What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Isn't this cover just lovely? Be sure to check out the story excerpt below & then enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: What Brings Us Joy 
Series: The Truitts of Texas #1 
Author: Teresa Wells 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC 
Release Date: July 15, 2025 
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

1895: After losing their Georgia home, eighteen-year-old Delia Truitt and her family move to Blooming Grove, Texas, to work for a relative on a ramshackle farm. Set on helping her family dig out of their impoverished circumstances, she plans to open a dressmaker’s shop, combining her sewing skills and her keen fashion sense. But owning a business takes money she doesn’t have. 

Unless she can finish her quilt in time to enter the county fair. The prize money would be just enough to open her shop. Determined and resourceful, Delia sets her sights on success—until her heart takes an unexpected detour when she meets handsome Clarence Parker. 

Bent on respectability, Clarence refuses to let his past get in the way of his future happiness, especially after falling for spirited Delia Truitt. But his hopes shatter when headlines declare members of his former gang have broken out of jail and are heading his way, set on revenge. Though Clarence doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws, he fears his future with Delia is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together. 

Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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Excerpt

Shuffling of feet and belongings broke the silence. Someone called from the front, and Pastor Swenson gestured for the Truitts to follow. “Here we go, the Browns kindly gave up their front-row seats. Plenty of room for all your family.”

Delia kept her gaze on the wooden-plank floor as they filed up the aisle to the front pew. Standing between Rabb and Hazel, Delia shifted from one foot to the other as the congregation belted one hymn after another. Was there a rule about standing for the whole time? If so, she’d never return. At least not in this pair of shoes.

When the minister finally gestured for the congregation to sit, Delia could have cheered. Until Pastor Swenson said, “But let’s have our visitors remain standing so we might get to know you better.”

No, no, no. This was not the way she wanted to be introduced into the community. Heat crept up her neck. No doubt the tips of her ears were as red as a tomato. She stole a glance at Hazel, sure she would be on the verge of tears, bless her heart.

But her younger sister wasn’t tearful or shy. Instead, she faced the congregation with a bright smile, waggling her fingers.

Delia hissed, “Turn around this minute!”

Hazel blinked. “I’m being friendly, like you told me to.”

Chuckles fluttered through the room.

Lord, if You care about me at all, bring forth a tornado, or a herd of squealing pigs. Even a pair of skunks. Any diversion will do.

About the Author

A former teacher and librarian, Teresa Wells treasures a story threaded with redemption and hope. She loves people, history, and studying the Bible. Teresa is a member of Novel Academy and American Christian Fiction Writers Association, where she volunteers behind the scenes. She lives with her family outside of Dallas, Texas. What Brings Us Joy is her first novel.

Connect with Teresa by visiting teresawells.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a print copy of What Brings Us Joy, and items related to the book!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 21, 2025. 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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The Collector Of Burned Books By Roseanna M. White

The Collector of Burned Books

by Roseanna M. White

Publisher: Tyndale House

ISBN: 979-8-4005-0174-6

First, the cover... stunning, right? Second, Roseanna M. White! Third, I'm on her launch team and she sent me the book for my review!

Summary:

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

My Review:

I have been a fan of the author's books for years. WWII is one of my favorite historical time periods to read. I was also intrigued by what this story might hold.

I liked Corinne from the start. She was a character who I could get behind and root for. Trying to learn how to be a spy from her uncle seemed like a task that would take forever. As Corinne learned, being a spy wasn't easy and patience hard to come by.

We also meet Christian, who is sent to Paris to go through the libraries to document and get rid of banned books. Being forced into this "work" that he doesn't have the stomach for gives readers an interesting insight into people who were put in positions working for the Nazi party who wanted to rebel against them, but doing so would've been dangerous! As the layers of his story are peeled back, we begin to understand the choices he made.

