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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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An Unlikely Arrangement by Cindy Patterson ~ Book Review

April 16, 2024

 



Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unlikely Arrangement by Cindy Patterson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


About the Book


An Unlikely Arrangement

Title: An Unlikely Arrangement
Series:
Brides of Biltmore #1
Author:
Cindy Patterson
Publisher:
Springbrook Press, LLC
Release Date:
March 11, 2024
Genre:
Historical Romance, Christian, Clean & Wholesome


In 1902, Abigail Dupree is but a breath away from her grand societal failure. To save her family from humiliation and financial ruin, Abigail becomes a bargaining trade in her mother’s eyes. A bargain that will extinguish Abigail’s last hope of a happily-ever-after. If only she could return to the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, she might have a chance to reunite with the only man who has the power to save her reputation. 


Garrett Barringer arrives in Charlotte, North Carolina to escape a past that no longer wants him. He takes an undisclosed position with Mr. Dupree. When it is revealed that part of Mr. Dupree’s purpose for bringing him on board is to chaperone his beloved daughter, Garrett abruptly discovers that he has taken on more than he bargained for. Abigail Dupree is more beguiling than any other woman he’s encountered, but he must resist his heart for the sake of propriety and to keep a promise made to her father. 


When her father hires Garrett Barringer, a man that seems far too young to be a lawyer, and possesses far too many favorable characteristics, Abigail resists his charm but cannot deny her heart is compelling her toward him. But she will not allow the man to ruin an opportunity she has waited for nearly five years. 


Garrett is suddenly aware what his life was and what it could become in the presence of Abigail Dupree. Will he be able to give up the woman who has stolen his heart, for her happiness? 


Abigail stands to lose all if Garrett Barringer sees past her physical beauty and uncovers the ugliness of her imperfect past. Will Abigail continue on the condemned path she’s fashioned for herself, or trust that God wants a future for her she never believed possible?  


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



My Thoughts


This is my first book by this author and I need more! This was such a sweet story and I was absolutely captured with the storyline from the very beginning. It is also set in one of my favorite states I have lived in North Carolina so it was easy to love the setting. The story begins by introducing us to Abigail who has a past that sadly in those times would have made her damaged goods. In order to bring dignity back to her family her mother is trying to push her towards this older gentleman who is yuck, for lack of a better word, and her father is trying to prevent that from happening at all costs. Garrett who is AMAZING and completely swoon-worthy comes into the picture as a guardian to Abigail. 

Oh goodness the story is full of redemption for both Abigail and Garrett who have these heavy pasts to overcome. Despite them knowing that God has forgiven them they sure do have a hard time to letting go and forgiving themselves. Definitely very relatable characters. The romance is sweet and I thought it was perfect. It definitely kept me turning the pages. 

Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait to read more from this author and this series. If you are looking for a new historical fiction romance I definitely suggest you grab this one!





About the Author


Cindy Patterson


Award-winning author Cindy Patterson believes in captivating romance and happy endings. In her stories, she loves to give glimpses of how God can use brokenness and make them whole. She reads a lot, drinks too much coffee, and wishes she had more time to write. Author of Chasing Paradise, Broken Butterfly, and Shattered Treasure, she loves to connect with her readers.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindypattersonbks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway


(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed print copy of An Unlikely Arrangement and other book related gifts!


An Unlikely Arrangement JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 16, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 23, 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


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


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Lovin on Red by Mary Pat Johns ~ Book Review

April 11, 2024

 



Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lovin' On Red by Mary Pat Johns, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Lovin' On Red

Title: Lovin' On Red
Series:
Romance in Valiant #2
Author:
Mary Pat Johns
Publisher:
Scrivenings Press
Release Date:
April 9, 2024
Genre:
Christian Contemporary Romance


He has everything … except what he wants most. 


Rory is a wildly successful contractor with all the right connections. He has everything, except the woman who sees past his missing foot. If only the tiny redhead he’s insanely attracted to would go on a date with him, it could work, but Vi refuses. 


Licensed massage therapist Vi Summers needs her childhood home remodeled, and Rory Spence is the perfect man for the job. Only he’s the last person she wants to work with. Despite Rory’s reputation as a flirt, his tender attention to getting her house right helps Vi see into his heart. Too bad her past mistakes prevent a future relationship. 


Drawn together like magnets, they navigate trouble with illegal squatters, family expectations, and fire. Will they finally be honest with each other, or will their secrets tear them apart?  


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


More Books In This Series



My Thoughts


This is my first book by this author and although I am not quite finished yet (I have 3 more chapters to go!) I have really enjoyed this story. This is the second in the series and I must admit that I think it would have been great to have read the first one to get to know these characters just a bit better. Towards the beginning of the book I felt a little lost at meeting so many characters without knowing a little bit more on the background. As you continue reading you do catch up but still I think I will try to find the first one so that I can know more about them. 

This story we learn more about Vi and Rory. They both come from somewhat similar backgrounds. They both share a knowledge in grief but Vi has suffered abuse as well. Vi was a hard character to get connected to. She feels self centered at times and is so closed off that it was hard to truly make a connection to her. Rory is fantastic and so likable. Both together made great interactions and made their relationship growth worthwhile throughout the story.

Overall I have really enjoyed the story and can't wait to see what happens in the end! If you are looking for a good clean contemporary romance I definitely recommend this series!




About the Author

Mary Pat Johns

Mary Pat Johns lives in South Texas with the love of her life and two spoiled dachshunds. You can find her at the gym, on her computer, or  reading a book.

Connect with Mary Pat by visiting marypatjohns.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway


(1) winner will win print copies of Countin' On Jesse and Lovin' On Red, plus sea turtle earrings and necklace!

Lovin' On Red JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 8, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 15, 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


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


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A House Restored by Lee McColgan ~ Book Review

April 10, 2024




About the Book 


Shop Class as Soulcraft meets A Place of My Own in this lyrical meditation of a woodworker steadfastly repairing a historic home.

Old houses share their secrets only if they survive. Trading the corporate ladder for a stepladder, Lee McColgan commits to preserving the ramshackle Loring House, built in 1702, using period materials and methods and on a holiday deadline. But his enchantment withers as he discovers the massive repairs it needs. A small kitchen fix reveals that the structure’s rotten frame could collapse at any moment. In a bathroom, mold appears and spreads. He fights deteriorating bricks, frozen pipes, shattered windows, a punctured foundation, and even an airborne chimney cap while learning from a diverse cast of preservationists, including a master mason named Irons, a stone whisperer, and the Window Witch. But can he meet his deadline before family and friends arrive, or will it all come crashing down? McColgan’s journey expertly examines our relationship to history through the homes we inhabit, beautifully articulating the philosophy of preserving the past to find purpose for the future.


My Thoughts


I am definitely not a huge non-fiction book reader but this one was pretty interesting. The author shares the renovation of a historic home. It is written in an easy and engaging writing. It was interesting to read how the rennovations steps went. He describes how it wasn't an easy task and all the difficulties he had to overcome. He describes details such as the iron work, the windows and wood of the house. He also has reflection periods where he vocalizes his feelings towards his progress. I enjoyed that there were black and white photos throughout the book to see the progress unfold. 

Overall I enjoyed this book even though its isn't in my typical wheel house. If you enjoy shows about house restoration you may just enjoy this book!

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


Lee McColgan has worked on Boston’s Old North Church, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, and other buildings. His work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Boston Globe, and Wall Street Journal. He lives with his wife in the Loring House in Pembroke, Massachusetts.
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Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn ~ Book Review

April 4, 2024

 





About the Book 


Book: Never Fall Again
Author: Lynn H. Blackburn
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Series: Gossamer Falls, Book 1
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: January 1, 2024

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven's guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.

Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family's business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can't bear to lose like that again.

Before construction on the house can begin, Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.



My Thoughts 


This was a great start to this new series by Lynn H. Blackburn. Never Fall again was definitely an enjoyable read and had a little bit of everything to keep the pages turning. I have absolutely fallen in love with the town of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina and the families in this story. The Shaw family is quite unique. They are not only tight knit but also very involved in the community. While reading their relationships with each other kind of reminded me of Karen Kingsbury Baxter family and I was all for it! 

In this story we meet Landry who is a single mom working at the Haven which is an exclusive resorts for the wealthy. After saving enough money she plans on building a house and this is how she meets Cal Shaw. He is former Marine and builder. You can tell right away that there will be chemistry especially as soon as Cal meets her daughter Eliza and she meets his dog Maisy.  Both these characters  are running from past hurts and of course they are thrown together by a fire that occurs at the Haven which later turns out into a threat to Landry's life. 

I can't express how much I loved the Shaw family! They welcomed Landry into their fold like she had been there forever. I could read about each of them in any book that Lynn Blackburn decides to write. I cannot wait to read about Mo and Bronwyn and I am really hoping they are the main characters of the next book. Cal was such a swoon-worthy character and I absolutely enjoyed how their relationship developed. It did move little fast from what I typically like but it fit into this storyline. 

The faith element of this story was definitely present. Landry definitely has some issues with "the church" but it is from past experiences and I think that meeting the Shaws she sees that not all Christians are the same and some truly follow what God expects out of us. 

Okay so I loved everything about the story but the suspense for me was a little weak. I felt like it focused so much on one element of who could have been the culprit but then it turned out to be someone who not only do you not expect but didn't have that much of a storyline. So for me, it came out of left field and then it wrapped up extremely quickly. So for me this book is more of romance with a light touch of suspense. 

Overall I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait for second book in the series and return to Gossamer Falls once again! 

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




Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she's sitting at home in her pajamas! She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com.
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Every Bird that Falls by Sara Davidson ~ Book Spotlight

 



Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


About the Book


Every Bird That Falls

Title: Every Bird That Falls
Series:
two sparrows for a penny # 3
Author:
Sara Davison
Publisher:
Independently published through The Mosaic Collection
Release Date:
April 3, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense


Lies have kept them apart for eight years.  


Now the truth could destroy them completely. 


Bomb squad leader Tag Monroe’s world is shattered when his sister and her foster sister are abducted by a human trafficker. Eight years later, the two of them have been miraculously freed. As thrilled as he is to be reunited with his sister, Tag has lingering questions. 


