Blog Tour and Giveaway: Matters of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill

About the Book

Book: Matters of the Heart

Author: Heidi Gray McGill

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: July 15, 2022

When those experiencing the same fate she endured show up at her doorstep…

Katie determines to be their champion, no matter the fallout.

Will the man who fought for the other side also fight for her?

Unconventional Katie empathizes with the widows and orphans of the Civil War, searching for a place to call home in Shumard Oak Bend. But with no one to help her, she’ll need to do it secretly, a challenge she readily accepts. She’s taken charge before, and she’ll do it again, no matter who she has to outwit to get the job done.

He vowed to be his own man and stop doing everyone else’s bidding. But he follows orders when a pair of emerald green eyes, blazing red hair, and freckles that dance on the bridge of a pert nose conscript him to duty. Be his own man. Who is he kidding? Skunks don’t change their stripes. They leave disasters in their wake wherever they go, just like him.

Overcoming personal obstacles and finding your true self doesn’t mean going it alone. Yet the answer isn’t always in the one you seek.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Heidi is an optimist who chooses to find the silver lining in life’s clouds of doubt. This plays out in her writing. Her ability to weave scripture seamlessly into the lives of her characters will uplift and encourage you, while her masterful storytelling will keep you turning page after page and wishing for more.

Heidi lives with her husband of thirty years near Charlotte, NC. When she isn’t writing, you will find her outside playing with her two grandsons, walking, scrapbooking, reading, cooking, traveling, or finding an excuse to have an outing with a girlfriend.

Fusing Faith and Fiction™

True Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories.

 

More from Heidi

Where did the idea for Matters of the Heart originate?

 

Before I was an author, I was the founder and director of an English as a Second Language ministry. The program touched the lives of students from 35 different countries. Regardless of culture, religion, language, or age, I found a substantial similarity in these students—they all wanted to improve their lot in life and that of their children.

 

Stories abounded of walks across deserts, financial hardships, desperate attempts to explain emergencies to medical professionals or law enforcement, failed verbal connections with schoolteachers, and an inability to obtain work because of their lack of language skills. Prejudice and distrust blocked them, culture shock took them outside their comfort zones, and the urgent need to survive made them scramble to dig deep inside and find creative ways to secure shelter and put food on their tables.

 

It wasn’t that these immigrants weren’t capable of achieving success. In their home countries, vocations varied from chemist and biologist with PhDs, to teachers, lawyers, and medical professionals. Others came from poverty and had little education but were not afraid of hard work, long hours, and low pay. They were tenacious, and they worked with relentless determination and a bullheaded resolve to achieve their goals. They relied on each other and soaked in everything around them in their desire to assimilate into the American culture and find a new place to belong.

 

Immigrants in the late 1800s were not much different. Individuals came to improve their lot in life and be a part of the greatest country in the world. In Matters of the Heart, Hans Korhonen left Finland with his brothers to take advantage of the land grants. Together, they worked to establish a farm large enough to sustain four families and support troops during the Civil War. Yet, in their desire to belong and give back to our great nation, Hans’s idyllic life changed through his service as a Union soldier.

 

Kathleen Murphy, or Katie, came to the United States to escape a life of extreme poverty and abuse in Ireland. Working in her aunt and uncle’s boarding offered more than a job. It provided the love and support of a family. Katie rose from her previous station and started fresh with hope on the horizon. She found a source of ministry that gave her life a purpose she’d not had before.

 

My association with my former ESL students helped me develop the characters in this book into individuals with which readers can identify.

 

Join Katie and Hans as they establish themselves in their new home of Shumard Oak Bend.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Texas Book-aholic, August 6

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, August 6

Inklings and notions, August 7

lakesidelivingsite, August 8

For Him and My Family, August 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 11

Blossoms and Blessings, August 12

deb’s Book Review, August 12

Connie’s History Classroom, August 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 15

Pause for Tales, August 16

Truth and Grace HomeschoolAcademy, August 17

To Everything There Is A Season, August 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Heidi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copy of the first three books in the series!!

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/2070c/matters-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Matters of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel is the third installment from Heidi Gray McGill’s Discerning God’s Best series. I have not had the pleasure of reading the first two books yet, but felt that this one can be read as a stand alone. I thought it was a great story. I loved the faith element within the pages and felt as though I was on the same journey with Hans and Katie. 

I am giving Matters of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel five stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I will be soon grabbing Desire of My Heart and With All My Heart to find out what happened previously. 

I received a paperback copy of Matters of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Rubber Band: Slingshot Summer by Christy Hoss

About the Book

Book: The Rubber-Band: Slingshot Summer

Editor: Christy Hoss

Genre: Middle Grade

Release date: May, 2022

Separated from each other at rival camps by a shared lake, the bond of the Rubber Band is challenged. Lead guitar player, Eddie attends a rustic camp for diabetics while across the lake, the rest of the band is at a posh resort for elite rich people’s children, sponsored by lead singer, Becca. During the annual Olympics between camps, the sabotage of a high-stakes kayak race threatens to sink friendships. From the moment they step off the bus to the last day of goodbyes, it’s a non-stop, hilarious and fun-filled first time-at-camp experience for the guys all while Becca is bullied by a long-time rival. Although both summer camps bring new possibilities, will it strengthen the bond of the band and change hearts or stretch them apart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Christy caught the writing bug in second grade after winning a prize for a five-page story about her dog, Noodles. Mrs. Olson told her she was destined to be a writer and that dream never left her thoughts. After teaching elementary school for fifteen years, Christy fulfilled her childhood dream with her debut novel, The Rubber Band. She substitute teaches to support her writing career, deriving writing inspiration from the students and situations she encounters.

At age twenty-five, she was diagnosed with type-one diabetes but refuses to let it limit her. Her diabetic alert dog, Aiden, has saved her life uncountable times and will appear The Rubber Band Snaps, the fourth book in the series. Christy lives by this equation: Living + diabetes = LIVE-abetes.

Christy is a freelance editor and writes children’s Bible stories for Focus on the Family ClubHouse magazine and has written articles for Guideposts. She is a featured speaker for conferences, retreats and special events. Christy lives in eastern Tennessee with husband Kevin, the love of her life. They have three grown children.

The Rubber Band Slingshot Summer is the third book in The Rubber Band middle grade novel series by Christy Hoss.

 

More from Christy

If you have ever been to summer camp, I guarantee you will enjoy the Rubber Band’s newest adventure. It takes place at two camps across the lake from each other. Although this is a fictional story, some of it is based on reality. Bearskin Meadow Diabetes Camp does exist and some of the names I used are real people who have given me permission to honor them and what they do. Becca’s exaggerated outdoor adventure camp is, however, purely non-existent and based only on my imagination.

I couldn’t resist writing this light-hearted, fun-filled, nonstop adventure for the band but not without its serious message that I am hoping will encourage strength in my readers.

One week at Bible camp was always the highlight of my summer, giving me something to look forward to. The week always ended too soon for me. Fresh out of high school, I flew to Southern California and worked as a counselor for inner-city kids at a Salvation Army camp in Malibu. It was so much fun, I worked three more summers at various camps on the East Coast and then two more back in Malibu. It was inevitable I would write about the experiences one day.

If you want to experience the camp Eddie attends, check it out here: https://dyf.org/why-camp/

In order to get to Bearskin Meadow, you must travel through Sequoia National Park. Take a sneak peek at its thousand-year-old trees here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sequoia/home

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 4

Texas Book-aholic, August 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

For Him and My Family, August 7

Inklings and notions, August 8

deb’s Book Review, August 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 12

Lights in a Dark World, August 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14

Blossoms and Blessings, August 15 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, August 16 (Author Interview)

Book Zone Reviews, August 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy 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/2070a/the-rubber-band-slingshot-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I have read the previous books from Christy Hoss’ The Rubber Band series and have enjoyed every one. I was excited to read the newest book from the series, The Rubber Band: Slingshot Summer. The book can be read as a stand alone, but I believe it would be best to read the others first. I enjoyed getting to know Eddie more in this one, learning about his diabetes and how he deals with it. I loved how he was able to teach others about himself and making new friends.

