A Secret Between Them By Donna Gartshore + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Secret Between Them by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Be sure to check out an excerpt from the book below!

About the Book

Title: A Secret Between Them 
Author: Donna Gartshore
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

She’ll help him heal… 

But is love enough to make him stay? 

Unexpectedly injured, photojournalist John Bishop finds himself stuck in a town full of painful memories—with physical therapist Grace Severight his only way out. Following her treatment should be simple. But soon John’s falling again—this time for the single foster mom and her four-year-old charge. Now love might heal his past…but will a secret Grace is keeping destroy their chance at a future?  

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.  

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

Also Available

 

---

Book Excerpt

Grace was making homemade pizza for supper that night and kneading the dough gave her an opportunity to try to untangle her thoughts. She’d been struggling to do that ever since John announced his intentions to stay in Living Skies, at least for the time being.

But how long was that going to be? She couldn’t imagine it would take long for him to teach Toby everything he would be able to handle at his age. Toby might have formed a quick attachment to his camera but he was only five years old.

Besides, he was already forming an attachment to John. Being as objective as she could manage, without letting pangs of envy get in the way, Grace had to consider what it would do to the little boy to become even more attached and then have John leave. Because no matter what John was saying right now, she couldn’t believe his intention to stay would last long.

That had something to do with his father, but that subject was off-limits for John and her.

About the Author

Publishers Weekly best selling author Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna is so grateful to be able to tell stories of faith, hope and second chances for Love Inspired. She also writes devotionals and the occasional poem or short story. Donna loves time with her family, personal and group Bible study, long chats with friends over dinner or coffee and engaging in discussions about books and writing with her local and online writing communities.

Connect with Donna on social media at Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

---

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each win a print copy of Finding Her Voice, Finding Their Christmas Home and A Secret Between Them, plus an inspirational bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 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/CAN 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!

Night Falls On Predicament Avenue By Jaime Jo Wright

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue

by Jaime Jo Wright

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764241451

As an avid Jaime Jo Wright fan, I was thrilled when Bethany House gifted me with a copy of her newest release! How she comes up with these stories twice a year is a gift and beyond me to comprehend! She always has me sitting on the edge of my seat!

Summary:

As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women--generations apart--discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer's retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie's quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn't imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.

A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt's bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister's dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house's claim to fame--the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle's murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.

My Review:

Holy guacamole! THAT was such a good read! I literally just finished the book and came here to write my review. One of the pitfalls of Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is that I've chewed all my nails down to pretty much nothing. The author does this to me EVERY single time!

Effie is the epitome of older sister, most of the time. Polly, her sister, wants to live life with abandon. Unfortunately, that excitement for life is exactly what gets them into trouble. And sweet Effie has to bear the brunt of their choices (and then mostly her own) throughout the rest of the story. 

Norah, who also had a sister, is similar to Effie in some ways. They've both experienced trauma in their lives and it doesn't seem to be ebbing any time soon. Norah is forced into the position of fight or continuing flight.

If you're like me, you sleuth your way through the author's stories trying to figure out which person in each timeline did "it". I'll tell you that in 1901 I had no clue who may have been connected to Isabelle. I thought I knew, then thought I knew again, and found out I didn't know at all. In Norah's time (current day) I had an idea of who the culprit might be, then the author threw in some other rabbit trails I was led to believe, and then knew again... of course at the very end. One of these days I'm going to nail it!

It was so good to watch the main characters grow throughout the story. They'd tried to live quiet unobtrusive lives, but the world found them and turned everything topsy turvy. Both women found strength they didn't realize they had and needed. And of course, the men who surround them in the story have a lot to do with their growth.

As creepy and spooky the author's stories are, they are completely infused with faith and pointing to the Lord. She never fails to give a reason for any hauntings, ghosts, or mysterious happenings. Think along the lines of Scooby Do. There's always an answer! When we learn the answer in the current timeline I think my jaw dropped more so than in the past.

I was surprised at how emotional I became towards the end of the story. Somehow in the reading, the characters worked their way into my heart. I'll admit I almost cried it was such a touching part of the story. Read it and you'll know what I'm talking about!

About the Author:

Jaime Jo Wright (JaimeWrightBooks.com) is the author of ten novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She's also a two-time Christy Award finalist, as well as the ECPA bestselling author of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau and two Publishers Weekly bestselling novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her family and felines.

