Title: Forever Home by Hope Toler Dougherty
Pages: 300
Genre: Christian fiction, romance
Publisher: Scrivenings Press (Aug. 16, 2022)
Summary
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 revaluate 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?
*I received a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
This was such a sweet and wholesome read! Forever Home by Hope Toler Dougherty is a book filled with encouragement, new beginnings, and hope for the future.
Read More
Hello everyone and happy October! I love this time of year. From the changing leaves to pumpkin everything and, of course, all the spooky and festive, seasonal reads.
For some added, spooky season fun, I’ve decided to take part in the Hocus Pocus readathon. I’ve participated in the past, but it’s been a few years, so I am super excited to be able to participate again. This year I am signing up to be on Team Sanderson Sisters! The readathon started October 1st, and I’m just late to posting this, but I’ve already started reading. 😂
So, here are the prompts for my team, and here are the books I plan to read this October!
Read More
Title: The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
Pages: 336
Genre: romance, contemporary fiction
Publisher: Random House (Apr. 26, 2022)
Summary
Is it ever too late to leave the friend-zone?
Hi, my name is Bree Camden, and I’m hopelessly in love with my best friend and star quarterback Nathan Donelson (so is half of America, judging by the tabloids and how much the guy dates). The first step is admitting, right? Except, I can never admit it to him because he clearly doesn’t see me that way, and the last thing I want is for things to get weird between us.
Nothing but good old-fashioned, no-touching-the-sexiest-man-alive, platonic friendship for us! Everything is exactly how I like it! Yes. Good. (I’m not crying, I’m just peeling an onion.)
Our friendship is going swimmingly until I accidentally spill my beans to a reporter over too much tequila, and now the world seems to think me and Nathan belong together. Oh, and did I mention we have to date publicly for three weeks until after the Super Bowl because we signed a contract with…oops, forgot I can’t tell anyone about that!
Bottom line is, now my best friend is smudging all the lines and acting very un-platonic, and I’m just trying to keep my body from bursting into flames every time he touches me.
How am I going to make it through three weeks of fake dating Nathan without anything changing between us? Especially when it almost-sort-a-kinda seems like he’s fighting for a completely different outcome?
Send help.
XO Bree
What a fun book! The Cheat Sheet was the 3rd Sarah Adams book I’ve read and I think it’s safe to say now that she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! From the writing to the romance, the banter, and the fake dating…it was all just *chef’s kiss* perfection. I loved everything about this book.
I’m always a sucker for the fake dating and friends-to-lovers tropes, and Sarah Adams blended them both so well. I love how Bree and Nathan truly were friends first. The support and genuine love for each other – even before “more than friends” began is really what made them a great couple. It was about more than just chemistry. There was a lot of chemistry though. The Cheat Sheet is a closed door romance, so there is no explicit spice, but it does not skimp on the sizzle!
Another thing I loved about this one was Bree’s passion for dance. After a career-ending injury, Bree now owns a dance studio and her goal is to keep it accessible and affordable. As most of you know, I love ballet, so I loved this aspect.
Also, with it being the start of football season, and Nathan being a professional football player, I feel like there’s no better time than now to start reading The Cheat Sheet! If you love romance or are looking for a fun and quick read, look no further. You won’t regret it!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Shadowcast by Crystal D. Grant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Shadowcast
Series: The Gateway Trilogy
Author: Crystal D. Grant
Publisher: Quill and Flame Publishing
Release Date: September 20, 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance (Clean)
He has known nothing but darkness for years. Now it’s time to let it consume him. After witnessing the brutal death of his brother at the hands of the Steward Knights, Mason Grey turns to vengeance. Using his Gifts to read and control the minds of others, he climbs the ranks of the Dark Army, determined to earn the coveted Shadowstone-a powerful tool against the light-wielding Stewards. But when he is wounded in battle, he finds himself recovering in the home of a chatty peasant girl…without the use of his Gifts. Even worse, the girl mistakes him for one of the Stewards he despises. Seria Gayle longs to be seen as more than the town washerwoman. When she finds an injured Steward in the woods, she welcomes the chance to use her healing skills and hopes it will earn her some respect. But as she nurses the sullen stranger back to health, she discovers he is nothing like the knights she has long admired. When Mason’s true identity is revealed, Seria is devastated and humiliated. But she is offered a chance at redemption by the very prince that Mason hates. Now Mason struggles between two choices: accept the Shadowstone to avenge his brother or pursue this newfound light in the form of a peasant girl. With time running out and war looming, will Mason and Seria defy their own convictions for a chance at love or stand against one another like they’ve sworn to do?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
*I received an e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
What a wild ride Shadowcast took me on! I’m not always a huge fantasy reader, but this story drew me in from the very first chapter and kept me hooked until the very end!
