The Seaside Homecoming By Julie Klassen

The Seaside Homecoming

by Julie Klassen

Published by Bethany House

Series: On Devonshire Shores

ISBN: 978-0764241017

I was grateful, once again, that Julie offered to send me her book for review! As a HUGE fan of her stories, I couldn't wait to read it! I'm sad to see the series coming to an end since I've enjoyed each visit to Sidmouth.

Summary:

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a "respectable female partner" in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he's hiding and if he's any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

My Review:

I absolutely LOVED The Seaside Homecoming! 100% did NOT want it to end.

We finally have the chance to meet Claire, the estranged sister/daughter of the Summers family. We also get a taste of crabby old Great Aunt Mercer. Having stayed as her companion for a couple of years, it was understandable that once Great Aunt Mercer passed, Claire would want to be near her family again.

I think I felt as tenuous as Claire did being back by her sisters and mother. I loved how the sisters were so loving to her, while her mother tried to hold on to the promise she made her husband before he passed. Just a stark reminder of the times.

It was fun getting to know Armaan in this story! I hadn't expected he'd get a bigger role, but was thrilled he did. I loved how the author wove his part in with Mr. Hammond's. It was so well done. It filled my heart to overflowing. Speaking of which, I enjoyed the mystery Mr. Hammond brought with him to Sidmouth! I also appreciated the slow burn that came along with him meeting Claire.

Of course, it was delightful to be back with the secondary characters at Sea View. I feel like the story wouldn't have been complete without them. And who can forget the wise and wonderful Mrs. Denby?

I appreciated the great reminder that no one is too far from God's mercy and grace. That we have all sinned and have a need for a Savior. There's also reconciliation and forgiveness shown through the characters of the story!

This is a series not to be missed! I'm eagerly waiting next December when we'll get Sarah's story! I've been waiting for it since book one. I would highly recommend reading the books in order so everything makes sense.

About the Author:

A Journey to Unshakable Faith By Sydney Witbeck + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Doesn't this cover look so dreamy? It definitely gives me "medieval" vibes! I was sent the ebook for this tour and can't wait to read it. Be sure to check out my Q&A with the author below.

About the Book

Title: A Journey to Unshakable Faith
Series: Journeys of Faith #1
Author: Sydney Witbeck
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 2021
Genre: Christian Medieval Action/Adventure Fantasy

Left with no other option, fourteen-year-old Esther is forced to leave the castle for her own safety, not knowing if she will ever see her mother and father again. With only a pack of food and her faithful horse Onyx, Esther sets off on an adventure to find her mother’s people. But the enemy is never far behind, closing in on the princess who eludes them. Will she be able to make it to safety? And will she ever see her parents again? 

When all hope seems lost, Esther soon finds that God never leaves His children on their own. At every turn, Esther meets friendly faces willing to help her as she strives to find a way to get back to her parents. With only her faith in God as her weapon, Esther turns back to home, determined to have the victory once and for all. But will that be enough? It seems that Esther will never see her parents in this world again. And all hope seems lost when Esther is finally captured and hidden away. It’s time for the villagers to take up arms and fight for their freedom. Will they prevail? Or will evil finally win? The true victory lies in finding a faith that is unshakable.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author

More Books in This Series

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Q&A

1. Did you design the cover? If so, how did you decide what it would look like?

I actually found the cover of my book online. It was on a website where individual artists post covers for sale. When you purchase one, you also buy the copyright to that design. It took a while to find “the perfect cover.” All I knew was that I definitely wanted a princess and a horse on the cover. Once I saw the sunset on it, I knew that was the design I wanted! 

2. Since you don't like to dog-ear books (I'm with you) what is the funniest or craziest thing you've ever used for a bookmark?

