A second-chance love story... Earning the Mountain Man's Trust by Misty M. Beller (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #christianromance #historicalfiction #cleanreads #christfic @celebrate_lit

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

Earning the Mountain Man's Trust

(Brothers of Sapphire Ranch #4)

By Misty M. Beller

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & eBook, 228 Pages

April 9, 2024 by Misty M. Beller Books

Summary

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared with no way to contact him. She’s now a single mother with a beautiful baby girl to provide for, a daughter whose red hair reminds her daily of the man she gave her heart to. She has to move on though, so when Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better husband for herself and father for her sweet daughter. He’s a Coulter, after all, and he’s proven to be a good friend during her darkest hours.

But when her first love rides onto the ranch property saying he’d been searching for her for months, her heart is shredded once again. Before she has time to catch her breath though, a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a second chance romance, love triangles, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

EARNING THE MOUNTAIN MAN'S TRUST is a second-chance love story about a young mother and the father of her daughter who had disappeared and then shows up suddenly over a year later. The story includes likable characters, a large family dynamic, danger, faith weaved throughout, and survival through the harsh elements of historic Montana. Fans of the genre and this author should find this an enjoyable read.

I liked both the main characters in this story as well as the full Coulter family group. I also thought Naomi's little girl and the scenes with her to be adorable and add so much to this story. I was worried the author would drag the explanation between Naomi and Eric on, but she didn't. She let them explain themselves fairly early on and both were reasonable about it all, even though there was some lingering hurt and trauma. There were several things to consider in order for Naomi to decide which direction her future would lie and the author let it play out while the characters worked through what they needed to.

The plot moved at a steady pace with a few more intense, climatic moments, especially at the end. It made for a fairly quick and easy read. There were all the emotions as these characters felt heartbreak, redemption, love, forgiveness, danger, faith, and loss. The plot also generally made sense except for one aspect. And this was the one piece that didn't work for me in this story. There's a villain, but his actions, plan and motive didn't feel realistic nor make sense. That's my biggest issue with this story. There were a couple different storylines started that can easily become fully drawn in subsequent books. At the end of this book though, the main characters come to a resolution that was sweet and perfectly fitted to them and this story.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable read. It continues on the previous book and leaves enough loose ends for the next where hopefully another Coulter will find his happily-ever-after.

Content: Some non-descriptive references to rape, a prior off-page indiscretion, and the unwed pregnancy that resulted.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my review or an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

Tour Schedule

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , April 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Pause for Tales, April 24

Madi’s Musings, April 25

Alena Mentink, April 25

Devoted To Hope, April 26

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 29

Wishful Endings, April 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, April 30

Cover Lover Book Review, April 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 2

For Him and My Family, May 2

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 4

The Lofty Pages, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

An Author’s Take, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Are you a fan of this author or Christian historical romance? What do you like about this book?

A new, sweet western romance... The Cowgirl Nanny by Jen Gilroy (Review) #newbooks #booktwitter #thecowgirlnanny #jengilroy #romancebooks #cleanreads @harlequinbooks @justreadtours

Welcome! I'm reviewing this new romance today. Read on below...

The Cowgirl Nanny

(Montana Carters #3)

By Jen Gilroy

Contemporary Western Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Paperback & eBook, 249 Pages

April 23, 2024 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Summary

He needs a nanny…

But what about love?

With two kids and a ranch to run, Bryce Carter needs a nanny for the summer. And professional barrel racer Carrie Rizzo might be perfect, at least until she returns to the rodeo in the fall. But while Carrie’s incredible with his kids, Bryce isn’t ready to open his family—let alone his heart—to anyone…even if she might be the perfect cowgirl for him.

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | B&N

My Review

THE COWGIRL NANNY is a sweet story about a father lost in grief, his two sweet kids, and the woman who fills a place in their family. It's about facing fears, learning to trust, forgiveness, second chances, and opening one's heart. Fans of the genre and light, sweet romances should like this one.

