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!

Sylvan Musings, June 14
Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 14
Life on Chickadee Lane, June 15
Vicky Sluiter, June 16
Pens Pages & Pulses, June 16
She Lives To Read, June 17
Madi’s Musings, June 17
lakesidelivingsite, June 18
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 20
Texas Book-aholic, June 21
Blossoms and Blessings, June 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23
Simple Harvest Reads, June 24 (Guest Review from Donna)
Holly’s Book Corner, June 24
Cover Lover Book Review, June 25
For Him and My Family, June 26
Pause for Tales, June 27
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 27

To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Books Authors are 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/00adcf54236

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner

Echos of Darkness JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Echoes of Darkness
Author: Darlene L. Turner
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Thriller

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

Christian Suspense Romance is always an intriguing genre to read. Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner is the latest book that I have read. I have read many books by Darlene L. Turner and I was excited to read this book.

I can honestly say this storyline was suspenseful from the very first chapter. The setting is Kenorapeake Falls in Ontario, Canada. The main characters are Constable Oaklynn Brock and Caleb Greene. Constable Oaklynn feels like she can start a chapter in life and leave the past in the past. Life takes a turn once again when she is given the task to investigate some recent deaths. Caleb is part of a special task force and he doesn't want to work alongside Oaklynn, but he can't refuse because the cases are too risky not to help. Oaklynn and Caleb discover that things from the past are hindering the investigation and they must come to terms with those or things can get dramatic and dangerous. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The characters had to forgive the past in order to deal with the here and now. The storyline is a definite page turner. The book is one of Drama, God's grace and unfailing love, and forgiveness for the past. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves Chrsitian Suspense and Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Also Available

Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

(4) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 23, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 30, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. 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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iRead Book Tours Blog Tour: PEI's PIneapple Cakes by Crystal Z. Lee

Book Details:

Book Title: Pei's Pineapple Cakes by Crystal Z. Lee
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Balestier Press
Publication Date: May 10, 2025.
Tour dates: June 9 to June 27
Content Rating: G

While visiting her grandmother in central Taiwan, Pei finds herself in the middle of a mystery. The pineapple cakes from her grandmother's bakery have disappeared! Soon Pei is collecting clues as she embarks on a quest to find the missing pineapple cakes.

From traditional Taiwanese artisan craftsmanship to picturesque villages of central Taiwan, Pei discovers the beauty of her grandmother's hometown. This is a charming story of courage, adventure, and the love between grandchildren and grandparents.

Pei's Pineapple Cakes is an elaborately illustrated picture book that makes an ideal gift:

-Real locations from central Taiwan make for an inspiring geographical, historical and cultural reading experience
-Storyline sparks dialogue around kindness, empathy, courage, and resilience
-Exquisite illustrations of Taiwanese artisans' craftsmanship foster appreciation for heritage and traditions
-Bilingual text in English and Mandarin encourages learning in both languages

AMAZON ~ B&N ~ BAM
add the goodreads

Crystal Z. Lee is a bilingual writer who divides her time between the U.S. and Asia. Crystal grew up in Taipei and later returned to live there in her adult years. Some of Crystal's fondest memories in Taiwan include boating at Sun Moon Lake, chasing butterflies in Maolin, making pineapple cakes and eating her way through night markets with her family. Besides children's books, Crystal's other published works include poetry and a novel. Her other book about Taiwan is titled Kai the Dancing Butterfly. She is also the author of Mei's Mermaid Mission, A Unicorn Named Rin, and Love and Other Moods.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Meet the Illustrator:

Allie Su grew up in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She often finds her illustration inspiration from the great outdoors. One of her favorite places to hike in Taiwan is Sun-Link-Sea Forest in Nantou. She adores Taiwanese cuisine and night market foods, such as stinky tofu, vegetarian noodles and taro pastries from Taichung. Allie also illustrated Mei's Mermaid Mission and Kai the Dancing Butterfly.

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Saturday, June 21, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney

Book: If Jesus Came to My School

Author: April Graney

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release Date: June 10, 2025

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a young girl learns how Jesus’s love can shine at school through her compassion, kindness, and inclusion. In this whimsical tale, a young girl imagines what it would be like if Jesus visited her school as a boy. She would show Jesus around her classroom, introduce her friends and teachers, listen to story time, and eat lunch together! But Jesus wouldn’t stop at learning and sitting in class. He’d invite the lonely to join in on games and find a way to love and get along with everyone. Soon the young girl realizes that even though Jesus doesn’t attend her school, he can live through her. Through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, children will be inspired to make a difference in their schools through their actions. Because as they treat each other right and classes become families, Jesus truly will be in their school.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Children Picture Books are a wonderful genre. If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney is the latest in this genre that I have read.

I truly love the theme and storyline of this Children's Book. The story is encouraging and very well written. I LOVE the imagination of the Little Girl and her description of having Jesus, as a little boy, as her classmate in School. Her idea shows compassion, kindness, and wanting to include everyone in everything in the classroom. It is a heartwarming Storyline for the young ones, especially Preschool and Kindergarten, who are going to school for the first time. The book is filled with Rhymes, songs, and AMAZING Illustrations. I HIGHLY recommend this book to Parents, Sunday School teachers, Teachers and young kids. GREAT BOOK!

April Graney is a teacher at Cookson Hills, a children’s home and school for at-risk students in Oklahoma. She is the author of The Marvelous Maker: A Creation and Redemption Parable and the ECPA Christian Book Award finalist The Marvelous Mud House: A Story of Finding Fullness and Joy. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, April loves studying and teaching the Bible. Her greatest joy has been raising five children with her husband Tom in their crazy, loud, happy house at New Life Ranch, a summer camp and retreat center where they have served for over twenty years.

More from April

When my husband, Tom, was in high school, a classmate leaned over and casually asked, “Hey, would you like to go to church with me sometime?” Tom wasn’t opposed to church. He’d just never been invited before. This invitation got him to a place where he began hearing the gospel. Finally, at a youth rally, my future husband tearfully repented of his sins and trusted in Jesus’ death on the cross for his salvation. He walked down to the center of that arena, with hundreds of others who had done the same. I’m incredibly thankful for his classmate who had the courage at school to ask his friend to come to church, something which changed the entire trajectory of his life.

Our nation’s schools are filled with kids who need to hear the gospel. After encountering the woman at the well, Jesus told his disciples in John 4:35, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” I believe this could be said of our schools today. There are nearly 60 million school age children in the United States. The Barna Group reports that nearly half of all public educators are practicing Christians, and 86 percent of Christian families send their children to public school. Christians are in public schools. I hope to support and equip them, by providing tools for them to teach their children about Jesus, the gospel, and his love. I hope to help families to see the fertile soil of our nation’s schools, and be faithful to shine the light and love of Jesus in our schools. They are ripe for harvest.

When school children encounter the love of Jesus, they become places where kindness, love and respect can flourish. With the divisiveness in our nation, it’s so important to teach our children how to treat each other with kindness, inclusion and understanding. We can teach our children that everyone is created and cherished by God. We can help reduce bullying in schools when children celebrate their differences and stand up for each other. Our schools would be places of impact for the individual and the school community. These are the truths that I hoped to communicate in If Jesus Came to My School, and I hope that readers will take these lessons to heart and make a difference in the world!