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Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama

The Shenanigans of a Bookish Mama journeying through Motherhood, Homeschooling and lots of Books!

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First Line Friday - Rocky Mountain Revelation

October 30, 2020


 Happy Friday!!

We had another pleasant Friday hanging out with friends. It's always good when the kids get to have playdates that also benefit the mamas!! It was good for this mama to have some adult mom time while the kids played! We also had some lovely family time watching the Mandalorian. My eldest is a HUGE geek about Star Wars so he was in seventh heaven. 

I hope your Friday so far has been good and you have a lovely Halloween tomorrow! It's another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and today my first line comes from Rocky Mountain Revelation by Lisa J. Flickinger. Review to come sometime next week so stay tuned for that! 




My First Line

"A sharp squeal pierced the air, followed by a dull thud."

It's your turn! Grab the book closest to you and drop the first line in the comments!




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One Woman Falling by Melanie Campbell ~ Blog Blitz + Giveaway

October 27, 2020

 

One Woman Falling Blot Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for One Woman Falling by Melanie Campbell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


ABOUT THE BOOK


One Woman Falling

Title: One Woman Falling 
Author: Melanie Campbell
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: August 1, 2019
Genre: Inspirational Women's Fiction

Cassie Peterson lives in an invisible prison of fear, chained by self-doubt and guarded by a relentless warden—her husband. Derrick’s verbal and physical abuse as well as his alcoholism have left Cassie alienated from her family, without friends, and certain she can’t survive on her own. 

After an unexpected police visit, Cassie realizes the survival of her four-year-old daughter, Renee, depends on Cassie’s courage to leave. What she doesn’t plan on is Derrick’s vengeful custody fight. 

While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie is encouraged by her spunky new friend, Missy Langdon, to pursue her love of waterfalls. Cassie finds solace in the waterfalls on the agonizing weekends she’s forced to hand Renee over to Derrick. Meanwhile, unexpected help comes in the form of Brian Sutton, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works—but what price will she ultimately pay for his assistance? 

As Derrick’s threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. How long will her daughter suffer before the custody case is resolved? Why is she drawn to waterfalls during this chaotic time? And who will stand with her when everything comes crashing down?

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

 

EXCERPT

I nudged Derrick’s arm, and he looked at me quizzically, a small gleam in his beautiful green eyes. I put my head gently on his shoulder, like I used to do, not so long ago—back in the days when he would caress my cheek, or run his fingers through my hair. How long had it been since he had shown me any sign of affection? Nine months? A year? All I wanted was for him to put his arm around me and say, “I love you and I’m sorry.” Those six words could save us. 

Derrick pulled back from me, a tight smile on his face, the gleam in his eyes more intense. I waited. Expectant. Hopeful. 

“Why don’t you make yourself useful and fetch me another beer?”

I slowly rose to my feet, the weight of a thousand rocks in my stomach. I brought him a fresh beer and set it on the coaster. He kept reading his magazine while I set the empty bottle aside, and carefully picked up the waterfall story. I’d take it away where the water ring could dry. Eventually, the words it blurred might reappear, and it would be whole again. If I was careful and kept it safe. 

Because it was important.

 Monday evening Derrick would be coming home to an empty house.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Campbell 

Melanie Campbell’s debut novel, One Woman Falling, won the 2020 Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade Award for contemporary fiction and is a finalist for the Selah Award for first novel. One Way Home, the second novel in her Whispers of Grace series, releases on November 1, 2020. 

Melanie wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her family and several spoiled pets. 

When not writing, Melanie enjoys exploring Oregon’s beautiful outdoors by hiking, kayaking, and going for drives in the country. In less-than-favorable weather conditions, you will find her enjoying an intriguing book and a strong cup of coffee.

CONNECT WITH MELANIE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of One Woman Falling and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

One Woman Falling JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 27, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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.

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Sand & Mistletoe by Chautona Havig ~ Tour + Giveaway

October 25, 2020

About the Book


Book:  
Sand & Mistletoe
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre:  Contemporary Christian Romance (Holiday)
Release Date: November 24, 2018

What’s Christmas without family drama, an accident, and mistletoe?

If you ask Portia Spears, it’s a horror movie—especially since she’s never the one caught under that mistletoe. And who thought it was a good idea to spend the last Christmas as a family unit away from their family home?

Her bossy older sisters, that’s who.

Christmas at his parents’ house with his son—just the way Reese Whitaker likes it. But a chance encounter on the beach might just change everything. How often do you meet someone who loves kids and knows American Sign Language?

Not often. Trust him.

