Wednesday, December 11, 2024

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smreck

Once Upon a Horse JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Once Upon a Horse
Series: The Vets of Heavenbrooke County #1
Author: Helena Smrcek
Publisher: EverWind Press
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

In the charming Heavenbrooke county, where country life meets big-city dreams, 28-year-old accountant Stella Barkley is about to discover that sometimes love arrives when you least expect it.

After a flat tire leaves her stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue—Dr. Jason Alba, a dedicated veterinarian with a heart as big as his ambitions. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable connection, aided by Stella's spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Milkbone, who takes an immediate liking to Jason thanks to his pocket full of treats.

As their paths intertwine, Stella finds herself drawn to Jason, despite their differing views on farm life and future aspirations. Their budding romance takes unexpected turns, especially when a mysterious missing horse from a local breeder, Enrique Rodriguez, complicates matters.

When Thanksgiving arrives, Jason becomes Stella's unexpected hero, saving her from a culinary disaster and charming her city friends with his warm spirit. But just as their relationship begins to flourish, a crisis emerges in the barn: the missing mare, Starling, is discovered in distress, leading Jason to perform a life-saving surgery that brings them even closer.

However, secrets and misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart. Stella’s desperate attempt to protect a champion mare sends her on a collision course with both Jason and Enrique, forcing her to confront her choices and the future she thought she wanted.

When Stella realizes that her life in Heavenbrooke may be over, she pens a heartfelt goodbye letter to Jason, leaving it at the church where their story began. Alone on Christmas morning, she grapples with loneliness and regret, only to be surprised by the appearance of the man who stole her heart.

Can a simple letter and the magic of Christmas lead them to a second chance? Will they find a way to bridge the divide between city and country, love and loyalty?

Join Stella and Jason on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and the enduring power of second chances in Once Upon a Horse. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this tale of unexpected connections and the bonds we forge will leave you believing in the wonder of love.

I really enjoy Contempory Romance books. Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek is Book 1 in the The Vets of Heavenbrooke County series. I recently had the opportunity to read the book.

WOW, this is such a sweet storyline that had me captivated from the very first chapter. The 2 main characters in this book are Stella Barkley and Dr. Jason Alba(Veternarian) and also Stella's Jack Russell Terrier, MilkBone. Stella and Jason meet when Stella is stranded on the side of the road with a Flat Tire. Stella has just relocated from the BIG City to small town Country Life in Heavenbrooke to live on her late Aunt and Uncle's farm. Dr. Jason is the town Veternarian and he enjoys Country Life. I really LOVE that Jason and Stella become friends and slowly begin to really get to know each other in a romantic level. The pair really come together when a local horse, Starling, goes missing . Dr. Jason LOVES the animals in the story and he really becomes a HERO when he saves Starling with a necessary surgery. Stella and Jason both have secrets that hinder their relationship, but I LOVE that they tackle those issues with honesty and grace. Jason is definetly a gentleman and helps Stella through a couple crisis situations and shows forgiveness to many. I truly was engaged in this storyline throughout the book as it was intriguing. The book is one of Second Chances, Life Decisions and Grace. The Small Town Country Christmas setting really had me excited. I am in AWE of this book and I am already excited to read the next books in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Sweet Romance books! FANTASTIC BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

Helena Smrcek is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. From her romantic suspense series to women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and humor, and her latest favorite, dual timeline historicals—like a box of chocolate truffles—she loves them all. With a passion for storytelling sparked by her grandparents, Helena Smrcek weaves heartfelt tales that explore themes of faith, love, and redemption.

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

(1) winner will receive a print copy of all 3 books in the Alicia Yu FBI series plus Once Upon a Horse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Winner location limited to where Amazon will ship. 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!

Pin It

Monday, December 9, 2024

Momentum Influencers Blog Tour: CSB Grace Bible for Kids

Created in partnership with 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges. This Bible offers young readers an inclusive and exciting approach to Bible reading through innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

In addition, special-colored page overlays created by Cambridge University's research department are included to further enhance visual processing. Dozens of study helps are also inserted throughout the Bible to expand kids' Bible knowledge and connect them to the people, places, and events they are learning about. Perfect for use at home, church, and school, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids will grow with your kids as they grow in Christ.

FEATURES:

Inclusive Grace typeface, layout, and design
Enhances readability for all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges
Unique, colored page overlays included to further enhance visual processing
Complete text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)
40 insert pages with study helps and maps to help connect kids to Scripture
Bible skills checklist and summaries of Bible books and divisions
Large, 11-point type size
Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
Black letter text
Ribbon marker
Presentation page for gift-giving
6” x 9” page size

Part of what makes the CSB Grace Bible for Kids so special is the readable, faithful-to-the-original text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability makes it a trustworthy, easy-to-understand resource for kids to study and memorize today—and to live and share for a lifetime.