Hmmm, I’ve used quite a variety of items for bookmarks. I do remember one time I just kept using this same gift card for a bookmark. It kept traveling from book to book because it was flat and just the right size. It was one of those gift cards where you use it until it only has about $0.11 on it, and you don’t know what to do with it. 😊

3. How did you decide what genre you wanted to write in for young girls?

I discovered the Chronicles of Narnia as a young teen. I loved how Lewis blended Christianity and adventure in the world he created. Then I read the Hobbit, and I was enthralled again! After that, I tried to find other books in a similar vein but without much success. I start read books that claimed to be Christian but found myself putting them aside. I was disappointed as either God was only mentioned a few times of there were issues with the way the author’s perspective on romance or unaddressed sin. My parents own a bookstore, Learning Cycle Homeschool Store. I grew up working there. I started hearing more and more often from customers who were struggling to find novels for their daughters to read. They, too, wanted books that were clean and faith-building while still being adventurous. I remembered being in a similar place myself and feeling there just wasn’t anything out there for me to read (which is quite a problem for a bookworm like me!) So, I suppose really it is the old adage – “write the book you want to read” – playing out again!

4. Has your family read your story? What were their thoughts?

Yes, my family has read my story. I honestly don’t think A Journey to Unshakable Faith would have come together like it did without their support. It started as a story I was writing just for fun in a notebook. I had a couple scenes, a few chapters, nothing big. I didn’t really take it that seriously…  Then my sister asked to read it–and told me I had to finish the story, so I did :) I think they enjoyed reading it, and their feedback throughout the process helped me out when I got stuck at times.

5. Where do you come up with names for your kingdom, characters, etc?

Naming the people and places in my book is one of my favorite parts of starting a new story…there is a kind of satisfaction in finding a name that feels just right! When it comes to character names, I usually go to genealogies – especially from the Bible! (The early chapters of Genesis, Numbers, Chronicles…) Esther, Hezron, Seth, Nathan, and Joram are all character names from my books that I found in the Bible. Some of the places in my book are spin-offs of names I found in the Bible as well although I will say I honestly can’t remember where “Alvastia” came from. Maybe it was a play off the word “Alsatian” (as in the dog breed Alsatian shepherd).

About the Author

Sydney Witbeck is a Christian self-published author. She has a strong love for the Lord, her family, church, and friends. She has been blessed with supportive parents and two sisters and often helps out at the family business, Learning Cycle Homeschool Store. An avid bookworm, Sydney is happiest curled up with a good book. She has always enjoyed reading and rereading her favorite stories – a passion that soon transferred to writing books of her own. Her writing journey began when she heard how many moms were looking for fiction novels for girls that were both clean and Christian. In her free time, she likes drawing, spending time with her dog, and caring for her miniature horse and her three goats.

Connect with Sydney by visiting storiesoffaithfulness.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and signed paperback copies of A Journey to Unshakable Faith and the sequel, A Journey to Abiding Forgiveness.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 24, 2024. Winners 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.

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Line Of Fire By Taylor S. Newport + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Line of Fire by Taylor S. Newport, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! This cover is so intriguing to me! With this author being new to me, I can't wait to dive into the story and series. I was sent the ebook for this tour.

About the Book

Title: Line of Fire
Series: Dauntless Defenders #1
Author: Taylor S Newport
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Genre: Christian Action Thriller

The enemy is relentless, but they made one fatal mistake: they underestimated him. 

Australian mercenary Tyler Reid, known as "The Ghost of OZ," has a talent for evading detection, a skill that has caught the eye of multiple government agencies. When a shadowy group targets a CIA asset and her revolutionary drug ND1, the Deputy Director calls in Tyler. Eager for action, Tyler takes the job. He soon realizes that the enemy is not only after the drug, but also out for his blood. Then the mission goes south, and he is forced to seek an unlikely ally. 

For covert foreign operative Alexandra Romanova, freedom is a distant dream. Escaping one prison only led her to a more dangerous one. Her deadly skills are at her boss's disposal, but she’ll use them only to escape. Her final chance hinges on retrieving ND1, but the elusive Ghost of Oz complicates things. Tyler Reid isn’t an easy mark, and the better she gets to know him, the more she questions the mission she's tasked with. Soon she faces a dire choice: kill a man she is convinced is good, or pay with her own life. 

