Healing The Cowboy By Mandi Blake

Healing the Cowboy

by Mandi Blake

Publisher: Independent

Series: Christmas at Redemption Ridge

ISBN: 978-1953372550

If you haven't read any of the stories that are part of Christmas at Redemption Ridge, you're missing out. Mandi's newest contribution to the series is Healing the Cowboy. I grabbed her book on Kindle Unlimited.

Summary:

Will her dedication to tending her friend’s injury allow him to get close enough to heal her wounded heart?

Nora St. James returns to Redemption Ridge to find her family ranch falling apart. Her dad’s gambling addiction is out of hand, and they’re on the verge of losing everything.

Clint Taylor knows exactly what he wants, and it’s the one woman who is immune to his charms–his best friend, Nora. She’s determined and independent, and while he loves those things about her, they also help her keep him at arms’ length.

Nora has too many problems to worry about romance, but her flirty best friend is pulling out all the stops. If he keeps pursuing her, she might not be able to resist much longer.

When an injury lands Clint in a cast and Nora’s ranch isn’t safe anymore, she comes to Taylor Ranch to care for him and help keep things going until he heals. The Christmas season has Nora opening her heart, but if she lets her guard down, she might lose her best friend, her job, and her home.

Return to Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters in this Christian Christmas Romance.

Healing the Cowboy is book 8 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, but each of the books can be read on their own.

My Review:

Healing the Cowboy was such a heartwarming story! I love visiting Redemption Ridge and getting to know more of its residents.

This time we're getting to know Nora who has to figure out her life when her father gambles away their lives. One thing I love about Redemption Ridge is how the community all comes together. Clint, her lifelong friend, wants more than that.

I liked getting to know Nora because she's very independent, determined, and yet has a soft heart. She works hard and is doing her best to try to figure out what her future will look like without the ranch she's lived on her whole life. Clint, of course, is her knight in shining armor allowing her and her father to live at his place. He and his family show compassion for Nora's father and is such a wonderful example of walking alongside someone with an addiction.

There are some nail biting moments in the story and moments that are unexpected. There's a lot packed into this story. It is incredibly sweet and you can't help but root for Nora and Clint!

I truly appreciate when the author adds in faith other stories because it adds a wonderful level to the story!

*I received the ebook for review. This is my personal opinion.

About the Author:

Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
You can sign up for her newsletter and get the free novella, South of Skye, and the free full-length book, A Thousand Words.

Across The Ages By Gabrielle Meyer

Across the Ages

by Gabrielle Meyer

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: Timeless

ISBN: 9780764244209

This is seriously one of my top 5 favorite series! Timeless has been amazing with each book, and each book just continues to blow me away. The author sent me her book for being on her launch team.

Summary:

Caroline holds a deep secret. Living in 1727 and 1927 simultaneously, each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. In search of answers to her unique existence, Caroline stumbles upon a letter from her mother hinting at her own experiences as a time-crosser, sending Caroline on a daring quest to uncover the truth. In 1727, Caroline disguises herself as a cabin boy and joins a ship sailing for the Bahamas, her mother's last known location, where she crosses paths with a ruthless but handsome pirate and is caught in a web of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances.

In 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota, Caroline grapples with her other life as the daughter of a renowned preacher. Her two older brothers have fallen prey to the corruption rampant during Prohibition, and Caroline struggles to keep their involvement hidden to save her father's career. As her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her to the dangerous yet exciting world of speakeasies, Caroline enlists the help of a childhood friend who is now a police officer. But with her family's future at risk and their loyalties tested, Caroline faces a life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.

My Review:

Once again, the author has blown me away with her time-crossing story, Across the Ages! The detail she takes in each timeline and keeping all of the history and pieces seamless as well as connected is mind boggling!

We meet Caroline, who is an absolutely wonderful characters. There's no guile in her, and her innocence is endearing. More than that though, in both timeliness she's determined. Unlike the other stories, she has no one guiding her in her time-crossing. She doesn't know the "rules" that pertain to it.

Getting to know her in 1727 give us a connecting to book three in the series and I truly adored it. 1927 also gives us a connection to book three! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this story?!

In 1727 we get to know Marcus as well. He's the quartermaster to a pirate captain who is being hunted. As Carl (aka Caroline) gets to know Marcus, there's a growing affection... except she's pretending to be a boy. It's hard to imagine someone being in your face and not realizing they're not who they're portraying themselves to be!

