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Saturday, May 17, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould

The Shop Down the Lane JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



The Shop Down the Lane

Title: The Shop Down the Lane
Series:
Letters from Lancaster County
Author:
Leslie Gould
Publisher:
Bethany House
Release Date:
May 6, 2025
Genre: Amish Romance

Leslie Gould delights in this sweet and humorous Amish romance reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail. 

Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community's simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, a former Amishman turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub--a move that Lois fiercely opposes. 

Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a bird watchers' circle letter under an alias. But unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they've found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever? 

This heartwarming Amish romance includes themes of bird watching, correspondence by letters, enemies to lovers, and family secrets for readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray.



Amish Fiction is my ultimate favorite genre to read. I have been a fan of Leslie Gould for a long while. The Shop Down the Lane by Leslie Gould is her most recent release. It is Book 1 in the Letters from Lancaster County series. 

WOW, this storyline is one that immediately had me connected to the story. The setting is Paradise, Pennsylvania. The 2 main characters are Lois Yoder and Moses Lantz. Lois is content with her quiet life and running the Gift Shop in the town. Moses is a former Amish who left town to become a Mennonite. Lois is shocked when she learns that Moses has bought the Gift Shop and she is frustrated with the plans that Moses has for the Shop. Moses broke Lois's heart in the past and with him back in town and her life, she really feels the need to do something else. I really enjoyed seeing how she and Moses joined a "Pen Pal" group for Birdwatchers. They both used "fake names" and unbeknowst to one another they had been writing to one another. The letter writing led to more then a friendship. I think my favorite part of the book was when it was revealed that the 2 had really been writing to one another. They had to figure out if they could let their past be in the past and continue to enjoy the company of each other once again. I am excited for future books in this series, as this series is starting off in a GREAT WAY! 





PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Bethany House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   




Leslie Gould

Leslie Gould is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of more than 48 novels, including four Lancaster County Amish series. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and an MFA in creative writing. She enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and have four adult children and two grandchildren.

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




(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of The Shop Down the Lane!

The Shop Down the Lane JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 13, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 20, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours








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Thursday, May 15, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Three Words and a Kiss by Sondra Kraak





Book: Three Words and A Kiss (Love that Counts Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Sondra Kraak

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: March 1, 2018

When a big-hearted debutante collides with a small-town blacksmith set in his ways, it can mean only one thing—a war of hearts has come to Pine Creek.

Cameron Wallace thrives as both the blacksmith and the minister in his community of Pine Creek. Out of the fires of a chaotic childhood, he’s forged a peaceful life filled with safe relationships and predictable routines. But when the smithy he’s been renting is sold out from under him, the impulsive woman who buys it stokes the embers of emotions he’d rather keep unlit—and even has the audacity to lend a helping hand to his smithy work.

Samantha Klein has never been afraid to push boundaries when it comes to helping those whom society—and God—have overlooked, be they orphans, immigrants, or injured animals. When her latest attempt to aid a group of Chinese women lands her in a newspaper scandal, her high-society family sends her packing from Seattle. Setting out on her own, she purchases the Pine Creek smithy and hatches another plan for helping her immigrant friends. But only weeks after arriving in Pine Creek, her plan turns to ashes, and she’s overwhelmed by needs she can never hope to meet, including her own need to be seen and cared for. And the one who seems to understand her is the man who won’t let her anywhere near his heart, no matter the attraction that burns between them.

As Cameron struggles to find a new normal, and Samantha yearns for someone to share her burdens, old hurts and dangerous secrets make them both terrified to admit that what they need—and what God has planned for them—just might be each other.

Three Words and a Kiss is the third book in the Love That Counts Historical Christian romance series. You’ll find well-developed characters, witty banter, tender journeys of faith and love, and feel-good happily-ever-afters all set in the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Discover Sondra Kraak’s small mountain town of Pine Creek, and fall in love with the characters who make these historical western romances books you won’t soon forget.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Historical Romance is an AMAZING genre that I truly enjoy. Three Words and a Kiss by Sondra Kraak is the most recent book that I have read. It is Book 3 in the Love that Counts series. I have not read the first 2 in this series, YET, but this book is a good standalone book. 