As Tyler and Alex venture beyond their orders, the line between enemy and ally blurs. On the edge of failure, trust becomes a dangerous gamble with every decision dragging them deeper into the line of fire. As enemies close in and alliances shift, they are ensnared in a ruthless battle where survival depends on split-second choices. In this high-stakes fight, time is running out, and the margin for error is zero.  

Line of Fire is the first book in the Christian thriller series Dauntless Defenders. It is NOT a standalone novel.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | From the Author | Amazon | BookBub

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Guest Post

Will all of the books in your series be connected? If so, will it be through the characters, situations, location, etc?

Yes, all the books in the Dauntless Defenders series will be interconnected. I’ve always loved reading series, so from the very beginning, I knew I wanted to take this approach. What really excites me, however, is the opportunity to keep the same core characters throughout each book. While many authors choose to introduce new protagonists in every installment, I wanted to do something different. By focusing on the same group of characters, readers will have the chance to follow them through various stages of their lives—mentally, physically, and emotionally. This adds a layer of depth that’s not often seen in Christian fiction, where readers can watch the characters evolve over a longer period of time and feel more connected to them.

In each book, the characters will be linked by their mission: protecting or defending someone. This consistent theme ties back to the series name—Dauntless Defenders. However, while the core mission stays the same, no two books will feel exactly alike. Each story will present unique challenges, both physically and mentally, keeping the series fresh and engaging. Whether it's a new threat, a deeper emotional struggle, or a moral dilemma, the stakes will always be high.

As for the settings, I want to give readers a global adventure. While there may be a return to familiar locations like New York City, the majority of the storylines will unfold in bigger cities or remote areas. It’s important to me that this series feels like a journey, not just physically but emotionally as well.

Many Christian suspense novels take place in small towns or even fictional communities, but I’m excited to do something different. Instead of quaint, tucked-away locations, my stories will take place in larger, bustling cities, spanning different countries. I can’t wait to take you, the readers, on this thrilling, globe-trotting adventure.

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she travels the United States with her family and GSD mix, Bella, probably writing her next novel.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive an ebook copy of Line of Fire and a $15 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 16, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 23, 2024. Winners 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.

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Rescued At Christmas By Janice Carter + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rescued at Christmas by Janice Carter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! How adorable is this cover? And who doesn't want to be rescued during the Christmas season? I'm getting strong Hallmark vibes from this story!

About the Book

Title: Rescued at Christmas
Series: Home to Maple Glen #2
Author: Janice Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

Rescuing her was his Christmas miracle…  

But will she be gone again by New Year’s? 

Devon Fairchild arrives in the small town of Maple Glen just weeks before Christmas to honor a promise she made to her late brother. Then she’ll get back to her life in the city. But when she’s injured, firefighter Finn McAllister rescues her and takes her home to his family, who shower her with compassion and holiday cheer. For the first time, Devon starts to feel like she belongs. But the walls she’s built around her heart have always kept her safe. If she lets them fall, will she truly be rescued…or will it only lead to more heartbreak?

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

More Books in This Series

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Excerpt

Devon didn’t know how long she’d been lying on the ground. She’d been careless, stopping on the path to stow her phone in her backpack. Then without hoisting the pack onto her shoulders, she’d held onto it a moment longer, taking one step forward without looking down. That had been her mistake. The cluster of composted leaves had covered a slick of ice, and her instinct to stop herself from falling had misfired badly. She’d felt the sharp pain in her ankle as she twisted it on the way down. The backpack she’d been holding flew into the brush alongside the path, the phone inside. Not that it would have been any use, as Bernie Watson had told her. After the first agonizing seconds, when she knew she wasn’t going to carry out her mission that day, Devon tried scootching toward the pack using her arms and hands, but the pain was too intense and the effort left her exhausted. Panting, she lay back down, staring up at the gray sky. Then the first large flakes of snow began to fall.

About the Author

Janice Carter has been writing Harlequin romances for a long time, through raising a family, teaching and on into retirement. This is her 18th Harlequin romance and she has plans for more!

Connect with Janice on Facebook or Twitter.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, a print copy of A Small Town Fourth of July (first book in series), and maple syrup/sugar treats!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 18, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Once Upon A Horse By Helena Smreck + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! It was so fun to meet Helena at Rendezvous. I only had a few minutes next to her at breakfast, but if her stories are anything like her, I'm going to be an instant fan! JustRead sent me the digital copy for participating in the tour.

About the Book

Title: Once Upon a Horse
Series: The Vets of Heavenbrooke County #1
Author: Helena Smrcek
Publisher: EverWind Press
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

In the charming Heavenbrooke county, where country life meets big-city dreams, 28-year-old accountant Stella Barkley is about to discover that sometimes love arrives when you least expect it. 

After a flat tire leaves her stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue—Dr. Jason Alba, a dedicated veterinarian with a heart as big as his ambitions. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable connection, aided by Stella's spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Milkbone, who takes an immediate liking to Jason thanks to his pocket full of treats. 

As their paths intertwine, Stella finds herself drawn to Jason, despite their differing views on farm life and future aspirations. Their budding romance takes unexpected turns, especially when a mysterious missing horse from a local breeder, Enrique Rodriguez, complicates matters. 

When Thanksgiving arrives, Jason becomes Stella's unexpected hero, saving her from a culinary disaster and charming her city friends with his warm spirit. But just as their relationship begins to flourish, a crisis emerges in the barn: the missing mare, Starling, is discovered in distress, leading Jason to perform a life-saving surgery that brings them even closer. 

However, secrets and misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart. Stella’s desperate attempt to protect a champion mare sends her on a collision course with both Jason and Enrique, forcing her to confront her choices and the future she thought she wanted. 

When Stella realizes that her life in Heavenbrooke may be over, she pens a heartfelt goodbye letter to Jason, leaving it at the church where their story began. Alone on Christmas morning, she grapples with loneliness and regret, only to be surprised by the appearance of the man who stole her heart. 

Can a simple letter and the magic of Christmas lead them to a second chance? Will they find a way to bridge the divide between city and country, love and loyalty? 

Join Stella and Jason on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and the enduring power of second chances in Once Upon a Horse. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this tale of unexpected connections and the bonds we forge will leave you believing in the wonder of love.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

   

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Excerpt:

Dr. Jason Alba stepped into the Four Corners Country Store as the bell chimed over his head. This better be the right place. He gripped the garment bag a little tighter. If I’m wrong, the person working here will have a good laugh on my account, suit, and tie in a feed store. But the woman he met on the side of the road earlier today was worth searching for. How many feed stores could there be in Heavenbrooke County? This was the Four Corners, as the vet tech described when he’d told him about the girl with the red 1976 Ford pickup truck. He took a deep breath and slowly shut the door behind him.

And then he saw her. His heart did the same strange thing as earlier today when he spotted her parked on the shoulder. Thankfully, he listened to that quiet voice, somewhere deep in his soul, telling him to pull  over and see if she needed help. He was sure she also felt the spark between them when their eyes first met. She was cautious, and who could blame her, but there was something there, a sense of connection, this visceral reaction he’d never felt before. Like their chance meeting was not by chance at all. Or was he wrong?

In any case, here he was, and he would savor the moment. She was standing behind the cash register, her black hair cascading over her shoulder, momentarily unaware of his presence. And here was the strange feeling again. She was here but didn’t quite fit, like her brand-new Spider ski hat and the well-worn parka, the designer bag on the console between the front seats of the old beat-up truck, or the lack of a diamond sparkle on her ring finger.

