Spotlight on The Christy Award Finalists 2023

Happy Friday Bookworms!

This month has been speeding by at an alarming rate but I am loving it!  My mom is in town from Florida for a week so I am soaking up all the Mama love I can while she's here, but that is not all I'm excited about today.  The finalists for The Christy Awards were recently announced and man are there some amazing picks this year!  Today, with JustRead Tours, I am highlighting all the finalists and giving you a chance to win an amazing prize for yourself!

After the announcement there were a lot more novels added to my TBR list and I am not mad about it in the least!♡  Good luck to everyone that enters the giveaway and I hope you all have a blessed weekend!  Stay dry and warm!!  This weather we've been having lately has been insane!

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2023 Finalists & Winners!

YOU ARE INVITED

The Christy Award Gala 2023
Via webcast
November 16, 2023 | 7 pm CT
Featuring Chris Fabry, Davis Bunn, Janette Oke, and a host of Christy-winning authors

Hosted by Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry, the Christy Award Winners Gala will be held Thursday, November 16th at 7pm CT via free webcast to recognize the finalists and announce the winners of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award. The event will feature two literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. Award presenters will include Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green, Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck, and Kara Swanson.

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Book Review of 'A Midnight Masquerade' by Elizabeth Johns, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Annette Lyon

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Welcome to another lovely fall week!  I had an amazingly exhausting weekend with friends and family and I wouldn't trade the memories for anything in the world, but man what camping does to this old body is not pretty.  I am taking today off and recouping with a good book while also sharing one of my favorites reads this month: the next installment in the Timeless Georgian Collection!

If you haven't read this series yet what are you waiting for!  All of the books are on Kindle Unlimited and are so entertaining.  I have to admit that this is my favorite anthology in the series so far and I know you will love it too.  So, enjoy my thoughts on these three novellas and I hope you have a blessed day!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Series: Timeless Georgian Collection #3

Publisher: Mirror Press

Release Date: August 7, 2023

Genre: Victorian Regency Romance

At the Midnight Masqueraade, hearts and affections may be revealed...

In this collection:

♡ A DOUBLE MASQUERADE by Elizabeth Johns
Arthur, Lord Claremont finds himself unexpectedly in need of an heir, but loathes the idea of putting himself publicly on the Marriage Mart. When a masquerade provides the opportunity to survey the crop of eligible ladies whilst in disguise, he cannot resist. Phoebe Cartwright was forced to live with her aunt during her mourning for her father. Unfortunately, it was during the Season when her cousin was to make her debut. Fearing competition, her aunt tries to keep her hidden away. However, when her cousin becomes ill, Phoebe finds herself pretending to be her cousin at a masquerade. Arthur finds his ideal bride at the masquerade, but appearances can be deceiving.

♡ THEIR MASKED SECRET by Jen Geigle Johnson
A duke’s ultimatum carries power. James Holbrook and his fellow lords in London have one more ball before they must tow the line and find wives, wealthy wives—One more chance to be frivolous, to flirt, to outrageously flaunt themselves about without a care until the dawn when they can never do so again. With masks on, everything will be done in complete anonymity. And even though James has reservations about such a jaunt, he agrees to at least keep the others’ secrets.  

Meredith attends the ball with great trepidation. How will she see through the duplicity of the marriage mart and find a man sincere enough to marry her for who she is? She doesn't expect to. And she doesn't expect to fall for one at her first ball, without even knowing his name. How will the two navigate the ensuing weeks of secrets, misunderstandings and prejudice to eventually fall in love without their masks on?

♡ MASQUERADE A-LA-MODE by Annette Lyon
When Charles Ballam returns from war, his former commander, Doughty, is determined to see him happily wed—the least he can do after Charles maimed his hand saving his life. The first attempt leads to a humiliating spectacle involving Charles’s injury. He’s loath to ever attend a ball again. Doughty convinces him to try a relatively new, scandalous method: lonely hearts advertisements.

Mr. Amesbury doesn’t approve of such things, but that doesn’t stop his daughter Clarissa or her companion, Mary, from reading them secretly and then strolling past meeting places in hopes of finding the individuals mentioned in them. When an advertisement with striking details appears, Clarissa is certain that the man behind it is one she could have a love match with. She answers, suggesting they meet at an upcoming masquerade. But identities aren’t what they seem, and her future happiness—or spinsterhood—may rest on the man who placed the advertisement . . . or on his mate, who assumes his identity. Instead of being the man of her dreams, he may be nothing more than a deception.

