Monday, June 14, 2021

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Songstress by Lori Bates Wright

Book: The Songstress

Author: Lori Bates Wright

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 16, 2021

Rising opera star, Juliana Chamberlain, still has nightmares of the night she witnessed the assassination of the President of the United States from her spot on stage at Ford Theater. Recruited by The Pinkerton Detective Agency, Juliana was instrumental in bringing those responsible to justice.

Now, two years later, the Pinkertons ask her once again to join forces in exposing a corrupt political organization terrorizing her home in Texas.

Texas Ranger, Cade Matlock, has a job to do. He needs no help from a meddlesome diva with big ideas. However, he is a man of his word. He’s committed to partner with the lovely songstress to smoke out the mastermind of a dangerous clan who has proven he will stop at nothing to satisfy his thirst for vengeance.

Cade and Juliana soon discover their greatest strength is in working together until shadows of the past threaten to destroy their future.

Click here to get your copy!

I really love Christian Historical Romance books. The Songstress by Lori Bates Wright is set in the Cival War Period and is the first book in her new series, A Matter of Intrigue.

Juliana Chamberlain is still terrified with memories of witnessing President Lincoln get assassinated. She worked along with The Pinkerton Detective Agency and helped bring the suspects to justice. Fast forward 2 yrs ahead and The Pinkerton Detective Agency is asking for her help once again. Juliana is being recruited help the Agency, but Texas Ranger Cade Matlock, could prefer to do his job without a female meddling in his job. Cade eventually and reluctantly agrees to work with Juliana in exposing the Political Organization. It seems danger has come their way and they must really work together and not against one another. The closeness in them working together, they realize they might be falling for one another with a romantic flair. Will Juliana and Cade be able to avoid the danger and stop the Terrorizing Political Organization? Will Cade and Juliana find their relationship turn into a Romantic Relationship?

WOW, just WOW!! I truly wasn't expecting to like this book, much less LOVE it as much as I do. The Cival War era isn't one that interest me, but Lori Bates Wright has such a GREAT writing style, that I was very interested. Juliana is such a strong woman. Cade is determined and independent, and then Juliana comes along and captures his heart. The storyline just flows really well from beginning to end and I couldn't put the book down until I was done! I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Lori Bates Wright is an award winning author with a love for history.

Raised in New Mexico, Lori now lives in Texas with her husband of 38 years. She has two grown kids and four adorable grand boys (who leap tall buildings in a single bound!) When she’s not writing, she’s heading up small group ministries with her husband. She enjoys speaking and interacting with women of all ages.

More from Lori

Growing up, my family loved to laugh.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are centered around my grandmother’s dining room table listening in while my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles told amazing stories. Sometimes I laughed until I’d lose my breath. Sometimes I sat quietly, taking in the bravery and perseverance shown by those who’d gone before me.

History has been a passion ever since. Couple that with an insatiable love for story and there you have the heart of what inspires me to write.

So, when it came time to brain-storm for this brand new series, I decided to take a known historical event and think about it from every angle. Beyond the recognized players, to the “what if” characters that might have played a role. And, ultimately, how such an event would have changed the course of their lives.

Thus, a star was born.

In THE SONGSTRESS, Juliana Chamberlain witnessed the assassination from her place on the stage. Because I love a little mystery and intrigue, I decided that the leading detective agency of the day would have enlisted her help in identifying the accomplices. Allen Pinkerton had been known to hire a lady detective or two, so she would be trained by the best. Her investigative skills proved helpful in bringing a quick resolution to the case.

Fast forward four years and she’s still haunted by what she saw that night. When Pinkerton again approaches her about a case involving her family in Texas, she accepts.

Being from Texas, I was so happy she did. I’ve wanted to write a story based in the Lone Star State for quite awhile. I loved visiting Georgia and the shores of England in my last series, but I have to say it was good to bring this one home. With all the rugged charm of the post-Civil War era, this book has a little more local flavor than my last three. Al-in-all, I believe my readers are in for a treat. A new cast of fun, quirky characters as we revisit a significant time in our nation.

So, here’s to new beginnings! Or as we say in Texas, “Hang on, y’all are in for a wild ride!”

Happy reading!
Lori

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 11
Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 12
Connect in Fiction, June 12
Inklings and notions, June 13
Rebecca Tews, June 13
Texas Book-aholic, June 14
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 14
lakesidelivingsite, June 15
To Everything There Is A Season, June 15
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 15
For Him and My Family, June 16
Labor Not in Vain, June 16
deb’s Book Review, June 17
Genesis 5020, June 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 18
HookMeInABook, June 18
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 19
Inside the Wong Mind, June 19
The Christian Fiction Girl, June 20
Connie’s History Classroom, June 20
A Baker’s Perspective, June 21
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 21
Blossoms and Blessings, June 22
Lis Loves Reading, June 22
Pause for Tales, June 23
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 23
Mary Hake, June 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24
KarenSueHadley, June 24

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a Texas Gift basket including a signed copy of THE SONGSTRESS and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

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/10d53/the-songstress-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Sunday, June 13, 2021

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Captain's Quest by Lorri Dudley

Book: The Captain’s Quest

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 22, 2021

Innocent mistakes can have dire consequences.