However, with just two weeks to get to know each other and two families that couldn’t be more different vying for their time, will they even have a chance to test out that mistletoe they found?

Find out today in Sand & Mistletoe.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

My Thoughts


This is loosely based on one of Havig's family vacations. This is the story of a family spending family Christmas together in a totally different location. In this story we meet Portia who just needs a break. She feels overwhelmed by the fact that she's spending Christmas not at home and she's along with her very busy family. The drama between Portia and her sisters gets to be a bit too much and poor mom and dad don't really get a break since they are the ones trying to bring peace to everyone. 

Reese and his son make this story for me. He is so gentle and sweet not only to his son but also to Portia. Their love story is sweet and even better was the relationship that Portia had with his son. The fact that she was able to communicate with him through sign language made him feel right at home with her. I loved the banter between him and his father. Portia and Reese's inner monologues were quite comical as well. 

Overall I think Chautona did a great job at a sweet story. Definitely a great read over the holidays as you are surrounded by the chaos of it all. You will be able to have a little sense of what Portia was going through! 

My Rating: 3.5 stars/ Very sweet, really liked it! 


About the Author


Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

 

More from Chautona


What Happens When an Author Rewrites History

To be fair, almost none of us wanted to be there.

And really, that wasn’t fair. Two of our daughters planned as a “destination Christmas” bash for the whole family—just a nice getaway in San Diego for the “last” Christmas we’d probably all be in the same place on the same days.  The kids were getting older, getting married, and even moving out of state. It was a beautiful thing for them to try to do for us.

But Havigs are homebodies who like their traditions, and most of us left in Ridgecrest weren’t too thrilled being “dragged” four hours south to celebrate Christmas in a beautiful house on a cliff overlooking the San Diego countryside.  It had everything, game room, lots of space, yards, hiking trails, an infinity pool, a hot tub…

Yeah. That hot tub kicked off the weekend with a splash all right.  With no lighting around it, and no railing either, my husband stepped out of it and right off the ledge—down a hill (at least fifteen feet), bouncing off boulders and thankfully, stopped by a fence. Otherwise, he’d have rolled for a LONG way.

Get this.  He broke nothing.  Don’t even ask me how (because we all know Who took care of that, right?).

Still, I spent my Christmas Eve sitting in an ER waiting for someone to tell us the damage (superficial scrapes and deep bruising). The whole time I thought, “This has got to be a book.”

Two years later, it was.

I say this at the end of the book, but I need to say it again.

People who know our family will recognize some of my kids (I left four of them out of the story).  They will also say, “Wait, she’s not like that!”

And that’s the point.  I put just enough of real people in it to really capture the feel of the personalities, meshed some quirks (including the ones that got left out), and then set them in a stressful situation and really way over-exaggerated actual responses.  I want to say this here again.  None of us acted just like I portrayed us in Sand & Mistletoe (although, frankly, I wouldn’t have blamed a couple of them if they’d wanted to). Unlike A Bird Died, I didn’t even try to stick to facts.

Instead of San Diego hill country, I put us at my favorite beach—Ventura. I stuck our rented beach house where the Pierpont Inn is/used to be (don’t even know if it exists anymore). Reese’s parents live in the house I lived in when I was nine—right there on Pierpont just a block from the beach.  And where they went to get mistletoe… one of my favorite places in the world.

So, here’s my version of the tale—the one I wrote instead of told.  Just like Francie Nolan learned from her teacher in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  When I tell the story, I tell it exactly how it happened.  However… I wrote what should (not) have happened!  (this is much more interesting than the real story).



Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 12

Emily Yager, October 12

The Book Chic Blog, October 12

Inklings and notions, October 13

Get Cozy Book Nook, October 13

For Him and My Family, October 14

Blogging With Carol, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 15

lakesidelivingsite, October 15

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 16

Splashes of Joy, October 16

Labor Not in Vain, October 16

She Lives To Read, October 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18

Mary Hake, October 18

Livin’ Lit, October 19

Artistic Nobody, October 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 20

Spoken from the Heart, October 20

Lots of Helpers, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 22

Batya’s Bits, October 22

As He Leads is joy, October 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

Simple Harvest Reads, October 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

SusanLovesBooks, October 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 25

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 25


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the prize package including a signed paperback & a handmade ornament!!

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/101f6/sand-mistletoe-celebration-tour-giveaway




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Roping Christmas by Shanna Hatfield ~ Book Blitz + Giveaway

October 24, 2020

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Roping Christmas
(Rodeo Romance #8)
By Shanna Hatfield
Contemporary Romance, Western, Holiday, Clean and Wholesome
ebook, 335 Pages
October 22, 2020 by Wholesome Hearts Publishing

A focused cowboy, a distracted executive, and a hilarious quest make for an unforgettable holiday . . .