This is a story filled with hope, redemption, and the power of good versus evil. The characters are so well-developed and the plot just kept getting better and better. If you’re a fan of slow burn romances or enemies to lovers, I think you will enjoy this one a lot!
Another thing that felt refreshing about Shadowcast is that while it is definitely a romantasy, it is a closed-door, spice-free romance. This book would be a great alternative to fans of Fourth Wing who are looking for something similar with less graphic content. I also found the parallels between Lambient and God to be really interesting and beautiful.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. The ending of Shadowcast left me very eager for the sequel. If you enjoy fantasy, I think you will love this one!
About the Author
Crystal D. Grant is a daydreamer who adores freshly-baked cookies and anything with fur or feathers. During the day, she strives to instill a love of books and learning within her young students. As a hearing-impaired, home-school graduate, she found her voice in writing and has had multiple short stories and poems published. When she’s not reading or writing stories that sweep her away to another time and place, she watches classic movies and TV shows that do the same. Or she works on jigsaw puzzles. Crystal currently resides in smalltown Missouri, where she is always looking for space for another scented candle.
Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalgrantauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win a signed copy of Shadowcast, book swag, and exclusive color art from the book!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 25, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Enter Giveaway https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Positively, Penelope
Series: Skymar #2
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 1, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Told mostly through letters, texts, and email, this contemporary romance will charm its way into hearts as Penelope rescues a theater and discovers her true self in the process.
Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage.
Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine.
With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s.
Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub
*I received a free e-copy of this book. A big thank you to the publisher and JustRead Tours! All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Let me first start by saying, this was just such a fun read! From the plot, to the characters, to all the fun, pop culture references, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Going into this one, I did not realize Positively, Penelope was a sequel. So, I admit, I was a bit confused trying to figure out who all the characters were at first. Once I got that down, however, I really enjoyed this one. I do plan to read book one, Authentically, Izzy, which is about Penelope’s cousin, at some point to see if there was anything I missed out on. That being said, it was clear that this book, while a sequel, was still very much its own, independent story.
With most of the book written in texts and emails, I found the format to be so enjoyable and it really helped the characters come to life and feel personal to me. By the end of the novel, I truly felt like an old friend was writing to me about the details of their life. The characters are truly the best part of this novel! I loved how uplifting and positive Penelope was. I found little Iris to be so adorable as well and found Penelope sneaking princess things into her life to be so funny. I love the grumpy-sunshine trope that Matt and Penelope bring to this story. They are now one of my favorite couples who fall under that trope.
Overall, Positively, Penelope was such an endearing read. If you’re a fan of closed-door romances or are simply looking for a book that will boost your mood and make you smile, this is the book for you!
More Books in this Series
About the Author
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Authentically, Izzy, $20 Amazon gift card, and a Peter Pan mug!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 2, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Enter Giveaway
https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Title: The Nice Guy by Abi Sabina
Pages: 327
Genre: romance, contemporary
Publisher: self-published (Apr. 20th, 2023)
Summary
Here’s my advice: Never fall for your boss when he is a walking red flag.
After finding out that my boyfriend cheated on me, I packed my bags and moved to Sunshine Falls.
My uncle’s ready to retire, and he has always dreamed of me taking over his partnership at the animal clinic in town.
My surprise comes when he introduces me to my new partner, and it’s the cute guy I was talking to at the coffee shop.
It’s okay, though. I’m not looking for a relationship. My priorities are my career and starting over.
Ivan and I clash at every turn, and our transition is anything but smooth. Throw in the exotic animals that keep showing up, and I think we’re doomed.
The one thing we can agree on is to make my uncle proud.
When Ivan starts to open up to me, it’s difficult to ignore my feelings. Throw in turtle-shelled glasses, and I’m putty.
