Sunday, November 2, 2025

Book Tour and Giveaway: Delaware at Christmas / The First State in a Merry State by Dave Tabler


 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Delaware at Christmas / The First State in a Merry State by Dave Tabler
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 134 pages
Genre: Christmas
Publisher: Dave Tabler
Publication Date: July 1, 2025
Content Rating: G. Family friendly throughout. No sex, violence or foul language.​
Book Description:

Explore the rich tapestry of holiday traditions that have shaped the First State's festive season across the centuries. From colonial customs to modern-day celebrations, "Delaware at Christmas" unwraps the fascinating stories behind the state's most cherished Yuletide practices.

Discover how Delaware's diverse communities have contributed to its unique holiday landscape:

Uncover the origins of iconic traditions like the Wilmington mummer's parade and beach town "Christmas in July" festivities

Learn about the evolution of holiday decorations, from simple colonial adornments to elaborate Victorian displays

Explore the influence of immigrant communities, including Polish, Italian, and Hispanic holiday customs

Delve into forgotten practices like the holly wreath industry that once thrived in southern Delaware

Examine how wartime and economic shifts shaped Christmas observances throughout the state's history

Filled with captivating anecdotes, historical photographs, and little-known facts, this book offers a comprehensive look at how Delawareans have celebrated the holiday season from the 17th century to the present day. Whether you're a history buff, a holiday enthusiast, or simply curious about Delaware's cultural heritage, this meticulously researched volume provides a joyous journey through time.

"Delaware at Christmas" is an essential addition to any First State bookshelf, offering:

In-depth exploration of religious and secular holiday traditions

Profiles of notable Delawareans who influenced Christmas customs

Insights into how national trends and local innovations shaped Delaware's experiences

A treasure trove of holiday memories from generations of Delaware families

Unwrap the magic of Delaware's Christmas past and present with this definitive guide to the state's holiday history. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, "Delaware at Christmas" promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the First State's joyous spirit. Buy "Delaware at Christmas" today and embark on a joyful exploration of holiday traditions in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic!
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N  
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Ten year old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the ‘R’ volume from the family’s World Book Encyclopedia set over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end. He did, however, become interested in Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and Run for the Roses.

Tabler’s father encouraged him to try his hand at taking pictures with the family camera. With visions of Rockwell dancing in his head, Tabler press-ganged his younger brother into wearing a straw hat and sitting next to a stream barefoot with a homemade fishing pole in his hand. The resulting image was terrible.

Dave Tabler went on to earn degrees in art history and photojournalism despite being told he needed a ‘Plan B.'

Fresh out of college, Tabler contributed the photography for “The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics,” which taught him how to work with museum curators, collectors, and white cotton gloves. He met a man in the Shenandoah Valley who played the musical saw, a Knoxville fellow who specialized in collecting barbed wire, and Tom Dickey, brother of the man who wrote ‘Deliverance.’

In 2006 Tabler circled back to these earlier encounters with Appalachian culture as an idea for a blog. AppalachianHistory.net today reaches 375,000 readers a year.

Dave Tabler moved to Delaware in 2010 and became smitten with its rich past. He no longer copies Norman Rockwell, but his experience working with curators and collectors came in handy when he got the urge to photograph a love letter to Delaware’s early heritage. This may be the start of something.​

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:
DELAWARE AT CHRISTMAS Book Review Tour Giveaway


My Review: 

I have loved reading Dave Tabler's books on the history of Delaware. I was honored to once again to have a chance to read his newest release, Delaware at Christmas / The First State in a Merry State. I loved reading the different past and present traditions and customs practiced in the state of Delaware. The book is in four parts: Cultural Traditions, 19th Century Celebrations and Customs, The Victorian Era and Early 20th Century, and Modern Traditions. I loved seeing the pictures and photographs all throughout. It was interesting reading the different influences from the world, such as, Scandinavian, Dutch, British, German, African, Polish, Irish, Italian, and Hispanic. I learned about decorations, food, plants, and icons that I know today that is part of Christmas traditions. I thought it was a great book to read just as the Holiday season starts to kickoff.