I liked the characters in this story. They each have their struggles, needs, and strengths. I adored the kids! They added so much to this story. I also liked Bryce's mom and her touch of pushiness for what she sees her son needs. Carrie's parents were very different from Bryce's, which fit the story. I appreciated their love for Carrie. Bryce and Carrie were a good fit. This wasn't where sparks fly all over the place from the start, although the attraction is there. It's more of them spending a lot of time together and Carrie almost fitting right into Bryce's family and then them slowly falling in love with each other until they can't imagine what their lives would be without each other.

The first half of this story felt slow, and I struggled to remain interested, enough so that I had a hard time continuing. However, things changed about halfway through when the characters deal with some emotional trauma and choices that brough more depth to the story. From there on, I was invested and quickly sped through the rest of the book to find out how this family and their nanny would find their happily ever after. Carrie did seem to have lessons and phrases that seemed a bit too unrealistic, and I didn't think her parent's business needed to be all tied up prettily, but otherwise I felt like this was a generally enjoyable story.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartwarming story, as this line of book promises. The characters were likable as was the small-town setting and family interactions. The first half was really slow, but the second half picked up for an overall sweet read.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Are you a fan of Harlequin Heartwarming books or this author? Does this sound like a book you'd like to read?

Read an excerpt from this new suspense... Yukon Wilderness Evidence by Darlene L Turner (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #romancebooks #suspense #cleanreads #christfic @loveinspiredbks @justreadtours

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!

Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

Yukon Wilderness Evidence

(Crisis Rescue Team #5)

By Darlene L Turner

Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Paperback & eBook, 208 Pages

April 23, 2024 by Love Inspired Suspense

Summary

Solving a cold case 

could rob her of her future. 

When skeletal remains are uncovered in the Yukon forest, forensic botanist Keeley Ash is called to the crime scene—and ends up abducted. She never expects her ex, paramedic Brett Ryerson, to come to her rescue, or her gathered evidence to be linked to a cold case. And when their son—who Brett never knew existed—is kidnapped, they’ll stop at nothing to save him and outrun the hunters determined to silence Keeley.  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt

“Wait!” Brett ran after her. “He could still be dangerous.”

Keeley knelt beside the man and lifted the bandana from his face. She sucked in a breath. “I’ve seen him before.”

“Where?”

She paused as if searching her memory. “I don’t remember.”

Brett placed his fingers on the man’s neck. “He’s gone.” He searched his pockets for some type of identification but only found a picture.

He gazed at it intently. A redheaded boy wearing a backpack, leaving a school with a woman. He handed the photo to Keeley. “Do you know this boy?”

She looked at the picture and blasted upright. “No!”

He pushed himself to his feet, grazing her arm. “Keels, who is it?”

Her eyes widened before softening. “My—your son.”

What?

He had a son?

And now the boy was in danger.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Connect with Darlene at darlenelturner.com, where there’s suspense beyond borders, to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(4) winners will each win a $25 Amazon egift card!

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight April 23, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 30, 2024. Winners 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

Are you a fan of this line of books? What's the last suspense you read? Will you be reading this one?

I Can't Wait for... The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #mustread #cleanreads #womensfiction #romancebooks @courtney_walsh @TNZFiction

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

Courtney Walsh has become one of my favorite authors who write heartfelt stories with great characters, humor and romance. Her upcoming release is my pick this week and I can't wait for it to come up in my reading schedule!

The Summer of Yes

By Courtney Walsh

Christian Women's Fiction, Clean & Wholesome Romance

Paperback & eBook, 384 Pages

July 2, 2024 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

Sometimes you’re so busy writing other people’s stories that you lose the plot of your own.

This wasn’t how Kelsey Worthington’s day was supposed to go. She wasn’t supposed to be picking up Starbucks for her smarmy boss. She wasn’t supposed to get hit by a car that jumped the curb. And she certainly wasn’t supposed to wake up in a hospital room next to Georgina Tate—the legendary matriarch of New York City businesswomen.

Kelsey and Georgina couldn’t be more opposite. Kelsey’s a dreamer, a writer who questions her own skill. And Georgina is a confident businesswoman whose years of shouldering her way into boardrooms and making her voice heard have made her far too outspoken for the faint of heart.

