Thursday, August 28, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Engineered Engagement by Erica Vetsch

Book: The Engineered Engagement

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A hidden genius, an ambitious shipbuilder, and a daring deception—can she prove her worth without losing her heart?

Eli Kennebrae plans to revolutionize cargo transportation on the Great Lakes. But his grandfather’s meddling obligates him to an arranged engagement. Though Josie Zahn is kindhearted and strikes his interest, Eli needs an engineer for his ship, not a fiancée.

Josie has admired Eli for years, but to him, she’s just “one of the Zahn girls.” Worse, society expects her to marry, not pursue her passion for mathematics and engineering. If she could only get Eli’s attention, she could help him achieve his goals.

Then “Professor Josephson,” a brilliant mathematical mind, provides the analyses to make Eli’s ship design a reality. As Eli finds unexpected kinship in the professor’s work, he remains unaware of the truth—Josie is the genius behind the numbers. When deception and ambition collide, will Eli see Josie for who she truly is before it’s too late?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre that I enjoy. The Engineered Engagement by Erica Vetsch is Book 3 in The Kennabrae Brides series. I have read this series from the beginning and always look forward to new releases.

WOW, this storyline is just as interesting as the first book. The setting is 1906 in Duluth, Minnesota. The 2 main characters are Eli Kennebrae and Josie Zahn. Eli is working hard to make his dream career come true. He wants to take the Cargo Transportation business in the Great Lakes area to new levels, which would be amazing in the times of 1906. Grandpa is at it again with arranging Marriages for his 3rd Grandson. Josie Zahn is the one that Grandpa has chosen for Eli. Josie has her interests that she has been keeping secret, she loves Math and Engineering, something women in the early 1900's were not commonly known to do. Eli isn't interested in Marriage right now, as he is looking for an engineer for his business. Josie is actually interested in Eli and has interest in him for sometime. I really LOVE that Josie goes "undercover" and creates the Engineering plans for Eli's business. Eli is quite shocked when he discovers that the plans were made by a woman and that Josie was behind the plans. The joy in my heart when Eli has a change of heart for Josie and sees that Women are capable of achieving great things also. The storyline really goes against the standards of the early 1900's,as women were not expected to have jobs and excel in life. Josie and Eli truly have a wonderful friendship and relationship and it is because of Josie's knowledge and help to Eli! The book is about Going outside the norm. Trusting yourself and others, and LOVE I would HIGHLY recommend this book. AMAZING BOOK!

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

One of the most frequently asked questions an author gets is “Where do your ideas come from?” The truth is…all over! But for me, the main place that story ideas start is in a museum. I see an artifact or object or hear a story as I wander a museum, and I begin to wonder about the people who used the object or survived the events that led to their story being in a museum.

The Engineered Engagement was inspired by a tour of the Great Lakes cargo ship the Meteor. The Meteor is a whaleback and is on display in Superior, WI, just across the harbor from Duluth, MN where the story is set.

I first toured the Meteor when I was eleven years old…awhile ago now. But many years later my husband and I took our kids to tour this amazing piece of engineering. The design, which is characterized by low rounded hulls, decks, and deckhouses looks decidedly odd and different from other ships. This design minimized the wind and water resistance encountered in more traditional hull shapes. The creator/design engineer of the whaleback was a Scotsman named Alexander McDougall who was a ship master and seaman on the Great Lakes.

The first whaleback hit the lakes in 1887, and over the next 11 years, 43 more joined her. One of the largest whalebacks was the steamer named the Frank Rockefeller. This ship was later renamed the SS Meteor. The Meteor hauled iron ore and sand for much of her career, and she is the only whaleback that remains.

As I toured the ship, learning nautical terms and all but feeling the rolling of the deck beneath my feet, I couldn’t help but admire Alexander McDougall for ignoring the critics, the snide remarks, and the jeers that always accompany a design pioneer and creating anyway. Looking for a better way to make something or do a task should be admired. He was tenacious, and I wanted to imbue my characters, Eli Kennebrae and Josie Zahn, with that same tenacity.

