Tell Tale Book Reviews

Just Read Blog Tour - A Path To Acceptance by Lisa M. James (Giveaway)

5/25/2023

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path To Acceptance by Lisa M. James,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Wanton. Tainted. Immoral. These were all words that could describe Penelope. After being forced into a world of harlotry to cover her parents' debts, Penny learned how to survive without feeling. When a mysterious man approaches Penny with an offer to free her from her situation, Penny soon discovers that leaving her tavern could not rid her of the reputation she gained as a harlot. Would anyone be able to see beyond her tainted past?

Abandoned by his father as a child, Ryland refuses to depend on anyone but himself. Surviving as a mercenary for wealthy landowners, he accepts an assignment to free a harlot from a life of slavery. Frustrated when he is forced to take her under his care, Ryland discovers there is more to this harlot than her beauty. Can her unshakeable faith bring him back to a Redeemer he has long since rejected?

Discover the story of a tainted woman in A Path to Acceptance.

Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Genre: Christian Romance / Fantasy

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

More Books in this Series

My Review

Can they both be redeemed from their pasts?

What an interesting story. Reminiscent of a Biblical parable but with all of the bells and whistles of a fantasy tale. There's definitely a little bit of everything in A Path To Acceptance including betrayal, sacrifice, redemption, not to mention battles of the sword variety and magic both good and evil.

I was caught up pretty quickly in this second book in The Prodigal Woman series and in the lives of Penelope and Ryland. Their struggles with acceptance, forgiveness, and simply letting go of the pain and regret of the past so it can be turned over to the One who heals... Good fiction should be window into real life and even though this book from Lisa M. James is very much a fantasy the emotions and reactions of the characters are not an unfair representation. The topics taken on in this story are difficult ones and it can be a bit gritty in places so this is one book that I would recommend more for adults or much older teens.

The fantasy elements were another interesting part of the story. They were part ancient civilization, part regular fantasy, and almost felt like fictional introduction to spiritual warfare. That last part rather surprised me as I was reading A Path To Acceptance but I don't think it was misplaced. What better place than fiction to bring up a Biblical truth that is often forgotten.

This second Prodigal Woman novel will tug at your heart, it may not always be easy to read, but it can be a thought provoking – and convicting in places – tale of redemption. I do think that, after reading this one, I will be looking for the first book in Lisa M. James' compelling series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Path To Acceptance by Lisa M. James a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Lisa M. James

Lisa M. James is a Romantic Fantasy and Christian Fantasy author. Her novels have made the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous categories, including: Fairy Tale Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Romance. She is committed to creating fantastical worlds with clean romances and diverse female leads. When not writing, Lisa can most often be found watching Disney movies or enjoying homemade chai.
Connect with Lisa by visiting lisamjames.com to follow her on social media and sign up for newsletter updates.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of A Path to Acceptance
& a Vera Bradley Crossbody bag (plum pansies print)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 22, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on May 29, 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.

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

2 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Coming Home To Mercy by Michelle De Bruin (Giveaway)

5/15/2023

4 Comments

A society woman leaves her comfortable lifestyle so that she can help her daughter adjust to the arrival of twin sons in a small town where the courageous doctor teaches her about taking risks.

Wealthy and sociable Margaret Millerson has always thought of her brother’s Chicago mansion as her home. But when she receives the telephone call that her daughter has given birth to twins three weeks ahead of the expected due date, Margaret must leave her comfortable home, her family, and her friends to travel out of state. While she is helping her daughter care for the infants, Margaret becomes reacquainted with the town’s doctor, Matthew Kaldenberg.

Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg stays busy caring for the health of the citizens of his small town. His profession offers him daily practice in defeating death, his greatest enemy. During the twenty years since losing his own wife and baby in childbirth, Matthew has saved his money for the purchase of a flying machine. But when Matthew takes Margaret for flights on his biplane, he learns that his dreams of rising above the griefs and losses of his past come with a cost. He doesn’t want to lose the trust of the people he cares about most, or the chance at a relationship with Margaret.

Both Matthew and Margaret must make difficult decisions to hold on to the love they have discovered. Will Matthew’s heart recover from sorrow? Will Margaret find her true home?

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Release date: August 14, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

More from Michelle

Coming Home to Mercy is the first in a trilogy of books set in a small Iowa town during the years 1913 through 1918. This is the second series of books I have written. The Tomorrow series is the first set, and if you’ve already read it, you will recognize characters that appeared in Hope for Tomorrow, Promise for Tomorrow, and Dreaming of Tomorrow.

This book is a graceful story of two people who thought faithful, committed love could only come into their lives once. But they both discover that they get another chance to experience it again.

I wrote Coming Home to Mercy to show what healthy marriages and healthy families are like. I trust this story gives us a glimpse of how true love works, what faithfulness means, and what compassion can do; not only in one person’s life, but in the daily workings of an entire community.

The hero in this story has a sad, broken heart at the beginning. As the story unfolds, he heals and gains a deeper understanding of God’s work in his life. Dr. Matthew Kaldenberg finds love and peace as his belief grows that God truly does work all things together for good.

Thank you for joining me on this tour. I hope you enjoy the blog posts and enter the drawing for the giveaway. Follow me on social media and subscribe to my newsletter at https://michelledebruin.com/.

Grace and peace,
Michelle De Bruin

Michelle De Bruin

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two young adult sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle serves as a Chaplain for Pella Regional Health Center. She writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/25ca6/coming-home-to-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8
Texas Book-aholic, May 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 11
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 12 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, May 12
Connie’s History Classroom, May 13
Cover Lover Book Review, May 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 15 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 16
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 17 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 17
Blogging With Carol, May 18
Sylvan Musings, May 19 (Author Interview)

4 Comments

Celebrate Blog Tour - Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller (Giveaway)

5/14/2023

1 Comment

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father’s final request in his will for a special set of beads to be returned to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels west. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came west to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he’s known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return east or stay in the mountains to continue looking–and that’s if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father’s last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

Discover the majesty–and treachery–of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller.

