Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Blue Jean Bayou by Janis Jakes

Book: Blue Jean Bayou

Author: Janis Jakes

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance

Release Date: June 12, 2026

After Jenna’s father dies, she travels to his cabin in the Texas Piney Woods to oversee the remodeling and ready the property for sale. She’s surprised when the contractor is a childhood crush – now a handsome man with a heart of gold.

Their friendship reignites, bringing the possibility of more…but at a price. Jenna, a business owner, loves the bustling streets of Manhattan. Creed, a military veteran with a hero’s past, finds refuge in small-town living.

When Jenna learns her father led a secret life, her world turns upside down, and she suspects Creed knows more than he’s telling.

As the truth about her father emerges, Jenna faces the secrets hidden in her own heart and must choose: a life of high heels and high rises or a meandering bayou with the man she now loves.

Click here to get your copy!

Contemporary Christian Romance is a favorite genre of mine. Blue Jean Bayou by Janis Jakes is the most recent book that I have read in this genre.

WOW, the storyline starts off really strong and keeps going. The setting is East Texas and the main characters are Jenna Donovan and Creed Johnson. Jenna has taken leave from her job in Manhattan to return home to Texas after her Dad dies. Jenna intends on remodeling her Dad's Cabin and selling it. The Cabin is on 40 Acres in the Woods and near a Bayou. Jenna decides to go for a canoe ride on the Bayou, only to have to be rescued. Her rescuer happens to be an old childhood friend, Creed Johnson. Creed was actually more than just a Childhood Friend, she had a "crush" on him. Creed is now a Veteran and a Contractor. Creed is helping Jenna with the work being done on her Father's Cabin and their friendship is growing as they begin to spend more time together. Jenna thought this would be a quick turnaround: remodel, sell, return to Manhattan. Jenna is surprised to learn that her Dad hid the fact that he had a wife. Creed has had memories of Sam's Cabin come up as he works on the remodel. He is struck with Gratefulness for Sam Donavan and all the fun times at the Cabin growing up and even before Sam Donavan passed away. Creed really wants Jenna to reconsider selling the Cabin that was so much more than a "Cabin in the Woods" for so many who knew the Donavan family. Jenna is grateful that Creed has been able to share so much with her and reveal things that she is just learning about her Dad's life. I really enjoyed this storyline, as it shows how Friendship never ends and love can transpire even years later. The friendship turned relationship really gave Jenna and Creed the need to slow down and rethink their plans and seek God's will for the future. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoy Contemporary Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Janis Jakes is an author of multiple contemporary and historical inspirational romances with an emphasis on courageous men, strong women, Texas sunsets, and happily ever after.

More from Janis

Texas is known for its vastness and cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. While those cities are great, there’s something about a small Texas town that stirs the heart and evokes a sense of community.

When I wrote Blue Jean Bayou, I wanted Shelton’s Cove to be one of those small towns that every reader would want to visit—where they’d find hundred-year-old farmhouses, wooden bridges that clack under the weight of vehicles, country diners where chicken-fried steak is standard fare, and salt-of-the-earth folks who look after their neighbors.

I also wanted characters who embody the Texas nature I know so well: brave men with strong faith and a staunch work ethic, and women who face life’s unexpected twists and turns with strength.

My ultimate hope is that readers get a true sense of the town and enjoy meeting the characters who call Shelton’s Cove home. This is Book 1 of the three-book Small Town Texas Series.

A little backstory nugget: The café in Blue Jean Bayou is named Myrtle’s Café after my late grandmother. She could cook like no one’s business—her meringue is legendary!—so it only seemed right to give the café her namesake.

Devoted Steps, July 27
Simple Harvest Reads, July 28 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, July 29 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 30
Guild Master, July 31 (Author Interview)
She Lives To Read, August 1
Fiction Book Lover, August 2 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, August 3
The Bookish Ledger, August 4 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, August 5
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 6 (Author Interview)
History, Hope & Happily Ever After, August 7 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, August 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8
Stories By Gina, August 9 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Janis is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/N6cAK/blue-jean-bayou-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, July 28, 2026

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: A Cowboy to Call Her Own by Cari Lynn Webb

A Cowboy to Call Her Own JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Cowboy to Call Her Own by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: A Cowboy to Call Her Own
Series: The Bluegrass Blackwells #1
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

This big-city cowboy
Just swept her off her boots!

Saving his family’s Kentucky racing stables is priority number one for cowboy Asher Blackwell. Love is not on his agenda. But when pretty chef Kelley Munroe pulls him into a clumsy two-step, he’s charmed. And making a deal with her to cater for the stables adds a little sunlight to his days. As a shared love of horses draws them together, and they’re roped into planning the town’s Fourth of July celebrations, the sparks between them blossom into fireworks. Asher wasn’t looking for a fresh start, and his life is in New York. But Kelley’s healing support is cracking open his guarded heart. Could she be the cowgirl he’d always hoped for?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

I really enjoy a good Contemporary Romance book and I also enjoy Harlequin Heartwarming books. The books are short and easy to read. Cari Lynn Webb has become one of my favorite authors in the Harlequin Heartwarming series. A Cowboy to Call Her Own by Cari Lynn Webb is Book 1 in the BlueGrass Blackwells series.

