Kim

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Various

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About the Book

Title: Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough
Authors: Josi S. Kilpack, Anneka R. Walker, Sarah L. McConkie
Genre: Christmas Novella
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: September 1, 2021

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happily ever after! This special holiday historical romance anthology featuring three heartwarming novellas proves that no matter the obstacles, ’tis the season for love.

Meet Me under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack
Deborah Winfrey hasn’t had the heart to host a holiday party since her husband’s death. But this Christmas, it’s time to move forward. The festivities bring renewed life to her home, and the attentions of two very different men promise a chance at new love.
Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka R. Walker
Julia Hunt is strictly forbidden from associating with the family in the nearby manor—including the handsome younger son, Esmond, who quickly steals her heart. With Christmas around the corner, an old bundle of hidden love letters may be the key to her own happily ever after.
A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie
In this novella inspired by the timeless tale A Christmas Carol, John Charleston finds himself on an unexpected journey in the company of the insufferable Lady Carolyn Morleigh. But the magic of the season has a way of softening even the hardest of hearts.

Purchase your copy here!

About the Authors

Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and has written thirty-three novels, one cookbook, and several short stories since then. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner, including two Novel of the Year awards for Lord Fenton’s Folly and As Wide as the Sky and a Best of State winner in Fiction. She writes her national women’s fiction under the pen name of Jessica Pack (say Josi Kilpack really fast and you’ll see why she chose it). Josi currently lives in Northern Utah and is the mother of 4 wonderful kids.

Connect with Josi: Website | Facebook

Anneka R. Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor’s degree in English and history. When she isn’t dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she is busy living her own with her husband and adorable children.

Connect with Anneka: Website | Facebook

Sarah L. McConkie started her writing career in the second grade with a thirteen-page magnum opus about dinosaurs. Although the plot line and penmanship lacked polish, Sarah learned she loved retiring to bed thinking of what to write the next day. On a good night, she still does the same thing. Sarah took up the pen several years later after tucking her own little dreamer into bed and now combines modern life experiences, a robust knowledge of regency classics and a passion for all things old fashioned and proper to craft her historical romances. She co-stars with her own Mr. Right in the real-life romantic comedy she calls life. Sarah believes creating thought-provoking and moral stories promotes literacy in a world that needs more readers. She has a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and taught junior high choir for several years before becoming a stay-at-home mother to three darling children. She currently teaches high school music courses online through Brigham Young University. The Promise of Miss Spencer was published in March, 2020. Her first novel, Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor was published in August, 2018.

Connect with Sarah: Website | Facebook

My Review

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough
by Various
Christmas Novella
Rating: 4/5

Josi S. Kilpack’s beautiful story is brief but catches your attention. I was rooting for Deborah from the very beginning and was not disappointed. Her characters are lovely and the writing is witty. I’ve never read a story quite like this one and you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Anneka R. Walker’s story is fun and so romantic. I really enjoyed Julia and Esmond’s characters. Esmond was definitely a favorite swoonworthy male lead who gets to pursue his love. Though short, I loved how there was a bit of a mystery in the story that kept me turning to the next page.

Sarah L Conkie’s story, loosely based on A Christmas Carol, was a very interesting premise. Lady Carolyn Morleigh was definitely an unlikeable character who only cared for how she was perceived. John Charleston’s character was very likeable and endearing. Who doesn’t love a redeemable character? However, I think society judges females more harshly when it comes to likability. Definitely worth reading.

Overall, I highly recommend this lovely, charming Christmas novella collection filled with unique stories of romance and holiday cheer.

My thanks to the authors and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Follow Along on the Blog Tour!

