Blog Tour: Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer w. Excerpt (JustRead Tours with Giveaway)

May 28, 2022

Second Chance at Happiness JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Second Chance at Happiness

Title: Second Chance at Happiness 
Author: Greta Picklesimer
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: April 12, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

After Catherine Reed’s husband dies in a tragic logging accident, Catherine and her four-year-old daughter, Clair, move home with Clair’s mother and brother in order to accept a new position as the teacher for the town’s one-room schoolhouse. But Catherine carries a dark secret that she hasn’t even shared with her mother. Will she ever find forgiveness? 

Samuel Harris has suffered his own loss, losing his wife and unborn child over a year prior. Although he is the town’s preacher, he struggles to trust God, blaming God for allowing him to be absent when his wife died. The guilt has burdened him ever since. But when his old flame Catherine Reed comes back to town, he wonders if they can find healing together. 

Catherine believes that anyone who wants to learn should be allowed to learn, but she is quick to find a town divided on that issue. As she and Samuel set out to change people’s minds in a post-Civil War era, they find themselves drawn to each other over and over again. As they join together for the same cause, could they also find a second chance at happiness?

EXCERPT:
1870

Catherine Reed and her four-year-old daughter, Clair—both wearing simple, matching, black mourning dresses—stepped off the train at 3:00 p.m. in her hometown of Harrisville, Kentucky. Catherine looked at the dark green depot and sighed. It was not a contented sigh, but rather one of heaviness and regret. Standing on the small platform facing the depot, she contemplated her next step. She needed to move, but her feet seemed rooted to the ground. Tears began forming at the corner of her eyes, threatening to spill over onto her cheeks. How would she go on without her dear husband, John, by her side? It was supposed to be his last run on the river. He had promised. They’d have enough money to buy their own place. Set up a little farm, keep chickens and a few pigs. All that had come crashing to a halt when he fell between the logs he’d been taking downstream on the Cumberland River to Crestville, where they would be sold. She shook her head as if to shake out the memories. He didn’t even make it halfway there. Flicking her shaking free hand to her side, she tried to wipe the memories from her mind.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greta Picklesimer 


Greta Picklesimer is Michigan-born and raised by Kentucky-transplanted parents. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of five—a happy day in her memory. Besides writing, Greta spends time working on her art journal, painting with watercolors and oil pastels. She is owned by one rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue who was named after her father's favorite Bluegrass song. By day Greta works as an office assistant. By night, she writes.







CONNECT WITH GRETA:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Second Chance at Happiness and a spiral-bound notebook with a picture of the cover of the book on it!

Second Chance at Happiness JustRead Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2022. 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Takeover Tour: A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma (JustRead Tour & Giveaway)

May 26, 2022

A Promise Engraved JustRead Takeover Tour

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Promise Engraved
Title: A Promise Engraved 
Series: Doors to the Past 
Author: Liz Tolsma 
Publisher: Barbour Fiction 
Release Date: May 1, 2022 
Genre: Christian, Dual Timeline Fiction, Romance 

Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years? 

Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love? 

Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love? 

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

The Lady in Residence Bridge of Gold Undercurrent of Secrets Behind Loves Wall High Wire Heartbreak Love's Fortress


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liz Tolsma

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

CONNECT WITH LIZ: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter







TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Promise Engraved and a $15 Amazon egift card!

A Promise Engraved JustRead Takeover Tour

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 25, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2022. 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: To Disguise a Truth by Jen Turano

May 20, 2022

Title: To Disguise the Truth
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House 
Pages: 347
ISBN: 9780764235337
Publication Date: January 18th, 2022

About the Book:
When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.

My Thoughts:
I'm going to admit, I read this series completely out of order, but that is ok. This story works as a standalone as well. I've been wanting to read this one for a while and finally was able to. My eldest is a huge fan of Jen Turano, so it is a lot of fun to read her books together. We got the audio and dove right on in on our commute. 

Eunice Holbrooke is a unique character. She has to have one of the strongest personalities to date of Jen Turano's books. She is one who is determined to keep her people safe. However, Ivan her bodyguard/ pretend brother is determined to keep her safe, which is a feat unto itself with Enice's determination to be more hands on and on the ground with her Inquiry Agency. 

Author Livingstone is a man who you want to be weary at when first introduced to, but as you read more into who he is, the more you hope things work out. He is a gentleman determined to protect a woman he hasn't seen in years despite their history. 

This story went all over and it was a thrill a minute. I love how this story featured Nellie Bly's research and offer a glimpse into this time. My daughter was horrified how women could have been treated during this time. Laws for women have come a long way for sure and opened up a good talking point. 

Eunice was a delight to read about. Her story arc to me has been the most redeeming. She had to work through previous demons and fears and rely on faith. Her family situation was a very unique one and one that was completely out of her control. But when introduced her family it offered a whole new level into Eunice's character. 

Safe to say, once this title was complete, me and my daughter dove into the first book of the series. 

The narrator for this story did another wonderful job. It has been the same narrator for her other series as well, so it's a welcoming voice that reads to you. 

Can't recommend this book enough. 

5 out of 5

About the Author:
Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen 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.





Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: A Healer's Promise by Misty M. Beller (Justread Bookstagram Tour Review)

May 19, 2022

Title: A Healer's Promise
Author: Misty M. Beller
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780764238055 
Publication Date:

About the Book:
She was called to be a healer, but her skills--and heart--have never been so challenged.

Levi Masters's time as a British spy hasn't ended, though his country's war with America has. After overhearing a scout reveal a discovery that could give America the upper hand in future conflicts, Levi is sent on one last mission. While trekking through the Canadian Rockies in pursuit of his former enemy, he is taken captive by warriors from a hidden mountain village.

Village healer Audrey Moreau is more curious than afraid of the outsider, and she's drawn to his commitment to honesty even at his own expense. Despite her arguments for his release, the council remains at an impasse. Compelled to help him escape, she sneaks him out of the village. But when Levi faces a life-threatening injury and the fierce mountain winter closes in, Levi and Audrey are forced to discover just how far they'll go to ensure the safety of the other and the love growing between them.
My Thoughts:
I have had a Misty's books on my TBR for a little while and I'm sad to say, this is the first book I've read by her, but I'm so glad I've been able to read it! Goodness, she has a wonderful talent for conveying her story and bringing you into her world. I'm so excited to go and read her other titles. 

Audrey Moreau is a unique woman. She is a woman of strong faith and a deep compassion for people and their well being, whether it is physical or spiritual. She is a very strong character.

Levi Masters is a man you are unsure of when you are first introduced to him. He is lurking, mysterious, and you only see him from Audrey's eyes, but as you dive into his background and you start to find more about him and see that he is trying to move past what he is known for and change into what he wants to become. 

Following Audrey and Levi was a thrilling story and I honestly can't wait to read more from Misty!

4 out of 5

About the Author:
Misty M. Beller, 
USA  Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller (www.mistymbeller.com) writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God's love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children.














Thank you to the Publisher and Just Read Tours, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Latest Instagrams

© The Shelf Life. Design by FCD.