I was excited to read this book because the synopsis was really intriguing. I started reading and could not put the book down. The setting is Washington State in 1892 in a small town of Pine Creek. The 2 main characters are Cameron Wallace and Samantha Klein. Cameron has been a Blacksmith in Pine Creek for many years and he is also a Minister in his small town. He really enjoys being a Blacksmith and therefore is devasted when he finds out that the Smity he has been renting has been sold. Samantha Klein comes from a family that is "well to do" and her Dad is a Businessman. She has been an advocate for those who need help in life, especially immigrants. Samantha is disassociated from her family and moves to Pine Creek to get away from the turmoil that she started. Cameron and Samantha get off on the "wrong foot" when they meet because Cameron is still reeling from the news of the Smity being sold. Samantha's plan for the Smity, to continue to help the immigrants, doesn't work, she really is lost in the world. I really LOVE when Cameron and Samantha realize they can no longer deny that they are attracted to one another. The pair decide to join forces as they both have a passion of helping others and ministering to others. Through their new ministry their relationship grows and they let down the walls that were holding them apart. The storyline is one of Faith, Romance, Trusting God's plan over our own, and letting God carry our burdens. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance books. WONDERFUL BOOK!






Sondra Kraak is a part-time hobby writer, full-time Jesus follower. A native of Washington State, she now lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where she serves as the Worship Coordinator at her church. Life at home with her Michigan-born husband and two teenagers is full of board games, sports watching (Go Blue!), cooking, cooking, and more cooking, and magically multiplying loads of laundry. Don’t ask her to drink eggnog, but she’ll happily consume most teas and coffee without fluffy flavorings.

The author of eight historical romances, she’s working on something a little different (a romcom series). But don’t worry, whether set in the past or present, her delight is to provide readers with stories that not only entertain but nourish the soul.

More from Sondra

My name is Lark. I’m thirteen, and these are my interviews with Samantha Klein and Cameron Wallace, the heroine and hero of Three Words and a Kiss. I know Samantha and Cameron because . . . well, you’ll have to read their story. For now, you need to know that it was Samantha’s tender heart that saved me and my two sisters. I asked Samantha and Cameron some questions so you can know them better. I’ll try not to interject my opinion too much, but I can’t help it. Samantha says I’m more bullheaded than a bull, but as a city girl, she has zero experience with bulls.

Lark: Samantha, you grew up in Seattle, right?

Samantha: Yes, with a family who values efficiency, good business management, social status, and formality. They provided an education and opportunities for me that not many people receive, and for that I’m grateful, but what I really wanted was to be understood and seen for who I was.

Lark: And who were you?

Samantha: The young woman who snuck into Chinatown to teach English and who befriended a prostitute.

Lark: If you used to sneak around, why do I get in trouble for doing the same?

Samantha: Because I wasn’t sneaking around with a boy.

Lark: Point made. Let’s move on. You bought a blacksmith shop. Spontaneously. Why would a woman want to do that?

Samantha: I’m a Klein, and Klein’s invest. After I embarrassed my family’s name again, I stumbled onto the opportunity to purchase the Pine Creek smithy and I wanted to redeem myself. As with most of my ideas, they come quickly, and they’re all I can think about until I act on them. Second thoughts? Those are distractions! With the profits from the shop, I wanted to help the underprivileged who are ignored by proper society. Who was going to notice and help these people if I don’t?

Lark: What was your first impression of Cameron Wallace, the blacksmith of the shop you purchased in Pine Creek?

Samantha: He’s got deep eyes that study you intensely. I’ve never thought of myself as interesting, so having those eyes on me often was intimidating. But I’m not one to let intimidation hold me back. Not that I’m brave.

Lark: You are brave, even if unintentionally. Tell me three things you love about Cameron. Only three.

Samantha: He possesses an inner strength that draws people, and it comes naturally. He doesn’t even realize how he brings the community together. He possesses an outer strength, too. Have you noticed his forearm muscles?

Lark: No. Gross. But you’re right. He is tall and strong.

Samantha: And those shoulders. It’s not like he’s a giant, though. I don’t feel overpowered by him.

Lark: You don’t seem to feel overpowered by anyone, that’s one of the things I like about you. But back to the question. You can list one more thing you love.

Samantha: He thinks things through before acting, which makes me feel secure. I tend to not think things through.

Lark: I know. I benefited from one of your spontaneous decisions, although I was taking care of my sisters just fine before you came along.

Samantha: (hugs Lark) I’m so glad I found you.

Lark: Let’s not get mushy.

Samantha: I won’t get mushy about you, but I have more to say about Cam.

Lark: (rolls eyes). You already told me three things.

Samantha: Just one more. I’ll be quick, I promise. I adore how he talks in sermons without realizing it.

Lark: Eww. Who wants to hear a sermon?

Samantha: I know, right? But I think it shows how metaphorically and deeply he thinks. He brings up profound things as if he’s talking about the weather or what he ate for breakfast. I mean, who really thinks like that? And then there’s the way he kisses—

Lark: Nope. We’re done. Thank you.

Samantha: You wouldn’t expect a man who values control and sticks to a plan to kiss in such an unencumbered way, but that’s what’s fascinating. It’s like all that submerged emotion must come out somehow.

Lark: Samantha, I really don’t need to know. I’m going to ask Cameron some questions now and hope he answers with more modesty. Cameron, let’s get the basics out of the way. Your mother left when you were ten, your father drank himself to death when you were fourteen, and the town collectively raised you. Is that right?

Cameron: Yes. I love the people of Pine Creek. They took me in when I was my angriest.

Lark: You’ve been at the smithy since you were fourteen. What do you love about the work?

Cameron: It’s creative. It’s physical. It requires precision. It’s not mindless work that anyone can do with brute strength. And yet, at its foundation, it’s simple. Heat. Metal. Force.

Lark: Will you teach me?

Cameron: (shakes head) Listen, smithy work is dangerous. I’m not comfortable with women learning the trade. Samantha tried, and I was nervous the entire time. The responsibility for safety weighs on me too much.

Lark: I understand, having been responsible for my two younger sisters, but still, I think a woman can do anything a man can do.

Cameron: If you’re that woman, I’m inclined to agree. (smiles) Don’t you want to know some fun things about me? My favorite color? My favorite food?

Lark: (frowns) Who cares about favorite colors? That tells me nothing about who you really are. I want to know your biggest failure. You give off this image of perfection.

Cameron: I do? I must admit I thought my life was perfect until Samantha brought her chaos into my smithy. But in the end, I saw my pride and my need to let go of control.

Lark: Is that why you took down that verse from above the smithy door?

Cameron: That verse about living a simple life and working with my hands—that was just an excuse to keep me from wanting too much. It was my permission to keep life contained and safe. Samantha’s big, emotional way of approaching life helped me see that lie.

Lark: She’s good at being emotional. You never told me your biggest failure.

Cameron: Some things are private. But I’ll say this, I lived years up here (points to head) and never let what’s in here (points to heart) matter. It ate me up. No more. I’m letting the thoughts and emotions mingle. You should try it sometime.

Lark: Are you saying I stuff my feelings? (shrugs) I can’t be good at everything.

Cameron: It’s nice to hear you admit that. You’re extremely self-sufficient for thirteen.

Lark: Almost fourteen, and thank you, but let’s not talk about me. Tell me what bothered you most about Samantha when you first met her.

Cameron: Everything. She waltzed into my routine with these crazy ideas. It put me on edge. But what made me the most nervous was her lack of special awareness. She drifted into my space many times a day, which is dangerous in a smithy. In fact, once . . . (rubs a hand over his beard) . . . never mind. I don’t want to give you any ideas.

Lark: Oh, please. Samantha told me she had trouble keeping her hands—and her mouth—to herself. I would never accidentally kiss a person. Last question. Why did you fall in love with her?

Cameron: (smiling) She sees the world differently from me, and it brought me freedom. Her love is extravagant. It knows no boundaries, and I don’t deserve it. And now that we’re married, that issue with her drifting into my space isn’t an issue. What man complains that his wife can’t keep her hands off him?

Lark: Probably no man. And this is a good place to stop asking questions before I get sick.

Cameron: Now who’s blushing?

Lark: I don’t blush. Our time’s up. I think I hear my sisters calling.




Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 3

Artistic Nobody, May 4 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 6 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 8 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, May 8

Vicky Sluiter, May 9

Guild Master, May 10 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 13

Fiction Book Lover, May 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 15



To celebrate her tour, Sondra is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/00adcf54211







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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Unexpected Hope by Pam Green






Book: Unexpected Hope (Sully Parkway Comfort Dogs Book One)

Author: Pam Green

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 15, 2024

When Jack Shelton hightails it out of Lexington, Virginia, for the suburbs of Washington, DC, he just wants out. Now. First on the agenda: put mountains and miles between him and his hometown memories. Second: find a job as a reporter. Fast.

Those two things—no other expectations. If he gets that far, maybe he’ll make room for God in his life again.

Then Jack wanders into the Church on the Parkway, and a case of mistaken identity entangles him in ministry with a team of broken people and a golden retriever puppy.

Can Jack get back on track with his new career plans, or will he find something unexpected as he travels Sully Parkway with Team Hope?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 


Christian Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. The stories are many times simple reads, but heartwarming. Unexpected Hope by Pam Green is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the Sully Parkway Comfort Dogs series. 

I was intrigued by the Storyline from the very first chapter. Jack is the main character in this book. He has embarked on a journey of change, both in a career change and a move to another City. He moves to Washington, D.C in hopes of becoming a reporter. His journey becomes really interesting when he wanders into a Church in Washington, D.C and he finds a beautiful Golden Retriever, Hope, who is in training to be a Comfort Dog. Jack begins using his Photography skills to capture the cuteness of Hope. Jack begins to form a friendship with the Training Team and creates a bond with Hope. I LOVE how Jack unexpectedly finds the Comfort Team and Hope, but it was all in God's timing. Jack had a Tragic Loss and he finds Comfort through Hope and the team. The Bible Scriptures throughout the book are inspiring not only to Jack, but also the reader. The book is one that gives HOPE to those who are struggling with LIFE, it is one of Faith, Trusting God and life changes. I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoy Christian Fiction. GREAT BOOK! 








Pam Green made her writing début in fifth grade when drafted to write the class play, Ghosts! Ghosts! Ghosts! At twelve, she fell in love with the French language. After a satisfying teaching career, she still peeks in the windows of empty schools while traveling and lingers in school supply aisles in August. Her stories show that God is always working in the lives of His children and seeking new members of His family.

 

More from Pam

“Sully Parkway? Where’s that? I’ve never heard of the Church on the Parkway either. This area is changing so fast nobody can keep up!”

Life in the Virginia suburbs outside Washington, DC reflects the fast pace of our nation’s capital, and I know I’ve fooled some residents by sticking Sully Parkway and its non-denominational megachurch somewhere—and everywhere—in the area.

Welcome to my world! Sully Parkway is anywhere I want it to be!

You’ll have no difficulty recognizing the Church on the Parkway, or COP. Maybe it’s your church, with all its shortcomings, victories, quirky characters, inspiring leaders—and comfort dogs?!

Yes, COP takes its outreach responsibilities seriously, and they started a comfort dog ministry!

