Lu by Beth Troy blog tour review + giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Lu by Beth Troy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Lu
Author: Beth Troy
Publisher: Kingsbury Publishing
Release Date: June 21, 2017
Genre: Women’s Fiction

Are we the sum of our circumstances or is there … more?

In a debut novel readers are calling “true to life,” “captivating,” and “cleverly written,” author Beth Troy takes on the story of Lu Sokolowski and her life upended. Lu’s plans have turned sideways, taking her back to the family and town she always planned to leave.

Lu is a modern woman’s honest journey to faith, that unapologetically addresses:
•The big questions women ask about their beliefs.
•The struggles women face in creating a fulfilling life.
•The complexity of family relationships.
•The tension between hope and reality.

Lu is a story for readers looking for real growth in relatable characters who aren’t afraid to ask real questions. It’s for women who want to experience the full spectrum of who they are and what they believe. It’s for women who want a story about how faith integrates into the whole life of a woman. You will want to share this story with a friend – after you read it again yourself.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Troy is a writer and educator who teaches courses in Creativity & Innovation and Women & Entrepreneurship at Miami University. Her first novel, Lu, is a modern woman’s journey back to her family, her faith, and herself. Beth will be publishing the sequel in Summer 2020.

Beth lives in Ohio with her husband and three sons. Go to her site or follow her on Instagram to read more about her life and writing.

CONNECT WITH BETH: Website | Instagram

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MY THOUGHTS

Lu is the story of a woman’s journey to faith that begins in betrayal and heartbreak, and leads to even more brokenness before it is through. For Christian and non-Christian alike, this is a story that will resonate as Lu returns to her family home, begins to heal, and considers new possibilities.

Told in Lu’s voice, this is an impressive debut novel that evokes a gamut of emotions. From her family relationships – her Polish grandmother in particular – to her romantic choices, Lu is a complex and engaging character – even with her habit of running away from problems.

This novel is unexpected and revelatory, an example of what Christian fiction can be and do. Highly and warmly recommended, this is a book to share with friends.

Note: Lu includes a few curse words and implied intimacy, but is definitely Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review is not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a bookish library card mug!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 12, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

Selah’s Stolen Dream by Susan Count (review blog tour)

What a great read for horse-mad girls!  As an adolescent, I was gifted with two books centered around horses and those stories remain with me to this day.  The horse of this story, Sweet Dream, brings both joy and heartache to two young girls as she is stolen from 13-year-old Selah and then, unknowingly, bought at auction by 10-year-old Emma.

Losing her horse dashes Selah’s dreams and endangers their sponsorships and movie producer interest, leading her into some risky behavior and an encounter with an online predator.  At the same time, Emma begins to make friends and become more confident as having a horse of her own broadens her world after becoming deaf.

When Emma faces the truth that her beloved horse was stolen, the story begins to move towards a heartwarming conclusion.  Along the way to that ending, there are difficult choices for both girls and a subtle maturing for Selah.

This is a story that touches on illness and death.  It also includes scenes of uncomfortable feelings and danger that may warrant conversations with young readers.

Selah’s Stolen Dream is the fourth book in the Dream Horse Adventures series by Susan Count.  This and other books in the series are sure to please the horse-mad tween girl in your life.

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Selah’s Stolen Dream by Susan Count (Dream Horse Adventures, #4) | Hastings Creation Group, March 2020 | ebook, 217 pages

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily received through Just Read Publicity Tours.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon

About the book:

One girl’s victory is another’s tragic defeat.

Thirteen-year-old Selah’s perfect life unravels when her beloved horse is stolen. Then ten-year-old Emma buys the dream of a lifetime at a horse auction. When she learns the horse was stolen, even removing her hearing aid won’t drown out the voice telling her to make it right.

But two girls can’t divide the horse they both adore. So will life surprise them with an answered prayer?

 

Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy (review)

Ilse Nordegren and Mitch Warden exasperate each other, for various reasons, but Mitch finds he doesn’t mind so much when faced with a near-to-shotgun wedding in Mary Connealy’s Woman of Sunlight.

From the first word, I absolutely adored this story of danger, adventure, and fraught romance.

An Unlikely Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman (review)

I wasn’t looking to try any more authors of Amish fiction.  I had my favorites and I was happy with them.  Then along came Vannetta Chapman’s Indiana Amish Brides series from Love Inspired.

An Unlikely Amish Match is a charmer.  It’s a straight-laced, rule following Bishop’s daughter meets Amish bad boy romance with a touching twist.  The back stories

Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher (review)

Available in print or ebook (affiliate links)

Having enjoyed Robin Lee Hatcher’s Historical Christian Romances in the past, and having a preference for historical fiction, I was a bit hesitant to give her contemporary fiction a try.  But once I began to read, however reluctantly, I was immediately hooked by this story of loss, betrayal, hope, and redemption.

Spotlight: The Telegraph Proposal by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham with Book Excerpt (and a Giveaway link!)

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for The Telegraph Proposal by Becca Whitham and Gina Welborn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Telegraph Proposal
Series: Montana Brides #3
Authors: Becca Whitham & Gina Welborn
Publisher: Zebra
Genre: Western Romance
Release Date: October 29, 2019

In the rough and rugged Montana Territory, the journey to true love is filled with unexpected twists–and sweet rewards–for daring frontier women who faithfully believe every heart has a home . . .

With the help of the Archer Matrimonial Company, Yancey Palmer has finally put Hale Adams, the man she’s loved for ten years–sometimes not wisely or well–behind her. Yancey is so sure of her love for the man the agency matched her with, she readily promises a friend that she’ll help Hale with his mayoral campaign without chasing him.

Hale has also engaged the services of the matrimonial agency. He’s so pleased with one lady, he requests that she join him in Helena to commence a sixty-day courtship. But instead, the Archer ladies arrive in town to reveal the true identities of both Hale’s and Yancey’s matches: each other. Can they look past their misunderstandings and hurt to see that they are still a perfect match?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

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EXCERPT

Hale attempted to keep his exasperation at bay. But this woman was pushing his limits of gentlemanly behavior.  “I’m still waiting to hear how far outside normal agency practice you went with regards to Miss York.”

Miss Archer shot a look at her mother, who was now the one looking triumphant. “It’s nothing bad.”

“You’ve already assured me on that point, Miss Archer.” And he was even less inclined to believe her now than the first time.

“It goes back to your rejection of the first nine candidates we sent you.”

“They weren’t compatible.” Which was rather obvious.

“Although they were exactly what you asked for.” She raised her head, a challenge in her brown eyes. “So instead of giving you the woman you askedfor, I sent you the woman you needed.”

He narrowed his eyes, trying once again to picture the qualifications he’d listed eight months ago on his application. But—honestly—did it even matter? Portia was who he wanted. However, the lawyer in him wasn’t about to say as much. “Are you saying she came to your agency in an unusual way?”

Miss Archer shook her head, the dark red feather tucked into the ribbon of her hat waving from side to side. “Miss York filled out an application and was vetted just as you were, Mr. Adams. I only changed her name and some of her specifics so you wouldn’t guess her identity.”

He heard the words and understood their meaning, but he couldn’t quite comprehend what she was implying. Unless… “Are you saying you read her letters to me?”

This time the feather (in her hat) waved up and down.

He crossed his arms over his chest as though they could shield him from feeling undressed. And she thought this was nothing bad? He’d like to hear precisely what she thought qualified for that.

Then again, he really didn’t.

She was talking again. He shoved the arguments and accusations shouting inside his head to one side in order to hear her. “…knew she was the perfect match for you, but in case you rejected her, as you had the others, I didn’t want there to be any awkwardness between you.”

He frowned. “Are you saying I know Miss York?”

Another nod, this one less vigorous so the feather barely waved.

He squinted, trying to picture the women he’d met in Denver. “Who is she?”

Miss Archer shot another glance at her mother, took a shallow breath, and looked him in the eye. “Yancey Palmer.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham

Becca Whitham (WIT-um) Award-winning author, paper crafter, and Army wife, Becca and her twelve-foot long craft cabinet follow her husband of thirty-five years wherever the army needs a good chaplain. She thinks the cabinet should count as a dependent. So far, neither the army nor the IRS is convinced. In between moves from one part of the country to the other, she writes stories combining faith and fiction that touch the heart. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.

CONNECT WITH BECCA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

 

Gina Welborn is the bestselling author of twenty inspirational romances, including the Montana Brides Romances from Kensington Publishing. She’s a member of Romance Writers of American and American Christian Fiction Writers. Sharing her husband’s passion for the premier American sports car, she is a lifetime member of the National Corvette Museum and a founding member of the Southwest Oklahoma Corvette Club. Gina lives with her husband, four of their five children, a rabbit named Hobbit, and two cats that don’t realize rabbits are edible.

CONNECT WITH GINA: Website | Facebook | Pinterest

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and a Montana huckleberry syrup and jam gift box!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 28, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2019. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations by V. Joy Palmer (tour review)

Faced with a over-achieving twin and warned away by the father of Chance McFarland, the boy she has a crush on, teenage Apryl Burns quickly learned to deflect and distance herself with sarcasm.  But when she’s forced through circumstances, partially of her sister Courtney’s making, to leave her career as a hairstylist and instantly become a wedding decorator extraordinaire, she is forced to both coerce and rely on Chance for help.  And it isn’t long before her defenses start to fail.

Book Excerpt (& Giveaway Link!): Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Hope Discovered
Series: Welcome to Ruby #1
Author: Cynthia Herron
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 31, 2018

Is the sure thing worth risking for the possibility of maybe?

Charla Winthrop, a savvy business woman seeking a permanent lifestyle change in small-town Ruby, learns that things aren’t always what they appear when she takes up residence in a house steeped in charm and a hint of mystery.
Rumor has it that Sam Packard the town carpenter is her go-to guy for home remodeling, but can Charla convince him to help her—with no strings attached, of course?

Alone far too long, Sam’s prayed that God would send him a wife and a mother for his daughters. However, the new Ruby resident is hardly what he imagined. A new place to call “home,” the possibility of what might be, and the answer to someone’s prayers unite this unlikely pair with the help of the town’s residents.

Nestled in the Ozarks’ hills and hollows is Ruby, Missouri, a quaint, cozy town where “neighbor” is merely another word for “friend.” Ruby will charm and delight as will her quirky, lovable characters who will steal your heart, but hand it right back—with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Savor your new friends’ sorrows and successes in the community where offbeat is perfect and mishaps and mayhem never tasted so good.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Her Hope Discovered Excerpt:

August in the Missouri Ozarks…where humidity-laden air hangs heavy over these majestic hills and hollows, and time idles by easily, yet, with ordained precision of the Master’s hand.

“This isn’t a home I’d normally show you, Miss Winthrop.” Jerry Marshall removed his sunglasses and motioned toward the two-and-a-half story treasure. “The Ramsey place is a real beaut, of course, but five-thousand square feet is certainly more room than you’ll ever need. Still, you did ask to take a look.”

Charla cupped a palm above her eyes and blinked against the mid-afternoon sun. “Yes, I did.” Except the print-out didn’t do the house justice. It didn’t fully capture the charm. The nostalgia. The magnetic appeal that drew goosebumps. It didn’t convey the feeling the Ramsey home evoked—one of overwhelming love and longing. She stepped closer and gazed upward at the towering structure. “Details, Mr. Marshall?”

“Well,” her real estate agent paused. “Do you think—I mean, would it be…presumptuous of me to suggest we be on a first name basis? After all, we’ve known each other for a month now. Around here, formalities don’t hold water. In Ruby, we’re all friends.”

Charla shifted her gaze for a moment and smiled. “You’re right. First names, it is.”

“Great. Now about those details—this is a solid-built home, circa 1944. Excellent condition. Original woodwork, cedar closets. New heating and air, new roof, plumbing, and additional updates while preserving the home’s integrity. There’s an in-ground storm cellar out back, as well as a garden shed and a small garage. As the fact sheet indicates, it comes with a homeowner’s warranty. There’s a nice rolling meadow and fifteen wooded acres.” Jerry cleared his throat then and presented the asking price. “Now, there are some dandy places we haven’t even seen yet. Why don’t I show you a few of those, Charla? A number that are better suited to your…uh…needs, and more modestly priced?”

It should have irked her that he thought her both incapable and out of touch, but he was so sincere and likeable, Charla couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m single, Jerry, not incapacitated. And with a price tag like that, I bet the owner is willing to negotiate, right?”

“Well, a bit, I imagine. But still—we’re talking a whole lot of money here. Are you sure you still want to see the place?”

“I appreciate your concern, but what part of fat commissiondo you find distasteful?”

It was her agent’s turn to laugh. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to patronize.” He extended an arm with a grand flourish. “Shall we, then?”

“Absolutely.” She moved past him, excitement drumming in her veins. Drawn by an invisible force that mystified her, Charla hurried up the painted steps and waited for Jerry on the massive front porch. She needn’t look any further. This was it. This was the house. Even the imaginary scent of chocolate chip cookies confirmed it. “I can’t believe this home is still on the market.”

“Yes, well, Edwin’s waited a while for the right buyer.” Jerry met her at the door and inserted a key in the lockbox. “Said the good Lord would send that person when the time was right.”

He swung open the door and Charla’s world tilted. The time was definitely right. She hoped Edwin Ramsey was free to meet soon.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains. A hopeless romantic at heart, she enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Her Hope Discovered, her début novel and the first in a three-book series, released December 2018 with Mountain Brook Ink.

“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA.

She is a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her short story Words from the Heart appears in The Story Anthology (Karen Kingsbury/Family Fiction) via Salem Publications, 2014. Her work is represented by Sarah Freese at WordServe Literary.

Besides writing, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She also adores a great cup of coffee and she never met a sticky note she didn’t like.

Cindy loves to connect with friends at her online home. She also hangs out on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

For love, fun, and encouragement ~

Sign up for Cindy’s monthly e-NEWSLETTERS

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card from the author (US only)

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 18, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm February 25, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

 

The Cresswell Plot by Eliza Wass (quick review)

In another case of “I don’t usually read this type of book, but…” I picked up a copy of The Cresswell Plot at a Dollar Tree store.  It was the cover that piqued my interest, the description that made me think “hmm, maybe” and the combination of the short length and the dollar price that clinched it.

It was like something was broken inside me, and the worst part was, I was pretty sure it had been broken for a long time.  When you’re hanging on by a thread, you don’t even notice until that thread starts to break. (p. 147)

I labelled this a “quick review,” so as briefly as I can manage, here’s the skinny:  

First Line Friday–Where the Fire Falls

Welcome to First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books.

The book featured was received as an e-galley through NetGalley for review purposes.  The final copy may differ.

Last month I featured The Road to Paradise, the first book in Karen Barnett‘s Vintage National Parks series.  Since National Park Week (US) is from April 21-29, it seems the natural choice to feature the second novel in the series, Where the Fire Falls (out June 5, 2018 from Waterbrook).

From the covers (vintage park poster style), to the settings (Mount Rainer and Yosemite National Parks) and time period (late 1920’s), to the genre (Historical Romance with mystery and adventure), and the icing on the cake being the author herself – an Oregon resident and former Park Ranger – everything about these books is saying “Read Me!”  So to get us all started, here are the first lines from Where the Fire Falls: