A Journey & Finding Strength by Kathy J. Perry ~ Blog Blitz

October 5, 2024

Emeline JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Emeline series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

Title: A Journey
Series: Emeline #1
Author: Kathy J Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date: November 1, 2023
Genre: Christian Young Adult 19th Century American Historical Fiction

A promise made to her dying father; a struggle that tests her faith; a journey that pushes her resilience and resourcefulness to their limits

Emeline, a thirteen-year-old Missouri orphan, must set off on a quest across frontier America to fulfil her father’s last to find her grandfather in Boston.

Crossing this dangerous and unforgiving land alone, she must face challenges without losing her faith, rising to every test ahead if she’s to survive and find a home at the end of her adventure.

Will Emeline’s journey bring her the family she longs for?

Readers of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Louisa May Alcott will delight in this fast-paced adventure.

Title: Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893
Series: Emeline #2
Author: Kathy J Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Genre: Christian Young Adult Historical Fiction

When the world around you is falling apart, you must find strength within yourself.

Three years after her father’s death, Emeline has settled into life in Indianapolis.

Then an urgent visit to her childhood farm in Missouri changes everything. Her manager dies, the economy is in recession, and the caretakers are moving back to Wisconsin. Emeline is suddenly responsible for the farm… and she’s out of her depth.

With the help of her closest allies, Emeline sets out to turn the farm around until disaster strikes and she must start again. Emeline faces her biggest challenge finding the courage to have confidence in herself.

Can Emeline’s faith and resourcefulness bring her the joy and security she’s worked so hard to find?

This coming-of-age tale is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction.

My Thoughts

A Journey – Excerpt 1
I threw on my robe and wanted to stoke the fire in the wood stove to warm the house.
But first, I checked on Pa. “Pa?” No answer. “Pa?” He couldn’t still be asleep, could he?
Drawing closer, I understood from his wincing face that he was in pain; it was hard for
him to even breathe.
“Oh no, Pa!” I sat on his bed and held his hand. “What’s wrong? Can I get a doctor for
you? Don’t leave me, Pa!”
“Em. No time. It’s my heart.” Tavis grimaced as he spoke with labored breaths. “Please.
Take my Bible. Stay with my dad in Boston. Your grandfather. Silas O’Connor.
Lithographer. Remember?”
My body shook uncontrollably, but I held in tears as I listened. “Yes, Pa. Anything else?”
“Promise me. Let him get to know you - love you as I do. Family is important.” He
stopped to gather what little strength remained. “Take the gun he gave to me. Initials on
the handle - his and mine. Proof of who you are. Tell him I love him.” His last words
were, “Have courage. Don’t forget, God will be with you. Love you, Em.” His breathing
stopped.
So did mine, for a moment. The life in Pa, once so strong, was gone. He would join Ma
with Jesus in heaven now. I had never felt so alone.

Finding Strength – Excerpt 1
He opened the box.
I gasped, startled by stacks of shiny gold coins inside, and
whispered, “Oh, my stars and garters! How many coins are here and what are they
worth?”
“Your pa deposited quite a lot before he passed and, thanks to Pa’s management of the
farm’s finances, and the Cooper’s caretaking, the value of your account has grown. This
currently holds $2,300.00, or sixty-five Liberty Double Eagle gold coins. Each coin is
worth $20.00.”
“Oh, goodness!” I covered my mouth with my shaking hand. “Pa always scrimped and
saved. As a child, I thought we were poor.” I collapsed on a nearby stool as I tried to
comprehend what this fortune meant. I faced him, agog. And I still hid $650.00 in my
linen pouch, too. “I’ve cash saved from my work in Indianapolis. Should I put it in here,
or deposit it at the bank?”
“It’s safe to leave it here, but you can deposit it, if you wish.”
I slipped the bag from underneath my waistband. “Here. I’d like to keep it all together.
Thank you.” I pulled most of the money out and set it inside the box, keeping a little on
me.

About the Author

Kathy J Perry

Of the many jobs she’s held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for Kathy J. Perry because investing in kids is so important. To this end, she continues to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact. Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night. When not writing, you’ll find her painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses. Is this retirement? Apparently so! She loves every minute of it with her husband of 43 years.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed print copies of A Journey and Finding Strength, companion journal, bookmarks, and a $25 Amazon gift card plus a code for free audiobooks for both titles!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 8, 2024. Winners 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.

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Paws-itive Inspirations ~ Book Review

September 17, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers
Authors: Michelle Medlock Adams, Wendy Hinote Lanier
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Juvenile Christian Non-Fiction/Devotional

Can Dogs Really Teach Us More About God?