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: June 6, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Four sisters take on all of the odds...

Once again I've set off on a wilderness adventure with Misty M. Beller and once again it was quite a ride. Take four sisters, three men who want to help them, a wild rendezvous camp, a troublesome coyote pup, one missing woman, and a promise, mix it all up against the Wyoming wilderness backdrop and you get the exciting tale that is Rocky Mountain Rendezvous.

I will say that this first Sisters Of The Rockies novel had a little larger cast of characters than I would usually expect from Misty M. Beller but I found myself enjoying it. Of course, as is my usual, my favorite character turned out to be one little four-legged troublemaker. Yes, I liked Juniper and her sisters and Riley and his friends but...I love characters of the furry persuasion, I just can't help myself.

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous was another good read from this author and I find myself looking forward to the next Sisters Of The Rockies book where hopefully there will be some more clues to the mystery that the Collins sisters promised to unravel...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller a Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Misty

What IS a trapper rendezvous?

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is the story of four sisters who head west to accomplish their father’s deathbed request—return a special set of beads to a Blackfoot woman who saved his life during his travels west two decades earlier. The sisters head west with the supply wagons bound for the 1837 trapper rendezvous to find the native woman. But the sight that greeted them in the Green River Valley (in modern-day Wyoming) was nothing like they expected!
Men EVERYWHERE!

Supply wagons would come from the east every summer, and mountain men and natives would come from all throughout the Rockies to trade furs for the supplies they’d need in the coming year. This was usually the only opportunity for trading each year, so EVERYONE came and the camp stretched for miles. This was a great time for friends to catch up, and the festivities always included a great deal of drinking and horse racing. The rendezvous was a sight to behold!

In Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, Riley Turner is one of the trappers at the meet-up, and he realizes immediately what kind of danger the ladies are in from unscrupulous men in the crowd. He helps them with their search, and they find so much more than they expected along the way!

Each book in this series will take place during a different year, featuring a different rendezvous. Definitely fodder for fun stories. I pray you love this first book as the Collins sisters embark on the search of a lifetime. 

Blessings!
Misty

Misty M. Beller

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/25ca2/rocky-mountain-rendezvous-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 3
Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 3
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4
Texas Book-aholic, May 5
By the Book, May 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6
Connie’s History Classroom, May 7
The Book Club Network, May 7
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 8 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 8
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 9
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10
Karen Baney Reviews, May 10
Daysong Reflections, May 11
Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11
Betti Mace, May 12
For the Love of Literature, May 12
Blossoms and Blessings, May 13
Life, Love, Writing, May 13
Tell Tale Book Reviews , May 14
Mary Hake, May 14
For Him and My Family, May 15
Holly’s Book Corner, May 15
Pause for Tales, May 16
To Everything There Is A Season , May 16

1 Comment

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Gold Rush Bride Tegan by Linda Shenton Matchett (Giveaway)

5/13/2023

5 Comments

Tegan Llewellyn has always been different than her adopted family, except Grandmother Hannah, a prospector during the 1829 Georgia gold rush. Now, seventy years later there are reports of gold in Nome, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. But Tegan doesn’t count on the dangers that strike from the moment she steps off the steamer, including the threat of losing her heart.

Elijah Hunter has prospected for gold all over the US and Canada and likes being on the move. The last thing he expects to find on his latest search is a lady miner who proves to be nothing but trouble. Can he convince her that leaving is for her own good before it’s too late…for both of them?

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: February 25, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Linda

#1. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I primarily write historical romance, and my two favorite time periods are WWII, and the 1800s, mostly post-Civil War. As a human resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women in the workforce, especially about women who step outside the “normal” boundaries of society. I’m drawn to strong, confident women who prove themselves against all odds, and history is littered with examples. Gold Rush Bride Tegan is part of a multi-author series that I started because I stumbled on the fact that there were female prospectors who participated in the various American gold rushes. (There may be those who were involved in rushes that occurred in other countries, but I didn’t research that.) I wanted to tell their story.

#2. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
The theme in Tegan (and most of my books) is that God is all about second chances. We human beings are sure we’re in control and can handle everything on our own. Sometimes by the time we realize we need God we’ve messed up pretty badly. As a result, some of us don’t think we “deserve” God’s mercy, but the great thing is that He accepts us just as we are (warts and all!). We’re all sinners saved by grace, and He continues to give us “second chances” through our entire lives.

#3. How did you name your characters?
I use a variety of techniques to name my characters. For my WWII books, I have a handful of high school and college yearbooks. I’ll take the first name of one person and the surname of another. I’ve also used names from cemetery headstones, and the characters in Dinah’s Dilemma are all named for my ancestors. For books where I have characters with a particular cultural background (Norwegian, Irish, etc.), I use country-specific websites that list names and their meanings. Tegan’s family heritage is Welsh through her grandfather. Her name means fair, darling, loved one or favorite. She’s the youngest of four daughters, and is treated a bit like the favorite, but rather than being spoiled, she wants to break out and prove she can make it on her own.

#4. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I would have gotten back into writing sooner than I did. I wrote stories through junior high, then it fell by the wayside during high school, college, and my career. It was not until the early 2000’s when I had a chance to do some magazine freelance work that I realized how much I missed writing. It would be another handful of years before I left non-fiction to write fiction.

#5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Read outside your comfort zone, and by that I mean try different authors and genres. If you always read books set in one particular era, try another time period. If you’ve only read books written by women, try some written by men. If you only read traditionally published books, try indie books. My mom introduced me to a book called “Honey for a Woman’s Heart” written in 2002 that recommends over 500 books, from classic to contemporary) for various reasons. There are other books, websites, and blogs that offer lists of their own. You may find books you abhor, but hopefully you’ll discover authors you adore, and learn a lot along the journey.

