"Searching for Home" by Jill Weatherholt -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Searching for Home

Author: Jill Weatherholt

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Release date: December 28, 2021

Can three little matchmakers lasso a cowboy father?
When injured professional bull rider Luke Beckett returns to his hometown to recover, he doesn’t expect his B and B host and physical therapist to be his first and only love, Meg Brennan. He’s also unprepared for Meg’s adorable triplets to steal his heart. Luke’s past has him doubting he’s good enough for Meg and the children, but they might be just what the doctor ordered to help him heal…

My Thoughts 

It was fun to be back in Whispering Slopes and see familiar characters. It isn't absolutely necessary to read any other books to understand what is going on in this book, however. Some of the characters are mentioned/seen in passing mostly. There was a mild faith thread in the book. I liked the characters well enough. I did get a bit annoyed that it kept being mentioned that "Meg never contacted Luke after he left when he poured out his heart in the letter, so she must not care anymore, if she ever did". I felt like shaking her to get her to actually read the letter instead of just jumping to conclusions. I look forward to reading more books by Jill Weatherholt.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired.

Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia.

She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.

She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

 

More from Jill

It happened in slow motion.

I was traveling on the interstate at 65 mph, in the far-left lane. The traffic was heavy but moving.

Then the unthinkable happened. A wheelbarrow fell off the back of a pickup truck in front of my car.

Swerving to my right lane wasn’t an option, it was full of cars. The left shoulder was narrow and led to a steep drop off.

I gripped the wheel and had a split second to weigh my options. If I maintained my course, the wheelbarrow would burst through my windshield. If I went to the right, I could cause a multi-car pileup. There was a tractor trailer close behind me, so I couldn’t hit my brakes.

I prepared myself for the worst. Then I prayed to God to help me.

Moments later, when I was safely off the interstate, I burst into tears. I was still alive. No one was injured. But how? I couldn’t recall how I got to the exit ramp. How was I able to guide my car around the wheelbarrow?

Later, I realized that God was truly in control of my life. Growing up in the church and listening to my grandmother, I had always known God loved me. But that day, I felt His love more than I ever had my life. He wanted me to live. But why?

I’d like to think that He wasn’t quite finished with me. That maybe He had better things in store for me. Perhaps He blessed me with a gift to weave together a story that can give a person hope. A story that can bring a little light into what is sometimes a dark and scary world. After all, I didn’t grow up wanting to be a writer. Like that day on the interstate, it’s all God’s goodness.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Labor Not in Vain, January 20

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

By the Book, January 21

Inklings and notions, January 22

For Him and My Family, January 23

Splashes of Joy, January 23

deb’s Book Review, January 24

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25

Through the Fire Blogs, January 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 26

Kayem Reads, January 26

Older & Smarter?, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 27

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 29 (Spotlight)

SusanLovesBooks, January 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 30

Blossoms and Blessings, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 1

She Lives To Read, February 2

Vicky Sluiter, February 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jill 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/186b9/searching-for-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"Both Sides of the Border" by Terry Overton -- Author Interview, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 About the Book

Book: Both Sides of the Border

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: March 30, 2021

Inspired by True Current Events.

Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez are on a quest to America to find work and to save their family, who has been devastated by their father’s accident and the drought in their home country of Honduras. But making their way to America would be too expensive for a family stricken by poverty. With only their faith in God to see them through, the teenaged siblings set off for their new home, despite the threat from the cartel, corrupt police officers, starvation, and death.

Meanwhile, Eva Jordan is determined to start a new life on the American side of the Mexican border, hoping to shake off the scars from a horrible marriage. Despite her mother’s concern for her daughter living so close to the border, Eva decides to take a vacation to the other side to sharpen up her Spanish and relax before her new job begins. She is struck by the beautiful towns of Mexico, but slowly, her eyes are opened to the dangers that are knocking at her front door.

When a hurricane washes away the border walls, will the two sides collide in hatred or unite in perfect harmony?

Author Interview 

Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?

Generally, I have an idea of the plot, but I am, as they say, a “seat of the pants” plotster. Once I have an idea for the general story, characters, and conflicts, I begin. The characters tend to take over (unless they misbehave and I have to rethink how the book is going). 

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?

Balancing writing with life. Many days, I want to write straight through to the next day. That kind of effort interferes with life. Taking breaks is a good thing-just hard to do when the characters are moving along rapidly in the plot. This is only during the first draft stage. Once the first draft is completed, the edits, re-edits, and more edits, are easier to pull away from and do other things.

What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing? 

The process of creating is the easiest aspect. That is when things flow

 right along. The editing, wordsmithing, beta reading, more editing, 

are not easy for me.

Do you pen down revelations and ideas as you get them, right then and there?

Yes, if possible. I am so blessed to have a middle of the night muse. Those are the nights I find myself at the computer around 3:00 AM and my poor husband, no matter how quiet I try to be, is awakened! 

If an idea pops into my head during the day, and I am not at the computer, I jot down a few remarks on my phone then take it up as soon as possible. 

Do you need to be in a specific place or room to write, or you can just sit in the middle of a café full of people and write?

I can write anywhere-my living room with a movie on, riding in the car, or in a coffee shop. It is only a direct interruption that causes a break (What’s for dinner, etc.). My main place to write is in my office with wonderful windows overlooking our pond and palm trees in the backyard. My patio is another place I like to go to write.

When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer? 

At the age of nine, my fourth grade teacher took an interest. I won a blue ribbon in a writing contest. But I never really thought about being a “writer.” Writing was required when I was a professor but it was academic writing-very different. I enjoy writing and at times it is therapeutic. It is during the writing process, I feel closest to God. Much of my writing requires research and Scripture. It is very gratifying to write.

How long does it usually take you to write a book? 

It depends on the book and the length of the book. “Both Sides 

of the Border” took many months and a couple of years to bring out for publication. My middle grader readers and children’s level books do not take quite as long.

Where do you get your ideas for your books? 

Most of my books, at some level, are based on true events, current events, Scripture, events in my own life, and people I know and observe. Occasionally I hear something in at church that plants the seed of an idea or my middle of the night muse wakes me with an idea or inspiration.

What is your work schedule/routine when you write? 

My writing happens in long spurts. During the first draft stage, I may write twelve hours at a time. During the proofing and editing stages, I work in shorter periods of time and return to the same manuscript over and over. 

Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters? 

Absolutely without question. These bits of myself may be at different ages of my life. As for my friends, I may take characteristics of friends and combine those with other characteristics. I may also take characteristics and descriptions from pictures of people that convey emotions or unusual situations people happen to be in at the time.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Writing is a gift and can be used to further God’s work, even if by providing clean entertainment for children with underlying Biblical principles. It is also hard work. Authors appreciate groups, like Celebrate Lit which helps to get the writer’s voice out to the public.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. She recently penned her first poetry book in honor of servicemen and women. Her book “Both Sides of the Border” is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

 

More from Terry

As a Christian author, my goals in writing “Both Sides of the Border,” were to have the reader question their own understanding of the people and events of U.S.-Mexico border, analyze these world events through a Christian worldview, and enjoy the plot’s twists and turns. During their travels, the main characters of the story display different levels of their own faith. In the end, both women have increased their faith and understanding of God.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

For Him and My Family, January 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

deb’s Book Review, January 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 22 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22 (Author Interview)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Blossoms and Blessings, January 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/17c59/both-sides-of-the-border-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Queen of the Rockies" by Angela Breidenbach -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 About the Book

Book: Queen of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: September 1, 2021

What will her courage cost?

1889 (Helena, MT): As the gold rush era ends in the most elegant and modern city in the world and Montana emerges as a state, one woman must decide if social pressure will prevail over her own beliefs. Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana at Christmastime to expose the plight of street urchins. But hiding an orphan could unravel Calista’s reputation, and her budding romance with pageant organizer, Albert Shanahan, if her secret is revealed. Will love or social pressure prevail? Courage is choosing to do the right thing regardless of the cost… Romantic, comedic adventure set in picturesque Helena, Montana written by a bestselling author who is also a professional genealogist.
 

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to see what life was like in Montana when they became a state. I really wanted to know who exactly were actual historical figures and which were just made up for the story. Was there really a Miss Snowflake Pageant? I felt the book was well written and easy to read. There really wasn't much to the romance as far as seeing them falling in love, they just suddenly were.  I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Don’t miss her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach! Find her on social media: @AngBreidenbach

 

More from Angela

Queen of the Rockies captured my imagination and my interest in the originality of Montana’s entrance into the United States of America. The people of Montana are quite varied, a true but much unknown fact. People here come from around the world, completely different genealogical origins as well as backgrounds. The influence of gold mining, transportation, and entrepreneurship as well as the exploration of the wild and beautiful lands inspired amazing creativity for both survival and communities.

