Thursday, June 26, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Dial S for Second Chances by Linda Shenton Matchett

Book: Dial S for Second Chances

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: July 14, 2023

Can years of hurt and misunderstanding be transformed into a second chance at love?

Jade Williams agrees to be on the high school reunion committee because the-one-that-got-away is out of the country and won’t be home in time to attend the festivities. Now, he’s not only home but joined the committee. Is it too late to back out or can she set aside forty-five years of regret and pretend she isn’t to blame for her broken heart?

One of the downsides of being rich means fielding requests for money and favors. But when an old high school buddy contacts Derek Milligan to be on the reunion committee as just one of the gang, no strings attached, he can’t resist. At the first meeting, he’s dismayed to find himself sitting next to his former high school sweetheart. He should be angry. Instead, he’s attracted. Can he risk his heart a second time?

Click here to get your copy!

I have been a fan of Linda Shenton Matchett for a few years. Dial S for Second Chances by Linda Shenton Matchett is Book 21 in the You are on The Air series. The series is written by Various Authors and Linda Shenton Matchett has written a couple in the series. The books can all be read as Standalone books, but the series is so good! .

I was reeled into this storyline very quickly and couldn't put the book down. High School Romances are sweet and enduring. Jade Williams and Derek Milligan were High School Sweethearts but had a falling out and went their separate ways over the years. The 45th Reunion is coming up and Jade decides to be on the committee. She wasn't anticipating Derek being back in town and also part of the committee. The pair began to realize that they still had feelings for one another after 45 years of broken hearts. They could have chosen to continue to hold grudges and pain against one another, but they chose forgiveness. I honestly LOVE how the author has faith throughout the book and the characters faith is strong. Second Chance romances are even more endearing than the first time. The book is one of Faith, Forgiveness, Second Chances, and LOVE! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader:

I was honored to be asked to participate in the You’re on the Air multi-author project and jumped at the chance for the letter S because I love a good second-chance romance. Probably because of my own.

Thanks to my dad’s job we relocated numerous times during my growing up years, and to my horror, we got another transfer in the middle of my junior year in high school. Not only would I be leaving friends behind, I was also dating someone rather seriously (spoiler alert – my parents did NOT care for him!). So, a few weeks after we arrived in Maryland when this guy at church asked me out, I stated I was not dating anyone, least of all him.

He finally convinced me to go out with him on a one-shot deal. If I had a terrible time, he’d never bother me again. Drat! I had a great time! J We dated through high school but broke up a couple of times through college. Finally engaged in our senior year, things looked good until they didn’t, and I broke off the engagement two months before the wedding.

His response? “I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

And he was. I came to my senses in September, and we married in October of that year. We celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary last year.

Dial S for Second Chances is about high school sweethearts who reconnect at their 45th reunion, and I had a wonderful time stepping back into the 1970s during my research. Yes, I’d lived the decade, but it had been a while! One of the things we did during high school was attend concerts. My husband-to-be introduced me to the fledgling contemporary Christian music scene, so I created a playlist as inspiration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGBLgJnORx8&list=PLlRXWNqXm5gxmOm7FIiO-nWyanyIKukeu

Enjoy this blast from the past!

Linda Shenton Matchett

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 17
Texas Book-aholic, June 18
Artistic Nobody, June 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 19
Vicky Sluiter, June 20
Fiction Book Lover, June 21 (Author Interview)
Life on Chickadee Lane, June 22
Simple Harvest Reads, June 23 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24
Guild Master, June 25 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, June 25
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 26
Vicky Sluiter, June 27 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, June 28
For the Love of Literature, June 29 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, June 30

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a signed paperback edition of the book and a $25 Visa 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/00adcf54239

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Wednesday, June 25, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Oakwood Series by Kathy J. Perry

Oakwoods Series JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Series

Pip O'Possum (Work Then Play)
Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful)
Benjamin Bat (Humility)
Nuts (Sharing is Caring)
Jeremy Jay (Resilience)
Author: Kathy J. Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)

These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals' adventures, friendships, and foibles, they'll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.

Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!)

Title: Jeremy Jay (Resilience)
Series: Oakwoods Series #5

Author: Kathy J. Perry

Publisher: Chickadee Words

Release Date: April 4, 2025

Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)

No one is perfect.