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

I am constantly amazed at the extraordinary things women did over the course of history (mostly done in dresses and skirts until about eighty years ago!). When I stumbled on the fact that women were involved during the gold and silver rushes that occurred in the US and its territories, I knew I had to tell their story.

A significant number of women followed husbands, brothers, or fathers, but an intrepid few set out on their own to find their fortune for as many reasons as there were women. Some went to escape difficult (or abusive) situations at home and others because they felt they had no choice. But there was a small percentage who made their way across thousands of miles for the sheer adventure.

The Nome Gold Rush started 175 years ago in 1898, and was different than previous rushes in that much of the gold was on the beach and could be plucked from the sand without any need for a claim. Later, claims were required to mine gold from the Snake River, and this is when things got dirty.

Initially, the courts upheld original claims, but after some of the “claim jumpers” offered to share proceeds from their invalid claims, a few crooked judges and politicians decided this was a great opportunity to line their pockets. Already guilty of stealing votes and voter intimidation, Alexander McKenzie, National Committeeman for North Dakota headed the pack and created an elaborate scheme with the help of Judge Arthur Noyes. It would take nearly two years for the men to be arrested and brought to trial. I included a fictionalized version of this situation in Gold Rush Bride Tegan.

I visited Alaska before writing Tegan and was overwhelmed by its majestic beauty. The photos I’d seen before the trip didn’t do justice to the reality of the state’s glaciers, mountains, rivers, and forests. Wildlife is so abundant that it literally walked or flew through town giving us “up close and personal” experiences with moose, wild sheep, eagles, and more.

Because of the inaccessibility of much of the state, one in fifty Alaskans hold a pilot’s license as compared to the national average which is one in seven hundred. However, in 1898, prospectors didn’t have that luxury, instead making their way to San Francisco by rail and then either going overland with wagons and mules or up the coast on schooners, either choice a difficult and arduous journey.

It is my hope that Gold Rush Bride Tegan honors the stalwart women who left all they knew for the chance of a lifetime.

Blessings,
Linda Shenton Matchett

Linda Shenton Matchett

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of World War II and a former trustee for her local public library. She now resides in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities are exploring the state’s historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/25f59/gold-rush-bride-tegan-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Sylvan Musings, May 10 (Author Interview)
Lily’s Book Reviews, May 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 13 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 14
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 16 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 16
Connie’s History Classroom, May 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 18
By The Book, May 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 19
Books Less Travelled, May 20
For Him and My Family, May 21
For the Love of Literature, May 22 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

5 Comments

Just Read Review Tour - Tunnel Creek Ambush by Kerry Johnson

5/12/2023

0 Comments

Danger lurks in the shadows…
and a police dog is keeping watch...

Officer Jasper Holt never thought he’d see his high school girlfriend, Kinsley Miller, again—much less become her protector. But when the wildlife biologist returns home for her aunt’s funeral, she’s attacked twice in a matter of hours. With his K-9 partner at his side, the single father will protect Kinsley with his life. But can they uncover the reason behind the assaults…before the next strike becomes the last?

My Review

Are the past and present intertwined?

Betrayal is the name of the game in Tunnel Creek Ambush. No one and nothing are as they first appear and even our hero and heroine hold some secrets. This is my second Love Inspired Suspense read from Kerry Johnson and I must say that it was every bit as good as the first. The danger and intrigue keep the story moving forward lickety-split with never a dull moment. And, most importantly, there is a DOG! You just can't beat story with a working K-9 as an important, and quickly a favorite, character.

Other than one unfortunate statement, I really enjoyed Tunnel Creek Ambush. It had all of the mystery and mayhem and romantic sparks that a good Love Inspired Suspense novel should have. Author Kerry Johnson never gives her wonderful characters more than just a second or two to stop and breathe and, of course, that keeps the reader hurriedly turning those pages to find out who and why.

So, yes, Tunnel Creek Ambush was a good read. The 220+ pages of Love Inspired Suspense fun provided a few hours of entertainment and escape on a cold rainy day and I really appreciated it. I'm just hoping there will be more from Kerry Johnson coming soon because I am now impatiently waiting...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Tunnel Creek Ambush by Kerry Johnson a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

0 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - War Of Torment by Ronie Kendig (GIveaway)

5/11/2023

2 Comments

The time for peace is over—now he demands vengeance

They followed him back. Against his will, against his intention. Now enemies threaten from every direction. Amidst it all Marco Dusan struggles to lead his people, to help them survive, even mayhap win the war. He will take any advantage to even the odds. But only after tragedy strikes does he learn just how much he’s willing to sacrifice.

He’s not alone. Droserans fight as one, united against the offworlders— Symmachians who covet their planet. With the aid of unexpected allies, the Droserans battle on longer than anyone could have anticipated. Yet they cannot win. And the Faa’Cris, those supernatural warriors, fair of face and fierce of mien, do nothing.

But not all have turned their backs. After a bitter year of pain and loss, Kersei Dragoumis navigates a new heritage, ever intent on defending her people. Like her, light-years away from the Quadrants and even farther from the girl she thought she was, Eija Zacdari must come to terms with a new role. Or, rather, with an ancient one. And her success or failure may determine back in the Quadrants who lives and who dies.

In the end, Marco will have vengeance for the torment brought by this war. No matter the price. Not even if the price is his soul.

Genre: Space Opera, Science Fiction
Release date: April 11, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

The odds just became impossible to win...

Well, as soon as I found out that the Droseran Saga trilogy was going to have a fourth book I knew the ending was going to have to be a humdinger. I was not wrong. War Of Torment takes all of the myriad threads and draws them together in one final explosive (literally) showdown. Ronie Kendig's conclusion to her sci-fi series is intense and is best read at light-years – forget miles – per minute.

