by admin | Jan 10, 2022 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Geneaology, Historical, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
Oh how I hate to see this series end! I have thoroughly spending time in the mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado with Jillian Parisi and her opera loving (and singing) father as well as their delightful friends and neighbors. I loved the homey small town atmosphere where everyone knew their neighbors and were all prepared to support their needs.
In this final installment of the series, Jillian has found a cousin from her late mother’s mostly unknown relatives. As excited as she is to have a cousin near her age, Jillian is afraid that Cate may want more from her than she is prepared to give. Nevertheless, in her true style, Jillian finds herself in the middle of Cate’s problems and as they research Cate’s project, they find family history no one knew and also some unexpected connections between them and others in their lives.
Now That I Know You was a joy to read and I especially enjoyed learning a few interesting yet tragic historical facts from Colorado history. I find the genealogical aspect of this series to be of special interest and would love to read more books of this type.
Characters are quite realistic and I would love to know most of them. The romantic element is perfect and occupies just the right amount of the story. Faith is an important factor that also blends into the plot unobtrusively.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the entire series. It could be read on its on but I suggest reading each book in order to get the most from the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: Now That I Know You
Author: Olivia Newport
Genre: Split-Time Contemporary/Historical
Release date: Fall, 2021
Click here to get your copy!
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Cate Butler is the distant cousin genealogist Jillian was so certain she wanted to find—and the only connection she has to her deceased mother’s Parisi family tree. So why does she wish Cate would stop pestering her? And why can’t Jillian find a paper trail proving Cate is who she says she is?
Cate wants something for her own career that Jillian can’t give, but she also holds the key to family history Jillian can’t bring herself to walk away from. Nolan, Jillian’s father, steps in when Cate’s chronic career chaos requires legal rescue. Drew, the man who holds Jillian’s heart, has a surprising past with Cate. The truths Jillian, Cate, and Drew find while untangling these knotted threads tie them back together in remarkable ways none of them ever would have imagined.
Now That I Know You is Book 5 in the Tree of Life series, exploring and celebrating unforgettable family stories in Canyon Mines, the mountain town that invites you back again and again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport’s novels blend the truth of how our pasts carry us into where we find ourselves now. Curiosity about history seems to creep into everything she does. Her books include Amish, historical, and contemporary stories that span the centuries from before the Revolutionary War right up to the present moment.
She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak. Visit www.olivianewport.com.
MORE FROM OLIVIA:
I’ve wanted to write Now That I Know You for nearly 20 years—at least the historical story part of this split-time novel.
When my son was a freshman in high school, he joined the mock trial team, and my husband and I entered the league of parents who watched versions of the same competition over and over. he state bar association selects a case and provides every team with the same documents to study as the basis of preparing both prosecution and defense. Team members play roles of attorneys and witnesses.
That first year, the case was trying a particular individual in connection with his role in events that culminated in the 1914 “Ludlow Massacre,” which is featured in Now That I Know You. My son played a witness for the prosecution. My proudest moment was when one of the scoring judges—who are actual court judges—singled him out for his skill in recognizing and dodging the opposing counsel’s interrogation strategy. Somebody hold me in my chair, because you really are not supposed to jump and cheer at mock trial!
Since I heard the case several times, the history wormed its way into my heart and mind. The injustice and tragedy of the story weighed heavy, but so did the legacy of the events and their eventual impact on history that affects us even today. People often ask where book ideas come from. Sometimes they germinate inside me for a long time before the moment is ripe to put them on the page in the lives of characters who have grown around them. This is one of those stories.
—Olivia Newport
BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 10
Bigreadersite, January 10
lakesidelivingsite, January 11
Daysong Reflections, January 11
All-of-kind Mom, January 11
The Write Escape, January 12
Lots of Helpers, January 12
The Sacred Line, January 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 13
Betti Mace, January 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14
Texas Book-aholic, January 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 15
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 16
Splashes of Joy, January 16
deb’s Book Review, January 17
Through the Fire Blogs, January 17
Sodbuster Living, January 18
For Him and My Family, January 18
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 19
For the Love of Literature, January 20
The Book Club Network, January 20
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 21 (Spotlight)
Blogging With Carol, January 21
Mary Hake, January 21
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 22
Inklings and notions, January 23
Connect in Fiction, January 23
by admin | Jan 21, 2021 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
A Cowboy For Keeps is what I would consider to be a mail-order bride story with a twist. I have always enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s books but I don’t remember one with a western setting. Since I tend to gravitate toward any novel that features cowboys, I was excited to get my hands on this one. I was not disappointed.