The Elusive Truth Of Lily Temple By Joanna Davidson Politano

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

by Joanna Davidson Politano

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800742973

For the record, if Joanna Davidson Politano writes a book, I'm reading it! No questions asked. I don't even need to know what the book is about. All I need to know is that she wrote it! I'm on her launch team and she sent me her book for review.

Summary:

In the search for the truth, the line between fact and fiction is beginning to fall out of focus

It is 1903, and Lily Temple is a beautiful silent-film actress who spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera. But beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit, a murky past, and a tantalizing secret. 

Underground investigator to the wealthy, Peter Driscoll has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire that has been missing for years--and which Lily happens to be wearing beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and unravel the mystery, Peter employs the enchanting actress's help on a case. 

But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it becomes that he needs her even more than she needs him.

My Review:

As soon as I finished the first chapter I was enraptured by the story. WHAT was Lily going to say or do next?

We meet Lily Temple, an... actress. Yes, an actress. She has secrets, which are peeled back layer by layer thanks for Peter Driscoll. Plain Peter Driscoll or so Lily initially thinks. Lily is fascinating. She's also a mystery. Where did she come from? How is she connected to the missing gem? Peter intends to find out.

What he doesn't expect is for Lily to be so all-encompassing. He has no choice but to figure out who she is - who she REALLY is. What he doesn't realize is how dangerous that will become. To keep her close, he invites her to join him on some investigations where she can employ her acting skills. Meanwhile, he spends his time listening to her, chipping away at her resolve to stay distant to everyone.

I felt a bit like I was reading a story that should be a classic along the lines of Dickens. Yes, I said that! I became a cheerleader in heart for Lily and Peter, Roddy and his opinions be hanged! You get to know gruff Roddy through the story, and it's hard not to appreciate his protection of Peter. Peter is kind and thoughtful. His biggest skill is listening and he uses it to his advantage in so many ways. Lily, she's like a kaleidoscope. 

There are a number of daring cases Peter takes Lily on, and Roddy is always present in one way or another with each one. With each case, Peter demonstrates to Lily how well he's getting to know her, which she likes and dislikes at the same time! Don't we all long to be truly known?

This story reads like a parable directing the reader to the One who truly knows and seeks after each of us. Peter can see the Savior availing Himself to Lily, pursuing her. It comes to light brighter and brighter as the story continues. I found it absolutely beautiful!

About the Author:

Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, A Midnight Dance, and The Lost Melody. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone's story. She lives with her husband and their children in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan. You can find her online at JDPStories.com.

These Tangled Threads By Sarah Loudin Thomas

These Tangled Threads

by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764242014

The publisher kindly surprised me with a copy of this story! I had been seeing and hearing about it on social media so I had hoped to read it at some point one day. Imagine how excited I was when the book showed up in the mail!

Summary:

Set in the shadow of Biltmore Estate, a poignant tale of friendship, restoration, and second chances.

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of the great Vanderbilt mansion. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she knew where to begin.

To track down the mysterious weaver, Lorna sees no other way than to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her past, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of life long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity, as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

My Review:

First, can we just talk about how gorgeous the cover of These Tangled Threads is? It's totally the mood for this story!

What a "tangled" mess things can become when we twist ourselves up in lies and deception in moments of desperation! The weight of it can be overwhelming and affect the lives of those around us. Lorna finds this out the hard way. This is such a beautiful story of restoration, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Dear Lorna has been through so much with the loss of her family and the possible loss of her job. Her relationship with friends and those under her leadership are torn apart because of decisions made in haste and panic.

Loyal Arthur has been through a lot as well as we learn in the prologue. He is a fine man who has his eye on Lorna, who just can't see past her deception. Arthur tries to break down her walls, but because he has no idea what's transpired in the past, doesn't have a clue how to do that. He struggles with his past abandonment and a family member who shows up unexpectedly!

Unique Gentry ends up at Biltmore industries after he grandfather dumps her with the women who run the trade school. Gentry is a headstrong young girl with zero desire for receiving direction. She comes under the tutelage of Lorna and to say that they clash would be an understatement.

These three characters ebb and flow together throughout the story. They're in and out of each others lives. The story also goes back and forth with all 3 of them as well as different timelines. It wasn't difficult at all to keep up with whose perspective it was.

When things begin to unravel, Lorna has no choice but to fix the wrongs she's done, somehow admit to those around her what she's done, and seek forgiveness if possible. Their journey to reconciliation isn't an easy one. They learn so much about themselves and each other as they struggle for the truth.

About the Author:

Sarah Loudin Thomas (sarahloudinthomas.com) is the author of numerous acclaimed novels, including The Finder of Forgotten Things, The Right Kind of Fool, winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year, and Miracle in a Dry Season, winner of the 2015 INSPY Award. She worked in public relations for Biltmore Estate for six years and is now the director of Jan Karon's Mitford Museum. A native of West Virginia, she and her husband now live in western North Carolina.

Lovin' On Red By Mary Pat Johns + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lovin' On Red by Mary Pat Johns, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Lovin' On Red
Series: Romance in Valiant #2
Author: Mary Pat Johns
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

He has everything … except what he wants most. 

Rory is a wildly successful contractor with all the right connections. He has everything, except the woman who sees past his missing foot. If only the tiny redhead he’s insanely attracted to would go on a date with him, it could work, but Vi refuses. 

Licensed massage therapist Vi Summers needs her childhood home remodeled, and Rory Spence is the perfect man for the job. Only he’s the last person she wants to work with. Despite Rory’s reputation as a flirt, his tender attention to getting her house right helps Vi see into his heart. Too bad her past mistakes prevent a future relationship. 

Drawn together like magnets, they navigate trouble with illegal squatters, family expectations, and fire. Will they finally be honest with each other, or will their secrets tear them apart?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books In This Series

---

Author Interview

1. How do you decide on your characters careers? Do you have to do a lot of research when it comes to their respective careers?

In Lovin’ On Red, I needed an entrepreneurial type because Peep’s expansion is part of the story line. It came fairly easy because in real life, I’m surrounded by business entrepreneurs. When I choose a career, I usually know someone who works in that specific industry. It’s my favorite way to research—talking to and interviewing people.      

2. Have any of your other characters been differently abled? How did you decide Rory would be missing a foot? 

So far, Rory is the only character with a disability. My son, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, helped me write the short story-prequel to the first two books in the series. In story-form, the reader learns how Rory lost his foot. I needed the main character to have a serious, life-changing injury, but not so severe he couldn’t be mobile or achieve his dream of marriage and a passel of kids. The prequel is a free gift for anyone who signs up for my newsletter.  https://mailchi.mp/487725d3738c/free-giveaway

     

3. Do the characters in your series cross over to other books in the series?

Yes! I created a story world about a nucleus of close friends with accompanying minor characters. Each book has different main characters and its own unique plot.       

In the prequel, Rory and Jesse make the decision to become accountability partners about their dating lives. Following through to Book 1, Jesse falls head over heels for Brenna, his new accountant. Rory is present as his best friend and accountability partner, to help  guide him through the mine field of new feelings and emotions. Book 2 is Rory’s story and Jesse returns the favor. (Makes for hilarious conversations as Jesse and Rory are polar opposites in personality and temperament.)   

4. Do you ever find that your characters take you and the story in a direction you hadn't expected?

Yes, again! When I began to write Lovin’ On Red, I didn’t know there would be letters from Vi’s dad. But when Rory found her dad’s electronic device hidden in the couch, it was the perfect vehicle to give Vi much-needed closure and healing. And I had no idea how the ending would come together, but the characters were faithful to reveal what needed to happen, even if they were excruciatingly slow about it.    

5. Would you ever consider adding a pet of some sort to one of your stories because of your own dogs? Would they be an inspiration to you to add an animal?

I love and understand dogs, so they have a way of showing up in my stories. A little mama dachshund makes a brief appearance in Book 2. A writing mentor of mine has a gorgeous white lab, and he shows up in one of my books too.  

6. Do you see yourself writing more stories set in Texas?

I try my best to be true to whatever the Lord puts on my heart to write. So far, it’s all been about Texas. It’s what I know. And while I have friends who compete in rodeos and are uncomfortable in any footwear but boots, I tend to write outside of the stereotypes that people assume about Texas.  

About the Author

Mary Pat Johns lives in South Texas with the love of her life and two spoiled dachshunds. You can find her at the gym, on her computer, or  reading a book.

Connect with Mary Pat by visiting marypatjohns.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win print copies of Countin' On Jesse and Lovin' On Red, plus sea turtle earrings and necklace!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 8, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 15, 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

---

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