Book Review of 'Mackinac Island Beacon' by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Hello Bookworms!

I hope you are having a wonderful summer so far!  Things have calmed down a bit around here and we're getting into that summer rhythm that I love so much.  Lots of rest, relaxation, and family time!  It honestly doesn't get much better than this, and I am soaking up every possible moment I can.

Today I am featuring one of my summer reads that I had a challenging start with but was eventually won over.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this historical fiction and if you have any suggestions for more summer reads for me, please leave them in the comments below!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Mackinac Island
Series: Mackinac Island Romances #3
Author: Carrie Fancett Pagels
Publisher: Hearts Overcoming Press
Release Date: May 12, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Plans hatched in 1897 bring friends and family from far distances toward Mackinac Island’s new twin beacons—the Round Island Lighthouse and the Social Affirmation Society’s training/retreat center. A missing daughter, a missing godchild—two young women’s lives have intertwined in ways they could never have known. The solution to both of their mysteries is revealed when all hope has been lost by those seeking them.

Is romance out of the question for Val and Susan, when their hearts begin to heal? Will Paul and Lawrence, friends from their childhoods, brought to the island for work, be their beacons of hope? Can God bring all their paths together or will too many obstacles stand in their way?

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Book Review of 'The Amish Book Cellar' by Tracy Fredrychowski

Happy Thursday Bookworms!

Cozy mysteries are my go-to novels when I am needing a light change of pace.  With some of the heavier subject novels I've been reading lately it was nice to take a break and solve a mystery.  The novel I am featuring today was such a fun read and I can't wait to share my thoughts with you!  I hope you enjoy and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Amish Book Cellar by Tracy Fredrychowski hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Amish Book Cellar
Series: Willow Springs Amish Mystery Romance #1
Author: Tracy Fredrychowski
Publisher: The Tracer Group, LLC
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Genre: Christian Fiction Amish Cozy Mystery

It will take everything she has to face her past. Can this wayward woman find her way back into the hearts of her Amish Community? 

When a mistake forces Lydia Troyer to leave her Amish roots in exchange for a new life as an Englischer, she finds herself running from more than her past as Wally Troyer's rebellious daughter. 

Upon her father's untimely death, she is called home to take over The Book Cellar, Willow Springs's favorite Amish bookstore. A series of strange happenings and whispers among her people lead her to suspect there are more than books hidden in the cellar. Will she chance getting her heart broken again if she leans on a longtime friend and carpenter, Aaron Shetler, to help her discover the truth? 

Widower Aaron Shetler has too much at stake to allow Lydia Troyer back into his life. Will it take his young daughter, Mattie Rose, to convince him what he yearns for the most is the one thing he's fighting against the hardest? 

Together with their Labrador Yankee, Lydia, and Aaron help bring to light a century of mysteries waiting to be unearthed about some of Willow Springs's most upstanding citizens. 

Can this woman find the courage to stand up for what is right and find her place back among her people?

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Book Review of 'The Way Back' by Heidi Chiavaroli

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

Lighthouses have always been a fascination of mine.  Sadly, I've never had the opportunity to visit one, but it is high on my bucket list, and I'm sure when I get to visit one it's going to be epic.  What I love about books is that you can feel like you're vividly in a place, even if you've never been there before, and that's exactly how I felt while I was reading my featured novel today.  After reading, my passion for lighthouses grew, and it's went higher on my list of places to visit, especially when I get the change to go to Maine.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this dual timeline fiction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Way Back 

Series: Lights of Acadia #1 

Author: Heidi Chiavaroli 

Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers 

Release Date: June 18, 2024 

Genre: Dual Timeline Women's Fiction

Young love means everything . . . until it leaves you with nothing.

The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not. 

Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she seeks answers, the boyfriend who once cost her a promising future reappears, stirring up both pain and hope. 

When her mother's vindictive fans threaten her grandmother's livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?

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Book Review of 'Coal Black Lies' by Cindy K. Sproles

Hello Bookworms!

I am SO incredibly excited that you're here today because I have been bursting with excitement to talk about the novel I am featuring today.  I was instantly taken by the insanely gorgeous cover but the story that it told truly took me to another world, and touched me on a deep level, and I cannot wait to share my thoughts with you!

I hope you enjoy my review of Coal Black Lies and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Coal Black Lies
Author: Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Believing the bitter lies you tell yourself leaves little room for the sweetness of truth 

Coal miner Joshua Morgan managed to do the impossible--he broke away from the stranglehold of the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, to whom all the miners in the Appalachian Mountains are indebted. But it cost him the life of his young daughter, who was run down by a posse led by Thomas Barton while coming to collect Joshua's payment to the store. 

Five years later, a sweet but slow-witted young girl lands on his doorstep, and Joshua's desire to protect her from the clutches of the Bartons increases his thirst for vengeance. Joshua sets out to discover where the girl came from in order to take down the Barton family once and for all. 

