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Wednesday, March 30, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham narrated by Catherine Gaffney

Laurel's Dream JustListen Blog Blitz 

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



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




Pepper Basham

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




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

Laurel's Dream JustRead Giveaway

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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.





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Sunday, March 27, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Sunflowers and Suspicions by Karen Malley





Book: Sunflowers and Suspicions

Author: Karen Malley

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: October, 2021

A Deception Revealed…

When Julie Wagner’s identical twin Jade goes missing, Julie travels to New York intent on pretending to be her sister so she can unravel the truth. There, she meets the the only person who has ever been able to tell them apart. Together, can she and her sister’s neighbor unravel a shady restaurant owner’s mysteries and find Jade?

A Fractured Family Healed…

Matt Callahan has lived across the hall from Jade Wagner for a year, but never understood the pain behind her eyes. When her sister appears in his apartment building, he is amazed at the differences he sees in the twins. As he helps Julie find her twin, he discovers that she just might be the answer to helping his own fractured family.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Sunflowers and Suspicions by Karen Malley is a Christian Fiction book. It is Book 3 n the Pine Springs series. I have read book 2 in this series and I believe the books are all good Stand Alone books. I do like reading Series books in order myself, but this series is OK to start at Book 3 and go back. 

Julie Wagner is devasted when her Identical Twin Sister, Jade,  goes missing while living in New York. Julie decides to go to New York to try to locate her sister. She arrives and heads to her sisters apartment building. She runs into Matt Callahan who is Jade's neighbor from across the hall. Her plans are changed when she realizes she cannot pretend to be Jade, as Matt Callahan can tell the difference between the Identical twins and knows she is not Jade. Matt Callahan decides to help Julie find the truth about Jade and together they start their "investigation" begins. They start to unravel clues as to where Jade may be and spending lots of time together. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they are starting to have feelings for one another. Julie is careful with her feelings toward Matt because she thinks her twin sister has a relationship with Matt. Will Julie and Matt find Jade? Will there be a Romance between Julie and Matt? 


WOW, this book is a page turner.  I really enjoyed the Idential Twin aspect of the story. I am an identical and still to do this day, my twin sister and I are able to "trade places" with each other if needed. I really LOVE how Julie and Matt work together to try to find Jade. The book is definetly filled with many surprises and twists and turns. I thought I had figured out where Jade was, but I definetly had that wrong, just one of the twists in this story. I also love how Matt and Julie were able to uncover some Family difficulities in their own families and want to make changes to those. The element of Faith was definetly present in this book. The book has a message of Forgiveness, following God's Plan for our life and moving forward. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction with Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!




Karen Malley lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. She works full-time as a scientist but fits writing in her spare time whenever possible. This usually means writing in her pajamas on weekend mornings while the rest of the family is asleep. When not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, playing board games, and especially reading! She loves reading faith-based stories because we can all use a happy ending.

Karen loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on her website:

www.KarenMalley.com. Sign up for her newsletter and you’ll receive a free short story in your mailbox each week.

 

More from Karen

Sunflowers and Suspicions is the third full book in the Pine Springs series. While you may discover some spoilers from the previous books, this book can be read as a standalone. I wrote Sunflowers in Suspicions because I loved the characters so much, I wanted their stories to continue!

This was a fun book to write. Julie was a minor character in the previous books in the series, and her story needed to be told. Living in the shadow of a glamorous twin sister hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for life, but her self-esteem suffered a hit, making it difficult to believe a guy could be interested in her instead of her sister. Most of us have been there! God promises He’s given gifts to all His children, but if our gifts don’t seem to measure up to those we perceive others have, we lose our joy.

 

Granted, Julie has a lot more than that to deal with – her twin sister goes missing, and her former boss may know more than he’s letting on. Couple that with feelings of inadequacy since all her friends have special guys and the fact the guy Julie starts to fall for seems more interested in her sister, and it’s easy for her to feel second rate. God never wants that for us. While Sunflowers and Suspicions is a tale of suspense and romance, it also taught me a thing or two about accepting myself for who God made me to be. I hope it does the same for you!


