Review: Enchanting Nicholette

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Enchanting Nicholette

Series: The Everstone Chronicles #5

Author: Dawn Crandall

Publisher: Whitaker House

Release Date: October 9, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again–this time for love…and to someone safe.

As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay?


LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BAM! | Christian Book

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MY THOUGHTS

This is the first book I've read by Dawn Crandall, and I thought it was enjoyable though not my all time favorite story. 

It was a cute, quick novella with adorable characters and a happily ever after. What more could ya ask for?

This is apart of a series, so I would definitely recommend reading them all so you can meet everyone and understand their relationships.

The characters were perfect for each other, and though they met and fell in love quick it was a strong bond from the beginning.

Though it wasn't my favorite novella I've read I will be looking into the rest of the series, it seems like it would be a fun read!
Overall I gave it a 3.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dawn Crandall‘s debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, “The Hesitant Heiress,” was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, “The Bound Heart,” received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.


 CONNECT WITH DAWN CRANDALL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win:

• A print copy of Enchanting Nicholette
• A library card zipper bag
• Two pairs of Jane Austen socks
• Two hand poured candles
• A historically accurate soap from Austen’s time
• A Jane Austen set of playing cards
• A set of Jane Austen notecards
• 6 magnets with Jane Austen quotes

(US Mailing Addresses Only)


Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 29, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm November 12, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops!

Spotlight & Excerpt: A Southern Season

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for A Southern Season: Four Stories From a Front Porch Swing by Eva Marie Everson, Claire Fullerton, Linda W. Yezak, and Ane Mulligan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Pull up a front porch swing and enjoy learning more about this collection from 4 great authors :)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Southern Season: Four Stories From a Front Porch Swing

Authors: Eva Marie Everson, Claire Fullerton, Linda W. Yezak, Ane Mulligan 

Publisher: Firefly Southern Fiction 

Release Date: November 1, 2018 

Genre: Inspirational Southern/Women's Fiction


Four seasons. 

Four stories. Each one set in the enchanting world of the South. These are the kinds of stories your grandmother told you from a front porch swing.


Ice Melts in Spring by Linda W. Yezak

When Kerry Graham's boss forces her to return to the Gulf of Mexico where her husband drowned years ago, she feels only spring's chill and not the warmth of the Texas sun. Can the joy of a reclusive author and the compassion of a shrimp-boat preacher thaw Kerry's frigid heart?


Lillie Beth in Summer by Eva Marie Everson

With the untimely death of his wife, Dr. James Gillespie believes God has abandoned him. He also believes he's never met anyone like the young widow Lillie Beth, whose beloved Granny lies dying at home, and who sees a God who sweeps hope through a farmhouse window. Can a young woman whose husband died in Vietnam restore a faith that is all but dead.


Through an Autumn Window by Claire Fullerton

Because her larger than life mother Daphne Goodwyn is dead, forty-year-old Cate returns to Memphis with one thought in mind: something always goes wrong at a Southern funeral. But surrounded by the well-mannered society that raised her, the nostalgic rites of a three-day, autumn mourning bring the unexpected gift of the end of sibling rivalry.


A Magnolia Blooms in Winter by Ane Mulligan

With Broadway stardom within her reach, Morgan James returns home in winter to help an old friend. Maybe it s just nostalgia, but when she sees him again, an old flame rekindles. When she's called back to NYC to take the lead in a new musical, will fame be worth losing the man she loves?


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


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EXCERPT 

from “Ice Melts in Spring” by Linda Yezak

“In those days in the Soviet Union and all its satellite nations, Christianity was not permitted. ‘Religion is the opiate of the people.’ This is what they believed, this precept of Marxism. So they replaced worship of God with worship of the State and punished everyone who did not bend the knee, as if they could change attitudes and beliefs by decree and force. But those who know the truth cling to it. Here”—she tapped her forehead—“and here”—her chest—“are the only places we are truly free. Guard your mind and heart.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Eva Marie Everson (Lillie Beth in Summer) is a multiple award-winning author and speaker. She is the president of Word Weavers International and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference & North Georgia Christian Writers Conference.


