First Christmas Personalized Story Book + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the First Christmas Personalized Story Book by StoryBug, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! HAD I known what my daughter was going to name her next baby, I would've gotten this adorable book personalized for her. Alas, they haven't chosen a name yet. I remember when I was really little having a book with my name on it, and I was in awe! I can't wait to give this book to my daughter so she can give it to her baby next year. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.

About the Book

Title: First Christmas Personalized Story Book
Publisher: Storybug
Release Date: August 1, 2024
Genre: Children's Christmas Gift Book

Immerse your little one in the joy of their first Christmas with the 'First Christmas Personalized Story Book,' where the magic of the holiday season comes alive through a story tailored just for them. Though they may not yet read, the sound of a loved one narrating a tale that features them will fill their world with wonder and make this personalized storybook a memorable part of their early Christmases. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: StoryBug

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About the Publisher

Story Bug is inspiring kids to read more through the use of fully personalized children's storybooks.

Visit storybug.com to follow them on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(5) winners will each receive a hardcover book from StoryBug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 13, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 20, 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

When the Mountains Wept By Kendy Pearson + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Lately, I've really been enjoying Civil War era books. Does this mean I'm in my "Civil War" era? I'm really too old to be talking like that. Ha! Anyhow, the cover of this book and the story synopsis really pulled me in. Be sure to check out the book excerpt below. I received the digital copy of this book for the tour.

About the Book

Title: When the Mountains Wept
Series: West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm #1
Author: Kendy Pearson
Publisher: Pear Blossom Books
Release Date: April 8, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

CAPTIVATING CIVIL WAR FICTION INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL EVENTS 

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear. 

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital. 

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past. 

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost. 

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known, even as he must face the horrors of war and the evil it breeds. 

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option. 

And it is unthinkable.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Books2Read | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

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Book Excerpt

“What do you find so amusing, Major Hill?” Gus’s smile curled up on one side. Her fork held a bite of potato above her plate.

“I . . . uh. I am simply delighted to partake of such savory victuals, Miss Dabney. My sincere compliments to the cook,” he nodded to Melinda Jane, “or, cooks, as the case may be.”

He lifted his coffee cup in a toast. Melinda Jane beamed and dipped her chin. “Why, thank you, Major Hill. I believe I will graciously accept your compliment.”

Gus chuckled and pulled the potato morsel off her fork in slow motion. Her unblinking gaze met his. His breath caught. Heat spread across his chest. He’d missed his mouth and coffee was trickling through his beard onto his shirt.

Will covered her mouth, a snort erupting from her suppressed giggle. Bertie howled, slapping a hand to his forehead as Gus rushed to get a towel.

She handed it to James. “I hope you aren’t burned.” Her compassion eased his embarrassment until Melinda Jane found it necessary to add her two-cents-worth.

“Why, I’d be surprised if he felt a thing, as I reckon his mind was elsewhere.”

Snickers fluttered around the table. His face burned as Zander joined in and the amusement climbed to lofty heights at his expense. He stood, swiping at the brown stain on his shirt before tossing the towel onto his chair. A meal with the Dabneys was its own kind of battlefield. The only casualty being his dignity.

About the Author

Kendy Pearson is a veteran high school teacher and an accomplished musician. She is also a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. When she discovers a pocket of American history omitted from the schoolbooks, she enjoys digging in and turning that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through real historical events and settings; engaging with period personalities—and she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God's undeniable grace. Kendy is an eight-time award-winning author and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. She also relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed copies of When the Mountains Wept and When Heaven Thunders, a character named after you in book 3, In Tempest Winds, and a signed copy of that book once it releases!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Healing The Cowboy By Mandi Blake

Healing the Cowboy

by Mandi Blake

Publisher: Independent

Series: Christmas at Redemption Ridge

ISBN: 978-1953372550

If you haven't read any of the stories that are part of Christmas at Redemption Ridge, you're missing out. Mandi's newest contribution to the series is Healing the Cowboy. I grabbed her book on Kindle Unlimited.

Summary:

Will her dedication to tending her friend’s injury allow him to get close enough to heal her wounded heart?

Nora St. James returns to Redemption Ridge to find her family ranch falling apart. Her dad’s gambling addiction is out of hand, and they’re on the verge of losing everything.

Clint Taylor knows exactly what he wants, and it’s the one woman who is immune to his charms–his best friend, Nora. She’s determined and independent, and while he loves those things about her, they also help her keep him at arms’ length.

Nora has too many problems to worry about romance, but her flirty best friend is pulling out all the stops. If he keeps pursuing her, she might not be able to resist much longer.