The Engineered Engagement involves ship building and hydrodynamics. Now, I know nothing about either of these disciplines, but I did glean some information, hopefully enough to make my characters, Eli and Josie, sound like they do. Ah, the joys of writing fiction! And while Eli and Josie are loaded with brains and tenacity, I also wanted them to have real emotions, to care about each other. One of the joys of writing fiction is getting to live through the eyes/hearts of your characters and feel what they feel. The Engineered Engagement was a joy to write.

If you are interested in Great Lakes shipping, I highly recommend the Duluth Canal Camera, https://www.duluthharborcam.com/p/canal-park-cams.html

And if you are interested in learning more about the SS Meteor, I recommend this site: https://superiorpublicmuseums.org/ss-meteor/

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20
Worthy2Read, August 20
Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 21
Texas Book-aholic, August 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22
Devoted To Hope, August 22
Artistic Nobody, August 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Simple Harvest Reads, August 23 (Guest Review from Mindy)
For Him and My Family, August 24
Books You Can Feel Good About, August 24
Inkwell Inspirations, August 25
Pens Pages & Pulses, August 25
Stories By Gina, August 26 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, August 26
She Lives To Read, August 27
Inklings and notions, August 27
Bizwings Book Blog, August 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 29
An Author’s Take, August 30
Books Less Travelled, August 30
Book Looks by Lisa, August 31
Blossoms and Blessings, August 31
Holly’s Book Corner, September 1
Pause for Tales, September 1
Devoted Steps, September 2
Life on Chickadee Lane, September 2

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/00adcf54282

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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Spinster for the Viscount by Jackie Killelea

Book: A Spinster for the Viscount

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 5, 2025

A guarded wallflower. A charming viscount with a past. Can their fragile bond withstand a treasure hunt filled with secrets and a cunning rival’s schemes?

After five failed seasons and one humiliating heartbreak, Jane Talbot has accepted her fate as a spinster. She agrees to attend Lord Sperrin’s country house party to escape society’s scrutiny, but the promise of discovering the legendary jewel of Parcathia adds unexpected intrigue and draws her into the path of the far too charming Henry Lendin, Viscount Harroway.

Henry wears a smiling mask for society while grieving his father and bearing the burden of his duty. As the hunt for the jewel unfolds and he finds himself repeatedly in the company of the overlooked Miss Talbot, her quiet wit and warmth begin to break through his defenses. Could he finally have found a woman who sees beyond his title?

As they unravel clues amidst whispered secrets and lies, a rival emerges with both the jewel and Jane in his sights. With danger looming and love on the line, will Jane and Henry find the courage to claim the greatest treasure of all?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historic Romance is a favorite genre that I enjoy. A Spinster for the Viscount by Jackie Killelea is Book 3 in the Saving the Spinnisters Series. I have been enjoying this series from the beginning.

WOW, this book is just as AMAZING as the first 2 in this series. The setting is in England in 1817. The 2 main characters in this book are Henry Lendin, Viscount Harroway and Jane Talbot. Henry and Jane meet at a party given by Lord Sperrin at his house. The house party involves a Scavenger Hunt for the legendary jewel of Parcathia. Henry and Jane are teamed up together for the Scavenger Hunt. The pair get to know each other through the course of the evening, which also included dancing. Jane and Henry both had thought they both wanted a life of being alone, no marriage. I really LOVE that Henry begins to open up to Jane about his past. Danger lurks and Henry Lendin protects Jane and they immediately really discover there is LOVE to be found for them both. The book is one of Trust, finding love in unexpected places, and mystery. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance from the Regency Era. AMAZING BOOK!

Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

More from Jackie

Hi all! I want to thank you so much for your interest in my book. Since reading it, perhaps you’ve wondered about a few things. Maybe one of those things is if I have a penchant for strawberries. After all, they come up in the novel often enough and are Henry’s favorite fruit. I must confess, dear reader, that they are mine, as well…
My mouth was watering when I was writing the strawberry-picking scene and I simply love the idea of a good strawberry tart. Therefore, I decided to take the basics for one and bend them to my preferences. And Henry’s. I do hope you’ll like them as much as I do! Note: The recipe is OLD FASHIONED. I MEAN IT. BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE ODD TASTE.
*Recipe for Henry’s Strawberry Tarts*
Ingredients
*Crust:*
- 1/2 Pound Butter(Cold)
- 1/2 Cup Ice Water/Cold Water
- 1/2 Tbsp. Salt
- 3 Cups Flour
Before beginning, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important, I tell you! At least, if you like to save time, like me.
In a medium/large bowl, add flour and salt. Stir. Cut cold butter into small cubes, then add to flour mixture, cutting the cubes in with a pastry cutter until fine crumbs form. Once this has occurred, add water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each tablespoon. After all water is
incorporated, if the mixture is too sticky to roll, add more flour until it can be. If the mixture is too dry and won’t form into a ball, add one teaspoon of white vinegar and knead the dough(only a little). If still too dry, continue to add water by the tablespoon until the dough forms into a ball.
Once the dough is formed into a ball in the bowl and doesn’t stick to your hands when touched, set it out on a floured surface and roll it with a rolling pin to about a quarter of an inch in thickness. From here, it can be cut into circles and each circle can be placed into a mini tart pan. You can crimp the edges, if you’re feeling especially fancy. 🙂 If you don’t have a tart pan on hand, you can use a cupcake pan and line the bottom half of each reservoir with pastry dough. The edges won’t be as pretty, but it will work in a pinch. Conversely, a full-sized tart pan will
do just fine.
It is at this point, once your dough is in its pans, that you can place it in the preheated oven to let it cook for about 10-15 minutes in order to set. Make sure it doesn’t overcook, though. This setting process will prevent the bottom of the pastry from getting soggy from the filling, later
on. Just like with babies, soggy bottoms on pies and tarts are a big downer.
While that’s cooking, it’s time to make the filling.

*The Filling:*

- 1 1/2 Cups of strawberries, rinsed and dried.
- 1/3 Cup White Granulated Sugar
- 4 Eggs + 1 Yolk
- Unseasoned Breadcrumbs (Optional)

Take your strawberries and remove their tops. Attempt to keep as much of the red fruit as you can. We want as much of the good stuff as we can get. In a medium/large bowl, crush them(a potato masher can come in handy for this part, or even pop them in the blender. We want them super crushed) and set aside. The mixture will be liquidy(yes, I’m aware liquidy is not a
word).
In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs and the extra yolk. Once they’re well-beaten and a light yellow color, add the egg mixture a little at a time to the strawberry liquid, stirring after each addition. It is at this point that you may also add breadcrumbs and stir them in. They’ll make the consistency of the tarts a bit thicker. If you do choose to add them, I recommend adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Make sure they’re unseasoned! No one wants Italian-spice-flavored strawberry tarts. I don’t imagine so, anyway.

TAKE OUT YOUR CRUST BEFORE IT BURNS. THOSE TART CRUSTS ARE GETTING TAN IN
THERE. Ok, now that you’ve read that reminder, let’s continue.

You may spoon, ladle, pour, etc., your tart filling into your tarts, now. Make sure only to fill them 3/4 of the way to the top, for you don’t want to spill that goodness over the edge. Once your crust/crusts is/are filled, you can shove them into the oven. They’ll have to cook for twenty minutes. If you have a full-sized tart, it will likely have to cook for more. Examine it for doneness like you would a pumpkin pie; When you wiggle the pan, the middle should only jiggle a very little bit, not like there’s a bunch of liquid beneath. More like a jello wiggle. Not a water
balloon. Add more time or take time away, depending on how the filling moves when you wiggle it. :)

Jello Wiggle = Yes
Water Balloon Wiggle = No

Once the tarts are done, take them out and let them cool for a while. The filling needs to set a bit more. Put the pan in the fridge, even, once it’s cool enough, if that’s what you’d like to do. When the tarts are sufficiently cooled(they can still be a little warm), you can remove them from their pans and decorate them with sweetened whipped cream and cut strawberries/fruits. Or leave them plain. Your choice.
They’ll look very cute, regardless of what you cooked them in. A fair warning before you try them, however: This recipe is a very old one that I’ve only changed a little. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the results are not what you’re expecting. This dessert is certainly not like those artificial, too-sweet, abominations we have today. Neither is it like the refined, well-spiced, classic treats we’ve come to love.
Bake at your own risk…And tag me on social media if you decide to make them. I’d love to see what you think! :)

Love to all and happy baking,

Jackie Killelea

Madi’s Musings, August 19
Pens Pages & Pulses, August 19
She Lives to Read, August 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21
Texas Book-aholic, August 22
Blossoms and Blessings, August 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23
Book Looks by Lisa, August 24
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 25
For Him and My Family, August 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 27
Pause for Tales, August 27
Stories By Gina, August 28 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, August 28
Devoted To Hope, August 29
Devoted Steps, August 30
Jodie Wolfe, August 30
Simple Harvest Reads, August 31 (Guest Review from Donna)
Holly’s Book Corner, September 1
Romances of the Cross, September 1

To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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/00adcf54281

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Kissing the Texas Ranger by Cary Lynn Webb

Kissing the Texas Ranger JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Kissing the Texas Ranger by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Kissing the Texas Ranger
Series: A Three Springs Texas Romance #1
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

To solve the case…

He'll steal her heart

Special Ranger Bodie Hopson arrives in Three Springs, Texas, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a bison herd belonging to the strong-willed farmer Sarah Rickelle. Posing as a new ranch hand, Bodie suspects she's an insurance fraudster, but then quickly realizes she's more of an ally than a criminal. As they join forces to track down the thief, their growing attraction makes it difficult to stay professional. But when the case takes a dangerous turn, Bodie faces a life-changing decision: follow his law enforcement career or fight for the woman who’s stolen his heart.

I have enjoyed Harlequin Heartwarming books for a long while. Cari Lynn Webb is one of my favorite authors from this publisher. Kissing the Texas Ranger is Book 1 in the A Three Springs Texas Romance series. I am excited to read this new series.

I began reading this book and could not put it down. The 2 main characters are Sarah Rickelle and Special Ranger Bodie Hopson. The book takes place in Three Springs, Texas. Ranger Bodie is very familiar with Three Springs, TX and wasn't anticipating returning. He is sent here to investigate Sarah Rickelle, as she is suspected of Insurace Fraud. Sarah is helping her Grandmother, whom she loves dearly, run the Farm that her Grandma Rose has owned for many years.Ranger Bodie gets hired to be a farmhand, going undercover for the investigation. Sarah and Grandma Rose are really worried about the Bison that are being stolen from the Farm and having a Farmhand might help them.

I really LOVE how quickly Bodie realizes that Sarah nor her Grandma Rose are Insurance Frauds. Bodie coming alongside Sarah to help her figure out who is stealing the Bison is very admirable. The pair had an immediate attraction to one another and seeing their relationship grow as they try to solve the Mystery of the stolen Bison is definetly heartwarming. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to future books in this series. 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 Lynn Webb by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and print copies of 2 Backlist Books of winner's choice between the following titles: The Rancher's Secret Crush, A Proposal for Her Cowboy and A Cowgirl's Christmas Reunion (or may substitute with ebook(s) of any other Cari Lynn Webb title).

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 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!

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Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: With Mercy's Eyes by D.T. Powell

Book: With Mercy’s Eyes

Author: D.T. Powell

Genre: FICTION/ Christian / Contemporary

Release Date: June 16, 2025

He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she?

- – – – – – -

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing Contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.

Click here to get your copy!

Contemporary Christian Fiction is a genre that I read often. With Mercy's Eyes by D.T. Powell is the latest book that I have read. The Synopsis of this book really piqued my interest and I really felt the need to read this book.

I began reading this book as soon as I had it and it really was hard to put down. The main character Lane has had a struggle with life, mainly as of recent, but also since he was 18. It has been 6 months since Lane lost his husband due to a tragic accident. He is happy to have landed a major acting role, yet at the same time knows he will have to hide his homosexuality from the Christian Producer of the role. Lane thought life on going well, and then life gets complicated. Lane has a drunken argument with his co-star, he gets evicted by his landlord and he is feeling really down in the dumps. He finds solace in an unexpected person, the Christian Producer of the movie he is starring in.

I can honestly say this is a book that is much needed in today's society. The topics addressed in this book are "taboo" to the Christian Church and they shouldn't be. D.T. Powell really is a GREAT Writer and Author and this is the first book by her that I have read. The "taboo" and trigger topics mentioned in this story are Infant Death, Suicidal Thoughts, Sexual Assualt and the main Character being Gay. I really LOVE how the book shows us that we can have Compassion and LOVE for any and all these "taboo" topics, especially Homosexulaity. Chrisitans are taught to show LOVE and Grace, yet many times the Church isn't LOVE to the Gay Community, even when it comes to family members. The book is quite long, over 500 pages, but it is definetly a GREAT read. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a DEEP read!

D. T. Powell has loved stories since before she can remember, and it was one of those stories that God used to change her life and prompt her to start writing. In addition to writing book reviews for a magazine as well as original contemporary and speculative fiction, she has actively contributed to the fanfiction community since 2013. Her original work has been published by Writers Digest, Clean Fiction Magazine, Twenty Hills Publishing, The Order of the Pen Press, Worldsmyths, and Cadence Writing. She enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and playing an occasional video game. You can find her online as dtill359.

Her favorite verse is Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

More from D.T.

Driving through a deserted intersection at 3:30 AM isn’t an ideal time for much of anything. But I remember the moment clearly, because in that instant, I chose to accept God’s prompting to do something I thought was impossible (or, at the very least, inadvisable)—write a Christian fiction book with a main character who’d just lost his husband.

Being a Christian in traditional circles, I believe that any intimate relationship outside of a Biblical marriage is not pleasing to God and goes against His will and plan. So, for at least a year before that moment of acceptance, I wrestled with God’s prompting to write such a (to me) non-sequitur.

But God kept bringing this story to mind—sometimes quietly during time spent with Him, and sometimes more loudly through people I got to talk and interact with. He wouldn’t let me forget what He’d asked of me.

Once I’d accepted God’s prompting to write this story, I reluctantly began drafting, but, in fear, I put a pseudonym on it. I was terrified that strangers and family members alike would see this premise and lay down immediate judgment of both me and this story.

However, there is one true antidote to fear. Perfect (mature) love. And as I continued to take steps of faith—albeit haltingly at times—God fostered in me a love, not just for this story, but for Him, and for a group of people Christians far too often label and then push aside because of their specific, chosen sin.

With Mercy’s Eyes is a glimpse of how God draws people to Himself. It’s an unapologetic statement that salvation is for all of humanity, no matter how we sin. It’s a look into the life and heart of someone too many Christians might never have given a second thought.

This book takes a non-explicit look at homosexuality and same-sex attraction from the perspective of someone who has lived that life and thought it would bring them happiness, only to wind up empty and no better off than when they began. Often, it’s only when we come to the end of ourselves that we understand just how much we need the Saviour.

God has seen this book through from beginning to end. To honor what He has done, both in me and within these pages, and celebrate His saving grace, I now gladly give my name to this story. I pray God brings With Mercy’s Eyes to the people who need it, just as He brought it to me when I needed it.