Even If Nothing Else Is Certain By Amy Willoughby-Burle + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Even If Nothing Else Is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Doesn't this cover give you sweet & spring vibes? Check out my interview with the author below!

About the Book

Title: Even If Nothing Else Is Certain 
Series: Love for Certain #2
Author: Amy Willoughby-Burle
Publisher: Fireship Press
Release Date: March 27, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance (clean)

Even if nothing else is certain … love still is. 

Ruby Foster loves her job as a Pack Horse librarian, but secretly she dreams of being a nurse. Since there are no schools for nursing in the hills of rural Kentucky in 1937, Ruby contents herself with harvesting medicinal plants, delivering her beloved library books, and dreaming. Dreaming mostly of a life that doesn’t leave her living in the past. Until one day she discovers that “past” camped out by the Hell for Certain creek. Could it really be Cole, the one who left her heartbroken so many years ago? Just when she starts to believe in her dreams and hope for love again, Cole reveals his true colors. Or is the truth she sees only another illusion? When nothing else in the world seems certain, can the bonds of friendship bring one searching heart and one lost soul together again?  

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

More Books In This Series

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Author Interview

1. Did you know a lot about medicinal herbs before you started this story?

 

Actually, not as much as I should have considering that my husband knows everything about them and he tells me things all the time! I’m listening, I really am. I just don’t have the brain that he and Ruby do where I can remember what each one does and how to best use it. I’m getting there now that I’ve written the book (and of course continuing to pay attention when my husband talks about dandelion roots.)

 

2. Do you prefer to write historical or contemporary stories and why? 

 

A few years ago, my answer would have been contemporary all the way. That’s where I started, and I still write contemporary and love it. So when my agent and editor at the time suggested that I try out a historical romance, my face tuned up. Good thing we were on the phone and they couldn’t see it. But then, I found the Packhorse librarians in history and of course they were right here in my neck of the mountains–just over into Kentucky from my home in NC, and Mattie and Ruby and Ava introduced themselves to me and well… I fell in love with historical fiction. 

 

3. Have you ever traveled to where pack horse librarians used to deliver books? If so, what was that like?

 

I have! I’ve been out to Hyden, Hazard, and Dryhill, Kentucky a few times. I’ve driven along the Middle Fork River and stopped along The Hell For Certain Creek where my particular stories take place. It’s just beautiful there. And it’s so surreal in the best of ways to be right where those ladies were. I can imagine them splashing across the creek on their horses– rain, shine, or snow, taking those bound copies of wild imaginings and volumes of useful resources of all kinds to the people of their community at a time where they had less than nothing, but words and stories and information were still available! For this book I also researched the Frontier Nursing Service started by Mary Breckinridge in Hyden. It’s amazing that both of these fantastic services manned (no pun intended) by women were going on in this same area that most of the country didn’t even know existed. It’s fascinating. 

 

 

4. How do you find time to write your stories while working as a teacher, being a mom, and a wife?

 

I’ll admit, the time I find is short so I have to make the most of it. It’s a mix of planning and being ready to write at the drop of a hat. My schedule changes with the seasons, with the grades the kids are in or activities they’re doing. While writing this book my two younger sons were taking a computer coding class that lasted about 2 hours each Monday. Just around the block from that class was a Barnes & Noble. I set aside that time as sacred writing time. I went to the cafe, did NOT stop to look at books, and sat and wrote for 2 hours. I didn’t call friends to join me for coffee, if the phone buzzed and it wasn’t my husband or the kids program, I didn’t answer it. I didn’t scroll Instagram… I used that 2 hours, because sometimes that was all I got in the whole week, and I wrote like crazy. 

 

Otherwise, if a moment of downtime appeared, I sat down and started writing–even if it only lasted 20 minutes. I didn’t stop to make coffee, get my favorite shirt on, find a playlist or any of the other rituals we sometimes think we “need” to write. I just wrote. 

 

5. The cover of this book is so bright and sunny! Do you have any part in choosing your covers?

 

One of the things I love about working with a smaller press such as Fireship/ Cortero is that yes, I do get a part in choosing the cover. My editor lets me see what they’re thinking about and asks for my input. We toss photos back and forth until we come up with a winner. And LOVE this cover!

 

6. How do you decide on the setting and time period for one of your stories?

 

Actually that was a gift in disguise to me. It was actually the idea of another editor with a different publisher to write about the Packhorse Librarians. I have to admit, at the time I hadn’t heard of them and they had been right here in the Appalachian Mountains no more than three hours from me. I ended up writing a draft of the book that just didn’t jive with what the other editor wanted (that happens) and she graciously released the draft to me and I went on to finish it and publish with Fireship. You never know what ideas are going to come to you and from where they will arrive. I am very thankful!

