Category Archives: blog tour

COURTING MISS EMMA by Linda Broday – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

COURTING MISS EMMA
The Hangman’s Daughters, Book 2
by
Linda Broday
Western / Wholesome / Sweet Romance / Historical Fiction
Publisher: Severn House
Date of Publication: November 7, 2023
Number of Pages: 203 pages
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Texas, 1868. Emma Taggart has finally found a place to belong – setting up Heaven’s Door orphanage with her sister Maura was a new beginning for her – and one she will do anything to protect.
When guarded ex-army man Stone Landry buys the neighboring land and moves in – camels and all – Emma’s world changes forever. He is an infuriating man who instantly gets under her skin – in ways she never dreamed possible, and despite herself, Emma starts to wonder if, just maybe, he is man enough to take on a Hangman’s daughter . . . But their newfound connection is quickly tested by violent night raids, kidnappings, and underhand tricks by powerful rancher Zeke Parker, who is intent on running them out of town and taking the land he deems to be his. Can Emma find enough courage to trust in Stone to give her the life, the family, she’s always dreamed of?
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It’s no wonder Linda Broday is my go-to author for Historical Western Romance. She delivers an immensely entertaining read every time. Every. Single. Time. Courting Miss Emma, the second book of her The Hangman’s Daughters series continues Ms. Broday’s long list of excellent books with memorable lead characters, heart-in-your-throat action, unpredictable storylines, despicable villains, and a motley crew of support characters that include children and animals (camels in Texas!). Most importantly, there’s humor to balance all the angst and violence inherent to the subgenre. And, of course, a sweet, wholesome romance.
Life was fleeting at best and a woman had to grab every moment. Emma wanted no regrets when her time came.”
Miss Emma Taggart has to be one of my favorite Linda Broday heroines ever. Not only is she intrepid, caring, capable, and resourceful, but she is also incredibly funny. Her internal musings about possible epitaphs are either poignant or downright hilarious. Morbid perhaps but admirable nevertheless considering a lot of people want her dead just for being the hangman’s daughter. I love that she saves herself from danger and defends her found family with all her might. A true heroine in every sense of the word.
Life doesn’t play fair sometimes … We have to make the best we can of what we’re dealt.”
Stone Landry is a great match for Emma. They have fantastic chemistry and have heavy daddy issues in common. Stone’s character arc is probably the most compelling in this story. From getting pissy about orphans trespassing on his property to becoming a father figure to an abused child. His reflections on being a soldier make this book a fitting read for Veteran’s Day.
She held on to hope despite the odds.”
Another aspect of Linda Broday’s writing I love is the way it transports me to the time and place of her novels. Maybe not the exact time as she herself confessed in the author’s note but certainly in the general vicinity. Incorporating elements like the camels, the canon, the concept of land grabbing, and the presence of the Chili Queens into the story goes a long way toward effectively bringing the setting to life.
She wanted to be someone’s whole world, not just a little piece of it.”
The introduction of a third hangman’s daughter and a tattooed stranger wandering into the orphanage ensures the continuation of this wonderful series and I am super happy about that. I hope I’ll get a chance to read that story in advance as I had both Winning Maura’s Heart and Courting Miss Emma thanks to the publisher and Lone Star Lit.
4 Four-half-stars
I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of western romance novels and short stories. Watching TV westerns during my youth fed my love of cowboys and the old West and they still do. On a still day, I can often hear the voices of American Indians, Comancheros, and early cowboys whispering in the breeze here on the high West Texas plains. We refer to this land as “cowboy” country and men here still ride the range just as cowboys of old. My stories focus on family life and almost all have children.
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FOUR WINNERS:
1st $25 Amazon gift card;
2nd autographed hardcover copy of WINNING MAURA’S HEART;
3rd eBook copy of COURTING MISS EMMA;
4th audiobook of ONE SHOT AT LOVE.
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GOOD TALK … GOOD TALK by Ginny Andrews – Book Blog Tour: Author Interview and Giveaway

