Thursday, December 22, 2022

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Book, Chapter, and Vows by Chautona Havig and Christa DelSorbo

About the Book


Book: 
Book, Chapter, & Vows

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: September, 2022

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.
So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

This Breakers Head novel is Chautona Havig’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

 

 

 

 


About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

 

Blog Stops

By the Book, December 16

deb’s Book Review, December 17 (Spotlight)

Beckie Writes, December 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 18

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, December 19

Texas Book-aholic, December 20

Inklings and notions, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 23

Britt Reads Fiction, December 24

For Him and My Family, December 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 27

Holly’s Book Corner, December 28

Mary Hake, December 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a code for the audiobook!!

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/23238/book-chapter-vows-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Book, Chapter, & Vows is Chautona Havig’s contribution for the Breakers Head part from the Independence Islands series. It is just what I would expect from this author. She knows how to write sweet and true to life stories that keeps me engaged. This one is no different. I enjoyed Mallory and Benjamin’s tale. I loved getting to know them and had to keep reading until I have read the very last page.

The Last Gasp is narrated by Christa DelSorbo. Her performance on bringing this tale to life is superb. She made it so easy to continue to keep listening and she did a wonderful job. Her voice is a perfect addition to the book.

I am giving Book, Chapter, & Vows four and a half stars. Readers who enjoy reading quick, sweet, and clean romantic fiction will want to snatch this one up. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Breakers Head series, Melissa Wardwell’s Delicious Devotion.

I received a digital copy of Book, Chapter, & Vows from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Armadas in the Mist by Christian Klaver


 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  Armadas in the Mist (Empire of the House of Thorns series - Book Three) by Christian Klaver
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  332 pages
GenreYA Fantasy 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating: PG. It's very clean.
Book Description:

The Black Shuck’s forces gather just beyond the mist . . .

Captain Justice Kasric knows how complicated family can be. The escalating Human-Faerie war has scattered and wounded her siblings and transformed her parents beyond recognition. After narrowly escaping yet another dangerous clash, fifteen-year-old Justice has had enough. She’s determined to defeat the Black Shuck, the mysterious leader controlling the Faerie invasion of London, but if Justice hopes to stand a chance at victory, she’ll have to do the impossible: reunite her family and lead them against the looming Faerie Armada.

​With her mother and brother at the helm of the enemy fleet, and the prophesized Seven Virtues slipping out of reach, Justice more than has her work cut out for her. Even if she can save England, the cost may be higher than she’s willing to pay.
Buy the Book:
CamCat Books

Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound BookShop
Audible 
(coming soon)
add to goodreads

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Review: Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it's only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny--not knowing that she'll be working for her idol, Joplin's leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.

Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny--she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What's worse, Maxfield's current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder's work.

As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive's involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?



My Review: 

Engaging Deception is the third installment from Regina Jennings’ delightful series, The Joplin Chronicles. Even though this is part of a series, it can still be read as a stand alone. I loved the first two books from the series, Courting Misfortune and Proposing Mischief, and was far from being disappointed reading this one. It was such an amusing tale that had my giggling throughout and my heart warmed with Olive and Maxfield’s story. Such a wonderfully written book that is amusing and inspiring. Loved it.

I am giving Engaging Deception a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and fun historical romance. As always, I am eagerly awaiting to find out what else Regina Jennings has in store for her readers and characters in her upcoming releases.

I received a paperback copy of Engaging Deception from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive one. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Waiting on the Tides by Tabitha Bouldin

About the Book


Book: 
Waiting on the Tides

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 29, 2022

People are more than the sum of their mistakes.

After a life lived in her older brother’s shadow, Abby Solomon is ready to take on the world—or at least a teaching position that puts her face to face with the one guy who thinks she’s nothing more than an immature nuisance.

When his daughter’s mother abandoned them, Christian Johnson swore off women and the trouble they bring. No wife—no drama. Just how he likes it.  But as Christian struggles to juggle his job as a cop with raising his daughter and tracking down a runaway teen, he’s forced to ask the one woman who reminds him of his wife for help.

Abby is thrilled with the opportunity to show Christian that there’s more to her than what he thinks. But just as Christian begins to trust Abby, she makes a colossal mistake that threatens to ruin everything.

She just wanted to be accepted.

He wanted to be left alone.

It’ll take a runaway teen to show them that love is not measured by a single mistake.

