Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Summer to Remember by Lisa Phillips, Andrea Christenson, Rebecca Reed, Gina Conroy, Angela Ruth Strong, Carrie Padgett, Tabitha Bouldin, and Bell Renshaw, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Books
Eight summer novels across 2 volumes. From Christian fiction’s hottest contemporary romance authors.
Title: Bright Lights
Series: A Summer to Remember #1
Authors: Lisa Phillips, Andrea Christenson, Rebecca Reed, Gina Conroy
Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC
Release Date: May 16, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Finally Home – Lisa Phillips Ashlynn Monroe knows she has a reputation as the Ice Queen, but being the police commissioner’s assistant that rep serves her just fine thank you. When her Aunt Ruby comes to visit from Last Chance County on the anniversary of Ashlynn’s mom’s death, neither realizes it’s a week that will alter both their lives in ways they never imagined. Fire Chief Greyson Frayer followed in his father’s footsteps. Saving lives is who he is, but the burn scars he earned along the way seem to have kept him from the life he wants…until he sees a familiar face as if for the first time. Is Ashlynn the future he’s been looking for? With a romance brewing between Russ and Ruby in the background, Adelynn and Greyson discover the future they’ve always wanted. And the chance to finally come home.
Summer at Trillium Lake – Andrea Christenson Privileged Athena Vassos is banished to the family’s lake property near Sunset Falls, WI, to “think about” her place in the family’s multimillion dollar business. She isn’t sure what she wants with her life now that she has finished her graduate degree. At the rustic Trillium Lake Bible Camp, Sean Campbell is overwhelmed. He was only supposed to be the deputy director, not much more than a glorified handyman, not running the whole show. When a devastating tornado rips through the camp, Sean and Athena need to work together despite their differences.
Loving the Rodeo Queen – Rebecca Reed Quinn Mulroney, former rodeo queen, lost it all. Now, she’s dreaming of becoming a veterinarian while caring for her daughter. She’s never forgotten the one man she called hero. Tiago Vargas is seeking his passion, hoping to prove himself to his exacting father. When fate brings Quinn back into his life, he sees a second chance at his first love and offers her a job. But she’s not the same woman he rescued. She carries a secret, and if Tiago discovers it, will he still be her hero, or will her hidden life destroy her last shot at happiness?
Anxious for Love – Gina Conroy Event planner Charlee Lovelle, with a talent for creating perfect moments, except her own, is fed up with online dating games. Australian dating coach Maxwell Adams just wants to help people find love and take his business to the next level, not play the dodgy Love Doctor. Both frustrated with the superficiality of modern relationships, Charlee and Maxwell engage in an emotional game of tug-of-war as they embark on separate paths of self-discovery. In a whirlwind of humor, heart, and unexpected connection, they navigate the complexities of romance and relationships, but will they recognize the pull towards each other or will their own inner struggles keep them apart?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
Title: Starry Nights
Series: A Summer to Remember #2
Authors: Angela Ruth Strong, Carrie Padgett, Tabitha Bouldin, Bell Renshaw
Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC
Release Date: June 6, 2024 Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Out of Play – Angela Ruth Strong When single mom Bex Lemaire is asked to step down as her eight-year-old daughter’s soccer coach for getting too competitive, she’s hoping the new coach will let her assist. Former child star Skylar Hayes agrees to take over the team as research for his comeback role. At first, he mistakes Bex for a raving fan but eventually realizes she’s only crazy about soccer, which gives her the skills needed to train him. She’s all work, while he likes to play, but together, they just might win.
Lauren’s Second Chance – Carrie Padgett Lauren’s Second Chance is a contemporary romance for readers who love sun, sand, and satisfying endings. Lauren and Mason were each other’s first loves, until life broke them apart. A decade later, when the opportunity arises to appear with Mason on a reality show, Lauren is conflicted. She needs this show for what it means to a project near to her heart. But can she keep that heart safe from the man who broke it once? Grab your shades and SPF 30 sunscreen to dive into a reality television dating show story where first love is also forever love.
Her Cowboy Champion – Tabitha Bouldin It’s true that money can’t buy happiness. No one knows that better than Sage Rhett after her boyfriend steals her photography business and leaves her penniless. Heartbroken, faith shattered, she returns to Apple Creek–the last place she called home. Maverick Pierce is used to people seeing him for the money attached to his family name. As a Pierce, he’s afforded anything that money can buy, but the one thing he wants can never be bought. When Sage accepts a job working at the Pierce ranch, Maverick discovers he never stopped loving the fiery cowgirl who broke his heart when she left twelve years ago. If he wants to win her over, he’ll have to do more than flash a little money. This second chance, rags to riches, cowboy romance pits love against responsibility as Sage and Maverick struggle to overcome their history and trust God for a happily ever after.