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Spotlight on 'Running to You' by Robin Patchen

We Made It Bookworms!

Happy Friday!!  Today I am so excited!!  Not only because it's Friday, but because I am going on a mini family camping trip this weekend!  Eek!  The weather is supposed to be cooperative, but I had honestly hoped it would've been just a tad cooler, so it actually feels like fall and not second summer.  Still, I can't wait to see my tribe, eat my weight in marshmallows, and just let loose.  Do you have any plans this weekend?  Let me know in the comments.

Today I am not sharing a review but instead an excerpt from the first book in a new series from author Robin Patchen.  If the cover and excerpt is any indication, it's going to be a phenomenal read.  I hope you enjoy the excerpt, don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Running to You by Robin Patchen hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Running to You 

Series: The Wright Heroes of Maine #1 

Author: Robin Patchen 

Publisher: JDO Publishing 

Release Date: October 10, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

From a USA Today Bestselling author...

Sam never understood why Eliza left him five years ago, ghosting him without explanation. He’s avoided romance ever since, focusing on building his business. Money might not keep him warm at night, but it can sure buy a lot of blankets. 

Then Eliza shows up on his doorstep and throws herself into his arms. She can’t explain her bruises or the head injury that’s left her with no memories of the past five years, including their breakup. No matter how good it feels to hold her, though, there’s no way he’s getting sucked into romance again. 

He’ll deliver Eliza to her mother, and that will be that. But instead of finding her mom, they’re met by two attackers and barely escape alive. Despite the danger to his life and his heart, he can’t leave Eliza to fend for herself. 

Together, they embark on a journey to reconstruct her past while evading the men chasing her. As Sam and Eliza close in on the truth, their romance reignites, but her secret threatens to destroy them both. 

Prepare to be enthralled by this gripping story of amnesia, a second chance at love, and a secret baby. Running to You is an edge-of-your-seat Christian romantic suspense set in Maine that will keep you reading all night long. 

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Book Review of 'Crossroads' by C.C. Warrens

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

October is in full swing, and I am loving every moment of it!  My little sister's birthday is tomorrow, so of course I have her on my heart, and this coming weekend is another annual family campout that I look forward to every single year.  I feel so blessed to have these people to do life with and cannot imagine where I'd be without a strong support system.

That is one of the many admirable things that I gleamed from today's spotlight novel: the importance of surrounding yourself with people that love and support you.  C.C. Warrens is a new author to me, which is utterly shocking to me because good grief is she amazing!  I will say right here and now that she's go a new fangirl in me and I plan to devour more of her books in the future. :) 

With that said, I hope you enjoy my review of Crossroads, and that you have a blessed Wednesday!  Also, don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post for another incredible giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Crossroads by C.C. Warrens, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Crossroads
Series: A Holly Novel #5
Author: C.C. Warrens
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Genre: Christian suspense/ Christian romantic suspense

Run and don't look back.
I'll find you when it's safe. 

Those were the last words Holly whispered to her six year old foster sister before the little girl fled into the trees and disappeared from existence. 

Fifteen years later, Cassandra Ward is still missing. 

Holly is haunted by the possibility that she sent her foster sister running from one monster and into the clutches of another. How else could a child vanish without a trace? 

Determined to find her, Holly sifts through her own dark memories for clues, revisits her past, and chases a lead across the country with Jordan by her side. But the search for Cassie takes a dangerous turn when an altercation in the mountains leaves them stranded, cut off from the outside world, and running for their lives.  

Lovers of books by Lynette Eason, Terri Blackstock, and Natalie Walters will enjoy this latest thrilling installment of The Holly Novels, and might even stay up all night reading.

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Book Review of 'Havoc' by Ronie Kendig

Hello Bookworms!

Welcome to another gorgeous fall day and another book review!  I have really lucked out lately.  It seems like every book I pick up I have been falling in love with, and the novel that I am spotlighting today is no exception.  I don't get to read as many tactical books as I'd like and this novel today is kicking off a whole new series!! Eek!!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on Havoc and don't forget to scroll down to the bottom for a pretty sweet giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Havoc by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Havoc
Series: A Breed Apart: Legacy #1
Author: Ronie Kendig
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: October 17, 2023
Genre: Paramilitary Romantic Thriller

A soldier, a Malinois, and a stuntwoman walk onto a TV set . . . 