I am giving The Rubber Band: Slingshot Summer five stars. Readers between the ages of nine and thirteen. I am hoping there will be more releasing from The Rubber Band series in the future, so I can catch up with the characters. 

I received a digital copy of The Rubber Band: Slingshot Summer from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Wild Salvation by Alfred Stifsim

 

Wild Salvation

by Alfred Stifsim

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GENRE:   Historical Fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Johnson is accused of assaulting a white woman, a deadly charge for a black man in 1876. Knowing he’ll be lynched if he stays in St. Andrews, Indiana, Johnson flees to the grassy plains of Kansas looking for the freedom unavailable to him back East. What Johnson doesn’t know is that the woman’s father is a powerful businessman determined to track him down. For a man on the run, the West seems like the perfect place for someone withdrawn like Johnson to become a new person, until a top Pinkerton agent named Cole Charles comes into town hunting outlaws.

When Cole Charles discovers Johnson is a wanted man, Johnson has no choice but to flee again. This time he escapes to Fort Worth, Texas, where he meets a rowdy woman named Eddie who is quick with a joke and even quicker with her pistol. Despite his lack of experience, Eddie hires Johnson to be a wrangler on a cattle drive made up of other black cowboys headed to Wyoming. With Cole Charles on his trail, the cattle drive will take Johnson further than he ever imagined and force him to confront his greatest fear when he comes face to face with Cole Charles himself.

 

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EXCERPT: 

The front of the jail building was covered with wanted posters, some of them so faded it was hard to discern who was wanted and why. As Johnson pulled up with Rex sitting beside him in the driver’s seat, the picture of Jester Wells glared at them. There was a deep scar on his cheek and his arrogant smirk dared them to chase after the $250 reward. The grey clouds still hung low in the sky, threatening the return of rain at any moment. The wind picked up, blowing cool air through the town. The front door of the jail opened as Cole Charles and the marshal exited the building, rifles in hand.

 

“We better make this quick!” Burt yelled out the window of the coach, “I’m sure Bradley is in a hurry to get back to his cards.” To his surprise the marshal didn’t respond, opening the door to the coach and taking the furthest window seat at the back. He stared out as if he were riding off to his doom.

 

“What’s got into him?” Burt asked, gesturing to the marshal as Cole Charles walked past.

 

“I couldn’t tell you. Marshal Bradley has been real quiet ever since we got back,” he replied. He turned and walked to the driver’s seat to address Johnson, “The plan is simple. Drive east along the road, hopefully we pose an easy enough target, drawing Wells’ attention. Not too fast, the idea is to make them think you’re surrendering. We’ll be in the back lying in wait.” He turned to Rex. “Mr. Bowen you’re with us,” Cole Charles said, signaling for him to join the other men in the coach. “Remember Mr. Johnson, if things go badly, you’re on your own.” His cold eyes burned into Johnson as he said it, almost as if he wished it to happen. Then he turned and climbed into the coach.

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Alfred Stifsim is a member of Western Writers of America and has published several short stories about the American West. “The Bastard of the Black Hills,” won second prize in ropeandwire.com’s 2019 short story contest, and “Max and Sherri” was included in Cowboy Jamboree Magazine’s Fall 2020 issue. His short story about Eddie, “A Night Out with the Cowboys,” was published by Close to the Bone (UK) in August 2021.

Alfred Stifsim graduated from IUPUI with a bachelor’s in American History (2014, Indianapolis). From there he worked as an interpretive naturalist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources before transitioning to park maintenance. He is currently an electrician with IBEW 481 in Indianapolis.

You can find more information at alfredstifsim.com, on Twitter @AStifsim, or Instagram and Facebook @alfredatifsim_author.

 

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Salvation-Novel-Alfred-Stifsim/dp/149306424X/

 

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GIVEAWAY:

 

Alfred Stifsim will be awarding a $30 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Way Out by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas

Join us for this tour from July 18 to August 12, 2022!