Corinne, of course, has no tolerance for the Germans who have invaded her country. Unfortunately, there are a couple who have taken note of her, which puts her in a very precarious position. Trying to keep out of their line of sight becomes harder and harder the more she becomes connected to Christian. There was danger pretty much at every turn, no one was safe, and scrutiny by the Nazi officers was to be avoided at all costs.

While I liked the story, it had a much different feel than her previous stories. I can't put my finger on what the difference is, but it just didn't hit the same for me. There is a faith element that's Catholic in nature so I wasn't really able to connect with that part of the story.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award–winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at RoseannaMWhite.com.

Names of God: Knowing Peace By Grace Fox + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Names of God: Knowing Peace by Grace Fox, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Be sure to read Grace's guest post below and then enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: Names of God: Knowing Peace 
Series: Names of God Devotional Studies #2 
Author: Grace Fox 
Publisher: Aspire Press 
Release Date: July 8, 2025 
Genre: Christian Living; Devotional study

Peace. 

The very word evokes images of serene landscapes and quiet stillness. In today’s chaotic world, peace is a valuable commodity. The Bible has a lot to say about peace, claiming that God himself is the ultimate source. In this follow-up to Names of God: Living Unafraid, Grace Fox reflects on how the following names of God point to the peace our souls so desperately crave:  

Yahweh Shalom—The Lord Is Peace 
Abba—Father 
El Shaddai—God Almighty 
El Roi—The God Who Sees Me 
Yahweh Ori—The Lord Is My Light 
Yahweh Nissi—The Lord Is My Banner 
Immanuel—God with Us 

Knowing Peace uses examples from Scripture and compelling real-life stories to illustrate how these names can bring inner peace amid life’s storms. Each session includes a guided prayer, reflection questions, and a video link providing additional insights from Grace. Perfect for individual or group study, this new addition to the Names of God series will encourage and inspire readers to draw near to God and receive his peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Tyndale House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

More in This Series

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Guest Post

What inspired you to create this series? How many books will be in the

devotional study series?

During the pandemic, I thought about my readers sitting in isolation and wondered if they might enjoy connecting through an online Bible study. I’d never done such a thing, and I didn’t have a clue how many might participate, but I moved forward with a plan anyway.

I used the Bible study I’d written based on my book Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation. To my delight and amazement, 80 women registered. We had a great time and sweet friendships blossomed. When the seven weeks ended, they asked me, “What study will we do now?”

My first thought? The names of God. For several weeks prior, during my personal Bible reading times, I’d come across multiple verses with phrases about praising God’s name and trusting in His name. My interest had been piqued, so I invited the women to join me in a deep dive about the significance of God’s names and their relevance to our lives.

I spent several hours every day researching God’s names and writing the study as we went. During that time, the lockdowns grew tighter. Those circumstances were difficult enough, but then my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died a few months later.

The truths I’d discovered about the character of God as manifest through His Hebrew names filled me with peace in that dark season. In Names of God: Knowing Peace, I cite the example of getting into my car a couple of hours after Mom’s funeral and driving hundreds of miles to speak at a women’s event. There’s no human explanation for having the strength to do this apart from His presence and peace.

Sooner or later, we all land in hard places where our souls crave inner peace. Understanding and living from the truth about who God is – loving, present, sovereign, and more – prepares us for those challenges and empowers us to not only survive them but thrive in them. I want to share the truths I discovered to

bless others as they have blessed me.

This devotional study series has three books:

Names of God: Living Unafraid (July 2024)

Names of God: Knowing Peace (July 2025)

Names of God: Growing Strong (July 2026)

Every chapter delves into one of God’s names – where it first appeared in the Bible and what it means, how Jesus fulfilled it, and personal stories and interviews to show what experiencing God by that name looks like. Each chapter also includes reflection questions and a QR code for bonus video teaching.

The name Yahweh infers God’s desire for relationship with us, and it appears more than 6,000 times in Scripture. It’s obvious that He wants connection with us, but He knows it’s difficult for us to trust Someone we don’t know. Making His character known to us through His names is one way He reaches out to us, so let’s avail ourselves of the provision He has made for us. Let’s explore His names so we can get to know, love, and trust Him. Know God; know peace.