READ A SAMPLE of the Grace Kids Bible

WOW, I can honestly say this is one of the BEST Bibles for Kids I have ever seen. Everyone should be able to have a Bible to read, beginning at a Young Age. Many children are struggling readers for varying reasons nowadays.

The Layout of this Bible and the features are just outstanding. I like that the Bible has extra spacing for the words on the pages. The Maps and other Bible Study resources in this Bible are also very valuable. We have some young ones at our Church that would greatly benefit from using this Bible.

I have a 21 year old son who went through 7 years of Vision Therapy due to Convergence Excess. He graduated from Vision Therapy in 2019 at the age of 16, and he most certainly could have made GREAT use of this Bible when he was younger. He literally could not see to read when he was younger and used Overlays during his years of Vision Therapy and they truly help struggling readers.

I HIGHLY recommend this Bible to any family who have Struggling Readers, whether it be Dyslexia or Vision Issues, or no matter the reason. GREAT Bible!!

The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) captures the Bible’s original meaning without compromising clarity. An optimal blend of accuracy and readability, this translation helps readers make a deeper connection with God’s Word and inspires lifelong discipleship. The CSB is for everyone—for readers young and old, new and seasoned. It’s a Bible pastors can preach from and a Bible you can share with your neighbor hearing God’s Word for the very first time.

BUY a Copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids

Check out the Holman Gift Guide

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Pin It

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Hunted on the Trail by Dana Mentick

Book: Hunted on the Trail

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Suspense

Release date: December 24, 2024

A killer out for vengeance…

but this bloodhound has his scent.

Ambushed by sudden gunfire, former cop Stephanie Wolfe realizes the tracking competition she entered with her bloodhound is a setup. An escaped fugitive has lured her into the remote wilderness to exact his deadly revenge. And her ex-boyfriend, bounty hunter Vance Silverton, has fallen into the fatal trap, too. Now cut off from civilization with only minimal supplies and their two dogs, the pair must depend on each other to survive. But with a treacherous storm approaching, it’s not only a cold-blooded killer they’ll have to escape.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Fiction if one of my favorite genres. Hunted on the Trail by Dana Mentick is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 3 in the Security Hounds Investigation Series. I have enjoyed the first 2 books in this series.

WOW, the storyline is strong and intriguing from the very beginning. Stephanie Wolfe and Vance Silverton are the 2 main characters in this story. Stephaine is a former cop and is on the trail to help find an a escaped fugitive. The fugitive is out for revenge and things are dangerous. Stephanie is quite surprised when her ex-boyrfriend, Vance, joins the hunt for the fugative. They both have their dogs on the hunt with the them, Stephanie has a lovely Bloodhound. I really LOVE that even though Stephanie has hurt towards Vance, they find a way to work together on this hunt for the fugative. They are caught in a Snowstorm, but their dogs and being properly prepared with supplies help them through that also. The crazy suspense is that they figure out this hunt was a "set-up" from the fugitive who wants revenge on the pair. I was on the edge of my seat many times throughout the story as the twists and turns kept coming. I really LOVE that they are focused on the current situation at hand and not on the hurtful past. The storyline is one of Mystery, Intrigue, faith and romance! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Suspense, Romance and Faith based books! FABULOUS BOOK!

Dana Mentink is a USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. Her debut novel with Revell releases in the summer of 2025. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award.

More from Dana

My life has gone to the dogs! No joke! While readers enjoy the Wolfe family humans, I hear on the regular that their favorite characters are the bloodhounds. In book #1, Wally was just an irrepressible disaster, and he continues his naughty ways throughout the series. In book #2, we met Pinkerton who is a model canine, unless squirrels enter the picture. And now, you’ll get to know Chloe who is fabulous, but I will venture to say she is going to be outshined by her mutt companion Brutus (you’ll have to read the book to discover his real name and identity!) As this book launches, I’m deep into writing the last two and there are a couple more unpredictable hounds you have yet to meet. Such fun! Thanks for galloping along with me on this series!

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

She Lives to Read, December 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 4

Wishful Endings, December 5

An Author’s Take, December 5

Betti Mace, December 6

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 6

Texas Book-aholic, December 7

Devoted To Hope, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 8

Stories By Gina, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 9

The Avid Reader, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 10

Blogging With Carol, December 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 11

Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Kyliegh Reads, December 12

For Him and My Family, December 13

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 13

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Labor Not in Vain, December 14

Holly’s Book Corner, December 15

Pause for Tales, December 15

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 16

Lights in a Dark World, December 16

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $75 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/00adcf54108

Pin It

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey

Book: An Unexpected Catch

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 19, 2024

Can she count on the pitcher to save her dream, or will his secret destroy their futures?

