Author Interview (And a giveaway!) : Izzy James and Max!

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Max by Izzy James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Max

Series: The Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Series
Author: Izzy James
Publisher: Bent Knee Press
Release Date: December 2019
Genre: Christian Romance, Time Travel

Trapped in his conservatory for 250 years by the curse of an enraged woman, Max appears to Olivia
just before Christmas.

Olivia is a young woman waiting for the right man to recognize her strengths and talents. Can Olivia
help Max break the curse without breaking her heart?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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Author Izzy James Q&A

Me:  Where did you get your inspiration for "Max"? 

Izzy:  I was walking through Yorktown. I love that place. As I passed Thomas Nelson’s house I could almost see him and his wife having tea in their garden. “And what would you think of us now, Mr. Nelson?” I thought. And the story was born.

Me:  Whose character was easier to write, Max or Olivia's?

Izzy:  Max. It’s not always true that the male character is easier to write, but this time he was. He stepped into being for me that day in Yorktown.

Me:  What advice would you give to an aspiring author of writing time travel?

Izzy:  Research a lot. Use primary sources and don’t rely on what you’ve seen in movies.

Me:  Who do you relate to most, Olivia or Max? 

Izzy:  I relate to both of them, but if I have to choose, probably Olivia. As a general rule I don’t have Max’s confidence. Olivia’s path has had some serious rocks in it and she perseveres. I am like that. Life is not perfect, and yet, I have so much to be thankful for.

Me:  Would you say you're a history buff and do you plan on writing more historical fiction? 

Izzy:  I am a huge history fan. Living where I do, in coastal Virginia, I don’t know how I could have escaped it! J  I write mostly historical fiction. My series starting with The Shopkeeper’s Widow and the Yorktown series all take place in coastal Virginia during the 1770s.

Me:  What is bringing you joy today? 

Izzy:  The fresh cold weather. The sunlight as it glints off the water outside my window. The warmth of the tea in my cup. The knowing that I am not alone because the King of the Universe has allowed me to be His.

About the Author

Izzy Jamesis the pen name of Elizabeth Chevalier Hull. Elizabeth grew up in coastal Virginia surrounded by the
history of the founding of our nation. She lives there still with her fabulous husband in a house
brimming with books.

Connect with Izzy by visiting izzyjamesauthor.comto 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 book and a $25 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 24, 2023 and will last

through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the

giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where

prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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!

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.

 

Eight Winter Nights 

by Liz Maverick

Synopsis: 

Last year, Rachel Bacharach met the man of her dreams at a Hanukkah party — and then her outgoing best friend Tamara swooped in and “called” Oz Caplan for herself. It’s a typical outcome for the dependable, bookish Rachel, who is never able to extinguish the spark she immediately felt for Oz. But being secretly in love with her best friend’s boyfriend all year hasn’t been easy.

As this year’s party approaches, Oz and Tamara break up. It’s a worst-case scenario when Oz asks Rachel to help him write Tamara love letters to win her back in time for their Hanukkah anniversary. Rachel’s been writing love letters to Oz in her journals for a year; she knows all the words he would need. But will Rachel be able to hide her true feelings from Oz any longer? And might this year’s party finally be Rachel’s chance to trust her heart and put everything on the line for love?

My Take:

This was such a cute read! I'm not Jewish but I'm always interested in learning about other cultures, religions and so forth. Plus there just isn't enough holiday novels out there! This was such a great listen on Audible! At first I thought maybe it had the same plot as Something Borrowed, but it pretty quickly changes and I was so very grateful for that. It was super fun and engaging and will probably read it again in the future!

 

Living Lies by Natalie Walters

Living Lies by Natalie Walters

Published by Revell

Synopsis:

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

My Take:

Before I even talk about what’s inside of Living Lies, can I just say how much I appreciate the cover?  The dark greens and low hanging Spanish moss provide the perfect backdrop for the murder/mystery that the writer tells.  I couldn’t help but imagine a very tangible setting due to that cover!   Ok, onto the content!  I haven’t read a ton of inspiration fiction in my short 33 years of life but I can say that Living Lies has passed my expectations.  Where other authors excel with sweet romance (Becky Wade) and action/adventure (Susan May Warren), Natalie Walters weaves both action and romance together so flawlessly that the reader is completely entranced into the story from the very first chapter all the way to the end!

Our two main characters, Charlie and Lane are very well thought out characters.  Which is a good thing, since this story is character driven.  When we meet Lane in the first chapter, I am immediately involved.  I am Lane!  There’s so much of this character in me that I felt one of the most raw and true connections to a character that I’ve ever felt, so thank you Natalie for writing this incredible young lady.  With truths about depression and anxiety spotlighted, this story delivers powerful messages that I feel, we readers not only appreciate but crave!  Oh, did I mention Charlie?

What a swoon worthy character if there ever was one!  Charlie Lynch is my kind of small town hero… dimples and all!  I don’t consider him having dimples a spoiler but if it is, than sorry not sorry!  If I know a hero has dimples, then I am all about that story and I hope you are too.  The chemistry between the two characters was palpable and gratifying to say the least!  I really want more romance from this author; she knows her stuff!

