Thursday, July 7, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Heirloom by Sandra Byrd

Heirlooms JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Heirlooms

Author: Sandra Byrd

Publisher: Tyndale

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Genre: Dual Timeline Fiction,Christian

Answering a woman’s desperate call for help, young Navy widow Helen Devries opens her Whidbey Island home as a refuge to Choi Eunhee. As they bond over common losses and a delicate, potentially devastating secret, their friendship spans the remainder of their lives.

After losing her mother, Cassidy Quinn spent her childhood summers with her gran, Helen, at her farmhouse. Nourished by her grandmother’s love and encouragement, Cassidy discovers a passion that she hopes will bloom into a career. But after Helen passes, Cassidy learns that her home and garden have fallen into serious disrepair. Worse, a looming tax debt threatens her inheritance. Facing the loss of her legacy and in need of allies and ideas, Cassidy reaches out to Nick, her former love, despite the complicated emotions brought by having him back in her life.

Cassidy inherits not only the family home but a task, spoken with her grandmother’s final breaths: ask Grace Kim—Eunhee’s granddaughter—to help sort through the contents of the locked hope chest in the attic. As she and Grace dig into the past, they unearth their grandmothers’ long-held secret and more. Each startling revelation reshapes their understanding of their grandmothers and ultimately inspires the courage to take risks and make changes to own their lives.

Set in both modern-day and midcentury Whidbey Island, Washington, this dual-narrative story of four women—grandmothers and granddaughters—intertwines across generations to explore the secrets we keep, the love we pass down, and the heirlooms we inherit from a well-lived life.

"This is women's fiction as it is meant to be written with intriguing characters making decisions that ripple through generations." - Library Journal, starred review

I have come to enjoy Dual Timeline books with a passion. Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd is a Dual Timeline Christian Fiction book. I was very intrigued by the Synopsis and was excited to get the chance to read it.

Helen Devries was a young widow of a Navy Sailor. She was asked to take in a refuge, Choi Eunhee, and she agreed. Helen and Choi bonded rather quickly as they had lots in common and shared a deep secret. Their friendship lasted a lifetime. Cassidy Quinn spent Summers with Grandma Helen at the Farmhouse and Grandma Helen was encouraging and Loving to Cassidy. Cassidy was devasted when Grandma Helen passed away, but she also heard Grandma tell her "ask Grace Kim". Grace Kim was the granddaughter of Helen's lifelong friend, Choi Eunhee. Cassidy learned that the house she was to inherit needed many repairs and that there was a large amount of tax debt on the house. Although it isn't ideal, she reaches out to her ex-boyfriend, Nick, to help her navigate the inheritance and repair issues. Upon getting all the inheritance issues straightened out, Cassidy accesses the house. She also speaks to Grace Kim and they begin to honor her late Grandma Helen's dying advice and clean out the Hope Chest in the attic. Cassidy and Grace Kim uncover their Grandmother's deep secret in the Chest. The Hope Chest also reveals some family legacies and so much more.

I LOVED this book from beginning to end. The Dual Timeline flowed beautifully throughout the story and I had no problem following along. The relationship between Grandma Helen and Cassidy was so precious. Cassidy and Grace Kim share a special bond like their Grandmothers also did. I personally love Family Legacies and passing things down to the next generation. Heirlooms is a heartwarming story of 2 different generations sharing a bond in a special way. The author does a wonderful job at bringing the story of the Dual timeline to life! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Bestselling author Sandra Byrd continues to earn both industry acclaim and high praise from readers everywhere. The author of more than fifty books, her work has received many awards, nominations, and accolades, including the Historical Novel Society’s Editor’s Choice award, two Christy Award nominations, Two Library Journal Best Book selections, and inclusion on Booklist’s Top Ten Inspirational Books of the Year list. Her traditionally published books include titles by Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Tyndale House Publishers, WaterBrook Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and Bethany House. She’s also an independent author.

Sandra loves walking, the beach, cooking and baking, photography, watching Escape to the Country, Fake or Fortune, and Chef’s Table, as well as spending time with family and friends – real and fictional! Connect with Sandra at www.sandrabyrd.com, www.sandrabyrdbookcoach.com, or through social media platforms.

CONNECT WITH SANDRA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

(1) winner will receive a King Arthur Cinnamon Roll Kit, including the heavy-gauge pan, plus a $25 Starbucks card!

Heirlooms 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 July 5, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 12, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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.

Pin It

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Her Cowboy Wedding Date by Cari Lynn Webb

Her Cowboy Wedding Date JustRead Blog + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Her Cowboy Wedding Date by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Her Cowboy Wedding date

Series: Three Springs Texas

Author: Cari Lynn Webb

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: June 2022

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Could this cowboy… Be her wedding date?