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

Inklings and notions, March 16

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

For Him and My Family, March 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 19 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 19

Inside the Wong Mind, March 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Splashes of Joy, March 25 (Author Interview)

By the Book, March 25

Blogging With Carol, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 27



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of e-copy of Sunflowers and Suspicions, an 11 x 14 canvas print of a sunflower, and some jewelry: two beaded bracelets, one bangle bracelet, a heart necklace, and a keychain!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b8bb/sunflowers-and-suspicion-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Thursday, March 24, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: Battle Prayers by Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling

Battle Prayers JustRead Blog Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Battle Prayers by Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



Battle Prayers Title: Battle Prayers 
Author: Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling 
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Release Date: Feb 15, 2022 
Genre: Christian, Spiritual Growth, Prayer 

Do the unending obstacles you face make you feel like you’re in a constant spiritual battle? Arm yourself with 100 prayers that will uplift and encourage you during the difficult moments of life. 

It can be difficult to find the right words when you’re praying through hard times. In Battle Prayers, find a classic model to lift your prayers to God, not only for yourself, but others. 

Each prayer is woven together with Scripture, reminding you that the answers to your struggles can be found in God’s Word and by listening to Him. Battle Prayers: 

1. Shows how the power of prayer can lead you to find lasting encouragement 

2. Provides inspiration and theological accuracy 

3. Offers prayers ideal for helping move the mountains that can sometimes stand in between us and God 

Whether a gift or for yourself, this volume of 100 prayers features: 

1. Specific Scriptures and cross-references to other prayers in the book for additional encouragement 

2. First-person prayers addressed directly to God, ideal for reading aloud during morning, evening, or devotional prayer time 

3. A helpful and encouraging Appendix: "The 10 Essential Qualities of an Effective Battle Prayer" 

Prayer doesn’t stop with the “Amen,” and is merely the beginning of deeper, daily, more meaningful communication with our Creator. Find peace in stress, healing for broken relationships, and protection for your loved ones in this essential volume of prayers.




 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub




(1) winner will receive a print copy of Battle Prayers!

Battle Prayers JustRead Blog Blitz

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 23, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.





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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Mechanic & the MD by Linda Shenton Matchett





Book: The Mechanic & the MD

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 15, 2020

All’s fair in love and war. Or so they say.

High school and college were a nightmare for Doris Strealer and being an adult isn’t much better. Men won’t date a woman of her height, and they don’t understand her desire to repair car engines rather than work as a nurse or a teacher. When her father’s garage closes, and no one will hire a female mechanic, she joins the Red Cross Motor Corps, finally feeling at home. Until she comes face to face with her past in the form of Ronald McCann, the most popular boy in school.

On the brink of a successful career as a surgeon, Ron’s plans crumble when he’s drafted and assigned to an evacuation hospital in England, the last place he expects to run into a former schoolmate. The gangly tomboy who was four years behind him in high school has transformed into a statuesque beauty, but a broken engagement in college leaves him with no desire to risk his heart ever again.

Will the hazards of war make or break a romance between this unlikely couple?

 

Click here to get your copy!


Linda Shenton Matchett has become one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books over the last few years. I am not one who normally likes books with Spies and Mystery, but I do love a good romance.  The Mechanic & The MD is Book 2 in the Sisters in Service series. I read Book 1 last year and I have been anxiously awaiting the Second Book. 

The time period of World War II is an interesting time period and I do enjoy reading books that are set in that time period. Doris Strealer has had a rough few years, beginning in High School and continuing through College. She worked at her Dad's Garage for many years and enjoys Mechanic Work. She joins the Red Cross Motor Corps when her Dad's Garage closes and has a hard time finding work as a Female Mechanic at local Garages. She is loving her work until she runs into the "Most Popular boy from High School, Ronald McCann. Ron was drafted to serve during WWII and is working in an evacuation hospital in England. He was just about to start a career as a Surgeon and now he is drafted to go to England. He is WOWED by Doris, who has turned from a "Tomboy" to a Beautiful Woman. He wants to focus on his reason for being in England but wonders if Doris, in all her beauty, will be a distraction. Will the pair be able to get over the bitterness from their High School years? Will there be a romance between the 2? 


