May's Instagram Inspired Book Challenge

Are you on Instagram? If so, @sassybookishmama and I would love to have you join us with our daily prompts. We're a pretty laid back challenge. It's not really even a challenge. They're just prompts to help give you ideas of what to post on Instagram if you have a bookish account feel free to play along.

Post as often as you'd like. You could post every single day (and show us up) or just once in a while. We just hope the prompts will be helpful if you can't think of something to post. Don't forget to use our #InspiredBookChallenge hashtag and tag us in your shares so that we know you're participating. If you want the graphic, message me on Instagram at @books.n.blossoms and I'll shoot it over to you.

The Watcher By Sara Davison & GIVEAWAY

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Watcher by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The WATCHER 

Author: Sara Davison 

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink 

Release Date: April 15, 2021 

Genre: Christian speculative romantic suspense 

Someone or something is watching Kathryn Ellison. 

Kathryn thought she had buried memories of That Night for good—until Nick Lawson returns, reigniting her long-suppressed feelings for him. Seeing Nick has always reminded her too much of the horrible night that changed her life. As much as she wants to be with him, she wants even more to forget. When Nick unexpectedly shows up at her family ranch, Kathryn knows it is finally time to let go of the traumatic past that has held her captive for so long. 

David Henley is a captive too—of the dark secret involving Kathryn, a secret he’s kept even from his wife. Now the truth is about to be revealed. And when it is, he could be stripped of everything in his life that matters to him. 

A storm is brewing in the spiritual realm, and its effects reverberate through the natural world, summoning otherworldly Beings to the ranch. While Kathryn confronts the memories of That Night and struggles to let them go, she is not as alone in her home as she thinks. 

As spiritual and temporal forces collide, Kathryn—and everyone she loves—is about to be caught in the crossfire. 

My Review:

I want to preface this story with the fact that this deals with sexual trauma. I feel like the depth of this story and the topic it covers is very important to share up front because there's a realness and rawness to the story that I want readers to be aware of. BUT, more than that, please be understand that the author handles it in a way that recognizes the pain victims can go through along with their families.

This was a rather fascinating read to be honest. I've not read anything quite like it before. I really enjoy books that delve into the spiritual realm and that's what this book does in spades. The perspective of the story from the characters and one specific "being" really kept me thinking.

The reader goes from our current day back to when Kathryn's "that night" occurred and then gradually through the progressive years. It was so interesting to see how she dealt with her past as she went through it as well as now as she looks back over the previous years. No worries, it's easy to keep up with what's going on. 

As with any story, especially trauma, not only is one person effected, but the rest of her family is as well. Her brother was such a hero in my eyes. Aaron was basically her built in protector. He was always so kind, gentle, and loving. It amazed me how patient and understanding his wife, Meg, was with the entire situation. He's exactly how you'd hope a sibling would be through something like this.

It was such a strange experience to read the perspective of one of the men who was involved in Katheryn's trauma. While I appreciated Sara's perspective of him, it was difficult to read. I think that's an important piece because I think we need to struggle with how we show grace and mercy to those who we deem have sinned "greater" than others. As the author notes through her characters, we are all sinners. There is an incredibly powerful scene in the story that had me welled up with tears. Grace is a powerful thing.

It took a little while to understand Nick's connection to Katheryn, but what an unbelievable twist to this story. I don't want to give anything away, but I just really liked his character. He has a strength and vulnerability that comes through every scene he's in. Even at his lowest moments he has this deep strength.

The "being" though... I don't even know how to describe it. I'd like to talk to the author about it. I have questions. I think theologically we'd have an incredibly lively discussion. There are a few elements I'm not sure I agree with. Not to say the author is "wrong" by any means. I'd just love to pick her brain about the "being". How do I explain my thoughts on it as well as the others that pop up. I will admit that nearly from the start I tried to deduce who or what it was, but not in the right way. I almost feel like after learning more about the main "being", I want to go back and re-read the story so I can get better glimpses of it and have those "ah ha" moments.

The overwhelming presence of God's grace is absolutely shown throughout this story. No, we don't get all of the answers, just like in real life. I think the extra content from the author was also really good to read. She acknowledges that some of this story may be difficult for some to read. I think on any level, it would be hard, but for some more than others it will be even harder.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of three romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, and The Rose Tattoo Trilogy. She has been a finalist for ten national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, a Selah, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children. The words on the mug she uses every morning pretty much sum up her life—I just want to sleep, drink coffee, and make stuff up. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Watcher and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 26, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 3, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Winning The Gentleman By Kristi Ann Hunter

Winning the Gentleman

by Kristi Ann Hunter

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Hearts on the Health

ISBN: 9780764235269

I was incredibly excited when I was asked to join the launch team for the second book in Kristi Ann Hunter's Hearts on the Heath series. I will devour anything she writes! Thanks to her and the publisher for sending me my copy of the book.