Delaware at Christmas / The First State in a Merry State by Dave Tabler will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for all readers who love to read non fiction that is rich in history, particularly United States of America. I believe it would make a wonderful gift for any history buff of any age. As always, I would love to read more books like this one from Dave Tabler in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Dave Tabler's Delaware at Christmas / The First State in a Merry State from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review and Giveaway: Peace of God Bible


Purchase your copy of the Peace of God Bible today!

You were made for peace—and to be a peacemaker. The story of the Bible
is the story of peace—peace with God and with one another. But peace isn’t
simply a feeling of calm or ease. It is a way of experiencing life as we were
always meant to— in relationship with our Creator and with each other. We
can recover a completeness that was once lost but is restored in the gospel.

The Peace of God Bible invites you to experience peace with God as you trace this
 important theme throughout Scripture. By meditating on it daily as you read 365
devotions and application notes, you will find the encouragement you need to live out
of the wholeness you have in Christ—and be equipped to share that peace with others.


Features include:

Book introductions to help reveal the part peace plays in each book of the Bible
365 devotionals based on a key verse or passage to guide you in how to receive and
live by God’s peace
365 peace notes offering short, powerful insights to help you understand more deeply
the wholeness you have in Christ
Topical indexes to help you study on your own how God's peace can shape different
relation-ships in your life
Articles explore what the peace of God is, how to find or recover it, and how to
experience eternal salvation because of what God has done for you
Concise concordance and index of features
End-of-page translators’ notes and cross-references
Line-matched, double-column typesetting
Clear and readable 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print®

Learn more at PeaceofGodBible.com


Jeremiah Johnston, PhD (General Editor) Bio:

Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, is an elected member of the preeminent New Testament scholarly guild Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (SNTS) and ministers internationally as president of Christian Thinkers Society (www.christianthinkers.com). Jeremiah loves the local church, and also serves as pastor of apologetics and cultural engagement at Prestonwood Baptist Church.







Purchase your copy of the Peace of God Bible today on Amazon!





My Review:

Peace of God Bible is a beautiful New King James Version Bible. Each book of the Bible starts off with a little history about who wrote it, when it was estimated written, key verses, and the theme of the book. I enjoyed the Peace Notes sections all throughout this Bible. The back of the study Bible, there is: Topical Index of Devotions, Features Index, NKJV Concise Concordance,, and colorful maps. I liked the soft cover that made it easy for me hold on to, the larger text, and the two ribbons included for book marking. 

I am giving Peace of God Bible a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who are searching for a New King James Version Bible that, also, be used as a 365 day Bible Study. I believe it would make for a great gift this Christmas season. 

I received a complimentary copy of Peace of God Bible from Harper Collins Christian Publishing, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.



Disclosure:

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway:

1 copy of the Peace of God Bible

Leave a more than a three word completed sentence telling me why you want a copy of the Peace of God Bible for yourself. Don’t forget to leave your NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS in your comment so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on November 8, 2025.


Giveaway Rules:


Giveaway is limited to US winners only.

Three or less word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you.

Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours.

If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner.

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified.

Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.

Spotlight and Giveaway: Unauthorized, a prequel novella by Sherri Wilson Johnson



About the Book



Book: Unauthorized, a prequel novella

Author: Sherri Wilson Johnson

Genre: Faith-Based Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Daisy Blackwood has always played by the rules. As a meticulous budget analyst in Nashville, she’s built a life of quiet routines and steady work—until one discovery shatters everything. She uncovers evidence of embezzlement at her firm and sets off a chain of events that leaves Daisy framed, frightened, and fighting to clear her name.

With her career—and freedom—on the line, Daisy finds an unexpected ally in Owen Mackenzie, a sharp-witted IT auditor who’s more comfortable behind a screen than in the middle of corporate chaos. As danger closes in, Owen steps out of the shadows to protect her, and a slow-burning connection sparks into something deeper.