Award-winning authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier say yes! That’s why they’ve teamed up to offer Paws-itive Inspirations—a great way to help dog lovers connect with God and learn more about their favorite breeds.

Paws-itive Inspirations will have kids and adults alike digging up treasures about their favorite pups, as well as discovering new breeds and learning important biblical truths in every devotion. Each Fido-themed entry encourages readers to dig deeper into God’s Word as they uncover fascinating facts about our canine friends. The 90 devotions cover different dog breeds and include:

Unleashing the Truth (key Bible verses)
Digging Deeper (self-reflection questions)
Fido 411 (interesting tidbits about the breed)
Weekly Tail-Waggers (activities to reinforce each lesson)

Paws-itive Inspirations blends faith, fun, and canine facts to give readers a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The interactive format makes for a meaningful and memorable faith journey!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness what an adorable devotional!! As soon as I received this I knew I would have two kids fighting over it. They have promised to share so we will see how this pans out. My second son and my daughter love dogs so it made sense to have them help me review this book. I had to agree with them in all of their points. Both my son (13) and daughter (9) loved the photos of the dogs and the information on each breed. The extra information on the Fido 411 was pretty neat and they kept trying to give me quizzes on the information to see if I already knew it.

I as a parent enjoyed that it kept them engaged and had them thinking about God as the authors do a great job at incorporating the love of dogs with the word of God. So each week the devotion has a key Bible verse, a digging deeper section that the kids can answer in their journals and a challenge where they can put to practice the lesson or to think deeper on the subject.

Overall I thought this was a good devotional and if you have a dog lover kiddo in your life this might be the perfect devotional for them!

About the Authors

Michelle Medlock Adams Wendy Hinote Lanier

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning author of over 100 books with close to four million books sold, including her best-selling What Is . . .? board book series. Michelle has written countless articles, helped pen a New York Times bestseller, hosted TBN’s Joy in Our Town TV program, and taught at more than one hundred writers conferences. Michelle is married to her high-school sweetheart, Jeff. They have two married daughters, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.

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

Wendy Hinote Lanier is a Texan, dog lover, and only child who always wanted a puppy rather than a brother or sister. She is a former elementary teacher who writes and speaks for children and adults on a variety of topics and is an award-winning author of more than 50 books for children.

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

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Paws-itive Inspirations and a $25 Visa gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Target Acquired by Lynette Eason ~ Book Review

September 11, 2024

About the Book

Book: Target Acquired

Author: Lynette Eason

Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Dual Timeline

Series: Lake City Heroes, Book 2

Release Date: August 2024

Publisher: Revell

Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.

Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.

It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?

My Thoughts

This is a great second book for the Lake City Heroes series and it did not disappoint. The book has a dual time line which at first I wasn't sure how it would all tie in but boy did it come together nicely at the end. The historical timeline does add a depth to the story I didn't even know I needed. In the present time Ms. Eason had me at the edge of my seat with all the action and mystery that was happening and kept me turning the pages until I sadly came to the end and the book.

I really enjoyed Kenzie and Cole. It was great to see how their storylines and relationship developed. The SWAT team really came together for Kenzie after being so distant from her. The romance between Kenzie and Cole was a slow burn and although you may want it to move faster I think if flowed perfectly and made it more realistic.

Overall I thought this was a great story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see some of these characters again.

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

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The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt~ Book Review

September 5, 2024

About the Book

Book: The Sisters of Corinth

Author: Angela Hunt

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Series: The Emmisaries, Book 2

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: May 2024

When the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed chief magistrate Narkis Ligus is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity in the governor's presence--a chance to unite their households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor's firstborn son. Such an advantageous union would surely bring divine blessings from the gods, propelling him to greater power and fortune.

Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis's own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis's urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires--even if it means betraying Mariana to do it.

My Thoughts

The Sisters of Corinth took me on a journey I didn't quite expect. The story of these two very different sisters was captivating and kept me turning the pages to find out how it was all going to end. We are immersed in ancient Roman culture and way of life. The way they led their pagan life in a society that was starting to awaken to the early days of the church. I found it very interesting to see two very different religious lifestyles live under one roof.

We meet Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus who has plans to raise his status in society by marrying one of his two daughters to the governor. Prima, which is a very easy character to detest throughout the entire story, only cares about her status. She believes she is superior to her sister because she is the true daughter of the Narkis. She will do anything to prove herself worthy and we see that throughout the story as she basically sells herself to the gods. Mariana and her mother are followers of Yeshua. Mariana has no desire to marry someone who doesn't share her beliefs.

The book at times had me at the edge of my seat because I was so fearful what would happen to Marianna should someone go against her in her belief of God. But she proved that believing in the Almighty and having faith it doesn't matter what comes against you, God is always with you. I really loved how the author portrayed her and made her into an example of what we should do in our daily lives.