Summary:

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even worthier challenge.

As secrets come to light, will Aaron and Sophia's past vulnerabilities be an insurmountable stumbling block, or will they sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together?

My Review:

Well, she's done it again! Winning the Gentleman was an incredibly satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable story!! I was excited to read Aaron's story because he needed to fall in love. And, along comes Irish Sophia to turn his world upside down. Not just his world, but the world of the horse racers in Newmarket.

When dear Oliver gets them into a pickle, Aaron's way out really cracks me up. The poor fella. And Oliver is just as daft as ever. I was really fascinated by Aaron's relationship with the men (and their ladies) around him. He's created this reality for himself that I think we can all relate to in a way. What we believe about ourselves and others can fashion itself into a type of reality. What's him grow through that is great to "watch".

Sophia has spunk and determination for reasons beyond what people see. I liked her a LOT. She gabs and gabs and doesn't know how to stop. At one point she says, "I'm very good at rambling. I'm not very good about stopping." Talk about something that'll get under Aaron's skin. hahahaha The two of them don't have much choice but to spend some time together, as much as Aaron tries to find ways to stay clear.

I have a deep love of horses, and that was a huge draw for this book, aside from the author's fantastic writing. I love the way she portrayed Sophia's love for them, especially Rhiannon, her Andalusian. It's easy to understand Aaron's appreciate of her affection and knowledge of them.

One of my favorite parts to this story is having many of the characters from Kristi's previous stories here. They way they rib each other as well as champion each other just warms my heart. They're thick as thieves and it's easy to enjoy their camaraderie. They're the kind of friends I would've wanted back then. Also, nothing wrong with them having a bit of power to wield when necessary.

Can we talk about possibly my favorite character in this story? Miss Hancock had me smiling every time she showed up on the page. A no nonsense kind of woman who has made her place in their community and seemingly enjoying it to the fullest is my kind of gal!

I have so many tabs in this story that I don't even know where to start with the quotes I want to share! I can't wait for book 3 to come out. I'm so impatient for it!

About the Author:

Kristi Ann Hunter (www.kristiannhunter.com) is the author of the Hawthorne House and Haven Manor series and a 2016 RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist. Kristi graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

Ruby's Redemption By Edwina Kiernan

Ruby's Redemption

by Edwina Kiernan

Publisher: Moliant Publishing

Series: Gems of Grace

ISBN: 978-1838285074

How thankful I am to Edwina for reaching out to me about reviewing her book! Had she not, I may have never gotten to know her and her writing!

Summary:

A gentle clergyman. A broken prostitute. A blossoming love that will endanger both their lives…

Forced into depravity by her tyrannous guardian after her parents’ death, Ruby’s life is one of vile deeds and violence. Unable to remember much of life outside the brothel’s walls, years of despair and abuse have crushed all hope of ever breaking free from her captor’s iron grip.

Until an unlikely encounter with Henry, a gentle country clergyman, sets an escape in motion that will change both their lives. But when Ruby’s worst fears are realized, the uncommon pair will face more devastation than either thought possible. 

As the dawning of a new life of peace and love is ripped from her grasp, Ruby discovers that true freedom has a high cost... but who will have to pay?

My Review:

Ruby's Redemption is a pretty big book. And I have been pretty busy, but I read this book in under a day! And without really knowing what the story was about, I was a bit 😳 at the start. hahahaha I mean, it's a book that starts off in a brothel. Ahem. 

Let me tell you something about this story. It is FULL of grace. Oh my goodness, if you need hope or a reminder that we all deserve it, look no further. Not only that, the flip side of the coin is that we need to remember that NO ONE is too far gone. God will redeem anyone if they turn to him. THAT is what I found throughout Ruby's Redemption.

You know when characters show up on the page and you know they're the main character? While I recognized this with Ruby (I mean the title is the obvious giveaway there), but I didn't with Henry. Initially I thought he would lead us to the other MC. Nope, he was the fella who was going to take center stage. 