I've been anticipating this final Droseran Saga novel just as much as I have been dreading it. I've known all along that there would be some sad farewells to characters that I have come to like – turns out it was even more bittersweet than even I expected.

War Of Torment finally answered the questions that I have had all through this epic series – and trust me, clocking in at an impressive 1,700+ total pages according to one book site, epic is the correct word – and with it came some surprises along with even more betrayal and unexpected sacrifice. One thing I would like to note for readers of this series from Ronie Kendig, whether you read them together or at intervals, they MUST be read in order.

I've been reading the Droseran Saga since the first book released in 2019, I've invested many hours of reading into the characters and it hardly seems real that War Of Torment really is the end. How can my time in Ronie Kendig's vivid space world be over? Well, I guess the old saying holds true that all good things, and this series certainly has been, must come to an end...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives War Of Torment by Ronie Kendig a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Read an Excerpt

Anticipation tremored in his veins—it had come. The Progenitor’s War had finally arrived.

“Admiral on the bridge!”

“What’s going on? What was that swarm of ships?” Amid grating claxons and pulsing orange lights running around the bulkheads of the Command deck, Fleet Admiral Domitas Deken strode past the offices and conference rooms to the central Command hub of the newly christened Cronus, the flagship of the Symmachian armada. He glared up at the array hovering in the air between him and his handpicked officers, who had been transferred from other ships in the fleet.

“A fleet, sir.” Grim-faced, Captain Lasson Pount stood with the executive officer.

“What fleet?” Domitas demanded. “We have the only fleet in the Quadrants!”

“Unknown, sir.” Commander Wellsey Dimar, onetime XO of the Macedon, recorded the images and waved them to Command. “None we have record of, and the ships are . . .” He frowned at what he saw. “They’re entirely foreign. Fast. Advanced—incredibly so.”

Domitas compared radar to the moments before the arrival of the new ships. “Where’d they come from?”

“As far as we can tell,” Pount said with a shake of his head, “the jumpgate at the Chryzanthe.”

“Can’t be. Baric reported it damaged by that spherical ship.” Never would Domitas forget watching that alien ship explode from the jumpgate and come around, firing. The relay vids of the incident had taken nearly a day to reach the Cronus on its route to Drosero.

“Maybe they slipped through in time?” The captain quirked a blond eyebrow.

“Baric said it was damaged beyond repair,” Dimar noted. “Perhaps the ship came through one of the other Sentinels.”

“They’re not operational yet. With Baric’s flair for the dramatic, it’s possible the Chryzanthe isn’t as damaged as he reported.” Probably wanted a way to keep anyone from nosing into whatever he and that alien were doing. Domitas indicated to the array, then flicked the screen, rolling back the time. “Those ships are moving fast.”

“Like we were standing still,” Dimar noted.

“Any idea where they’re headed?”

“I’ll calculate,” Pount said, tapping on a console, then nodding at the results that splashed through the air between them. “Course and speed suggest a trajectory for Drosero.”

“In fact”—his fingers flew over the console—“the exact same course the first craft took.”

“We think,” Dimar added with a look to Domitas. “The engine signature of the first craft is so slight that, while we can confirm that fleet followed its course, we cannot say if they ended up at the same place.”

Not comforting. “Do we have a lock on the sphere’s final destination?”

“Speculation only, sir.”

Domitas waited for said speculation, and when neither officer expounded, he lifted his brows. “Is there a problem?”

“Pount and Dimar exchanged glances before the XO sighed. “Long-range scans suggest it entered Droseran orbit, but since we have yet to hear from the Damocles, we don’t know if those projections are accurate.”

Drosero. This war sure was waking up the ’verse, wasn’t it?

Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic & Starbucks runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share–sometimes–with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Ronie is giving away the grand prize package of
a copy of War of Torment in Hardcover and $20 Barnes & Noble gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/25ae4/war-of-torment-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 30
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 1 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 2
Where Faith and Books Meet, May 3
Texas Book-aholic, May 4
Wishful Endings, May 5
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 6
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 7
Mary Hake, May 7
Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Inklings and Notions, May 9
Blogging With Carol, May 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 11
For Him and My Family, May 12
Rachael’s Inkwell, May 13

2 Comments

Just Read Buzz Blitz - Five Favorite Fantastical Fiction Finds (Giveaway)

5/9/2023

9 Comments

Welcome to the Buzz Blitz celebrating 5 years of buzzing about books
with JustRead Publicity Tours!

5 book bee perks

Blog tours, bookstagram tours, reviewer tours, etc. are different varieties of book campaigns.
Readers who participate in JustRead campaigns are called hosts or book bees.

Various hosting options
Readers buzz about books in a variety of ways through blog posts (spotlights, reviews, interviews, guest posts), social media posts (bookstagram, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), and posted reviews (Goodreads, Bookbub, and retail sites).
Reader community
Although reading is usually a solitary pursuit, enjoy a richer experience with community! Get to know fellow readers through comments, posts, and book recommendations.
Author interaction
Want to personally thank authors for writing books that you love to read? Authors often visit campaign posts to say hello, express gratitude, and answer questions.

Exclusive giveaways
Book bees are eligible for exclusive giveaways through the host newsletter and the monthly host giveaway in addition to tour-wide and occasional host exclusive campaign giveaways.
Access to sweet titles
Last but not least, the honey of the book bee life is sweet reads! JustRead promotes titles within Christian, wholesome, or clean reads genres with content notes tailored to conservative values when sensitive issues are present.

Five Favorite Fantastical Fiction Finds

that I've read via Just Read Tours

These books feature fantasy, sci-fi, time travel, and spiritual warfare....