Set against the soulful backdrop of Nashville, this heartwarming romantic suspense blends ”wrongfully accused,” “slow burn romance,” and ”protective hero” tropes into a story of courage, trust, and unexpected love.

As Daisy and Owen dig deeper into a dangerous conspiracy, they’ll have to risk everything—including their hearts—to uncover the truth.

* Unauthorized is the prequel novella to book one in Sherri’s The Silas Holcomb Legacy series, coming out in the fall of 2025.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sherri Wilson Johnson writes romantic suspense from her home in Georgia where she lives with her husband, their two dogs and spoiled Bombay cat. Sherri loves spending time with family, vacationing at the beach, reading or working on her current work-in-progress. She dreams of a second home on some beach somewhere some day, where she can plot romantically suspenseful novels around the clock.

 

 

 




More from Sherri

When I started dreaming up the Silas Holcomb Legacy series, I knew I didn’t want to write about traditional heroes and heroines. You know the type—confident, charismatic, effortlessly brave. Instead, I wanted to explore the quieter, quirkier people we often overlook. The dependable coworker. The quiet thinker in the back of the meeting room. The ones who aren’t flashy or bold or naturally brave. The ones who doubt themselves more than they should. The ones who never imagined they’d find themselves at the center of a high-stakes mystery… or a love story.

That’s the heart of The Silas Holcomb Legacy series, and specifically the vibe you’ll feel in Unauthorized, the prequel novella. Daisy and Owen are the kinds of people who don’t usually get the spotlight—but should.

Daisy is a sharp-minded budget analyst working in the competitive corporate world of Nashville. She’s smart, driven, and meticulous—but doesn’t exactly stand out in a room. (Well, to Owen—the quiet, nerdy guy from IT—she does, but she doesn’t know that!) After the recent death of her estranged grandfather, she’s emotionally raw and not at all ready to play detective. But when she stumbles across an embezzlement scheme and someone tries to frame her for it, she’s forced to step into a role she never imagined: the one who solves the mystery.

And she doesn’t do it alone.

Owen is not your typical romantic lead—he knows more about server logs than small talk. He’s not suave, he’s not smooth, but he’s steady and loyal and brilliant in all the ways that matter. Together, they dig into the company’s secrets, unravel a trail of deception, and prove that you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to change the story.

This story is about rising to the occasion, even when you don’t feel like the kind of person who’s supposed to save the day. It’s about finding strength when you’d rather hide. About realizing you were never a side character—you were just waiting for your moment to lead.

And yes, it’s about love that grows not from charm or swagger, but from courage and kindness. Daisy and Owen prove that sometimes, the least likely heroes are exactly the ones we need. Their journey is close to my heart, and I hope their story encourages readers to believe in their own quiet kind of brave.

And the most exciting part? This is the first book in a thrilling and mysterious new series that brings an estranged family back together. Will they stay together? Well, you’ll have to stay tuned for the rest of the series to find out!

I can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Sherri

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 21

Stories By Gina, October 22 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, October 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, October 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool , October 25

Simple Harvest Reads, October 26 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Guild Master, October 30 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 31 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 1

Fiction Book Lover, November 2 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 3 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, November 3

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Sherri giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d281/unauthorized-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Hidden Legacy (A Ford Family Ranch: Book Two) by June Foster



About the Book



Book: The Hidden Legacy (A Ford Family Ranch: Book Two)

Author: June Foster

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Austin Ford has inherited the weight of his family’s legacy, overseeing the sprawling Ford Ranch as his father steps back and his siblings forge their own paths. But when his beloved horse, Jack, falls gravely ill, Austin calls upon the new veterinarian in town, igniting a chain of events that will change everything.

Dr. Willow Lawson, a skilled veterinarian, is stunned when she first lays eyes on Austin Ford. The young, handsome rancher is the spitting image of her deceased husband, a shock that causes her to faint right in the horse barn. Determined to overcome the haunting memories, Willow throws herself into her work, even as her heart begins to stir for the charismatic rancher.