Their initial encounter sets up the entire storyline. And let me just say, the beginning is a rough one. I mean, living in a brothel under force won't be a story that's all butterflies and sunshine, right? It's pretty gritty and a harsh reality for those living it. The author brings us a bit into the depravity of it all. Nothing gratuitous, but she has to set the stage. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the wholesome character of Henry. He has the best of intentions, but also a bit naive. Now, that being said, he fully trusts in God for help and provision. Unfortunately, you can tell Ruby has no experience with anything relating to God. That and the fact that much of her life has been spent being used and discarded by men makes it near impossible for her to trust Henry.

We also meet Abigail, Henry's aunt, who welcomes Ruby with kindness and gentleness, but remember, she's Henry's aunt so maybe a bit protective. I actually really liked her because we see so much humanness in her. It's entirely possible I could relate to her because I can be a bit on the emotional side. hahahaha

And then one of my favorite characters of the entire story, and one whom Ruby likes just as much as me, is Browne. He's the steadfast man of the story. Browne safe and comforting. He's another one of those characters that you want to come alive and just always be in your corner.

Edwina wrote the character Millforte in a way that will have all of us shirking back. He's villainous to the core and written in such a way that we know we'd never want to meet him in a lighted alley let alone a darkened one. What an evil character! He really shows himself and how deplorable he is in the story.

My favorite part of the entire story was the faith. The way God was discussed, their prayers, the way in which the characters viewed Him were wonderful! If more books could be filled with this level of faith, Christian fiction would make an even bigger impact in the lives of people who read this category. At least that's my take. I think Edwina did an exceptional job of incorporating it the storyline and I think it will impact every reader. 

Now, who else is ready for book two aside from me? lol

About the Author:

Edwina Kiernan is a Christian writer, and author of the new novel, Ruby's Redemption. 

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. Her latest novel is the first in a new Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace. 

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She still loves to learn, taking courses from places like Oxford University and the Beau Monde, for both fun and further education. 

When she's not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist. 

Join her mailing list for free gifts, updates and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness. Subscribe at www.edwinakiernan.com

Blackberry Beach By Irene Hannon

Blackberry Beach

by Irene Hannon

Publisher: Revell

Series: A Hope Harbor Novel

ISBN: 9780800736156

I've only read one other book by Irene Hannon, but have the entire Code of Honor series sitting on my tbr bookshelf waiting for me to get to them. That being said, I like that Irene can write so well in different genres! That makes me love an author even more. So, thanks to Revell, I'm able to read Blackberry Beach for my review.

Summary:

Her lifelong dream is in sight, but does a new--and better--future await in Hope Harbor?

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. As their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

My Review:

I loved the first line in Blackberry Beach! "The mystery woman was back." This story was such a satisfying read! I'm ready to travel to Hope Harbor and never leave! And yes, this is book 7 and it's my first time visiting! Don't judge my lack of reading this series in order. hahahaha

Since I'm not sure if any of the characters have been in the previous stories, we're just going to pretend they aren't. So, we meet Zach who runs The Perfect Blend, which sounds like a coffee shop that my coffee loving heart would love! A mystery woman has visited his shop a couple of times and he's trying to figure out what her story is. Unfortunately, Kat has no desire for anyone to even notice her let alone try to figure her out!

I just loved everything going on in this story. It was absolutely refreshing! It was really all about relationships and I needed that escape. To not have crazy, nefarious stuff going on in the background of any of the characters lives was fantastic! If you need a story that you can "rest" in, look no further. You will grow to care about all of the characters in equal amounts. Ok, that's a lie, some more than others. HA!

One of the huge aspects that I enjoyed about this story was having 5 POVs. Yes, 5. But Irene Hannon does it in such a way that it's not confusing, and gives you insight into that specific character. That's something I'm immensely fond of! I hope this is something she's done in the other books of this series.

And yes, while this book is mainly about Zach and Kat, his Aunt Stephanie and his barista, Frank really appealed to me. They're a bit older than me, but reading their storyline really stuck out to me in the sense that we need more books written for the older crowd in such a way that we know they still have vitality and a penchant for trying new things!

Can we also talk about Charley for a moment? On occasion stories have characters that I think we would agree we need to have in our lives. Charley is certainly one of them. His kindness, understanding, acceptance, and wisdom are a magnet any of us would want to be pulled in to! He was kinda my favorite! Don't tell any of the other characters though.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the other 6!!!

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including the long-running Hope Harbor series, as well as Point of Danger and the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series, among others. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers' Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers' Choice, Booksellers' Best, Carol, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement Award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.