Maid of honor Tess Palmer has two weeks to plan her cousin’s wedding. She will do anything to make the ceremony perfect…even if it means wrangling best man Carter Sloan’s help. The cynical cowboy would rather focus on his business than wedded bliss, and widowed Tess isn’t looking for a second chance at love. But could planning a trip down the aisle bring the two of them together?

I really enjoy a good Romance book and I also enjoy Harlequin Heartwarming books. The books are short and easy to read. Her Cowboy Wedding Date by Cari Lynn Webb is the latest book that I have read. It is Book 3 in Three Springs, Texas series. I have not read the first 2 books in the series, although I wasn't lost when reading this one.

Abby and Wes are only 2 weeks away from their wedding day when their Wedding Planner skips town with their money. They are devasted to be left with no one to help plan their special day. Tess Palmer is Abby's cousin and Maid of Honor. Tess decides to jump into action and take over the wedding planning. She enlists the help of the Best Man, Carter Sloan. Carter isn't too fond of being volunteered to help with the planning but he goes along with it. Tess is a widow who isn't looking for any relationship too soon, as she is trying to open a new business. Carter is focused on building his Whiskey Business up. He has been hurt in a past relationship and doesn't want to find a new woman quite yet. Tess and Carter begin to spend quite a bit of time together planning the wedding and realize that they are falling for one another. Tess is surprised when her cousin Abby and Wes get married at the courthouse. Will Tess and Carter realize they are ready for a relationship?

I LOVED this book! Tess is a character that reminds me of myself. I like that Tess is always looking out for others and jumping into action at a minute's notice to help. I am similar to her character. Carter is a man that likes to take care of family and keeps priorities in order. Tess and Carter have both been through rough relationships in the past, so they guard their hearts. I really like how they eventually let their guards down to be open to a new relationship. I have never read any books by Cari Lynn Webb, but I am definetly going to read more of her books! GREAT BOOK!

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. 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: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and signed copies of the first two books in the Three Springs, Texas series!

Her Cowboy Wedding Date 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 July 6, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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.

Pin It

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Hair Calamaties and Hot Cash by Gail Pallotta

Book: Hair Calamities and Hot Cash

Author: Gail Pallotta

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: 2018

What happens when a New York stockbroker crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s North Carolina beauty shop … on the same day the young widow’s defective hair products are causing wild hairdos? Soon, Eve finds herself helping the handsome stranger hunt the thieves who stole his clients cash…and hot on the trail of two of the FBI’s most-wanted criminals!

Romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back the money.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Christian Fiction and I also like Comedy. Hair Calamities And Hot Cash by Gail Pallotta is a great mix of those genres. I was excited to read this book after reading the synopsis.

Eve Castleberry owns a Beauty Salon in small-town Triville, North Carolina. Her salon is always busy and she has wonderful clients. The day she is experiencing some issues with her products and she is trying to resolve the problems, a car crashes right into her storefront. The vehicle belongs to Phillip, a big city stockbroker, and he apologizes profusely to Eve. Phillip discovers money that belongs to a client has been stolen. Eve decides to help Phillip find the missing money. The pair find themselves spending quite a bit of time together and they begin to have feelings for each other. Phillip tries to tell Eve a Long distance relationship is workable. Eve, a recent widow, is protecting her heart as she doesn't know if she is ready for a relationship. She is also worried that Phillip with go back to the Big City and she will be left with a broken heart. Will they find the stolen Cash? Will they have a chance at Romance?

WOW, just WOW!! I laughed so hard reading this book, it was amazing! The mix-up with the Hair Products at Eve's Salon were quite humorous. I LOVE how Eve tries to fix all the hair issues. She is all around a fun-loving person and it shows in the adventures to find the stolen cash. Phillip is such a wonderful man and I LOVE how he sees the humor in Eve and falls in love with her. It would seem this book would be all over the place, but it really wasn't. It was an easy-to-read and AMAZING BOOK! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Humor and Romance! GREAT BOOK!

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner and a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist. She’s published six books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.

More from Gail

Even mysterious events and robbery can’t stop the fun, laughs and romance that follow after New York stock broker Philip Wells crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s beauty shop.

Hair Calamities and Hot Cash is a contemporary romance with mystery and comical scenes about a New Yorker and a lonely, young widow in the North Carolina Mountains who fall for each other amid a crisis, danger and suspense.

The story behind Hair Calamities and Hot Cash began many years ago in a small town at the foothills of the North Carolina Mountains, where my mother ran a beauty shop.

Her salon doubled as a meeting place where customers who knew each other discussed how to make the latest recipe, what to do about world affairs and everything in between, including family relations, births, deaths and weddings. Clients planned showers, graduation parties and get-togethers for new neighbors while hair flew.

