Giveaway

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough by Various

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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/ 

Blood From a Stone by David James Warren

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you. 

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.

Blood from a StoneTitle: 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!

Blood from a Stone JustRead Giveaway

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.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Elite by Kristen Young

Elite

About the Book

Book: Elite (The Collective Underground #2)
Author: Kristen Young
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction
Publisher: Enclave Publishing
Release date: September 14, 2021

Where do you find safety when your world is falling apart?

Apprentice Flick thought the Elite Academy was the answer to all her problems. But the revelation of her past turned everything upside down. Now, she is caught between two worlds set on a collision course.

Will she embrace the chaotic memories that flood her every waking moment? Or will she run to the security of her Elite training?

Discovering her parents’ identities takes her to a secret underground bunker where she finds new friends, opportunities, and maybe even love. But Flick must decide where her allegiances lie soon, or the Triumph of Love festival might bring about her demise.

Click here to get your copy!

More in the Series

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Read my review of Apprentice HERE.


About the Author

kyoungbw

A Scottish-born Australian author, Kristen Young has worked in children’s and youth ministry for decades. She writes fiction and non-fiction for teens, and always has a notebook on hand to capture stray story ideas. In her spare time she loves hanging out with her family, watching movies with subtitles, and enjoying a little too much chocolate.

Connect with Kristen: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Bookbub


My Review

Elite
By Kristen Young
Book 2 in the Collective Underground series
Rating: 4/5

It’s always interesting returning to a series you started reading but not being sure you’ll like the sequel. Don’t be fooled; you will enjoy this next installment from the author. She further expands this universe and does not disappoint. She has a way of drawing the reader into her world and making you care for her characters. When secrets are revealed, things get a little more crazy but the author is just getting started and you can’t stop reading. My only wish is to hear the song for real. I love how the author weaves in the faith aspects.

Highly recommend if you love YA dystopian with lots of sci-fi adventure and mystery with a hint of romance.

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.


More from Kristen

“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” ― G.K. Chesterton.

Why do we write fiction? There are lots of reasons, really. We write because we have something
to say. Maybe we write because we just love creating stories. Perhaps we love to entertain. Or
perhaps we write because the stories want to be heard, and we’re just letting them fly.


Or perhaps we know that people want stories for a deeper reason. When life is hard, and work
is a struggle, and the world seems just a little too difficult, it’s a great time to escape into a
different place. Another world, where even though bad things happen, we know there will be a
happy ending.


The responsibility of authors is a heavy one. Our readers entrust their imaginations to us for a
short time, allowing us to draw them into a different place. We give them people to follow, and
let them see the world through other eyes. Dilemmas, threats, relationships and opportunities
— all of these things provide a journey for readers, and give them the chance to explore
alternate ways of dealing with life’s problems. We give people the thrill of knowing that even
under the heaviest challenges, there is a chance to grow and survive.


Chesterton said that children didn’t need to learn about dragons, but to know the dragons could
be overcome. Perhaps even as adults we need a little bit of that, too.


Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 30
Artistic Nobody, September 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1
Inklings and notions, October 2
Inside the Wong Mind, October 2
For Him and My Family, October 3
deb’s Book Review, October 4
Library Lady Kid’s Lit, October 5
Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 6
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 7
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 8
Blogging With Carol , October 8
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 9
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 10
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 11
Worthy2Read, October 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12
Through the fire blogs, October 13


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen 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/11dca/elite-celebration-tour-giveaway