Jeremy Jay’s deformed foot has him giving up on himself even when no

one else is.He’s convinced he can’t live a normal life like the other jays

—until he gets the support of the oldest friend to every animal in Oakwoods.

Soon, Jeremy is singing a new tune, but can he go from doubter to teacher

when he meets another impaired blue jay?

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Buy from the author

Early Reading is so important for Children. Jeremy Jay: Resilence by Kathy J. Perry is Book 5 in the Oakwoods Series.

I truly LOVE books that are an easy read for Children as they begin to learn to read. I especially enjoyed this book as it also has valuable Character Teaching for Children. Jeremy Jay, a blue jay, is discouraged because of his deformed foot. He just wants to have friends and not be shunned. I really felt the sorrow and loneliness in Jeremy Jay while I was reading this book. I have a heart for Different Ability people and I heard the message throughout the book. I feel the message in this book is best learned when children are young. The age group that this book is geared toward is PERFECT. I also really love how the end of the book has discussion quesitons and helpful tools that really make this book even more of an educational and fun book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to families and Schools with young children. AMAZING BOOK!

Title: Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful)
Series: Oakwoods Series #2

Author: Kathy J. Perry

Publisher: Chickadee Words

Release Date: April 4, 2025

Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)

Kindness stinks!

At least that’s what Sally Skunkskin thinks. She’s rude when the beaver

minds his business. She’s rude when the coyotes and foxes have fun.

She’s even rude when Sneaks the snake tries to help her. She’s a blunt

skunk who needs a lesson in manners. But will she ever learn to hold

her tongue the way others hold their noses? She’d better because it’s

the only way Sally will ever enjoy the sweet smell of friendship.

Sally Skunkskin: Grumbles to Grateful is a warm and gentle story about

how to make friends and get along with others—even when you think no

one likes you.

Childrens Books are a great genre. Sally Skunkskin: Grumbles to Grateful by Kathy J. Perry is Book 1 in the Oakwoods Series. I have read a couple others in this series, although not in order. I am enjoying this series.

A Grumpy Skunk? YES that it the theme of this book. Sally is a Skunk who lives in the Woods with all the other Forest Animals. Sally is grumpy and rude to everyone she comes in contact with. Sally is taken aback when unkind words are spoken to her. Sally really begins to realize her grumpy and rudeness ways are hurtful, as she felt hurt when it happened to her. I really LOVE the message in this book. Rudeness can lead to bullying and teaching kids while they are young how to be kind and grateful to others is so important. The Discussion guide at the end of this book is a wonderful asset to the lesson being taught throughout the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to families and Schools with young children. BEAUTIFUL BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KathyJPerry.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Of the many jobs I’ve held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for me because investing in kids is so important. To this end, I continue to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact.

Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night.

When not writing, you’ll find me painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses.

Is this retirement? Apparently so! I’m loving every minute of it with my husband of 43 years.

Connect with Kathy J. Perry by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

(1) winner will receive a 5-book signed softcover bundle of the Oakwoods Series, bookmarks, and a $50 Amazon digital gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2025. Winners 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, June 24, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Bounty Hunter's Surrender by KyLee Woodley

Book: The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender (Outlaw Hearts Book 2)

Author: KyLee Woodley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 20, 2025

An expecting widow, a rugged bounty hunter, and a set of secrets that might shatter her fragile heart.

The death of Aubrey Willot’s wealthy but abusive husband left her with an unborn child, an empty chateau, and the last name of a criminal. When she learns he double-crossed a ruthless business associate, she’s forced to accept the protection of the handsome and daring bounty hunter tasked with finding her late husband’s fortune. Though Aubrey swore never to trust another man, she can’t help but be drawn to the bounty hunter’s rugged charm.

After a tragic mistake cost him everything, Nathan Reed spent years running from his past. Now, he needs funds to care for his orphaned niece, and quickly. The chance to retrieve a set of stolen documents offers an opportunity he can’t resist. He’ll find those papers and claim the reward, even if it means deceiving the alluring young widow.

As danger rises, Audrey’s strength, honesty, and compassion break down Nathan’s defenses, daring him to embrace a future he never imagined—a loving wife and a family of his own. But when his secrets are exposed, will his chance at redemption and Aubrey’s heart slip through his fingers?

Click here to get your copy!

Chrisitan Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. The Bounty Hunter's Surrender by Kylee Woodley is Book 2 in the Outlaw Hearts series. I read Book 1 in this series and was excited when I found out this book was releasing.

The setting is 1875 in San Francisco. The 2 main characters in this book are Aubrey Willot and Nathan Reed. Aubrey is a recent widow and about to give birth. She is trying to settle the matters of her deceased husband and get things in order before she gives birth. She discovers that she will have to fight for her husband's estate due to many complications of her husband being criminal. Nathan Reed, a Bounty Hunter, steps into protect her and to help her recover her late husband's estate. Unbeknown to Aubrey, Nathan is also in search of some paperwork that Aubrey's husband would have. The paperwork would help Nathan care for his niece. Aubrey is finding herself attracted to Nathan, although she swore off men. Will Nathan be able to protect Aubrey from the Danger that lurks? Will the pair be able to see the worth in themselves and each other?

VERY interesting and intriguing book from the beginning. Aubrey finds her life turned upside down with the death of her husband, yet she is relieved to be free from the abuse. Nathan has a past that he is ready to stop running from. He is ready to be a better man and person. I really love how the storyline showed his compassion and guilt at the same time when he knew he was deceiving Aubrey. Aubrey and Nathan know they need the Love of God to help them overcome barriers, but they are willing to Surrender, especially Nathan. The book is one of Faith, Romance, and Trust. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

KyLee Woodley is a cheery romantic who loves to write about bygone days and heartwarming romance with a pinch of adventure. She teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas, where she lives with her husband of eighteen years and their three teenage children. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show, a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.

In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky Dog—a feisty feline named Hazel, and three adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books with her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.

More from KyLee

When I began writing The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender, I had little more than an idea for a pregnant widow and a kind yet wounded man who had some history as an outlaw. The series is called Outlaw Hearts, so someone had to have a history as a bad guy. At one point, Nathan Reed—the reluctant hero—wonders if he can be a “good man” and remembers the Bible verse that says, “Can a…leopard change its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” Jeremiah 13:23 (KJV). I have always thought this verse so sad. After all, it sounds like it’s saying, “If you have been doing evil, you cannot do good.” But, of course, we also know that “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV). So there is hope for Nathan!

As for Aubrey Willot, well, her spiritual journey is a little different. She has already started on it when the story opens, but her greatest challenge is overcoming the fear from her past and living in the hopeful present. During her time as an abused wife, she became someone different, and now she is getting back to who God wants her to be. Here is a glimpse of Aubrey’s psyche just a few weeks after she’d entered widowhood:

Aubrey dared not admit the freedom she felt since Louis’s death. She could choose her own dress without worrying about smirks, criticisms, or being told to change. She had the ability to take as much jam at the breakfast table as she pleased. On her first morning after Pa and Jesse had left, once the will was read and she learned she was the sole heir to Louis’s estate, she spread enough jam on toast to feed five people. Then, she’d cried.

Sad to think that anyone would ever have to reach a place where they feel the way Aubrey does in the beginning of her story, but worry not. Her happily ever after is a sure thing. If you would like to join Nathan and Aubrey on their way to falling in love.

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 16
Pens Pages & Pulses, June 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18
Artistic Nobody, June 19 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21
Fiction Book Lover, June 22 (Author Interview)
lakesidelivingsite, June 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 24
For Him and My Family, June 25
Holly’s Book Corner, June 26
Simple Harvest Reads, June 27 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, June 27
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, June 27
Pause for Tales, June 28
Life on Chickadee Lane, June 29

To celebrate her tour, KyLee 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/00adcf54238

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Monday, June 23, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Seven Brides for Seven Texan Rangers by Gabrielle Meyer, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch, Susan Page Davis, Lorna Seilstad, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Vickie McDonough

Book: Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers

Authors: Gabrielle Meyer, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch, Susan Page Davis, Lorna Seilstad, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 17, 2025

Seven dedicated Texas Rangers risk their hearts and their honor in this thrilling saga of romance and justice in the untamed West.

