Book Review of 'The London Forgery' by Heidi Eljarbo

Happy Friday Bookworms!

I don't know about you, but I can read a cozy mystery any time of the year, but there is something extra delicious about curling up with a cozy mystery during the fall.  It's an immersive experience that I love so much, and the novel I'm reviewing today was that and more, espcially since it's also by one of my favorite authors AND is kicking off a new series!  It is also available to read right now on Kindle Unlimited, so after you read my thoughts head over there and get your copy.  It's a great weekend read that you can easily get lost in.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The London Forgery by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The London Forgery
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #1
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: August 29, 2023
Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery, Dual Timeline

1973. Art historian Fabiola Bennett sees herself as a prudently observant deer who becomes a daring and even mischievous lioness if the situation calls for it. And that’s exactly what’s required when greedy criminals steal, forge, and tamper with treasured artwork. When the crooks add murder to their list of crimes, the chaos is complete. 

A mysterious note is delivered anonymously at the door of the National Gallery in London, and the director immediately calls Fabiola’s office in Oslo and pleads with her to come without delay. The message is confusing, but it seems one of her favorite eighteenth-century portraits is in trouble. 

Fabiola hops on the first plane and meets up with her vibrant side-kick Pippa Yates and the ever-loyal Detective Inspector Cary Green from New Scotland Yard. But she is not naïve enough to think untangling the purpose and meaning of the mysterious note will be as simple as a walk in Hyde Park. These things never are.  

1750. Newly married Robert and Frances Andrews, members of the landed gentry of Suffolk, England, hire young and talented Thomas Gainsborough to paint their wedding portrait. Their desire is a lovely conversation piece showing their wealth and class, an artwork to remember them by for generations to come. 

Little do they know the gifted artist portrays their personalities exactly how he perceives them, and the artistic symbolism is not as flattering as they’d hoped for. Even the looming clouds in the distance promise a troublesome future.  

This is the first book in a new dual timeline series by Heidi Eljarbo—an intriguing spin-off from the much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries. 

Fans of Lucinda Riley, Rhys Bowen, Kathleen McGurl, Kate Morton, and Katherine Neville will love this cozy historical art mystery, which takes the readers back to the nostalgia of the groovy seventies and the classical Georgian era of the eighteenth century.

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Book Review of 'Finding Their Christmas Home' by Donna Gartshore

Hello Bookworms!

Christmas is in the air and its only September!  I don't know about you, but I don't fully submerse myself in the holiday season until after Thanksgiving, but I am all about sprinkling a little bit of holiday cheer here and there, which is what I am doing today!

For those that are getting their annual season's reading list ready do I have an amazing new release for you!  It is another novel from the Love Inspired Inspirational Romance series (one of my faves!) and is so charming and so uplifting, I know you will love it!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Finding Their Christmas Home by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Finding Their Christmas Home
Author: Donna Gartshore
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

A holiday homecoming 

Could lead to a second chance… 

After years away, Jenny Powell returns to her grandmother’s home, known as “Christmas House,” only to find her ex already there. A household emergency left David Hart and his twin daughters with nowhere else to go, and he enlists Jenny to help him give his daughters a Christmas they’ll never forget. But with the past standing between them, could this holiday season bring the gift of a happily-ever-after for them all?

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Book Review of 'Hunted at Christmas' by Dana R. Lynn

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

Fall is officially here, which means Christmas is right around the corner.  2023 has just flown by!  Fall is one of my favorite seasons so I soak up as much as I can before the holidays kick into high gear, but I don't mind reading a Christmas story any time of the year!

Today's featured review is another Love Inspired Suspense that was one of my favorites so far this year, so please enjoy my thoughts on Hunted at Christmas, and don't forget to scroll all the way to the bottom and enter to win a great giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hunted at Christmas by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Hunted at Christmas
Series: Amish Country Justice
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Wanted by a bounty hunter. 

Chased by a killer. 