About the Author

Helena Smrcek is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. From her romantic suspense series to women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and humor, and her latest favorite, dual timeline historicals—like a box of chocolate truffles—she loves them all. With a passion for storytelling sparked by her grandparents, Helena Smrcek weaves heartfelt tales that explore themes of faith, love, and redemption.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of all 3 books in the Alicia Yu FBI series plus Once Upon a Horse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Winner location limited to where Amazon will ship. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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CSB Grace Bible For Kids + GIVE AWAY

It wasn't until I had a Kindle several years ago, learned it has an OpenDyslexic font that I realized I can read better and easier with that font. Imagine my delight when I found out there is a CSB Bible for Kids that is Dyslexia Friendly!! Thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for sending my this Bible for review. I will be donating mine to our church's youth group because if it can bless a kiddo, then that will fill my heart!

There is a LOT I like about this Bible. First of all, the font size is perfect. The font is easy to read so anyone could use this Bible, but I imagine the joy a middle schooler with dyslexia would have not struggling to make sense of letters and words with this one. The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.

Initially, I didn't understand how the overlays would improve reading, but I tell you what, I opened the Bible up to Joshua, and there's a yellow-ish page that talks about the books of the Old Testament history, and wow! I can see how much easier it is to read the colored page compared to the white one next to it. I found it fascinating to try out the different overlays to see which one truly worked better for me! Speaking of "me" There's also a Grace Bible for Adults.

At the beginning of the Bible you'll find the explanations of how to use the overlays, and it's well done. 

One thing I do wish is that there was a pocket (somehow) with the Bible itself instead of the "case/box" that it comes in. If anyone is like me, usually the packaging gets tossed.

If you're looking to get your school age child a Bible and they could use the assistance of the CSB Grace Bible for Kids, you can learn more at CSBGraceBibles.com! In fact, you can shop for the whole family at holmangiftguide.com.

Here is your chance to win a CSB Grace Bible for Kids! Head to my Instagram and enter there. Giveaway ends December 10th at 11:59pm ET!

The Queen's Cook By Tessa Afshar + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I have been a huge fan of Tessa's work for years! She's such a wonderful author, but also a sweet woman, I'm incredibly thankful to have her new book to read thanks to JustRead!

About the Book

Title: The Queen’s Cook 

Series: Queen Esther's Court #1 

Author: Tessa Afshar 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: November 19, 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical 

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. 

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Excerpt:

Roxannah snapped to her feet. She expected him to demand payment before accompanying her, but he simply waved at her to join him. “Head injury, my man tells me. Is he conscious?”

She blinked, surprised at this no-­nonsense greeting. “Yes.”

“That’s a good sign.” He had a deep voice that seemed at once commanding and oddly soothing, edged by a slight accent that lent his speech an air of mystery.

Walking briskly, he led her to a plain gate at the opposite end of the courtyard, beyond which lay a wide lane. “It will be faster if we ride. My horse is in the stable around the corner. There is a donkey for you.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “You needn’t worry. It’s a biddable creature.”

“I can ride.”

He walked ahead into a mudbrick stable, whitewashed to match the outside walls. His steps were long and loping, and she found herself half running to keep up. His servant had followed in their wake, his movements so quiet she startled when he appeared at her side to help her mount the donkey. The beast waited placidly as she settled on its broad back.

She caught the servant’s eye and whispered, “What’s his name?”

He shrugged. “We just call him Donkey.”

“Not the beast. I meant the physician.”

The servant’s white teeth flashed against his salt-­and-­pepper beard. “Well, now. One might say that same name is not badly suited . . .”

The physician held up a warning finger. “Don’t finish that thought, no matter how great the temptation.” Eyes the color of obsidian sparked with humor.

Roxannah looked from one grinning face to the other, marveling at the ease with which the master had allowed his servant’s teasing insult to slide. In her father’s house, any retainer with half the cheek would have been bleeding by now.

About the Author

Tessa Afshar's award-winning biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Queen's Cook and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 4, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 11, 2024. 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

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An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Now, you have GOT to know that this cover calls to me! Is stunning, Regency, and hello, there's a butterfly! Thanks to the author and JustRead for my digital copy!

About the Book

Title: An Unexpected Journey: A Regency Hobbit Retelling
Author: Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Genre: Regency Romance/Hobbit Retelling

A heritage neither of them desires, a wrong to right. A chance to end a family curse... 

When strangers tumble through the doors of once resplendent Grandview Estate, Lady Laura Tamlow is pulled into a rather unexpected journey, away from the village she's never left along with a gentleman unlike any she's ever known. 

Jonathan Canfield is out of options. And he'd do anything to restore his family fortunes in order to keep them from poverty, including roping Lady Tamlow into playing the part of thief. They must reclaim both his and her family jewels that were stolen the night of the fated Grand Masquerade of 1770, where both the Canfields and the Tamlows fell far from society's good graces. If only his thief weren't so lovely, he'd be able to focus on the mission without distraction. 

But there's a bigger problem at hand. The jewels reside at Lombard Park under the eye of Lord Herrington, a greedy dragon of a man who knows he's about to die. Yet he has bigger claims than they ever imagined and attempts to steal something far more valuable than family jewels. With deception afoot, will Jonathan ever see Lady Tamlow again? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub  

**The author is offering free swag to the first 20 people who purchase a paperback/hardcover book. Proof of purchase required.**

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Excerpt

I did not sleep a wink. Could not. I rolled within a twisted mess of blankets until the sun rose in glorious brightness. The grass looked greener for the golden rays, Grandview looked less shabby. All appeared in a fantastical light. Including the recent illuminations concerning stolen jewels—and Colin. But was I heading towards more truth? Or would leaving this place plunge me into a dark confusion?

I sucked in a breath at the thought of leaving. We must away, Mr. Canfield said. The sooner the better. I knew the answer. Darkness already gave chase. Colin hid from it. Mr. Canfield worked to keep it at bay.

My stomach clenched as Brooke carried a small pelisse into my room. He placed hands on his hips and gave me a look of longing. “Laura, are you sure this is the right thing to do? Cannot Master Colin work things out on his own?”

I took another deep breath. “I don’t believe he can.” I was the key, it seemed, to unlocking Colin from the threat of prison—or worse—an attack. If the plan worked, I’d recover not just the Tamlow livelihood but the Canfields.

I caught a glance of the young gentlemen from my window. Timothy and Robert. Trapped in the same generational curse as me. Not because we’d done the wrong but because we persisted in the consequences of it.

A firm resolve settled within my bones. I’d been restless for a long while without truly reasoning

out why. Now I knew. I’d outgrown the sackcloth and ashes that were handed to me. We—I—had my whole life before me. I would not take on my grandfather’s wrong-doings. But I would take back my life. And Colin's.

About the Author

Ann Elizabeth Fryer loves nothing more than using story and romance to relay the depths and graciousness of a Father who holds us securely in the palms of His hands. Daydreaming her surroundings from a young age, she's lived in historic homes most of her life and regularly participates in backyard archaeology. When she's not writing historical projects, her contemporary novels show a flavor of her forever-passion for all things old. Ann, her husband, and three children make their home in small-town Illinois where they can hear church bells keep time and tradition.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a hardcover copy of An Unexpected Journey, a tote bag, swag, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of An Unexpected Journey!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Rosie's Wild Ride By Paige Murray

Rosie's Wild Ride

by Paige Murray

Illustrator: Kristen Humphrey

Publisher: Zonderkidz

ISBN: 978-0310161585

It's entirely possible that I wanted to review this book because my heart has always been a horse lover! Do I want to pass that on to my granddaughters? I certainly do. I thought Rosie's Wild Ride was the perfect way to do just that... at least for a start. FrontGate media sent me the hardcover for my review.