Mostly townspeople showed up, and the spirit of the community overflowed. The residents had disagreements, but they didn’t abhor those who thought differently from them. They had close friends, acquaintances, people they tolerated and those they kept at a distance. As in most small environments, they gossiped and could be nosey. However, when someone grieved for a loved one, suffered from an illness or any other crisis, prayers went up and casseroles went out no matter whether the person was a best friend or someone held at a distance. They all were God’s children.

The walls of Mother’s beauty shop echoed the spirit of the community, and I wanted to bring it back. I set the mystery, romance and shenanigans in the Western North Carolina Mountains. Many years ago, a friend my father knew in college came to visit us, and we drove him to the mountains. He said, “I’ve traveled the world over, and I’ve never seen a place any prettier than these hills.” I wanted to share the awe-inspiring scenery. I believe we need those peaceful surroundings and the sense of community now more than when I wrote the book.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 22
Book Looks by Lisa, June 22
For Him and My Family, June 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 24
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 25
Texas Book-aholic, June 26
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 27
Inklings and notions, June 28
deb’s Book Review, June 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 1 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Guild Master, July 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3
A Baker’s Perspective, July 4 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 5

To celebrate her tour, Gail is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1f459/hair-calamities-and-hot-cash-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: From Shore to Shore by Tabitha Bouldin

Book: From Shore to Shore

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 31, 2022

Can one captain show her the deep love of the ultimate Captain without falling in love himself?

Bree Jamison comes to Sparrow Island for one reason: to study coral reefs. She’s not interested in happily-ever-after and certainly won’t allow her handsome boat captain to sway her into believing these islands are different from any others. But when she finds an old shipwreck and learns the history of pirates and treasure, Bree finds herself searching for something that always feels just out of reach.

Cooper Carmichael takes the job as boat captain for the enigmatic Bree to further his career. He never expected her to be so driven—or so painfully opposed to God.

All Cooper wants is his happy island life. He wants for nothing. In fact, he’s made it his mission to be content. In every aspect of his life. Bree throws a wrench in his plan as her presence pushes Cooper to want for things he deems unnecessary.

A man striving for contentment. A woman who believes God is picking on her.

It takes one to show the other that no matter which shore you find yourself on, God got there first.

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

I have been enjoying the Independence Islands series. I have read several of the books. One thing I especially like is that each book in the series is written by a variety of authors, but all the books flow together nicely. From Shore to Shore by Tabitha Bouldin is Book 23 in the Independence Islands series of Books. I was soo excited to read this book!

Bree Jamison is a Marine Biologist who visits Sparrow Island with one plan in mind which is to Study the Coral Reefs. She is very focused on her career and feels she has no time for any relationships. Bree is very excited when she comes upon a ShipWreck and all its treasures. She learns about Pirates and more after her discovery. It is then she realizes that she is really searching for something that might not be able to happen. Cooper Carmichael is the boat captain for Bree's excursion to the Reefs. He is impressed with her focus on the reefs and her study. He is saddened at the fact that she is not a Christian. Cooper is a man of contentment and wants very little in life. He really enjoys his life on the Island. He is trying really hard to not fall in love with Bree, but he also wants to show her Christs Love is real. Will Bree find joy in what she is searching for? Will there be a romance between Coope and Bree? Does Bree stay on Sparrow Island?

WOW, another GREAT Book by Tabitha Bouldin and another great addition to the Independence Island series! Bree is a career focused woman and doesn't seem happy most of the time. Cooper is a Content man and has joy. I really like how the author takes the strengths and weaknesses of both characters to help each other. I have to say my favorite character in the book was Cooper, as I LOVE being Content in life, so that really resonated with me. The story is one of second chances, trust, and faith. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. Tabitha spent ten years working as a Medical Assistant before God opened the door which allowed her to become a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom and author.

More from Tabitha

Writing in the Independence Islands series has been a true blessing, and From Shore to Shore is no different, except that these characters brought out feelings that I never expected.

Most of the time, when I go into a story, I know a bit of what’s going to happen. I already understand the characters’ backstory and what has driven them to this point in there life where I’ve picked up their tale and begun to weave it into a book.

Bree decided she wanted to go another route.

Cooper didn’t want to talk to me for half the book.

Christian walked onto the page and tried to take over because he didn’t want to wait for his turn in book five.

These characters, I tell you what, they’re a demanding bunch.

Finally, though, finally they settled in and told me their story.

You might remember Cooper, he’s Mel’s brother and he showed up in book one, Mishaps off the Mainland. Cooper is a delightful yet careful captain who delights in the open ocean and loves the islands.