GOOD TALK . . . GOOD TALK
by
Ginny Andrews
Nonfiction / Humor / Comedy / Essays
Publisher: Ginny Andrews Comedy, LLC
Date of Publication: October 5, 2023
Number of Pages: 171 pages
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Raise your hand if you have ever run into a mannequin in a store and apologized. Continue to keep your hand raised if you want to pre-write thank you notes to those whom you anticipate attending your funeral because you suffer from chronic “way too nice” syndrome. Keep it up high if you have ever farted in church or yoga class. Man, my arm is getting tired!
Most people are awkward during the middle school years, grow out of it, and blossom into mature, well-functioning human beings…I’m still waiting for this to happen. Awkwardness is my hidden talent, although most who know me would tell you it isn’t hidden—it’s written on my forehead. My daily life is filled with epic failures. Sometimes I feel like I’m one big malfunction! As I have gotten older, I just try to embrace it.
After you read this collection of essays, hopefully you will be able to accept your imperfections too! Nope, probably not because I’m still not there! However, maybe my comedy will stick with you like that hemorrhoid you can’t seem to get rid of, like ever—Good Talk. . .Good Talk.

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PRAISE FOR GOOD TALK . . . GOOD TALK:

“Reading Ginny Andrews’s Good Talk. . .Good Talk is a lot like hanging out with that girlfriend that invariably makes you laugh until you cry.” —Lauren Cassel Brownell, author of Zen and the Art of Housekeeping and Dying to Donate

“Good Talk. . .Good Talk is a laugh out loud winner, filled with quirky stories reminiscent of Patrick McManus.” —J. Andersen, author of The Breeding Tree, The Gene Rift, and Legacy’s Impact

“Anyone with anxiety will totally relate to Ginny Andrews’ humorous tales of the struggle of day-to-day life in today’s world.” —John A.B., Amazon Reviewer

Ginny Andrews is a former high school teacher and coach, who is now an aspiring comedian, speaker, and writer. She would greatly appreciate it if you purchased her book! Door Dash, dog-sitting, used car sales, lawn mowing, and selling random items found in her house aren’t high-paying gigs!
◆ WEBSITE ◆ INSTAGRAM ◆ FACEBOOK◆
◆ YOUTUBE ◆ GOODREADS ◆ BOOKBUB ◆
AuthorInterview_preview

Interview with Ginny Andrews

How has being a Texan influenced your writing?

Growing up in West Texas absolutely shaped my writing. I have stories in my book about how you can’t apply lip balm and walk outside in West Texas on a dusty day!

Why did you choose to write in your field?

My life seems to be a walking comedy act, so it just seemed natural!

What kind(s) of writing do you do?

Comedy, essays, blogs, social media comedy posts. I just try to cheer people up each day because I know life can be stressful.

How does your book relate to your faith?

I am a Christian and a comedian, but I wouldn’t consider myself to be a Christian comedian. There are chapters in my book titled, “Church Camp,” and “Jesus Take the Wheel.” My faith is a big part of who I am—I try to take a comedic approach to it.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

Comedy is hard. There is a fine line between making people laugh and offending. It is hard to appeal to all ages, generations, and genders. What would make individuals in their 60s and 70s laugh might not appeal to the 20s-40s generation. What would appeal to the younger generation might offend the older. So, trying to find a comedy style that pleases all is hard. I did my best to achieve this goal with Good Talk…Good Talk and I hope to find this balance even more in my future books.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The idea of bringing joy to people as they read. That is the goal of my comedy whether it is through books, standup, social media posts…I just want to be a bright spot in someone’s day!

Are you a full-time or part-time writer?  How does that affect your writing?

I teach high school during the day and write at night and on the weekends. My day job gives me plenty of material for my writing and comedy shows! 😊

What is something you want to accomplish before you die?

If I could have my own comedy show, or open for a big headliner, even if I only get 10-15 minutes on stage (that is golden for me), or get my books (I have three total to write) picked up by a big publishing house, or get to tour as a motivational speaker and sell my books…all of those things would be amazing. Or maybe make enough money through my writing to not have to work a second job while teaching and get a new car that isn’t ten years old with squeaky brakes!

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Signed paperback of GOOD TALK. . .GOOD TALK
+ $25 Amazon gift card
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FINDING COMFORT by Kimberly Fish – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

FINDING COMFORT
Comfort and Joy Trilogy, Book 2
by
Kimberly Fish
Women’s Fiction / Contemporary / Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Fish Tales Publishing
Date of Publication: September 1, 2023
Number of Pages: 312 pages
Scroll down for the Giveaway!

Even with all her experience, Gloria Bachman, retired banker and candy entrepreneur, didn’t see this coming.