In 1875 Texas, the notorious Markham gang threatens the peace of the frontier, prompting seven determined Rangers to pursue them across the state. But their mission becomes complicated when love ambushes the lawmen at every turn.

While tracking the outlaws, these stalwart Rangers encounter extraordinary women who challenge their dedication to the badge: a young widow protecting dangerous secrets, a jeweler’s daughter guarding precious cargo, a former soiled dove seeking redemption, a stubborn horse owner with a score to settle, a quick-thinking bank teller turned hostage, a talented silversmith forced into counterfeiting, and a brave witness who holds the key to bringing down the gang.

From train robberies to kidnappings, these Rangers must navigate the dangerous territory between protecting their hearts and upholding the law. But when love and duty collide, even the most steadfast lawman might be forced to choose between justice and romance.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance has been a favorite genre of mine for a long while. Seven Brides for Seven Texan Rangers byGabrielle Meyer, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch, Susan Page Davis, Lorna Seilstad, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Vickie McDonough is the latest book I have read. It is a Book 2 in the Lone Star Brothers series.

I dove right into the book and could not put it down. The setting is 1875 in Texas. The Texas Rangers are on the Hunt for the Markham Gang before they attack the Frontier. The journey the Seven Texas Rangers takes them on is not only about upholding the Law, but they are distracted by women who try to win their hearts. I LOVE that each Ranger meets a different woman and each woman is at a different stage in life. The Rangers know what their journey is about, getting justice for the Frontier, although their Hearts are being tugged by the women they have met. I was amazed at the Rangers approached their duties and took time for LOVE! The stories in the book focus on Faith, Trusting God's Plan and add in a bit of humor. I TRULY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction! SWEET, SWEET BOOK!

Gabrielle Meyer, a Minnesota native, draws inspiration for her historical fiction from the rich stories and landscapes of her home state, where she lives on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. A former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, Gabrielle loves weaving real people, places, and events into her captivating tales.

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch weaves her love for Jesus, history, romance, and sports into her stories, including The Debutante’s Code, the first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series. When she’s not crafting fiction or planning her next trip to a history museum.

Bestselling author Amanda Barratt brings to life overlooked moments in history through her award-winning novels, including The Warsaw Sisters, Within These Walls of Sorrow, and The White Rose Resists. Based in Michigan, she’s often immersed in research, tackling her ever-growing TBR stack, or savoring a slice of lemon cake.

Carol Award finalist Lorna Seilstad explores life’s complexities with humor in her nine novels, including the Lake Manawa Summers and Gregory Sisters series, as well as several novella collections. When she’s not writing, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, plans weddings, or spends time with her Pyredoodle, Honey Bea.

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a family of three adorable Londoners. Though she’s an avid reader and loves road trips with her husband, if it’s a Saturday in the fall you’ll find Kathleen cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies.

More from Erica

Hello! I’m Erica Vetsch, and I am thrilled that the Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers novella collection is being republished by Wild Heart Books. This collection, and its predecessor, Seven Brides for Seven Texans, are dear to my heart.

If you have read my previous blog post about Seven Brides for Seven Texans, you will know that all the authors in the collection worked closely together and collaborated well to bring the interconnected novellas into one cohesive story. This required lots of cooperation and communication, and a careful readthrough for continuity.

The process was so much fun that when the original publisher approached me about creating a sequel, I was eager to do so. Six out of seven of the original authors were game to try it all again, and we recruited someone to fill the vacancy left when one of the originals retired from writing fiction.

This time, however, much of the groundwork had been laid. Though we needed seven new heroes and seven new heroines, the setting and especially the town of Hartsville were already set in stone.

For Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers, it was again incumbent upon me to come up with a basic premise for the entire collection, in this case a band of Texas Rangers chasing a gang of bad guys, and then let the authors choose their own storylines. We communicated with one another to make certain that each story would be different, but also be part of the whole. Bank robberies, kidnappings, horse thieves, witness protection and more! All set against the backdrop of the American West.

Once again, the authors agreed to turn their mss in to me early so I could read them all for continuity, since I was the person most familiar with all the stories. I was able to make notes on each novella that helped the project editor and speed up the editorial process.

It was a joy working so closely with this group of authors. I learned so much about their processes and talents, and they established a high bar. I enjoyed each and every story in this collection, and I hope you will, too!