What Christian hasn’t struggled in situations where words fail to soothe a hurting soul? Real life comfort dogs, such as the 100-plus golden retrievers deployed by the Lutheran Church Charities, are ambassadors of Christ’s love in a range of challenging situations, from the minor anxiety of learning to read aloud to the unthinkable tragedy of a school shooting, and everything in between.

I fell in love with these sweet creatures of God who know intuitively how to reach out to hurting humans. Find out how Hope, COP’s golden retriever puppy, grows into her mission.

You’ll discover that some of the hope she brings is completely unexpected!



Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 16

Vicky Sluiter, May 17

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 18

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 19

Stories By Gina, May 20 (Author Interview)

Roads to Everywhere, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 22

Simple Harvest Reads, May 23 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 25

Holly’s Book Corner, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, May 28



To celebrate her tour, Pam is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book, and a surprise!!

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/00adcf54223







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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Meet Me at the Grand by Lindsay Harrel

Meet Me at The Grand

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Meet Me at The Grand by Lindsay Harrel hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



Meet Me at The Grand 
Title: Meet Me at The Grand 
Series: Jonathon Island #1
Author: Lindsay Harrel 
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 
Release Date: April 22, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

She’s fighting to save her island’s legacy. He’s here to secure his family’s future. When their worlds collide, will they build something lasting—or tear each other apart? 

Dani Sullivan is determined to revive Jonathon Island’s fading charm and reunite her fractured family. Her plan? Reopen the Grand Sullivan Hotel, a once-impressive landmark that’s been in disrepair for a decade. But without the funds to restore the hotel, Dani’s forced to accept help from Liam Stone—a big-city hotel developer whose sleek, modern vision is everything she’s trying to avoid. 

Liam has never been one for small towns or rundown hotels, but this project isn’t just any job. His father’s health is declining, and if Liam can prove himself by turning the hotel around, he’ll finally earn the chance to take over the business so his dad can retire. But Jonathon Island is far from the high-end luxury projects he’s used to, and Dani’s fierce dedication to preserving its history clashes with everything Liam stands for. 

As they battle over the future of the Grand, Liam starts to see Jonathon Island as more than just another project—it feels like the home he’s never had. But with his responsibilities pulling him back to Los Angeles, can he really stay? And can Dani trust him with her dream—and her heart? 

A lot rides on the success of this project, but when emotions run high, will Dani and Liam find a way to work together—or will their differences tear them apart? 

On Jonathon Island, love and loyalty are the ultimate balancing act.


Contempory Christian Romance is a genre that I truly enjoy. Meet Me at the Grand by Lindsay Harrel is the lastest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the Jonathan Island series. 

The storyline of this book is interesting from the very begining. The 2 main characters are Dani Sullivan and Liam Stone. Dani has always loved Jonathan Island and she is determined to revive the Island, in particular The Grand Sullivan Hotel. The hotel needs quite a bit of work after being closed for over a decade and Dani doesn't have the budget to complete to work. She decides to enlist the help of a big time developer, Liam Stone, to help her with the financial aspects of the renovation. Liam's vision is very different from Dani's vision and they immediately clash on several decisions. Jonathan's Island has special meaning to Dani and she really wants to get the Grand Sullivan Hotel reopened but keep the History and Value of the Hotel. Liam really wants the job to go well so that he can take over the Family Business from his Dad. I really LOVE that the pair realize that they are both stubborn and harboring things from the past. I think it was sweet when they began to be a TEAM rather then belittle one another. The sweet budding romance was also a special part of the book. The book is one of Trusting God, Family, Moving Forward and more. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contempory Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!



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

Free Novella:

Meet Me on Jonathon Island




Lindsay Harrel

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her husband and kids. She’s held a variety of professional jobs over the years, and now juggles school volunteering with being an author and editor. When she’s not writing or keeping up with her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time.

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




(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Meet Me at the Grand and a $10 Sunrise Shop gift voucher!

Meet Me at The Grand

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 14, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Paperback US only. Ebook available for international. 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






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