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.

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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.

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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.

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Meet Me at The Grand By Lindsay Harrel + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Meet Me at The Grand by Lindsay Harrel hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! First of all, isn't this cover adorable? Be sure to check out the book excerpt below. I did receive a copy of the book to share as part of this tour! I can't wait to dive in.

About the Book

 

Title: Meet Me at The Grand 

Series: Jonathon Island #1

Author: Lindsay Harrel 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: April 22, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

She’s fighting to save her island’s legacy. He’s here to secure his family’s future. When their worlds collide, will they build something lasting—or tear each other apart? 

Dani Sullivan is determined to revive Jonathon Island’s fading charm and reunite her fractured family. Her plan? Reopen the Grand Sullivan Hotel, a once-impressive landmark that’s been in disrepair for a decade. But without the funds to restore the hotel, Dani’s forced to accept help from Liam Stone—a big-city hotel developer whose sleek, modern vision is everything she’s trying to avoid. 

Liam has never been one for small towns or rundown hotels, but this project isn’t just any job. His father’s health is declining, and if Liam can prove himself by turning the hotel around, he’ll finally earn the chance to take over the business so his dad can retire. But Jonathon Island is far from the high-end luxury projects he’s used to, and Dani’s fierce dedication to preserving its history clashes with everything Liam stands for. 

As they battle over the future of the Grand, Liam starts to see Jonathon Island as more than just another project—it feels like the home he’s never had. But with his responsibilities pulling him back to Los Angeles, can he really stay? And can Dani trust him with her dream—and her heart? 

A lot rides on the success of this project, but when emotions run high, will Dani and Liam find a way to work together—or will their differences tear them apart? 

On Jonathon Island, love and loyalty are the ultimate balancing act.

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

Free Novella:

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Book Excerpt

Liam turned to find a brown, double-bench golf cart headed their way. “I thought motorized vehicles weren’t allowed here.” That’s what the internet had said, anyway.

“Just golf carts and snowmobiles, and only in the off season. And of course emergency vehicles. Sometimes construction vehicles, but only for a very limited time and with a permit.”

Liam breathed a sigh of relief over that one. At least the hotel renovation wouldn’t have to revert back to the Dark Ages when they’d had to use pulleys and ramps. 

“Otherwise, it’s bikes and buggies for us,” Pete continued. “Though we’ve only got a handful of horses on the island anymore, and they’re up on the Quinn property, so walking and biking are the only real options. Get used to using those things called legs.”

Liam laughed. “Thanks, Pete. I will.” He extended his hand.

Pete took his offering and shook. “Buckle up, Fancy Pants. Looks like Dani’s grabbing you today.” Then, whistling, he walked away toward another cart sitting near the building.

Danny? Maybe Seb had sent the director of tourism in his stead. The guy who, apparently, would be giving Liam a more in-depth tour of the island and hotel, and with whom Liam would be working to get the plans approved by the town council.

Turning, Liam lifted a hand in greeting as the golf cart, which was decked out with winter tires of all things, pulled to a halt beside him. A woman—not a man—climbed from behind the wheel. 

A beautiful woman, tall and willowy, despite her white coat, jeans, and brown duck boots. Her long blonde hair hung nearly to her waist, and her big green eyes—framed over high cheekbones, a pert nose, and pretty lips turned downward—studied him. “Are you Mr. Stone?”

“Liam, please. Mr. Stone is my dad.” Liam stepped forward and shook her hand, which was much warmer than his, thanks to her lightweight yellow gloves. “And you are?”

“Dani Sullivan.”

“The director of tourism?”

“Were you expecting someone else? A man, perhaps?”

“What?” Liam coughed, caught off guard. “Not at all.” Then he flashed her a smile.

“With all the great things Seb told my dad about you, I thought you must be older.”

She looked him up and down. “I could say the same about you. This is a pretty big project. I guess I expected your father to come.”

“He’s needed back at the office. But don’t worry, Ms. Sullivan. He sent the best.” Then he winked at her.