CONNECT WITH EVA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Claire Fullerton (Through an Autumn Window) is the author of Mourning Dove, Dancing to an Irish Reel, and A Portal in Time. She is a transplanted Southerner from Memphis now living in Malibu, California.


CONNECT WITH CLAIRE: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Ane Mulligan (A Magnolia Blooms in Winter) writes Southern-fried fiction served with a tall, sweet iced tea. She's an award-winning, multi-published novelist and playwright, who believes chocolate and coffee are two of the four major food groups.


 CONNECT WITH ANE: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Linda W. Yezak (Ice Melts in Spring) lives with her husband and PB, the original scaredy cat, in a forest in Deep East Texas, where tall tales abound and exaggeration is an art form. Author of several novels, novellas, and short stories, she is best known for her award-winning Circle Bar Ranch series.


CONNECT WITH LINDA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Southern Season, signed by all 4 authors! (US only)


Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 30, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 5, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.


Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops!

Blitz: The Secret of Willow Inn

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for The Secret of Willow Inn by Pat Nichols, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Secret of Willow Inn
(Willow Falls #1)

Author: Pat Nichols 

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas 

Release Date: January 10, 2019 

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction


Two women fighting for their dreams, one who’s long lost hers, are united by tragedy and a long-held secret.

Pregnant with her first child, Emily Hayes is eager to help her mother finish transforming an estate into the Willow Inn and write a novel about Willow Falls’ colorful history. A tragic event threatens her parents’ plans to refurbish an abandoned hotel and transform the obscure Georgia setting into a tourist destination.

Sadie Lyles left Willow Falls a murderer who’d killed the town hero. She returns as a despised felon and seeks solace in the town’s café. Emily struggles to unite the close-knit community and becomes Sadie’s biggest advocate. She strives to uncover the truth about the crime and save her town from dying.

 To appease her father, Rachel, a VP in his Atlanta real-estate-development firm, relegates her acting dream to secret performances for imaginary audiences. After meeting charming, flirtatious Charlie Bricker, manager for Willow Falls’ future vineyard, she vows to break free from her father’s control.

The tragedy and Willow Inn’s secret past launch Emily and Rachel on a collision course with destiny and truth


PREORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon


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EXCERPT

As far back as Emily Hayes could remember, her heart yearned for a sister. She directed her earliest requests to Santa Claus, which made Christmas mornings a confusing blend of excitement and disenchantment. Later she bargained with God. He disappointed her too. When she learned where babies came from, she petitioned her mom with promises to keep her room clean and be the best sister in the whole-wide world. Nothing worked. At some point the pleas stopped, but the lingering desire left a hole in her heart.

Thursday morning, she stepped outside the white-columned-home converted to a hospital and traced her ultrasound image with her finger. It wasn’t at all what she’d expected. She pressed her hand to her chest to ease the fluttering sensation, slipped the photo in her jeans pocket, and texted her husband. Have results. Meet me in the park in five.

A cool breeze nipped her cheeks and rustled the new crop of leaves on the mature willow-oaks lining Main Street. She dropped her phone in her purse, pulled her sweater tight, and crossed the two-lane road to the sidewalk fronting a grand estate. White columns extending from a railing supported the roof over the wide, front porch. The home was weeks away from final transformation to the Willow Inn, thanks to her parents' first effort to save their town from a slow, painful death.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pat Nichols is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

During the spring, summer, and early autumn of her life this side of heaven, she and her high-school-sweetheart husband struggled and triumphed through life’s peaks and valleys. They raised two children, welcomed four grandchildren—one is with the angels—bought a Corvette, and ticked off every item on their travel bucket list. Now approaching her winter years, she ignores the minor aches that come with age and is grateful she can still paint her own toenails and dance with her hubby.

Following twenty-five years in six different management positions with an international beauty company, Pat launched career number two as a novelist and freelance editor. She chose women’s fiction to honor her daughter’s strength in the face of significant health issues and the loss of a child. Her corporate experience, working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life, inspires her to create stories about women who confront challenges in the pursuit of their dreams.

Although she writes five days a week, she and Tim—her best friend and number one fan—continue to celebrate their fifty-plus-year marriage. They lead a small group, volunteer for church guest services, participate in two social organizations, and spend time with family and friends. She thanks God for the blessings that brought her joy and the challenges that continue to strengthen her faith, skills, and resolve.

Pat was born in Illinois, grew up in Orlando, and has called Georgia home since the eighties. She lives in an Atlanta suburb, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers, Christian Pen, and Gwinnett Church (a campus of Northpoint Ministries).

CONNECT WITH PAT NICHOLS: website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card from the author.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 27, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm November 3, 2018. Open Internationally. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops!

Review: The Christmas Heirloom

The Christmas Heirloom

"Perfect for the Christmas season, four beloved authors bring their bestselling, award-winning talents to a multigenerational collection of romantic holiday novellas. In stories ranging from 1820s Regency England to present-day Washington state, readers will be treated to Christmas tales of an heirloom brooch passed from mother to daughter for almost two hundred years. Will the family legend claiming the brooch brings love to its recipient hold true for these women separated by the years but bonded together by the ties of family? "




Author(s): Kristi Ann Hunter, Karen Witemeyer, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade
Length: 384 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio book

Four Festive and Heartwarming Romance Novellas 

That Celebrate the Magic of Christmas

Christmas came early this year! 😍😍

I love a good novella, especially when they're written by some of my favorite humans! ADD to that we get to celebrate Christmas in October...in 4 different time periods. SIGN ME UP! 

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Legacy of Love  (Kristi Ann Hunter)

"Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson. While he may be far above her station, she can't help but notice that his desire to make this Christmas special for his grandmother matches her own."

What a story to kick off our collection! Fun fact about the leading lady in this story...she makes an appearance in the full length novels in the Haven Manor series. (But as a young girl) So it might be a bit of a mind-twister when we get book 2 and see her young again.

I really enjoyed this story. The characters learned how to live life to the fullest, laugh loudly, and love hard. 

I loved seeing these characters learn they were so much more than "an earl's castaway son" and "a lowly companion". They really came to realize God created them for so much more.

The wit between the dowager duchess and Sarah was so amusing! 

Kristi, again crafted a beautiful story, mixing humor and grief flawlessly. I rated this story a 4/5 stars.

***

Gift of the Heart  (Karen Witemeyer)

"Widow Ruth Fulbright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from a wealthy resort owner. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love as the holidays draw near."

Not going to lie, it took me a hot second to get into this story. However once I did I was hooked! 

I really enjoyed the characters that Karen created. 

Ruth had this boldness, but was never brash. She was strong and practical, but she wasn't hard headed either. She complimented Bo perfectly.

Bo was the quite strength. He had some past scars that he let affect how he lived his life, until Ruth came along and showed him what other people think really doesn't matter. As long as the people around you love you everything else is trivial. He was such a kind, generous gentleman, and I just love him!

Both Bo and Ruth had "loving" friends who totally meddled...and I COULDN'T GET ENOUGH!! I love a good "match-making/meddling" story-line! 

It was such a cute story & I loved our Posse created kitty come to life! 

I rated it a 4.5/5 stars.

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A Shot at Love  (Sarah Loudin Thomas)

"Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her mother's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance one December."

This was just a typical cliche "backwoods" romance story in my opinion. 

The girl was a tomboy, who never wanted to get married because she didn't want to controlled by a husband. 

I wasn't the biggest fan of the characters. They seemed very immature to me, and there was a point I almost put the book down because Fleeta's response and reaction was BEYOND ridiculous.  

There was a lot that went down in 100 pages, and I felt like there were lots of competing story-lines. In all honesty it probably could have made a full length novel. 

The story felt bogged down. I rated it a 2.5/5 stars.

***

Because of You  (Becky Wade)

"Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?"

This was a cute story in a super awkward way. 

The characters were kind of unsure of themselves and their feelings for each other.

This love story faced a lot of grief, fear, doubts...just a lot of emotions! Making sure it was God's plan and learning to continue to live even though a loved one has passed.

The brooch wasn't a huge focal point in this story like it was in the others. I kind of wish it had been included a little more, but I also understand....limited amount of words in a novella.

I loved being back in this town again...it was the perfect little snack before book 3 comes out!

I rated this story a 3.5/5 stars.

***

Overall I thought this collection was nice. It isn't my favorite by any means, but I did enjoy seeing the brooch pass down through time. 

I rated the collection as a whole a 3.75/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**I was not required to leave a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Author Interview + Giveaway: Pepper Basham

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: When You Look at Me
(Pleasant Gap Romance #2)

Author: Pepper Basham

Publisher: Woven Words Publications

Release Date: October 25, 2018

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

An unexpected mother-to-be

A romance-leery composer

And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures

When Julia Jenkins' great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt's treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?


PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

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I'm so beyond honored to have Pepper on the blog today answering some questions!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

P: Ever since I can remember, I have. My mom says I was always making up stories, even before I could write them down.

I love hearing stories like that! Warms my little heart!

If you could write in another genre, which would it be?

P: Fantasy, definitely.

How interesting is that! It seems like such a challenging yet rewarding genre to write.

What are your favorite scenes to write?

P: Hee hee. Well, I do have a fondness for kissing scenes. I also like to write deep spiritual scenes and ridiculous funny scenes too. Oh, and ones where there’s a large family around a table? Those are fun.

I LOVE reading kissing scenes. And deep spiritual scenes, and ridiculous funny scenes too. Oh and the large family dinner scenes. Those are fun to read too.

Where do you stand on Hallmark Christmas movies?

P: LOL. I don’t stand. I sit, with a hot tea and blanket, and indulge as much as possible. Some are cheesy, yes! But I just LOVE kissing-movies.

Touche...
But really give me all the cheesy kissing-movies...and all the blankets!

Tea or coffee? Iced or hot?

P: Tea. Black. Any form. (LOVE TEA)

I keep trying to like tea that isn't sweet...and iced. It hasn't quite happened yet, but I still keep trying!

Which one of your characters is MOST like you? Least like you?

P: Oh dear! I’m not really sure. I think there’s some of Eisley in me and Ashleigh. And maybe a little Rainey and (from an upcoming book) Grace.

Well I can't wait to get to know this character in your upcoming book.

Thank you so much Pepper for being here today!

Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a super sweet prize pack!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. Pepper is also a mom of five, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of Jesus and chocolate. She resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.


CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive:

• print copy of Just The Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1)
• print copy of When You Look at Me (Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
• a plaque which says: Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life.... love comes along and brings you a fairy tale

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 22, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 29, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Review: Lady of a Thousand Treausres

Lady of a Thousand Treasures

"Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry―the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust―who in her life is false or true, brass or gold―and what is meant to be treasured."

Author: Sandra Bryd

Length: 464 pages

Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio book 

Who is true? Who is false?

Who is gold? Who is brass?

Oh my word this book is a CHUNCKER, and honestly it was SO intimidating to me. It's almost 500 pages y'all! (Okay it's not actually, more like 450 story wise, but STILL!) 

The topic of this book is very intriguing to me, even though I'm not a treasure expert. 😅
Sadly I think I'm going to be in the 1% who didn't really care for this story. It was super slow going for me to get into this book, and even when I did get "into" it I felt it was very drawn out and slow.
There were a TON of scene, people, emotion descriptions that honestly felt a bit unnecessary. To me they didn't add to the story, they were just there.

Now I'm not saying this is a bad thing. I know a lot of people who enjoy descriptive stories, I just happen to be someone who doesn't.

There was a subtle mystery story line running throughout, but it was anticlimactic to me because it was so drawn out. Then it was wrapped up so fast at the end, it felt a little incomplete. (Though I can't quite put my finger on what it was)

The only character I enjoyed was Harry, but because the book was written from first person everyone kind of loved Harry because Eleanor did. He was sweet and considerate, and was honestly a really good guy. He was a protector for anyone he felt needed it.

Eleanor was a very stubborn character who tried to be strong for everyone all the while facing an inner feeling of not being worth anything. She finally came to realization that she was God's treasure and He loved her.

The proposal might just go down as one of my FAVORITE proposals in history!!!! I was utterly enchanted by it. *total heart eyes the ENTIRE time*

No it wasn't my favorite book, but I am really interested to see who the next book is about, if it even follows someone close to this family. Anyone I THOUGHT the book might be about kind of "found" their special somebody at the end.