You can get a FREE Activity Kit here: Freebies - Zonderkidz

Summary:

Meet Rosie, the big horse with even bigger dreams! In Rosie’s Wild Ride, Clydesdale horse Rosie and her cowgirl friend Oakley want to be rodeo stars, but what happens when the competition doesn’t quite go as planned? In this beautiful, inspiring picture book, readers will learn the importance of teamwork, chasing their dreams, and daring to ask, “What if I can?”

Rosie the Clydesdale is a BIG horse. She likes her life on the ranch and helping the farmer with his chores, but she also has a secret dream: she wants to be a rodeo star. She finally gets her chance when she teams up with a plucky cowgirl named Oakley, but the rodeo events aren’t designed for a big horse like Rosie. When a rogue bull disrupts the competition, though, Rosie and Oakley might be the only ones big and brave enough to stop him.

From debut children’s author Paige Murray comes a rodeo adventure complete with roping, riding, and racing—based on real animals from her own Texas ranch.

This picture book for ages 4–8:

• Is an inspiring, animal-filled story of resilience and self-confidence
• Features beautiful, engaging artwork and photos of the real-life Rosie and Oakley
• Includes fun horse and rodeo facts in the back matter
• Is written by Paige Murray, debut author and wife of nine-time World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray

My Review:

This is a wonderful story about not only a horse who has a dream, but a little girl as well. This is such a sweet story for young children to absorb in their younger years. A wonderful way to let them know they can be and do whatever they aspire to! They just need to put in the work. Now, granted, this book has them training for a few days, and we all know that it takes longer than that to gain skills needed for a hobby or a dream. That, of course, is something that can be share with your little one as you read the story.

The story is realistic in that, there will always be naysayers in the world. Those that either don't believe in you or your dream. Also, sometimes when you pursue your dreams, it may take a while to find where you fit or what your strength is. I can be easier to see the weaknesses, especially in the beginning. BUT, if we have someone to cheer us on and encourage us, like Rosie has with Oakley, it's possible to keep going and keep trying. Then, when we find where we fit in our passion, others will be cheering us on as well!

The illustrations are delightful! They're big and have beautiful detail. The grouchy cat cracked me up throughout the story. The font is large and I liked that they mixed it up numerous times with a western/rodeo type font. The author did a lovely job of conveying the purpose of the story! 

About the Author:

Paige Murray, a Southern belle from South Carolina, lives on a Texas cattle ranch with her daughter Oakley and husband, 9X World Champion Cowboy Ty Murray. A Clemson University Animal Science graduate, Paige began her career in modeling and TV reporting. She’s been NASCAR Miss Sprint Cup, appeared on CMT’s Sweet Home Alabama, FOX Sports, and hosted Southern Fried Skinnyfied. Passionate about fitness and cooking, Paige self-published a healthier cookbook and now writes children’s books inspired by ranch life.

About the Illustrator:

Kristen Humphrey grew up in a small town in southeastern Texas where she spent most of her days drawing and trail riding through pine forests with her beloved thoroughbred, Zeus. She has always shared her home with many different animals who have heavily influenced her artwork. Her love of animals helped influence her artwork in her latest picture book, Rosie’s Wild Ride. While studying Visualization at Texas A&M University, Kristen became interested in children’s book illustration and began using the skills and techniques she was learning to develop her own illustrative style. When she is not drawing, Kristen enjoys dog walking, hiking, and horseback riding in her spare time.

The Wonder Series By Catherine Claire Larson

Walking in Wonder: A Devotional Journal for Moms of Toddlers

by Catherine Claire Larson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 9781400236152

My daughter is in every stage of the devotionals by Catherine Claire Larson. She has a three year old, a one year old, and is pregnant! All of them are relevant to her! I received all three books for review from FrontGate Media.

As a grandma, I'm so thankful I finally get to walk alongside her as she carries and raises my granddaughters! Let me tell you, the toddler years can be challenging. I'm in awe at how relaxed my daughter is as she parents the girls! I'm sure that Walking in Wonder will bless her immensely over the coming years. 