Overall it was a beautiful story of faith. It will have you turning the pages as you cheer or jeer for these characters throughout the story!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over five million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 150 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children have reached their thirties, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

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The Alcuin Letter by Jeff Raymond ~ Blog Tour

August 26, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Alcuin Letter by Jeff Raymond, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Alcuin Letter
Series: International Intrigue Series #2
Author: Jeff Raymond
Publisher: Winged Publications
Release Date: July 11, 2024
Genre: Christian Mystery/Suspense

What price success?

When a tragedy sparked by a medieval letter brings Matt and Camilla together in London, they never could have imagined the death and peril that would accompany their search for answers. The letter, rumored to lead to a relic of Biblical importance, holds ancient clues that others are also desperate to uncover.

Amidst the pressure and danger of the hunt, Matt and Camilla must confront their past heartbreaks and battle their inner doubts and beliefs. But even if they are successful, what will it mean for their faith? And what will it mean for their budding relationship?

From a quaint antique shop in Frankfort to a grand cathedral in Geneva to a secluded Swiss abbey, the pursuit of answers takes the pair on a harrowing ride. With success in their grasp, the journey culminates with a decision that will test their convictions.

Enhanced with historical figures, locations, and facts, The Alcuin Letter is a gripping tale that will entertain while prompting readers to examine their own faith. Come and join Matt and Camilla on their exciting journey.

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

More Books in This Series

Excerpt

(From Chapter 26)

Camilla noticed the gunman at the same time I did and screamed, “Matt, watch out!” just as we found cover behind a statue of Charlemagne standing outside the cathedral’s gate. Another bullet bounced off the bronze figure as we huddled together behind its concrete base.

By this point, others in the area were yelling, screaming, and searching for places of cover. I peeked around the statue and could see the gunman walking directly toward us, gun hand extended straight out, simply waiting for his opportunity. He was wearing black jeans and a dark button-down shirt, with wrap-around sunglasses hiding his eyes. He had jet black hair, cut very short. I could see a large tattoo

extending above his collar and up his neck.

He fired again, the bullet chipping the concrete only inches from my head. Another shot hit the sidewalk just to our left and then another on the right. I think he was enjoying this, effectively preventing us from fleeing until he managed to finish the job. My overloaded mind failed to come up with a plan of action that had any chance of success. This was the end. I pulled Camilla into me and held her tight, bringing a

quick reflection of our similar experience in the burning house. We were miraculously saved once, but….

Camilla suddenly pushed herself away from me and bolted to our right. Startled, I looked that way and noticed a small girl curled up, crying loudly only fifteen feet away. Camilla’s instinct was to protect the child. She would need only four or five steps to reach the girl, but it took the gunman just two of those steps to zero in and squeeze the trigger. After one shot missed behind her, the next hit Camilla in the

side, jolting her into the wall a few feet short of her goal. She fell to the ground awkwardly, managing to reach out her hand as she came to rest with an audible groan. The young girl stretched to put her small fingers into the offered hand just as Camilla’s eyes flickered shut.

Overflowing with emotion and rage, I yelled something unintelligible as I stood and tried to move toward Camilla. The man advanced with a silenced gun pointed at my head, blocking my path. A curl of a smile appeared on his thin lips as he looked me over, appraising his conquered prey. It was a smile projecting confidence, success, and superiority.

I hoped he sensed something other than fear in my eyes as I glared back at him. The Bible says I am supposed to love my enemy. Reality, though, is a challenging teacher and, in this instance, I am probably flunking the test.

About the Author

Jeff Raymond

Jeff Raymond comes from a publication-oriented family, as both his father and older brother had accomplished careers in the newspaper business. He has had numerous articles published and has won awards for both writing and publication design. His debut novel, The Medici Quest, was honored with a Pencraft Award for Best Christian Fiction Book in the summer of 2024. Raymond graduated from Taylor University in Indiana, where he was a member of the track team. He also spent a year writing for the university newspaper and worked as a color commentator for basketball broadcasts. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from the University of Georgia. In addition to writing, Raymond has an interest in history, including Biblical history and the origins of the Bible. He has a growing collection of Olympic Games memorabilia, is a member of his church’s Worship Team. His interest in travel has allowed him to visit several international locations, both as a tourist and as part of short-term mission trips.

Connect with Jeff by visiting jeffraymondfiction.com to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a print copy of each book in this series - The Medici Quest & The Alcuin Letter!