Bea Curran has forged a career as an umpire in Chicago’s semi-professional baseball league, and now she’s ready to move toward her dream of leading the women’s athletic department at Western College. With her reputation on the line, the last thing she needs is a romance with a player known for his womanizing ways. But when her women’s baseball team desperately needs help, she can’t ignore the one man who could save them.

Emmett Worland, a talented new pitcher in the Chicago City League, has been keeping a painful secret that could end his baseball career for good. While he tries to hide his worsening illness, Emmett agrees to help coach Bea’s struggling team in hopes that it will be a step toward redeeming a bad reputation he didn’t earn.

Bea and Emmett’s undeniable attraction deepens the more time they spend together, but with so much at stake, can they afford to let their hearts lead the way? Or will the shadows of the past and the uncertainties of the future destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance books are a favorite genre to read. An Unexpected Catch Abbey Downey is Book 2 in the Adventorous Heart series. I have been anxiously awaiting this release as I read Book 1 in this series!

WOW, I am truly impressed by this storyline. The book is set in 1907 and is focused on Baseball for both Women and Men. The 2 main characters are Bea Curran and Emmett Worland and both have a connection to Baseball. I think Bea being hesitant about entrusting Emmett with helping bring the Women's team up to par, is a good decision on her part. Emmett is a pitcher on a Baseball team and has had some issues in the past that Bea knows about that makes her hesistant. I think one of my favorite parts of this story is seeing Bea go from being an Umpire to be director of Women's Athletic Dept at a College. The relationship that develops between Bea and Emmett as they begin spending time together is so sweet and heartwarming. I LOVE that it is also set in Chicago and the Midwest. I am a Chicago Girl and LOVE stories that are set in Chicago. The author does a GREAT job at bringing the history of Baseball and Women Coaching Baseball in the early days as a highlight of the Book. The story is one of Preserverence, Forgiveness, Faith and Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. AMAZING BOOK!

Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. She previously published two books with Love Inspired Historical under the pen name Mollie Campbell. She also works with Spark Flash Fiction producing a quarterly digital magazine that contains love stories under 1000 words.

A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband.

More from Abbey

From the first record of it in the late 1700s, the game of baseball grew in popularity—and eccentricity—for decades. There have been plenty of larger-than-life characters and wild tales in the sport, but in my research for An Unexpected Catch, I was most drawn to the stories of those baseball legends many people haven’t heard of.

One of those was the inspiration for the heroine of my story. Amanda Clement became the first female umpire in baseball when she began refereeing games in a semi-professional league—at only sixteen years old! Amanda was a wildly talented athlete in her own right and was known to stand up to the rough men who played baseball in the early twentieth century without hesitation.

Like Amanda, my heroine, Bea Curran, built her career as an umpire in a man’s sport through determination and skill. She knows how to stand up for herself on the field or in other sports, but as she leaves baseball to pursue a different dream, she has to learn how to navigate new pressures to conform to the expectations those in authority place on her.

One of the hardest parts of the research I did for this book was related to the players. Lots of old baseball tales are fun and harmless enough. But then there are too many stories like “Gentleman” George Decker, a Chicago first baseman who was hit in the head by a pitch in 1897. He was denied time off to recover and was hit again not long after. His mental state declined quickly, leading to delusions and threatening behavior. He was institutionalized several times before dying in an asylum in 1909.

Decker was far from the only player to suffer from intense mental and physical health issues after a head injury. Today, we would recognize these players’ symptoms as the result of concussions. But in the early 1900s and before, little was known about brain injuries from blows to the head. These men suffered in silence while being told they were crazy, and many were either arrested or placed in asylums, torn from their loved ones instead of treated.

In An Unexpected Catch, pitcher Emmett Worland feels like baseball is all he has. When he’s forced to face the likely loss of his career thanks to post-concussion syndrome (as we call it now), he has to figure out if anything else could possibly make his life worthwhile if he can’t play. Just like many of us, he wrestles with his purpose when the path he thought he would take is irrevocably disrupted.

Thankfully, there are plenty of wonderful moments in this story to remind the characters (and us) that God blesses us even in struggles. Along with all the fun vintage baseball and historical details, readers will follow Bea and Emmett as they grow in their faith, find their way through changing circumstances, and fall in love with the person they least expected.

Happy reading!

Abbey