Not Since You By Dulcie Dameron + GIVEAWAY

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Not Since You by Dulcie Dameron, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Not Since You
Series: Secrets of River Hollow #1
Author: Dulcie Dameron
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: May 31, 2022
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Sins and secrets are hard to keep hidden in a small town… 

When Claudia Clark was involved in a tragic accident in high school, it set her on a devastating path toward heartbreak. For the past eight years, she’s carefully guarded her heart. With her business now thriving, she doesn’t have time for any unwanted distractions. She’s learned from her mistakes. But when the biggest one of all comes face to face with her again, she starts to question the belief she’s desperately clung to for so long. 

Dorian Vance can’t get over his past—or the girl that it’s wrapped up in. So when a family emergency brings him back to the small town of River Hollow, he decides it's time to accept the truth and confront the girl he left behind. Unfortunately for him, she’s dead set on making him pay for his sins. 

As sparks start flying and well-meaning townsfolk meddle in their affairs, Dorian and Claudia are forced to resurrect old ghosts that lay buried in a mire of guilt and shame. But as they find themselves in the center of a vengeful scheme, the hope and forgiveness they seek seem impossible to obtain.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

My Review:

This was a cute, quick read. If you like sweet romance, then you'll enjoy this story. I liked nearly all of the characters (you'll see why some aren't likable) and really enjoyed the setting. I love small town stories. The characters are a good example of forgiving others and the importance of trust & friendship.

I liked getting to know Claudia. She definitely lives up to the "hometown girl" image. Also, l really appreciated that she was a bit curvy. We need more of those kinds of characters. You get a sense right away that she's well liked by most everyone in the town. I loved her gumption to use her craft to start a business. Her friend, and mentor, Prue was a delightful characters. Her quirkiness is just the best!

Then Dorian shows back up and while I wanted to like him, I was on Claudia's side and reserved the right to not like him unless she did. hahaha Dorian does end up growing on all of us. His heart for his mom and clearly his remorse for leaving Claudia softens all of our hearts.

I had an issue with Claudia's mother as a character in that, she broke her word to her daughter twice, was unapologetic about it, and put it on Claudia that she was being selfish. Honestly, I would have never trusted my mother's word again after. Her mom loves her, it was just these couple instances that bothered me. I understand that it was part of the storyline to move it forward, but wasn't a fan of how it was written.

I was surprised at how sinister one of the characters ended up being. The person wasn't likable in general, but wow, how despicable they truly were was creepy. This was an interesting element to add to the story.

*I was given the ebook for a tour, but not asked to review it. This is my personal opinion.

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BOOK EXCERPT

"Like an avalanche, the weight of his past came crashing down, the force of it crushing his chest, constricting it, and forcing out all the air he'd been breathing a moment before.

His day of reckoning had finally come."

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Dulcie Dameron is a Christian wife and mother enjoying life in the Midwest with her family and dogs. She loves writing and is a member of the ACFW. Most days you'll find her walking barefoot through her garden, digging in the dirt or snuggled up with a good book- most likely romance!

CONNECT WITH DULCIE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Not Since You and a $25 Amazon gift card!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 7, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 14, 2022. Winner 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 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.

Midnight's Budding Morrow By Carolyn Miller + GIVEAWAY

Midnight's Budding Morrow

by Carolyn Miller

Publisher: Kregel

Series: Regency Wallflowers

ISBN: 9780825446542

I'm all about Regency novels and after having enjoyed book one in the Regency Wallflowers series, I was looking forward to book two. I was sent the book for review as part of Read With Audra Book Tours.

Click here to read an excerpt!

Summary:

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue?

Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

My Review:

If you appreciate stories that portray characters who show how God can turn a person's life around with redemption as well as a good dose of forgiveness then you will enjoy Midnight's Budding Morrow.

I guess to go along with the gothic theme of this story Sarah's life isn't an easy or pleasant one after she moves into the rundown "castle". No one is happy in this place. Sarah tries to breathe life into it little by little, but every attempt she makes is met with anger and disrespect. One thing after another happens and it seems like Sarah will never find a happy ending.

