Friday, July 28, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Every Dog Has His Day by Janice Thompson

Book: Every Dog Has His Day

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Christian Fiction / Cozy Mystery

Release Date: July, 2023

A Large Reward Is Offered for a Missing Dog

Kick back with your faithful companion and relax with a small-town mystery in book 5 of the Gone to the Dogs series.

Lone Star groomer, Isabel Fuentes, adopts a feisty rescued dachshund, and the two are inseparable. . .until Texans quarterback, Corey Wallis, announces a large reward for his missing female dachshund. Suddenly all of Houston are on the lookout for the MIA pooch that bares a strong resemblance to Isabel’s new pup. Isabel contacts Corey, but soon Ginger goes missing and Isabel is convinced Corey and his agent took her for a publicity stunt. Then there is a reporter who could be trying to manufacture a great story or a cameraman seeking the big reward. Can there be a happy ending for Ginger?

Click here to get your copy!

I am very excited for the next book in this Wonderful series about Dogs. I also LOVE that is a Cozy Mystery Book. Every Dog Has His Day by Janice Thompson is Book 5 in the Gone to the Dogs Series. I have had the joy of reading the first 4 books in this series. Janice Thompson and Kathleen Y'Barbo have been alternating the writing of the books.

We are back in Brenham, Texas, and at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic. Isabel Fuentes is the Groomer at the Vet Clinic and has the chance to adopt a little dachshund and they become fast buddies. Isabel gets a little worried when Houston Football Player, Corey Wallis puts out a reward for his Missing Female Dachshund. Isabel realizes that the Dog looks very much like the Missing Dog and contacts Corey. Ginger goes missing again and Isabel is feeling that Corey and his Manager might have taken her. Houston is all abuzz with the news of the Missing Dog and Isabel is wondering if the News Reporter and Cameraman that have contacted her are really after the Dog and not the Story. Will Ginger eventually be HOME with her rightful owner? Will there be a Romance between Corey and Isabel?

Wow, this book is soo cute and Cozy. I really enjoyed the Mystery in helping Ginger find its owner. Corey and Isabel are both wanting the best for Ginger and I LOVED seeing them work together to find the Dog. The romance that began as they were spending time together looking for Ginger was so cute. . I started reading the book and did not stop until I was done about 4hrs later. The books are part of a series but also read great as a Standalone book. I am looking forward to reading all the books in this series! WONDERFUL BOOK!

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

More from Janice

The Story Behind the Story

For years now, I’ve been in the dog rescue business. I’ve fostered close to 50 dogs—some from the local shelter, some from an amazing dog rescue organization called My Chi and Me, and some directly from the streets of Houston.

About a year ago, (around the same time I set out to write Every Dog Has His Day) I was given a tiny red dachshund to foster. If you know anything about me at all, you know that I’m head-over-heels in love with dachshunds, especially red ones. I had a female red dachshund named Sasha who lived with me for 15 years. She passed away in 2017, just after my mom died.

When this tiny red doxie came to stay at my house last year, I was tempted to keep her. But I’ve already got three dogs of my own. So, she went to my grandchildren, who live about 30 minutes away.

Here’s the fun part: I got to name her. I gave her the name Ginger because of her color. (Interesting irony: I’m allergic to ginger. Can’t touch the stuff!)

Now that she’s been in the family a year or so, she’s become my favorite grand-dog. Ginger stays with me a lot—when the family is vacationing, when she needs to socialize with my dogs, and when I’m lonely for her.

I love this little girl. She’s an absolute doll. Okay, she’s naughty as can be, but she’s a doll.

So, when I got ready to write Every Dog Has His Day, I decided to include Ginger as part of the story. Trust me when I say the real Ginger is a runner, just like the fictionalized one! If I opened the front door, she would run right out. And, just like the dog in the book, she probably wouldn’t come back.

Our Ginger doesn’t have a white patch on her paw. (Most doxies, other than dapples, are solid color.) But I needed to give my fictional Ginger a distinguishing mark so that the two characters (her rescuer and her owner) could end up squabbling over her.

As is the case in most of my stories, my characters end up romantically involved. Hey, dogs aren’t just great companions; they’re wonderful matchmakers, too! As of yet, the real Ginger hasn’t brought a love interest into my life. (Here’s hoping!)

I hope you enjoy Every Dog Has His Day. As you read about that tiny mischievous doxie, just know that she’s a very real little dog—one who climbed up on my kitchen island just yesterday and got into some carefully-wrapped treats I’d made for the grandkids.

Sometimes life really is stranger than fiction!