I truly enjoyed this book. It is a FAST read as once the story gets moving, I didn't want to and didn't put the book down. Doris is  an inspiring woman for Ron McCann is also an amazing Character. I really thought it was amazing how he was ready to leave the past in the past and make friends with Doris after all these years. The Suspense and Twists and Turns in the book were just amazing! Linda Shenton Matchett has another GREAT book and I look forward to reading more in this series.





Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

As a former human resources professional I am fascinated by the history of women in the workplace. The WWII is especially intriguing because not only did women enter the workforce, but they took jobs previously only held by men. And they proved themselves up to the task.

 

Because of my background, one of the first things I do when devising a story is to determine the protagonist’s job, and I love putting her into an unusual situation. My heroines have been mercantile owners, gold prospectors, spies, war correspondents, photographers, and pilots. In The Mechanic & The MD, Doris Strealer is…you guessed it…a mechanic.

 

I learned early on that I am NOT mechanically inclined. Newly married with not a lot of extra cash, my husband and I decided we would perform our own car maintenance. My husband grew up helping his dad, so he had lots of experience. How hard could it be?

 

For me, apparently very difficult. My first (and only) attempt to change the oil ended with my face and hands covered in black muck and a hole in the filter (don’t ask!). I determined I’m better at holding the flashlight or performing other assistant-type duties.

 

As it turns out, that wasn’t the case for Britain’s future Queen Elizabeth who became the first female member of the British royal family to become an active duty member of the Armed Forces when she joined the Auxiliary Territory Service. She underwent a six-week auto mechanic training course and learned how to deconstruct, repair, and rebuild engines, change tires, and drive every type of vehicle she worked on including jeeps, trucks, and ambulances.

 

When I learned of her service, I was intrigued, and the idea for The Mechanic & The MD was born.

 

I hope you enjoy Doris’s story, my effort to honor the men and women who served during this difficult period in history.


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 10

Inklings and notions, March 11

For Him and My Family, March 12

Texas Book-aholic, March 13

deb’s Book Review, March 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 16

Connie’s History Classroom, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

For the Love of Literature, March 20 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, March 20

CarpeDiem, March 21

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22 (Author Interview)

Miriam Jacob, March 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23



To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b8b6/the-mechanic-the-md-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Heart of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach





Book: Heart of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Fiction/Historical Romance

Release date: November 1, 2021

1892, Helena MT: Delphina O’Connor believed God-given dreams for women didn’t stop at marriage and children. Hers might not include a husband or family at all. So when Hugh Thomas rescues the new swimming instructor at the elegant Broadwater Natatorium from near drowning in the Victorian-styled resort pool, how can anyone believe the freedom to enjoy swimming, competition, and a healthy body is an appropriate activity for a proper lady? Hugh is about to find out status quo is the starting line for a courageous woman with a dream!

Elaborate true history of the Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium in romantic fiction. You’ll meet several iconic people from Montana’s true history in these pages. What do you do when you think differently than the world around you?

Lovely story sharing the early days of women in synchronized swimming nearing the turn-of-the-century when traditional sensibilities battle modern ideas. How does a traditional man learn to love a modern woman?

 

Click here to get your copy!


I really enjoy Historical Fiction and I also enjoy reading books from a Series. I have read this series from Book 1 and this is now Book 3 in this series, Queen of the Rockies.   Heart of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach is the latest book I have read. 

This book takes us back to 1892 in Helena MT. Delphina O'Connor has just been hired to be a Swim Instructor at the Broadwater Natatorium, a high end resort style pool. Delphina is a single woman is living her dream life, although she isn't against marrying one day. Hugh Thomas is the Swim Instructor for the Men. Hugh knows he is in for a challenge working with Delphina, as he needs to show her that he is not an enemy, but there to work together. Hugh and Delphina are definetly opposites and that is what makes things a challenge at first. They realize their Boss, Charles A Broadwater, has a dream and they are there to help him fulfill his dream. Will Hugh and Delphina be able to work together and help dreams come true? Will they feel comfortable enough with each other to have a Romantic connection? 