When an injury lands Clint in a cast and Nora’s ranch isn’t safe anymore, she comes to Taylor Ranch to care for him and help keep things going until he heals. The Christmas season has Nora opening her heart, but if she lets her guard down, she might lose her best friend, her job, and her home.

Return to Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters in this Christian Christmas Romance.

Healing the Cowboy is book 8 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, but each of the books can be read on their own.

My Review:

Healing the Cowboy was such a heartwarming story! I love visiting Redemption Ridge and getting to know more of its residents.

This time we're getting to know Nora who has to figure out her life when her father gambles away their lives. One thing I love about Redemption Ridge is how the community all comes together. Clint, her lifelong friend, wants more than that.

I liked getting to know Nora because she's very independent, determined, and yet has a soft heart. She works hard and is doing her best to try to figure out what her future will look like without the ranch she's lived on her whole life. Clint, of course, is her knight in shining armor allowing her and her father to live at his place. He and his family show compassion for Nora's father and is such a wonderful example of walking alongside someone with an addiction.

There are some nail biting moments in the story and moments that are unexpected. There's a lot packed into this story. It is incredibly sweet and you can't help but root for Nora and Clint!

I truly appreciate when the author adds in faith other stories because it adds a wonderful level to the story!

*I received the ebook for review. This is my personal opinion.

About the Author:

Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
You can sign up for her newsletter and get the free novella, South of Skye, and the free full-length book, A Thousand Words.

Across The Ages By Gabrielle Meyer

Across the Ages

by Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Timeless

ISBN: 9780764244209

This is seriously one of my top 5 favorite series! Timeless has been amazing with each book, and each book just continues to blow me away. The author sent me her book for being on her launch team.

Summary:

Caroline holds a deep secret. Living in 1727 and 1927 simultaneously, each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. In search of answers to her unique existence, Caroline stumbles upon a letter from her mother hinting at her own experiences as a time-crosser, sending Caroline on a daring quest to uncover the truth. In 1727, Caroline disguises herself as a cabin boy and joins a ship sailing for the Bahamas, her mother's last known location, where she crosses paths with a ruthless but handsome pirate and is caught in a web of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances.

In 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota, Caroline grapples with her other life as the daughter of a renowned preacher. Her two older brothers have fallen prey to the corruption rampant during Prohibition, and Caroline struggles to keep their involvement hidden to save her father's career. As her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her to the dangerous yet exciting world of speakeasies, Caroline enlists the help of a childhood friend who is now a police officer. But with her family's future at risk and their loyalties tested, Caroline faces a life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.

My Review:

Once again, the author has blown me away with her time-crossing story, Across the Ages! The detail she takes in each timeline and keeping all of the history and pieces seamless as well as connected is mind boggling!

We meet Caroline, who is an absolutely wonderful characters. There's no guile in her, and her innocence is endearing. More than that though, in both timeliness she's determined. Unlike the other stories, she has no one guiding her in her time-crossing. She doesn't know the "rules" that pertain to it.

Getting to know her in 1727 give us a connecting to book three in the series and I truly adored it. 1927 also gives us a connection to book three! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this story?!

In 1727 we get to know Marcus as well. He's the quartermaster to a pirate captain who is being hunted. As Carl (aka Caroline) gets to know Marcus, there's a growing affection... except she's pretending to be a boy. It's hard to imagine someone being in your face and not realizing they're not who they're portraying themselves to be!

1927 holds a lot of heartache for Caroline and her family. Her father is a well-known pastor from Minnesota, and unfortunately, his sons have chosen to live lives that are far from the Lord. The crazy twist that comes from this timeline is just so sad. Caroline perseveres to find answers though, and I think that makes her one of my favorites! Thank goodness she has Lewis with her through her journey to learn the truth.

Faith is such an important piece in both timelines. The author does a magnificent job of showing readers that EVERYONE is deserving of the redemption and love of Christ. That no one is ever too far gone that if they turn to the Savior He won't answer, because He will!

Of course, I was trying, in vain, to guess which timeline Caroline was going to choose. I'm always "leery" of authors making things too obvious. Ha! I changed my mind numerous times throughout the story just because of the ideas I kept coming up with as I read.

I'll be honest and say I'll never tire of this series. The author is SO creative and the writing is phenomenal. It's an adventure each time I crack her books open. How she continues to come up with unique ideas is beyond me, but she is a gifted writer!

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer is an ECPA bestselling author. She has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope. Find her online at GabrielleMeyer.com.

A Path To Healing + Interview + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path to Healing by Lisa M. James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I feel like Lisa is one of those author more readers should know about and be talking about. After I read her first book A Path to Forgiveness, she had me hook, line, and sinker! I received the book for my tour with JustRead and I can't wait to read this latest installment to the series.