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 25
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 25
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 26
Bigreadersite, July 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 28
Texas Book-aholic, July 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 30
Blogging With Carol, July 30
Cover Lover Book Review, July 31
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 2
Mary Hake, August 2
She Lives To Read, August 3
Lily’s Book Reviews, August 4
The Book Nook, August 4
For Him and My Family, August 5
Holly’s Book Corner, August 5
Splashes of Joy, August 6
Pause for Tales, August 7
Labor Not in Vain, August 7

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of 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/26d51/every-dog-has-his-day-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Runaround Sue by Jennifer Lynn Cary

Book: Runaround Sue

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet and Wholesome Romance

Release Date: May 30, 2023

She gave away something precious…

…He lost a part of himself.

Can they find a way to help each other heal?

Sue is hiding out until she is sure her former reputation won’t destroy what she’s trying to rebuild. Unfortunately, that means this brilliant wordsmith turned semi-hermit is working beneath her potential and dealing with stress every time her office door opens.

The last thing she needs to do is greet some biker guy who sets her nerves to jumping just by being in the same room.

And if his hairy face isn’t enough to put her off, the mere fact that he’s male is.

So why does she keep ending up in his presence?

Mac is home from Viet Nam and if he never thinks about that place again, it will be too soon. Instead, he’s returned to his music that got him through his teen years, his exotic senior trip overseas (thanks to his Uncle Sam), and the deep wound that he brought home with him. Using his GI bill to further his music understanding has pushed him outside his comfort zone, but the leggy secretary at his professor’s office is tempting him with other ideas he thought he’d shelved for good.

Even if she gets flustered every time he runs into her.

What will it take for her to give him a chance? Or is she more wounded than he is?

Return to 1972 Kokomo, Indiana for the third installment of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series—Runaround Sue—and what see happens when people discover who God has called them to be.

You will love Runaround Sue, inspired by Dion and the Belmonts’ 1960s hit song, because everyone understands about facing fears with a do-over.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy reading books that are a part of a series. I also enjoy Christian Historical Romance. Runaround Sue by Jennifer Lynn Cary is Book 3 in the series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue. I had the pleasure of reading the first 2 books in this series and I am excited the 3rd book is here.

We are back to 1972 in Kokomo, Indiana and the main characters in this book are Sue and Mac. Sue is trying to rebuild her life and has become somewhat of a Hermit. She works at a local church and she gets startled every time her office door opens. Mac is home from Vietnam and wants to move forward in life. He has a LOVE for Music and is picking back up with the Music that has encouraged him through his Teenage Years, through his time in Vietnam and the deep wound from war. He is currently taking Music classes and his Professor has an office at the church. Each time he sees Sue he is finding that his feelings for her are deepening. Does Sue have the same feelings for Mac? Will Mac get a chance for a relationship with Sue?

WOW, this series seems to get better with each new Book! I started reading this book and could not put it down. Sue and Mac seem to both be having issues with Anxiety due to traumatic events in their life. I love how they both deal with the meetings between the pair and it seems to be giving them determination to overcome their issues and move forward with life. My favorite character in the book was Mac as he truly went through so much in Vietnam. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who likes good Clean Christian Romance and a step back in history! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal.

Runaround Sue is the third book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

More from Jennifer Lynn

One of the best parts of writing this series is that I get to relive lots of fun memories from my childhood. As my bio states, I am a direct descendant of Davy Crockett. This was a big deal to my father, and he made us memorize the generations back.

Well, my first real friend (we met when we were four but didn’t get to play together again until we were in first grade—long, funny story) had a famous last name, famous around Kokomo at least. Haynes. She mentioned she was related to this guy who was a big deal with cars and steel. That was about all my first grade mind could fathom.

I was able to connect that to a little side trip I took with my dad one day. He pulled up in front of an old white building on Apperson Way in Kokomo and led me to the front door. It was obvious the building was empty and had been for some time. But on the slab porch, in front of the entrance, he pointed out a tiled mosaic of a jack rabbit. Dad explained that this had been the factory where the Apperson brothers produced their car, the Jack Rabbit. They ran their factory for about twenty-five years producing one of the first sports cars ever made.

By fourth grade, where we learned about Indiana history, I also got a bit more information on Elwood Haynes (my friend’s ancestor) and the Apperson brothers. Aside from a converted horse cart, their Pioneer car from 1894 is considered the first automobile made in the USA and is now housed in the Smithsonian.

I don’t think I fully grasped Elwood Haynes’s contributions to science and industry, however, until I moved away and became an adult. (Getting older and learning how to surf the web helped too). I was able to use what I learned about the man and share it in Runaround Sue.

The auto industry left Kokomo in the dust when it became evident that Detroit was easier and less expensive to deliver raw products to. However, that didn’t stop Mr. Haynes from doing his experiments. One story has it that he invented stainless steel because his wife was tired of polishing the silver. And we can thank him for finding a use for that residue that was left after cleaning the oil captured from the drilling in the Kokomo area—a little thing called gasoline.

I love that I’m from Kokomo, that I had a wonderful childhood there, and that there are so many cool pieces of information about the place. (BTW, actor Strother Martin and author Norman Bridwell of Clifford the Big Red Dog series are both Kokomo famous sons).

If you’ve ever been to Kokomo, Indiana, I hope you will respond and let me know. If you haven’t, it’s a nice place to visit. I hope you will check it out.

By the Book, July 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 22
Texas Book-aholic, July 23
Connie’s History Classroom, July 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 25
Books I’ve Read, July 25
The Book Club Network, July 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 28
Blogging With Carol, July 29
For Him and My Family, July 30
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 31 (Author Interview)
Life on Chickadee Lane, July 31
Pause for Tales, August 1
JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 2
Cover Lover Book Review, August 3

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook 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/26ba3/runaround-sue-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thursday, July 27, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Like Honey for the Bones by Brandy Heineman

Like Honey for the Bones JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Like Honey for the Bones by Brandy Heineman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Like Honey for the Bones
Author: Brandy Heineman
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 24, 2023
Genre: Christian Split-time Romantic Mystery

TWO HEARTS BROKEN ALONG THE SAME JAGGED EDGE MAKE A GRISLY DISCOVERY DEEP IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Present Day. Solveig Borja fled Virginia to escape the guilt of one reckless night, and once she settles the family estate, she’s Norway-bound and never looking back. Meanwhile, Kyle Benton has come seeking asylum from past sins—which Solveig shatters even as their hopeless romance blooms. But when they discover a skeleton at Rice Caverns, its century-old mystery holds startling links to the here-and-now.

1919. The Great War is won. Gussie Rice longs for her beau's return from France, until she learns he’s confined at a stateside hospital and her closest confidant is part of the secret. Her bid for love sparks a confrontation that ricochets through time...

Bad blood and escalating threats swirl around Solveig, and Kyle’s new life proves no haven from the old with his brother's killer trolling the shadows. As the past rears up, the cavern’s hidden places beckon with power to light their hope or to swallow them in utter darkness.

Dual Timeline Novels have become a favorite genre to read. I really enjoy how the book tells the story of Characters from 2 different time periods and that the Characters have similarities. Like Honey for the Bones by Brandy Heineman is the latest book in this genre that I have read. Brandy is a new to me author and I also enjoy reading books from authors who I am just finding out about.

The time is the Present day and Solveig Borja wants to escape back to Norway after taking care of her Family's Estate, as her grandfather has passed away. She bumps into Kyle Benton who is trying to work through some things that he is going through. The pair decide to go to the Caves where they discover a Skelton. The book now takes us back to 1919. Gussie Rice is anxiously awaiting the Return of her boyfriend from France as the War is done. She is concerned when she finds out that he has already returned to the States and is in a hospital. Gussie's friend is hiding info about him from her and that concerns her greatly. Will Kyle and Solveig solve the mystery of the Skelton? Will there be a love connection between the pair? Does Solveig return to Norway?

I will say I had some trouble grasping the storyline in the beginning, but by the Second chapter, I was hooked. I did like the Present Day storyline more so than the storyline from 1919. Solveig and Kyle are very interesting and wonderful characters in the book. I really enjoyed how they worked together to solve the Mystery of the Skelton. Gussie's story wasn't as interesting to me. I do think the Author did a great job at telling the Dual Timeline story. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone interested in Dual Timeline Stories and Historical fiction. GREAT BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Brandy Heineman

Brandy Heineman is a book hoarder, cat herder, and Christian author of dual timeline novels. Antique shops and digital newspaper archives top her list of happy places, and she fuels her day job in marketing and life as a novelist with endless cups of tea. Brandy has served as president of the North Georgia chapter of ACFW and lives in Metro Atlanta with her husband, Michael.

Connect with Brandy by visiting brandyheineman.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

(3) winners will win a signed, print copy of Like Honey for the Bones and $25 VISA gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 24, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 31, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Managing Millie by Susan Pope Sloan

Book: Managing Millie

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 11, 2023

In a time of war, love has to fight for a happily-ever-after.

Millie Gibson has loved Troy McNeil for years. So when he suddenly confesses his attraction to her, she’s ecstatic, even if their time together is limited as Troy must stay on the move to avoid the Confederate army. When Troy rescues her from an attacker, Millie begs him to replace the awful memory with one of love. But will that love last when he learns their time together produced lasting consequences?