This Breakers Head novel is Tabitha Bouldin’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. Tabitha spent ten years working as a Medical Assistant before God opened the door which allowed her to become a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom and author.

 

More from Tabitha

I knew by the second story I wrote for the Independence Islands series that Christian needed his own book. I put him off until the end because we had a lot to unpack with his character. He’s a single dad who will do anything to keep his daughter from feeling the sting of abandonment. He’s also determined not to allow another woman into his life out of fear that she’ll leave them and break his daughter’s heart. He’s not worried about his own, since he considers himself too calloused to care.

I needed a heroine who was strong and fearless, and a little bit of sunshine to his grump. She also needed to push against the constraints Christian made in a way that by the time he figured out he cared it was too late to go back. Nothing could ever be the same for him.

Enter Abby.

Some of you may remember her from book one, Mishaps off the Mainland. Zeke’s little sister is fresh out of college with all of the world before her, and all she wants is to make a difference for the children she teaches. When the child most in need of her attention happens to be Christian’s daughter, sparks fly.

Writing Abby and Christian’s story was equal parts humor and angst, but I love the message running under the romance. Expectation is not reality. What you think you know about someone because of their age or the way they look is not truth. Truth lingers in the details, in the actions and the small, everyday things that are often overlooked.

Christian had to learn to look deeper, and in the writing of his character, so did I.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

lakesidelivingsite, December 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 14

By the Book, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Sylvan Musings, December 16

She Lives To Read, December 17

Inklings and notions, December 18

Holly’s Book Corner, December 18

deb’s Book Review, December 19

Sodbuster Living, December 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20

Aryn the Libraryan, December 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 22

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 24

Simple Harvest Reads, December 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, December 25

Blossoms and Blessings, December 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/2305a/waiting-on-the-tides-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Waiting on the Tides is Tabitha Bouldin’s contribution to the Breakers Head part from the multi author Independence Islands series. I really liked reading this author’s books and this one is no different. I enjoyed reading Abby and Christian’s story and getting to know them. I thought it was a delightful tale to read that so many readers can relate with. I loved every single page from start to finish. It was so easy to read in one sitting.

I am giving Waiting on the Tides five stars. Readers who enjoy reading quick, sweet, and clean romantic fiction will want to snatch this one up. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Breakers Head series, Carolyn Miller’s Refining Josie.

I received a digital copy of Waiting on the Tides 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: Justice At Sea by Christian Klaver


 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  Armadas in the Mist (Empire of the House of Thorns series - Book Three) by Christian Klaver
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  332 pages
GenreYA Fantasy 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating: PG. It's very clean.
Book Description:

The Black Shuck’s forces gather just beyond the mist . . .

Captain Justice Kasric knows how complicated family can be. The escalating Human-Faerie war has scattered and wounded her siblings and transformed her parents beyond recognition. After narrowly escaping yet another dangerous clash, fifteen-year-old Justice has had enough. She’s determined to defeat the Black Shuck, the mysterious leader controlling the Faerie invasion of London, but if Justice hopes to stand a chance at victory, she’ll have to do the impossible: reunite her family and lead them against the looming Faerie Armada.

​With her mother and brother at the helm of the enemy fleet, and the prophesized Seven Virtues slipping out of reach, Justice more than has her work cut out for her. Even if she can save England, the cost may be higher than she’s willing to pay.
Buy the Book:
CamCat Books

Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound BookShop
Audible 
(coming soon)
add to goodreads

Monday, December 19, 2022

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Forever Home by Hope Toler Dougherty

About the Book

Book: Forever Home

Author: Hope Toler Dougherty

Genre: Sweet Romance/Christian Fiction

Release date: August 16, 2022

With a fulfilling job and a home of her own, former foster child, Merritt Hastings, relishes her stable, respectable life. Dreaming for more is a sure way for heartache. When a contested will turns her world upside down, she must reevaluate what’s important to her, what’s worth fighting for, and what’s worth sacrificing.

Patience has never been Sam Daniels’ strong suit with his history of acting quickly and asking questions later, and he’s ready for changes in his life…now. Too bad the plans for acquiring a radio station didn’t include a contract. Now he’s out of a job, out of a radio station, and out of prospects.

While his life is in flux, at least he can help Merritt steady hers, or will he rush in and overstep …again?