Wyatt Nash is a professional tie-down roper, a good ranch hand, and not too shabby when it comes to attracting women. But according to his five-year-old niece, he needs to work on both his roping skills and his dating game. His sister thinks he needs to settle down. And don’t get him started on the advice he gets from well-meaning friends. When his rodeo sponsor, billionaire Jon Sinclair, asks for his assistance in tutoring a clueless city girl about Sinclair Industries, Wyatt doesn’t feel like he can say no. Then he discovers he’ll be teaching none other than the one woman on the planet who wants nothing to do with him.

Ashley Jarrett would do almost anything to turn her small publicity firm into a huge success. When Jon Sinclair expresses interest in working with her, she readily agrees to his crazy idea to have her learn about his company through hands-on projects. Not only is she forced far outside her comfort zone, but the man documenting every bumbling misstep she takes is an infuriating cowboy she’s determined to ignore.

Packed with small-town charm and the wonder of falling in love, Roping Christmas is a sweet holiday romance sure to bring laughter and infuse hearts Christmas cheer.

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)
Goodreads | Amazon

Find out more here.

Excerpt

Chase settled his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side in a brotherly hug. “You know we love to have you anytime you can visit.”

“I do know that and am grateful for the standing welcome.” Ashley smiled up at her cousin while a tiny tornado swept into the kitchen.

Corkscrew curls the color of straw bounced in every direction as the little girl launched herself at Wyatt. He swung her into his arms and kissed her rosy cheek. The little one looked like a miniature replica of Sarah.

“Hi!” the child greeted with a broad smile that showed off a missing space in her front teeth.

“Hi, Livy.” Jessie smiled at the little girl. “Are you keeping your Uncle Wyatt busy while he’s here?”

“Yep! We watched a movie last night about the bear ’cessities. It was awesome! But Uncle Wyatt said he’s missing some of the ’cessities. I told him he needs a wife and babies.” Livy wiggled against Wyatt, so he set her on her feet.

She rushed over to Ashley and took her hand in hers. “Hi! I’m Livy. Wyatt’s my uncle, and that’s my mama, Sarah. My daddy is washing up, then we can eat. I’m starving to death! You’re pretty and smell nice, too.”

The little imp turned toward Wyatt. “Did you smell her, Uncle Wyatt? She smells good. Maybe she’d be your wife, and you could have babies, Uncle Wyatt.”

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Pinterest | Newsletter 

Giveaway


ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

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First Line Friday ~ Succession by Brett Armstrong

October 23, 2020



 Happy Friday!!!

I hope everyone one had a lovely week! We just spent our afternoon at the park and it was lovely. Although the weather is not as cool as I'd like it to be for this time of year it was nice to get out of the house and have the kids burn some energy! It's another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and today my first line comes from Succession by Brett Armstrong. 



My First Line:

"I have a bad feeling about this, Father." Meredoch felt a scowl contorting his face.

Now it's your turn! Grab the book closest to you and leave the first line in the comments!

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Secret Beach Boyfriend by Kari Trumbo ~ Tour + Giveaway

October 22, 2020


About the Book


Book:
Secret Beach Boyfriend
Series: Merriweather Island, Book 3
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 29 , 2020
Author: Kari Trumbo

She met Rafe on the beach when she was just five and it seemed like fate tied them together. When a chance encounter returns him to the islands twenty years later, Annie finds her beach friend has grown up and now needs her help.

Damaged and scarred from a past that still hasn’t healed, Annie needs help of her own. True to character, Rafe comes up with a perfect solution, but a temporary island romance does not fit into his agenda at all.

Will an offer to be her secret boyfriend give her heart a second chance? How can it turn into something more and prove there’s power in prayer and that love can triumph over a painful past?

He was Annie’s hero long ago, but can the man he has become save her now?

Secret Beach Boyfriend is the third “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 


My Thoughts


This was a sweet read. It was my first book by Kari Trumbo and it did not disappoint. This is book 3 on the Merriweather Island but just like the others can be read as a stand alone novel as the previous characters do not make any appearances which was a bit sad and disappointing for me but that's just my preference. I enjoy "seeing" the characters in a story when I am reading a series.