 From completely uncivilized mining camps to stunning old world know-how of the native peoples to about 100 different immigrant nations brought Montana to statehood. Today, many of those descendants still are here farming, mining, doing business. Many of those languages are still spoken. We have immigrant populations that have continued to come. So though Montana is thought to be nearly all white Americans, that’s not anywhere close to the real Montana. Don’t believe everything you see on TV 😉 Come see for yourself.

 Vibrant wildlife, dangers of the wilderness and weather, and the opportunity partnered with intensely hard-working conditions created more millionaires in one place than had ever been before. But that didn’t mean everyone knew how to handle that new wealth. Vigilantes, including a sheriff who robbed those he was supposed to protect, ran the ranges for years. The women who brought civilization tamed the men who couldn’t quite keep themselves under control. It’s these incredible women who braved the elements and the hardships that are the stars in my books. Come and meet them. They continue to inspire me today!

 Touring and researching through Montana and especially the three original capitals (finally ending up with Helena) fascinated me. There’s so much to do year-round here. I enjoyed it so much that I wrote short travel articles at the back of each book for my readers. I really hope those articles will intrigue people to come and visit the ghost towns, living history towns, hot springs, mountains, and small cities. Each book in this 6-book series will share something special that may not be well-known but will be unforgettable for you as a tourist.

I hope the stories are fun, full of historic entertainment and romance, but also that you’ll have a fresh view of Montana that fires you up to come and visit our beautiful state.

 Please remember to pop over to my website and send me a note through the contact page if you’d like an autographed bookplate for all of your copies of the Queen of the Rockies series. If you’re an eBook fan, I’ve heard of the brilliant idea to keep an album of your favorite authors bookplates. I’d be happy to send you those for an album as well.

 Best wishes,

Angela Breidenbach

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, January 17

Austen’s Angle: Jane Austen’s Influence in Modern America, January 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

Joanna Bair Author, January 19

Texas Book-aholic, January 20

Betti Mace, January 20

Inklings and notions, January 21

Connect in Fiction, January 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 22

For Him and My Family, January 22

deb’s Book Review, January 23

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 25

Pause for Tales, January 25

Connie’s History Classroom, January 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 27

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 27 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 28

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

Mary Hake, January 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize 20-minute genealogy consultation to a winner via Zoom!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/17c5b/queen-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"Every Star in the Sky" by Sara Davison -- Epic Book Launch

 

About the Book

Book: Every Star in the Sky

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 2, 2022

She is willing to testify against her trafficker. If she can stay alive that long.

“You’re safe here, Starr.”

How many times has Detective Cole Blacksky said that to her since helping her escape the life she’d been forced into eight years earlier?

Starr desperately wants to believe him, but she knows Brady Erickson, her former captor, too well. Although Cole has promised her protective custody on his family’s remote ranch, no place on earth is safe enough. Brady will stop at nothing to permanently silence her before she ever reaches the witness stand.

And he is powerful enough to do it.

If Starr wants to help Brady’s other victims, she has no choice but to put herself in God’s hands. And Cole’s. But the longer she and Cole stay hidden, the more her life is at risk.

And her heart.

BOOK EXCERPT

 Excerpt 2

After he’d seen her in person—understood the kinds of acts she performed to avoid a beating, or worse—he might have decided she was not worth the risk. Which would be for the best. He’d stay away from her, and her life could return to the way it had been before he strolled into her hotel room. 

Emotions sparked in her, as tangled as the Christmas lights her foster mother had pulled out of the box of decorations every year. Before Starr could try to sort them out, the doorknob turned.

Her head jerked in that direction. Brady. The door opened slowly and a little of the tension that had seized every muscle eased. If Brady or his men were coming after one of them, they always flung the door open, hard enough to send it crashing against the wall. The girls had adopted the habit of opening every door slowly so whoever was in the room would know she was safe. For the moment. No doubt Brady would figure that out at some point and use it to his advantage, but for now the system worked.

MISSED ANY EXCERPTS, GO HERE:

Excerpt One: https://travelerswife4life.com/every-star-in-the-sky/

Excerpt Two: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2022/01/every-star-in-sky-by-sara-davison-epic.html

Excerpt Three: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/celebrate-lit-epic-book-launch-every-star-in-the-sky-by-sara-davison

Excerpt Four: https://blissbooksandjewels.com/special-book-feature-excerpt-every-star-in-the-sky-by-sara-davison/

Excerpt Five: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/every-star-in-the-sky-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Six: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2022/01/22/every-star-in-the-sky-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2022/02/11/every-star-in-the-sky-epic-book-launch/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and Two Sparrows for a Penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband Michael and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.