Monday, April 24, 2023

"Love Again" by Ann Marie Bryan

About the Book

Book: Love Again

Author: Ann Marie Bryan

Genre: Christian fiction (Romance)

Release date: December 8, 2022

Sometimes, all you need is a second chance at love.

Let the adventure begin …

Rylan McIntosh was twenty-three years old when Savannah McKenzie shattered his world. Everything was almost perfect … until she disappeared. Nearly seven years later, Savannah stands before him with not a hint of remorse. The naive young girl is gone and the woman in her place is at the top of her game. She’s all glam in a tailored suit, acting like they were nothing more than mere acquaintances. But she’s forgotten something—how relentless he can be.

Having experienced more than her fair share of tragedy, the last thing Savannah wants is to contend with Rylan. Back then, she’d surrendered to her feelings for him and conceded to his request for a relationship … well, until she was forced to flee. Seeing Rylan again stirs up buried memories she has no intention of reviving.

All bets are off as they battle through the hurt and pain of their shared past. Savannah begs for a truce and, surprisingly, Rylan agrees. That’s until he discovers a web of secrets and lies that run deeper than he could have ever imagined. Still, some connections are too powerful to ignore. Will Rylan and Savannah develop the courage to leave the past behind? Will they allow God to restore what has been broken?

Standalone books in the McIntosh Brothers series:

Book 1 – Dream Again (The story of Carter McIntosh & Gianna Barrett)

Book 2 – Love Again (The story of Rylan McIntosh & Savannah McKenzie)

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

Author Interview

1. Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
In the world of storytelling, I am a plotter. I carry the storyline in my mind until I have a good
idea where it’s heading. After that, I use Microsoft Word to create a basic outline of what I’m
hoping to achieve in each chapter. Once I begin to write, it’s all about getting the story out of
my head because I need the characters to stop talking.
2. What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?
Writing can be a formidable task, but for the most part, I enjoy polishing my sentences until
they feel right… and compelling enough to capture the interest of readers. I’m always on a
mission to make my upcoming book better than my last release. Also, I’m bent on
introducing my readers to something that I have not written about in my previous books.
Since writing is a creative endeavor, sometimes it’s hard to carve out the time to write and be
in the right frame of mind for my creative juices to flow. I write about characters that are
complex and layered, so there’s always that struggle to make sure the right message flows off
the pages.
3. What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?
I love the art of dance and with that comes my love for choreography. As I mentally create
my story, it’s like choreographing a dance. I consider this a strength in my storytelling and
that for me is the easiest part of writing. Also, I enjoy writing complex characters. Getting to
know one of my characters is like peeling an onion. In life, we experience mountaintops and
valleys, so do my characters.
4. How long does it usually take you to write a book?
As I had mentioned, I carry the storyline in my mind until I have a good idea of where it’s
heading. It will take me 2-3 months to create my first draft for a full-length novel. After that,
I do 2-3 rewrites, so it takes me about 6 months to create a novel.
5. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
For me, writing is a ministry. It’s a way to remind readers about God’s purpose and plan for
their lives, and the wholeness that comes from living a Christ-centered life.
The ideas for my books come from many sources—a moment in time, being in a particular
place, family members, friends, and the list goes on. But I believe that my best writing ideas
come from God and my interaction with people.

About the Author

Ann Marie Bryan is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and writing consultant, with more than a decade of experience providing top-notch literary services and innovative personal and professional development solutions to clients. As Founder and CEO of Victorious By Design, she uses her extensive knowledge and experience in human resources, information technology, banking, and writing to bring a well-rounded perspective when working with clients.

A Christian fiction author, Ann Marie writes to inspire and empower others. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blends faith and romance. In addition, Ann Marie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, a quarterly literary and empowerment resource for the faith-based community. When she is not writing and training, Ann Marie enjoys speaking at conferences, retreats, workshops, and special events.

Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people, and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord. For further information about Ann Marie, please visit www.annmariebryan.com or https://www.victoriousbydesign.com.

More from Ann Marie

I am thankful that you are a part of this amazing Love Again tour. It was a pleasure to write Love Again, the highly anticipated second installment in the McIntosh Brothers Series. Intensely emotional yet beautifully romantic, Love Again is a deeply moving story about faith, courage, a second chance at love… and what it really means to be a family.

In this novel, you’ll witnessed the growing relationship between Rylan McIntosh and Savannah McKenzie as they deal with the pain of the past and develop the courage to leave it all behind. While romance and drama are happening in this novel, the central message is to stay the course as you pursue your purpose.

