Welcome to the Blog Tour for How Sweet It Is by Andrea Christenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Several years ago Susan May Warren introduced the fictional town of Deep Haven, Minnesota to her readers. So beloved by her readers over the years, two new Deep Haven series have been introduced featuring new authors who work with the original author to take readers back to the friendly town many would love to call home. In How Sweet It Is, Andrea Christensen has crafted a story with characters and a theme that fit right in and readers will love.

Discouraged, Robin Fox returns to Deep Haven to keep her grandparents’ bakery open while her grandfather recuperates for awhile in Florida after some serious health problems. Both grandparents could use a little R&R from their busy lives. Determined to make a name for herself as a baker in France, Robin intends her trip home to be only a temporary one. She encounters an old high school friend, Sammy who makes himself indispensable as she encounters one emergency after another at the bakery.

Naturally there are sparks between Robin and Sammy but Robin can only see the future she originally planned is determined to keep Sammy in the friends only category. Sammy’s injury in a serious accident has left him feeling useless and unworthy of her love. What fun it is to see how the Lord works in their lives to stir up things and prove otherwise.

As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed How Sweet It Is, especially the healing that took place in the lives of both principal characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this 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:

Title: How Sweet It Is
Series: Fox Bakery #1
Author: Andrea Christenson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Sometimes the sweetest moments in life are made from the most familiar and ordinary ingredients.

Robin Fox is living out her dreams working in a gourmet bakery in Paris. She thought she’d live there forever, but when her relationship with her boss sours, those dreams crumble. She finds herself back home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, caring for her grandparents’ rundown bakery while they’re away. But she vows that when they return in six weeks, she’ll trade this ordinary life for the one she left behind.

Sammy Johnson has never gotten traction in any area of his life. This hasn’t improved in the almost two years since the accident which nearly killed him. Although his heart is still beating, it contains little passion for the life he’s living in Deep Haven. But that begins to change when he offers to help his former high school friend, Robin.

Working together to keep Fox Bakery from going under, they find more than friendship is simmering between them. But when the six weeks are up, will Robin follow her old dreams back to the glamor of Paris or will she discover how sweet it is to be loved in Deep Haven?

Return to Deep Haven with the Fox Family, where Robin and Sammy find that small town life isn’t ordinary after all.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Also Available:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Christenson lives in the Midwest 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, bake bread, eat cheese, and watch Netflix—though not usually all at the same time. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.

Connect with Andrea by visiting andreachristenson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of How Sweet It Is and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 17, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

MY REVIEW:

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be married to a serial killer and not know it? Rachel Bright learned the hard way and after testifying against her husband, entered the witness protection program. That is, until her location was compromised and an attempt was made on her life. After her now ex-husband was released from prison, Rachel and US Marshall Kyle Reid must work together to keep her alive as well as help keep other witnesses alive also.

Eliminating the Witness by Jordyn Redwood is an exhilarating suspense novel from the very first page until its end. One dangerous incident after another fills the pages with intrigue and keeps the reader engaged throughout. It was interesting to observe how many people had doubts about how Rachel could be innocent of involvement in her husband’s crimes, even the man whose duty was to protect her.

Of course in the midst of all the action and danger, a little romance is a necessity and this book does not disappoint. After all, it is a Love Inspired Suspense. A strong faith element is also present which works to make this novel well nigh perfect. I certainly enjoyed it and recommend it to all who enjoy well crafted and exciting suspense.

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:

A hidden identity exposed…

and murderers on the hunt.

Rachel Bright’s time hiding in a small town comes to a crashing halt when her witness protection location is compromised. Now to evade her serial killer ex-husband after his surprise release from prison, she must go on the run with US marshal Kyle Reid. But with a bounty on her head and determined contract killers on her tail, every move could be their last.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jordyn Redwood is a nurse by day, novelist by night. She has specialized in critical care and emergency nursing for nearly two decades. As a self professed medical nerd, she reads medical textbooks for fun. This led to the creation of Redwood’s Medical Edge– a blog devoted to helping authors write medically accurate fiction. Jordyn loves to weave medical mystery into her story lines and see how her characters navigate through the chaos she creates.

