Thursday, July 30, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway -- Falling for the Innkeeper by Meghann Whistler --- On tour with Prism Book Tours

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

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Falling for the Innkeeper
By Meghann Whistler
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
August 1, 2020 by Love Inspired

She’s the home he never expected to find.

A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn…
But what happens when romance checks in?

Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight. But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from his client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer. With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?

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About the Author

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Meghann Whistler writes sweet, clean contemporary Christian romance novels that WON'T make your grandmother blush. A hopeless romantic who met her husband on a blind date, Meghann recently left her marketing career to pursue her lifelong passion of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace. Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, she earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College. She loves to hear from her readers, who can reach her at www.meghannwhistler.com.

Photo by Sophie Jacobson

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


My Thoughts

This is the first book from

Meghann has created real feeling characters. I was a single mom with my 2 older girls. I remember feeling how Laura was. While I did not own my own business, I did worry if I was always making the right decisions for my children. 

Laura is a divorced mom - her ex husband was a work a holic - and she is now trying to navigate on her own. She has a lot of healing to do. She is trying hard to keep her grandma's hotel. I love how it is seaside. I could close my eyes and imagine that I was there. However, 

This book took my heart on so many twists and turns - but it was a wonderful ending. I am super excited to see more from this author. She has written amazing characters, a beautiful setting, and has crafted a flowing storyline. The cover is beautifully done. 


I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours -- all thoughts are my own. 

Tour Schedule

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Tour Giveaway

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One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally for those who use one of Amazon's branches)

Ends August 5, 2020



Book Review and Giveaway -- Second Helpings Author: Linda Wood Rondeau -- on tour with Celebrate Lit


About the Book

Book:  Second Helpings

Author: Linda Wood Rondeau

Genre:  Short, humorous contemporary women’s fiction

Release Date: April 19, 2020

Today is Jocelyn Johnson’s 45th birthday. Unhappy with her marriage of 22 years, the parenting talk show host has planned a noonday tryst with her cohost. A phone call from her college daughter, a peek into her teenaged son’s journal, a sick preschooler, a Goth daughter’s identity crisis, a middle-school son’s prank, and her husband’s inflamed suspicions, not only interfere with her hopeful birthday plans but throw her family into more chaos than a circus on steroids.

In desperate need of counsel, Jocelyn invites a Christian to dinner, her guest from her morning talk show segment. However, the evening holds little promise of calm. In the midst of bedlam, a forgotten faith rekindles causing Jocelyn to rethink her life and her marriage.

You will laugh and you will cry from the first page to the last as you journey through the day’s events and Jocelyn’s search for Second Helpings.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the  Author

A veteran social worker, Linda Wood Rondeau is also a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is no stranger to family bedlam. Her stories of encouragement and hope come from the heart. She resides in Hagerstown, Maryland with her husband of over forty-years. When not writing, the author enjoys the occasional round of golf. She also enjoys theater and is actively involved with her local church. Find more encouraging words in her blog, Snark and Sensibility, found on her website, www.lindarondeau.com. Visit her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

 

 

More from Linda

When I first set out to write Second Helpings, I envisioned writing a story about a harried housewife with a passel of kids. I thought of my mother who went around the house with her hands outstretched toward heaven saying, “Lord, give me strength.” Words she uttered each time we kids did something wrong, which was quite often.

And so I envisioned my own version of, Please Don’t Eat the Daises.

The movie came out in 1960 and starred Doris Day and David Niven, a comedy about a university professor who leaves his job to become a theater critic, creating problems with his family and friends. There’s an iconic scene where the harried housewife rescues her toddler who tries to climb out of the barred NYC windows. One wonders, can this marriage be saved?

As the story developed in my own addled brain, I saw a larger picture than a  madcap comedy. I asked myself, what would happen if a woman who ran a radio show about parenting found herself in a marriage about to fall apart and anticipates an affair? Since the woman, at the outset of the story is not a Christian, what might cause the affair not to happen? What driving force might be greater than her unhappiness? And why was she so unhappy in her marriage in the first place?

The answer came. However unhappy she might be, she was first and foremost a mother. Though married to a psychiatrist, she was the fixer in the family. What problems might her children face to make Jocelyn think twice about an affair? Which of  her children’s crises would be the first signal to abort her affair? The answer came.

When Jocelyn receives a phone call from her college-aged daughter, plans for a tryst suddenly change. Lisette announces she is coming home tonight. Jocelyn’s worst fears for her daughter are confirmed. Not only is Lisette pregnant, she wants to get married next month. History seems to be repeating itself. And Jocelyn does not want her daughter to make the same mistake she thought she made by marrying her baby’s father. Jocelyn sets out on an immediate campaign to convince her daughter she has other options than a hurried marriage. Jocelyn’s tryst will have to wait.

Lisette’s pregnancy revelation has set the stage for twelve hours of bedlam … all on Jocelyn’s 45th birthday. These serious situations create a comedy of misunderstanding against the backdrop of a failing marriage and begs the question, “Can her marriage be saved?”

My Thoughts

This is a new to me author - and I was excited to read this book. That being said, this book was a fun read. I found myself laughing and chuckling throughout the book. I come from a very dysfunctional family - and this book hit the nail on the head. My life currently is constant chaos. 

I love how she uses God's unexpected surprises to align with laughter. The beginning of the book outlines how she and her husband only wanted 4 kids, and how after having 4 kids her husband had set up a financial plan so the kids could go to good colleges. Throw in a later in age pregnancy and how that added to the mix, I love how she is real, raw and does not hold back. That made me like her and this book. 

Christians are not perfect. We make mistakes and fall down often. The author shows that in this book, even though she almost has an affair - how God brought it around and turned it into HIS STORY. 

Well written, grabs attention from the very beginning. The story flows nicely at a quick pace - I did not have any problems following along. 
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program -- all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 21

CarpeDiem, July 21

Texas Book-aholic, July 22

Inklings and notions, July 23

deb’s Book Review, July 24

For Him and My Family, July 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 26

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, July 27 (Author Interview)

As He Leads is Joy, July 27

Artistic Nobody, July 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 31 (Author Interview)

Fiction Full of Faith, July 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 1

Godly Book Reviews, August 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle Fire 7!!

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/fe2d/second-helpings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Direct Threat Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson --- On tour with Celebrate Lit


About the Book

Book:  Direct Threat

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 1 2020

One little girl.

Two bodyguards.

Only one chance to guard their hearts.

Protection Inc. co-owner, Carissa Jones, an ex-cop turned bodyguard, has one goal—keep her young client safe. When her business partner brings in a new guy to help, she discovers her heart desires more. Can she still do her job and follow her heart without compromising her client’s safety?

Marc Olsen, a former Military Police officer, struggles to find his way as a civilian. He agrees to help out an old friend for the summer. He gets more than he bargained for when he’s assigned to work with the feisty co-owner of Protection Inc.

When sparks fly faster than bullets, will the bodyguards be distracted from their task, or will they work together as an even stronger team?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

 

About the Author


Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

 

 

More from Kimberly

Direct Threat is the first book in the Protection Inc. series. The series follows a group of bodyguards who are all either former cops or military police. They are on location in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast in book one, but their business is based out of Seattle.

 

I’ve been to Lincoln City more times than I can remember, but I took a research trip there with my husband, specifically for this book.

 

While in Lincoln City my husband and I walked the same beach my characters walk. I studied the access points to the cliffside homes from the vantage point of the beach, as this was an important aspect in the story. We also visited the ice cream shop mentioned in the book. You’ll understand significance of the shop when you read the story.

 

My writing career has taken some twists and turns. When I first began writing in 2006 I wrote romantic suspense. Then switched over to writing contemporary romance, which turned out to be the genre of my first contracted book and many more after that. After writing several romantic mystery novels for my publisher, I decided to dust off my romantic suspense manuscripts and publish them. Direct Threat is one of those manuscripts.

 

I absolutely love reading and writing suspense as well as romance, so joining the two together comes naturally for me. I hope you will read and enjoy this story.

 

You can learn more about Kimberly Rose Johnson and her books at https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/


My Thoughts

One of the best things about being a book blogger, is the opportunity to discover authors that I may not have discovered on my own. This author, is new to me. Once I started this book, I went and looked up her other books available to see if I had heard any of them. This will be an author to keep an eye on. 

This is the first book in the Protector Inc Series. It starts out with shots fired, lots of action and does not stop until the end. I started this book about an hour before the normal bed time one night - and had to pull my self away so that I could get a decent amount of sleep. Carve out a chunk of time to read this book. 

In the first book of the series, we meet Carissa and Marc. They are part of a group of bodyguards that are tasked with protecting the life of a 10 year old girl. The girls father has been working on some top secret stuff - that someone else wants. They will stop at nothing to try and get the project. 

Olivia, has no idea what kind of danger she is in. She is sent to her grandparents home to spend her summer. Carissa is tagging along as her "nanny". Carissa is a former police officer who has some amazing surveillance skills. Olivia's grand parents are not thrilled with having bodyguards on the property and make it known they feel she is safe.... However, on the day that they fly to the grandparents home, Olivia's home is shot at. 

Marc is former military. He worked with Carissa's partner and they go way back. He does not think he has what it takes to be a body guard. He doubts that he will do a good job. Carissa is not aware at first that Marc will be joining their team. However, when they meet - sparks fly. 

Can they keep their budding romance under wraps? Can they keep focus on Olivia? Will they survive by the end of the book? 
Read to find out. 

I cannot wait until the next book in the series. This will be an author I will look for her new releases. The storyline keeps your adrenaline going. The characters are so real feeling. This story is full of faith, suspense, romance and so much action. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, July 25

deb’s Book Review, July 25

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 26

A Baker’s Perspective, July 27

Texas Book-aholic, July 28

reviewingbooksplusmore, July 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29

Because I said so – adventures in parenting, July 29

Quiet quilter, July 30

Inklings and notions, July 31

Maureen’s Musings, July 31

For Him and My Family, August 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 2

Read Review Rejoice, August 2

Daysong Reflections, August 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 4

Batya’s Bits, August 5

Mary Hake, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Betti Mace, August 6

Just the Write Escape, August 7

Blossoms and Blessings, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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/fe34/direct-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

BLOG BLITZ --- Following the Evidence By Lynn Shannon hosted by JustRead





Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Following the Evidence by Lynn Shannon, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Following the Evidence
Author: Lynn Shannon
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: 
July 7, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Bringing a tracking dog to town
put her in a killer’s sights
Inheriting a ranch is a fresh start for Emma Pierce, her baby and her search-and-rescue dog—until someone tries to kill her.
But Sheriff Reed Atkinson won’t let anyone hurt his first love…especially when they uncover a connection to his vanished sister.
Can Reed solve both cases before he loses his sister and the woman he’s falling for all over again?




ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynn Shannon writes novels that combine intriguing mysteries with heartfelt romance. Raised in Texas, she believes pecans and Blue Bell ice cream are must-haves for every household. Lynn lives with her husband, two children, an extremely spoiled dog, and a turtle who hibernates half the year. You can find her online at www.lynnshannon.com.
CONNECT WITH LYNN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram






EXCERPT 

She entered Lily’s room. The glow from the night-light glimmered off the little girl’s hair and the curve of her cheek. Emma picked up her daughter, nestling the child’s face against her shoulder. Lily stirred but, thankfully, remained sleeping. As silent as a shadow, Emma flew to her sister-in-law’s room.
“Vivian,” she hissed.
The other woman muttered something in her sleep. Emma placed Lily down gently on the bed before shaking Vivian awake. When her sister-in-law opened her eyes, Emma held a finger to her lips. “I think someone’s in the house.”
Vivian’s eyes widened and her body went stiff.
“Take Lily into the bathroom and lock the door.” Emma pressed her cell phone into Vivian’s hand. “Speed Dial 1 is the sheriff’s office. Deputies are on the way, but you should call them again.”
Vivian grabbed her wrist. “Where are you going?”
“To check it out.” Emma secretly hoped whatever had caused Sadie’s reaction wasn’t cause for serious alarm, but she wasn’t taking any chances.
Vivian’s gaze dropped to the Taser in Emma’s hand. “Please...be careful.”


GIVEAWAY






Enter the giveaway: Here









For more information and other tour stops ---  click Here - Just Read