Book Details:

​Book Title: The Way Out (Book 1: Be Careful What You Wish for Series) by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  240 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi
Publisher:  Highsmith Creative Services
Release date:  September 2020
Content Rating:  PG-13 +M. The language is pretty tame, but there are a few swear words. The bigger issue is some of the topics addressed in it. ​

 

Book Description:

When the Alpha Centauri crew returns to earth after a failed mission to explore a distant planet, they quickly learn the world is not how they left it.

Under new global leadership, the planet has managed to go decades without conflict, except for one major problem. Thanks to a pandemic caused by a mutation in a new strain of GMO corn, the world’s population plummeted to 2.6 billion, wiping out a disproportionate amount of men and leaving the globe run almost entirely by women. The mutation altered the human DNA, making it impossible to produce male babies and increasing Y-chromosome related diseases.

Because of their lack of exposure, the Alpha Centauri crew, especially the men on board, now find themselves in high demand. The Powers that Be think they are the solution, but with that solution comes the inevitable hunger for power and control. As greed, self-interest, and corruption rear their ugly heads, a planet that had found its way to peace is thrust into turmoil once again.

So, the question becomes: Are they really the answer to a seemingly unsolvable problem? The world may soon come to understand that sometimes getting what you wish for isn't the gift you think it will be.

The Way Out is at once a brilliant and relatable work of post-apocalyptic fiction. Think The Handmaid’s Tale mixed with Netflix’s The Wilds, and a touch of Interstellar, the movie. It’s a uniquely told story that will have you waiting as impatiently as the crew to understand the New World Order of the near future.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.com
add to goodreads

 

 Also Available for Review:

Book Details:

​Book Title: Two Roads to Paradise (Book 2: Be Careful What You Wish for Series) by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  324 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi
Publisher:  Highsmith Creative Services
Release date:  May 2022
Content Rating:  PG-13 +M. The language is pretty tame, but there are a few swear words. The bigger issue is some of the topics addressed in it. 

 

Book Description:

​Although the reappearance of the Alpha Centauri I crew was miraculous, it was not the celebratory homecoming they expected. Their return to a world reeling from a pandemic that wiped out more than half the population thrust them right into the center of controversy and conflict. Now, three years later, though the tide has turned and the survival of the human race seems to be secure, the survival of human relations is far less certain. The cure should have been the injection of hope the world needed to restore balance and end the chaos of the last four decades. Instead, the complex implications for personal rights and freedom have fractured the North American territory in such a way that the division may never be repaired. As the crew dispersed to find their place in this new landscape, Hunter Young found himself embedded in the Marshall administration as an agent for the mysterious K Group. What had been a relatively uneventful assignment suddenly becomes a whirlwind of adventure as he is called to a rendezvous that requires a long and circuitous journey.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.com
add to goodreads

 

 

Meet the Authors:

Gordon Jensen holds an MBA from University of Rochester, New York, Simon School of Business and a bachelor's degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. After working in finance In New York for several years, Jensen went back to Minnesota to run the family business. He retired after selling the the business and is now fulfilling a number of life-long dreams, including writing a novel series.

 

Cara Highsmith has always been drawn to the world of books and has found herself working in this industry in one capacity or another for the majority of her adult life. She holds a Master of Arts in English from Belmont University and did work toward a PhD at Middle Tennessee State University. Cara was on the editorial team at Hachette Book Group USA, working with several New York Times bestselling authors, for nearly four years. After leaving Hachette in 2008, she began freelancing, developing proposals and manuscripts for agents, editing and ghostwriting for authors, and assisting clients in preparing projects for self-publishing. Cara is a master of being a jack of all trades, but currently spends her free time working on several personal writing projects and enjoying life on a beautiful northern California mountain.

connect with authors: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Tour Schedule:

​July 18 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of THE WAY OUT / guest post / giveaway
July 19 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 19 - Literary Flits – book review of THE WAY OUT / guest post / giveaway
July 20 – Literary Flits – book review of TWO ROAD TO PARADISE / author interview / giveaway
July 21 – Sadie's Spotlight – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 21 - The Momma Spot – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
July 22 – A Crane Between The Pages – book review of THE WAY OUT
July 22 – @acourtofbookishreviews (TIK TOC) – book review of THE WAY OUT
July 25 – Mostly Mystery Reviews – book review of THE WAY OUT / guest post / giveaway
July 26 – SpareTimer866 – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 26 - She Just Loves Books – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
July 27 – She Just Loves Books – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 27 - The Momma Spot – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 28 – Splashes of Joy – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
July 28 - Kam's Place – book review of THE WAY OUT
July 29 – Splashes of Joy – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 30 - @pen.books.and.scalpel – book review of THE WAY OUT
Aug 1 – Mostly Mystery Reviews – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / author interview / giveaway
Aug 1 - Kam's Place – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 1 - @acourtofbookishreviews (TIC TOK) – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 2 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 2 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of THE WAY OUT
Aug 3 – @Mel.literate – book review of THE WAY OUT
Aug 4 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 4 - Stephanie Jane - book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 5 – A Crane Between The Pages – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 8 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 9 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 9 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 10 – Books are a Blessing – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 10 - Stephanie Jane - book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 11 – fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 11 – Books are a Blessing – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 11 - @pen.books.and.scalpel – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 12 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 12 - Books for Books – book series spotlight

 

Enter the Giveaway: 

 

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISHED FOR Book Tour Giveaway

 

My Review: 

The Way Out: A Novel is the first book from the Be Careful What You Wish For series by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas. This is not from my usual genre that I usually go to when I want to find something new to read. However, I wanted to see what it was all about. The plot was different and one that I could not be compare to another story I have ever read. The concept and structure of the the book was unique. I found it to be refreshing to be reading something new and distinct. It was entertaining to be taken out of this world for a few hours and nice to take a journey from every day stresses. The book does start a little slow and the format is hard to get used to at first. About a third of the way through, I caught on and got used to it. Once I did, I was hooked and had to keep reading to see how it would all end for the characters. 

I am giving The Way Out: A Novel three and a half stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading books from the science fiction genre. I will be looking for the next installment from the Be Careful What You Wish For series, Two Roads to Paradise, to see what the authors has in store for their readers. This one is worth a read. 

I received a paperback copy of The Way Out: A Novel from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Meet Me on the Porch by Erin Stevenson

About the Book

Book: Meet Me on the Porch

Author: Erin Stevenson

Genre: Christian fiction

Release date: May 13, 2022

Brynne Lockwood has come home to Brattleboro, Vermont after a humiliating job loss. She’s weary and broken, and still hasn’t truly forgiven herself for a former unhealthy relationship with long-lasting consequences. She doesn’t believe that she deserves anything good and can’t imagine that God could ever use her.

After recovering from a shattering loss, Pastor Adam Johnston is on his way to a new assignment. A mix-up takes him and his baby daughter to beautiful southern Vermont. If he stays, he’ll face opposition, but God has prepared his heart for ministry, and he’s committed to serving there.

Adam and Brynne connect quickly and unexpectedly, but circumstances demand that they be cautious.

Now, you are invited to join Adam and Brynne on the porch at her grandparents’ home—a special place where you’ll experience their joy as Adam and Brynne build a friendship rooted in Biblical principles, find healing for their wounds, and discover God’s plan for their lives.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Erin has been writing fiction since 2014 and is published independently and with Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications. She is a 2021 American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award Finalist.

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.

 

More from Erin

This book is part of Pelican Book Group’s Destination Romance collection, one set in each of the 50 US states. There were three random objects required to be worked into the plot: lace, shampoo, and a shovel. The twist was that they had to be presented in an interesting way—not, for instance, “Brynne was disappointed to discover that her favorite shampoo was out of stock.”

 

Here’s an excerpt of how I incorporated shampoo into this story:

 

Adam led her to the swing. After she sat, he set the mug on the table, then picked up a bulky case and placed it on top.

“What’s that?”

Adam smiled. “This is my sample case. Allow me to show you my display of shampoos.”

“Shampoos?”

“Yes. I have orange blossom, lemon verbena, strawberry vanilla.” He lifted out each bottle and lined them up. At least six more followed, each a different scent. “And this one is—um, oh, sorry, that’s for lice.” He grimaced.

