Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book:
Title: The Call of the Sea Author: Sian Ann Bessey Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: November 1st, 2022 Genre: Inspirational Historical/Viking Romance
A Viking Historical Romance
On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Môn, where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd.
Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into the midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter—Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such incompatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.
How did you choose the title of the book? The hero and the heroine both have a special connection to the sea. “The Call of the Sea” came to me as a way of expressing the emotions they were each feeling.
What made you want to write in this era? I love including lesser-known historical events in my books. I grew up in Wales and so setting a book based on an actual event that involved the Vikings in my homeland was exciting.
What kind of research did you have to do to write this book? It involved so much research. I did historical research on the Vikings, the Cymry, and the Irish, and specifically on the events that led to the rift between Owain Gwynedd and his brother.
How did you come up with the names of your characters? Many of the names are the actual names of the people who lived through this time in history. The other names are names that would have been used in that era by those of the different nationalities.
What was the hardest part of writing this book? The research, and meshing the real events with fictional characters.
Did you have a character that you related more to? There were aspects of both Rhiannon’s and Lief’s characters that I could relate to. I particularly related to their love of their homelands and their desires to be true to their hearts.
How do you deal with historical accuracy? The 1100s was a messy time in history. Historians do not all agree on the details of certain events and much remains unknown. Whenever possible, I read multiple sources to learn about specific events and everyday life. It was fascinating to learn more about this era.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children’s books. She is a USA Today best selling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn’t have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.” She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she’s home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.
Connect with Sian by visiting sianannbessey.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Call of the Sea, $25 Amazon Gift Card, swag bundle (including stickers, bookmark, button, cross necklace), virtual book club kit, and ebook of The Heart of the Rebellion.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 31, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 7, 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.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book:
Title: The Danger with Diamonds Series: Falcon Point Suspense #1 Author: Sian Ann Bessey and Traci Hunter Abramson Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: October 11th, 2022 Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romantic Suspense
Some secrets are worth keeping. Others are not.
When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.
As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm that he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly links Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle to the crime. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.
We really came up with the idea for The Danger with Diamonds while we were still working on The Heirs of Falcon Point. Both of us knew that our characters had more stories to tell, and it didn’t take long for the basic plot to take shape.
How did you choose the title of the book?
We offered several title suggestions to our publisher, but Sian came up with this one based on the diamonds that are integral to the plot and the danger that follows them.
How did you co write this book?
We wrote together using a Google.doc with the basic idea of what the first couple scenes would look like. Then each day Traci would write a scene or two in the morning. When Sian woke up (she is in a time zone two hours behind Traci), she would then work on her scene. Often when Traci would wake up, Sian would have another scene waiting for her. Every 8 to 10 scenes, we would have a zoom call to plan out the next portion of the book.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Sian will tell you it was getting Traci to help figure out the bad guy. Traci will tell you it was trying to figure out the bad guy. This is what happens when two discovery writers come together, and one (Traci) has absolutely no idea what is going to happen next.
How much research did you need to do in order to write this book?
Traci’s CIA background saved us hours of research into the ins-and-outs of law enforcement. There were a few times when we felt it necessary to check on specific protocols, but for the most part, her knowledge borne of experience was our best resource. Having grown up in Wales, Sian’s European upbringing helped make our European characters more authentic. We have both visited Vienna, which helped us as we decided on locations for various scenes. Our most time-consuming research involved uncovering small details like: When does the Christmas Market at Stephansplatz open? Which U-bahn lines run underground? What are the toppings offered at a typical doner stand?
Do you like writing the romance or suspense parts better?
We both find romantic and suspense scenes challenging to write. The suspense build up is not as difficult as a fight scene. And the increase in romantic tension is not as difficult as a kissing scene. Given a choice, we’d both avoid writing fight scenes and kissing scenes completely if we could.
Where do you get the ideas for your characters?
The main characters in The Danger with Diamonds originally appeared in Heirs of Falcon Point. Lars and Cole are cousins who only recently learned of each other’s existence. Neither of them has brothers, and it was really fun to develop a brother-like relationship between them. Isabelle and Marit, our primary female characters in this book, also had cameo appearances in Heirs of Falcon Point, but we really enjoyed fleshing out their characters and allowing their individual strengths to shine. Most of our characters are a blending of people we know and people we’ve observed over the years.