Bree is a tangled mess of consternation. She scorns love and believes it to be a trap. Even God’s love is suspect in Bree’s eyes.

These two are imperfectly suited for each other, but God has a plan to help them both, and He helped me through every page of From Shore to Shore, a story that shows no matter how far you run, no matter what shore you find yourself on, God got there first.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 23
Christina’s Corner, June 23
lakesidelivingsite, June 24
An Author’s Take, June 25
Texas Book-aholic, June 25
Inklings and notions, June 26
For Him and My Family, June 27
Sylvan Musings, June 27
deb’s Book Review, June 28
Aryn the Libraryan, June 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 30
Life, Love, Writing, July 1
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 2
Blossoms and Blessings, July 3
Miriam Jacob, July 3
She Lives To Read, July 4
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 5
Blogging With Carol, July 5
Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1f45b/from-shore-to-shore-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Monday, July 4, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty

Book: The Fragrance of Violets

Author: Susan K. Beatty

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: May 17, 2022

Life crushes us with its weight sometimes.

Fiona’s father abandoned her when she was twelve. So when she learns that he’s the groom’s father in the wedding she’s been assigned to manage, all the old hurts resurface. Maybe if he’d just explain himself and ask forgiveness, she’d get over the pain he left her with—pain she obviously hadn’t left behind after all.

When Nason discovered he wasn’t Fiona’s biological father, and when her mother tried to sabotage his marriage, he felt like he had no other option but to leave and never look back. Running into her again—awkward to say the least. And he can’t understand why she feels betrayed—why she expects him to seek forgiveness.

As if life weren’t complicated enough, Fiona meets Trevor, which sparks a possible romance. New faith, an overdose, and revelations combine with Trevor’s discipleship and shows her how forgiveness really works.

What will it take for Nason to swallow his pride and see how his actions hurt an innocent child?

The Fragrance of Violets—as Mark Twain once said, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”

Click here to get your copy!

Women's Christian Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K. Beatty is a book that falls into that genre. This is Book 2 in the Faces of Courage Series. I have read Book 1 in this series, so I was excited to read Book 2 also.

Fiona was abandoned by her "father" when she was just 12 yrs old. She is now and adult and is shocked to run into Nason at a wedding she is managing. The encounter was awkward for both. Fiona has always wondered why Nason abandoned her. Nason reveals that he left when he found out he is not his Biological Father for Fiona. Nason also wonders why she still harbors anger at him and why she feels the need for forgiveness. Trevor comes into Fiona's life and she is very interested in him. Trevor has been through a lot in his life yet he has a strong will and faith. Will Fiona ever receive the apology and talk with Nason? Will there be a Romance between Trevor and Fiona?

WOW, this book really takes the reader on an emotional ride. The author really touches greatly on the topic of Forgiveness and how to give and receive it. I really like how Fiona really grew up throughout the book as she had to face her past. Trevor was an outstanding character in the book and really taught Fiona a lot about forgiveness. Nason had to also face the past and reveal to Fiona his reason for leaving the family. I really like the relationship between Trevor and Fiona. I was tearing up throughout the book as forgiveness can be a difficult thing to do and learn for so many. I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance books! GREAT BOOK!

Who says you can’t begin a new career after middle age? Certainly not Susan K. Beatty. She is passionate about writing about finding courage through faith and grit, particularly through the trials of breast cancer and other life trials. Her daughter is a metastatic breast cancer “thriver” and has been an inspiration for her writing. Susan’s first novel, Faces of Courage, debuted May 2021, as part of the Faces of Courage series, including several novelettes. She is also the author of An Introduction to Home Education (AKA California Homeschool Manual). Susan is a professional writer/journalist and is active in the writer community. She is proof you can begin a fiction writing career at any age.

More from Susan

The Fragrance of Violets’ story has yearned to be told for many years now—before I created my tagline, Courage: The Intersection of faith and grit. But it fits perfectly. A similar situation existed a long time ago in the life of an acquaintance. I thought all parties handled it badly, and I longed to make it right. Of course, being an outsider, the only way I could make it right was by creating a novel.

Fiona and Nason, the main characters, are total figments of my imagination, and the details of the story are substantially different. But the core, abandonment, the need to ask for and grant forgiveness, and the courage to meet them, is real and universal.

I desired to show that even when we think we’ve done nothing wrong, we need to seek the Lord and ask Him to reveal where we need to own up to our mistakes and seek forgiveness. Also, I wanted to show that although it is difficult to forgive when we’ve been horribly wronged (and how horrible to have the person you thought of as your father abandon you and with no apparent explanation or remorse), it’s possible with courage. The courage that comes from faith and action.

My prayer is that Fiona and Nason (despite his past) will inspire readers to find their own courage through whatever situations in which they find themselves.