MY REVIEW:

I have a confession. Back in the day (way back) my sisters and I were practically addicted to the television show “Dark Shadows”. If only Barnabas Collins had been half the man Sir James Morgan was, he would have become a cult hero. Before I discovered Christian fiction I enjoyed reading gothic themed books by authors such as Mary Stewart and Phyllis Whitney. I love the fact that  this genre has grown in popularity in faith based fiction and I would place Michelle Griep at the very top of my must read list.

Man of Shadow and Mist is among the absolute best of this genre I’ve read. Even the title exudes that gothic vibe and the cover art is perfect. The novel itself is filled with atmospheric mystery and intrigue aided by the author’s superb gift with words. Dialogue is vivid and at times quite witty which only adds to one’s enjoyment. Readers will find one quotable passage after another.

Lovers of Gothic literature should find Man of Shadow and Mist immensely satisfying. I loved everything about it – Rosa’s determination to educate the townspeople to overcome their fear and superstitions, James’ faith despite his health challenges. It was also fun that Bram Stoker himself as well as his manuscript were included in the story.

I think everyone will know by now that I absolutely loved this book. I will leave it up to you to discover all the riches buried within its pages.

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: Man of Shadow and Mist Author: Michelle Griep Genre: Christian Historical Fiction Release date: June, 2023 Click here to get your copy!

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”

–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

MORE FROM MICHELLE:

A Visit to Whitby

Every time I skip across the pond, I make it a point to visit Whitby. What’s the draw? This northern Yorkshire town is steeped in history and is every bit as magical today as it was back in Bram Stoker’s day…when he went to visit and was inspired to set much of his Dracula tale there. In fact, that is exactly where he got the inspiration for the name Dracula when he visited the library and did a bit of research.

Sound interesting? Then come along with me on a virtual visit with pictures from my last trip.

When walking the windy, narrow roads of Whitby, you can’t help but let your imagination wander because it’s as if you’re there in the nineteenth century. Can’t you just see a long-gowned heroine glancing over her shoulder at you as she flees down this lane?

And overlooking these lanes is the infamous abbey ruins, an eerie sentinel that sits atop the cliffs. It is rumoured a ghostly woman appears in the window, but I didn’t see her.

Still in operation today is this old coaching inn, which of course I had to use in one of my scenes.

There are still fishermen who ply these waters for trade, but this harbor isn’t nearly as active as it was centuries ago.

Twice I’ve made the coastal hike from Whitby to Robinhood’s Bay. This is where I imagined librarian Rosa Edwards riding her bicycle delivering books.

And yes, indeed, the sea mists are a very real thing, sometimes so thick it’s disorienting.

So, see what I mean? Whitby is a magical place, well worth the effort to get to if you ever venture over to England. And if that doesn’t quite fit into your budget or schedule, never fear.

BLOG STOPS:

Sylvan Musings, July 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 7

Pause for Tales, July 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews , July 8

annette_reads_daily, July 8

Through the Fire Blogs, July 8

Simple Harvest Reads, July 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blogging With Carol, July 9

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 10

Wishful Endings, July 10

For Him and My Family, July 11

Blossoms and Blessings, July 11

Holly’s Book Corner, July 12

Splashes of Joy , July 12

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-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/26791/man-of-shadow-and-mist-celebration-tour-giveaway

Welcome to the Instagram + Review Tour for Ned by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Once again Susan May Warren pulls out all the stops in the latest installment of her Minnesota Marshalls series. Ned Marshall, a Navy Seal, has been in love with Shae for several years and is ready to settle down with her, now that his training is over. Rather than finding her waiting for him at the hotel where he left her, Shae has disappeared. With a little help from his family and friends, he learns that she has been kidnapped and is being held aboard a Russian gulag ship near Siberia.

Yes, this author is the best at getting her characters into nearly impossible and may we say extremely dangerous situations. But you know true love will find a way to rescue her and Ned is more than determined to get Shae back. Needless to say, in true Warren tradition, everything will seem to be worked out only to have them crash again and possibly even again. This author definitely knows how to keep her readers engaged.

As always, I loved yet another book. I am fascinated by how well Warren manages to keep all the connections straight between current characters and numerous others who have been featured in previous books. It is definitely fun to see familiar faces pop up unexpectedly yet the current novel easily stands on its own without the reader needing to know what happened two or three series back.

Readers who enjoy action, danger, and suspense, characters who travel from one side of the globe to another, and a bit of romance and faith mixed in for good measure will love Ned. Of course they will probably be tempted to go back and read every previous book by Susan May Warren to see what happened to all the other connected characters. Good luck keeping up!

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:  Ned Author:  Susan May Warren Publisher:   SDG Publishing Purchase Link:  https://amzn.to/45updZq Series:  The Minnesota Marshalls #3 Release Date:  June 6, 2023 Genre:  Christian Romantic Suspense

The woman he loves…kidnapped. The stakes couldn’t be higher

After four years of training to become a Navy SEAL, Ned Marshall is finally ready to marry the woman of his dreams, Shae Johnson. And Shae’s been uber patient, waiting, building a life as a free-lance graphic artist, moving around the globe to be with him. So, when she said yes to his proposal in Geneva, he fully expected to live happily-ever-after.

At the very least, he expected her to be waiting at the hotel for him three days after an emergency call-out. And maybe it was unreasonable to expect her to be sitting in the hotel, working on her watercolors—Shae, after all grew up in Montana, and she has adventure in her blood. So of course she’s going to go climb the beautiful Swiss mountains. Even make a friend.

But Ned isn’t thrilled with her new friend, and something about him doesn’t feel safe…

So she’s made some friends while waiting for Ned to return? Shae can’t believe that after years of sacrifice, Ned is actually angry at her—what did he expect, that she’d sit by the window? Dana and his friends are harmless, right?

Not so much. Because when Shae finds herself kidnapped, and brought to Russia, she fears the worst—she’s been swept up in a human trafficking ring. And when she’s sent to, of all places, Siberia how will Ned ever find her?

But Ned isn’t going to lose her—not after everything they’ve been through, and he’ll stop at nothing to rescue her. But when he discovers the real reason she’s been taken, he will have to become a traitor to his country if he wants her back.

Join the epic race to rescue Shae in the high-adrenaline book three in the Minnesota Marshalls series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanmaywarren.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Ned and a $10 gift card to the Susan May Warren Fiction Store!

To enter

 LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE this post

 FOLLOW @susanmaywarren @justreadtours

 TAG a friend (up to 3x per post).

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

#justreadtours #Ned #SusanMayWarren #MinnesotaMarshalls

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series by Crystal Caudill so was not surprised that Counterfeit Faith also met my expectations of a great story. And what a story it was! With a heroine dedicated to taking care of the children under her care at Final Chance House of Refuge and a hero just as determined to protect all the women he perceives to be in danger, the action ramps up when their worlds collide.

Gwendolyn Ellison is a very self-sufficient young woman who has difficulty depending on others. It doesn’t matter to her that the children under her care are considered delinquents, she loves them all the same and wants the best for their lives. Suspicions that something is just not right at the home take her into dangerous territory but she refuses to give up her investigation. After rescuing her after a street attack, Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs encounters her once again when his late sister’s children are taken to the refuge. Naturally the pair end up working together to solve the case of the dangerous counterfeiters who are using the home as a cover for their activities.

Counterfeit Faith is the perfect book for my tastes. I love both historical fiction and suspense novels so the combination of the two kept this reader happy. Ample action, danger, mystery, and suspense kept the unique plot moving along at the perfect pace while wonderful characters and vivid imagery rounded out the story. I liked how the author developed a strong message of faith through the lives of the characters and also liked that the romantic aspect was subtle. I would recommend this entire series.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Counterfeit Faith Series: Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age #3 Author: Crystal Caudill Publisher: Kregel Publications Release Date: May 16, 2023 Genre: Christian Historical Romance

She’s losing her faith in mankind. He’s lost his faith in God. Can working together restore them both?