But now, when Georgina’s failing kidneys force her to face some big regrets about the way she’s lived her life, the two women recognize they share a common thread. Maybe it’s time to confront a few things. They must ask themselves: What if I said yes to everything I’ve always said no to?

With Georgina as her companion, Kelsey soon finds herself doing things she’s never done before. Eating street food. Swimming in the ocean. Matchmaking for Georgina with the help of Georgina’s handsome son. And writing her own romance—both in book form and in real life.

So begins the Summer of Yes.

- Stand-alone novel
- Perfect for fans of Denise Hunter and Rachel Linden
- Book length: 100,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Christianbook

Will you be reading this one?

A lyrical story full of fairy tales, danger, and romance... The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano (Review) #thelusivetruthoflilytemple #joannadavidsonpolitano #historicalromance #newbooks #booktwitter #austenprosepr @joannadavidsonpolitano @revellfiction @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review below...

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

By Joanna Davidson Politano

Christian Historical Fiction, Romance, Suspense

Hardcover, Paperback, eBook & Audiobook, 400 Pages

April 9, 2024 by Revell

Summary

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Christianbook

My Review

THE ELUSIVE TRUTH OF LILY TEMPLE is a lyrically styled story about a silent film actress who has lived many personas in order to hide her real self away. The characters are each intriguing with a plot that grows in intensity as the story unfolds. Fans of the author, genre, and readers who enjoy a story that feels much like reading a fairy tale will enjoy this one.

I was intrigued by Lily Temple from the start. Add Peter Driscoll who was also a complex character and definitely the ying to Lily's yang and you have two main characters with multiple layers and heart. They also could say much with just a look or two, an inflection, or a few words. The author did a rather fabulous job in conveying so much in their interactions. There were a handful of side characters who greatly added to the story and never felt one dimensional. It was a well-rounded and diverse group of characters that were all well drawn.

This story was a bit of an adventure, which is an understatement if there ever was one. Readers are kept guessing as to Lily's background and how the pieces will all fit together until almost the very end. There were layers upon layers to disclose and discover, and other people who needed rescuing or help along the way. There was a string of faith weaved through this story that was more prevalent in the last third of the book. It's on the stronger side, but not overly so. The romance was sweet with moments of heartbreak as well, which made for a story that pulled on all the emotions. It was also a story that kept me engaged.

I think this writing style that is so lyrical and fairy-tale like is very beautiful. It's just not necessarily my preferred style to read, so I struggled a bit with the first third to half of this story. I also felt like there were a lot of words and pages and the story could have been shortened. It's more of a personal preference more than anything as the author was excellent in the execution and overall feel of the story where you literally do feel like you've entered a fairy tale for much of the book.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable story with all the feels. Readers who enjoy multi-faceted characters and intriguing, lyrical stories are sure to appreciate this one.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What do you like about the book? Does it sound like one you'd like to read?

A new addition to this gaslight mystery series... Murder in Rose Hill by Victoria Thompson (Spotlight) #newbooks #mystery #suspense #historicalfiction @BerkleyPub

Murder in Rose Hill

(A Gaslight Mystery #27)

By Victoria Thompson  

Historical Mysteries

Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 335 Pages

April 23, 2024 by Berkley

Summary

Midwife Sarah Malloy and her private investigator husband, Frank, must shine a light on the truth and catch the fiend who killed a young reporter in this new entry in the USA Today bestselling Gaslight Mystery series.

Louisa Rodgers is working as a magazine reporter and is hoping midwife Sarah Malloy can help her. New Century Magazine, like Colliers and McClure’s, is branching out into investigative articles on pressing social issues. Louisa explains that she is researching the dangers of patent medicines. She had been walking through the neighborhood in search of people addicted to such nostrums to interview when she saw the sign for the clinic. Sarah is only too happy to tell Louisa exactly what she thinks of the so-called medicines that hurt much more than they help.