I’m tempted to break my rule, but I know the consequences that come with dating a co-worker, and I won’t go through that again.
*I received a free e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Abi Sabina has done it again! 👏🏼 After loving her previous book series, Meet Cute, I jumped at the chance to review her latest book. If you like sassy characters, animals, and sweet closed-door romances, you need to read The Nice Guy.
Read More
Title: Meet Hate by Abi Sabina
Pages: 269
Genres: romance, contemporary
Publisher: self-published (Jan. 19th, 2023)
Summary
If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that I’ll do anything to prevent some suit from walking onto my family farm and buying it from us.
Hayes may think he can show up at our home, fling a contract in my face, and I’ll drop to my knees and thank him for saving the day, but he’s got it all wrong.
Even if it means Hayes has to spend more time on the farm, sleeping in the bedroom next to me, and almost getting a limb cut off.
When I learn that Hayes needs his job to care for his nephew, I see a different side to the grumpy businessman and understand his motives. He may be the enemy, but soon I can’t deny the chemistry that sizzles between us.
But his boss gives him an ultimatum to finalize the sale or get fired, and I make the greatest sacrifice of my life and sign the contract so he can raise his nephew right. Even if it means losing the man I love.
Meet Hate is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com with crackling chemistry full of laughs and heart set on a dairy farm. All the tension without the explicit bits. It’s the third book in the Meet Cute Series, but it can be read as a standalone.
*I received a free e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
After loving Abi Sabina’s other book, Meet Again, I was so excited to have the opportunity to read the latest addition to the Meet Cute series. I’m so happy to say that Meet Hate did not disappoint!
Read More
Title: Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti]
Pages: 351
Genres: historical fiction, mystery, Christian fiction
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press (Mar. 14, 2023)
Summary
She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.
Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. When her identity comes under threat of exposure, she must choose between running once more or helping the man who teaches her to hope again.
First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, can David put aside his own struggles in time to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both?
*I received a gifted e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Confessions to a Stranger was such an engaging and suspenseful read. When Adaleigh comes to Crow’s Nest she’s on the run for unknown reasons. She then meets David, a guy with family troubles of his own. I loved the connection they shared and the respect they had for each other. All the characters in this book are so well done and I truly felt a connection while reading. I really loved the “found family” vibe that much of David’s family gave to Adaleigh.
The mystery and suspense in this novel was so well done. There were some moments that had me on the edge of my seat and I could not stop reading until I found out what happened. Figuring out a murder, alongside the suspense of Adaleigh’s past left me hooked the entire read through.
This historical fiction novel has a little bit of everything. The mystery is intriguing. The romance is sweet. The coastal town setting is so perfect.
This is my first Danielle Grandinetti book but I definitely plan to read more of her books in the future. I love her writing style and cannot wait for the sequel! If you’re a fan of historical fiction and exciting mysteries, I definitely would recommend reading Confessions to A Stranger!
It’s Top Ten Tuesday – a weekly bookish list hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week’s topic is:
SPRING TBR
Springtime always has me looking for beautiful and memorable reads. With flowers blooming outside it makes me want to read books with flowery writing and a storyline that really draws me in. I also love to read lighthearted romances that really make you feel like love is “in bloom.” And yes, I actually do think in puns like that. 😂
So, without further ado, here’s the top ten books that I want to read this spring:
Read More
Title: The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
Pages: 304
Genres: YA, contemporary, romance, time travel
Publisher: Simon & Schuyler Books for Young Readers (Nov. 15th, 2022)
Summary
After living through a dumpster fire of a Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornby escapes to her grandmother’s house for some comfort and a consolation pint of Ben & Jerry’s. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she’s back home in her own bed—and it’s Valentine’s Day all over again. And the next day? Another nightmare V-Day.
Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can’t wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheat on her day after day. In addition to Josh’s recurring infidelity, Emilie can’t get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into—sometimes literally—in unfortunate ways.
How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?
I am such a sucker for time loop books and movies. Add in some romance and the fun of a holiday and I am absolutely sold! After seeing so much love for this one on Bookstagram, I decided I had no choice but to read it. The Do-Over ending up being even better than I expected!
Read More
the calico books 