She frowned, clearly not impressed. “I hope that’s the case. There’s a lot riding on this.”

About the Author

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her husband and kids. She’s held a variety of professional jobs over the years, and now juggles school volunteering with being an author and editor. When she’s not writing or keeping up with her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Meet Me at the Grand and a $10 Sunrise Shop gift voucher!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 14, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Paperback US only. Ebook available for international. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Levi's Loyalty By Lynne Lanning + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Levi's Loyalty by Lynne Lanning, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Y'all... this cover! Are we all in agreement that it's pretty swoony?! Be sure to check out my review & the giveaway below. Thanks to the author for my audiobook copy for this review.

About the Book

Title: Levi's Loyalty
Series: Mountain Men - Longing Hearts in the Wilderness
Author: Lynne Lanning
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance (Christian)

Levi found out how much void a woman could fill in his heart… 

But the heartache and betrayal wasn’t worth it. 

He was better off alone… wasn’t he? 

Levi enjoys his secluded life on the mountain until his friend convinces him he needs a woman in his life. A wife, when you’ve barely been around people, especially women? If only he could pick one out at the store like a shovel or bag of flour. But Levi falls head over heels—ignoring all the warning signs that something is wrong—until a delay in marrying her reveals her true intentions. 

Now, he’s decided heartache and betrayal aren’t worth it. He’s better off alone. But God has a surprise waiting in the wilderness, softening the devastation he had suffered…in the form of a feisty woman who has claimed his mountain home for her own. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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Book Review

If you're someone who enjoys historical fiction, forced proximity, and a grumpy sunshine, then this story will be right up your alley. A man who isn't even sure he wants to settle down is "jilted" by a woman who, thank goodness, he dodged a bullet by not marrying. Unfortunately, it sours him to the idea of marriage altogether. 

An injury waylays him, and when he ends up back at his cabin, lo and behold, a young woman has taken up residence in his cabin. Charlie is pretty feisty and initially gives Levi a run for his money. Levi is definitely a man's man. He's also not afraid to use his size to his advantage. There was definitely a Jack Reacher moment in this story that kind of had me cracking up. 

The story was definitely sweet. If you like a story that has a rugged mountain man & loyal and a woman who is strong & independent, but willing to soften around the edges, I think you'll be drawn into this one.

About the Author

Lynne Lanning has such an effortless way of evoking emotion from her readers. Her characters are so realistic that the reader can feel their pain during trials and their joy during triumphs. Reviews state: "...it's as if Mrs. Lanning lived through this herself." "Couldn't put it down..." "A real page turner." Lynne enjoys turning history and her love of God into enjoyable, relatable stories with practical life lessons that can benefit people today. Each story tells of true bonds of love and loyalty, mixed with tough times and decisions, with a twist of humor and sometimes devastation...the same is true in life. With a blend of her own family members and heritage along with lots of fiction, it's hard to tell where reality stops and fantasy begins.

Connect with Lynne by subscribing to her email newsletter updates or following her on Amazon.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a gift basket with homemade scented soaps (like you'll find in the story), a print copy of Levi's Loyalty, a print copy of one of Lynne Lanning's 2025 Selah Awards finalist titles (winner's choice between To Trust a Heart or Mail-Order Stonemason), and bookmarks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 12, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 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 Voice We Find By Nicole Deese

The Voice We Find

by Nicole Deese

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: A Fog Harbor Romance

ISBN: 9780764241208

I'm a fan of everything Nicole Deese writes! Her stories are deep, powerful, and poignant. This series has brought out a lot of emotion for me as a reader. Who doesn't love when an author can do that? The author and publisher sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Two voices. One story. A chance to rewrite their future. 

Sophie Wilder returns home to California with nothing more than a failed Broadway career and a geriatric cat. Stuck working at the family winery with her egotistical brother and desperate for a way to revive her acting dreams, she takes a side gig as an audiobook narrator with Fog Harbor Books. But getting mixed up in the life of her reluctant sound engineer was never a part of her plans. 