Former Special Forces operator Sergeant Crew Gatlin takes everything in stride, even the career-ending incident that separated him from the Army, half a leg, and his beloved working dog, Havoc K027. Putting his life back together and lying low, he takes a job with A Breed Apart and is unexpectedly reunited with Havoc. It’s too good to be true—and the proof is in their first assignment: to work as a K-9 team for a television drama in Los Angeles. Miffed at being relegated to TV fodder, he’s willing to pay the price when he sees the stuntwoman. 

Being a stunt double allows Vienna Foxcroft to fulfill her acting dream—with a side of MMA—and stay out of the limelight. The same one that plagued her childhood and put her through a nightmare scenario. Now, her tight-knit stunt team are the only ones she trusts. Then in walks Mr. Mountain-of-Muscle and his tough-as-nails dog, and Vienna has a bad feeling her life is about to turn upside down. 

Ticked as they head overseas for a location shoot in Turkey, Crew guts it up—after all, he has Havoc again. Okay, and yeah—Vienna is going, too. When an attack sends the cast fleeing into the streets of Turkey, Vienna must face the demons of her past or be devoured by them. And Crew and Havoc are tested like never before. 

Experience the high-octane thrill ride that is the first book in the A Breed Apart: Legacy series.

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Book Review of 'Broken Bondage' by Carmen Peone

Happy Taco Tuesday Bookworms!

My oldest son works at a Mexican restaurant and Tuesdays are a big deal there since it is Taco Tuesday.  I've never been one to "celebrate" per se but since he's started working there, and me always freaking out with how crazy busy it always is when I drop him off, I can't help but see Tuesday's in a more festive light now.  Do you celebrate Taco Tuesday?  Leave me a comment below and let me know if you do.  I have an uncle that is seriously obsessed, to the point that it's been years since he hasn't had a taco on a Tuesday. But enough about tacos...

The novel that I am featuring today is one that tackles the heaviest of subject matters, yet I was completely blown away with how simple yet powerful it is.  It was a tough and at times triggering read for me, but one that I am so thankful I gave a chance on.  I hope you enjoy my review of Broken Bondage by Carmen Peone and if you get a chance to eat a taco today by all means eat a taco! :)

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Broken Bondage by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Broken Bondage
Series: Seven Tine Ranch #2
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Clean/Christian Contemporary Western Romance

A Road Trip to Redemption 

Rita Runninghorse is about to marry the wrong guy. She has to get away from him. Now. She flees to a guest ranch in Eastern Washington State that offers a safe haven for women in need only to find the owner on a month-long speaking tour. 

Robert Elliot has one thing on his mind: bronc riding. The Indian National Finals Rodeo is within reach, and he’s not about to let anything ruin his chances of going pro. Not even the woman he finds asleep in the stall of their rankest horse. 

When Rita’s fiancé discovers where she’s hiding out, she takes Robert’s offer to go with him on the road and prays her fiancé gives up the hunt. Saddled together, Rita and Robert must rely on each other as they go on the road to keep her alive.

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Book Review of 'Abounding Hope' by Cindy Kay Stewart

Hello Bookworms!

Welcome to another week and another review from yours truly!  It's been a few months since I've read a good World War II historical fiction, so I was excited to finally get to read Abounding Hope, a new release from Cindy Kay Stewart.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this powerful novel and have a wonderful start to the week!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Abounding Hope
Series: Circle of Hope #1
Author: Cindy Kay Stewart
Publisher: Hope Springs Press LLC
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: WWII Christian Historical Romance

Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. 

It’s late August, 1939, and the world is on the brink of war. The Nazis are threatening Poland, but American teacher Irena Simmons refuses to flee to safety. She’s dedicated her life to serving in her church and school, and she’s watching over the little German boys she whisked to safety the year before. When her former classmate, Jonathan, surprises her in Lvov and insists she leave with him before the war starts, Irena balks. Nothing will interfere with her work—especially a man making demands. 

American shipping magnate Jonathan Huntwell had a crush on Irena in school. When their former classmates select him to travel to Poland and escort her out before it’s too late, he doesn’t expect the inner turmoil she ignites in him. Although honor-bound to aid any friend in trouble, Jonathan acknowledges that Irena is more than an obligation to him. However, he must keep his feelings hidden, or he’ll jeopardize their friendship. 