The series is starting off with a very interesting storyline. The setting is in Gold Finch, Kentucky. The main characters are Asher Blackwell and Kelley Munroe. Asher Blackwell grew up on a Family Farm, but chose to have a life in New York in the Corporate World. Kelley Munroe grew up in Gold Finch, but she also moved to New York and opened up a High Class Restaurant with her ex-husband. Kelley chose to return HOME after the Divorce and work in the Family Diner that her sisters still run. Asher is in town to help with a Situation at the Family Farm and plans to return to New York as soon as Family Business affairs at the Racing Stables are taken care of. Kelley and Asher meet when Asher visits the Diner where Kelley is helping. I REALLY LOVE how when Asher and Kelley begin spending time together as they plan some activities that Kelley will be catering, they begin to have feelings for one another. Kelley is surprisingly more "held back" about a relationship as she is newly divorced. The way Kelley and Asher begin to see that there is life beyond the "Big City" and that HOME just might be where they need to be. The story is one of Second Chances, allowing to leave the past in the past and look to the future, and so much more. I really ENJOYED this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Also Available

Cari Lynn Webb

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Florida with her husband. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card and 2 print books by Cari Lynn Webb from the Blackwells Backlist!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 28, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 4, 2026. 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!

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Tuesday, July 21, 2026

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde

The Light of Stars JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Light of Stars

Author: Jenelle Hovde

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Genre: Historical Romance

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

Christian Historical Romance is a genre that I truly enjoy. The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. Jenelle Hovde is a new to me author and I LOVE discovering new to me authors.

I started reading this book as soon as I received it and I could not put it down. The setting is in the Regency Era in London and Calcutta. The main characters are Kitty Grenville and Sebastian Sinclair. Kitty is enjoying life as an Astronomer and has dreams for herself. She is devastated when her Grandfather announces an Arranged Marriage for Kitty to Sebastian Sinclair. Kitty slightly remembers Sebastian from her childhood, but not enough to want to be his wife. Sebastian is from a very "high class" family and is part of the East India Company. Kitty is not fond of the East India Company as they had a part in creating Family Crisis in her life when she was younger. Sebastian is determined to win her heart as it also means he will receive his inheritance.

The story got really interesting when Kitty and Sebastian realize that they might be able to grow a friendship and Kitty's heart begins to soften. Sebastian becomes protective of Kitty and the relationship grows even greater. Sebastian is in London with Kitty, when he suddenly has to go back to India. Kitty takes a chance on their relationship and becomes his Wife and goes to India with Sebastian. I was astounded by the turn of events in the storyline, yet it was a blessing for both of them. The storyline reminded me of how God can soften a person heart and heal from the Past and look forward to what God has in store for us. I LOVE that Sebastian and Kitty allowed God to work on their sins and hurts to allow growth and happiness. The Historical parts of the book were very intriguing and took me to a part of History I never knew. The story is one of Trust, Faith, Forgiveness, and LOVE. God's Plan is always greater than our own. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys "Arranged Marriage" storyline and Christian Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Also Available

Jenelle Hovde

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor's wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

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

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. 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

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

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Saturday, July 18, 2026

Momentum Influencers Blog Tour: Radiant Mobile Christian Mobile Carrier

Built on faith. Committed to families. Designed to protect.

Radiant Mobile exists to serve families who want a mobile experience that reflects their values - reliable service, fair pricing, and protections that actually protect. We are a Christian company. That isn't a marketing label; it's the foundation of how we lead and how we serve every household that trusts us with their connection to the world.

Our Foundation

We confess the lordship of Jesus Christ, and we hold the Bible as our highest authority for what we believe and how we behave. That conviction shapes everything we do - from the way we write our contracts to the way we treat the person on the other end of a customer service call.

You don't have to share our faith to be welcome here. But you should know where we stand, because it's the reason we operate the way we do.

What You Can Expect from us

Honest dealing. Our marketing tells the truth. What we promise is what we deliver.

Your data, protected. We collect only what we need & guard it carefully.

Real family protection. We build with children in mind, because the families we serve are raising the next generation and deserve tools that help rather than harm.

Dignity for everyone. Every customer, employee, and vendor is made in the image of God - and treated accordingly.

Servant leadership. At Radiant, a title is not a rank - it's a responsibility to serve those around you and the families who depend on us.

Who We Serve

If you've ever wished your phone bill went to a company that actually shares your values - not just tolerates them - you're exactly who we built this for. Radiant Mobile is built for households, churches, ministries, and individuals who want their mobile carrier to take faith, family, and integrity seriously.

Our Standard

We hold ourselves to the same standard at every level - from the newest hire to the CEO and the board. Skill matters; character matters more. When we fall short, we own it, make it right, and keep going. That's the kind of company we want to be, and the kind of carrier we want to be for you.

Cell Phones have become a part of Everyday life, even becoming a "Home Phone" for many also. Cell Phones have become more of a "mini laptop on the go" and have Internet Access on the phones. The Internet is full of Content that is not appropriate for both Adults and Children, especially Christian Families. Radiant Mobile is a BRAND NEW Mobile Carrier that is working behind the scenes on your phone to block the inappropriate content before it can even travel through to your phone. Radiant Mobile is a Christian Faith Based Company and they are more than just a "filter" for your phone, they work to make sure the content is Clean and Family Friendly. I really LOVE that there is now a Carrier that allows Parents to TRULY control the content on their Kids phones and also their own phones. They offer over 120 Categories that can be "blocked" from the devices on the phones and it ensures that content will not reach the devices.

Radiant Mobile offers Mobile Plans of all kinds and is money saving compared to the other Carriers. They use the T-Mobile Network, which makes it easy to have service available in many areas. Radiant Mobile has a "Bring Your Own Phone" policy and you keep your current phone number when transferring service to Radiant Mobile. You can get FULL Details about Radiant Mobile by checking out their website here: https://www.radiantmobile.com/