Greta had tried everything she knew to help her young sister’s deteriorating health and becoming a mail-order bride was a desperate last ditch effort to save her. Naturally nothing went as planned and Greta ended up in a strange town with no money only to find that her husband-to-be was dead. The mayor came up with a scheme to keep her in town by persuading Wyatt, a young rancher to marry her in exchange for help establishing his new ranch.
As most readers will quickly guess, Wyatt and Greta will eventually fall in love but not without plenty of obstacles along the way. This story had everything necessary to capture and hold my attention. With ample twists and turns, a bit of danger and action, a wise and mature friend, a precocious young girl, and at least one major surprise, A Cowboy For Keeps kept me turning the pages right up to its end.
A different style for this author but well worth reading in my opinion. If you love cowboys, check this one out.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Greta Nilsson’s trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.
Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He’ll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt’s ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family with Greta. But when old insecurities and surprising revelations arise, can a union born out of desperation survive?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She loves to imagine that she really can visit the past, although she’s yet to accomplish the feat, except via the many books she reads. Visit her at jodyhedlund.com.
by admin | Nov 10, 2020 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Rocky Mountains, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Her Secret Song is another great read from Mary Connealy that wraps up her Brides of Hope Mountain series. Between its covers I once again found a wonderful tale filled with vivid descriptions, interesting characters, and more of Connealy’s trademark humor.
Set against the backdrop of Colorado mountains, Her Secret Song is a story of hope, redemption, and overcoming fear. The conclusion of the series features Ursula Nordegren who has yet to overcome her fears of the unknown world below the mountain where she has spent her entire life. After spending the entire winter alone, Ursula finally summons enough courage to venture down the mountain but midway down she encounters badly injured outlaw Wax Mosby. With no choice but to help him up the mountain, Ursula takes him to her winter home and nurses him back to health.
A wonderful tale with an unexpected love story, Her Secret Song may have been my favorite of the series. It was a fitting conclusion with answers to a mystery or two revealed and major problems overcome. I loved all three of the Nordegren sisters as well as the members of the Warden family. I also found inspiration in the major life changes in Wax Mosby. I particularly enjoy how this author manages to teach important messages of life and faith while keeping me delightfully entertained the entire time.
If you are not familiar with Mary Connealy’s books, please do yourself a favor and pick up all three books of this series. Her Secret Song could easily stand on its own but would be much more enjoyable after reading the previous two books.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He hunts down outlaws.
She hides away from everyone.
When a long winter alone has each rethinking their lives,
Will they be ready to spring for unexpected second chances?
With both her sisters gone and married, Ursula Nordegren is the only one left clinging to their grandma’s fears about the outside world. But after a winter spent in isolation, even she is rethinking those warnings. She bravely starts to venture down Hope Mountain, only to stumble upon a badly wounded stranger and realize God may have had an extra special purpose behind sending her out.
Wax Mosby thought he was a skilled hired gun with principles. But that identity was upended the day he realized he’d been duped into wrongfully driving out the Wardens. He’s spent the winter planning to climb Hope Mountain to find the family and atone for his deeds. But when he’s wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel.
As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of leading new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they’re joined by Ursula’s sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the Wardens’ ranch looms with the coming of spring.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
by admin | Mar 10, 2020 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am loving Mary Connealy’s latest series, Brides of Hope Mountain. Aiming for Love was great but I believe Woman of Sunlight is even better! The saga of the Nordegren sisters continues in book two approximately where book 1 ended.
Ilsa’s character is so much fun. Her true innocence leaves her wide open to one misunderstanding or misinterpretation after another when she encounters the world below Hope Mountain. Despite their dislike of each other and many disagreements that took place in book 1, Mitch and Ilsa find themselves having to depend on each other – maybe for their very lives.
Woman of Sunlight was filled with Connealy’s typical humor and romance so it was such fun to read. The story was kicked up a notch or two by quite a bit of action, danger, and suspense laced with more than one surprise along the way. The growth of the relationship between Mitch and Ilsa was beautiful to witness and I enjoyed both characters immensely. I saw some hints that one of the bad guys might be having second thoughts about his involvement in crime and am hoping my suspicions about a possible featured role in the next installment are correct. Whatever the case, I loved this book and can’t wait to read the final installment of this series. It promises to be every bit as good.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He’s Seen the Entire Country.
She’s Never Been Off Her Mountain Home.
When Danger Comes, This Unlikely Couple Will Need to Rely on Each Other.