1. The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd

2. The Desolate Reign by Amory Cannon

3. Heart Of Stone by David James Warren

4. Shadow Of Honor by Ronie Kendig

5. Begotten by Lisa T. Bergren

JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC provides readers with a steady stream of promotional and reading selections from Christian, wholesome, and clean reads genres plus exclusive participant giveaway opportunities! By equipping readers with tools and support to create positive, impactful bookish content, JustRead advocates spreading the word (aka buzzing) about books that inspire and are written from a Christian perspective.
Connect with JustRead by following on social media @justreadtours, visiting justreadtours.com, or subscribing to host or blog post email newsletter updates.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card
(winner's choice of Amazon, Baker Book House, Christianbook, or Walmart)!

(5) additional winners will receive one print book from
the JustRead stash and a JustRead bookmark!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule
linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST
on May 15, 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 the policies found here.

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

9 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Lost In Wonderland by Tabitha Bouldin (Giveaway)

5/7/2023

2 Comments

If you make a deal with evil, be prepared for the consequences.

When a metal dragon kidnaps Alice, Hatter gathers the troops and charges off to rescue her. If only things were so uncomplicated. In the Ivory Kingdom, they find upheaval of the worst kind and all heading to civil war spearheaded by a man known as the Bandersnatch.

Turmoil and the terror of fighting against a giant wolf, the Bandersnatch is bad enough, but when the Ivory Queen’s secrets are exposed, Hatter and Alice face off in a battle of wills and points of view. How can Alice trust a woman who deceived them? Why can’t Hatter see the bigger picture? If they don’t reconcile their differences, more could be at risk than the Ivory Kingdom.

More questions than answers bombard them in their quest for truth and freedom for all. Who is stealing children? What dark secret overshadows the Ivory Kingdom? Can they avoid the Bandersnatch’s clutches? And most important of all, who can they trust?

Join forces with Alice, Hatter, old friends and new, and be prepared to discover that
trust and risk are often two sides of the same coin in this next Beyond Wonderland novel.

Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk, Christian
Release date: March 14, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Wonderland as it should be...

As I have said before, this is what Wonderland was meant to be. The old familiar elements are there in Lost In Wonderland – in addition to some from the ever classic Little Red Riding Hood – but Tabitha Bouldin has given them a shiny new coat of gears and gadgets and flying machines. Those things and more kept this second Beyond Wonderland book moving at a fast clip and me turning those pages even faster...

I read late into the night, or rather into the early morning hours, only putting the book down when I couldn't stay awake any longer and as soon as I woke up I was back into it. The story was captivating and excited the imagination in all of its fantastical Steampunk glory. Every minute with Alice, Hatter, Scarlett, Faolin, and a remarkable cat that I simply fell in love with, was an adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed.

There wasn't a single thing to not like about Lost In Wonderland – except that despite the 300+ pages it ended all too soon. How am I supposed to wait for Tabitha Bouldin's next Beyond Wonderland novel? I just know that it won't be easy...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lost In Wonderland by Tabitha Bouldin a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Tabitha

Writing Lost in Wonderland was such a wonderful creative outlet for my imagination. After writing Madness in Wonderland, I knew I wasn’t ready to let these characters go. They were anxious for new challenges and new adventures that allowed them to explore more of the world they’d just freed.

Of course, new characters were a must, and Scarlett stepped right up to have her story told.

While Madness in Wonderland is an Alice in Wonderland and Frankenstein mashup, for Lost in Wonderland, I went with a Through the Looking Glass and Red Riding Hood mashup that gave a deeper well of storytelling for Wonderland and brought all sorts of new creatures into the mix.

Alice and Hatter face new obstacles in their journey, and Scarlett is not one to be left behind. Especially when he has her loyal guard Faolan by her side.

Prepare to set sail across a new Wonderland.

Tabitha Bouldin

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.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/25ae1/lost-in-wonderland-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30
Holly’s Book Corner, May 1
Library Lady, May 2
Back Porch Reads, May 2
Texas Book-aholic, May 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 4
By the Book , May 5
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 6
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 7
Sylvan Musings, May 7
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 8
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 8
Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Where Faith and Books Meet, May 10
For Him and My Family, May 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

2 Comments

Epic Book Launch - Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap

5/4/2023

0 Comments

Katherine Bruno is the shrew of Sweetheart, Texas. Her passionate, unfiltered temper clashes with the gentle pace of her tiny hometown. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife who wants to run in the local election against her own husband, she meets big city political consultant Ryan Park, and cue the fireworks! The handsome campaign manager gets under her skin in a big way, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

Genre: Inspirational Rom-com
Release date: May 23, 2023

Excerpt from Lone Star Sweetheart

Its heat seeped through the thin paper cup and warmed her fingers as she tried to ignore them.

“The mayor's wife has gone loco!” another outraged male proclaimed.

Katherine sighed. She needed a sugar fix. There wasn't even a pink packet of artificial sweetener to take the edge off the dark, pungent brew in her hand.

The incensed male chorus behind her grew louder.

“What makes Lanette Johnson think she can run the town of Sweetheart?”

Ah, the surprise second candidate in the mayoral race. She should have guessed. Katherine glared over her shoulder, but they didn't notice. The men were too busy casting judgmental looks at the mayor's wife as she walked past wearing a matching leopard print ensemble.

“Lanette was always bossing poor Harry around anyway. Does she have to try and take his job away on top of it?”

Their tongues clicked in unison. Katherine gagged, and not because of the over-roasted coffee.

“Gracious words,” she muttered under her breath. “Remember. Gracious words, girl.”

Easier said than done. She'd been a straight shooter all her life. Ready to tell it like it was. Until an unexpected conviction hit her one morning when she was reading the book of Proverbs.
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Shannon Sue Dunlap

Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in the lone star state of Texas. She’s a die-hard fan of happy endings and believe there’s a Heavenly Father who’s designed one for each of us. Inspiration comes from everywhere—including worldwide travels, her adorable music students, and the fun and flirty Korean dramas she enjoys watching.
Even in the hard times, there’s humor to be found, and Shannon tries to infuse every story with moments that bring a good chuckle or an all-out belly laugh. One of her greatest hopes is that readers recognize themselves in her books.