In this story we meet Annie who is a local to the island. She believes all marriages are a fairytale. She carries this hurt placed there by her father who abandoned her when she was younger. Because of this she feels like love and marriage is not something that can truly happen and she doesn't want it to happen to her. She associates it with hurt and that is not something she wants any part of. Rafe returns to Merriweather to help his parents believe in love once again and rekindle what they once had. In order to achieve this Rafe comes up with a crazy plan to do just that and enlists the help of Annie. 

The author did a great job at tackling a bit of the subject of mental health with Rafe's mom. She struggles with OCD and its the cause of the strife between her husband. Definitely a bit different than the other books I have read from the series but equally as good. 

My Rating: 3 Stars/ Liked it

(I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to leave a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)



About the Author


Kari Trumbo is a bestselling author of Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. Her books are known for characters who feel real, settings you could move to, and faith woven between the pages. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, and never enough time.

 

More from Kari


Have you ever hunted for seashells on the beach?

This sweet story actually starts twenty years before the moment you open the front cover. Years before, on a solitary beach, a little boy comforts a girl he finds crying by offering to help her find seashells. He doesn’t know why she’s crying, just that he can help. Even though he knows his mother will be angry with him.

You see, Rafe (that’s the little boy) has a mother who has minor OCD and doesn’t let him go on the beach. But when Annie (that’s the little girl) is obviously heartbroken, he can’t leave her sitting there and not do anything. At that moment, a hero is born.

It’s the little things that make a hero. That moment in time when he made a choice to put Annie above his own discomfort created a past for them both, an anchor they could both look back on. It was pivotal enough for them both that they remembered it years later. Rafe, because he hid the shells and cherished the one time he got to collect them. Annie, because she was going through something no child of five should have to. His kindness was a glimmer of hope.

Fast forward twenty years and these two meet again, but don’t realize right away they are the people they’ve been thinking about on-and-off for most of their lives. Interestingly enough, that part of my story is true. I had a friend I met at a local beach when I was too young to recall names or anything else of great significance other than the feeling that it was the best day ever. She made me her best buddy for the day, and that stuck with me.

When I think of this story beyond the printed page, where Annie and Rafe live on in my mind, I have to wonder if shells will continue to be a theme in their lives.



Blog Stops


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Stories By Gina, October 23

Captive Dreams Window, October 23

Inklings and notions, October 24

CarpeDiem, October 24

For Him and My Family, October 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 25

Older & Smarter?, October 26

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

deb’s Book Review, October 27

Connect in Fiction, October 28

lakesidelivingsite, October 28

Artistic Nobody, October 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Godly Book Reviews, October 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 30

Livin’ Lit, October 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 31

Life, love, writing, October 31

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 1

Batya’s Bits, November 1

Daysong Reflections, November 2

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 2

Blossoms and Blessings, November 3

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 3

Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Splashes of Joy, November 4


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/102a8/secret-beach-boyfriend-celebration-tour-giveaway




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Something Borrowed: Christmas Wedding Collection

October 20, 2020


 ABOUT THE BOOK

SOMETHING BORROWED
Author: Jaycee Weaver, Toni Shiloh, Andrea Boyd, Mikal Dawn & Teresa Tysinger
Genre: Christian Romance, Holiday Fiction
Release Date: October 20, 2020
Pages: 600 (Print)

Old friends, new loves, and a borrowed tiara.

Always Been Yours by Jaycee Weaver — Hanady's planning her dream wedding, but her injured best friend Keenan isn't the groom. If she can't see she's marrying the wrong guy soon, his leg won't be the only thing broken.

All the Moore by Toni Shiloh — Leilah Anderson has been living behind the screen to hide her disability, then she meets Reggie Moore face-to-face. Can their relationship survive the truth and distance between them?

A Holly, Bolly Christmas by Mikal Dawn — A dream wedding venue at Christmas? Sign Chahna Kapoor up. Even if her fiancé doesn’t know it…

Somehow, This Christmas by Teresa Tysinger — When not-so-merry mishaps threaten wedding planner Cate Forsyth's holiday wedding and reputation, will her own happily ever after with sweetheart Noah Bennett melt away?

A Promise So Sweet by Andrea Boyd — Lydia Osborn hasn't heard from her ex in ten years, so imagine her surprise when he shows up proposing marriage. Tis the season for love?