Pricilla Middleton only attended the Lemoore house party to keep her friend out of trouble. Now, her only chance to keep from becoming a gossip column headline is to sneak aboard her brother’s ship and pretend she’d been visiting him instead of taking part in the debacle. Before she can speak to her brother, the ship sets sail, and the man in charge is not at all who she expects.

Captain Tobias Prescott, son of an infamous war hero, has been assigned on a critical mission to deploy warships in St. Kitts for battle in New Orleans. Unfortunately, his orders require him to assume command of a friend’s ship, and he must weigh anchor the instant the former captain is escorted down the gangplank. When they reach open waters, the last thing he expects is to find a woman hiding in the captain’s cabin, yet his mission is too urgent to return her to England.

The Middleton name has always brought Tobias trouble, and Pricilla is no exception. As the waters clear and the temperature warms, the danger escalates too. Yet Tobias discovers the intuitive and strong woman who struggles to hide her anxiety is nothing like her disloyal brother. He may lose the opportunity to help his country, but perhaps he can still save the woman who’s rescued his heart.

Click here to get your copy!

Lorri Dudley is a new to me author. I always enjoy reading books from authors that I am just learning about. The Captain's Quest is her latest book and is Book 4 in The Leeward Islands series. The genre is Christian Historical Romance, which is another great aspect of this book as I enjoy this genre.

Pricilla Middleton attended a party with her friend and is now sneaking on the ship that her brother works on. She is about to speak to her brother, when the ship sails away from the port. She soon finds out her brother is no longer in charge of the ship. Captain Tobias Prescott is now manning the ship and when he discovers Pricilla in the Captain's quarters, he isn't all to happy. especially when he discovers she is part of the Middleton family. He also knows his mission is too focused to be able to return her to England, he must sail on. The ship comes into some dangerous times at sea and this is when Captain Tobias discovers not all the Middletons are as bad as her brother. He sees the anxiety and fear in Pricilla and strikes up a conversation with her. Will there be a spark of Romance between Tobias and Pricilla? Will Pricilla overcome her anxiety and learn to trust others?

WOW, this book is definitely a page turner! I was hooked from the very first page. The characters truly and the authors writing style make the book a very interesting read. Pricilla is a very determined woman and Tobias is a great leader. There were many parts of the book where I felt I knew what was going to happen next, OHHHH how wrong I was. The book is not predictable and I totally LOVE that! The Captain's Quest is Book 4 in the series, I have not read the other 3 books(YET), and I was not lost in reading this book. GREAT standalone book! FANTASTIC BOOK!!

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.

More from Lorri

Priscilla Middleton’s character begged for her story to be told. The Captain’s Quest is the fourth book in the Leeward Island series. While it can read as a stand-alone, the heroine, Priscilla, had a brief guest appearance at the beginning of book two, The Merchant’s Yield, as Lottie’s closest friend. With Lottie now living on the isle of St. Kitts, that left Priscilla to navigate the London season all on her own. I imagined what mischief a young woman would find whose parents allowed her too much freedom, especially with her friend, the voice of reason, across the Atlantic.

When my close friend moved to Michigan, the loss of her physical presence left me feeling disoriented, lost, and out of place, even in familiar surroundings. There was loneliness, a desperate need to replace what was missing, and fears about being forgotten. In Lottie’s absence, Priscilla clings to an unhealthy friendship, landing herself in a precarious situation, with no other option but to hide aboard her brother’s ship to save her reputation and that of her family.

The biggest issue with running from problems is that we can’t run from ourselves. Priscilla avoids one catastrophe only to walk right into another as Captain Tobias Prescott takes command of the ship. She blames the brooding captain for her predicament only to realize she’s battling the wrong enemy. The more Priscilla tries to hide from the problems she must face within herself, the further she drifts from everyone she knows and the chance to be fully loved.

Although Priscilla’s story was drafted pre-pandemic, her struggles are similar to those that surfaced during the lockdowns. Anxiety, loneliness, isolation, fear, and feelings of being disregarded mounted as the pandemic spread. Vacations, Thanksgivings, and Christmases were canceled. Families couldn’t visit or see each other—the feeling of being forgotten sliced open raw wounds.

Cory Ashbury’s song Reckless Love was popular as I plotted The Captain’s Quest, and the lyrics from the book of Matthew of how God will leave the ninety-nine to chase after the one lost sheep developed Priscilla’s story. Through its comical mishaps, dramatic twists, and struggles to prevail, The Captain’s Quest is a reminder of the heights, depths, and lengths that our great God will go to show His passionate love for us.