Sweeties, the beloved Comfort chocolate shop, was ready for its cameo in advertising extraordinaire Jazzy Mezcal’s famous travel and food show! Comfort town folks had worked hard all summer to get their shops Hallmark-movie ready. On the eve of the TV crews overtaking the town, Gloria’s Chamber of Commerce welcome party gets drenched in a wicked rainstorm. Locals call it a “blue norther,” and a dreaded agent of change. Flooding seems like the worst of their problems until the celebrity TV host turns up dead.

In shock, Gloria’s friends turn to her to figure out who could be responsible for such a disaster. With the TV crew and guests in town for the 8th Street Market’s annual shopping event, suspects are endless. Reluctant to get involved, Gloria would much rather focus on the delicious romance with Mason Lassiter. And she would if a frenemy from Kerrville didn’t haunt her every step. Now as Gardner Rogers treads on her turf, everything feels suspicious.

With all eyes on Gloria to find the truth behind Jazzy Mezcal’s untimely death, she indulges her curiosity for problem solving while trying to disguise how unsure she is about the future with her boyfriend. Disruption in Mason’s world, mayhem in Comfort, and one epic chocolate disaster rouse Gloria to action and make her decide what’s worth fighting for. All she can say for sure, is that no one is finding any comfort in Comfort.

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     I’ve been visiting Kimberly Fish’s version of Comfort, Texas for many years now and each visit provides a unique and fascinating experience. In Finding Comfort, the town and its residents become more and more real. The characters, especially Gloria, are getting fully fleshed-out, becoming actual people and not merely figments of an author’s highly creative imagination. Such is the talent of Ms. Fish that she populated her books with three-dimensional personalities that are somehow strange and relatable at the same time. Gloria has found her family in Comfort and it’s a beautiful thing to witness through these two books.
Everything would work out in the end. If it wasn’t working out, it wasn’t the end.”
     Ms. Fish’s storytelling is topnotch as always. The current mystery of a celebrity’s death was not too difficult to solve but she gave it an extra layer of unexpected emotional depth that’s not often found in this type of stories. The physical danger to Gloria when she broke the case felt so real, I had sympathy aches and pains while I was reading the scenes.
I like the way I feel when I’m here. I like the way I feel when I’m with you.”
     While it’s not the central theme of Finding Comfort, the romance aspect is a huge reason why I enjoyed this book. I am so glad Kimberly Fish did not unnecessarily prolong Gloria and Mason’s coming together as a couple. There was a bit of a push and pull on Gloria’s side at the beginning but it didn’t go on too long and she admitted her feelings soon after. They are sweet together and are truly couple goals.  Lacy and Rudy as well.
Even though we’re hurting and in shock, doing the hard work of maintaining life is how we’ll get through.”
     Normally, I would give a Comfort book one of my highest ratings but I found a couple of issues in this one that held me back. First was the way Lacy’s loss was handled. In my opinion, the introduction of the distressing information was too abrupt and not given the proper weight. It would have been nice to mention some of the sensitive contents in the foreword to prepare those readers who have related experiences. My second issue is with the unusual number of grammatical errors. It could have benefitted with one more round of proofreading before publication.
     Still, a Comfort story is a highly entertaining story and I am looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy. I have no doubt Ms. Fish will deliver an incredibly enjoyable read.
     Many thanks to Lone Star Lit for including my blog in the tour and for the opportunity to share my thoughts.
4 out of 5 stars
Kimberly Fish has been a professional writer in marketing and media for over thirty years, with regular contributions to area newspapers and magazines. As an accidental historian, she wrote two novels, The Big Inch and Harmon General, both based on factual events in Longview, Texas, that changed world history. Kimberly also offers a set of contemporary women’s fiction novels and novellas, based in the Texas Hill Country, that reveal her fascination with characters discovering their grit and sweet, second chances; all four of the novels have won distinguished awards. Finding Comfort is her latest novel, the second book in the Comfort and Joy Trilogy.
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Signed copy of FINDING COMFORT + surprise bonus gift!
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PRINGLE PRAWN by Michael Scott Clifton – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