Irena soon discovers that the Gestapo agent she successfully evaded in Germany has found her in Poland, and he’s after her young charges. When the Germans invade, Jonathan is in Denmark on business, too far away to help. As the rising danger threatens everything Irena holds dear, she must find a way to protect those she loves. 

Based on true events and backed by extensive research, Abounding Hope is sure to delight fans of WWII adventure cloaked in sweet romance. Come to the place where the war began and discover hope in the darkest places.

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Book Review of 'Rekinding Hope' by Alicia Gilliam

Happy Saturday Bookworms!

Today is a gorgeous day in Texas!  It's finally starting to feel like fall and I am loving the vibe!  I am about to head out to our annual family campout but I had to stop in really quick and share a review with you that you need to read this weekend.  It's a novella that has a lot of heart and is the perfect read for a cozy fall weekend, so enjoy my review of Rekindling Hope and I hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for Rekindling Hope by Alicia Gilliam, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rekinding Hope

Series: Seth Browne Novels

Author: Alicia Gilliam

Release Date: September 8, 2023

Genre: Christian Fiction

A birthday pushing forty? He couldn't care less.

Dating for the first time at his age? Yeah, he's taking notes.

Agent Quincy Adams, aka “Q,” is on a mission to educate himself about romantic relationships—and more specifically, the pretty art therapist who’s captured his heart. For now, her signature smile has outlasted his bumbling ineptitude.

Easy-going Hope Montgomery has been sweetly silencing her biological clock, but Christmas separations trigger alarm bells. Is she a patient saint or a hopeless coward?

In a humorous turn of events, struggling newlyweds disrupt Q’s assumptions about the world and inadvertently nudge him toward a second chance for a holiday romance. If you enjoy near kiss misses and light-hearted inspiration, you’re a click away from a two-for-one love story!

NOTE: Rekindling Hope can be read as a standalone, but it is a follow-up to the Seth Browne Novels. Think of it as a Christmas special episode. Some readers can jump right in mid-season; others will better appreciate the story's socially awkward hero by reading the preceding trilogy first.

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Spotlight on 'Bentonsport - A New Chapter' by Lisa Schnedler

Hello Weekend Bookworms!

I love Friday's so much but today is particularly special.  Many years ago my grandfather started a family tradition of going on a camping trip with his sons and grandsons the first weekend in October.  After his passing some years ago my father decided to extend the invite to the rest of the family, and now the first weekend in October we have a family reunion of sorts with a lots of food, family, and fun.  I look forward to it every year and though this year I'm not staying to camp I am looking forward to stopping by for a bit and seeing my family.

I am also excited to be sharing an excerpt from the second book in the Bentonsport series, along with a giveaway from JustRead Tours today!  I hope you enjoy the except and that you have a wonderful weekend!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Bentonsport - A New Chapter by Lisa Schnedler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Bentonsport - A New Chapter
Series: Bentonsport #2
Author: Lisa Schnedler
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: September 19, 2023
Genre: Christian Romance / Speculative (Time Travel)

What if you followed your heart—not across distance but across time? 

Sarah Peterson never knew how far she would go for love until Thomas Barton walked into her life, they fell in love, and he asked her to join him in his world—a hundred and fifty years back in time. More afraid of losing him than of leaving everything behind, she put her future in God’s hands and awakened in the past. Now, she’s facing a world she’d only dreamed of, and reality is nothing like her dreams. 

Thomas Barton never imagined he’d meet a woman like his beloved Sara. Leaving her behind was the hardest thing he ever did. When he discovers she’s followed him across time, he’s ready to spend his life making her decision worthwhile. His friends come up with a plan to convince Bentonsport she’s part of their era, but it’s going to take another miracle to pull this off. 

Love was enough to carry them through a hundred and fifty years. Will it be enough to get them through the next weeks and months?

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Book Review of 'The Pursuit of Miss Parish' by Grace Hitchcock

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

I am so excited to finally announce that the summer heat is about to exit stage left, and Texas is going to finally get some fall weather!!  I have been looking forward to the cooler weather for months and now we are finally getting a taste.  I can't wait to pull my hoodies out again and snuggle in with a good book.

I have really been enjoying the Aprons & Veils series by Grace Hitchcock, and today I am excited to be sharing my thoughts on the second book in the series!  I hope you enjoy and that you're getting some fall weather where you're at as well. :)

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Series: Aprons & Veils #2

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Release Date: May 17, 2023

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Love's gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

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