The secondary characters were also very lovely and memorable.  Ms. Byrdie was most favorite but personalities from Lane’s sister and her son added a lot of emotion that made this story so real.  The sheriff and all of his deputies were well written. Even the villain of the story was a well thought out, developed character, so true to the wicked nature of some people out there.  Some parts definitely gave me goosebumps!  I absolutely loved Living Lies and have already pre-ordered Deadly Deceit! 

About the Author: Natalie Walters

 My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zip code. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling. 

A Hallmark Original!

Review of Sunrise Cabin by Stacey Donovan 

The sunrise cabin was the sweetest novel for me to read this September! Paige Reynolds is a first grade teacher who lives in a beautiful cabin that fills her with joy and inspiration every day. Unfortunately her landlord decides to sell and Paige has to try to buy the cabin for herself.

Dylan, the very attractive businessman, who can have anything he wants decides that he wants this cabin as well. While both Paige and Dylan take the time that is needed to learn about one another and try to understand why each other wants the cabin so badly, they discover there's a lot more to each other than what meets the eye and a hopeful spark between the two ignites. Giving me every bit of the fall romance that I was craving.

This is the first Hallmark novel that I have read and I was not disappointed.  The fact that it was an original Hallmark novel made it feel even more special to me.  I had the chance to read the story first, then at some point, because I know it will be made, I’ll watch the movie! I loved the writing style that the author chose for this book, I was able to really be a part of both main character’s lives and relate to each of them more personally.

There was a lot of humor, flirtation, and friendly banter from Paige and Dylan and I couldn’t have asked for a better leading pair.  Family and friends, even the landlord himself offered wisdom and comic relief, as well as heartfelt moments that truly tied this story together.

I think that all romance fans will love this Hallmark original. It's based around the fall season so we get all the vibes of autumn with the color changing trees, the celebration of Halloween and so much more. The Hallmarkian and romantic in me was completely satisfied with Sunrise cabin and I cannot wait for the next novel by Stacey Donovan!

 About the Author

Stacey Donovan grew up in central Illinois, earned her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and was a Master Writer at Hallmark in Kansas City, where she wrote several gift books and children’s books. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their three rescue dogs. A true optimist, she loves stories with happy endings, random acts of kindness, and adventures big and small. You can connect with her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Donovanesque.

FAWKES by Nadine Brandes Tour and International Giveaway!

Fawkes

by Nadine Brandes

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: July 10, 2018

Genre: Young Adult, Fanasy, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the king of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.

 My Thoughts:

From the very first chapter Fawkes had me hooked and that doesn’t happen a lot.  The world building created by Brandes was incredible and she painted the picture so vividly that I felt like I was watching the story unfold in my mind.  Where others may have thought the story to start slow, I felt drawn in and immediately immersed into the story and its characters. 

I usually feel a close connection to the MC of any story I read and Fawkes was no exception.  Thomas was designed to be flawed.  Though he was plagued, he pushed forward, not letting it cripple him.  He stands as a strong willed and determined protagonist that will not settle until the truth is uncovered.  Man, do I love books like this!  The hunt is on for the truth and Thomas is relentless.  The setting in 17^th century London was perfection and Nadine did that time period justice, from describing London’s weather to the mannerisms of the town’s people. 

The rich history on Guy Fawkes made my history-loving heart beat harder and I immediately wanted to do more research once finished Fawkes.  I knew nothing about the Gunpowder plot until reading this book!  When a historical fiction lights a fire like that, I know it was a five star read for sure! 

The magic of the story was a whole other fantastical element of the book.  I’ll be honest and admit that I was a bit apprehensive about the magic because “color power” didn’t seem that unique or impressive, at least not compared to ancient magic or witchcraft and wizardry or Greek mythology but let me say, I STAND CORRECTED!  The way Brandes depicts this magic is new and fresh and exquisitely woven into the story.  It couldn’t have been more intricately thought out!  I was completely blown away!  Seriously guys, I think I have a new mentor for writing whether Nadine realizes this or not!  Haha

With a hell of a lot of fantastical and magical chapters, family ties, whispered revolutions and a slow burning romance, Fawkes is my favorite read of the year! 

 TOUR SCHEDULE

Blog tour schedule link: http://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2018/08/tour-schedule-fawkes-by-nadine-brandes.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nadine Brandes once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She is the author of the award-winning Out of Time Series and her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, she's adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. She and her Auror husband plan to live in a Tiny House on wheels. Current mission: paint the world in shalom.

BOOK LINKS

•       Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36576048-fawkes

•       Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0785217142//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=thequ03-20&linkId=53e59379a81c5b24f91938952bc34555

•       Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fawkes-nadine-brandes/1127480853#/

•       Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Fawkes-Nadine-Brandes/9780785217145?a_aid=nadinebrandes

•       Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fawkes

•       IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780785217145

•       iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fawkes/id1312670880?mt=11

GIVEAWAY

•       Prize: 1 copy of FAWKES by Nadine Brandes

•       INT!!!

•       Starts: 8/19

•       Ends:  9/6

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86317/?