PRINGLE PRAWN
by
Michael Scott Clifton
Contemporary Urban Fantasy / Fairies / Humor
Publisher: Book Liftoff
Date of Publication: September 19, 2023
Number of Pages: 310 pages
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Move over Tinker Bell. There’s a new fairy in town!
Ben’s luck is changing. He has his iconic VW bus, a hot, wealthy girlfriend, and he’s managed to buy an old fixer-upper in an upscale neighborhood—just the thing to convince his girlfriend’s influential father that he’s husband material. But his new home has a secret, and when Ben opens a mysterious grandfather clock, he finds himself dropped into a magical land. There he meets Pringle, a six-inch prawn with a supercharged attitude and a pouchful of fairy dust. She saves his life, and when Ben returns to his world, Pringle returns with him.
Pringle’s adjustment to the modern world is a hilarious series of incidents that completely disrupt Ben’s life. When Russian mobsters and a vengeful HOA president attempt to hijack Ben’s life, Pringle zooms to the rescue—a pinch here, a pinch there, nothing a little fairy dust can’t fix.
But it’s when Pringle begins to grow that things really get interesting, because as Pringle’s size increases, so do her feelings for Ben. Ultimately, Pringle must decide whether to return to her world—or follow her heart and stay with Ben.
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Dear Reader, seat yourself in a comfortable chair, grab a can of Pringles, fasten your imaginary seatbelt, and enjoy this fantastically entertaining amusement ride of a fairy tale story.
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With a cinematic flair, Michael Scott Clifton plunges Pringle Prawn‘s hero Ben Hastings (and its readers) smack in the middle of the action on the very first page. His spectacular description of Ben’s desperate plight and frantic flight engaged all my senses, making me feel as if I were part of the scene.
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The exhilaration continues throughout the book, even more so when the scenes involve the adorable title character Pringle. She brought the fun, the humor, the sweetness, the magic, and the romance to the story. Her declaration at the end legit made me tear up. So did Ben’s. The romance in this story is so significant, that I’m tempted to tag it as a romantasy.
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Whatever genre this book belongs to, it’s undoubtedly a great work of fiction. There’s a fascinating mix of secondary characters, some supporting, others villainous, all diverse. I especially adore Archie and relate well to him having also worked in insurance and dreaming of owning a bookshop someday. I also like Hank and the Enchanted Door. As for HOA President Maude, I understand her role in the story and enjoyed her over-the-top shenanigans for the comic relief they provided.
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Comedy is necessary to balance the horrific subject of human trafficking which is a major plot point in the book. While the presentation is light, the seriousness of this societal woe is communicated clearly through the descriptions of the victims’ deplorable conditions and the lack of solutions offered to combat the problem.
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Pringle Prawn is pure entertainment with depth. I give this book my highest rating and I thank Lone Star Lit for including my blog in the tour that aims to introduce it to more readers. Easily one of my top 23 books for 2023.
5 stars
Multi-award-winning author Michael Scott Clifton lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas with his wife, Melanie. An avid gardener, rapacious reader, and movie junkie, his books contain facets of all the genres he enjoys—action, adventure, magic, fantasy, and romance. His fantasy novels, The Janus Witch, and the Conquest of the Veil series, (The Open Portal, Escape from Wheel, A Witch’s Brew, and Cavern of the Veil Queen) all received 5-Stars from the prestigious Readers Favorite Book Reviews. The Open Portal has been honored with a Feathered Quill Book Finalist Award. In addition, his YA novel Edison Jones and The Anti-Grav Elevator received a Feathered Quill Book Award Bronze Medal. Two of his short stories have earned Gold Medals, with “Edges of Gray” winning the Texas Authors Contest, and “The End Game” winning the Northeast Texas Writer’s Organization Contest. Professional credits include published articles in the Texas Study of Secondary Education Magazine.

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THREE WINNERS

1st Prize: An autographed copy of Pringle Prawn
+ $10 Amazon gift card
2nd & 3rd Prize: Kindle copy
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SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING 90% DARK by Amber Royer – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