About the Book

Title: A Path to Healing
Series: The Prodigal Woman Series #3
Author: Lisa James
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Genre: Christian Fantasy/Romance

Scarred. Blemished. Unwanted. These were all words that could describe Bethany. Since an accident disfigured the right side of her face, severing the betrothal to the man she loved, Bethany knew that no one would ever find her beautiful. When her mother insists she marries the only man willing to take her as a wife, Bethany begrudgingly agrees. Yet, the more she discovers about her new husband, the more she realizes that some scars are hidden deep within. 

After becoming a champion gladiator to purchase his mother’s freedom, Ezra wished to live a quiet life as a shepherd. When he hires a troubled woman with a veiled face to assist him with his flock, he’s surprised to find himself drawn to discover the woman beneath the mask. After a hasty marriage, Ezra vows to do everything he must to spare his wife from harm. But will her thirst for revenge against the dark forces that plague their homeland and his desperate need to protect his family tear them apart? 

Discover the story of a blemished woman in A Path to Healing. 

This Christian Fantasy novel can be read as a stand-alone novel or as part of The Prodigal Woman Series.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

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Author Interview

1. What is the significance of the peacock feather on each of the covers? Did you design the covers?

Peacocks are a big part of my author branding as a whole and I decided to incorporate them into the covers of The Prodigal Woman series. Peacocks symbolize beauty and rebirth and I love that imagery, especially for this series where three women are on paths for second chances and a shot at redemption. I work with a wonderful cover designer where I choose the images and the models and give her an idea of what I would like for the cover. Then she makes it a reality. 

2. What has the path of independent publishing looked like for you?

It’s definitely been a learning process! When you independently publish you have to be your own CEO. Early on I would just write the books and not go through big efforts on professionally editing or marketing. Obviously that didn’t work. Within recent years, after I write the story I hire contractors to beta read, edit, design my covers, and I get in touch with a lot of organizations (like JustRead Tours!) that will promote my books and get them in the hands of readers! I still have a lot to learn and there are many avenues I would like to explore to promote and publish my books that I just haven’t had time to do yet, but I’m excited to try some new things, especially when it comes to marketing. It’s a lot of work, but its so rewarding when I receive a positive response for my work, knowing that I DID THAT. My hard work paid off. 

3. How do you decide what topic you'll use in your story and then create it as fantasy? What does that process look like?

This is a very artsy, pie in the sky, thing to say but honestly the stories just come to me. Sometimes I will be watching a tv show or movie or reading a book, and a story idea pops in my head. Many times just scenes and characters come to me and I write it down before I even have a plot together. Once I get a general idea of a storyline, then I start thinking about how to create it in a fantasy world. 

4. What is the message you want women to take away from your stories?

Your past mistakes are not your whole story. Your scars are not your whole story. You have not done anything that deems you beyond forgiveness, acceptance, and healing. We serve a God who sees us in our brokenness and can lovingly put us back together piece by piece. We serve a true and faithful Redeemer, but we need to be willing to go to him and confess our hurts, mistakes, and failures.

5. What do you have planned after this series? Will you be staying with this genre?

I am going back to my clean fantasy romance roots that are less direct on the Christian message but always have a hint of it peeking out. Next year I will actually be publishing a second edition of my first series, The Fifth Kingdom, with new scenes and edits. I”m excited to get that into the hands of readers. 

6. If you could go back to Biblical times and spend the day with one woman, who would you choose?

My heart tells me Rahab. I would want to hear her faith journey from her own words. Her openness to accept the one true God amidst harrowing circumstances is incredible. I would want to bear witness to her great faith.

7. Where do you find inspiration and ideas for your genre when it's a world you're creating in your mind?

Believe it or not, I'm very influenced by Historical Fiction, specifically Biblical Fiction and even my stories that are not promoted as Christian Fantasy tend to have Christian elements that my readers pick up on. I am not a historian so I knew I would not be successful writing in the historical fiction genre. I just love to make things up and add a little magic, which is why I pursued fantasy. My fantasy worlds have more of a historical feel vs a futuristic feel because of my historical fiction influence and much of my audience are primarily historical romance readers because they feel my worlds have similar elements to “the past.” With a little bit of magic, of course!

About the Author

Lisa M. James is an independent author, marketer, and former Sunday School teacher. She loves writing fantasy novels with diverse female leads for both young adult and adult audiences. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous Fantasy categories, including Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Romance. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Christian novels.

Connect with Lisa by visiting lisamjames.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 A Path to Healing and an embroidered backpack purse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 13, 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.

Enter Giveaway

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