The Alcuin Letter JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! by Allia Zobel Nolan ~ Book Review

August 23, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! by Allia Zobel Nolan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day!
Author: Allia Zobel Nolan
Illustrator: Alexandra Colombo
Publisher: Kregel Childrens Books
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Genre: Children's Story Book

"Can you send me some patience, God? Please?"

Harriet's mom calls her Harriet Hurry-Up--and it's easy to see why. There's nothing this little girl can't stand more than waiting. From a slowpokey sun that won't rise before she does, to the shy sprouts on her school potato experiment, to the long line at the store with Mom, everything takes forever for Harriet. Why, oh, why can't this day just go faster?

But with her Gran's help, this impatient little girl is learning to trust God's timing and find the blessings he puts in every single day--if she can just slow down long enough to see them.

With rhymed text that kids will love and colorful, whimsical illustrations full of surprises, Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! will quickly become a family favorite. It's perfect for birthdays, back-to-school reading, and for anyone--child or adult--who finds that having patience is hard.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

About the Book

This was a great picture book and a read aloud for my youngest. I love that this book teaches about learning how to wait. Kids can be extremely impatient in everything they do and this book helps with giving parents an example on teaching kids that it's important to wait and wait on what God has in store for us. Changing the way we thing about waiting and turning it into a positive is a great skill to teach children.

I really enjoyed that the author added a page in the back to help parents and caregivers by providing ideas on how to teach patience to kids. The illustrations are fun and relatable and you will not regret grabbing this book for yourself or as a gift for someone!

I received this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Allia Zobel Nolan

Allia Zobel Nolan is the author of over 150 traditionally published titles. Her books reflect her two main passions: God and cats. Recent titles include Cat Confessions: A Kitty-Come-Clean Tell-All Book (over 130,000+ copies sold); The Worrywart’s Prayer Book, winner of the gold medal first place 2022 Indie Book Award for Christian Non-Fiction; Laugh Out Loud:40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now...Before We Forget, finalist in the 2019 Indie Book Awards for Humor, the classic bestselling children’s book, What I Like About Me: a Book about Differences, and the sequel, What I Like About You: a Book About Acceptance finalist in the 2020 Indie Book Awards for Children’s Picture Books. God Made Us Just Right, from Kregel Publishers, won a 2022 Catholic Media Award for best children’s book. Her latest picture book Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day is currently on presale and will be published August 13, 2024. She lives and writes with her husband, Desmond, their two fur babies, Nolan Nolan, and Colleen Fiona Shannon, and their recently-adopted shelter dog, Miss Kitty, in New England.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed copy of Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day, a Harriet doll, and book-themed gift items!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 21, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 28, 2024. Winners 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

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Harriet Hurry-Up and the Oh-So-Slow Day! JustRead Blog Tour

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Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham ~ Book Review

August 2, 2024

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls

Author: Rachel Fordham

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: August 14, 2024

Genre: Historical Romance

Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.

Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece.

At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.

Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

My Thoughts

If you enjoy stories that have a trope reminiscent to fairy tale stories or classics then this may just the book for you. This carries a nod to Beauty and the Beast which is obvious in the characters and the way that they are described physically. You will be reminded of the beast character through Otis as well. I also picked up a hint of Little Women when meeting Sadie's sisters in the story.

We meet Sadie right away who works in a a feather duster factory. She is trying to help her family out, now that her dad is not able to tend the farm due to an accident. She doesn't truly have a place to stay and so she basically becomes a squatter in an abandoned building. Otis returns home to Monticello after being sent away due to his physical appearance. Both his parents have passed and so has his brother so he returns to settle the estate and leave everything behind until he finds out that he may have a niece he has never met and also when he meets Sadie.

I won't tell you the whole story because you have to make your own decisions about it and read it. I thought it was a sweet story. The romance was light and I feel like there were some things that were confusing for me. It wasn't until the end of the book when I read the authors notes that I finally had some knowledge on what the condition that Otis suffered from was. The entire time I thought it was something his dad had done to him through all the remedies he was giving him and sending him away. Another part of the storyline that never was resolved completely was the presumed beau of Sadie. He sends her a note that they should meet and they never do and while that may have been insignificant to most, he was mentioned enough in the story that I thought he would make an appearance.

Overall I thought it was a sweet story and perfect for any aged reader. If you enjoy books with a theme of story retelling then you will enjoy this book!

I received a copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Rachel Fordham

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Letter Tree, Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological, adopted and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of the author’s previous 6 novels: The Hope of Azure Springs, Your's Truly, Thomas, A Life Once Dreamed, A Lady in Attendance, Where the Road Bends, and The Letter Tree!

(2) additional winners will receive one Rachel Fordham backlist print copy of their choice!

Beyond Ivy Walls JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 7, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2024. 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

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Beyond Ivy Walls JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz