Sunday, October 18, 2020

Brought to Book by Barbara Cornthwaite: Review and Giveaway!

About the Book

Book: Brought to Book

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian cozy mystery

Release Date: June 24, 2020

There’s nothing in Emily Post about dealing with murder.

Katrina just wanted to spend time among the books at Frank’s Bookstore. Yes, that’s an unimaginative name for a store, but Frank’s an unimaginative guy–or he was.

Now he and his murder are the reason Katrina is spending her spare time with Wilkester detective, Todd Mason. Or, that’s what she tells herself.

Why would anyone want to kill Frank Delaney? Who would do it? And is Katrina herself even safe?

Mixing faith, literary humor, sweet romance, and a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing, Barbara Cornthwaite’s first Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Begin your investigation of Brought to Book today.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This is a super interesting cozy mystery!

I loved that the story was written in first person as that is my favorite POV. I loved that this book featured an older (40 something) heroine, I loved her strong faith and that she was still choosing to wait for God's best in a husband if it was His will for her to marry. I could definitely relate to Katrina's bookishness! I loved Todd from the start, I could tell he was a great guy and I was rooting for him and Katrina to fall in love!

While there were definitely things I loved about this book, it ulitimately wasn't really my cup of tea. The pacing felt a bit slow to me. I also had a hard time connecting with the story, and I could easily set the book down without much desire to pick it up again, I don't think this was the book's fault, I think it's just that cozy mysteries probably aren't really my thing.

The author is very talented, the historical journal entries and excerpts from the historical romance novel that Katrina was editing during the story were awesome and some of my favorite parts of the book, and so I am super interested in trying one of her historical stories!

This is a good book that is I'm sure right on target for the cozy mystery genre, so if you enjoy cozy mysteries (especially ones that are book themed) I highly recommend you check this one out!

I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

More from Barbara

Meeting of the Minds

A Wilkester Mysteries Introduction

Detective Todd Mason knew Katrina was the one the first time he met her. The woman had witnessed a murder—if not with her eyes, at least with her ears. She’d seen the man dying and called for help, afraid all the while that the killer would return for her. So much he’d been told before he went into the interrogation room.

“How’s she handling it?” he asked the officer who had arrived first at the scene and escorted her to the police station.

“Not too badly,” said Gary. “She’s in shock, of course, but she’s trying to hold it together. Katrina Peters. She’s in Room 2.”

He’d gone in then and gotten his first look at her. Late thirties or early forties. Brown hair that fell to her shoulders in loose waves. Brown eyes that were red-rimmed from crying. Hands clutching a tissue. She managed a faint smile when he walked in.

“Hello, Ms. Peters. I’m Detective Todd Mason. I need to ask you some questions, if that’s all right.”

“Miss,” she said, almost as a reflex.

“I beg your pardon?” Todd wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.

“It’s Miss Peters.” She said it firmly, repudiating the term Ms. even at such a stressful moment. Something made her blush then, and he saw her glance at his left hand. “Never mind,” she murmured.

She’s afraid I’ll think she’s trying to advertize her availability. It amused Todd to see the blush—if only she knew how refreshing it was to see a woman who would even be conscious of such a thing. Old fashioned, he thought. In a good way.

She answered his questions as calmly as she could, and even apologized for the tears that insisted on coming out now and then. When she alluded to Daniel in the lion’s den, he knew she really was out of the ordinary, and it took all his self-control not to offer to drive her home himself.

To join the investigation, read your copy of Brought to Book today.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 10

The Avid Reader, October 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 11

Remembrancy, October 11

For the Love of Literature, October 12

Worthy2Read, October 12

Genesis 5020, October 12

deb’s Book Review, October 13

Blogging With Carol, October 13

Robin’s Nest, October 13

Texas Book-aholic, October 14

Losing the Busyness, October 14

April Hayman, Author, October 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Inklings and notions, October 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 16

Daysong Reflections, October 16

Older & Smarter?, October 17

For Him and My Family, October 17

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 18

Just Your Average reviews, October 18

Lis Loves Reading, October 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

As He Leads is Joy, October 19

Emily Yager, October 19

Sodbusterliving, October 20

Artistic Nobody, October 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Labor Not in Vain, October 20

She Lives To Read, October 21

Bizwings Blog, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 21

Godly Book Reviews, October 22

Mary Hake, October 22

Vicky Sluiter, October 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 23

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10210/brought-to-book-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Review: Wildflower Road by Janine Rosche

Happy Book Birthday to one of my favorite reads of the year, the amazing Wildflower Road by Janine Rosche! Be sure to check this one out, you need this story in your life!

About the Book

Publisher: Berkley | Penguin Random House

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Summary:

A young widow is tempted to love again after her heartbreaking loss in this new Madison River Romance.

After her husband’s tragic death, Ryann Marie Ashcroft’s only remaining dream is to save her family’s struggling mountain resort. And the last person she wants to rely on is a brooding stranger with secrets of his own.

Nicknamed America’s rock-and-roll pastor, Shane Olson arrives in Montana after a viral video destroys his marriage, his ministry, and his reputation. Working side by side on the banks of the Madison River, he and Ryann get a second chance at love. But not everyone wants to see their happily ever after.

Buy Link

My Thoughts:

Oh, how I adored this book!

When I read the novella Mistletoe Menagerie last year Janine Rosche instantly became one of my very favorite authors, I devoured and loved her debut novel, This Wandering Heart earlier this year, and Wildflower Road was one of my most eagerly anticipated reads of the year!

Oh my stars, this story exceeded every single one of my expectations, eeep it's SOOOO good and I absolutely loved every minute of it!

It takes something special to make me feel giddy with excitement, and this story did it, I couldn't stop smiling while reading this book, and the characters haven't left my thoughts yet (and I highly doubt they ever will!)

I loved Ryann! My heart broke for all she had been through. I admired her strength, confidence, and great love for others! I want to be more like her, #lifegoals!

And Shane, oh my, there simply aren't words to express just how amazing he is, so you'll just have to read the book to find out! I love him so much, he is my favorite hero this author has written so far! Shane is totally my dream guy, he stole my heart, and I will forever be obsessively fangirling over him!

I love a good redemption story and Wildflower Road is one of the best I've read! The faith story touched my heart in a million ways, it's a powerful message that everyone needs to read, in my opinion!

Another thing I loved about this book was the hint of danger and suspense, it was perfectly done and made me love the book even more!

This book does tackle some tough topics, but it does so with grace and sensitivity, while at the same time being very real about the issues we face in this fallen world.

This beautiful, captivating story held me completely spellbound from beginning to end!

Wildflower Road is utter perfection, and reading it is absolute bliss! This book is a must read that will always have a spot on my keeper shelf! It's one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I'm already itching to re-read it!

I adored absolutely everything about Wildflower Road and most highly recommend it!

(5 Stars, scratch that, all the stars in the sky!)

I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!

About the Author

Prone to wander, Janine Rosche finds as much comfort on the open road as she does at home. This longing to chase adventure, behold splendor, and experience redemption is woven into her Madison River Romance series. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she teaches family life education courses to college students, takes too many pictures of her sleeping dogs, and embarrasses her four children and husband with boy band serenades.

www.janinerosche.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Review: Jocelyn by Sarah Monzon

Happy Book Birthday to Jocelyn (Sewing in SoCal #2) by Sarah Monzon! I loved this book and I'm so excited to share my review with you! This book is a MUST READ so be sure to check it out! 😍

My Thoughts:

Wow! What a fantastic second installment in the Sewing in SoCal series!

Sarah Monzon is one of my all time favorite authors, and I adored the first in this series, Molly! After meeting Jocelyn in the first book I was super excited when I found out her book would be next, and as soon as I first read the description of this story I knew it would be right up my alley, I grew up around cows, and I've been riding horses since I was a young child, and I love reading stories that feature a farm or ranch setting.

I loved Jocelyn, I so admired her determination, and her heart for others. It was a joy to watch her find her way to the kind of life she'd always dreamed of. I wish she were real because I would love to be friends with her!

And Malachi! Oh My Swoon, what a fantastic hero! I love him so much and he will always have a spot on my list of favorite Book Boyfriends! I loved his genuineness and his kind heart that always puts others first!

I seriously have such a huge crush on him!

It was such a joy to watch Jocelyn and Malachi's relationship bloom, and I especially loved all their text message conversations!

Jocelyn is a funny, highly entertaining, empathy building, and thought-provoking gem that I totally and completely loved!

I most highly recommend Jocelyn (get it ASAP!) and cannot wait to read book 3 in the series, Nicole!

(5 Stars!)

I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!