How did Jae-won Lin, the third foster sister, elude capture that night? Why didn’t she call the police or Tag to let them know what happened? And where has she been for the last eight years? He loved Jae once, but he can’t let her back into his life until he has more information. 


Unfortunately, time is running out. Someone powerful is coming after Jae, bent on revenge. If Tag can’t get to her before her mysterious pursuer, Jae could take the answers to all Tag’s questions to her grave. 


Along with any hope the two of them might have to find their way to each other again.  


The explosive Christian romantic suspense series two sparrows for a penny by multi-award-winning author Sara Davison continues with this on-the-edge-suspense love story that might finally answer the question: Where was Jae?  


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books In This Series


 



Excerpt


One of the counselors Children’s Aid had sent her to had given Jae a number of strategies
to deal with her intense fear of fire. One of those strategies was grounding herself in her
situation, looking for three things in the room that were real to help drive out the terror of what
wasn’t.

So, what was real in this room she had a vague memory of waking up in before? Rolling
her head against the soft, pillowed headboard, she noted an unlit candle and an old-fashioned
clock on two spindly metal legs on the table next to the bed. Neither were hers, but she reached
out and ran a finger over both. The intense fear gripping her eased a little at the cool, hard
substance of the objects.

Beyond the table, an armchair sat in the corner. Empty. The chair was real. Was her
recollection that a woman had been sitting there the first time Jae woke up? If so, what had she
said when Jae asked her where she was? She clawed through the thick haze swirling through her
head. Nothing. At least, she hadn’t answered Jae’s question, only left the room to get her a drink
of water. Jae stared at the back of the door where the woman had disappeared. Had that actually
been water? She’d fallen asleep right after drinking it, so maybe not.




About the Author


Sara Davison

Sara Davison has a passion for writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats—and maybe swooning a little. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Cascade, Word, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card plus a paperback copy of Every Bird That Falls!

Every Bird That Falls JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 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


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

Every Bird That Falls JustRead Blog Tour

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Even if Nothing Else Is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle ~ Book Spotlight

April 1, 2024

 




Welcome to the Blog Tour for Even If Nothing Else Is Certain by Amy Willoughby-Burle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


About the Book


Even If Nothing Else is Certain

Title: Even If Nothing Else Is Certain 
Series:
Love for Certain #2
Author:
Amy Willoughby-Burle
Publisher:
Fireship Press
Release Date:
March 27, 2024
Genre:
Historical Romance (clean)


Even if nothing else is certain … love still is. 


Ruby Foster loves her job as a Pack Horse librarian, but secretly she dreams of being a nurse. Since there are no schools for nursing in the hills of rural Kentucky in 1937, Ruby contents herself with harvesting medicinal plants, delivering her beloved library books, and dreaming. Dreaming mostly of a life that doesn’t leave her living in the past. Until one day she discovers that “past” camped out by the Hell for Certain creek. Could it really be Cole, the one who left her heartbroken so many years ago? Just when she starts to believe in her dreams and hope for love again, Cole reveals his true colors. Or is the truth she sees only another illusion? When nothing else in the world seems certain, can the bonds of friendship bring one searching heart and one lost soul together again?  


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


More Books In This Series



Excerpt


March 1937


Ruby


Spring in Certain, Ky was like stepping through a thin spot between this world and another one.

Maybe spring was like that everywhere, but I wouldn’t know having not been anywhere else.

Here it was like one season overlaid on the next and if you looked you could almost see them

rippling on top of each other. Some people might have thought they saw the product of the wind,

but I knew better. I was good at seeing the blending of what was and what could be.

Bare tree limbs and muddy ground were overlaid with patches of too green grass and outlandish

yellow daffodils that always seemed like they’d popped up too soon. Or like some child from the

future had dropped them as she ran home. Pear trees bloomed billowy white like snowballs made

of flowers and the pink blossoms of the Redbud tree burst open, too excited to wait for the rest of

spring.

That was me. I was a redbud blossom, a billowy white pear petal, a yellow daffodil finding

myself out of step with the rest of the world around me. Growing up an orphan will do that to

you.

My gramma had told me about the thin places between this world and heaven. She believed

Certain was one. Heck, she believed that the living room was one. Anywhere you wanted to see

Heaven was a thin spot according to her.



About the Author


Amy Willoughy-Burle

Amy Willoughby-Burle is an award winning fiction author living in Asheville, NC with her husband and five children. Her fiction focuses on the importance of family and friends and centers on the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and finding the beauty in the world around us. She is the author of the novels The Lemonade Year, The Year of Thorns and Honey, The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else Is Certain. Her short fiction has been published in numerous journals and in her collection, Out Across the Nowhere. 

Connect with Amy by visiting amywilloughbyburle.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway


(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, signed copies of The Other Side of Certain and Even if Nothing Else is Certain, and librarian & plant themed bookmarks, stickers and postcards!


(1) additional winner will win a signed copy of Even if Nothing Else is Certain!


Even If Nothing Else is Certain JustRead Tours giveaway

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


Enter Giveaway


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


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