Love in the Lyrics – Bell Renshaw Liberty “Libby” Taylor has maxed out on space for her equine therapy business. The best way to gain the capital she needs in order to expand requires a bit of subterfuge, but that will also mean pulling one over on her new boss. Singer and songwriter Harland Grey left LA for Winter, Montana in the hopes of finding peace from the demons of his not-so-distant past, but purchasing Melody Ranch may not hold the answers he’s looking for. Thrown together, sparks fly between the two, but will the secrets kept between them finally be what tears them apart?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
*I received a gifted copy of this book. Thank you to the author and publisher! All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
The A Summer to Remember series is made up of eight novellas separated in to two volumes: Bright Lights and Starry Nights. I read the first four novellas that are found in Bright Lights.
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Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Loyally, Luke
Series: Skymar #3
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Sometimes love means embracing the good, the bad. . . and even the impossible. Dear Reader — My name is Luke Edgewood, and there are few things in life that I require. Mainly black coffee. And flannel. And lots of solitude. And my dogs, Chewy and Indie. What I don’t need is romance, so I have no plans to change my thirty-year-old bachelor status anytime soon. But my youngest sister thinks that by accepting a short-term construction job in the small European country of Skymar, that I’m going to follow along in her footsteps and discover my own romantic adventure. Nope. Bah humbug. The End. This time, her rom-com-movie senses are totally wrong. Or maybe not. Because I’ve met a Grace Kelly lookalike who is annoying. . . until she isn’t. But she is impossible. As in, nothing can happen between us because she is a literal princess. Even though that’s easy to forget when we’re working together to restore a castle-like orphanage in a secluded mountain town and “forced proximity” includes a small closet, a secret one-hundred-year-old journal, and the tactile memory of an off-limits royal in my arms. Basically, the whole situation has turned into an ooey gooey magical snow globe of romantic tropes complete with cute kids and an actual ball. Now, even my sentences are starting to sound like mush. Ugh. Send high levels of testosterone my way–I’m going to need it. Loyally, Luke
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub
*I received a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
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Title: Leaning on Air by Cheryl Grey Bostrom
Pages: 352
Genre: literary fiction, Christian fiction
Publisher: Tyndale House Publisher (May 7, 2024)
Summary
They last spoke as teens . . .
But on a country road twelve years later, a surprise encounter reunites ornithologist Celia Burke with veterinary surgeon Burnaby Hayes, and they plunge into the most unusual romance of her life.
After a decade of marriage, Celia and Burnaby have found a unique and beautiful rhythm. Then tragedy strikes while Celia hunts for the nest of a research hawk near the Snake River. Reeling with grief, she’s certain Burnaby won’t understand her anguish or forgive the choice that initiated it.
She flees to kindness at a remote farm in Washington’s Palouse region, where a wild prairie and an alluring neighbor convince her to begin anew. But when unexplained accidents, cryptic sketches, and a mute little boy make her doubt her decision, only a red-tailed hawk and the endangered lives of those she loves can compel her to examine her past—and reconsider her future.
A soaring tale of wonder, loss, redemption, and restoration from Cheryl Grey Bostrom, the award-winning author of Sugar Birds.
*I received a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
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Title: Our Kept Hearts by Tennille Marie
Pages: 354
Genre: historical fiction, coming-of-age
Publisher: Purple Iris Printing LLC (Nov. 2, 2023)
Summary
A heart-warming coming-of-age debut novel where sisters learn that even motherless daughters must grow up and become women one day.
Arkansas, 1953. Nine-year-old Hazel McKay knows little girls need a mother. So, when her mother decides to leave her and her little sister, Ruthie, without any reason except she wants more, Hazel feels like her life is falling apart. With their father working out of town most days, Hazel and Ruthie are left on their own in the little house in the middle of the woods, where they find more than just animals and birds hiding in the forest.
Meanwhile, not far away, ten-year-old Joel lives with his alcoholic father. Caught in a struggle to survive his father’s volatile nature and the desire to satisfy his curiosity about the little girls that live in the house in the woods, Joel finds a world of friendship and love he never knew existed.
Together, the three encounter school dances, heartbreaks, first loves, and a world turned upside down by the threat of nuclear war. With a new beginning on the horizon, Hazel, Ruthie, and Joel find their happiness is in jeopardy when tragedy strikes, and they are forced to make a choice. Bury a secret so deep no one will ever know the truth or lose everything they hold dear.
*I received a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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the calico books 