1927 holds a lot of heartache for Caroline and her family. Her father is a well-known pastor from Minnesota, and unfortunately, his sons have chosen to live lives that are far from the Lord. The crazy twist that comes from this timeline is just so sad. Caroline perseveres to find answers though, and I think that makes her one of my favorites! Thank goodness she has Lewis with her through her journey to learn the truth.

Faith is such an important piece in both timelines. The author does a magnificent job of showing readers that EVERYONE is deserving of the redemption and love of Christ. That no one is ever too far gone that if they turn to the Savior He won't answer, because He will!

Of course, I was trying, in vain, to guess which timeline Caroline was going to choose. I'm always "leery" of authors making things too obvious. Ha! I changed my mind numerous times throughout the story just because of the ideas I kept coming up with as I read.

I'll be honest and say I'll never tire of this series. The author is SO creative and the writing is phenomenal. It's an adventure each time I crack her books open. How she continues to come up with unique ideas is beyond me, but she is a gifted writer!

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer is an 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.

A Path To Healing + Interview + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path to Healing by Lisa M. James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I feel like Lisa is one of those author more readers should know about and be talking about. After I read her first book A Path to Forgiveness, she had me hook, line, and sinker! I received the book for my tour with JustRead and I can't wait to read this latest installment to the series.

About the Book

Title: A Path to Healing
Series: The Prodigal Woman Series #3
Author: Lisa James
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Genre: Christian Fantasy/Romance

Scarred. Blemished. Unwanted. These were all words that could describe Bethany. Since an accident disfigured the right side of her face, severing the betrothal to the man she loved, Bethany knew that no one would ever find her beautiful. When her mother insists she marries the only man willing to take her as a wife, Bethany begrudgingly agrees. Yet, the more she discovers about her new husband, the more she realizes that some scars are hidden deep within. 

After becoming a champion gladiator to purchase his mother’s freedom, Ezra wished to live a quiet life as a shepherd. When he hires a troubled woman with a veiled face to assist him with his flock, he’s surprised to find himself drawn to discover the woman beneath the mask. After a hasty marriage, Ezra vows to do everything he must to spare his wife from harm. But will her thirst for revenge against the dark forces that plague their homeland and his desperate need to protect his family tear them apart? 

Discover the story of a blemished woman in A Path to Healing. 

This Christian Fantasy novel can be read as a stand-alone novel or as part of The Prodigal Woman Series.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

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Author Interview

1. What is the significance of the peacock feather on each of the covers? Did you design the covers?

Peacocks are a big part of my author branding as a whole and I decided to incorporate them into the covers of The Prodigal Woman series. Peacocks symbolize beauty and rebirth and I love that imagery, especially for this series where three women are on paths for second chances and a shot at redemption. I work with a wonderful cover designer where I choose the images and the models and give her an idea of what I would like for the cover. Then she makes it a reality. 

2. What has the path of independent publishing looked like for you?

It’s definitely been a learning process! When you independently publish you have to be your own CEO. Early on I would just write the books and not go through big efforts on professionally editing or marketing. Obviously that didn’t work. Within recent years, after I write the story I hire contractors to beta read, edit, design my covers, and I get in touch with a lot of organizations (like JustRead Tours!) that will promote my books and get them in the hands of readers! I still have a lot to learn and there are many avenues I would like to explore to promote and publish my books that I just haven’t had time to do yet, but I’m excited to try some new things, especially when it comes to marketing. It’s a lot of work, but its so rewarding when I receive a positive response for my work, knowing that I DID THAT. My hard work paid off. 

3. How do you decide what topic you'll use in your story and then create it as fantasy? What does that process look like?

This is a very artsy, pie in the sky, thing to say but honestly the stories just come to me. Sometimes I will be watching a tv show or movie or reading a book, and a story idea pops in my head. Many times just scenes and characters come to me and I write it down before I even have a plot together. Once I get a general idea of a storyline, then I start thinking about how to create it in a fantasy world. 

4. What is the message you want women to take away from your stories?

Your past mistakes are not your whole story. Your scars are not your whole story. You have not done anything that deems you beyond forgiveness, acceptance, and healing. We serve a God who sees us in our brokenness and can lovingly put us back together piece by piece. We serve a true and faithful Redeemer, but we need to be willing to go to him and confess our hurts, mistakes, and failures.

5. What do you have planned after this series? Will you be staying with this genre?

I am going back to my clean fantasy romance roots that are less direct on the Christian message but always have a hint of it peeking out. Next year I will actually be publishing a second edition of my first series, The Fifth Kingdom, with new scenes and edits. I”m excited to get that into the hands of readers. 