About the Author

Grace Fox is the award-winning author of 15 books including Names of God: Knowing Peace. She’s a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events, a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries), and an annual contributor to the Mornings with Jesus 365-day devotional published by Guideposts.

Grace has been a career missionary for more than 30 years. She and her husband co-direct International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in more than 25 countries. They currently live fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 14 grandchildren.

Connect with Grace by visiting gracefox.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of "Names of God: Knowing Peace," a print copy of "Names of God: Living Unafraid," a $10 Amazon gift card, two downloadables, and a fun assortment of little beach-themed gifts!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 7, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 14, 2025. 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

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

Midnight Offensive By Elle E. Kay + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Be sure to check out the excerpt below and then enter the give away!

About the Book

Title: Midnight Offensive 
Series: Toxic Truths #1 
Author: Elle E. Kay 
Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing 
Release Date: May 14, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense / Thriller

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line. 

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack. 

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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Book Excerpt

Craig grinned and stopped in front of her, blocking her path. “What kind of welcome is that, sunshine?”

“Sunshine?”

“I was trying it on for size. Isn’t that what your dad used to call you?”

“You are so not him.”

“Nevertheless, I think I like it.”

“Why are you here?”

“Can’t a guy walk the corridors of a hospital without getting questioned by the staff?”

She put a hand on her waist and waited for an answer. 

“We have a tip that a guy we’re looking for was brought in the other night after a multi-car accident involving a bus. Gave a fake name to police at the scene, but facial recognition was run on the officer’s dash cam footage, and we think it’s him.”

“Him who?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know, sweetheart?”

“Stop it with the nicknames. I’m Sadie. I’ve always been Sadie. I’ll always be Sadie.”

“Okay, Sadie. The guy’s a doctor, but he’s not the Mr. Nice Guy type. He created something bad and then absconded with it. We need to take him into custody before he follows through with some pretty awful plans.”

“I think you can probably be a bit more specific.”

“Wish I could, but…”

“It’s classified.”

“Yep.”

About the Author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania near Red Rock Mountain with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is active in her church’s youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Since her debut novel Shadowing Stella released in 2016, Elle has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children’s literature. Her award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes. She’s also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections. 

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail.

Connect with Elle by visiting elleekay.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Romantic Suspense Prize Pack which features 5 of Elle's most recent romantic suspense releases, including Midnight Offensive, along with a tote bag and swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2025. 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!

A Lesson In Propriety By Jen Turano

A Lesson in Propriety

by Jen Turano

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies

ISBN: 9780764243851

If you've been here for any length of time, you know that I adore Jen Turano! Her characters always crack me up, and the situations they get me in keep me hostage to the story! I was on her launch team for her new release A Lesson in Propriety, which was sent to me for review.

Summary:

LESSON ONE: Stand in the way of the Windy City's criminal world and expect a most improper proposal from an eligible gentleman in return. 

With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves by any means necessary. 

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within the castle's grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart. 

Laugh-out-loud witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age string together this entrancing series starter. Fans of clean romance, Christian fiction, and strong female characters will enjoy this read.

My Review:

One always knows what to expect from a Jen Turano book. There will be hijinks and hilarity. That happened in spades with A Lesson in Propriety. 

Drusilla is cast aside by her fiancé after he learns her fortune disappeared when her father's solicitor absconds with their fortune after her father passes away! The interaction between Druscilla and Elbert is amusing, but has us feeling for poor (literally) Drusilla. 

The Merriweather ladies venture off to a property that was left to them in order to find a way to support themselves. The only issue is, it's apparently haunted! Their first encounter with the castle leaves much to be desired and quite a bit of confusion for everyone involved. There may have also been an inadvertent wedding proposal at the end of said encounter!

You can imagine that there's a lot of craziness and cute moments throughout the story. Drusilla tries to uncover the secrets of the castle while trying to create a finishing school for young ladies in the area. Someone tries to thwart them and scare them at every turn, but Drusilla as well as the other ladies, aren't having it! 

Rhenick tries to do his best in regards to the Merriweather ladies, but he keeps running into issues along the way. The biggest of which is they believe he's after the castle! Growing up around a bevy of ladies in his family, he tends to do well with all of the women he encounters. Unfortunately, the first time he meets Drusilla they don't part on the best of terms.

This story was overall amusing pretty much the entire time. Sometimes, I'll admit, it was a bit more than I cared for. There was a lot of explaining of the situations the characters were in, and I would've preferred to have more of the story. Overall though, I enjoyed the characters and story.

About the Author:

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Ormond Beach, Florida. Readers can find her on Facebook and Instagram, and at JenTurano.com.

To Love A Beast By Karen Witemeyer

To Love a Beast

by Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Hope & Light Publishing

Series: Once Upon a Time in Texas

ISBN: 979-8992420517

I enjoy fairytale retellings, and I've read the first three Karen wrote before To Love a Beast. She was kind enough to send me a digital copy of the story, but of course, you know I'll be getting a print copy to go along with all of her other books on my shelf!

Summary:

Beauty & the Beast in 1800's Texas.

Once known among New York's elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family's book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin's staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor's remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

My Review:

I thought To Love a Beast stayed very true to the Beauty and the Beast story that I know. I've never read the original classic, but this is everything I hoped it would be and more. The roles were switched this time, which gave it its own twist.

I really enjoyed Callista's tenacity in a time when women didn't handle business matters, but also that she wasn't going to let her family's business be lost because someone won't work with her! Her first interaction with the "beast" would've scared me off, but Callista wasn't having it! I think any of us could imagine how we'd feel or think if we'd been scarred like Everett. Hiding away, where no one can see him, certainly closed him down to the rest of the world.

There were some amusing moments, especially when it came to the staff at Manticore Manor. Good thing they knew what was best for their master! Their interaction with Everett (especially Lightfoot) had me chuckling quite a bit! I think these moments were some of my favorite in the story. I also appreciated how Callista & Everett's relationship grew naturally over their time spent together. It was so sweet to watch them work their way to each other in their hearts.

Mr. Batton, who Callista meets on her way to Everett's manor, is a piece of work from the moment we meet him. He fits a southern Gaston to a T! Let's just say he's insufferable. There's also a bit of suspense/mystery once we hit the halfway mark. 

As always, I'm thankful the author weaves faith into her stories! Such a great reminder that in Christ we are a new creation (and, ahem, we don't have to be a beast any more). I always love the "found family" trope one that touches my heart.

I'm really looking forward to more stories in this series!

About the Author:

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

The Final Word By Laura Thomas + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Final Word by Laura Thomas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Don't you just love this cover? Be sure to check out the excerpt & giveaway below!

About the Book

Title: The Final Word 
Series: Bite of Betrayal #2 
Author: Laura Thomas 
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink 
Release Date: June 5, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night. 

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold. 

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | LauraThomasAuthor.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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Excerpt

Satisfied she was alone, Sophie gathered the two large cake boxes in her arms, thankful a cupcake tower was already here from a previous event and she didn’t have to balance that, too.

Careful to keep the boxes horizontal, she managed to lock the car door and made her way over to the elevator, the familiar sound of squealing tires protesting as they circled within the parkade floors below.

Miles. She forgot to check and see if he’d left a message. Better make sure his message wasn’t anything to do with her drop-off before she arrived down at reception. Facing the elevator and leaning her knee against the wall, she balanced the boxes with one arm around them both and snagged the phone from her jeans pocket.

Heavy footsteps sounded and before she had a chance to turn around, someone pressed her up against the wall, her boxes and phone flying in every direction. Sophie’s breath caught in her throat as her cheek grazed the brick wall and she struggled to stand upright. A hand snapped her head back and gripped her mouth from behind, a pinprick jabbed her neck like a bee sting, and her knees buckled.

Help. He-lp. Her mouth moved but no words came out. Her limbs grew heavier by the second until she sensed strong arms lifting her from her feet and carrying her away. She couldn’t hold her eyelids open, and all sounds blurred into the muffle of a car engine.

Darkness took over and Sophie sank into its depths.

About the Author

A published, award-winning Christian author, Laura Thomas writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing.

Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!

Connect with Laura by visiting laurathomasauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card plus an ebook of CAPTURED IN FRAME!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 25, 2025. 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

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

Lion of Judah by Henry O. Arnold + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lion of Judah by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Please be sure to check out the book excerpt and giveaway!

About the Book

Title: Lion of Judah
Series: The Song of Prophets and Kings #5
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Genre: Biblical/Historical Fiction

The new king is crowned in triumph…
But his pride proves to be a fatal flaw…
And from out of his own house calamity falls upon him 

Once a shepherd, a captain, and a fugitive, David is now king. He left behind the dangers of life on the run and embraced the comforts of living in the palace. No longer known as the “giant-slayer,” but as the “lion of Judah,” King David enjoys the popularity and prosperity brought on by his victories. 

But peace in the nation of Israel has a double-edged sword. David’s pride subverts his judgment, and his desires overwhelm his heart leading him down a dark pathway. The king will go to any lengths to cover up his crimes, but disaster falls upon the House of David bringing this broken and contrite king to cry out to Yahweh for mercy.  

Lion of Judah continues the tale of triumph and tragedy, deepest love and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | WhiteFire Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

More In This Series

     

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Book Excerpt

The king knelt before her and took her hand. “I have sinned against Yahweh. I have sinned against Uriah, my friend and your husband. And I have sinned against you. I cannot live the rest of my life without asking for your forgiveness.”

David remained kneeling before her. His arms hung limp at his sides, and he slumped back upon his knees with his head bowed low. Bathsheba now had a sovereign’s power, not the power to wield control over a nation with all its resources, but the control over a human heart, the heart of a king. She looked across the City of David. The king of this city, the king of all Israel, knelt at her feet waiting her response. She had been broken by this man, and now he knelt before her broken himself, broken and contrite.

The memory of the evil done to her would never be completely banished from her mind, but by her choice to forgive, the sharp power of its puncture could be removed. No power on earth was its equal.

Bathsheba set her hand above the head of the kneeling king and let it gently rest upon his thick, wavy hair. “You are forgiven, my lord. You are forgiven.”

About the Author

Mr. Henry O. Arnold's career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the Urban Chronicles suspense series and the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled The Song of Prophets and Kings (available in all formats wherever books are sold). When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world. He and his lovely wife Kay have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

Connect with Henry by visiting henryoarnold.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Lion of Judah & $20 Amazon Gift Card plus a print copy of The Mercy Seat, also by Henry O. Arnold!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 2, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 9, 2025. 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!

Lady Maybe By Julie Klassen

Lady Maybe

by Julie Klassen

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764245282

Being an avid Julie Klassen fan, and having read all of her stories, I was excited that she revised Lady Maybe and published through Bethany House! She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

One final cry of terror, and suddenly her world shifted violently, until a blinding collision scattered her mind and shook her bones. Then, the pain. The freezing water. And as all sensation drifted away, a hand reached for hers before all faded into darkness. . . . 

In the midst of a fierce storm, a carriage carrying Sir John Mayfield, Lady Marianna Mayfield, and her lady's companion careens off a narrow cliff road, changing their fates forever. When the wreckage is found, Sir John is gravely injured, and a woman is discovered unconscious wearing a valuable ring. As the woman regains consciousness in a strange house, she grapples with fragmented memories of the accident, unsettling dreams of a child in peril, and a deep mystery tied to the ring on her finger. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and haunted by a sense of foreboding, the survivor realizes she cannot trust anyone and must uncover the truth of what happened that stormy night, even as danger mounts and enemies conspire against her. 

In this revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of Julie Klassen's acclaimed novel, a woman's startling secrets lead her into unexpected danger and romance in Regency England.

My Review:

In true Julie Klassen style, she had me riveted to Lady Maybe from page one! Trying to give a review for a book that is built upon secrets and amnesia is a little difficult. Because of that, proceed with caution in regards to my review. 

At the beginning of the story Lady Mayfield is being taken to an undisclosed location by her husband Sir John Mayfield. At the last moment, Lady Marianna's previous companion, Hannah, joins them, much to Sir John's dismay. On the way to their new home an accident causes one woman to be washed away and the other left with amnesia. 

It doesn't take long for the reader to find out which woman survived. Hannah doesn't realize who she is because she has amnesia. With everyone referring to her as Lady Mayfield, she just goes along with it. Since Sir John is unconscious, he can't confirm or deny her identity. Along comes Sir John's solicitor and adds another layer to the mix with a bit of attraction to Hannah. 

Since it's well-known the kind of woman Lady Mayfield is, not very committed to her husband, Hannah is in a bit of a quandary. While she's kind and caring, Lady Mayfield is not. As Hannah begins to remember who she is, she realizes how deep she is into her lie. Unfortunately, there's a lot at stake with her sticking to the lie... at least until she can escape.

Listen, there are twists and turns throughout the story. Romance ensues, but how can she keep up the charade when Sir John regains consciousness? The household clearly loves Hannah... at least most of them. The story of Sir John's past with his unfaithful wife unfolds more and more as we read! We also learn more of Hannah's part in the story while she's employed by them.

Sadly, infidelity shows its true colors throughout. You see time and time again of how damaging it can be and what the consequences are. While God can bring good from the bad, it's clear as Hannah's charade unravels how truly devastating it can be.

As others have said, it gives Jane Eyre vibes, and that's one of my favorite classics! It's full on Regency and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm thankful that this was revised to leave out some of the sensual stuff in the original, which I never read. This was definitely more my speed.

About the Author:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyreand Jane Austen. Her books have sold over 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit JulieKlassen.com.

A Summer To Treasure By Leslea Wahl + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Summer to Treasure by Leslea Wahl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! This cover caught my eye and the description grabbed me even more! Be sure to check out the book excerpt & giveaway below.

About the Book

Title: A Summer to Treasure
Author: Leslea Wahl
Publisher: Perpetual Light Publishing
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Genre: MG/YA Adventure Mystery

Teenage siblings Luke, Celia, and Austin are dreading their summer vacation. A month cooped up in an RV, touring around the Southwest, with their parents, grandmother, and each other? Pure torture. 

But when Grandma reveals the real reason for the trip, the journey becomes an unexpected adventure. As they travel through breathtaking canyons, the teens develop new friendships, deepen their faith, and join together to solve a decades-old mystery. 

And if the siblings can put down their phones long enough to enjoy the incredible journey, they might just discover that their relationships with each other are truly the greatest treasure.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

   

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Book Excerpt

“You have no idea what it’s like living in your shadows.”

Austin’s siblings exchanged a confused look.

Did he really have to spell it out for them? “I hate that people don’t see me for me. You guys still think of

me as your annoying little brother. And every teacher or coach I’ve ever had compared me to the two of you. Even our priest and youth group leader. I’m so sick of hearing what a gifted athlete Luke is. ‘He was a natural leader, blah, blah, blah.’ And they can never shut up about what a brilliant student Celia was. ‘Such a joy to have in class. I could always count on her.’ Whatever.” He hugged his knees, resting his head on his arms as he curled into a ball. “It’s easier to just stay away from it all.”

About the Author

Leslea Wahl is an award-winning author of adventurous teen mysteries. She not only writes for teens but is an avid reviewer of Christian fiction and a founding member of Catholic Teen Books. Her journey to become an author came through a search for value-based fiction for her own children. Leslea now strives to be an advocate for other families battling against society’s secular messages through her faith-based writing and reviews.

Connect with Leslea by visiting lesleawahl.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed copy of A Summer to Treasure, a book-themed Glass Tumbler with Lid and Straw, and a magnetic bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 27, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 3, 2025. 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

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

Every Hour Until Then By Gabrielle Meyer

Every Hour Until Then

by Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Series: Timeless

ISBN: 9780764243011

Having fallen in love with this series with book one, the anticipation for the next story grows the moment I finish the current one! For me, it's impossible to get enough of the Timeless series. The author & publisher sent me the book for being on the launch team to review it.

Summary:

Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling truth: Her own sister is destined to become the Ripper's final victim decades earlier. 

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history's most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she'll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister.

My Review:

I'll start by saying words won't adequately describe all of my thoughts and feelings after reading this Every Hour Until Then! The best thing I can say to you is that if you don't run out and read this book immediately, you're doing yourself a disfavor. 

How Gabrielle Meyer continues to create such incredible stories that whisk me away to another time (two times in this case) is beyond me! I was immediately drawn into the story and had a hard time tearing myself away. And what do you do when you love the main character in BOTH timelines? Not only is it their dilemma, but it becomes ours, too!

First is Kathryn in 1888! We meet her at a pivotal moment in her life. It takes a turn and nothing will be the same. Looking for answers only uncovers more questions. Not only are there more questions, there's danger at a level she never could've imagined. Thankfully, she has her childhood friend, Austen, by her side! Let me tell you though, her parents in this timeline made me want to pull my hair out. lol

Kathryn in 1938 learns that while she's helping curate an exhibit featuring Jack the Ripper, Kathryn in 1888 is going to have to try saving her little sister from his clutches! I loved being back with Grace & Luc from book 4 in the series! I'm always so thankful when at least one timeline has a loving & understanding time traveling parent!

How Kathryn goes about trying to unravel what's going to happen to her sister, how and if she can stop it, all the while knowing doing so will cause her to lose the timeline she's becoming more fond of just had me reeling! "Watching" her try to go back and forth to put all of the pieces together had me flipping the pages as fast as I could.

For me, nothing was predictable. I had no idea how the puzzle was going to come together and what would be revealed! The way the author brought it all together was masterful! Keeping track of everything going on and making it all cohesive is an absolute gift! I can't tell you how many times I almost cried throughout the story! Listen, I was invested... in both timelines! 

The romance... y'all get me a fan! It was wonderful and worth the wait. It was sweet and tender. Journeying through it with them was precious, but also, waiting for the heartache to come was difficult. If you want a story to make you believe in love, this one will get you where it counts!

The topics in this book were ones I honestly knew nothing about, but made me want to learn more and do research about them. I wanted to wait until after the story finished so I didn't accidentally learn something I shouldn't before I finished! Jack the Ripper and Freemasons are people I've heard about, but never really took the time to learn more. After this story, my interest is piqued!

Last, but most important, was the faith element in this story. I can see myself so much in Kathryn. She had made a decision early on without any thought to what the Lord wanted. If everything went as planned, that meant she didn't need to ask the Lord, right? I appreciated how her 1938 parents poured the spiritual aspect into her life!

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer is a Christy Award-winner and 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.

Every Life Filled with Purpose By Shelia Stovall + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Life Filled with Purpose by Shelia Stovall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Be sure to check out the book excerpt + giveaway below!

About the Book

Title: Every Life Filled with Purpose
Series: The Weldon Novels #3
Author: Shelia Stovall
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Women's Christian Fiction

Welcome to Weldon, Kentucky, where no one can keep a secret forever. 

 Imagine discovering a place where the locals treat you with warmth and welcome you like family. Carson Williams finds such a place when he visits his deceased mother’s hometown of Weldon. The atmosphere in the community creates a deep yearning in Carson, and he thinks Kentucky is the perfect place for a new beginning. Carson hopes the country life will lead to his emotional healing from PTSD. 

While Carson is having lunch at the local diner with Sparky Compton, a young doctor who’s captured his heart, Virginia Willoughby collapses. Sparky springs into action, but Carson struggles to maintain control of his emotions. Mrs. Willoughby’s daughter, Emma Baker arrives, and the magnetic pull of Emma’s gaze confuses Carson. She reminds him of someone, but who? Later, Emma wonders why she can’t stop thinking about the mysterious stranger when her heart belongs to pastor Luke Davis. 

But there are secrets in the small town—and they will impact both Carson and Emma.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More In This Series

 

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Book Excerpt

The flashing lights of an ambulance parked in front of the Triple D made Emma Baker’s breath hitch as she turned the corner. Emergency vehicles in action always reminded her of the worst day of her life—the day her husband, Chris, died. Emma placed her hand over her heart.

Mother!

Emma bolted to the group standing in front of the plate glass window and placed a hand over her heaving chest. A hush fell over the crowd as they stared at her.

“Who needs an ambulance?” She asked.

One of the pink uniformed waitresses wrung her hands. “It’s for Mrs. Virginia.”

With her worst fear confirmed, Emma rushed inside the restaurant, her heart pounding. Paramedics were lifting her unconscious mother onto a gurney. Emma’s legs weakened.

Sparky came up beside her. “I was just asking Dot to call you.” She removed a latex glove from her hand. “You can ride with me to the hospital.”

“What happened?” Emma clapped her hand over her mouth.

Sparky squeezed her shoulder. “Mrs. Virginia passed out and hit her head.”

“Why is there so much blood?”

“Head injuries always bleed considerably, and I suspect she’s on daily aspirin therapy.”

Emma gripped the table’s edge. “Yes. She is.”

Sparky turned to a man sitting in the booth. “Carson, did you see her faint? Did she clutch

her chest?”

The stranger’s face matched the color of the white Formica tabletop. His dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail. “She … She …” He gulped. “Gave me the oddest look and collapsed.”

There was something familiar about the deep timbre of the stranger’s voice. Emma looked him over. He had a strong jawline and a cleft in his chin, and his eyes, which were almost black, held Emma’s gaze.

Sparky placed both hands on his shoulders and forced him to look at her. “Are you okay?”

He blinked, then nodded as if coming out of a trance. “I’m … I’m fine. Your patient needs you.”

Sparky slung the strap of her pack over her shoulder and grabbed Emma’s elbow. “Let’s go.”

A few years ago, Emma had helped Sparky search the internet for college scholarships, and now she was a doctor. Thank goodness Sparky had returned home to take over Dr. Singer’s practice. Emma followed her toward the exit where Dot waited. An odd sensation pulled Emma’s attention back to the stranger. He hadn’t moved, and his dark eyes held her captive. She knew that face, but from where?

“You need to go see about your mama, hon.” Dot’s voice broke the spell cast by the stranger.

Emma nodded and chased after Sparky. What did it matter if the stranger seemed familiar?

But for some reason, it mattered.

About the Author

Shelia Stovall is an author, speaker, and the Director of a small-town library in southern Kentucky. Her first Weldon novel, Every Window Filled with Light, won the 2022 Angel Book Award in the contemporary women's fiction category and was a double finalist for a Selah award in 2022, and her second Weldon novel, Every Day Filled with Hope, was a finalist for a Selah award and a Carol award in 2023.

It tickles her to see shocked expressions when folks learn she's traveling to Africa—again. She's the worst missionary ever, but God continues to send her to the ends of the earth as He attempts to mold her into something useful. 

Shelia is a country girl who relishes eating a bologna sandwich at a country store just as much as savoring an elegant meal in a posh restaurant. 

Shelia and her husband, Michael, live on a farm, and she enjoys taking daily rambles to the creek with their four dogs. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, is her all-time favorite thing. The only hobby Shelia loves more than reading uplifting stories of hope is writing them.

Connect with Shelia by visiting sheliastovall.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 27, 2025. 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!