A few days later, Sarah receives a visit from a man who introduces himself as Louisa’s father. Bernard Rodgers explains that Louisa has been found strangled in the lobby of the building where New Century has its offices. The police have decided it was a random attack and have made no attempt to investigate, hinting that Louisa got what she deserved for sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. Her family found Sarah’s card among Louisa’s effects, and now it is up to Sarah and Frank to catch a cold-blooded murderer.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

About the Author

Victoria Thompson is the Edgar® and Agatha Award–nominated author of the Gaslight Mysteries, the Counterfeit Lady series, and numerous historical novels. She lives in the Chicago area with her family.

Photo Credit: Monica Z

Find the author here.

Do you enjoy historical mysteries? Does this sound like a book you'd enjoy?

A WWII romance perfect for book lovers... The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron (Review) #mustread #thebritishbooksellers #kristycambron #historicalfiction #wwiifiction #booktwitter #newbooks #bookx #austenprosepr @KCambronAuthor @ThomasNelson @Austenprose

Welcome! I'm looking forward to sharing my review of this new release today

and I hope you enjoy reading it and add this one to your list. Read on below...

The British Booksellers

By Kristy Cambron

Historical Romance, WWII Fiction, Christian

Paperback, eBook & Audiobook, 384 Pages

April 9, 2024 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

Inspired by real accounts of the Forgotten Blitz bombings, The British Booksellers highlights the courage of those whose lives were forever changed by war—and the stories that bind us in the fight for what matters most.

A tenant farmer’s son had no business daring to dream of a future with an earl’s daughter, but that couldn’t keep Amos Darby from his secret friendship with Charlotte Terrington…until the reality of the Great War sobered youthful dreams. Now decades later, he bears the brutal scars of battles fought in the trenches and their futures that were stolen away. His return home doesn’t come with tender reunions, but with the hollow fulfillment of opening a bookshop on his own and retreating as a recluse within its walls.

When the future Earl of Harcourt chose Charlotte to be his wife, she knew she was destined for a loveless match. Though her heart had chosen another long ago, she pledges her future even as her husband goes to war. Twenty-five years later, Charlotte remains a war widow who divides her days between her late husband’s declining estate and operating a quaint Coventry bookshop—Eden Books, lovingly named after her grown daughter. And Amos is nothing more than the rival bookseller across the lane.

As war with Hitler looms, Eden is determined to preserve her father’s legacy. So when an American solicitor arrives threatening a lawsuit that could destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to preserve, mother and daughter prepare to fight back. But with devastation wrought by the Luftwaffe’s local blitz terrorizing the skies, battling bookshops—and lost loves, Amos and Charlotte—must put aside their differences and fight together to help Coventry survive.

From deep in the trenches of the Great War to the storied English countryside and the devastating Coventry Blitz of World War II, The British Booksellers explores the unbreakable bonds that unite us through love, loss, and the enduring solace that can be found between the pages of a book.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Christianbook

My Review

THE BRITISH BOOKSELLERS is a story about second chances, redemption, sacrifice, new love, war, healing, and learning that some things are worth fighting for. It's set in a quaint British town with delightful characters and a compelling story that readers won't be able to put down. Highly recommended!

I adored the characters in this story! They were easy to relate to, especially with the humor, banter, and genuine friendship between them all. Each character had their own struggles. Some had regrets, others with purposes that changed as their hearts also changed. The words spoken with looks or actions and how, as a reader, I could feel all those emotions. I loved the different dynamics and types of relationships in this story: mother and daughter, husband and wife, friends, romantic interests, co-workers, gentry and lower class, volunteers, enemies. I also enjoyed how genuine the relationships as well as the romance comes across. I also appreciated the vulnerability of the characters and how they each had their own development through the story.

I loved this story from the start and that didn't change! There was such a strong connection between Charlotte and Amos and the author brings you right in from the first chapter. There was a lot that occurred in this story and much of it over time, and all of it flowed well. I loved all the book references and the competing bookstores with the wonderful resolution in the end. The author also did a marvelous job in building the emotion so that it's pretty intense by the time you reach the last couple of chapters. Some of Eden's responses I felt weren't quite consistent with her character and there was a bit more drama than I prefer, but that's pretty much the only thing that didn't work for me. It also didn't take away from my enjoyment of this story. The war aspects were fairly unfiltered without being grotesque or traumatizing. Those parts brought to forefront the terribleness of war and how atrocious the Coventry Blitz was. The feels in this story! I went through all the emotions and some of them were fairly intense. There were so many wonderful, poignant and sweet parts.

There were also some themes of redemption, forgiveness and healing weaved throughout that were inspiring. Here are some of the parts I highlighted:

"We all can use a reminder from time to time, that what we see and hear each week inside this cathedral is what people are actually living outside these walls. Benevolence, compassion, and love—bombs will never silence them when we put those virtues into action."

"Was that what made a man brave? Not in the stepping forward when you didn't know what you were up against, but in going back to the fray, time and time again, when you do?"

"To love meant to accept all—the grit and grief alongside beauty. To endure the harshness of life not with despair, but hope."

In the end, was it what I wished for? The author did a fabulous job writing complex characters who were vulnerable and lovable. Add to that a story that is an emotional roller-coaster, and you have a book well worth the read. WWII romance fans and book lovers will love this one!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kristy Cambron is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of nonfiction, including the Verse Mapping Series Bibles and Bible studies. Kristy's work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations, and has been featured at CBN, Lifeway Women, Jesus Calling, Country Woman Magazine, MICI Magazine, Faithwire, Declare, (in)Courage, and Bible Gateway. She holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing and lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read. You can connect with her at: kristycambron.com and versemapping.com.

Have you read any of this author's other books? Do you like books that involve bookstores or libraries?

Read an excerpt from this new suspense... The Vanished by Cara Putman (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #suspense #christfic @justreadtours @cara_putman @KregelBooks

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!

Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

The Vanished

(Secrets to Keep #1)

By Cara Putman

Christian Mystery & Suspense

Paperback, eBook & Audio CD, 352 Pages

April 16, 2024 by Kregel Publications 

Summary

Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back--until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother's historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather's sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey to unearth his secrets. When her new job at a local law firm doesn't live up to expectations, she wonders if coming home was the right decision.

Carter Montgomery starts his art preservation career with the only job he can get--director at the Elliott Museum of Art. At least Kedgewick is a nice enough town to provide him and his nephew with a safe place to grieve the loss of Carter's sister. But Carter's calm days disappear when an elderly woman claims two paintings in the museum's collection were stolen from her family during World War II. 

Carter enlists Janae's help to unravel the legal labyrinth of art ownership, and the peaceful facade of Kedgewick morphs into a hot bed of secrets. When an attorney turns up dead and Janae uncovers another painting, what began as a simple legal issue spirals into a race against time. As the web of intrigue tightens, the duo must confront a looming question: What dark truths lie beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed? 

"Putman's legal expertise shines in this compelling and intricately plotted romantic suspense. Highly recommended!" --Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author 

"Cara Putman has once again created an exciting cast of characters. I was immediately drawn in by Janae and Carter's unique chemistry. This is one story you don't want to miss." --Rebecca Hemlock, award-winning author of Fury in the Shadows

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt

Butterflies fluttered aggressively in Janae’s stomach as she steeled herself for her first day at a new law firm. Ashley and Ashby filled the role of a small-town Virginia fixture. She remembered the original Ashley and Ashby as overweight, seersucker-clad old men who’d scared her as a child. Now her best option was walking through that door and working for their sons. Mark Ashby had gone to school with Janae’s mother and had assured Janae they’d have work for someone with her skills. However, the way he said it made her think he didn’t believe she had skills. After all, what could she learn in the big city that would have value in good ole Kedgewick?

Guess she’d demonstrate exactly what she could offer. She straightened her bright red peplum suit jacket over its matching skirt, then opened the door and strode into the reception area.

A mousy woman with teased hair grimaced at her. “Can I help you? We don’t open for another fifteen minutes.”

Janae paused, a bit taken aback, because this wasn’t her mother’s friend whom she knew well from church, the one she’d talked with when setting up the position. “I expected Caroline Stone. She asked me to arrive now to get set up.”

“Caroline is out for several weeks with an emergency. I’m filling in for her.”

“Oh.” Janae puffed a quick breath as she recalibrated, and then heldout her hand. “I’m Janae Simmons, the new attorney.”

(pg. 29)

About the Author

Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty-five novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series and the Hidden Justice series.

Connect with Cara by visiting caraputman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, art-themed notebooks, and stickers that inspired the art stolen in the book!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked above. Giveaway began at midnight April 17, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 2024. 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

Have you read any of this author's other books? Did the excerpt make you want to read more?

I Can't Wait for... Disconnect by Traci Hunter Abramson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #suspense #romancebooks @covenantcomms

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I've loved this author's books and this series for years and will keep picking them up for as long as she wants to write them. They're all military romantic suspense. Her upcoming addition is my pick this week...

Disconnect

(Saint Squad #13)

By Traci Hunter Abramson

Contemporary Military Romantic Suspense

Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 288 Pages

June 4, 2024 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Brent Miller is still trying to get past the nightmares of his last mission into Nicaragua when a new commander takes charge of his Navy SEAL team. Commander Gardner has just one objective: to further his career. And the so-called Saint Squad is in his way. When Gardner makes changes that threaten operational readiness, the squad is determined to fight back―until a familiar threat resurfaces, compelling the once formidable team to battle on two fronts against seemingly insurmountable odds.

When equipment fails inexplicably, Brent and the other members of the squad realize too late that terrorists wield a devastating power that will effectively cripple the nation. Forced to utilize their ingenuity and resources to circumvent their new commander, the team faces a chilling reality: even if they find a way to neutralize the threat, bringing everyone home safely may be their greatest challenge yet.

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Will you be reading this one?

A light and unique Austen retelling... Pride and Preston Lee (Review) #newbooks #booktwitter #romancebooks #austenesque #retelling

Pride and Preston Lin

By Christina Hwang Dudley

Contemporary Romance, Retelling

Paperback & eBook, 288 Pages

March 19, 2024 by Third State Books

Summary

In this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the quick-witted and contrarian Lissie Cheng must navigate societal pressures and her growing attraction to the rich and enigmatic Preston Lin.

Lissie is the middle of three sisters, orphaned and taken in by their aunt and uncle. Both she and her older sister, Jenny, work in the family restaurant while pursuing their education and career dreams. When Lissie accidentally serves a dish containing shellfish paste to an allergic customer, she runs afoul of the wealthy Lin family. Their golden boy, Preston, star swimmer and Stanford Ph.D. student, is as handsome as he is self-righteous. Lissie hates him and everything he stands for, but circumstances keep bringing them together. Can she overcome her pride and her initial misgivings about Preston Lin and his condescending mother? Will love prevail, and will these enemies turn into lovers?

Pride and Preston Lin by popular Regency romance writer Christina Hwang Dudley is a hilarious and earnest contemporary riff on Jane Austen’s classic work. And readers will undoubtedly root for Lissie Cheng, a sassy new Elizabeth Bennet for our times, to find lasting love and happiness.

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My Review

PRIDE AND PRESTON LEE is a contemporary Asian American retelling of Austen's Pride and Prejudice set in the San Francisco Bay Area. It's cute with likable characters and an interesting plot. Fans of sweet romance and Austen should enjoy this contemporary spin.

I liked the humor and comradery between these characters. Lissie and her family and roommates are all likable and there was an inherent feel of closeness from years of knowing each other. Similarly Preston has some of that with his family and friends although not as much since his group is small. Both fit into these characters playing modern Elizabeth and Darcy rolls. Lissie's older sister and Preston's closest friend also easily fall into replicating Jane and Bingley. I liked that the author made an aunt and uncle the main parental group with a few other changes that made this story her own. I also thought it was interesting to set these characters as college students, which gave this story its own unique twist.