SOMETHING BORROWED,
SOMETHING 90% DARK
Bean to Bar Mysteries, #6
by
Amber Royer
Cozy Culinary Mystery
Publisher: Golden Tip Press
Date of Publication: September 12, 2023
Number of Pages: 288 pages 
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Felicity Koerber’s bean-to-bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand is hosting the friends and family coming into town for her best friend Autumn’s wedding. As matron of honor, Felicity has a ton of tasks to complete – including making chocolates for the gift bags. She doesn’t have time to solve another murder. But when one of the bridesmaids becomes a prime suspect in the death of a visiting real estate agent, Felicity has to put her detecting skills to use again to keep the wedding plans from getting derailed.
She’s already nervous about the impending deadline she’s given herself to finally choose between her two love interests – and figuring out where life goes once she makes her choice. But add in a missing Pygmy goat and a new coffee shop that wants to partner with her, and she’s frazzled.
She begins to discover that not everything is as it seems among the wedding guests. Can she handle the wedding preparations, pull off turning her shop into a concert venue, and unmask the killer before anyone else dies?
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Y’all! It’s here! The highly-anticipated resolution to the love triangle is finally here! As she promised, Amber Royer made Felicity choose between Logan and Arlo and it’s the best decision ever. Those who have been reading my reviews know I used to root for the other team (see Out of Temper) but A Study In Chocolate and this latest book convinced me to switch sides. My Romance-loving heart totally approves of Felicity’s choice especially when his response to Felicity’s question “Why me, specifically?” is this quote:
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Because you are the sunlight.”
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Readers, I swooned. This guy needs Felicity in ways the other doesn’t. Felicity needs him too. For this romantic element alone, Something Borrowed deserves a high rating. And then there’s the rest of this extremely enjoyable story.
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… my confidence levels have changed.”
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I read this book in one sitting and I recommend other readers to do the same if they have time to spare. As I have come to expect with the Bean-to-Bar cozy mysteries, the action starts from the first page and doesn’t let up until the highly satisfactory ending. As usual, Felicity gets entangled in two separate investigations that involve her love interests and her ever-expanding network of friends. And, of course, there’s a classic novel that serves as inspiration for the murder mysteries – The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett.
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The various searches for a missing insurance investigator, missing pieces of jewelry, a kidnapped goat, and a killer on the loose happen amidst preparations for Felicity’s best friend Autumn’s wedding. Anyone who’s ever been involved in planning a wedding knows how time-consuming and stressful it can be so it’s amazing how expertly Ms. Royer wove in all the myriad details together.
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What’s also fantastic is the growth in Felicity’s character. She’s becoming more accepting of the amateur sleuth role that has been thrust upon her and has gained so much confidence from the experiences she’s been through. All the while continuing to learn about the craft and the business of chocolate-making.
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For its engaging storyline, fascinating characters, well-paced action, balance of angst and humor, and swoony romance, Something Borrowed, Something 90% Dark is my favorite of the series so far.
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Huge thanks to Lone Star Lit for allowing me to be part of this blog tour and to the publisher for providing me a copy to review.
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4 Four-half-stars
Amber Royer writes the Chocoverse comic telenovela-style foodie-inspired space opera series and the Bean to Bar Mysteries. She is also the author of Story Like a Journalist: A Workbook for Novelists, which boils down her writing knowledge into an actionable plan involving over 100 worksheets to build a comprehensive story plan for your novel. She also teaches creative writing and is an author coach.
Amber and her husband live in the DFW Area, where you can often find them hiking or taking landscape/architecture/wildlife photographs. If you are very nice to Amber, she might make you cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes, of course! Amber blogs about creative writing technique and all things chocolate.
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TWO WINNERS:
Each receives an autographed paperback copy.
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TESTED BY FIRE by C.J. Peterson – Book Blitz and Giveaway

Tested By Fire
by C.J. Peterson
Christian Fiction / Suspense / Romance
Page Count: 278 pages
Publication Date: August 21, 2023
Scroll down for a Giveaway!

Meet Robin Flynn: a woman of artistic soul and iron will, who forges metal and paints vibrant canvases as an escape from life’s ceaseless challenges. Raised in the gritty trade of welding, she inherits not just her father’s skill but also his audacity. But her creative passion takes a daring turn when she accidentally ignites an abandoned warehouse. Instead of ruin, her act inexplicably wins her gratitude from the local firefighters. Emboldened, Robin embarks on a clandestine mission to purge her crumbling town, Hemlock, of its dilapidated relics.

Enter Nate Mitchell: a man standing on the cusp of his dreams. As he trains to become a fire marshal, he’s also courting the woman he believes to be the love of his life. Everything seems perfect until destiny throws a spark into his meticulously planned world.

A pulse-pounding question burns at the heart of this riveting tale: What happens when a man committed to extinguishing fires falls deeply in love with a woman setting them? When faith and love clash like fire and water, will they quench each other or evolve into something even more powerful?

Dive into Tested By Fire, a Christian Fiction saga that weaves romance, suspense, and spirituality into a tapestry of human resilience. Inspired by 1 Peter 1:7, this story reminds us that our faith—far more precious than gold—emerges stronger through the crucible of trials, as we await the day when it illuminates the entire world with its glory.