When single mother Addison Johnson is attacked by a hit man, she learns there’s a price on her head. And Isaiah Bender—the bounty hunter hired to track her down for crimes she didn’t commit—is her only hope for survival. Protecting Addison and her young son from armed assailants means seeking refuge in Amish country. But when their holiday hideout is discovered, can he clear an innocent woman’s name and keep her alive?  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

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Spotlight on The Art of Writing 2023 Webinars

Happy Wednesday!

Today I have a special post for you that isn't focused on a book, but rather on those that make those books possible.  Writers, storytellers, and publishing curators are going to love the Art of Writing 2023 webinars!!  You can find all the details about this webinar below, including what you can expect in each session, all the important dates, as well as find out which incredible speakers are going to be in attendance this year.  The cherry on top is the giveaway at the bottom courtesy of JustRead Tours!  It dosen't get much better than this!

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2023 webinars, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

The Art of Writing 

Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT 

online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9

This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

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Book Review of 'Forever Music' by Hope Toler Dougherty

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

The fall season is one of the busiest times of the year for me, and it seems like it races faster and faster as we near the holidays.  Anyone feel me?  I feel like no matter how hard I try I cannot seem to catch up!  When I feel overwhelmed is when I crave to get lost in a literary world more than anything and today's spotlight was a fun escape!

I decided to participate in the JustRead Tours Blind Tour, which is where JustRead Tours chooses a novel based on my preferences and I read it not knowing anything about it and giving my thoughts.  This is my second time getting chosen for a blind tour and again I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this book and I love that I was introduced to a new-to-me author!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Forever Music

Series: Forever #1

Author: Hope Toler Dougherty

Release Date: July 1, 2020

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

A battered heart needs healing.

A community needs rescuing.

A chartered course needs redirecting.

College history instructor, Josie Daniels is good at mothering her three brothers, volunteering in her community, and getting over broken hearts, but meeting aloof, hotshot attorney Ches Windham challenges her nurturing, positive-thinking spirit.

Josie longs to help Ches find his true purpose, but as his hidden talents and true personality emerge. Will she be able to withstand his potent charms, or will she lose her heart in the process?

A rising star in his law firm, Ches Windham is good at keeping secrets.

He’s always been the good son, following his father’s will to become an attorney and playing the game for a fast track to partnering with a law firm. Lately, though his life’s path has lost whatever luster it had—all because of his unlikely, and unacceptable, friendship with Josie. He struggles between the life he’s prepared for and the one calling to him now. Opposing his father has never been an option, and spending time with Josie can’t be one. The more he’s with her, however, the more he wants to be.

When a crisis tarnishes his golden future and secrets are revealed, Ches is forced to reexamine the trajectory of his life. Will he choose the path his father hammered out for him or the path that speaks to his heart?

♥︎ Previously published as Forever Music by Mantle Rock Publishing.

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Spotlight on JustRead Rendezvous 2023

Happy Wednesday Book Lovers!

Today is a great day!  No, I'm still not feeling good, and my family and I are still very much fighting the ick, but what is making it so great is what I am sharing with you today!  The 2023 JustRead Rendezvous is right around the corner, and I have all the details about the event as well as your chance to win some sweet bookish swag, so keep scrolling and read all about it! 

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for JustRead Rendezvous, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

JustRead Rendezvous 

November 16-17, 2023

Holiday Inn St Louis SW – Route 66

Join fellow readers and authors at the inaugural JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads with food, games, giveaways, and books. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement and is modeled after Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. Friday's activities will include speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, and author signings. 

On Thursday evening, JustRead is hosting a Meet and Greet and Watch Party for The Christy Award Winners Gala webcast. The Christy Award honors and promotes excellence in Christian fiction and is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Additional Rendezvous event sponsors include Baker Publishing Group fiction divisions (Bethany House Publishers and Revell), Kregel Publications, and Ambassador International.

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Book Review of ‘Clutter Free’ by Jackie Layton

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I don't know what it is about when my kids start school, but every September my family and me end up getting sick, and this year is no exception.  Our weekend was filled with lots of coughing, an excessive amount of Kleenex's were used, and each of us feel overall yucky.  Mine has manifested the worst in my throat and chest, and it seems to be getting worse in my chest, so I'm assuming it's turning into bronchitis and a doctor's trip will be in my future.  Oh the joys of the season!

One thing that has been keeping me occupied as I am practically bedridden has been a the nice, cozy mystery that I am featuring today.  It is by an author that is new to me, and one that perfectly matched my mood.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts and that you are faring better than I am!  I am now going to go crawl back into bed...

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Clutter Free by Jackie Layton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Clutter Free
Series: An Organized Crime Cozy Mystery #1
Author: Jackie Layton
Publisher: Level Best Books
Release Date: August 29, 2023
Genre: Clean Cozy Mystery

Returning to Fox Island where she grew up, Kate Sloan begins her career as a professional organizer. When a woman accuses Kate’s police chief brother of having an affair, Kate’s priority shifts from organizing to proving her brother’s innocence. Kate visits the woman, hoping for a confession. The woman won’t admit she lied, and to make the situation worse, the accuser is found dead the next day by Kate and her business partner. 

Kate has an eye for seeing what’s out of place, and she knows how to fix problems. Can she utilize her organizational skills to toss red herrings and focus on legitimate clues? Kate’s business is at risk as well as her brother’s career. The clock is ticking, and this could be the deadliest deadline of Kate’s life. She must discover the truth behind the victim’s vicious lies, but most of all, she needs to solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.

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Book Review of 'The Finding of Miss Fairfield' by Grace Hitchcock

Hello Bookworms!

Happy Friday!  I hope everyone is staying cool in this lovely "fall" heat we're having right now.  Texas has been shattering some records lately, and it's clear to see how.  No matter how long I live in the south I will never get used to the heat we have here!  But enough about the weather and my cries for cooler weather...

Today I am so excited to be sharing my thoughts on the first novel of a new series by one of my favorite authors!  There is something so special about starting a new series, and Ms. Hitchcock knocked this book out of the park!

I hope you enjoy my review and that you have a blessed weekend full of rest and relaxation!

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Series: Aprons & Veils #1

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Release Date: August 29, 2022

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient...

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

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Book Review of 'Unseen' by Traci Hunter Abramson

Happy September Bookworms!

Whew!  I don't know about you, but August was a lot!  The whole back to school whirlwind, a major hurricane that hit my mom in Florida, and our family pet has been very sick on top of the typical day to day chaos.  I don't think I've ever been happier for a new month to break forth!  Fall also happens to be one of my favorite seasons, even though the weather in Texas hasn't gotten the memo as we are still getting daily triple digit heat with no rain in sight. *sigh*

Since I am continuing to stay indoors the majority of the time to escape the heat, I have been devouring novels left and right, and they have all been so great!  If August was good for one thing it had some amazing new releases in literature, including the book that I am highlighting today.  Enjoy and I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!♡

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Unseen by Traci Hunter Abramson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Unseen
Series: Guardian #7
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Genre: Clean Romantic Suspense

Laura’s work as a nurse practitioner has pushed her to her breaking point. A trip abroad to visit her grandmother in Honduras promises a few days of relief, but when her abuela falls ill, Laura finds herself walking the halls of a hospital once more. Still wearing her scrubs, she could easily be confused for a local healthcare worker―and it’s a mistake that happens almost immediately. After a recent shootout, the local gang needs a doctor, and they don’t ask for what they want―they take it. In a split second, Laura is captured in a deadly case of mistaken identity. The outlook is dire until a mysterious rescuer appears, launching the pair on a desperate flight to freedom. 

As a member of the ultraclassified guardian program, Manuel is responsible for protecting US assets in Central America. But when a job in Honduras goes terribly wrong, his skills are pushed to the limit as he races to get Laura out of the country alive. What begins as a connection forged in a shared ordeal quickly deepens, and Manuel and Laura must learn to trust their instincts―and their hearts―if they hope to survive.

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