The plot meanders along, which is also a bit like P&P. There are places where Lissie and Preston don't interact for a time and other things are happening in Lissie's life. I appreciated that there wasn't a lot of drama per se since that's something that tends to not work for me. I was engaged enough to want to know what would happen and how the author would retell this classic. There were also a few places that were climatic and a few happenstance meetings that kept the story moving.

I also had some issues with the story. For one, a server who delivers food knowing that one of the clients is allergic would be fired on the spot no matter if it was a mistake or not. Having a son who has an allergy and having the experience of asking about dishes so that we know if he can eat them is an often occurrence for us. If staff don't know, we ask them to find out or we order something else. If something like this does happen, there is a process that is followed between the restaurant and those injured or they would go to mediation. If the injured party decided to let it go then they probably wouldn't go publish an article naming the restaurant as that could be seen as breaking their agreement. As this is the entire set up of the story, I found the whole situation not realistic. Then there were also issues with a swim coach, which I won't go into too much detail to remain spoiler free. That whole situation also didn't work for me, especially as at one point a mom could have been charged with kidnapping and no complaint was even filed, the swim organization wasn't informed, and cops were never called even when no one could be reached and were missing for hours. Again, not really plausible. Lissie is also studying P&P for her master's but doesn't see how her life has become very similar. It would have been a great opportunity to add some humor. I also felt like there was a lack of chemistry. There is banter and some witty remarks, but I felt like what makes this trope and P&P so good is the romantic tension and that was mostly missing here. I also felt like some plot points were forced to fit more in line with Austen's plot regardless if those things fit this story and without Austen's underlying satire of culture, classes, and gender.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I wanted more depth and development from this story, but if you're looking for a light read, with likable characters, some humor, and sweet romance then this will meet those expectations. It's an enjoyable story overall and there definitely need to be more stories like this published.

Content: Some suggestive content, references to affairs, but otherwise clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Have you read this one? If so, what did you enjoy about the story? If not, is it a book you'd like to read?

A perfect beach read... Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #romancebooks #christianromance #cleanreads #sandcastleInn #irenehannon

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

Sandcastle Inn

(Hope Harbor #10)

By Irene Hannon

Christian Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 352 Pages

April 2, 2024 by Revell

Summary

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Christianbook

My Review

SANDASTLE INN is a sweet story about fresh starts, forgiving yourself, letting go, and pushing through when life is difficult. It's about family, friendship, trust, and love. Fans of clean romance, Christian romance and this author will enjoy spending time in this cozy beach town with these lovable characters.

This was a nice escape read and perfect for readers looking for a beach read. I enjoyed these characters from the start. They're flawed and complicated while also being likable and people I'd love to have as family or friends in real life. There's also two different storylines, the first on two characters who are supposed to be visiting and find themselves slipping into love, and second a married couple who are trying to find their way. I liked the first storyline the most while also finding the second enjoyable. I love that initial shock of chemistry between two people and watching them fall in love. I thought the author did a good job letting these characters figure things out and work through their challenges to sweet, happy endings, which allowed for a bit of character development. The inspirational elements were weaved through well and didn't feel forced. I also really enjoyed the story and the setting. Who wouldn't want to escape to a cozy seaside town and a bed and breakfast under renovation? Plus one of the characters owns a bookshop. It was a nice little escape and rejuvenation as a reader.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable story from beginning to end. It was a great setting, with lovable characters, and a sweet romance. Definitely a recommended read!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.

Tour Schedule

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

For Him and My Family, April 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7

Splashes of Joy, April 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 8

She Lives To Read, April 8

lakesidelivingsite, April 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 10

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

The Lofty Pages, April 13

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 13

Blossoms and Blessings, April 14

Labor Not in Vain, April 14

Wishful Endings, April 15

By The Book, April 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 16

Pause for Tales, April 16

Batya’s Bits, April 17

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, April 17

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Irene is giving away the grand prize package of a full set of the Hope Harbor series (10 books) and a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!

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

ENTER HERE

Are you a fan of this author and cozy beach towns? Does this sound like a story you'll be picking up or adding to your list?