After years of isolation on top of Hope Mountain, Ilsa Nordegren may finally be ready to leave. Raised to fear the world, Ilsa and her sisters never planned on coming down, but when the Warden family arrived in need, they had to help. But with the arrival of added danger, it may cost them the only life they’ve ever known.
Having made his fortune, Mitch Warden returned home and found the family homestead abandoned. In a land grab, a ruthless cattle baron had forced his family to escape up the mountain, and when Mitch follows, the last thing he expects is to fall smitten with a strong-willed, dark-haired woman who dresses like Robin Hood and defends herself better than most men.
Mitch is intent on helping his family reclaim their land but doesn’t realize the risks his past has brought. Hired killers are tracking him, and he’s determined to draw them away before anyone else gets hurt. But that means a journey to the city–and when Ilsa insists on joining him, the mismatched pair suddenly find themselves on an adventure they’ll never forget.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
by admin | Dec 3, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Geneology, Mystery
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MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed the Inn at Hidden Run, the first book in Olivia Newport’s Tree of Life Series so much that I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review her second novel of the series In the Cradle Lies. I love Jillian and her father Nolan as well as their other friends in the small Colorado town of Canyon Mines. The relationship between Jillian and Nolan is special and they work together so well with refreshing and often humorous dialogue.
Once again a person shows up in their lives who needs their specialized services but doesn’t know it. And once again the pair puts their skills to work before they are even asked in order to help their new friend. In this tale, a young man, Tucker, shows up determined to ski an abandoned and highly dangerous ski run. Recognizing his troubled spirit and desperation behind his plans, Nolan, Jillian, and her good friend Kris join together to convince Tucker that he should not attempt to ski the treacherous run. In a parallel story, readers learn the backstory about Tucker’s grandfather Matthew and the secrets that troubled him his entire life.
In the Cradle Lies is another wonderful tale laced with mystery and history that reveals how sometimes family secrets can destroy one’s own peace and joy and how they also affect the other family members. The book has minimal romance but dwells strongly on relationships between family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to When I Meet You, the next installment of this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: In the Cradle Lies
Author: Olivia Newport
Genre: Christian Fiction
Release Date: November, 2019
Click here to get your copy! |
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Book 2 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees
On a solo ski vacation in Canyon Mines, Colorado, Tucker has a love-hate relationship with his wealth, spending indiscriminately while skiing fearlessly and preparing to conquer the overgrown slope of Hidden Run, a dangerous run not attempted in decades. As genealogist Jillian tries to uncover enough of Tucker’s family tree to understand his charming nature but reckless resolve, Jillian’s equally charming father, Nolan, cajoles Tucker into giving him ski lessons to get him talking about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s life in St. Louis in the 1930s.
On the surface, Tucker’s family’s history seems too perfect. The secret may lie in the sealed envelope Tucker carries with him at all times—even on the ski slope. When no one can find Tucker to tell him the fiancée he never mentioned turned up in Canyon Mines, they realize he must be off attempting to ski Hidden Run alone in a snowstorm. And they may be too late.
In the Cradle Lies is the second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twenty something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.
MORE FROM OLIVIA:
True confession. I live in Colorado and don’t ski.
In the Cradle Lies includes several references to “How can you live in the Colorado mountains and not ski?” Jillian, a main character in the Tree of Life series, has lived in the mountain town of Canyon Mines since she was two, and by the time she was eight she knew she didn’t want to ski.
I grew up in Illinois, and while my high school had a ski club and somehow found places to ski (I’m not sure where; um, not exactly mountain territory), I was sure I would break something. Arriving in Colorado in my forties did not persuade me to take up skiing at that age. I live at the base of Pikes Peak, not in the mountains like Jillian. I do love the views!
But one of the fun things about being a writer is learning a lot about things you know little about. Enter Google and YouTube. And more YouTube. And … you get the drift.
Some quick facts about Colorado skiing to help get you in the mood for In the Cradle Lies:
- Colorado typically leads the country in “skier days”—days of skiing purchased in ski areas.
- Actually, most people in the state don’t ski. By a large margin. Like 90 percent. (So I feel better and so does Jillian.)
- People visiting the state to ski or snowboard are important to our economy. (So thank you!)
- Colorado has hosted about 175 ski areas since it became a state in 1876. Today, we have only about 30 operating resorts—so there are lots of dormant, lost, and hidden runs like the one in my story.
I hope you’ll check out In the Cradle Lies—and find out why Tucker came from St. Louis to Canyon Mines to ski an abandoned run that put his life at risk.
| Through the Fire Blogs, December 3
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 3
Inklings and notions, December 4
Daysong Reflections, December 4
Genesis 5020, December 5
Godly Book Reviews, December 5
Just the Write Escape, December 6
Pause for Tales, December 7
For Him and My Family, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Mary Hake, December 8
Betti Mace, December 9
Bigreadersite, December 9 |
A Baker’s Perspective, December 10
Hallie Reads, December 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11
Spoken from the Heart, December 11
Older & Smarter?, December 12
Texas Book-aholic , December 13
Blogging With Carol, December 13
janicesbookreviews, December 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
A Reader’s Brain, December 16
With a Joyful Noise, December 16 |
To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of In the Cradle Lies!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f1ba/in-the-cradle-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 31, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read quite a few of Mary Connealy’s books over the past several years and always enjoy them. I know I can usually depend on her giving me a few hours reading pleasure with her western historical romances laced with her wonderful sense of humor. Her books may not be deep or particularly thought provoking all the time but that’s not what I’m looking for when I pick up one of her books. Connealy is one of my go-to’s when I am in the mood for pure entertainment and a cowboy or two in the mix is welcomed.
Aiming For Love is the author’s latest offering and the first book in Brides of Hope Mountain series. The series features the three Nordegren sisters who have lived alone atop a Colorado mountain since the deaths of their parents and grandparents. Each young woman is skilled in taking care of themselves in the wilderness and have been taught to avoid the outside world. Everything changes for them the day the Warden family shows up on their mountain and find themselves in need of shelter and medical help. From that point the story gets more and more interesting as the wild sisters are forced to interact with the strangers from the valley below.
Vivid descriptions of Colorado scenery and appealing characters combine with a plot that moves right along at a good pace to offer a tale that should satisfy many readers, especially if they are prepared to wait to learn more about how things will develop for certain characters. It is obvious that both other sisters, Ilsa and Ursula will be featured in their own books now that Josephine and David’s story has been told, but there are at least two men I hope to learn more about in the other books of this series – particularly Mitch and the mysterious hired gun. Great start to what promises to be a good series!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Aiming for Love
Author: Mary Connealy
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: October 2, 2019
Click here to get your copy! |
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Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.
David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
MORE FROM MARY:
What it would do to someone to run wild from nearly their earliest memory?
What if three young girls had the basic skills to survive a rugged life but no adults to guide them?
Would they grow up to be a completely odd and untamed version of themselves, or the truest, in some ways most honest version?
I wanted to explore that idea: wild children, tough young women, afraid of the invading world, but lonely, too. So I created the plot for my Brides of Hope Mountain series by mixing the three little girls who’d grown up wild on the top of a mountain with some fairy tale ideas.
Book one, Aiming for Love, is Josephine Nordegren’s story. I had this vision of Ariel the mermaid seeing a man for the first time when strangers invade the high valley she lives in with only her two sisters. Curiosity is her besetting sin, or so she’s always been told. She has wilderness skills, mainly in the form of owning a bow and arrow and understanding wild animals, but for the first time, she is drawn to a man.
Jo needs to be tamed, or Dave, the man she can’t stop watching from in the woods, needs to learn the ways of the wild, because they’re out of place in each other’s worlds.
BLOG STOPS:
| Among the Reads, October 25
Moments With Mercy, October 25
Bigreadersite , October 25
Emily Yager, October 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26
Books, Life, and Christ, October 26
Quiet Workings, October 26
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 27
For Him and My Family, October 27
Stories By Gina, October 27
Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 27
Older & Smarter?, October 28
Betti Mace, October 28
Wishful Endings, October 28
The Becca Files, October 29
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 29
Mary Hake, October 29
Mamma Loves Books, October 29
A Baker’s Perspective, October 30
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 30
Britt Reads Fiction, October 30
For The Love of Books, October 30
Hallie Reads, October 31
Connect in Fiction, October 31
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, October 31 |
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 1
To Everything There Is A Season, November 1
Daysong Reflections, November 1
Splashes of Joy, November 1
Moments, November 2
Simple Harvest Reads, November 2
Batya’s Bits, November 2
She Lives To Read, November 2
EmpowerMoms, November 3
Seasons of Opportunities, November 3
Remembrancy, November 3
Blessed & Bookish, November 4
For the Love of Literature, November 4
Through the Fire Blogs, November 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 4
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5
Pause for Tales , November 5
Texas Book-aholic, November 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6
janicesbookreviews, November 6
A Reader’s Brain, November 7
Inklings and notions , November 7
Leona J. Atkinson, November 7
Lukewarm Tea, November 7 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card, a copy of Aiming for Love, and a copy of Fairy Tales from Around the World!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/ed95/aiming-for-love-celebration-tour-giveaway