August Tate is still reeling from taking on guardianship of his teen sister. Determined to find a solution to her degenerative hearing loss and to prevent his private recording studio from going under, he agrees to produce audiobooks part-time. When Sophie breathes new life into his creativity and forms an unexpected bond with his sister rooted in their common faith, he must confront the reasons he turned away from his own or risk losing the second chance he's only just started to believe in.

My Review:

I'll start off by saying that The Voice We Find is an emotional rollercoaster ride! We meet Sophie as she's heading back to her family home in defeat after a mishap on a Broadway stage. Her defeat and discouragement are palpable. When she arrives "home", which is also part of the family's winery property, we get a glimpse at how unhealthy that situation is. There's also something suspicious going on with how Sophie reacts to being there.

Then, there's August, who owns a music production studio. He has guardianship of his adopted little sister, Gabby, who play a great role in the story. His best friend, Chip, convinces him to produce audiobooks for his publishing house. What a great way for Sophie and August to meet.

Sophie and August have time to get to know each other while Gabby is at camp, and when she comes home, she and Sophie hit it off. Gabby and August lost their parents in a tragedy and they both are handling their grief differently. Gabby is leaning into her faith and August has closed himself off. One of the facets to the accident that they disagree about is Gabby's hearing loss. Gabby wants to make the most of it, but August has other ideas. 

The time Sophie and August spend together creating an audiobook helps draw them together. It's a very sweet progression and it certainly gave me heart eyes! Again, as August keeps himself closed off from his faith, Sophie is drawn to it thanks to Gabby and Portia, the owner of a rundown theater & ASL interpreter.

It was so beautiful watching God work throughout this story. You can feel Him drawing Sophie and August to Himself. He gave them numerous opportunities to hear Truth. It was a good reminder that we don't all respond the same way to the Gospel. While August pushed back against it, he also had to work through guilt he was carrying. It was just a reminder of how patient the Lord is with each one of us.

There was also a mystery lying under the surface of the winery. Not only was Sophie's family a piece of work, there was something nefarious going on. It was easy to get that ick feeling right along with Sophie feeling it. I was glad she spent more time away than there. 

Each of the stories in this series are very different. They each stand on their own and are incredibly powerful. I will say the first one made me cry and the last one brought tears to my eyes. This one had me wanting to throw hands when it came to Sophie's father & brother. Her mother I just wanted to shake. I'm telling you, lost of emotions.

About the Author:

Nicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning and bestselling author. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She's a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior. For more, visit NicoleDeese.com.

Perfect By Kimberly Keagan + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Perfect by Kimberly Keagan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! This cover is so fun! It reminds me of back in the day of Cathy Marie Hake covers. Be sure to check out Kimberly's author post where she answers a couple of my questions!

About the Book

Title: Perfect
Series: Hearts on Display #1
Author: Kimberly Keagan
Publisher: Ventana Publishing, LLC
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance

In the glittering era of the Gilded Age, the heirs of Philadelphia’s Denwall Department Stores navigate family expectations, relentless ambition, and unexpected love. 

William Walraven’s picture perfect life is turned upside down when his fiancée jilts him for an English aristocrat and his father refuses to name him as his successor. To prove he’s worthy of leading Denwall Department Stores, Will must open their first New York store under budget and before the Christmas shopping season. 

Overwhelmed by disappointment and a nearly impossible deadline, Will has no time for distractions—especially not the captivating bookseller he saves from being crushed by a beer wagon. 

Ivy King and her aging grandmother are barely keeping their struggling bookshop afloat. Though drawn to the charming, enigmatic man who saved her life, Ivy has no illusions about her place in the world. It certainly isn’t beside a department store heir whose dazzling emporium threatens to close her family’s business. 

Brought together in the wake of an attack on Will’s brother, Will and Ivy find themselves at a crossroads—torn between the expectations that define them and a future neither expected.  

Perfect is a clean, wholesome historical romance featuring opposites-attract tension, class differences, a touch of mystery and humor, and an inspirational journey of faith and love.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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Guest Post

1. The research done to write in the Gilded Age
The idea to set my story during the Gilded Age came from an unexpected place. I was helping someone research their family tree when I stumbled across an 1895 newspaper article about the growing backlash against department stores. Small shop owners were worried, and rightfully so, that these big, shiny stores were going to push them out of business. That little discovery opened a door for me. 

What I love most about the Gilded Age is how much change was happening all at once. Technology was advancing, cities were booming, social expectations were shifting, especially for women. It was a world trying to figure out who it was going to be. To build an authentic world for my story, I spent weeks researching daily life in the 1890s, especially Philadelphia and New York. I read many newspaper articles, studied fashion plates, and researched travel guides published in the late 1800s.

2. How do you decide the characters' professions and how they'll factor into the story?
I love picking professions that aren’t just interesting, but that mean something for the character’s journey. Their work isn’t just a background detail, it’s often the stage where their biggest struggles and growth happen.

For example, my heroine Ivy is a bookseller running her family’s little shop in New York. That idea came from another article I found during research about newsdealers in Brooklyn who were trying to figure out how to survive against the rise of department stores. I loved the thought of someone like Ivy having to fight for her place in a world that's changing faster than she can keep up.

On the flip side, Will, the hero of the story is one of the heirs to Denwall, the very department store that threatens shops like Ivy’s. It sets up natural tension between them but also opens the door for a lot of growth, compromise, and ultimately, understanding.

In general, when I’m deciding on professions, I ask: How can this job challenge them? How can it reveal what they value—and what they’re afraid of losing? Whether it’s a bookseller or a department store executive, each role helps drive the heart of the story.

About the Author

Kimberly Keagan discovered her love for romance novels at thirteen, often choosing a book over chores. She believes there's nothing like being transported to another time and place to find a happily ever after.

Kimberly is blessed to have her own handsome hero husband and two wonderful children. After earning a degree in accounting, she enjoyed a career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, though not very romantic. Now, she's pursuing her dream of writing historical romance. Her short stories have been published in Spark Flash Fiction and Short Fiction Break. Kimberly's debut novel will release in 2025. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching sports, and researching her family tree.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a “Perfect” Tea Time Bundle which includes a lovely tea set, a signed copy of Perfect, and other cozy reader treats—like a candle, stickers, coaster, and bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 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!

The One Who Changed Everything By Tara Grace Erickson

The One Who Changed Everything

by Tara Grace Erickson

Publisher: Silver Fountain Press

Series: Second Chance Fire Station

ISBN: 978-1949896732

Do you love book mail? I was so shocked to get physical book mail a couple of weeks ago! Tara Grace sent me her newest release, The One Who Changed Everything. I had already read it with an ebook, so this was a fun surprise to open!

Summary:

I never expected to see him again.

When I met Evan, he was everything I never thought I could have—steady, kind, the kind of man who made me believe in something more. But one reckless night changed everything. By the time I found out I was pregnant, he was gone, and I had every reason to believe he’d never come back.

For fourteen years, I built a life for my daughter, protecting her, providing for her, never letting myself wonder what if. Evan was a stranger from my past, a man whose wealthy family could take everything from me if they ever found out. But then he showed up in my small town—stronger, haunted, and completely unaware of the little girl who carried his eyes. And the moment he looks at her, I know the truth will come out.

I wanted to keep my distance. I told myself he only cared because of Sophia, that he’d never really wanted me. But every look, every touch, every moment together makes it harder to deny the truth.

Because Evan Mercer wasn’t just the man I lost. He was The One Who Changed Everything.

The One Who Changed Everything is the final standalone book in the inspirational Second Chance Fire Station series. Dive into this heartwarming second chance romance today!

My Review:

Sam works at a library in Minden (one of my favorite fictional small towns), and an accidental fire sends the fire department to make sure everyone is safe. What she's not expecting is to see her past show up to the rescue in the form of Evan, a one week (and night) stand from her younger years! Neither of them has any idea what transpired after "that night," which leads to the rest of the story! 

While I'm not usually a fan of hidden pregnancy, the author made it completely work for this story! By the end, your heart goes out to all three of them! This is another one of those stories where you'll want to reach into the pages and wallop the jerk of a father! I'm just sayin'...

I really liked Sam's daughter because even though she's a young teenager, she's observant and a smart kiddo. As Sam tries to keep her distance from Evan, he's drawn to her just as much as he was years ago.

This is another story where I have strong feelings about Evan's father. Meddling parents, and not in the good way, make me want to pull my hair out! That's kudos to the author for getting me so worked up! On the flip side, I always want to cheer when the MMC stands up to the parent who has had such a negative impact on their child's life.

One of the many things I enjoyed about this story is that Evan, once he knew he was Sophia's dad, he really stepped up to the plate. I thought it was a good representation of how hard it must've been for all of them to integrate into a new family... that wasn't a family. After being a single mom, it's hard to let someone else help parent your child, even if it is the biological dad!

I'm sad this is the end of the series, but I hope we'll have the opportunity to go back to Minden!

About the Author:

Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and three sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author and mom. 

She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. She also loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. 

That's why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House By Joanna Davidson Politano

the Curious Inheritance of Blakely House

by Joanna Davidson Politano

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800742980

As a long time fan of JDP, I couldn't wait to read this story! They really should be in a class of their own. This book certainly doesn't fit into one specific genre and I love that! The author & publisher sent me the book for review!

Summary:

A clever young woman, a contested will, and an estate that does not easily give up its secrets.

It is 1901 when clockmaker and tinker Sydney Forrester receives a most unusual inheritance. Blakely House, the island estate of an estranged uncle she's never met, seems almost alive, revealing and hiding its secrets at will. It is filled with remarkable inventions, including an intriguing unfinished automaton Sydney is itching to get her skilled hands on.

The estate is also home to a number of peculiar people--including two men intent on removing this interloper from the island. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn. 

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will.

My Review:

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House was such a fascinating story. It's different than any of the other books this author has written and I'm sure I've never read anything like it before.

The beginning felt a bit disjointed. I didn't quite understand what was going on, but it turns out it was intentional, at least in my opinion. I feel like now that I've read the book once, reading it from the start wouldn't be as "confusing." I know this might sound negative, but it's not. I have lived with ADD all of my life, and could see & understand the beginning more as I got further into it. That being said, I could also see myself in Sydney with some of her different quirks. I actually thought she was on the Autism spectrum, but extremely high functioning. If you want to get a fictional idea of what it's like to live in someone's brain that's wired differently, this story will give it to you in spades!

I really liked awkward Sydney. She knows she's not like most people. She accepts her lot in life and tries to make the best of it with her Aunt Lottie. That is until a strange woman shows up at their little shop and sends Sydney on an adventure, which is completely outside of her carefully crafted world of the same things day in and day out.

She takes her cat, Micah, with her as she makes her way to Blakely House, where she encounters the oddest of men who all look at her with suspicion. She upends their already strange existence in her Uncle Emmet's home. Turns out, she's not the only one vying for the inheritance.

We also meet the butler, André. Having lived in Emmet's home, he's had a glimpse into the mind of someone who's different than most. André's past is a mystery, but Sydney is sure he's a pirate in hiding. He has his own struggles, but overcomes them as best he can. 

Sydney has a lot to contend with in this odd house with inventions Uncle Emmet has left incomplete, rooms that seem to come and go, and lights that turn off and on randomly. It's easy to see a brilliant mind lived in that house. We also learn of Emmet's great love who left his little island when she was a young girl.

There are twists and turns galore, mysterious ship wrecks, more adventure, romance, and faith. I loved how André helped turn Sydney's eyes to a Creator!

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, The Lost Melody, and The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. 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.