His journey leads him to the truth about the day his daughter died, a reality he finds hard to accept. But when confronted by Thomas Barton himself, Joshua is forced to rethink the dark lies brewing in his heart. If he broke away, could Thomas have also? Despite his misgivings, can Joshua join forces with a man he once despised to free the miners from the tyrannical Barton family and forge a future of peace for both the young girl and himself?

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Book Review of 'A Cameo for a Cowgirl' by Carolyn Miller

Hello Bookworms!

Today is my wonderful mother's birthday so I must give a BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUT TO MOM!! I love you and hope you have the best day! Happy birthday!! 🎉

Sadly, I live thousands of miles away from my mom, but I am celebrating with her in spirit by sharing a book review!!  I hope you enjoy my thoughts on romantic comedy and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Cameo for a Cowgirl by Carolyn Miller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Cameo for the Cowgirl
Series: Three Creek Ranch #1
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Comedy

Welcome to Three Creek Ranch, home of the James family for over a hundred years, complete with its own Western movie set. 

Franklin James might be a famous pro hockey player, but just because he's Cassie's older brother doesn't mean she wants to step into the limelight. She's too busy helping her dad run the ranch and managing the ranch's movie set, and negotiating with the giant egos of movie stars like Harrison Woods, who's supposed to be filming the new TV series of As The Heart Draws. And while his TV hero characters might be hugely popular, Harrison's real character seems anything but noble. Cassie is convinced he's hiding something, and that this diva's nice guy moments are just an act. 

Can she remind him what being a true hero is all about?

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Spotlight on 'When the Ocean Roars' by Charlsie Estess

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Welcome back to another week, another summer Monday, and another spotlight on a novel that will be celebrating its book birthday this week!  The cover is absolutely stunning and while I haven't had a chance to read it yet it is high on my TBR list, and I seriously can't wait to delve in.  

I hope you enjoy the excerpt below and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for When the Ocean Roars by Charlsie Estess, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: When the Ocean Roars
Author: Charlsie Estess
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: June 11, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

He needs to surrender. She needs to fight. Are they ready for their next battle?​ 

Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life. The adored prizefighter is primed to take the win. And nothing has ever distracted him from victory in the ring. 

But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Surely, he can keep his heart safe for one day. 

Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together, driving their attraction―and her high-society family drama―to something more intense than Keane has ever faced. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles in the knockout of his life, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature?

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You're Invited! JustRead Rendezvous 2024

Hello Bookworms!

The first-ever JustRead Rendezvous was last year and was an amazing success.  I sadly wasn't able to attend but I am hoping to go this year and I would love to see you there!

Read on for all of the event details and scroll all the way to the bottom to enter the multiple prize/multiple winner giveaway from JustRead Tours! 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for JustRead Rendezvous 2024, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

JustRead Rendezvous
November 15, 2024
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center Chicago-Downers Grove

Join fellow readers and authors at the JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. This event, modeled after the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Activities will include corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up book shop, and author signings. 

Baker Publishing Group fiction imprints (Bethany House and Revell), Enclave Publishing, and Kregel Publications have joined JustRead Publicity Tours as event sponsors.

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Spotlight on Series 'A Summer to Remember'

Happy Friday Bookworms!!

I am SO excited that you're here with me today!  Not only is a beautiful June Friday here in Texas I am also shining a spotlight on a series that I know you'll want to get your hands on, especially when you scroll down and read excerpts from one of them!  

I hope you enjoy all of this literary goodness, and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Summer to Remember by Lisa Phillips, Andrea Christenson, Rebecca Reed, Gina Conroy, Angela Ruth Strong, Carrie Padgett, Tabitha Bouldin, and Bell Renshaw, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Eight summer novels across 2 volumes.
From Christian fiction’s hottest contemporary romance authors.

Title: Bright Lights
Series: A Summer to Remember #1
Authors: Lisa Phillips, Andrea Christenson, Rebecca Reed, Gina Conroy
Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC
Release Date: May 16, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Finally Home - Lisa Phillips 

Ashlynn Monroe knows she has a reputation as the Ice Queen, but being the police commissioner's assistant that rep serves her just fine thank you. When her Aunt Ruby comes to visit from Last Chance County on the anniversary of Ashlynn's mom's death, neither realizes it's a week that will alter both their lives in ways they never imagined. 

 

Fire Chief Greyson Frayer followed in his father's footsteps. Saving lives is who he is, but the burn scars he earned along the way seem to have kept him from the life he wants...until he sees a familiar face as if for the first time. Is Ashlynn the future he's been looking for? 

With a romance brewing between Russ and Ruby in the background, Adelynn and Greyson discover the future they've always wanted. And the chance to finally come home.  

Summer at Trillium Lake - Andrea Christenson 

Privileged Athena Vassos is banished to the family’s lake property near Sunset Falls, WI, to “think about” her place in the family’s multimillion dollar business. She isn’t sure what she wants with her life now that she has finished her graduate degree. 