Brynne nearly spewed her drink. “Adam Johnston, what are you doing?”

“I’m a shampoo salesman.” He lifted a shoulder. “Last night you said you would date me if I was a pilot or a shampoo salesman.” He sighed. “I’m terrified of flying.”

She had to hold her laughter as she put her hand over her heart. “You are beyond cute. Where did you get all this stuff?” A giggle escaped.

He let out a sigh. “It wasn’t easy, believe me,” he muttered.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 5 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, August 5

Inklings and notions, August 6

deb’s Book Review, August 7

Guild Master, August 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

Artistic Nobody, August 12 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14

Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erin is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy 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/20709/meet-me-on-the-porch-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I have enjoyed previous books by Erin Stevenson in the past and was excited to know that she had a new release, Meet Me on the Porch. This one is by far my favorite I have read by her to date. It is a story that I was able to connect with and feel as though I was one of the characters. I understand the struggles and brokenness Adam and Brynne were dealing with. I was inspired in the message of faith and love within the pages. It was a quick and delightful read I loved it! 

I am giving Meet Me on the Porch five stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean and wholesome romantic fiction will want to pick it up. 

I received a digital copy of Meet Me on the Porch from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Book Blast and Giveaway: Hunted by Allyson Charles

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Allyson Charles will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A tough special forces operator who’s never run from a fight. A woman about to give him the biggest battle of his life.

Marine Raider Jake Skinner has a nose for trouble. He never expected to find it in a beautiful woman adrift at sea. But once he has her in his arms, he knows he’s never letting her go.

Caroline only had one rule when it came to dating – no military men. When the sexy Marine pulls her from the ocean, her resolution goes to war against his resolve to break through her walls – and goes against her own secret longings.

As a drug cartel sets its sights on Caroline, Jake is determined to move heaven and earth to keep her safe. But if Caroline can’t learn to trust her heart, it could spell the end for them both.

Meet the men of Alpha Squad. Protective, strong-willed, and tough, they go hard after what they want. And when they set their sights on a woman, they’ll use every weapon in their arsenal to make her theirs. Each book in this series is a fast, steamy read, full of pulse-pounding action. Dive into this series today!

Read an Excerpt

“You’ve been ignoring me.”

Caroline yelped, spinning like a top on her front doorstep, her key scraping the flaking paint on the door.

Jake stood before her, the afternoon sun glinting off his aviator glasses. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, every inch of the denim and cotton molding to his muscles.

She shut her mouth with a snap and swallowed. It didn’t matter that he looked better than a chocolate cheesecake after a three-mile run. He was off-limits. Even if remembering the feel of his arms around her had been the only thing that had chased away her nightmares the past couple of days. He was military. She’d sworn she’d never go there.

“Ignoring you?” She tittered uncomfortably. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He shoved his sunglasses to the top of his head. With her standing on her front stoop and him on the ground, they were about eye-level.

His gaze bore into her. “Caroline—”

The door squealed behind her, and she jumped again, her purse tumbling to the ground.

“I thought I heard you out here.” Sam stood in the doorway. “Hi Jake. Tequila?” she asked Caroline.

Pressing a hand to her heart, Caroline blew out a breath. “If we have any left it will be in the second cupboard to the right of the fridge.”

Sam nodded. “I’m making watermelon margaritas, Jake. Hope you can join us.” Then she disappeared back inside.

“Are you always this jumpy?” Jake bent and scooped up her purse. He placed a tin of mints and a lip gloss that had spilled from it back inside and handed her the bag.

About the Author:

Allyson Charles lives in Colorado. She’s the author of sexy and funny small-town romances, including the Pineville Romance series and The Forever series. A former attorney, she happily ditched those suits and now works in her pajamas writing about men’s briefs instead of legal briefs. When she’s not writing, she’s probably engaged in one of her favorite hobbies: napping, eating, or martial arts (That last one almost makes up for the first two, right?). One of Allyson’s greatest sources of happiness is that she now lives in a city that has a Cracker Barrel.

Allyson Charles also writes steamy historical romances under the name Alyson Chase, and paranormal romances under the name A. Caprice.

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