As Austin grapples with the strange, unexplained holes appearing on the North Pasture, he is drawn into a deeper mystery. Night flights over the ranch reveal flashing lights in the darkness, suggesting the holes are no mere animal burrows.

Amidst this growing unease, Austin and Willow’s budding relationship is tested when her clinic is vandalized, leaving her devastated and out of work. The attacks seem to be more than random acts of violence, especially when Austin’s father recounts tales of buried gold hidden on the ranch by their ancestor, Great Grandfather Jeremiah, during the Great Depression.

With prowlers encroaching on his land and his desire to protect Willow intensifying, Austin must navigate the treacherous waters of old family secrets and new-found love. Together, can Austin and Willow unravel the mystery threatening their lives and find solace in each other’s arms? Or will the shadows of the past and present prove too formidable to overcome?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June began writing Christian romance in 2010 as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who encounter real-life difficulties yet live victorious lives. She’s published with Winged Publications.

June is active in her church and her ladies’ fellowship group. She enjoys writing devotionals as well as fiction. She frequently attends writers’ conferences such as Blue Lake Writers’ Conference and Florida Christian Writers Conference.

Her novel, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, won the 2021 Selah award for Romantic Suspense. It is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook format. In 2023, June won the Ames Award for her book Christmas at Cranberry Cove, book three in the same series.

More from June

If you love fields of Texas bluebonnets, rolling hills dotted with woolly sheep, and good-looking cowboys, you won’t want to miss The Hidden Heritage.

Veterinarian Willow Lawson never expected to faint the first time she laid eyes on Austin Ford—the ruggedly handsome owner of the Ford Ranch. But their unexpected meeting is only the beginning.

When strange holes appear in the Back Pasture, Willow and Austin join forces to uncover who—or what—is behind the digging. As danger closes in and their lives are threatened, a bond forms between them, stronger than either expected.

But just as love begins to bloom, a shocking revelation from the past threatens to tear them apart. What secret lies buried at the Ford Ranch—and can love survive its unearthing?

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Stories By Gina, October 24 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, October 25

Patti Wolf, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Guild Master, October 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

For Him and My Family, October 29

Fiction Book Lover, October 30 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Bizwings Blog, November 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 3 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews, November 3

Cover Lover Book Review, November 4

Pause for Tales, November 5

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, June is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d284/the-hidden-legacy-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

The Hidden Legacy is the second installment from June Foster's series, A Ford Family Ranch. Since I have not read the previous book in the series, I believe this one can easily be read as a stand alone. I really loved getting to know Austin and Willow. I enjoyed taking this adventurous mystery with them and finding out how it would all end for them. I thought it was a great read.

I would give The Hidden Legacy one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean Romantic Suspense. I would love to read the previous book from A Ford Family Ranch series, The Novice Ranch Hand, as well as, upcoming installments. 

I received a digital copy of June Foster's The Hidden Legacy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Friday, October 31, 2025

Spotlight and Giveaway: The Daughter of Shiloh (Enduring Hope Book Three) by Terri J Haynes



About the Book



Book: The Daughter of Shiloh (Enduring Hope Book Three)

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: October 1, 2025

A Stampede Tramples Hopes

Collect a series of six historical romances. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Lealie Bevard, a determined Tuskegee Institute student, attends the Shiloh Baptist Church convention in Birmingham on September 19, 1902, to request a scholarship for continued education at Harvard. But a beautiful gathering turns tragic when a stampede breaks out and Lealie is injured. While convalescing at the home of fellow Tuskegee student Milton Rafferty, Lealie’s concerns for her future are set aside to help Milton uncover a mystery revolving around missing church funds and a possible murder. Perhaps a pause in Lealie’s well-laid plans can be used for good and lead to love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.

Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include: Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly.

Terri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.

More from Terri

Growing up in inner-city Baltimore as the fourth daughter of five, money was always tight. Each school year, my mother paid for one field trip because that was all she could afford. With only one shot, I had to pick wisely.

I choose museums every year.

Some years, it was the Walter’s Art Gallery. Others, The Baltimore Museum of Art. I passed up the amusement parks and sports games to go walk through history. My history walking hasn’t changed now that I’m an adult. If I’m traveling, I’m always checking to see what museums are nearby.

History, for me, isn’t just about learning about old things. It’s about learning about old struggles, victories, and modern applications of those things. When I first learned about the Shiloh Baptist Church disaster, it struck me as horrifying and hopeless. As I began to research, however, I saw that this moment in history had a lesson to teach.

The Shiloh Baptist Church stampede is a story of resilience. It gives a snapshot of people, in the worst moment of their lives, figuring out how to move forward. I was moved by the community coming together to care for the victims, many of them total strangers. How local business owners donated to the care of strangers or to cover funeral costs.

History walking informs. It showed me, from a young age, strength and hope. It taught me lessons from ancient texts that helped me through the dark days I encountered in my personal life while writing this book. I wrote this book informed by history that I could face hard times because others did decades ago.

So if you are feeling like there are hard days ahead for you, do a little history walking. Hit the museums or the books. Learn history’s lessons. They are rich and priceless.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

For Him and My Family, November 4

Devoted To Hope, November 5

Stories By Gina, November 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 6

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Book Butterfly in Dreamland , November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 9

Pause for Tales, November 10

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 12 (Author Interview)

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d288/the-daughter-of-shiloh-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Book Series Tour and Giveaway: Survival (Book Two The After Series) by J Taylor


 

Book Details:

​Book TitleSURVIVAL (Book Two The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  January 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, based on the definitions given by ireads, the two teenage characters do kiss​
Book Description:

In the wilderness of Nova Scotia, Charlotte and Anna confront the formidable challenges of survival such as finding food, building a shelter, and establishing a new life. Their bond is tested, however, when an unknown individual enters the scene, potentially driving a wedge between them. As tensions rise, a catastrophic event further complicates their situation, leading to a separation that leaves them struggling to reunite.

Book Two of The After Series explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the harsh realities of survival, highlighting both the strength of Charlotte and Anna’s connection and the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart.
Next in This Continuing Series:

Book Details:

​Book TitleTHE INVASION (Book Three The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  July 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, based on the definitions given by ireads, the two teenage characters do kiss​
Book Description:

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.

Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits. 

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.
Meet the Author:

J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories. 

Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram goodreads



My Review

I enjoyed reading the first book from J Taylor's The After series, which was, also called The After. I wanted to keep reading the series to see what happens next. I was happy to have the opportunity to the second installment, Survival. I do want to caution fellow readers that since this is a series, it would be best to start off with book one, The After, for a better reading experience. Once again, I was hooked with Charlotte and Anna’s story. It was great catching up with them in Nova Scotia and seeing what is going on in their world now. I loved taking this adventure with the two that included action, mystery, suspense, and danger. They were faced with unexpected challenges that I wanted to see how resilient they would be to survive. I admired their bond and determination. Even though I am not the targeted audience as an adult, I still greatly enjoyed the book. 

I am going to give Survival a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe that fans and lovers of Middle Grade / Young Adult / Dystopian Fiction will not want to miss out on reading this one. I am eager to get my hands on the next installment of The After series, The Invasion, to see what is in store for Charlotte. 

I received a digital copy of J Taylor’s Survival from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Spotlight and Giveaway: Defending You by Robin Patchen



About the Book



Book: Defending You

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2025

She stumbled onto a deadly secret. The man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive.

Cecilia “Cici” Wright has built a life she loves as a jewelry appraiser. But when her latest find—a priceless ruby necklace—links to decades-old murders in her hometown of Shadow Cove, Cici becomes the target of ruthless killers. Forced to flee for her life, she must rely on the man she humiliated in the most shameful moment of her life.

Asher Rhodes puts his Navy SEAL training to good use as a bodyguard for high-paying clients. Keeping his emotions locked away is the secret to his strength. But Cici Wright isn’t just a client—she’s the girl who scorned him, the last woman in the world he ever wanted to see again. Having her close churns up all the reasons he once loved her. Protecting her means facing not just the killers chasing them but the wounds she left behind.