6. If you could go back to Biblical times and spend the day with one woman, who would you choose?

My heart tells me Rahab. I would want to hear her faith journey from her own words. Her openness to accept the one true God amidst harrowing circumstances is incredible. I would want to bear witness to her great faith.

7. Where do you find inspiration and ideas for your genre when it's a world you're creating in your mind?

Believe it or not, I'm very influenced by Historical Fiction, specifically Biblical Fiction and even my stories that are not promoted as Christian Fantasy tend to have Christian elements that my readers pick up on. I am not a historian so I knew I would not be successful writing in the historical fiction genre. I just love to make things up and add a little magic, which is why I pursued fantasy. My fantasy worlds have more of a historical feel vs a futuristic feel because of my historical fiction influence and much of my audience are primarily historical romance readers because they feel my worlds have similar elements to “the past.” With a little bit of magic, of course!

About the Author

Lisa M. James is an independent author, marketer, and former Sunday School teacher. She loves writing fantasy novels with diverse female leads for both young adult and adult audiences. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous Fantasy categories, including Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Romance. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Christian novels.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Path to Healing and an embroidered backpack purse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 13, 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.

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

A Guardian Till Christmas By Danielle Thorne + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Guardian Till Christmas by Danielle Thorne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We are definitely in sweater weather here in Minnesota! The leaves are nearly all changed and falling off of trees and people are already starting to decorate for Christmas! I love the cover of this book, and the first line in the book description makes me think I'll relate well to Kylee!

About the Book

Title: A Guardian Till Christmas
Author: Danielle Thorne
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romance

She’s always in charge… 

Until two little hearts take over this holiday season… 

After the loss of her sister, Kylee Spokes plans to take custody of her orphaned niece and nephew and return to the big city by Christmas. Except corralling four-year-old twins is much harder than the businesswoman expects. And small-town paramedic Evan Hollister refuses to abandon his godchildren to someone who has no experience with kids—and can’t even boil water! Now these opposites must find a way to temporarily co-parent together. As grudging respect turns into something more, can they find a permanent solution…that lasts past the holidays?  

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

Also Available

 

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Book Excerpt

Kylee didn’t miss the disappearance of Evan’s smile when he looked away. “It’s just a Nativity,” she said as she put the bread on the counter. “I can find one for them to see in New York.”

He leaned against the kitchen wall with his hands in his pockets. “The Nativity is our tradition. Chip and I worked on the sets together and included the kids when they came along. When Henry was an infant, they used him as a real baby Jesus.”

“That’s so sweet,” Kylee said. Then she took a deep breath. “I think it’s best that we leave before Christmas. I know moving in the middle of a holiday will be distracting, but I think it’ll keep their mind off of the fact that their parents aren’t here.”

“Would it be such a bad thing, for them to remember?” Evan looked quizzical.

Trying not to look at his firm arms folded across his chest, she turned to dig around in the sink for a dish to rinse. “I don’t want them to be sad.”

Evan remained silent as if he disagreed, or maybe he’d surrendered to the idea.

Kylee dropped her hands to her sides. “Evan, you do not have to do penance by seeing these kids every day and worrying about every little thing.”

“They’ve been a part of my life since they were born. It’s hard to think about life without them,” he admitted.

“You can call them whenever you like. Maybe read to them every night via video chat,” Kylee suggested.

His face lit up. “That’s a great idea!” He surprised her by throwing his arms around her waist and lifting her into the air. Then as if realizing what he’d done, he froze, and she slid down until her feet touched the floor, and they stood face-to-face.

The feeling of his heart beating against hers turned her legs into jelly. She couldn’t think, she couldn’t make herself pull away. It was breathtaking, electric and peaceful all at the same time.

Evan moved first, and Kylee broke contact, unable to look him in the eye, swiveling her attention back to the pots and pans in the sink. She cleared her throat. “Yes, that’s fine, I mean, it would comfort them and help them get adjusted to the change.”

“Right,” he agreed, his soft tone daring her to look at him and address what just occurred.

“Uncle Evan! Are you here yet?” Annabelle called from down the hall.

Evan remained still. Kylee could feel his gaze on her and wondered what he was thinking. She kept her eyes on the dishes in the sink.

“Guess I’ll go read to the kids now,” he said. “Thanks for letting me take them to practice tomorrow.”

“Sure.”

“You can come along if you want.”