 

About the Author

Amy Willoughby-Burle is an award winning fiction author living in Asheville, NC with her husband and five children. Her fiction focuses on the importance of family and friends and centers on the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and finding the beauty in the world around us. She is the author of the novels The Lemonade Year, The Year of Thorns and Honey, The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else Is Certain. Her short fiction has been published in numerous journals and in her collection, Out Across the Nowhere. 

Connect with Amy by visiting amywilloughbyburle.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, signed copies of The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else is Certain, and librarian & plant themed bookmarks, stickers and postcards!

(1) additional winner will win a signed copy of Even if Nothing Else is Certain!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 8, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Never Fall Again By Lynn H. Blackburn

Never Fall Again

by Lynn H. Blackburn

Publisher: Revell

Series: Gossamer Falls

ISBN: 978-0800745363

I haven't met a Lynn H. Blackburn story I didn't love so when I saw it was available for review through Revell, I jumped at the chance! Thankfully, they sent me her book for review.

Summary:

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. After serving as the artist-in-residence, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home in which to grow up. 

Former Marine Callum Shaw always knew he would someday join his family's construction business in Gossamer Falls. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. The beautiful artist who has hired him to build her new house is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. He's loved--and lost--someone like her before.

When Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire, it becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but from whom? Cal will have to risk his heart again if he has any hope of protecting them.

My Review:

There are SO many things I want to talk about in Never Fall Again, it's hard to even know where to start. I feel like this story has all of the hard topics rolled up in suspense wrapped in a bit of romance! You like meddling family members? Nodding, there are 3 different families (think Hatfield & McCoy plus one) and the Quinn family is large and meddling. They're my kind of family!

First, there's newcomer to Gossamer Falls, Landry and her daughter Eliza. Because of trust issues, it takes a while to learn why they're in this little town. With the decision to settle in, she's drawn into the Quinn family craziness and security.

Enter, Cal Shaw, who is a Quinn due to his mom. Thank goodness there's a family tree at the beginning of the book! Cal - he's the quintessential good guy who has been hurt in the past. He's the youngest, but well loved of the 3 Shaw brothers. Let me tell you, this family knows how to circle the wagons. As Cal's company begins to look at constructing Landry's new home, awful things begin to happen and they have to find out who the target is and why!

One of my FAVORITE parts to this story is the lack of miscommunication. I have seriously been LOVING stories that have characters just being honest with each other when confronted with a question or a request. I truly hope this is a new trend! The build up of the romance was sweet and gave me all of the heart eyes!

Of course, there's a strong faith element in the story and I love that the characters actually pray in the story. Landry is straight-forward that her experiences in the past have made her leery of churches and their members. When you learn about her background it's easy to understand why.

I hope this is at least a 4 book series because I need Mo, Meredith, and Cassie's stories thanks to this book. I can't wait for the next one to release!

About the Author:

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.LynnHBlackburn.com.

One Last Shot By Susan May Warren

One Last Shot

by Susan May Warren

Publisher: Revell

Series: Alaska Air One

ISBN: 9780800745479

Susan May Warren is a staple on my bookshelves! When she starts a series, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that her books will be on my shelves as soon as they come out. I was thrilled, needless to say, when she reached out to me asking me to review her newest release! She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

When country music star Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike Grizz’s new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, he just wants to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes, and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken just wants to quit. Too bad his producer has other plans—signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show...

EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to train a celebrity. But she’s a rookie to the team, so yes, she’ll train Oaken and keep him alive and not for a minute pay attention to his charm...

And then five women go missing from a resort during a bachelorette weekend gone south. Now, Air One and the rescue team will have to use all their skills--and manpower, including Oaken--to find them before a blizzard settles in. But can they work together before tragedy strikes?

My Review:

In true SMW style, she brings all of the thrills we expect in her suspense stories and set, once again, in Alaska! I love it when she takes us back to familiar places and faces like she does in One Last Shot!

This time we're meeting Boo (her real name is a favorite of mine) who has been burned in the past and she's not interested in it happening ever again. She's in Alaska with Air One ready to rescue people when they're needed. I loved meeting Boo. She's no nonsense and keeps people, even her team at a distance.

Along comes Oaken Fox who is trying to make up for past wrongs doing one of those reality tv survival shows. Too bad that goes south almost immediately and his adventure in the Alaskan wilderness is just beginning. 

When you're with an Alaskan rescue unit, you can be there's constantly action going on, some of it can even be amusing. The dynamics between the team members is one of family and trust (which I thoroughly love). There was constantly something going on with the team. All the while, personal issues arise and we get to know the personalities of everyone to varying degrees. Can I just say, I can't wait for ALL of their stories!

And let me tell you, the faith that's infused throughout the story is FANTASTIC! SMW doesn't mess around. Her characters are either struggling with faith, learning about faith, or encouraging others with faith! I'm a HERE for it!

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 100 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Visit her at SusanMayWarren.com.

Rip Tide By Lisa T. Bergren

Rip Tide

by Lisa T. Bergren

Publisher: Enclave

Series: Oceans of Time

ISBN: 979-8886050981

Medieval time period has quickly become one of my favorite time periods to read! So much adventure and emotion. I read the first book in this series, Estuary, and couldn't wait for book two. In the meantime, I read the author's Rivers of Time series that comes before this one. It was fantastic! The author sent me her book for review!

Summary:

The trap is set, and time is slipping away.

After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Once there, she and her brother, Domenico, must decide how far they’ll go to be part of the family, and if they’re willing to risk their lives to hunt down an assassin.

Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli’s family has disappeared in enemy territory. Fearing for their lives—and secretly hoping to cross paths with the Fiorentini she loves—Tiliani goes to Firenze intent on either rescue or seeing justice done. Yet a trap is closing around them all. 

Together, the Grecos and Betarrinis must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. They assume he has slipped into the serpentine streets of Firenze to evade them. But will they find him in time to save the Forellis?

My Review:

There is a reason so many of us love this family! In between book one and book two of this series I listened to the audiobooks for the River of Time series. To say I became an even bigger fan of the connected characters would be putting it mildly!

All of the beloved characters from Estuary are back in Rip Tide. It starts right where book one left off. Tiliani, as well as Nico and Luci, are set on rescuing Marcello, Luca, Gabi and Lia. Not surprisingly, things don't go as planned. One wrong move, choices made here or there, the timing... every choice the characters make send the story spiraling in a new direction. It's definitely fast-paced and never a dull moment. 

Tiliani still doesn't want to marry Aurelio, but he seems to have a new spark in his eye toward her. It's clear he wants peace between their castellos. Ercole, from book one is intent on there being no peace and continues to manipulate the other rulers. Whew, his deceitfulness knows no bounds.

Luci and Nico are still trying to find their way in this new life they've been brought into with Gabi, Lia, and Adri doing their best to help them adjust. Luci and Giulio are still testing their feelings to see if what they're feeling is real. It's so interesting to "see" the difference in how they both approach it. Luci comes at it with a 21st century mindset, which doesn't exactly pair well with a 14th century Guilio.

The castellos and families always seem to be in constant battles, waiting for the tip of the war iceberg to show up. Just when it seems like peace is at hand, love can begin, or decisions can be made on whether the twins stay in the 14th century, a skirmish occurs or the family is attacked. 

One of the things I enjoyed most about this story is how deeply Luci feels the family bond is with the She-Wolves and their family. They've all welcomed the twins into their fold, something they've sorely lacked most of their lives it seems. The story is a good reminder of what family & community truly is and how different it is today in modern times.

There is a strong thread of faith in this story and a strong push to trust the Lord in everything, no matter the circumstances. I appreciate how the more mature ladies in the story are always there to encourage the younger ladies towards faith.

The worst part of this story? Waiting for book 3!!!

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over seventy books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-graduating-from-the-nest young adult children in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information, see LisaBergren.com.

A Noble Scheme By Roseanna M. White

A Noble Scheme

by Roseanna M. White

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: The Imposters

ISBN: 9780764240935

I always eagerly anticipate Roseanna's books! This one is no different! She has a way of making want to be friends with her cast of characters. She sent me the book as part of her launch team.

Summary:

Gemma Parks is known throughout high society as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talent to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the elite firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his soul in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma not only to restore the missing boy, but also to win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

My Review:

It was so wonderful to get back to this series! I fell in love with the ensemble cast in book one and couldn't wait to learn more about Graham and Gemma's past in A Noble Scheme.

From the start, you know that whatever happened to their relationship wasn't good. In book one you are made aware of the tension between them. You just don't know how bad and hard it was until you get further into the story. You get hints of it along the way, and let me tell you, you get emotionally involved as it unfolds.

The kidnapping of a boy forces them to spend time together to hunt for him. The author gives us readers an incredible sense of the tension and pain between them. They've known each other since they were children and have loved each other almost from the start.

How the author keeps all of the family and friend dynamics in order is mind boggling. Yates struggling with his sister, Marigold's marriage to Merritt. Gemma and Graham having to muddle through an investigation together. A family worried about their son. The man and his son, who was the actual object of the kidnapping. So many twists and turns!!

I appreciated Graham's struggle of faith when his life is turned upside down. I think so many can relate to what he wrestles with. We also get to see how bitterness can eat away at people, turning hearts cold, and sometimes cold enough they do things they'd never imagine.

Thankful for the thread of faith that's woven into the story. It's well done and very believable. Faith can be a tricky thing sometimes.

Spoiler Alert.

For Real.

Sort of a content warning, but imperative to the story and well written.

If you continue to scroll you'll see the spoiler. You'll learn something very important and I don't want to ruin it for you...

Gemma and Graham lose a baby, which drives a wedge between them. I think Roseanna handled this beautifully and realistically. There's also another instance of child loss in the story further in.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, 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. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.