1 Peter 1:7 (NIV) “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold–though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

PURCHASE FROM:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  APPLE BOOKS  KOBO

C.J. Peterson is a ten-time award-winning, multi-genre published author since 2012. She is also a podcaster, blogger, and publisher who knows how to relate well to folks of all ages. She has multiple books and series including:

Grace Restored Series, The Holy Flame Trilogy, and the Divine Legacy Series, which have characters crossing over storylines. In these books, the spiritual realm crosses into the physical. This adventurous journey will have you holding onto the pages for dear life! The Sands of Time Trilogy is an exciting sci-fi series that will have you on the edge of your seat! This series follows a group of teens with abilities as they go through the US to rescue their siblings from the Challenger, their sadistic creator who has the money & power to win at any cost. Chain Reaction follows Trip and Tori as they go through time guiding their ancestors to change crucial decisions. In changing their past to save future generations, will Trip and Tori cease to exist?

Connect with C.J.
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TWO WINNERS
First Place – paperback copy; Second Place – eBook copy
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THE KILLER ENIGMA by Breakfield and Burkey -Book Blitz & Giveaway

THE KILLER ENIGMA
Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles
Book 16
by BREAKFIELD & BURKEY
Cozy Mystery / Suspense / Cozy Mystery Series
Publisher: ICABOD Press
Coming August 19, 2023

Enough is Enough – JJ rumbled when the paparazzi invaded dinner.

JJ and Jo realize privacy doesn’t exist for them. They return to Magnolia Bluff to check on their friends and recapture the small-town anonymity. In Magnolia Bluff, no one suspects their fame.

They discount the status of urban legends in favor of acceptance and a quiet, peaceful life. After all, a supermodel needs time and space to recharge between jobs. A geek wants time to adore his wife.

Does Magnolia Bluff hold the answers to their prayers? Will their desires get clouded by a hidden secret?

Past, present, and future collide in a perfect storm no one expected. JJ and Jo take action to uncover the truth. Chief Tommy Jager likes them but feels they’re a lightning rod for trouble and disruption.

Who will live or die to prevent the truth from being exposed? The answers may be in the graveyard with fresh flowers on the gravestone.

Their friends are targets – Their dreams are broken – They must fight
Watch on YouTube
Charles Breakfield is a 25+ year technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. He also enjoys wine tastings, wine-making, Harley riding, cooking extravaganzas, and woodworking.
Rox Burkey is a 25+ year applied technology professional who excels at optimizing technology and business investments for customers worldwide with a focus on optimized customer experiences. She writes white papers and documents with a marked preference for fiction.
Together they create award-winning stories that resonate with males and females, young and experienced adults, and bring a fresh new view to technology possibilities today.
Series Social Media:
Rox Burkey Social Media:

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FIRST: Autographed copy
SECOND: eBook copy
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MUMENTOUS by Amy J. Schultz – Pop-Up Blog-Hop: Playlist and Giveaway

MUMENTOUS:
Original Photos and Mostly-True Stories about Football,
Glue Guns, Moms, and a Supersized High School Tradition
That Was Born Deep in the Heart of Texas
by
Amy J. Schultz
Nonfiction / Photo-Driven Memoir / Women’s History / Pop Culture / Texana
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Page Count: 178 pages
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
Scroll down for a giveaway!
The closest you’ll ever get to seeing someone actually wear their heart on their sleeve is in Texas, every fall, at the local high school homecoming game.
They’re called homecoming mums. They are as bodacious as football, as irresistible as a juicy rumor, and as deep as a momma’s love. Over a hundred years ago when the custom began, mum was short for chrysanthemum, a typical corsage that boys gave to girls before taking them to the big football game. But through the decades, mum went from a simple abbreviation to a complicated shorthand for an eye-popping tradition that’s as ingrained in the culture as it is confounding to outsiders.
Through her original photography and collection of stories from across and beyond the Lone Star State, Amy J. Schultz takes us deep in the heart of mum country. You’ll meet kids who wear them, parents who buy them, and critics who decry them as just another example of consumerism gone wild. But mostly, you’ll discover that just like every ritual which stands the test of time, someone is keeping the tradition alive. Someone like Mom.
Click to Purchase!

Playlist

Amy Schultz’s playlist to Mumentous

Mumentous playlist

LISTEN HERE FOR FREE ON SPOTIFY!