I pray Love Again strengthens your faith in the Lord, and that you will be “… confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV). God has a way of moving through time to ensure that all things work for our good. Whatever season you’re in, may God continue to bless and keep you.

Thank you for touring with me and for taking the time to read Love Again. Stay victorious.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 15

Guild Master, April 16 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 17

Beauty in the Binding, April 18 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 21

Splashes of Joy, April 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Blossoms and Blessings, April 24 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 26 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, April 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann Marie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and a copy of Love Again!!

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/2566b/love-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

"A Match in the Making" by Jen Turano

About the Book

Book: A Match in the Making

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 21, 2023

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention–and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

 

My Thoughts

I loved this book! It is always a joy for me to read a book by Jen Turano. She has a unique of writing that is easy to read and puts a smile on my lips. It was really fun watching Gwendolyn's interactions with the members of society in Newport while she was able to find perfect matches for many of them. I enjoyed watching the interactions between Walter and Gwendolyn and also with the children. It was a very satisfying read and I finished it with a happy sigh. I look forward to finding more books in this series and by Jen Turano.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by BooklistJen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

 

More from Jen

A Chat with Jen Turano

You’re known for writing historical romantic comedies set in the Gilded Age. What made you decide to write in that particular era?

Funny thing, when I first tried my hand at writing historical, I wrote Regency—think Jane Austen, lots of drama, dukes, and probably a few countesses in serious need of attitude adjustments. One of those books, I believe I titled it A Marriage of Inconvenience, is the book that landed me my first agent. But, as she was shopping that book around, I read this fascinating book about Alva Vanderbilt. There was so much drama involved with the New York Four Hundred during the latter part of the nineteenth century that I threw myself into researching everything I could find about high society. I’ve been writing about that fascinating moment in time ever since.

Your new series revolves around matchmaking. How did you come up with that idea, and what can we expect?

I’ve been wanting to do a matchmaker series forever, and that idea reinforced when I watched Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and there was a prevalent matchmaking thread. However, I didn’t want to do a normal matchmaker story, which is why I decided it would be hilarious to have a heroine accept a paid companion position and then, due to unforeseen circumstances, find herself turned into an assistant matchmaker even though she has absolutely no experience with matchmaking in general and is actually old enough to be considered a confirmed spinster.

How do you come up with such unusual ideas?

I think I just view life a little differently. I’ve always been rather weird, so when I think of matchmaking agencies, or lady detectives, or hat makers, I begin thinking up all these outlandish situations and then, just when my heroine or hero thinks that nothing else could go wrong, I throw something else at them. It’s a highly amusing job at times, although I’m certain my characters don’t appreciate my odd sense of humor.

Do you have a favorite character or book?

I adore Gertrude Cadwalader from Out of the Ordinary, although that’s not my favorite book. My favorite book is Diamond in the Rough because Poppy Garrison gets herself in some fabulous messes.

Your characters do seem to find themselves in some interesting mishaps and messes. Do you write these from personal experience?

You know, I have to admit that a lot of the outlandish situations I write are based on either observations I’ve made over the years or . . . yep, they’ve happened to me or my friends. I’ve definitely led an interesting life, although I do embellish the situations in some instances—creative license and all that.

How do you come up with such unusual names?

Contrary to what some may believe, I don’t make up any of my names. I scour old obituaries or shake down my friends who are into researching their ancestors for cool names. That’s how I got Mercy Miner, Temperance Flowerdew, and Lucetta Plum.

What’s coming up next?

I just finished up developmental edits for the second book in the Matchmakers series, so now I’ll go back to writing the third and final book in that series. After that? Well, I’m not positive yet. I have two ideas roaming around in my head for the next series I’ll delve into, but I simply don’t know which one I want to write quite yet.

Thanks so much for having me! Always fun being here with your readers.

All the best,

Jen

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 9

Christina’s Corner, April 9

To Everything There Is A Season, April 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Karen Baney Reviews, April 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 12

Bigreadersite, April 12

Sylvan Musings, April 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Betti Mace, April 14

Godly Book Reviews, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 14

Batya’s Bits, April 15

Connie’s History Classroom, April 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16

Blogging With Carol, April 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17

Cover Lover Book Review, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 18

Blossoms and Blessings, April 19

For Him and My Family, April 19

Splashes of Joy, April 20

Holly’s Book Corner, April 20

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 20

By the Book, April 21

Back Porch Reads, April 21

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 22

Live. Love. Read., April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Match in the Making and a $15 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/2549a/a-match-in-the-making-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.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

"Jonas" by Susan May Warren

 About the Book

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/40rIzeI 
Series: The Minnesota Marshalls #2
Publisher: SDG Publishing
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Jonas Marshall is done storm-chasing, plagued with the memory of a terrible accident that paralyzed a fellow chaser, so the last thing he’s going to do is run into more danger. Now, he’s just a simple weatherman deploying dirigibles in an experiment to track weather patterns in Slovenia.

As far from danger as he can get.

But danger comes knocking in the form of hiker in need of rescue, and he can’t deny that her companion—beautiful Sibba Kovac—is a great distraction from the guilt that haunts him…until she paraglides right out of his life.

Probably for the best.

But danger still won’t leave him alone when a storm knocks his dirigibles out of the sky, and he happens upon one that looks tampered with…

It is. And worse, it’s carrying what could be radioactive waste. At least according to EOD expert Sibba…who finds herself face-to-face with the rescuer she can’t forget. But she’s not looking for him—her grandfather is missing, and she’ll stop at nothing to find him.

When her missing grandfather leads to the threat of a dirty bomb, she’s the only one who can stop it. And Jonas is the only man brave enough to run into danger with her. But she doesn’t have room in her heart to love him—not when she lives with death in her periphery. Can the right man, at the right time help her see beyond her fears to a future?

And if they have a chance to save the world, can Jonas let go of the woman he loves?

The thrilling second book in the epic romantic suspense of the Minnesota Marshalls!

My Thoughts

I was excited to read the next installment in the Minnesota Marshalls series. This is Jonas's story, but that doesn't mean that he is the only Marshall to feature in it. Many of the characters from Susan May Warren's other books make appearances, some having fairly important roles in this series as well. There is also a start to Ned's story. I love how the books are all interconnected and tell one larger story. I found the book to be well written and a fast read. I am eagerly awaiting Ned's story as well as other books by Susan May Warren.


About the Author

Susan May Warren

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.

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


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. 

Friday, April 14, 2023

"Dawn's Untrodden Green" by Carolyn Miller

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dawn’s Untrodden Green by Carolyn Miller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Dawn's Untrodden GreenAbout the Book

Title: Dawn's Untrodden Green
Series: Regency Wallflowers #3
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: April 11, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

"Highly entertaining, refreshing, and witty. . . . [A] beautifully written, delightful, and faith-filled romance of two endearing hearts."

--Grace Hitchcock, award-winning author of My Dear Miss Dupré

Not much happens in Theodosia Stapleton's tiny Northumberland village. Certainly not to her. She has resigned herself to spinsterhood, caring for her ailing mother in the home of her grandfather, known to the locals as "General Contrary." When her dear friend dies and leaves behind a daughter, it's simple enough to take the child into her own quiet world. That is, until her ward's famous uncle unexpectedly arrives and throws Theo's tidy orbit completely off-kilter.

Fame was the last thing Daniel Balfour sought when he fought in the Peninsular War. But his brave exploits caught the attention of the King, and now the honors he was given hound him everywhere . . . even on his rushed trip to rescue his orphaned niece.

Theo's quick wit and warm smile reassure him that Rebecca is in good hands, and he finds himself free to swiftly return to London and his responsibilities. But those caring hands are beginning to look like they could also safely hold his heart, and he's tempted to linger. Unfortunately, marriage is simply not in the cards; the army is spouse enough for him.

Then an accident and a scandal lead both Theo and Daniel to discover that their best-laid plans may not have been what God designed for them after all.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Book Depository | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in this Series

Dusk's Darkest Shores  Midnight's Budding Morrow




My Thoughts

This is the third book in the Regency Wallflowers series, but I think you could read it as a standalone book. Some of the characters from the other books are mentioned as they are friends of Daniel's. Daniel actual appeared in the second book of the series as well so it was fun to get his story.I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I liked the interactions between Theo and Daniel and watching them fall in love.I was encouraged by the fact that Theo and Daniel were just “ordinary” people and not exceptionally good looking.  I look forward to reading more historical books by Carolyn Miller.


About the Author

Carolyn Miller

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of all three books in the Regency Wallflower series by Carolyn Miller.
(books 1 & 2 will be signed, and a book plate from the author will be included for Dawn's Untrodden Green)

Dawn's Untrodden Green JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 17, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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


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.