MY REVIEW:

More Than a Heartthrob is the latest offering in The Independence Islands series but can easily stand alone. It is fun though to encounter characters from previous books in the series. I love that the slogan for the series is “beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.” You would definitely call books in this series beach reads but the stories take place at all seasons of the year.

More Than a Heartthrob is also more than your ordinary everyday romance novel. For widely different reasons both Jazzy and Chris have an identity crisis. It is easy to understand why Jazzy might not be certain about who she is because she has spent her life hiding her scars and lack of hair because of the way others have reacted to her. In some ways she has been acting a part. Chris is actually a fairly successful actor who doesn’t really know who the real Chris is outside his Hollywood persona. Circumstances bring the pair together and as their friendship grows, the path to self-discovery begins.

I thoroughly enjoyed More Than a Heartthrob. The plot moved along at such a steady pace and the story held my interest so well that I soon found myself at the very end. The book was a sweet romance that held strong revelation about finding ourselves by finding God’s plan for our lives.

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:

Book: More Thank A Heartthrob Author: Kari Trumbo Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance Release date: September 28, 2021 Click here to get your copy!

Whoever said beauty is only skin deep lied. Beauty begins from within.

Jazzy is comfortable in her own skin, but the world cringes at it. Her personal armor since her teen years, makeup hides the scars that make anyone who sees them wince. The true test of any friend is: will they accept her without it?

Chris races to Hooper Island to escape a life-altering situation. The only person he knows and can trust there is a woman he met once. It wasn’t a good meeting. Lost and lonely after being the center of attention in Hollywood, he won’t risk losing the one friend he has.

Befriending Chris poses a risk Jazzy is loath to take. If anyone will reject her for her scars, it’ll be a guy whose life is focused on beauty. But as she helps him work through his own problems and his struggles with faith, will she gather the courage to pluck the plank from her own eye?

Once alone and vulnerable, will Jazzy and Chris rely on one another? Or will the force of their polar opposite lives push them apart—for good.

More Than a Heartthrob continues the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kari writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.
Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn’t) South Dakota.

Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.

MORE FROM KARI:

Hello Readers!

Welcome to the blog tour for More than a Heartthrob. I hope you’ve had a chance to read about the book a little. Thank you to today’s blog host and to Celebrate Lit for the tour and for publishing this great set.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like everyone was staring at you for whatever reason? For me, it’s my weight. I’ve been overweight since my second year of marriage when I made a personal (and poor) decision to take a medication that made me gain a lot of weight quickly. And because of back pain, I’ve never been successful in shedding it.

For Jasmine (Jazzy), it’s her scars and lack of hair that she hides under makeup and wigs. She’s carefully kept them a secret her entire life. Only her friends and family know. She even has a beauty vlog (video blog) where she talks about faith and gives beauty tips.

But she isn’t happy. She’s lonely because it’s all fake. The skin she shows the world isn’t hers. I know I feel like that sometimes when I hide behind baggy clothes or sit behind a table so no one can really see me.

But, do people really think in their heads what we think they are? All that worry is spent, but it is fruitful? The answer to that, is no. Do some people judge us on our looks, behavior, or faith? Absolutely, but this book challenges the view that people “always” do.

Jazzy is challenged to forgo what she thinks makes her beautiful, it’s a twist on the old beauty and the beast story and I think you’re going to enjoy it. Especially because the guy who believes in her most, is the one society says should be the most critical, a Hollywood actor.

I hope, if you’re one of those people who wishes for a tall plant to hide behind when you’re in a crowded room, that you’ll find a kindred spirit in Jazzy.

Kari

BLOG STOPS:

Splashes of Joy, October 9

Batya’s Bits, October 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11

Blogging With Carol, October 11

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 12

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 13

Simple Harvest Reads, October 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 14

Kayem Reads, October 14

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 15

Daysong Reflections, October 15

GIVEAWAY:

https://promosimple.com/ps/11dd0/more-than-a-heartthrob-celebration-tour-giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/11dd0/more-than-a-heartthrob-celebration-tour-giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Inn at Walker Beach by Lindsay Harrel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

The Inn at Walker Beach was such a heart-warming story about the true meaning of friendships. In it an unlikely group of women of all ages and walks of life are invited to become a member of the Barefoot Sisterhood. Their purpose is to revitalize the old Walker Inn which will be an intimidating challenge.

I loved everything about this book! It was encouraging to witness the development of friendships among the women and seeing those caring women draw others out of their shells. Each and every one of them had a specific purpose designed for them by their maker. It was a true example of how parts of the body are meant to work together.

The author not only managed to bring this ragtag group of women together for a worthy purpose but she made me feel like a part of the group too. Such a beautiful illustration of following the dreams God gave you along with examples of restoration and emotional healing.

I highly recommend The Inn at Walker Beach and cannot wait to read the next installment of this fantastic series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 Book Name: The Inn at Walker Beach

Author: Lindsay Harrel

Publisher: Blue Aster Press

Purchase Link:  https://amzn.to/3mjuDRb

Jenna Wakefield has been through a lot in her twenty-seven years—losing her mother, becoming a teen mom, and battling depression, just to name a few. And working a dead-end job, barely paying her bills, and fighting unrequited feelings for her boss aren’t exactly part of the life she always imagined.

With her six children grown and her husband constantly traveling for work, Elise Griffin finds herself utterly without purpose for the first time ever at age sixty-three. But “retirement” isn’t as wonderful as it might sound—it gives her far too much time to think about the affair her husband had a year ago … the one she’s never told anyone about.

When both women are invited into the mysterious Barefoot Sisterhood and asked to help restore an old beachside inn for a good cause, they find themselves supported and encouraged in new and exciting ways. This inspiration leads to dream seeking … and new romance as well.

Discover what happens when women give each other the space to finally dream—and in doing so, make the world a better place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years, and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com.

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon egift card + copy of the book. (print US only, ebook international. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2021.)

To Enter, follow @lindsayharrelauthor @justreadtours & Tag 2 friends in the same comment on this post or any other hosted post of this tour. Enter up to 3x per post. 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hangin’ by a Moment by Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

There are several fictional small towns that I would love to live in and one at the top of the list would be Susan May Warren’s Deep Haven, Minnesota. Except for the winters – it gets quite cold enough here in Tennessee for me. I absolutely love Warren’s brilliant idea and her generosity in publishing new novels by beginning authors set in Deep Haven, even to the point of including some of her own characters from previous novels. I have been a fan of Susan May Warren for many years and I have even more respect for her talent and integrity now.

Hangin’ by a Moment is the latest book in the newest Deep Haven series and is penned by Andrea Christenson. With a hero and heroine that readers will be sure to love, the story features Jack (Win) Stewart who has just been released from prison with nowhere to go and is invited by his good friend Boone to spend some time in Deep Haven. Boone has even found him a job and a place to live. Colleen Decker is an ER nurse whose recent traumatic experience has triggered enough anxiety that she returns home to Deep Haven, intending to spend a week or two before returning to work at the hospital. Obviously God has other plans for both Colleen and Jack who quickly find themselves working together and encouraged to join the local crisis response team.

As I can always expect, Hangin’ by a Moment is action-packed with life threatening emergencies, lovable down home characters, ample humor, and a complicated romance. It is always fun to run across characters from previous books in passing but I particularly liked how the main focus was on Jack and Colleen. And mixed in with all the fun, romance, and action is a serious lesson on learning the purpose God has for one’s life as well as learning to forgive oneself for mistakes and move on to better things.

Another lovely Deep Haven story that will be sure to delight readers who are already fans and could very well bring new fans to the club.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Hangin’ by a Moment Series: Deep Haven Collection #5 Author: Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: September 14, 2021 Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

He just wants to erase his past. She can’t seem to escape hers. But facing it might put their future in jeopardy.

The day Jack Stewart walked out of jail, he vowed to keep his conviction a secret. The whole thing was just a terrible mistake, and he did his time. Now he wants a new life in a sleepy town where no one knows his name. Deep Haven is the perfect place to start over as a chef. The last thing the former pararescue jumper wants is to get involved. But when Boone Buckam—the guy he owes for getting him out of the slammer—asks for help, how can he refuse?

Colleen Decker has already escaped evil once—as a teenager, she was kidnapped by a murderer. But she’s put all that behind her as a trauma nurse in Minneapolis. Or maybe not, because a freak mistake in the ER sends her past crashing down on her. She needs a timeout in her hometown of Deep Haven. She doesn’t plan to stay—even when she’s roped into the job of flight nurse for the town’s Crisis Response Team chopper. Colleen’s not sure why she’s drawn to danger, but she’ll be safe enough—after all, she’ll need training, and her teacher is a handsome former pararescue jumper. What could go wrong?

When Jack said he didn’t want to get involved, he especially meant his heart—but being with Colleen feels like a fresh start. He’ll even climb aboard a chopper again, despite his vows.  They’re headed for a happy ending…

But secrets never stay buried in a small town. And when disaster strikes one snowy night, they’ll both have to decide if the past will destroy them…or if it just might lead them home.

Cozy up to this perfect Deep Haven drama about discovering a season of second chances.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Andrea Christenson lives in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on. She believes that a great loaf of artistic bread can turn a meal into a masterpiece. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.

CONNECT WITH ANDREA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.

CONNECT WITH SUNRISE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | admin@sunrisepublishing.com

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

?(1) winner will receive 3 Hangin’ by a Moment ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 14, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 21, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When Meg Whitaker’s father decides to sell the family’s lobster fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should take it over instead. Though she’s never had any interest in running the small fleet–or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness–she can’t stand to see Oliver Ross in charge. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn’t proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg–an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as a way to provide for his mother, and he’s not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg’s father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg will work the business together, and at the end of the season, he’ll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren’t what they expected.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. She works in marketing and makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.