What I like about this devotional is that it walks you daily through each week of your toddler's life! Each day starts with a Scripture relevant to the reading. My favorite part of each devotion is how it relates the toddler's life stage to Jesus or to other people/events in the Bible. It also gives the parent prompts to consider how what they've read applies to their life and toddler's life. Each daily devotion is short enough for a parent to get the devotion in in the small amount of time they have before they need to go do something else!

Each week there's an overview of what the developmental stage could be for your toddler. Each month has a spiritual focus. For example, as the book starts at 12 months, that month is focused on Walking with God. Since your child has probably started learning how to walk, it's a great time to focus on "walking in God's ways." There are questions to be answered each week. Some are more sentimental like questions about your child's first birthday and holidays you've celebrated to more deep ones like writing out Scripture or what you've been learning from your child.

Grab your copy here: https://bit.ly/WalkingInWonderFGM

Summary:

Embrace the independent and energetic toddler year with this weekly devotional journal—a keepsake memory book created with your spiritual growth in mind as you watch your child grow day by day.

In this beautiful companion to Waiting in Wonder and Watching in Wonder, popular blogger Catherine Claire Larson encourages moms to receive God's peace and grace during the intense and joy-filled toddler year.

Designed to help you discover God's love in a new way as your little one discovers their world, Walking in Wonder includes:

• Three Scripture-based devotions each week centered on spiritual and parenting themes such as resting, feeding, and speaking
• Monthly "Memories and Milestones" sections to document your toddler's growth
• Thoughtful journaling prompts with space to record stories and prayers during this busy and delightful year

With its invitation to draw near to God as you navigate your child's second year of life, this is a unique and thoughtful gift for adoption parties, birthday celebrations, or simply for yourself and future generations.

Savor the transformation happening in your faith life as you enjoy the remarkable changes in your toddler.

Watching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby's First Year

by Catherine Claire Larson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 9781400236107

The first year of life for your new baby is an exciting time full of milestones, and you don't want to forget a single moment. This weekly devotional journal will inspire you to record stories and prayers for your newborn as you create a memory book that you (and they) will treasure for years to come. And you'll feel God's presence and comfort with devotions and Scripture selected especially for new moms.

In these pages, you will encounter a God who lovingly cares for you and your little one. Marvel anew at His goodness and the miracle of life that is growing day by day before your eyes.

This devotional includes:

• A weekly inspirational devotional theme on one of God's unchanging characteristics
• Monthly "Memories and Milestones" sections to help you document your baby’s growth
• Devotions that lead you closer to God
• Thoughtful journaling prompts with space to record stories and prayers

 With its invitation to draw near to God as you navigate your baby’s first year of life, Watching in Wonder is a sweet and thoughtful gift for friends' and loved ones' baby showers or as a gift for yourself at this memorable time of life.

Embrace the exhilarating, exhausting, and joy-filled first year of motherhood with this devotional journal, a gift you can one day give your son or daughter as a reminder of the love and prayers you shared throughout his or her first year in the world.

Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You're Expecting

by Catherine Claire Larson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN: 9781400237579

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and you don't want to forget a single moment of this journey. Waiting in Wonder inspires you to record stories and prayers for your baby as you create a memory book you'll treasure for years to come. And you'll feel the comfort of God each day with devotions and Scripture selected especially for moms-to-be. 

This devotional includes:

• A helpful "Points for Prayer" section and a "Mommy's Memory Verse" for each week
• Weekly entries that trace the growth of your baby
• Daily devotions that lead you closer to God
• Helpful journaling prompts with space to record your emotions and prayers and love notes for your baby

With its invitation to draw near to God while you're expecting,Waiting in Wonder is a sweet and memorable gift for friends and loved ones for baby showers, or as a gift for yourself at this momentous time of life.

Embrace and prepare for the calling of motherhood with this devotional journal, a gift you can one day give your son or daughter as a reminder that you loved and prayed for him or her even before birth.

Check out this video to learn more about the Walking in Wonder devotional.