Then, of course, there's James Langley, a rogue if there ever was one. He was easy to dislike, but when he returns from war he's somewhat easy to warm up to. Like Sarah, even though we can see his thoughts, it's not easy to trust him. The way James and his father accused her on several occasions of things that she had no hand in and called her names without asking her kindly for her side of the story (even though she'd shown herself loyal, trustworthy, and faithful) really frustrated me. 

I could NOT stand several of the side characters in this story. Of course, that was because of the author's ability to write such heinous people! I would've loved to have seen them get their comeuppance. If you enjoy vile characters that get you worked up, you'll have a hefty dose in this story. lol

I really appreciated the faith in this story and the characters struggles to follow His ways. Through them we also see that forgiveness can be a struggle. Not only is it hard to forgive others, but hard to forgive ourselves. I appreciate reading characters who go through this journey.

About the Author:

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children.

 

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.

Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. 

 

Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor).

Enter the GIVEAWAY!

In Honor's Defense By Karen Witemeyer

In Honor's Defense

by Karen Witemeyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Hangers Horsemen

ISBN: 9780764232091

I'm going to be sad to see this series end, but it ends with my personal favorite out of all three. I love the message within the pages! Karen sent me her book for review.

Summary:

He's Faced Countless Perils on the Battlefield, but Nothing so Dangerous as Falling in Love.

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life--for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he's left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she'd have and to give him the family he desperately needs.  

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke's attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris's brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

My Review:

In Honor's Defense was such a good story. I think maybe my favorite of the series.

We really get to know Luke so much better. He's been through so much in his life and we get to learn more of the depth of pain he's dealt with. He's the Horseman who doesn't want to stay anywhere long. 

That is until Demaris and Nate. I wish we had a picture of this plain woman who hasn't made an impression on anyone her entire life. But then to see her through Luke's eyes would be fun... is fun in the story. Very endearing how they are both truly seen for the first time. 

I just loved how their story comes together and they grow individually as well as together. I guess with all of the crazy going on around them they don't have much of a choice. 

The Scripture infused throughout this story is very encouraging and a great reminder as to why it's so important to have God's Word hidden in our hearts. They come up against so much as they try to unravel a couple mysteries, having Scripture at the ready gives strength in the moment. 

I'm going to miss having the Hanger's Horsemen setting things to rights and being heroes in their well honed ways. Maybe there will be a novella down the road!

About the Author:

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer(www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.

When The Day Comes By Gabrielle Meyer

When the Day Comes

by Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Timeless

ISBN: 9780764239748

Since this was a new-to-me author I figured I'd give her a try when she came up as the book to review for Bethany House. I'd seen her book all over Instagram and figured I needed to give it a try. I was blown alway!

Summary:

How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

My Review:

When the Day Comes was EXCEPTIONAL! I actually didn't read the synopsis before I agreed to read it. So many people were saying how great it was I gave in to the hype, which I rarely do. I'm SO glad I did.

This was my first foray into this author's writing and I'm going back for more. After reading this book, she could write about collecting rocks and I'd snatch it up. lol

Where to start... I guess with Libby. I absolutely loved her... in both times. She's definitely a prime example of nature vs nurture. Being nurtured in one time period as opposed to not being nurtured in another time period show the power a parent has over a child. Also a good example of speaking life or death into someone's life. She was courageous, loyal, and strong in both times.

Then there's everyone else... her "moms". I adored her mama in the 1775 and wished for a painful, torturous death to Mother Wells in 1914. Yep, I just said that. Read the book, you'll end up agreeing with me. I think Mother Wells will be one of the top villains I've ever read.

The men in the story... what can I say? I loved them and despised them in equal measure. I mean, when you're dealing with two time periods that's bound to happen. I do want to put a heads up out there that there is are a couple of traumatic experiences that happen within the story, but the author did a wonderful job with that part of it.

I loved that the author used real people in Williamsburg during 1775 and bringing to life the streets I've walked there. I'm SO ready to go back. Not only that, I want to visit the coast of England in Whitby.