 MY THOUGHTS
Want to get in the Christmas holiday spirit?! Then this collection of stories is for you! I loved reading these. It was like reading one big story as these authors wrote the characters with such fluidity that at times I thought I was reading one novel instead of 5 different novellas. They really did an outstanding job. 
The stories follow five friends in pursuit of love and marriage even when they believe that will not be happening for them or when it comes in the most of unexpected ways. Each of these authors have crafted these very different characters that are very relatable and each of them go through different things that have them truly look at themselves through God's eyes. 
This was my first time reading some of these authors but it definitely won't be my last. I have read from Teresa Tysinger before and can I just say, the girl knows how to write a swoon worthy male character!! If you love sweet romances and Christmas you can't go wrong with this collection! Go grab a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, a warm blanket and curl up with this book!!
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really enjoyed it! 
(I received a copy of this book from the authors. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
Affiliate Links
AMAZON | GOODREADS
Available free through Kindle Unlimited

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Toni Shiloh ~ Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. To find out more about her books visit: http://tonishiloh.com/

Jaycee Weaver ~ A Nevada native and New Mexico transplant, Jaycee is also a wife and mother of 3. She enjoys reading, writing, singing, photography, & all things kitchen and crafty. She considers herself a recovering perfectionist, and is grateful for the grace of God that covers a multitude of eclectic hot messiness. To find out more about her books visit: 
http://www.jayceeweaver.com

Mikal Dawn ~ Mikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast and proud military wife. By day she works for an international sports ministry, and by night she mutters to imaginary friends, performs sketchy Google searches, and procrastinates (like any good writer!). When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand, of course!) for wedding ideas for her characters.

Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal has lived throughout the southern and Midwest United States, currently residing in Oklahoma (and hoping it's their last move!) with her husband, two of her three kids, and one ferocious feline.
https://mikaldawn.com

Andrea Boyd ~Andrea Boyd has always been a dreamer. Once her most awesome job of raising her wonderful children was over, she decided to take up the challenge of putting these dreams into words and sharing them with the rest of the world. Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC. 
http://www.andreaboyd11.wix.com/author

Teresa Tysinger ~I am a wife and mother transplanted from North Carolina now living in North Texas. When not working as a communications/graphic design professional, I write charming southern romances inspired by grace. I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Religious Communicators’ Council, and the Association for Women in Communications. I’m blessed to have spent over a decade telling stories of faith through written word.

Now to the important stuff… I love Jesus, coffee, caramel, and stories with happy endings!
http://teresatysinger.com/


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Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

October 19, 2020


 About the Book

THE KEY TO LOVE
Author: Becky St. Amant
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: October 13, 2020
Pages: 336

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.

Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn't always look the way we expect--and maybe that's a good thing.


My Thoughts

Oh this book is so great! The perfect little romance story. A forewarning about reading this book... make sure you have some baked goods around because reading this will definitely have you craving macarons, petit-fours actually anything sweet!

The story is set in the cutest little fictional town in Kansas. I love small town stories and this one doesn't disappoint. The people we encounter in this town are comical and quirky. Right away we meet Bri who has followed after her mom's passion of baking. She also has this interesting outlook on love. She wants a love like her parents had and she believes it was a fairytale kind of love. She is definitely a hopeless romantic. We also meet her pseudo aunts and business owners of the bakery Agnes and Mabel. They are the only connection that Bri has to her mother who passed away when she was younger. They were some of my favorite characters. They are truly a hoot. They are called the "love angels" by the townsfolk because they like to matchmake people in the town. Their number one challenge is trying to find a match for Bri. 

Of course we meet Gerard who is a journalist from Chicago and is the complete opposite of Bri. He absolutely hates romance and all the aspects of it. He is sarcastic and oh so very dreamy!! Despite his sarcastic personality he definitely is swoon worthy! He comes to town on an assignment to write about the bakery. The banter between him and Bri is exceptional!! The love/hate relationship that they have is hilarious and I am all for it. Despite his outward, rough personality he wants to help Bri realize that there is more to just the little town and the bakery that her whole life has revolved in. 

At times Bri grated on my nerves when it came to the bakery and the selling of it. I thought she was a bit selfish in regards to Agnes and Mabel and not seeing that they were older and needed to be done with the bakery so they could enjoy retirement. But I also recognize that they were giving her time to realize things on her own. I loved that there was an epilogue telling us just a little bit more of how life ended up with them since I didn't want to leave this little town. I really enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. 

My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Enjoyed It

Favorite Musings/Quotes:

"It's easy to love when life is shiny and looks its best - its a lot harder when its covered in tomato sauce and pull-ups."

"Her prince had finally come - on the same night she discovered love didn't exist."

( I received a copy of this book from the publisher Revell. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

Affiliate Links
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About the Author


Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of fifteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two total opposite young daughters, a collection of coffee mugs, and an impressive stash of Pickle Chips. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored in Christ. When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white-chocolate mocha (nonfat, no whip!). She blogs frequently at www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. Visit her at http://www.betsystamant.com


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