Oct 11
Timeless Novels
Heidi Reads
Life Is What It’s Called

Oct 12
Lisa is a Bookworm
Books Are Sanity
LDS Writer Mom

Oct 13
Holly’s Book Corner
Books and Everyday Life
Our Book Confessions

Oct 14
Books and Socks Rock
My Book A Day
Min Reads and Reviews

Oct 15
Alicia Reads It
Empower Moms (with Rachel DeVaughn)
Why Not? Because I Said So

Oct 16
Reading with Emily
She Lives to Read
Inside the Wong Mind

Giveaway

WIN a PAPERBACK copy of Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough (US addresses only)

Enter the giveaway here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a283/

October 16, 2021 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book

Title: A Midnight Dance
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: September 7, 2021

All theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most–and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater. Yet as she struggles to maintain her tenuous place in the ever-shrinking ballet company, win the attentions of principal dancer Philippe, and avoid company flirt Jack, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the dead ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own tragic end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the past?

Mystery and romance make the perfect dance partners in this evocative story from fan-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano.

Purchase your copy here!

About the Author

Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, and The Love Note. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone’s story. She lives with her husband and their two kids in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan. You can find her at www.jdpstories.com.

Connect with Joanna: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

My Review

A Midnight Dance
By Joanna Davidson Politano
Rating: 4/5

“What I want . . . is for you to fly.”

I have to admit that the book is delightful and mysterious and brooding and beautiful and inspiring but it didn’t start that way for me. It wasn’t till I got 1/3 of the way through that the story really picked up and peaked my interest. I am so glad I kept reading. Having never read anything from the author before, I was grateful for her beautiful writing and intelligent story telling. She was also able to weave her faith and God’s love throughout the story in a genuine way that complemented the characters’ development.

“Then before I knew it, quite against my will, the dancer’s heart in me was awakening, sparking with life, and answering yes against the silence of the room.”

As someone who loves ballet, I was eager to read this story. As someone who has felt the Lord’s presence and pleasure when worshiping in dance, I loved how Ella’s heart was expressed in her dancing. Her light shown through on the stage and people noticed.

“Turn after turn, dance after dance, I found myself unwinding from the constraints of this world, muffling its beat as my heart matched the rhythm of its Creator.”

I also enjoyed the mystery that kept me guessing till the very end. It was well written and well-deserved.

Highly recommend if you enjoy a story about love, family, faith and dance.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

October 12, 2021 by Kim Book Reviews

Blood From a Stone by David James Warren

Blood from a Stone JustRead Blog + Review Tour
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Blood From a Stone by David James Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

Title: Blood From a Stone
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5
Author: David James Warren
Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he’ll do anything to stop a killer.

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he’s been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his one chance at justice.

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future. Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair.

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter?

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, David Curtis Warren

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith.

For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

MY REVIEW

Blood From a Stone
by David James Warren
Book 5 in the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series
Rating: 4.5/5

“I am rewriting all of it, and this time, I’m going to return to a life I know.”

I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger of an ending! Wow. The authors just keep getting better and better. Rembrandt Stone just keeps getting into more and more trouble. I’ve guessed who the villain is but will have to wait till the last book to confirm. This book is worth reading but please read the series in order. They are quick reads that will keep you flipping to the next page. The writing is solid and action packed but with moments of self reflection and regret. The reader will not want to stop reading to figure out what will happen next.

To a time traveler, until you’ve been someplace for a long time, rewriting the past feels like a game. We jump into the moment, armed with knowledge we shouldn’t possess, the older and wiser versions of ourselves, with the goal of rewriting our lives, this time for the better.

Highly recommend if you enjoy time traveling detectives who can’t help themselves.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Blood from a Stone and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2021. 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.

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

October 10, 2021 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Inside the Wong Mind: Reading is my therapy

Hello. This blog is all mine and I will do my best to post what interests me and what books I read with honest reviews. I am a lover of good Christian fiction with a touch of romance, mystery, intrigue, humor, fun, etc. I invite you to join me as I read my way through books and life. I am currently pursuing my residency training as a family medicine physician!!! I have to carefully choose what I want to read for fun. My name is Kim and you are entering the Wong Mind.