Dodging the Rebel army has kept Troy apart from Millie for months, but he can’t forget their last hours together. The last thing he expects upon his return is to find her surrounded by Union soldiers, and now he’s been apprehended as a possible spy and sent to a Union prison. With his fate in the hands of others, only God can orchestrate hope from the chaos of war.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Historical Romance books, they are one of my favorite genres. Managing Millie by Susan Pope Sloan is the most recent book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 3 in the Rescued Hearts of the Civil War series. I read Book this series from the beginning and have been anxiously anticipating this book.

Millie Gibson is pleased when the man she has admired for a long while, Troy McNeil, confesses he is attracted to her. Someone attacks Millie and Troy is right there to rescue her from the event. She really doesn't want this memory stuck with her, so she asks Troy to show her an affectionate event. Troy has been away for months due to trying to stay out of the Army during Wartime. He is shocked to see Millie with Union soldiers upon his return. He is captured by the Soldiers and taken to a Union Prison, as they believe he is a Spy. Will Millie and Troy be reunited? Will Millie and Troy be able to overcome the obstacles that have prevented them from having a relationship?

WOW, this is a heartwarming book that had me captivated by the storyline from the first chapter. Millie is a very determined and independent woman who has wanted a relationship for a long time with Troy. I wasn't so sure about Troy and his personality at the beginning of the book, but he soon became a favorite part of the storyline. Millie relies on her Faith while she awaits Troy during the times he is away. This book is one of Faith, LOVE, and Chances. I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloan published her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

More from Susan

Millie and Troy captured my heart while writing *Rescuing Rose*, and I knew their story had to be told. It was inspired by people close to me—but generations apart–who had a similar experience. *Managing Millie* is loosely based on those.

The challenging part for me was remembering that these characters are very young (16 and 19) and thus plagued by a wide range of volatile emotions and hormones. The decisions they make seem to defy logic at times. Like many young women, Millie tries to grasp control of her life amid difficult situations. Troy is more easy-going, merely trying to stay one step ahead of the Confederate Army until he ends up in a Union prison. Suddenly forced to face his responsibilities, he learns to “man-up” and take charge. His
greatest task, of course, is learning to “manage” Millie without destroying their love for each other.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 17
Texas Book-aholic, July 18
Life on Chickadee Lane, July 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 19
Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Connie’s History Classroom, July 21
The Book Club Network, July 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 23
Christina’s Corner, July 23
Blossoms and Blessings, July 24
Cover Lover Book Review, July 25
annette_reads_daily, July 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 27
For Him and My Family, July 28
Holly’s Book Corner, July 29
Splashes of Joy, July 29
Pause for Tales, July 30

To celebrate her tour, Susan 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/26b9a/managing-millie-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, July 25, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn

Hidden Amish Target JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Hidden Amish Target
Series: Amish Country Justice #16
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 25, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She’s an accidental witness.

Now she’s running for her life…

Witnessing a murder puts a target on Molly Schultz’s back, and now she’s on the run from a gunman dead set on silencing her. She turns to family friend Zeke Bender for help, but when Molly’s identity and location are exposed, they’re left with a criminal among her Amish community. Can Zeke safeguard Molly long enough to catch the culprit—or will they fall prey to their merciless hunter?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

I LOVE the Inspired Suspense series of books. They are short books with lots of action and suspense. Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn is Book 16 in the Amish Country Justice series. I have read a few titles in the series and each one is a great Standalone book.

Molly Schultz is a witness to a murder and now the Murderer is targeting her. Zeke Bender, a longtime family friend, is approached by Molly to help keep her safe. Zeke agrees to help. Molly finds outs that the Gunman has discovered her identity and where she is in safe hiding and is now more worried than ever. Will Zeke be able to capture the Gunman or will Zeke and Molly be in danger of being found by the Criminal? Will there be a romance between Molly and Zeke during their time of hiding?

I truly LOVE this series, Each book is so captivating, I couldn't put it down until I was done reading. Molly is a great character for the book who has experienced tragedy in her life and being a witness to a murder really has her scared. I LOVE how Zeke steps up and helps her through the most recent events in her life. Zeke has also had some tragedy in recent years. The 2 of them really make this book VERY interesting. The storyline is fast-paced and has many twists and turns in this book really keeps me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. The Faith aspect of the book is also well-read! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, Suspense, and Romance WONDERFUL BOOK!

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

more Amish Country Justice series titles

Dana R. Lynn

Dana R. Lynn is an award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group.

Connect with Dana by visiting danarlynn.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

(2) winners will win a $10 dollar Amazon gift card & print copy of Hidden Amish Target!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 1, 2023. 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 for print copy. Digital copy available instead for CAN. 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!