As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She’ll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she’s determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don’t like to be crossed–and they’re willing to kill to get their way.

Gwendolyn knows she can’t quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.

Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble–and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he’s truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.

As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible–if they can live through this case. At the same time, he’s put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?

“Page-turning action combines with depth and richness to create a full-bodied, rewarding read.”

–Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

“Readers who love romance, suspense, and a graceful amount of faith won’t want to miss this story.”

–Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author

“With a host of sympathetic and likable characters (and a few not so likable), a riveting plot that clips along at the perfect pace, and a relatable faith thread, this book [is a] completely enjoyable read.”

–Kimberly Duffy, Carol Award finalist and author of A Tapestry of Light

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub

More Books in this Series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive print copies of Counterfeit Love, Counterfeit Hope, and Counterfeit Faith, a set of bookmarks, 2 stickers with quotes, and a magnet with a QR code to a “test your Secret Service knowledge” quiz!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 31, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 7, 2023. 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

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Clockwork City by Shelley Adina, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

To me, Venice is already a city of fantasy with its canals and bridges rather than streets connecting the small islands that compose it. The Clockwork City adds an almost believable steampunk touch to its rich historical background that combined with a murder mystery makes it a delightfully clean adventure.

Widow Lady Georgia Brunel and her late husband’s Aunt Millicent have traveled to Venice for a leisurely painting holiday but that quickly changes course when a body is found floating at the entrance to her rented villa. Local law enforcement appears to be overlooking the case one minute and accusing Georgia of murder the next. Determined to solve the mystery and reunite the victim’s daughter with her mother, Georgia and Millie join forces with a Texican Ranger on a dangerous and  deadly quest that will keep the reader engaged. Encounters with the fabled kraken add a special touch to the story.

I enjoyed this first book of the series and look forward to seeing if a certain potential romance will transpire in the next installment. An excellent book for teens, I recommend it to all who enjoy a steampunk theme with clean, faith-based content.

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 Clockwork City Author: Shelley Adina Publisher: Moonshell Books, Inc. Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3nQveyF Series: Lady Georgia Brunel Mysteries #1 Release Date: May 24, 2023 Genre: Steampunk Mystery (Clean)

April 1895. A painting holiday in Venice. A villa on the canal. A body in the water?

Lady Georgia Brunel, widowed a year, has been looking forward to her holiday in the Duchy of Venice with her companion, Millicent Brunel. The clockwork city’s annual art exhibition is in full swing, and old friends and new acquaintances make for an exciting social whirl. The married Lord Somersby would pursue her if he dared. Several members of the nobility, including those with connections to Lord and Lady Dunsmuir, make entertaining companions. And Georgia will never admit that Dustin Seacombe, the disheveled and irritating Texican Ranger who steps on one’s gown and will not confide his business in Venice, is the most interesting of all.

And then early one morning, the body of Lord Somersby washes up on the water stairs at the Brunel villa. An empty gondola floats nearby. Many assume it is an accident. The Duchy police assume a lover’s quarrel, with Georgia as their suspect. For there are powerful factions in the city who want this case solved and submerged as soon as possible. Georgia and Millie must act quickly to clear her name and discover the real murderer, before Georgia finds herself dancing with death instead.

First in a new series of adventurous mysteries set in the Magnificent Devices steampunk world!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today bestselling author Shelley Adina has written more than 50 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk adventure and mystery; as Adina Senft, writes women’s fiction set among the Amish and other plain communities; and as Charlotte Henry, writes classic Regency romance. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK. She won the Romance Writers of America RITA Award® for Best Inspirational Novel in 2005, was a finalist in 2006, and in 2009 was a Christy Award finalist. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive an autographed print copy, a fabric market bag, and chocolate!

TO ENTER

• LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE this post
• FOLLOW me @shelleyadinasenft @justreadtours
• TAG a friend (up to 3x per post).
• VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. 

(US only. 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 May 29, 2023)

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.