To learn more, checkout my website at LorriDudley.com, or watch The Captain’s Quest book trailer by clicking here: The Captain’s Quest trailer.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1
Blossoms and Blessings, June 1
Texas Book-aholic, June 2
Just Writing, June 2
For Him and My Family, June 3
Connect in Fiction, June 3
Inklings and notions, June 4
Life of Literature, June 4
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 5
Batya’s Bits, June 5
deb’s Book Review, June 6
Kayem Reads, June 6
She Lives To Read, June 7
Betti Mace, June 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 7
The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 8
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 8
Rebecca Tews, June 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 9
Blessed & Bookish, June 9
Remembrancy, June 10
Genesis 5020, June 10
Connie’s History Classroom, June 11
KarenSueHadley, June 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 12
Daysong Reflections, June 12
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 12
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 13
Simple Harvest Reads, June 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 14
HookMeInABook, June 14

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

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/10cce/the-captain-s-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Friday, June 11, 2021

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Rebuilding Joy by Regina Mudd Merrick

Rebuilding Joy JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Rebuilding Joy
Series: RenoVations #2
Author: Regina Rudd Merrick
Publisher: Bellville Street Books
Release Date: June 2, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance

A waitress, a contractor, and an FBI agent walk into a café …

Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children are in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene.

Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it.

Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding.

Just another day in Clementville.

His lips twitched and he held out his arm, which she took.

As before, walking out the door with Del, she lost track of everyone and everything around them. She felt like she was in an old movie. The heroine in a flowing gown suitable for a romantic dance sequence, and the hero in a suit and tie...and a haircut.

“You got your hair cut for the wedding.” She tilted her head. “It looks so good.”

“I know Nick is better-looking than me...”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“Oh?” Del’s half-lidded eyes did something to her when she turned on the sidewalk to face him.

“Don’t get the big head.” It came out much softer than she’d intended.

Del’s face was, as he would put it, serious as a heart attack, which she wondered if she wasn’t experiencing.

“How can I not, when I have the prettiest girl in the county standing here in front of me?”

Nervous butterflies had been fluttering inside her all day, but now? With the sun setting in the west behind the historic building, the golden glow around them feeling magical? Those

butterflies were threatening, big-time, to escape into the atmosphere when

she flew apart piece by piece if Del didn’t do something, and quick.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | IndieBound

ALSO AVAILABLE

Regina Rudd Merrick

Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com

CONNECT WITH REGINA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

(3) winner will receive their choice of ebook or signed print copy of Rebuilding Joy!

Rebuilding Joy JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 7, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 14, 2021. 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!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Sunday, June 6, 2021

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Written Off by Barbara Cornthwaite

Book: Written Off

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release date: May 2021

”Break a leg?” They’ll be lucky if they don’t all break their necks!

After years of waiting, Katrina finally has her happily ever after. All is right with her world . . . until hate crimes begin happening in the charming college town of Wilkester. Even more disturbing is the fact that the perpetrator seems to be connected with the writing class Katrina teaches. How can she prevent her rosy visions of the future from turning into broken dreams?

Find out in this third book of the Wilkester Mysteries.

Click here to get your copy!

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of the 3rd book in the Wilkester Mysteries series. Written Off by Barbara Cornthwaite is here and I recently read the book!

Katrina, who is in her 40's, is busy planning her long awaited Wedding as a first time Bride. She is also a Writing Teacher. The town of Wilkester is a happy little town, until Hate Crimes begin happening. Wilkester is a town where this type of crime never happens. The shocking part for Katrina is that it seems the crimes could be the acts of one of her students. Will the Hate Crimes damage the town and the townspeople? Will the town find the person who is doing these acts of hate? Will Katrina have her Happy Wedding without incident?

WOW, what a fantastic storyline. I really appreciate how the author focuses the story not on a murder, but something that is happening in today's world and times. Hate Crimes are unfortunately too common in the past few years and something that needs to be stopped. I also like the 2 main characters, Katrina and Todd. Katrina has a bubbly personality and Todd is so sweet. They make a GREAT couple and so excited for their wedding.

I have read the previous 2 books in this series and Book 3 was just as GREAT as the first 2. Having read the first 2 makes the 3rd book easy to read and understand, but I also feel that it would be a good read for those who didn't read the first 2. GREAT BOOK!

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

More from Barbara

What Kind of Lessons Could a Mystery Possibly Teach Me?

It’s been a couple decades since I taught a college English class, and writing the Wilkester Mysteries with Professor Katrina Peters as the main character brought back happy memories of teaching. Not enough to want to go back to it—homeschooling my own kids is much more rewarding—but enough that I had to stop myself from writing much longer lectures into the stories! These are my first contemporary novels, and it was nice to write a story without the hours and hours of historical research I usually have to do. But whatever time period stories are set in, people feel the same emotions and have to learn the same spiritual lessons.

Katrina loves literature and can’t help seeing her own life as a story. The only problem is that she keeps thinking she knows what the Author is doing, and she has definite ideas about what the plot should be. She is not unlike myself: over and over I’ve thought I knew what God was doing in my life. And if He was short on ideas, I had quite a few that He was free to use! But He has rarely been doing what I thought He was, and for some reason He never seems to use my ideas about what could happen in my story. Both Katrina and I need to learn the lesson that God’s wisdom is beyond ours, His storytelling is much deeper and richer than ours, and His plots are never predictable!