(SPOTIFY ACCOUNT REQUIRED TO LISTEN OR REGISTER FOR FREE!)

https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/5QBdd9lhAfnsRbsct6AdH7?utm_source=generator

41 songs, 2 hours and 15 minutes for your listening pleasure

“Get Ready for This” by Champs United
“Get the Party Started” by P!nk
“Good Feeling” by Flo Rida
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
“Cotton Eyed Joe” by Circus DJ’s
“We Are the Boys from Old Florida” by the Fightin’ Gator Marching Band
“The Victors” by The University of Michigan Marching Band
“Get Down Tonight” by Auburn University Marching Band
“Homecoming” by Hey Monday
“Mony Mony” by Billy Idol
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Glee Cast
“Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M.
“Girl” by Beck
“Homegrown” by Zac Brown Band
“Hey Baby, Will You Be My Girl” by Aaron Foret
“Cheerleader”-Felix Jaehn Remix Radio Edit by OMI
“Today Was a Fairytale (Taylor’s version)” by Taylor Swift
“Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
“Bust a Move” by Young MC
“Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL COOL J
“Starships” by Nicki Minaj
“Vogue” by Madonna
“GIRL LIKE ME” by Black Eyed Peas, Shakira
“This Is What You Came For” by Calving Harris, Rihanna
“Gloria” by Laura Branigan
“We Are the Champions” by Queen
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Walk This Way” by Aerosmith
“Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic
“Harlem Shake” by Baauer
“We Are Family—1995 Remaster” by Sister Sledge
“The Horse” by Auburn University Bands
“Drum It Out” by Brett Engel
“Eye of the Tiger” by Auburn University Bands
“Victorious” by Panic! At the Disco
“Firework” by Katy Perry
“Can’t Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
“Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen
“Party Rock Anthem” by The Cheer Squad
“The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga

Amy J. Schultz is an author and award-winning photographer who explores unique aspects of modern culture that hide in plain sight. When she isn’t talking about homecoming mums, Amy is writing, taking photos, working on other creative projects, traveling, snort-laughing, or vacuuming up dog fur.

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TWO WINNERS:
First Prize: signed hardback copy + enamel pin;
Second Prize: eBook + enamel pin
(US only; ends midnight, CST, 9/8/23)
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WHISKEY ON OUR SHOES by Tonya Preece – Pop-Up Blog-Hop: Review and Giveaway

WHISKEY ON OUR SHOES
by
Tonya Preece
Contemporary Romance / New Adult
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Page Count: 238 pages
Publication Date: February 12, 2023
Scroll down for a giveaway!
Eva dodges the fans, media, and gossip that follow her supermodel mom and rock star family members by wearing disguises. After an aimless gap year, she struggles to figure out what she wants from life. She moves in with her famous guitar god brother in Austin while he recovers from a drunken stage stunt accident and tries to stay sober. When a hot Texas cowboy named Alex takes Eva by surprise, she risks her safety and security of anonymity by letting him into her unconventional life.
Alex is captivated by Eva and promises to protect her privacy. Yet he has a secret of his own—the fling he had with an older woman is fraught with scandalous potential for him and now Eva. He broke free of that mistake months ago, or so he thought. As things heat up with Eva, his old flame returns and won’t leave him alone.
Just when Alex thinks he has the reins on the situation, his ex teams up with a gossip reporter hell-bent on invading Eva’s privacy. The resulting exposé, with a sly spin on a recent encounter with his ex, is Alex’s worst nightmare, and Eva’s unsure what to believe. Can she face the world with Alex at her side or will she return into hiding?
Purchase on Amazon:

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I don’t normally read young adult romance, preferring love stories with main characters thirty and older since those are what I write but every once in a while, I shake things up and try something different. When the opportunity to join the blog hop for Whiskey on Our Shoes came up, I jumped in right away because the cover and blurb caught my interest.
I’m glad I did because I enjoyed this coming-of-age story. I find that my prejudices did not apply. The main characters Eva and Alex are youthful but are not childish. They are appropriately daring to experience new things and at the same time cautious of making mistakes. Their reluctance to share their secrets is natural and relatable even for older adults like me.
Except for a couple of detestable secondary characters, I like the people in this story. I especially like Eva for her genuine kindness particularly towards Alex’s sister Lena and her lack of desire to be in the spotlight. She’s down-to-earth despite her celebrity background and incredibly easy to root for. I also like Alex for his sweetness and his display of respect towards his parents. His confusion with regard to Angie appeared authentic and it was totally understandable.
The depiction of family dynamics, both the solidness of Alex’s and the dysfunction of Eva’s, seems to be reflective of real life. That for me is a plus, along with the balance in the light and emotional moments.
Ms. Preece crafted an engaging and well-paced story that is current, fresh, and appealing for romance readers of all ages. The focus on consent is commendable. It’s more slow burn than I prefer but it fits the characters in the story.
There’s also a great sense of place. The descriptions transported me to Austin, Florence, and San Antonio, which made me miss my former residence. I’m glad I get to visit through the pages of this book.
Thanks to Lone Star Lit for including me in the blog tour and bringing to my attention a fantastic source of entertainment.
4 out of 5 stars
Tonya Preece writes romance and contemporary young adult fiction and incorporates music into all her books in one way or another. She lives near Austin, TX where she’s a small business manager for a forensic engineering firm. She and her husband enjoy traveling, live music, wine, and spoiling their fur babies.
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THREE WINNERS
Grand Prize: autographed paperback & $10 Amazon gift card;
2nd Prize: autographed paperback;
3rd Prize: eBook
(US only; ends midnight, CST, 7/14/23)