She finally turned and met his stare. “No, thanks. I still have a lot of packing to do. And video meetings for work.”

“Suit yourself.”

He walked away, and Kylee’s eyes burned with unshed tears. She hated that Evan would miss Christmas with the twins. She hated that she would miss him, too. She took a deep breath and exhaled. But she had to make memories with her sister’s children, who were now her responsibility.

About the Author

Danielle Thorne writes happily-ever-afters set in the South for Harlequin Love Inspired. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she also writes stories about Regency ladies, pirates, and not-so-distressed damsels from her home south of Atlanta. Free time is filled with documentaries, too much yard work, and not enough travel. When not writing wholesome romances, Danielle hangs out with friends or chases cats. She enjoys the outdoors and serving in her church and community. Danielle's been married to the same fellow for thirty years, has four sons, two daughters-in-law, twin grandbabies, and she loves them more than life.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an autographed paperback of A Guardian Till Christmas and a $20 Chickfila gift card!

(1) winner will receive an ebook of A Guardian Till Christmas!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 6, 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 for print copy & gift card. Ebook giveaway is open to US and international winners. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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I'll Be Home Anthology Excerpt + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for I'll Be Home by Sara Davison, Darlene L. Turner, Helena Smrcek, and Melanie Stevenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Who else is getting into the holiday spirit already? I can't wait to read this story with three new-to-me authors and one I thoroughly enjoy! I received an ARC for the social tour I'll be part of on Instagram next week so be sure to check that out as well!

About the Book

Title: I'll Be Home
Authors: Sara Davison, Darlene L. Turner, Helena Smrcek, & Melanie Stevenson
Publisher: Independent (Fab Four Press)
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christmas anthology

With chaos and confusion all around them, can they find their way home this Christmas? 

The people in these four stories are all searching for something—an escaped convict, a job promotion from a love interest, connection to a lost parent, answers across time. 

Christmas should be a time of wonder and celebration, but the obstacles each faces seem insurmountable. Even, at times, life-threatening. 

Perhaps they will find what they are seeking during this season of miracles and hope. Or maybe, with God’s help, they will discover that the longing of their hearts takes them to places—and people—they didn’t even know they’d been searching for.  

I’ll Be Home is a collection of four stories of faith, hope, love, (and trains) that will warm your heart, encourage your soul, and draw you home this Christmas.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

     

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Book Excerpt

From “Just a Gilbert Blythe Kind of Girl” by Sara Davison

The first rehearsal was in two hours. How was she going to get there? Could she hitchhike?

Lucy shuddered at the thought of what her dad—and August—would have to say about

that. She did know exactly what Anne Shirley would have to say about this situation. This is the

most tragical thing that has ever happened to me. A tear of frustration slid down her cheek and

onto the steering wheel, leaving a splotch in the dust. Like her dreams. Crumbled to death in the

dust. Her forehead still pressed to the center of the wheel, Lucy sighed.

A soft rapping against her window yanked her from her thoughts, and she swiped at her

cheek as she straightened. August. Lucy reached for the manual handle and lowered the glass an

inch. “I’m fine.”

“Clearly.” His lips twitched. “Anything I can do?”

His amusement was not contagious. “Thank you for your offer of assistance, Mr. Dorey,

but it is not required.”

He let out a short laugh. “Getting into character already, I see.” Resting a hand on the roof of the car, he ducked a little to peer through the window. “Look. I was wrong to say this car was worth a penny.”

“Thank you,” she said archly, both hands still on the steering wheel.

“And by wrong, I mean generous.”

About the Authors

 

Sara Davison is the author of The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo, two sparrows for a penny, and In the Shadows series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

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

 

Helena Smrcek is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. She is known for her thrilling and heartwarming stories. Her career began as a high school freelancer, leading to three decades in publishing. She co-founded Write!Canada and The Word Guild and has graduated from multiple writing programs.

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

Melanie Stevenson is an award-winning author and lives in Ontario, Canada, surrounded by her husband and four children. She attended the University of Waterloo and obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Melanie's first book, One More Tomorrow, was shortlisted in the Word Alive Press publishing contest out of over two hundred entries across North America and was published in 2019. In 2020, she won Best Romantic Fiction for One More Tomorrow and Best New Canadian Author at The Word Awards—Canada's top Christian literary awards. Her mission is to create stories of excellence that impact hearts and lives. Paper, canvas, and dirt are her favorite blank pages.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon card plus a paperback copy of I'll Be Home!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 29, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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