About the Book

WWSOD—What would Scarlett O’Hara do?
Anything to survive, that’s what. But instead of a man-eating Southern belle in hoop skirts and big hats, my version of existence looks an awful lot like a financial conglomerate employee staring blankly at budget analysis spreadsheets. Either way, the motto has served me well most my life. Until now, that is. The corporate retreat location has just been announced, and this city girl is headed to a dude ranch in the country. How will Scarlett help me survive that? No, this time I’ll turn to the sage advice of preteen YouTubers and their ponies to keep me from making a fool of myself.
But who’s going to help me navigate the kind yet reticent cowboy in the black Stetson—the cattle ranch owner who’s slowly claiming corners of my heart?

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

www.sarahmonzonwrites.com
Sarah loves connecting with readers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Monday, October 5, 2020

Wish Upon a Star by Tabitha Bouldin: Review & Giveaway!

About the Book

Book: Wish Upon A Star

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Holiday Fiction

Release Date: December 1, 2018

Bryce Masters had everything he needed…or so he thought. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, would disagree. They were going home, moving back to Jingle Junction where Bryce would take over the local bookstore just in time for Christmas. Losing his wife, Molly, during the birth of their daughter six years ago was tragic, but Bryce has no idea just how much it weighs on young Anna’s heart until she confesses her deepest wish. What Anna wants for Christmas is a mother, but Bryce’s heart is not ready to love again. Only God can give Bryce the desire to make Anna’s wish come true. Only He can heal the hurt and open Bryce’s heart to the power of love. But Bryce will have to be willing to listen. And when the perfect woman reveals a secret that could devastate them all, will Bryce be able to look beyond what was and accept what might be?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

What an awesome Christmas novella!

Last year I read and really enjoyed this author's novel, Trial By Patience, and I knew I wanted to read more of her work, so needless to say I jumped at the chance to request a review copy of this novella!

Wish Upon a Star is a great story. I'm a sucker for a good single-dad hero and Bryce was a great one, I loved his steadfastness, and his sense of humor! His sacrificial love for his daughter Anna totally melted my heart!

Rachel was an excellent heroine. She was likable, funny, and just all around a very relatable character. I liked her instantly and felt like she and I became friends.

Anna was adorable, the thngs she said never failed to make me smile!

I fell in love with the town of Jingle Junction, and I can't wait to make a return visit!

I'd love to see the author write a story about Anna as an adult, I think that would be such a fun read!

I highly recommend this story. If you enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies but want something with more depth and a faith message you're going to love Wish Upon a Star!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin has a Bachelor’s in creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University, where she graduated with honors. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been published with Chicken Soup for the Soul. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.

More from Tabitha

Wish Upon a Star owes its existence to Hallmark’s Christmas movies. I could, and often do, watch their Christmas movies all through the year. Doesn’t matter how cheesy the storyline, I love them all. While I wanted to bring that sense of fun and feel-good romance, I needed a little oomph. So, I took some inspiration from “The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong. For the record, I love Hallmark and NewSong equally, so putting the two together was a natural fit.

The intention wasn’t to make a sad Christmas story, but there’s some pain Bryce has to manage while learning to love again. The best things come from overcoming that thing you never thought you could do. When you press on, with God’s guidance and with His approval, anything is possible. Bryce needs this reminder that even in the darkest nights, God is there.

Wish is part of the funky town I created and dubbed Jingle Junction, a place where it’s all Christmas all the time. Jingle Junction has only a few rules. First off, you can have any business you want, as long as the business name is an alliteration. Second, community is the name of the game. When someone’s in need, everyone pitches in to help.

For this story, I wanted to highlight homecoming. To do that, I needed Bryce to have a reason to come back to Jingle Junction. That’s where the song came in. If you don’t know the song, it’s about a little boy who wants only one thing for Christmas, and that’s a pair of shoes for his dying mother. I listen to “The Christmas Shoes” at least a dozen times a year. It’s heartbreaking but wonderful. It has that bit of hope I needed for Wish. For my story, Bryce’s daughter, Anna, lost her mother when she was born. The only thing she wants is the one thing she’s never had: a mother. It’s also the one thing Bryce cannot give.

The plan had always been to return to Jingle Junction. Bryce wants to raise Anna in the hometown where he was born, and he’s finally gotten the opportunity to make good on the plans he and his wife made when they first learned of her pregnancy. It took him six years to make good on his promise, and he’s not sure he’s made the right decision.

Wish Upon a Star is one of those books where I wanted to challenge myself by writing only from the male point of view. Although I always write alternating point of view in my romances, Wish has always been Bryce’s story. A story of coming home.