We’re all such a fabulous mix of flaws and greatness, and everyone is the hero or heroine in their own life story.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Regent University and has published three romances under the pen
name Shannon Kent. You can connect with her at www.shannonsuedunlap.com, and if you sign up for her
newsletter, you’ll receive a free copy of her romcom novella Flower Boy Tour Guide.

Blog Stops

Excerpt One: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2023/05/07/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

Excerpt Two: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart-by-shannon-sue-dunlap

Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Four: https://wp.me/p7qp1R-pYg

Excerpt Five: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/04/epic-book-launch-lone-star-sweetheart.html

Excerpt Six: https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2023/04/14/lone-star-sweetheart-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/lone-star-sweetheart-book-excerpt/

0 Comments

WORD Wednesday - May 3rd, 2023

5/3/2023

0 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Bark Of Zorro by Kathleen Y'Barbo (Giveaway)

4/30/2023

1 Comment

Who Is Spray Painting the Dogs in Brenham, Texas?

Strange happenings are afoot in Brenham, Texas, as dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic with a Z spray painted on them. The cops blame pranksters, while pet owners are blaming each other. Receptionist Cassidy Carter uses her social media expertise to try to get the culprit caught on camera, but Texas game warden, Jason Cameron, thinks online media attention is the last thing this case needs. When Cassidy’s post goes viral, more dogs are found painted and the clinic gets marked with a big Z too. How could her good intentions have backfired so badly?

Genre: Christian/Cozy Mystery/Romance Fiction
Release date: April, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Canine mystery strikes again in Brenham....

There is no doubt that I love the Gone To The Dogs Mysteries! It has everything you could ask for in a Christian cozy mystery series – mysterious goings on, humor, romance, and...dogs! Hey, what more could you ask for, right?

The Bark Of Zorro is the fourth book in this fun series and it was every bit as good as its predecessors. Kathleen Y'Barbo struck the perfect balance between crazy antics and puzzling mystery with this one. I had a grand time trying to figure out who could be behind the strange things going on in Brenham. The romance was well done as well, a little more noticeable than in some of the previous books but I think it was just right and matched the story.

If you are as much a dog fan as I am and you love a good cozy mystery, I would readily recommend the Gone To The Dogs Mysteries series – most definitely The Bark Of Zorro from Kathleen Y'Barbo included. It's a fun series and a great way to spend a few hours...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Bark Of Zorro by Kathleen Y'Barbo a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Kathleen

MEET BAXTER: LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A SCHNAUZER

Recently I’ve been working on a series of cozy mystery novels set in a veterinary clinic in Brenham, Texas. I love Brenham. It’s one of my favorite cities and I’m thankful that it’s very near to me. Without Brenham, there would be no Blue Bell ice cream.

But I digress.

While preparing for the release of the fourth book in the series, The Bark of Zorro, I thought about what drew me to writing this series, other than ice cream, of course. It didn’t take me long to realize it was the dogs. During the course of the series there are fancy pets and sassy strays, but they all have one thing in common: they steal our hearts.

Let me tell you about a pup that stole my heart.

Meet Baxter.

Baxter has very little stress beyond whether his water bowl stays full, his food bowl is consistently replenished, and his trips outside are not withheld. In short–which he is–Baxter is a low maintenance guy, er dog.

He makes our house a home and gives us ears to scratch and a built-in vacuum cleaner to handle any kitchen messes that reach the floor.

Unfortunately, this fellow has one rather annoying habit. He likes to walk a half-step ahead of me while looking back to be sure I am following. Not the best way to make progress of any kind. In fact, life would be much less complicated if Baxter would just let me do the leading while he does the following.

I said this recently. Aloud. Yes, to a Miniature Schnauzer. And as the words left my mouth, I was struck with the thought that maybe I am guilty of the same thing.

How many times have I gotten ahead of God only to realize He wasn’t having any of it? How many more times did I think I knew exactly where God was going–or what He was going to do–only to realize I was nowhere near close in my guess? Just as Baxter –who has appointed himself guardian of our home– sometimes barks when there’s nothing there, I too, let nothing (in the form of fear, worry, angst, or just plain imagination) grab my attention and hold it.

Here’s something else about Baxter: he’s small. Eleven pounds soaking wet small, to be precise. So small, my husband has to be careful where he steps lest he accidentally squash the poor pup with his size 13 shoes.

Though we’re physical much larger than my Baxter, I cam certainly relate to that feeling of being easily overlooked. Have you ever felt small? Really, really small? The kind of small where someone could walk right past and not even notice you?
Maybe it’s the people in your world who just don’t seem to know you’re there. Or it’s a goal you’ve long since given up accomplishing because it seems there are so many others doing it already.

Life can be that way. It’s all enough to make a person want to fade into the wallpaper or hide behind a potted plant. To make us feel as though we’re not at home, even when we are home.

I know that feeling. As a writer of Christian fiction for twenty years, I have been blessed to have sold more than two million copies of my more than one hundred novels, novellas, and nonfiction books. That’s anything but small. And yet when I look at all the amazing things that others have done, compare myself to others, well…small is exactly how I sometimes feel.

There’s just one remedy for that. Stop comparing! I’m a work in progress on this issue, but Baxter has this skill mastered. There are no comparisons in the Miniature Schnauzer world—something I could definitely learn.

Baxter has another side to him, a loyal and faithful side that I adore. Where I am, Baxter wants to be. My return from a brief trip away sends him into a crazy dance of joy that requires several rooms of the house to adequately perform. My presence is his source of joy and comfort.

So, the thought struck me: what if I looked at my relationship with God like that? What if I found contentment and joy merely in resting in his presence? What if I followed Him rather than leading? What if my home was filled with the evidence that God was not just welcome here but adored. What if…

I learned something years ago about this journey called the Christian life. The more I learn about the Lord, the more I realize how much I do not know and how very far away from any sort of perfection I am. That knowledge is sobering.
Humbling.

And yet it is encouraging.

I wish you could all meet Baxter. But since you can’t check out The Bark of Zorro and the other books in the Gone to the Dogs series to meet our cast of fancy pets and sassy strays. I think you’ll like them and their humans. But then what’s not to like about a handsome game warden, a red-haired office manager with a penchant for her word-of-the-day calendar and the rest of the Lone Star Vet Clinic crew? Check them out and you’ll see!

Kathleen Y’Barbo

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, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

When she’s not spinning modern day tales about her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen inserts an ancestor or
two into her historical and mystery novels as well. Recent book releases include bestselling The Pirate Bride set
in 1700s New Orleans and Galveston, its sequel The Alamo Bride set in 1836 Texas, which feature a few well-placed
folks from history and a family tale of adventure on the high seas and on the coast of Texas. She also writes
(mostly) relative-free cozy mystery novels for Guideposts Books. Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband
have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north
of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and one very adorable Londoner.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/25add/the-bark-of-zorro-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 26
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27
Cover Lover Book Review, April 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28
Vicky Sluiter, April 29
Lily’s Book Reviews, April 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 1
Texas Book-aholic, May 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 3
The Book Club Network, May 3
Remembrancy, May 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5
Blogging With Carol, May 6
Debs book review, May 6
For Him and My Family, May 7
Mary Hake, May 7
Holly’s Book Corner, May 8
Splashes of Joy, May 8
Pause for Tales, May 9
Labor Not in Vain, May 9

1 Comment

Just Read Review Blitz - Expired Hope by Lisa Phillips & Megan Besing (Review)

4/26/2023

3 Comments

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Expired Hope
by Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

She battled every fire she ever faced.
He’s risking everything for the chance to belong.

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew.

No matter if success takes everything she’s got.

Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want.

Or it could all go down in flames.

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: April 25, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

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

More Books in this Series

My Review

Can they work together long enough to stay alive?

Over the years I've read a number of Lisa Phillips' novels and I have enjoyed each one of them. When I see her name on the cover I have no hesitations and simply dive in like I did with Expired Hope, which is why...

I'll be honest, I didn't even realize that Lisa Phillips wasn't the sole author of Expired Hope until I saw Megan Besing's name at the top of the author's note section at the end of the book. The flow was so seamless that there was only a second or two when I almost subconsciously thought there might have been the vaguest of differences to the feel of the story. I was quite impressed when I figured it all out at the end.

As anticipated after reading the first Last Chance Fire And Rescue novel, Expired Hope turned out to be one exciting story. There was no let up for the characters, not even for a minute. Multiple mysteries or maybe just multiple threads of the same mystery keep them hopping and me turning the pages of my ereader. The emotion woven into the story also kept that very important element intriguing and relevant.

Megan Besing may be a new to me author but after reading her addition to the Last Chance Fire And Rescue series I will be keeping my eye out for more...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Expired Hope by Lisa Phillips and Megan Besing a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Lisa Phillips

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Megan Besing

Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea.

Connect with Megan by visiting meganbesing.com to follow
her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a paperback of Expired Hope and
a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule
linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST
on May 3, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48
hours to respond orrisk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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

3 Comments

Just Read Blog Tour - Safeguarding The Witness by Laurie Winter (Giveaway)

4/24/2023

6 Comments

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Safeguarding the Witness by Laurie Winter,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

A treasure worth killing for…
Unless the bodyguard can protect them

Kayla Swartz’s return to Snowberry, Montana, has been a living nightmare. She found her estranged father murdered, and unless she retrieves some missing jewels, Kayla and her three-year-old sister could be next. With nowhere else to turn, Kayla entrusts their lives to bodyguard Nicholas Galanis. But is hiding at a remote cabin in the mountains their best chance to survive…or the perfect opportunity for an ambush?

Publisher: (Love Inspired Suspense)
Release Date: April 25, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

My Review

Everything she thought she knew is about to change...

Anyone who knows me would know that I love a good Love Inspired Suspense novel and I love discovering new-to-me authors. Safeguarding The Witness is definitely the former and Laurie Winter is the enjoyable latter. And then, to top it off...the story has a Montana setting which I am always a fan of!

There are a lot of twists and turns in Safeguarding The Witness – and I'm not just talking about the twisting Montana roads either – that kept the story moving forward at a fast clip. It was great fun trying to figure out who was after Kayla and her old flame Nicholas. Laurie Winter's novel is definitely a romantic suspense, but there's more to it as Kayla comes to grips with something that many people also struggle with – forgiveness. Her past – and by extension Nicholas' – is affecting the present and any hope of a future.

So, all in all this The Protectors novel was good read. It was an entertaining story and a great way to spend a few hours. Needless to say, after finishing Safeguarding The Witness I have already marked Laurie Winter's next Love Inspired Suspense as 'Want To Read'...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Safeguarding The Witness by Laurie Winter a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Laurie Winter

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter is a true warrior of the heart. Inspired by her dreams, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. When not pounding the pavement or the keyboard, she's enjoying time with her family, who are scattered between Wisconsin and Michigan. Laurie has three kids and one fantastic husband, all who inspire her to chase her dreams.
Connect with Laurie by visiting lauriewinter.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card & signed copy of Safeguarding the Witness

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 24, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on May 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. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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

6 Comments

Just Read Reviewer Tour - Yosemite Firestorm by Tanya Stowe

4/13/2023

0 Comments

Yosemite Firestorm
Love Inspired Suspense
by Tanya Stowe

-From Goodreads-

A raging forest fire
isn’t the only threat…

When an act of arson claims the life of a hiker, Yosemite Park Ranger Livy Chatham is the only witness—putting her right into the path of determined criminals. Only rock climber Hayden Bryant can protect her from the killers destroying all evidence of their crimes. But can Livy and Hayden outrun the danger that’s as hot on their heels as the fires blazing through Yosemite?

ASIN: ‎B0B6WC11PK

Can they stay a step ahead of fire...and a killer?

If you live in an area where wildfires are common like I do, you know the chill that runs through at the word 'Firestorm'. You know what it's like to watch the sky for changes and that there's a difference between the smell of 'old' smoke and 'new' smoke. Tanya Stowe brought it all to life quite vividly and Yosemite Firestorm was an easy novel to visualize as a result. When paired with the dramatic scenery of Yosemite as a backdrop and a mystery that will keep you guessing, well, it makes for some fast paced and entertaining reading.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Tanya Stowe

Author Website

As with the rest of Tanya Stowe's Love Inspired Suspense novels that I have read, Yosemite Firestorm was hard to put down. I just had to keep turning those pages so I could find out of my suspicions were true and whether they would all make it out of the wilderness alive. Now, of course, if you are a fan of Love Inspired Suspense like I am, it is your turn to find out the answers to those (pun fully intended) burning questions...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Yosemite Firestorm by Tanya Stowe a 4 Bark rating.

0 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Enhanced by Candace Kade (Giveaway)

4/9/2023

5 Comments

Lee Urban is living a lie.

In a society where everyone’s DNA determines their destiny, being a Natural means automatic relegation to the gritty and dangerous Outskirts. With the harnessed power of gene-editing, the ability to create a super-human race has transformed the world and offered the opportunity of a genetically enhanced life. But only to those who can afford it.

Born a Natural, Lee Urban was adopted into the Enhanced high society of the Asian Federation and forced to conceal her genetic roots. When her dream of attending Peking University becomes a reality, she is determined to go despite a warning from a mysterious source.

Targeted by a hacker bent on exposing her true DNA, Urban faces off with an Artificial Intelligence Game that puts her—and her lies—to the test. What was supposed to be a dream come true turns into a lethal gamble of hide-and-seek with her genetics. Can Urban continue the act, or will the cracks in her story expose her and endanger her family?

Genre: YA Science Fiction
Release date: March 14, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Can she survive in a world that despises her?

Sci-fi, not my genre. Dystopian, also not my genre. Enhanced, exactly my kind of read. I was totally absorbed by Urban's slightly familiar and sometimes frightening world of AI and genetic engineering of a hundred years from now.

There is no mistaking that Candace Kade is a master at vividly painting a complete sci-fi world using words instead of a brush. That skill is put on full Technicolor display in this first The Hybrid novel and there is no escaping the pull of the pages that lead you deeper in New Beijing and a world that may be closer than we want to think.

Enhanced is definitely aimed at a YA audience but this adult reader couldn't put it down. Urban's struggle to fit in, to be understood, is something that transcends age and country of origin. We've all felt less than and Candace Kade's young heroine embodies those feelings in a way that makes her much more relatable.

As you can tell, I enjoyed reading book 1 in The Hybrid series. It was entertaining, thought provoking, sometimes a little eerily plausible, and left me anxiously awaiting the next book...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Enhanced by Candace Kade a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Candace

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong?

It could be something as small as showing up at a party alone to something bigger like moving to a new city.
In ENHANCED, Urban also feels like she doesn’t belong. In New Beijing in the year 2124, everyone has amazing genetic enhancements given to them through CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Everyone, except Urban.

New Beijing is full of humans with breath-taking DNA. Inceptors with brain enhancements allowing them to read micro facial expressions, Supers who can withstand hard hits and extreme temperatures, Aquas able to breathe underwater, and more. There are eight main gene pools, and Urban doesn’t belong in any of them.

Instead, Urban’s born a Natural, without genetic enhancements, and secretly adopted into New Beijing. She’s forced to hide her genetic roots to protect her family, and pretends to be something she’s not--enhanced.

Urban’s story is personal to me.

As a Third Culture Kid, I’ve spent most of my life straddling two worlds and, trying to fit into places I felt I didn’t belong. At the age of four, my family moved from Ohio to China. I spent my childhood as the only foreign kid at my Chinese schools, neighborhood, and sports teams.

Since then, I’ve often returned to China. I was actually living and working there while writing ENHANCED.

Despite the frequent trips, I didn’t feel “American enough” or “Chinese enough” growing up. Maybe it’s because I botched most American sayings. Maybe it’s because no matter how good my Mandarin was, people looked at my white skin and assumed I didn’t belong in China.

It’s taken me years to come to peace with this.

Urban struggles with something similar. She must balance the Enhanced and Natural worlds all while trying to keep her web of lies from tangling and tripping her up. Which, of course, gets harder when she’s selected as the next AI Games contestant.

When I wrote this book, I was living in Beijing and going through one of the hardest seasons in my life. I had never felt so lonely. There was a song that brought me great comfort during this time. The chorus goes:

“God only knows what you’ve been through,
God only knows what they say about you,
God only knows the real you,
There’s a kind of love that God only knows.”
-For King and Country.

I played that song on repeat while writing Enhanced. It reminded me that God sees us and knows us intimately. With him, we are never truly alone.

I wrote this book for anyone who feels like they slip between the cracks of society—like they don’t belong. My hope is that you feel seen and understood.

You’re not alone.

Candace Kade

Candace Kade grew up in China and currently lives in Austin, Texas. When she’s not missing Chinese food, she’s busy writing, exploring new countries, volunteering, hiking in national parks, teaching her husband Mandarin, and keeping a baby human alive.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a hardback
of ENHANCED, $50 Amazon gift card, $10 Starbucks gift card, and a signed bookplate!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/25259/enhanced-celebration-tour-giveaway