Overall I rated it a 3/5 star. I know a ton of people enjoyed this book, and I really wish it was my thing. Maybe next time. 💗

*I received this book from the author**I was not required to give a positive review**All review are my own*

Blitz: The Seven Trilogy

We are celebrating these gorgeous new covers for the Seven trilogy by Sara Davison, with a blog blitz and giveaway hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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ABOUT THE BOOKS

Title: The End Begins (Seven Trilogy #1)

Author: Sara Davison

Publisher: Ashberry Lane/WhiteFire Publishing

Genre: Romantic Suspense

One of them is a prisoner and one of them is free. The same one.

Bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly and Army Captain Jesse Christensen are on opposite sides of a battle. When martial law is declared, Jesse and his platoon are sent to Meryn’s city to keep an eye on the Christians and make sure they are not stepping outside of the confines of the law.

Fiery and quick-tempered, Meryn chafes under the curfew and other restrictions to her freedom. Jesse is equally amused, intrigued, and terrified by her spirit, knowing she could find herself in prison if she shows defiance to the wrong soldier.

His worst fears are realized when she commits a crime he cannot protect her from. Now they both face an uncertain future, and the very real threat of losing everything, including their lives. With time running out, Jesse works feverishly to convince the authorities to show leniency to Meryn. And to convince her that love can overcome any barrier that lies between them.


PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

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Title: The Darkness Deepens (Seven Trilogy #2)

Author: Sara Davison

Publisher: Ashberry Lane/WhiteFire Publishing

Genre: Romantic Suspense

(formerly The Dragon Roars)

Their Secrets Protect Them … But Secrets are Hard to Keep

No one in the army can find out that Captain Jesse Christensen has become a believer. He and bookstore owner Meryn O’Reilly are forced to meet in secret, facing imprisonment or worse if they are found together. Their relationship deepens, but so does Lieutenant Gallagher’s hatred for the Christians in their city. As Gallagher’s power grows, it becomes clear that his connections go much further up the chain of command than anyone realized, putting all believers, especially Jesse, in extreme danger.

Meryn wants to give her heart to Jesse fully, but her past holds her back. Although circumstances conspire to keep her silent, she needs to tell him her secret. When he finds out what she has been keeping from him, nothing will stand between them anymore.

Or nothing will ever be the same.


PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

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Title: The Morning Star Rises (Seven Trilogy #3)

Author: Sara Davison

Publisher: Ashberry Lane/WhiteFire Publishing

Genre: Romantic Suspense

In the Midst of all the Fear and Confusion, Only One Thing is Clear … This Isn’t Over Yet

Jesse Christensen is out of the army, but the real battle has just begun. Major Gallagher has taken over the city and his oppression of believers has intensified. But is Gallagher acting in a professional capacity, or is he carrying out a personal vendetta?

Meryn O’Reilly faces a dark and uncertain future after shocking revelations devastate her life. She is determined to follow God’s call, but her plans could cost her everything. She and Jesse struggle to surrender fully to a God who is always in control, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.


With the world descending into chaos around them, Meryn and Jesse face the greatest barrier to their love yet—a barrier that may prove too strong to breach.

PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

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EXCERPT 

(THE END BEGINS)

A cool breeze whispered across his damp skin. As he started back toward the base at a jog, he drank in the sight of the maple trees lining both sides of the road, their red, yellow, and orange leaves rustling in the wind.

The sound of gravel crunching beneath shoes up ahead brought his gaze back down to the road. His chest tightened as he recognized the soldier jogging toward him: Lieutenant Gallagher. So much for a relaxing run in the country. He slowed his pace to a walk again as the lieutenant drew close, and Gallagher did the same.

“Captain.” The nod and the title were protocol, but the smirk that seemed a permanent feature on Gallagher’s face undermined any hint of respect.

“Lieutenant.” Jesse stopped and swiped his arm across his forehead.

“Things seem to be going well here, don’t you think?”

Jesse shrugged. “As well as can be expected, I guess.”

“What do you mean?”

“Any time you start imposing new rules on people, there’s going to be some resistance.”

“We may need to bear down and deal with that resistance. Make it clear it won’t be tolerated.”

Jesse’s eyes narrowed. Maybe he should suggest to Caleb that they build a boxing ring on the base. Nothing would give him more pleasure than going a few rounds with Gallagher and relieving the festering irritation that tunneled holes in his stomach lining whenever he was forced to deal with the man.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novels The Watcher and The Seven Trilogy. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including the Word Award for Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards, and is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara has a degree in English Literature and currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to.


CONNECT WITH SARA: website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive:

• a set of all 3 books in The Seven Trilogy (US/CAN only)
• $10 Amazon gift card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 20, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 27, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustReadTours for a full list of stops!

Review: Shelter of the Most High

Shelter of the Most High

"The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a City of Refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood and chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Will they break free from the shackles of the past in time to uncover the betrayal and save their lives and the lives of those they love?"

Author: Connilyn Cossette

Length: 352 pages

Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio book

Devastation brought her to the gates.

A promise keeps him inside the gates.

Can love thrive in broken pasts, and language barriers?

While I normally don't read a whole lot of biblical fiction, this just reminded me I TRULY need to get on the ball. I forgot how much I loved it, and how comforting it is. 

This is the first book I've read by Connilyn Cossette, and it will not be my last. I'm already WAY ready for the next book. (Not gonna lie I shipped the couple before I knew the next book was going to be about them) 

Jenna is totally going to disown me for saying this...(I loved our friendship while it lasted my dear)
But SINCE this is my first book by Connilyn, I didn't read the first book in this series. I know I know scandalous, but it happens. 😝 I have heard from trusted sources *cough, Jenna, cough* that this series is best read in order, and even better if read RIGHT on the tail of Connilyn's other series. 

I reveal this secret because it is vital information to this review...
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READ THESE BOOKS IN ORDER!!!!!
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I enjoyed the story, do not get me wrong! I loved the characters and the relationships that they had. But therein lies the problem. These relationships that I feel in love with were crafted a decade before in the first book.

I feel I would have understood all the crazy undertones that were FLOWING through this book if I had read #1.

Now this is no one's fault but my own!! My schedule has been what one *might* call "PSYCHO" recently, so I wasn't able to get to it.

Heed the warning of the girl who jumped the gun, or really just jumped a decade worth of drama and backstory...READ BOOK 1 FIRST!

Click here to watch an IN-DEPTH explanation on what order to read this books!!

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Now on to my thought about the ACTUAL story.

I really enjoyed it! 

I was devastated by the plot twist at the beginning.

*muttering*  Leave it to me to get attached to the bad guys...🙄😅

One thing I had to keep in mind while reading this book is marriage/romance was done A LOOOOTTT different than it is now. So yes the romance was like WAY quick, but it all was back then. 

I personally didn't feel or see Sofea turn towards God like Prezi did. I felt more of a spiritual change in the secondary character than in the main character which was a little strange to me. NOW I'm not saying she didn't learn the ways of God, but it just didn't stand out to me.

Overall Eitan and Sofea were okay. They definitely weren't my favorite of the cast, but I'm also not standing super solid in that opinion since I did miss half of Eitan's life.

Sofea was just really immature to me, though I did see her grow up a bit through the story. Eitan was rash, though he learned patience and how to use it well as the story progressed.

I preferred the side characters in this particular book, and hope a certain couple makes an appearance in book 3.

In all honesty I gave this book a 3.5/5 stars, BUT I think it has the potential to be a 4/5 once I read book 1.

*I received this book for an honest review**All opinions are my own**I was not required to leave a positive review*

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Thank you ALL for your support this last year! And all the comments and congratulations I got regarding my book-iversary. 

So now I will announce the lucky winner of the subscription to Hope by the Book...

Congratulations "THEBECCAFILES"! I will be emailing you to get your information.

Thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart! 💕

October 13th

October 13th

To anyone else this is just another day.
Another date "memories" might pop up on their Facebook feed.
Some people might not realize that a whole year has passed since LAST October 13th.

But today holds a special meaning to me. For October 13th, 2017 is the day I launched, what was originally called, "For the Love of Books".

I still cannot wrap fathom that it has been an ENTIRE YEAR since I started this journey! SO many AMAZING things have happened in this last year and today I only have a thankful heart because I know this whole thing is ONLY by God!!