THE PUPPY ADVENTURES OF PORTER & MIDGE – Pop-Up Blog Hop: Review and Giveaway

THE PUPPY ADVENTURES OF PORTER & MIDGE:
OUT AND ABOUT
by
Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada
Children’s Book / Pet Books / Pet Care
Publisher: Raise the Woof Press
Page Count: 38 pages
Publication Date: May 16, 2023
Scroll down for a giveaway!
Introducing The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About – a quick introduction to early socialization and training for puppies that will make them outstanding canine citizens and wonderful family pets.
     Kids will love following along with the two puppies’ story set in Austin, Texas, as they learn about how to take care of their own puppy. This is the first book in a series of story books, journals, and activity books. 
 
 
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
“Gift this book to any new puppy owner you know!”–Lynn M. Hayner, Author at dogster

“Chen and Nevada write in an easy and enjoyable style…If you are a dog lover, this storybook is for you. Help your children become the best dog companion they can be.” -Philip Van Heusen, Reader’s Favorite

Purchase on Amazon

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My fourteen-year-old son and I read The Puppy Adventures together and after we finished it, we shared the sentiment of wanting to go to the nearest shelter to adopt a dog. Not right away though, according to my son. Not until he’s read the book a few more times to make sure he knows how to train the future new member of the family to behave like Porter and Midge. That speaks well of the authors. Having the children CJ and Lora take full responsibility for training the puppies in socialization shows readers of similar age that they can do it too with proper guidance and enough preparation.

We were both greatly impressed with the illustration. The variety of sceneries, the sheer number of individuals and elements in each frame, the intricate details of the features particularly of the animals, the vibrant personalities of the book’s stars Porter and Midge, and most especially the diversity of people represented. My Filipino American boy saw himself in the pages of the book and that’s a huge credit to Ann Kelble, Jennie Chen, and Giselle Nevada for ensuring multicultural inclusion.

Providing both entertainment and instruction, this book is equally appropriate for middle-grade and adult readers. Many of the long passages are informative but might require more assistance and a little more discussion with the parents or teachers before younger kids could absorb their message. What is certain though is that all dog lovers and potential puppy companions will enjoy this gem of a book.

Thanks to Lone Star Lit for including me in the blog hop for this book. I truly cherish spending quality reading time with my son — a rare opportunity that this pop-up has given me.

4 Four-half-stars

Jennie Chen is a homesick Austinite who founded Keep Austin Dog Friendly. Over the last 20 years, Jennie has owned Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Lowchen. She has earned numerous titles in conformation, competitive obedience, rally, herding, animal assisted therapy, and more. She is passionate about the relationship people build with their beloved canines, and she has been an advocate for people living with disabilities who need a service dog to live independently. She is active in various dog clubs and can be seen on AKC.TV from time to time.
 
Giselle Nevada has owned several mastiffs, acquired both from reputable breeders and via rescue. Fostering rescued mastiffs and helping them work through their issues led to a keen interest in socialization as a means of preventing future issues. She loves working with her dogs and has dabbled in carting, conformation, agility, rally, trick dog, nose work, and many other canine sports. Her puppy Porter is a testament to early socialization – he has achieved many performance dog titles and has done commercial work. He also has a role in a movie called Match Me If You Can directed by Marian Yeager.
 
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Three winners receive a PAWtographed/autographed copy of
The Puppy Adventures of Porter & Midge: Out and About
(US only; ends midnight, CST, 6/9/23)
 
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