WOW, I was captivated by the storyline from the very first Chapter. Delphina is a woman with so me STRONG Independence and is wanting to prove that Woman are able to do what men can do.Being it is only 1892, this is very ambitious, but honorable. Hugh is very much a gentleman and  s wanting the dreams of others to come to fruitition. I feel the Faith aspect comes into play often when Dephina and Hugh rely on their faith as they go through the challenges the job brings. I love how the Author allows the relationship for the pair to slowly grow. I LOVE Historical ficton because I always learn so much. Charles A. Broadwater is someone who I knew nothing about before reading this book and his part in History is amazing. This small book was a fast read, but a WONDERFUL book! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction.






Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angela can also.

 

More from Angela

I toured Helena, MT for the research that kicked off my passion for the Queen of the Rockies series. While there, I searched for more on the history of the Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium. Visiting the now empty fields, staring through the fence where the resort once stood, I missed the elegant beauty even though I’d never known her. The way the mountains swooped up from the valley with the hot springs at the base created a dramatic sense of place. I had to write a story set at the Broadwater!

While volunteering with a non-profit for children, the executive director asked why I’d gone to Helena recently. Bubbling over with enthusiasm, he started telling me everything he knew, saw, and experienced at the resort area while growing up near the Broadwater in Helena. His wife and he had even attended the final auction in the 1960s before the grand lady lost her battle with time and damages from the major earthquakes of 1935. She was demolished after the auction! The ornamental elements of the hotel and natatorium took record auction prices from doorknobs to copper bathtub rings. Even what was left of the stained-glass windows sold. What I hadn’t found in history books, online, or at the local history museum/society my friends shared with misty-eyed memories. The sweetness of hearing their stories and being able to use them in my book was pretty miraculous. I had a front seat to history.

The Broadwater Hotel had an interesting feature in their bath/shower rooms. If you’ve ever heard of a “needle” shower, it sounds painful. But it was a revolutionary new therapy treatment in the 1890s. I saw a few black and white faded photos. Those pictures in history books and online couldn’t do justice to the real invention. Want to see a little more before you read Heart of the Rockies? Here’s a link to visit on the Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium. I think you’ll want to immerse yourself (pun intended) in a story set in her extravagant, elegance. See what you think…

http://www.helenahistory.org/Broadwater_1.htm

One weekend, my husband and I took a trip to Butte to stay at the Copper King Mansion. The stay included a tour and use of their facilities. (Don’t pass that bed and breakfast overnight up. It’s really amazing and closely preserved through the families that lived there!) The original owner, William A. Clark, had a needle shower installed to help his sickly son. What do you know? It still worked! I tried it that night. Because the tiny sprays are in a circular design all the way around your body, the shower rings you. The experience, minus the issue of one ring being right at face level causing a lot of battles to breathe, was exhilarating. More so because of the unique nature. But when the water pressure is all the way on, the water can sting with the force on your skin. I fully understood the name! Adjusting the spickets brought the water pressure under control, but I had one further difficulty. The pipes that ringed my neck and head sprayed water into my face no matter what direction I moved. They’d been built to the height of a young man. Let’s just say it was a near-drowning! Super fun to try though.

Besides visiting Helena, make sure to stop in for your weekend in Butte, MT at the Copper King Bed and Breakfast. Take the tour. Then when you’re free of the museum visitors, and the house is all yours for the night, step into the needle shower (maybe really bring a waterproof step) and be swished back in time to the Gilded Age. Hmm, maybe I should be writing a time travel novel??

Come plunge into the pages of Heart of the Rockies with me.


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 18

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Christina’s Corner, March 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 20

Betti Mace, March 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21

Inklings and notions, March 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23

For Him and My Family, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 24

Blogging With Carol, March 25

deb’s Book Review, March 25

Connie’s History Classroom, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27

Miriam Jacob, March 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29 (Spotlight)

Pause for Tales, March 29

Spoken from the Heart, March 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 31

Blossoms and Blessings, March 31



To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize of a a set of gemstone earrings handmade by Thai Hill Tribe (made of sterling silver with amethyst Swarovski crystals)!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1bc98/heart-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway




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