Cici and Asher find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where trust is their only weapon and attraction their greatest vulnerability. With time running out, they must overcome their painful history and work together to defeat their enemies—before it’s too late.

Don’t miss Defending You, book 7 in Robin Patchen’s Wright Heroes of Maine series. Packed with heart-pounding suspense, sizzling romance, and unforgettable characters, you won’t be able to put this one down.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Coventry Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while homeschooling her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.



More from Robin

Meet Cici Wright: The Relatable Heroine of Defending You

There’s nothing I love more than crafting a heroine who feels like a friend—someone to root for, cry with, and cheer on as she faces impossible odds. In Defending You, the seventh book in my Wright Heroes of Maine series, that heroine is Cici Wright. She’s a jewelry appraiser with a sharp eye for gems, a heart full of courage, and a quiet struggle that I think many of us can relate to: the need to prove she matters.

A Woman on a Mission

Cici Wright is the middle daughter of five girls, and if you’ve read the earlier books in the series, you know her older sisters, Alyssa and Brooklynn, have come through some difficult times—and proved themselves not just capable but heroic.

When we meet Cici in Defending You, she’s doing what she loves: traveling from city to city and gazing into some of the world’s most precious gems. But beneath her confident exterior lies a woman who feels the weight of her sisters’ accomplishments and wonders if she’ll ever measure up.

Who hasn’t felt the pressure to prove themselves—whether to family, friends, or even their own inner critic? Cici’s journey begins when she discovers a long-lost necklace tied to a decades-old crime. Her decision to protect it sets off a chain of events that thrusts her into danger, forcing her to confront not just external threats but her own insecurities.

Strength in Vulnerability

What I love most about Cici is how her strength shines through her vulnerability. She’s a woman who loves beauty, who finds joy in the sparkle of a well-cut diamond, and who’s suddenly caught in a deadly game with rules she’s never learned. Despite her lack of training, Cici manages to keep herself alive long enough to get help.

Cici’s resourcefulness proves that heroism doesn’t always come from training or experience; sometimes, it’s born from sheer determination and a refusal to give up.

Enter Asher Rhodes, the bodyguard tasked with keeping her safe. Their history—his high school crush was crushed by the most humiliating moment of his life—adds layers to their dynamic. I loved writing their reunion, which is filled with tension, a little humor, and a slow-burn romance that I hope will leave you swooning.

Cici’s not afraid to call Asher out when he’s being overbearing—which she thinks is pretty much all the time. But she learns to trust him…for the most part.

A Journey We All Understand

For Cici, the story is about more than surviving danger; it’s about discovering her own worth. She starts desperate to distinguish herself, to be seen as more than the other Wright sister. By the end, she’s learned that her value doesn’t come from outshining others but from embracing who she is—flaws, fears, and all. It’s a journey I think many of us can relate to, whether we’re chasing a career goal, navigating family expectations, or simply trying to find our place in the world.

As I wrote Cici’s story, I thought about the readers who’ve told me they see themselves in my heroines. Cici’s not perfect—she’s stubborn, a little impulsive, and sometimes lets her pride get in the way. But she’s also fiercely loyal, quick-thinking, and willing to risk everything for what’s right. She’s the kind of heroine who reminds us that courage doesn’t mean being fearless but acting despite the fear.

Join Cici’s Adventure

Defending You is a story of heart-pounding suspense, a romance that sparks amidst danger, and a heroine who discovers her own strength when it matters most. If you’ve ever felt the need to prove yourself or wondered if you’re enough, Cici Wright’s journey will resonate with you. And if you love a good mix of action, mystery, and a love story that grows through trust and second chances, I think you’ll fall for Cici and Asher as much as I did.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

The Mommies Reviews, November 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5

Stories By Gina, November 5

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Blogging With Carol, November 7

Holly’s Book Corner, November 8

Book Looks by Lisa, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 9

Blossoms and Blessings, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 12

Bizwings Blog, November 12

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Capturing You!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d28b/defending-you-celebration-tour-giveaway