At the rustic Trillium Lake Bible Camp, Sean Campbell is overwhelmed. He was only supposed to be the deputy director, not much more than a glorified handyman, not running the whole show. 

When a devastating tornado rips through the camp, Sean and Athena need to work together despite their differences.  

Loving the Rodeo Queen - Rebecca Reed 

Quinn Mulroney, former rodeo queen, lost it all. Now, she’s dreaming of becoming a veterinarian while caring for her daughter. She’s never forgotten the one man she called hero. 

Tiago Vargas is seeking his passion, hoping to prove himself to his exacting father. When fate brings Quinn back into his life, he sees a second chance at his first love and offers her a job. 

But she’s not the same woman he rescued. She carries a secret, and if Tiago discovers it, will he still be her hero, or will her hidden life destroy her last shot at happiness?  

Anxious for Love - Gina Conroy 

Event planner Charlee Lovelle, with a talent for creating perfect moments, except her own, is fed up with online dating games. Australian dating coach Maxwell Adams just wants to help people find love and take his business to the next level, not play the dodgy Love Doctor. Both frustrated with the superficiality of modern relationships, Charlee and Maxwell engage in an emotional game of tug-of-war as they embark on separate paths of self-discovery. In a whirlwind of humor, heart, and unexpected connection, they navigate the complexities of romance and relationships, but will they recognize the pull towards each other, or will their own inner struggles keep them apart?

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Book Review of 'When Hope Sank' by Denise Weimer

Hello Bookworms!

I am so glad that the rain has cleared out for the Texas for a few days and has been replaced with glorious summer sunshine.  This has been the 5th wettest spring in our areas history and there has been a lot of flooding as well as damage due to almost constant storms, so the reprieve is nice.  We're supposed to get another round in a few days, but right now I'm soaking up the sun and enjoying family time with my boys and one of my nephews, who is staying the week with us.

One of my favorite things, no matter the season, is curling up with a good book, and historical fictions have been feeding my soul lately.  Today I am featuring a novel from a series that I have been immensely pleased with so far and I hope you enjoy my thoughts on When Hope Sank.

About the Book

Title: When Hope Sank

Series: A Day to Remember #3

Author: Denise Weimer

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Release Date: May 1, 2024 

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Can Hope Resurface After Evil Tries to Drown It?
 
Introducing a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.
 
The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.
 
Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.
 
Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

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Book Review of 'Always Meant to Be' by Leah Busboom

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

If you've been following me for awhile you know that Leah Busboom is one of my favorite clean romance authors.  Her Connor Brothers series has one of my all-time favorite novels and I was ecstatic when she came out with the Connor Brothers: Next Generation series which focuses on the children that came from the Connor Brothers series.  Who doesn't love not only getting an epilogue of sorts for some of your favorite literary couples while also getting a fresh new romance?

The third novel of the Next Generation series was released yesterday, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts on this amazing and sweet story.  Enjoy!

About the Book

Title: Always Meant to Be

Series: Connor Brothers: Next Generation #3

Author: Leah Busboom

Publisher: LBRB Consulting

Release Date: June 4, 2024 

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

What if your first love was the one you were meant to be with forever?

Poppy fell hard and fast for Leo. Even though they’re young, she saw herself spending the rest of her life with him. When life's burdens forced Leo to choose duty over love, what Poppy thought was a happily ever after ended with heartache and shattered dreams.

After Leo’s father died, Leo’s life became ensnarled in family obligations that didn’t include Poppy. He’s forced to give up everything—including his job and the woman he loves.

Years later, when their paths cross again, the old flame of attraction flares back to life. Leo is finally free to live his life as he wants. But is Poppy ready to trust in the possibility of a future together?

Will Poppy and Leo’s love be strong enough to heal the past and prove that some love stories are simply meant to be?

Welcome back to Connor’s Grove! The Connor kids are all grown up. This spin-off series explores the love lives of the Connor Brothers series children, with updates about their parents and the people and places in the Minnesota small town you’ve grown to love.

Book 3 in the Connor Brothers Next Generation series features Daisy and Jacob’s daughter Poppy. You don’t have to read the Connor Brothers series to enjoy these clean and wholesome romances filled with humor and heart; this full-length novel can be read as a standalone.

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Book Review of 'Double Take' by Lynette Eason

Happy Saturday Bookworms!

I don't know about you, but I cannot seem to catch up with anything right now!  Life is whizzing by, and I can't seem to keep everything straight, which is why this post is being posted so late.  As you know, I suffer from debilitating migraines that keep me down a lot of the time, so between fighting my head trying to murder me and my normal life obligations it can make for a trying time.  This is when books become my escape and my solace, and I love when I can get lost in a book like the one I am featuring today. 

About the Book

Title: Double Take

Series: Lake City Heroes #1 

Author: Lynette Eason

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 9, 2024 

Genre: Christian Suspense

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason will leave you breathless with this fast-paced first book in a brand-new series.

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