Book Review of 'Positively, Penelope' by Pepper Basham

Happy Friday Bookworms!

This week has been a whirlwind of amazing books and I am ending it on a high note!  The novel that I am featuring today is so fun and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you!

  

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Positively, Penelope 

Series: Skymar #2 

Author: Pepper Basham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Told mostly through letters, texts, and email, this contemporary romance will charm its way into hearts as Penelope rescues a theater and discovers her true self in the process.

Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage. 

Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine. 

With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s. 

Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?

4

Book Review of 'Her Homegrown Christmas Wish' by Rachelle Paige Campbell

HELLO HOLIDAY BOOKWORMS!

I don't know about you but I adore the holiday season and the warm fuzzy feelings that it brings with it, which is why I have started getting into Christmas in July more the past few years.  I also will do anything and everything to keep my mind off of this unbearable Texas heat!

Today I am celebrating Christmas in July with my review of another book from the always charming Home to Harmony series, so check it out, and comment below if you celebrate Christmas in July and if so, how.  I'd love to get more ideas besides just reading Christmas books. *wink*

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for Her Homegrown Christmas Wish by Rachelle Paige Campbell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Homegrown Christmas Wish

Series: Home to Harmony #4

Author: Rachelle Paige Holmes

Release Date: November 4, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

All five-year-old Olivia Beacon wants for Christmas is a dad…

How on earth is single mom Hannah Beacon supposed to make that happen? To make matters worse, her holiday season is off to a rocky start. Between transferring ownership of the family bakery amid her mom’s decline, raising her young daughter, and the onslaught of Christmas orders, she can’t handle much more. And then her estranged husband shows up on her doorstep.

In the New Year, Daniel Ford is set to begin production on a TV show for the Hope and Family network. After years in the industry, the role is his biggest break yet. But when he sees his wife on screen with a mini version of herself, he realizes his shot at fame is on the line.

Together, Daniel and Hannah agree to start legal divorce proceedings—until Daniel comes face to face with the child that spurred his return. He can’t walk out of his daughter’s life, nor can he continue to deny his feelings for his wife. Will the career Daniel’s always wanted take center stage? Or can the two forgive past hurts to make their daughter’s Christmas wish a reality?

0

Book Review of 'Weddings & Wishes' by Melissa McClone

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

Today I am super excited to be sharing my thoughts on the latest installment of one of my favorite series!  The Berry Lake Cupcake Posse has become one of my all-time favorites and I can't believe there is only one book left in the series!  I am choosing to be in denial about this fact, and will instead savor the delicious novel that is Weddings & Wishes.

About the Book

Title: Weddings & Wishes

Series: Berry Lake Cupcake Posse #4

Author: Melissa McClone

Publisher: Cardinal Press

Release Date: July 9, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women Fiction

Find out what's next for Nell, Selena, Bria, Juliet, and Missy...

Friendship has kept the Berry Lake Cupcake Posse going, and they’ll need each other even more to survive the challenges life keeps throwing at them. But their struggles to reopen beloved Berry Lake Cupcake Shop might just break them apart.

The Berry Lake Cupcake Posse series is a women's fiction saga about friendship and family. These books aren't standalone, and there are cliffhangers. The series is best enjoyed when the books are read in order:

Book 1: Cupcakes & Crumbs
Book 2: Tiaras & Teacups
Book 3: Kittens & Kisses
Book 4: Weddings & Wishes 

1

Book Review of 'Hidden Amish Target' by Dana R. Lynn

Hello Bookworms!

Happy Tuesday!  I am so excited to be sharing another review today that is celebrating its book birthday today!  I love the Love Inspired Suspense series as they are the perfect summer afternoon read and todays featured novel is no exception.  So, get comfy, grab an iced coffee, and enjoy the tour!

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

About the Book

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.

5

Book Review of 'Like Honey for the Bones' by Brandy Heineman

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was filled with celebrating my baby boy who turned 17 last week, so my heart is full, and I am happy and blessed.  This week is going to be filled with some wonderful novels, and I am kicking it all off with a novel that is celebrating it's book birthday today!!

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

About the Book

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.

9

Book Review of 'How Sweet It Is' by Andrea Christenson

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I have to (again) apologize for not being consistent with my posts.  This summer has been so busy, and I can't seem to catch up!  I became an aunt again a few days ago (welcome to the world baby Jaycee!!) and my in-laws were here all week last week, which was crazy and amazing.  My youngest celebrated his 17th birthday yesterday and birthday's in our household last all week, so we have things in the works for the rest of the week and upcoming weekend.  I also have my mom coming into town soon, and we're about to gear up for my youngest's senior year which has me feeling all the feels.  Not to mention the normal day-to-day grind and the huge stack of books that are awaiting my attention.  

It's a lot but I am really trying to be more present, and enjoy each and every moment I am blessed with, which includes reflecting on what I've been reading, which is exactly what I am doing today!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for How Sweet It Is by Andrea Christenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: How Sweet It Is 
Series: Fox Bakery #1
Author: Andrea Christenson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Sometimes the sweetest moments in life are made from the most familiar and ordinary ingredients. 

Robin Fox is living out her dreams working in a gourmet bakery in Paris. She thought she’d live there forever, but when her relationship with her boss sours, those dreams crumble. She finds herself back home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, caring for her grandparents’ rundown bakery while they’re away. But she vows that when they return in six weeks, she’ll trade this ordinary life for the one she left behind. 

Sammy Johnson has never gotten traction in any area of his life. This hasn’t improved in the almost two years since the accident which nearly killed him. Although his heart is still beating, it contains little passion for the life he’s living in Deep Haven. But that begins to change when he offers to help his former high school friend, Robin. 

Working together to keep Fox Bakery from going under, they find more than friendship is simmering between them. But when the six weeks are up, will Robin follow her old dreams back to the glamor of Paris or will she discover how sweet it is to be loved in Deep Haven? 

Return to Deep Haven with the Fox Family, where Robin and Sammy find that small town life isn’t ordinary after all.

5

Book Review of 'Fire and Ice' by Carolyn Miller

Happy Friday Bookworms!

This week has been a whirlwind in the Flores household as my in-laws have been in town.  It's been years since they've been able to see us since they live eight hours away, so though the week has been pure insanity, it's also been a tremendous blessing, as I am truly blessed to have the best in-laws in the world!

I did manage to sneak away for a few moments of quiet time over the week and when I did I read the book that I am reviewing today, which was the best way to escape the chaos, even if it was only for a moment.  So, please enjoy my thoughts on the first novel in Carolyn Miller's latest series and I hope you all are staying cool and have a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Fire and Ice by Carolyn Miller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fire and Ice
Series: Northwest Ice Division #1
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 10, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Hannah Wade loves sports, so when injury is swiftly followed by an opportunity to be one of Calgary's first female sports analysts, she jumps at the chance. Trouble is, some of the old dinosaurs she works with thinks she's nothing but a fluff-piece, there to add ratings and stir controversy among the fiercely loyal hockey fans. She longs for the chance to prove herself, so when an opportunity comes along to interview newly traded defenseman Franklin James, she meets him, with disastrous effect. 

Growing up with three sisters means Franklin thought he knew something about women, but nothing had ever prepared him for the sparkling firecracker that is Hannah. And yet her vibrant personality holds a sweetness and soft side, something that draws his interest and protectiveness when an interview goes south

Can these two overcome prejudice and see a way forward? And what has faith - or the lack of - got to do with anything? Fire and Ice is the first book in the new Northwest Ice hockey romance series, a sweet and swoony, slightly sporty, Christian contemporary romance series that continues the legacy of the Original Six, and is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh and Susan May Warren.

7

Do You Want to Rendezvous?

Attention Bookworms!

Gather around! Today I am featuring an author and reader event that you are not going to want to miss!  Keep reading to find out all the details for the first annual JustRead Rendezvous and scroll all the way to the bottom to enter an amazing giveaway specifically for this momentous occasion!

Gather with fellow readers and authors at JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. Who else wants to attend this reader/author event organized by JustRead Publicity Tours?!

1