Will the sparks flying between these two opposites lead to a happily-ever-after or heartbreak for both?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her novels include Irish EncounterMars…With Venus Rising, Rescued Hearts, Forever Music, and Forever Home. Her recent novella, “A Hatteras Surprise,” appears in Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams and is also available as a standalone novel. She and her husband delight in visits with their two daughters and twin sons.

 

More from Hope

When I introduced the Daniels family in Forever Music, the first story in the Forever Series, I wrote about Josie, the little sister. I wanted to write about her brother Sam next, but after about eight chapters, the words stopped flowing and then the pandemic struck. Instead of writing during lockdown, I cleaned out closets, crocheted mask bands, and perfected a killer sourdough loaf.

 

I wanted to write. I tried to write. I loved Sam and wanted to discover his story, but…nothing.

When my publisher offered a slot in a novella collection, I pushed Sam to the back of my mind and wrote about his older brother, Ben. Ben’s story is set on the beautiful Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Check out his romance in A Hatteras Surprise.

 

Sharing Ben’s courtship with Ginny Stowe freed me to get back to Sam and Merritt in Forever Home. Their story highlights foster care, music, friendship, and radio stations.

 

Impatient Sam usually acts first and thinks second. His happy-go-lucky personality chafes Merritt’s stick-with-a-plan attitude. Too bad she needs his help with her livelihood.  They don’t hit it off at first, but both are definitely intrigued with each other.

 

Readers can find subtle Italian references throughout the story. Here’s a favorite recipe friends might find in Merritt’s kitchen. I hope you like it and the story, too!

Orange Pistachio Biscotti

Ingredients:
2 C plain flour                         1 egg white
1 t baking powder                   2 T orange zest
¼ t salt                                    ½-1 C chopped pistachios
1 C sugar                                 1/2 C candied orange bits
2 eggs                                      orange juice, if needed

 

Directions
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a mixing bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs and egg white together, then add to flour mixture. Stir in orange zest, nuts, and orange bits. Mix until dough is smooth. If the dough is too dry, add orange juice a tablespoon at a time.

Flour hands and scoop half the dough onto one side of the cookie sheet prepared with cooking spray. Shape the dough into a 15×3-inch log. Repeat with remaining dough. The logs should be several inches apart.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Tops of the logs should be firm.

Remove to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Cut logs on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick slices. Place the slices, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake for 15 minutes.

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. They will harden as they cool. Yields about 48 cookies depending on size

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, December 14

For Him and My Family, December 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Inklings and notions, December 16

Texas Book-aholic, December 17

Cover Lover Book Review, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Beauty in the Binding, December 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

For the Love of Literature, December 24 (Author Interview)

Susan K. Beatty, Author, December 25 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hope is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, one signed copy of Forever Home, and book swag!

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/23236/forever-home-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Forever Home is the third installment from Hope Toler Dougherty’s Forever series. I enjoyed the first two books, Forever Music and A Hatteras Surprise, and was excited to get my hands on this one. I was not disappointed. I really liked Merritt and Sam’s story. It is one that many readers can relate to the true to life events. I found the book to be a faith filled, inspiring and beautiful tale to read. I love the new beginnings and finding the true importance theme to it. 

I am giving Forever Home four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean romance. I will be looking for more by Hope Toler Dougherty in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Forever Home 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: Shadows Over London by Christian Klaver


 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  Armadas in the Mist (Empire of the House of Thorns series - Book Three) by Christian Klaver
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  332 pages
GenreYA Fantasy 
Publisher:  CamCat Books 
Release date:  November 2022
Content Rating: PG. It's very clean.
Book Description:

The Black Shuck’s forces gather just beyond the mist . . .

Captain Justice Kasric knows how complicated family can be. The escalating Human-Faerie war has scattered and wounded her siblings and transformed her parents beyond recognition. After narrowly escaping yet another dangerous clash, fifteen-year-old Justice has had enough. She’s determined to defeat the Black Shuck, the mysterious leader controlling the Faerie invasion of London, but if Justice hopes to stand a chance at victory, she’ll have to do the impossible: reunite her family and lead them against the looming Faerie Armada.

​With her mother and brother at the helm of the enemy fleet, and the prophesized Seven Virtues slipping out of reach, Justice more than has her work cut out for her. Even if she can save England, the cost may be higher than she’s willing to pay.
Buy the Book:
CamCat Books

Amazon
B&N ~ IndieBound BookShop
Audible 
(coming soon)
add to goodreads