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October 13th, 2017 →  October 13th, 2018

In a year I have:

Changed my name from "For the Love of Books" to "For the Love of Christian Fiction".

Bought business cards. (If you want some shoot me a message. I've got hundreds. 😉)

Written 74 blog posts.

Posted 133 photos on bookstagram.

Hit 1,003 Instagram followers.

Published 50 videos on booktube.

Reached 129 subscribers on YouTube.

Read books I never would've picked up in the stores 

Started working with some of my favorite publishers.

Started reviewing for a book magazine and website.

Joined street teams and launch teams.

Met some amazing authors in person.

Met people just like me through social media.

Became great friends with those said people I met through social media.


And every day I have thanked God for this crazy journey He's allowed me to start, and the strength He's given me to continue!!

***

I couldn't do this without God, and I REALLY couldn't do it without YOU!! The audience I've reached, and the audience I've yet to reach "THANK YOU!!" Y'all are the reason I do this. Your encouragement and excitement keeps me smiling and puts fuel in my tank on days when I'm feelin' groggy. 

So what better anniversary gift to me than to gift one of y'all something special and close to my heart!!

Like I said in my list above I started reviewing for a book magazine "Hope by the Book". I still get emotional when I think of the chance this team is taking on me, and the confidence they have in me. 

To say thank you for all you guys do, and have done, I'm giving away a ONE YEAR subscription to the "Hope by the Book" magazine. 

All you have to do is follow me on social media! (You can pick which one or even all of them if you want)

Then comment here and let me know which platform you followed me on, and leave your email so I can contact you if you won! 

***

Thinking about the ups and downs this year has brought brings tears to my eyes. I type this with a full and grateful heart. 

I cannot wait to see what the next year brings! 💚💕💚

So yes October 13th might just be another day to everyone else, but to me it marks a vital part in my history AND my future!

*Hope by the Book is NOT sponsoring this giveaway*

Review: Fallen Leaves

Welcome to the blog tour & giveaway for Fallen Leaves by Tessa Emily Hall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Fallen Leaves

Author: Tessa Emily Hall

Publisher: Illuminate YA Fiction

Release Date: October 26, 2018

Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction


Selena Taylor thought her only worry this fall was starting her junior year at a new arts school in North Carolina, miles away from home. But when she finds out her mom could graduate from rehab sooner than expected—even worse, she could work for her former nothing-but-trouble boss—Selena's determined to create a new life for them. Back in her childhood Kentucky hometown.

Step one? Track down her dad and brother that she hasn't seen in eight years. Her anxiety is put to the test, though, when she unveils a truth that could threaten her dreams. Add to that an art competition that pushes her outside of her comfort zone and a girl who seems determined to come between Selena and her hopeful boyfriend.

Soon Selena must decide whether or not to continue her search for her dad and brother. But is there any hope that the ruins of her broken family could be resurrected? And how could God possibly have a purpose in the midst of these changing seasons?


PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon


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REVIEW

Yes I'm proud of myself for stepping outside of my reading comfort zone, but I think I might take a break from YA contemporary. I'm coming to find it really isn't my thing.

The idea for this book was cute, I love seeing creative main characters! 

Other than that and my LOVE for the side character's (Cole is my favorite ever!) I really didn't care for the story.

NOT BECAUSE OF THE AUTHOR!!! I just personally couldn't connect with anything the main character was going through, or what demons she faced.

I have not read the companion novel to this story, so there were points when I was little lost on the back story. If someone wants the FULL experience I definitely would recommend reading the stories together.

I rated it a 3/5 stars. I do know this story would be great for young girls facing some of these things in their life, but it wasn't for my season in life.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to show them they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print publications, Tessa’s debut novel was published while still in her teens. She’s the founder and editor-in-chief of PursueMagazine.net, a Christian teen magazine, and enjoys mentoring other young writers. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. Tessa’s favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, email list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: http://www.tessaemilyhall.com.


Connect with Tessa: Website| Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(

1) winner will receive a FALL KIT, consisting of:

• a signed copy of Fallen Leaves,
• book swag
• a fall candle
• Starbucks Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 8, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 15, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustReadTours for a full list of stops!