Ok, let's talk about the story itself. I was riveted from the get-go. The dual timelines that Libby lived was a fascinating idea and the author made it completely believable. When you become completely absorbed in a story like this, you know you're not going to be able to put it down. The transitions between each time was seamless because of how the author set them up initially for the reader. The question of what was going to happen and how was so unpredictable! I tried throughout the entire story to figure out how it would all fall out in the end. I was NOT prepared. I SOOOO wanted to cheat because I was on the edge of my seat, but I didn't and it was absolutely worth the suspense and the wait!

As I mentioned on Instagram, this may be my favorite book of the year. Any time anyone asks for a recommendation this will be the first book that I will mention! I 100% can't wait for book two to come out. I will note that if you blow by the epilogue in a book you will NOT want to do that with this story. 

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer (www.gabriellemeyer.com) 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.

Potiphar's Wife By Mesu Andrews

Potiphar's Wife

by Mesu Andrews

Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah

Series: The Egyptian Chronicles

ISBN: 978-0593193761

I have enjoyed a couple of Mesu's books in the past so when I was given the opportunity to read her newest release, I was looking forward to reading it. I had no idea I would be so consumed by the story!

Summary:

Before she is Potiphar’s wife, Zuleika is the daughter of a king and the wife of a prince. She rules the isle of Crete alongside her mother in the absence of their seafaring husbands. But when tragedy nearly destroys Crete, Zuleika must sacrifice her future to save the Minoan people she loves. 

Zuleika’s father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh’s obligation to marry his daughter, including a bride price hefty enough to save Crete. But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards: a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife.  

Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar’s indifference, Zuleika yearns for the homeland she adores. In the political hotbed of Egypt’s foreign dynasty, her obsession to return to Crete spirals into deception. When she betrays Joseph—her Hebrew servant with the face and body of the gods—she discovers only one love is worth risking everything.

My Review:

I don't even know where to start with this amazing story! While I thought Potiphar's Wife would center more around Potiphar's wife lying about asking Joseph to sleep with her, it was more about what "brought" her to that point. Obviously it's fictional, but Mesu Andrews created a story that brought the time of Potiphar's time to life!

The story is told through the eyes of four people who we come to love on differing levels: Zuleika (Potiphar's wife), Potiphar, Joseph, and Ahira.

Zully goes through a lot of emotional upheaval throughout this entire story. I do want to make note that she has a traumatic assault that I want you to be aware of. My heart went out to her, but unlike the characters she comes into contact with, my heart for her only went so far. THAT'S what I loved about the characters who were impacted by her because they were exceptional examples of mercy and forgiveness.

I thought Potiphar was a complex character as Pharaoh's closest friend and protector, then as Zully's husband. I went back and forth on how I felt about him. His world is upended and how he adjusts has a trickle down effect on the other characters. I ended up really liking him and understood the complexities of who he was and his position in Pharaoh's court.

Joseph... it was such an interesting time in his life getting to "know" him in a fictional way. I have to say, when authors bring Biblical characters to life for me, I end up really having a soft spot in my heart for their place in the Bible. This makes the Old Testament more alive for me when I read it.

Ahira, who also has a traumatic experience plays such a pivotal role for all of the characters in this book. Her transformation in her faith is beautiful and she is one of my favorite characters in the story. 

An element I love in stories is when an author gives us a side character who loves authentically and makes me want to be a better person. That would be Pushpa. She's the Ommi (adopted mother) of Potiphar and Pharaoh. 

Of course, it goes without say, that there is a Gospel message woven throughout the entire story that is absolutely beautiful. I love that God is shown as El Roi, the God who sees. It's so powerful, especially in how it truly applies to our lives as well.

I truly can't say enough about how incredible this story was! If you love Biblical fiction, you are going to want to read this asap!

About the Author:

MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and numerous other novels, including The Pharaoh's Daughter, Miriam, Of Fire and Lions and Love Amid the Ashes. Her deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren.