he can never stay? 

The Everyday Love Series is a contemporary romance series set in Albuquerque, featuring ordinary people in lifelike stories that inspire, uplift, and share hope. Stories in which a very real God shows Himself in everyday ways to carry His people through any circumstance.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

ebook sale price $0.99 for a limited time

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lover of Jesus, family, books, coffee, music, and crafting (in that order), Jaycee Weaver is perpetually pursuing at least one of her passions. She writes contemporary Christian romance stories featuring realistic characters in everyday situations where God is at work in big ways. She appreciates books where the characters face shortcomings, temptations, and adversity but always get their happy ending, so that’s what she writes.

CONNECT WITH JAYCEE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Whatever Happens Next and a handmade mini wreath plus a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 22, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 29, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review of You Can Count on God by Max Lucado!

 You Can Count on God

by Max Lucado

From Goodreads:

From New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado, these 100 devotions will help kids worry less, bravely try new things, and draw closer to God as they learn to trust His faithfulness.

Adapted from the encouraging devotional for adults, You Can Count on God teaches children that they can count on God because He will never leave them, and will love them unconditionally. Each of the 100 entries

includes a comforting Bible verse and a short devotion that show an example of God's faithfulness
presents the message that God is trustworthy in a way that children, ages 6 to 10, can understand
reassures kids that God can help them with their challenges, sorrows, and questions offers a takeaway section with a key point, reflection question, or prayer to guide kids in understanding and applying the biblical truth is perfect for families to read together or for older readers to enjoy alone. Give your child the gift of knowing that they can count on God, no matter what. This kids devotional is perfect for

families who want their children to feel secure in their faith a present to commemorate a decision of faith, baptism, or confirmation an Easter basket gift. With a ribbon bookmark, presentation page, attractive textured hardcover, and bold color interiors, this hope-giving devotional for kids is the perfect gift for any child needing courage for a new challenge, peace from anxieties about the future, or relief from disappointment, insecurity, and overwhelm. You Can Count on God will guide children into a deeper relationship with God as they learn about His faithfulness in the past and build confidence that they can always trust Him to help them.

My Thoughts:

Why couldn't I have had this book when I was a kid? This book is so wonderful with different bible stories and devotions that are the perfect length to engage with! I love that all of the entries reflect on different aspects of a person's life and it allows the kids to see how God can impact their entire lives! I actually felt like a lot of these concepts still related to me as an adult and so I know even teenagers would be able to get something out of reading this one. 

While reading, I decided that this book is the perfect answer for how to broach different subjects with your children at the dinner table also. The different devotionals can easily lead to open discussions that can truly have a positive impact on any family as a whole. I've never been one to sit and listen to anyone (even preachers) constantly throw bible verses at me, so I was grateful for the way Lucado intertwined the verses with narratives and graphics that drew me in!

I think this book would make the perfect small gift on any kids Easter basket this year, with topics such as being bullied, stress about school, home, and other tidbits of life that are out anyone's control.