How do you write relatable characters?
No one is perfect, including fictional characters, but at their core, our heroes and heroines are good people trying to do the right thing. We enjoy using humor to endear our characters to readers. We also show our characters making mistakes, overcoming difficult things, and trying to improve. Ultimately, when readers finish one of our books, we’d like them to feel a bond with the characters and be glad for the time they spent with them.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality – best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary – Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and recently retired from coaching high school swimming.
Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children’s books. She is a USA Today best selling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn’t have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.” She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she’s home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.
Connect with Sian by visiting sianannbessey.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of The Danger of Diamonds, and book-themed swag (including stickers, bookmark, and postcard).
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 17, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 24, 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.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Right Here Waiting by Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Series: Deep Haven Collection #6
Author: Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: November 9, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
She doesn’t belong in his world—but she’s determined to try.
Sled dog musher and outdoor adventurer Nick Dahlquist doesn’t mean to be a loner—he just feels at home in the woods, with his dogs, and online in his vlogging world, where he’s amassed nearly a million viewers. But he’s just a simple guy, with simple goals—care for his dogs, teach people how to survive the cold, and run the Iditarod. Unfortunately, life turns cold when his lead dog is injured, and he’s low on funds. Good thing he has LadyJHawk to chat with. She’s become an online friend he can turn to, and he’s starting to need her more than he’d like to admit. But the last thing he wants is for some random woman to show up on his doorstep…
Chopper pilot and Texas gal Jae Lynn Washington has been following Nick’s DogQuest videos and Get Lost in the Woods vlogs since she inherited her deceased boyfriend’s military working dog. Three years later, his online friendship has made her wonder if he could be more than a friend. What if she moved to Deep Haven? Would that be considered stalking, even if she got a bonafide job on the Crisis Response Team?
When Jae shows up in Deep Haven—and on Nick’s doorstep—he’s not at all the man she met online. And when Nick is tapped to train the team, he’s pretty sure petite, summer-loving Jae won’t last a moment in the brutal cold—a fear he pours out to LadyJHawk. As their training takes a personal turn, their chilly start begins to thaw. But what will happen if he discovers that Jae and LadyJHawk are one and the same?
When a blizzard strikes, and the CRT is called out into the storm, more than just their relationship is at risk…
Cozy up to this delightful twist on You’ve Got Mail set in the snowy escape of Deep Haven.
*happy sigh* We’ve come to the end of the Deep Haven series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and meeting all these new characters! These authors have beautifully taken Ms. Warren’s work and added their own spin on it. I am so happy Nick finally got his own book! And I loved that a little bit more diversity was added to this series too 🙂
Nick Dalquist’s life has fallen apart. Not only does he have to watch the love of his life fall in love with another man, he also is in danger of losing his entire business. The only person he can open to is LadyJHawk, an online friend that he’s chatted with for years. Jae owes Nick Dalquist her life. He’s the one who inspired her to start living again, but he only knows her as LadyJHawk. When she gets the opportunity to move to Deep Haven, she jumps at the chance. It’s not just a desire to meet Nick though Jae longs for a real community, one where she would finally fit in. But will Jae and Nick have the courage to step out of an online relationship and into a real one?
I loved how Ms. Aleckson handled Nick’s character! To be honest I totally thought he was going to end up with Vivian, but once I met Jae, I realized they made so much more sense together. Nick had never really opened up to Vivian. He put up a front for her instead of showing her who he really was. On the other hand, he showed Jae everything whether by telling her or LadyJHawk. He did have to learn to take risks though in the real world and believe that love was worth the risk of trying and failing.
I loved Jae’s character! I am a bit biased because I’m so happy that an Asian American character was added, but I also just love her! As you can probably tell by all the exclamation points 🙂 I loved how strong she was even though she was struggling with a lot of different things. Jae was searching for her community, but she had to learn that if she wanted a community, she had to let people in.
This was a super satisfying end to a wonderful series! Everyone is happily paired off, and we are once again saying goodbye to Deep Haven. Fingers crossed that we get another series though! I would personally love to see any of the main character’s kids. This is a clean, Christian romance that I would totally recommend to anyone who wants the small town feel!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
After growing upon both the east and west coasts, Michelle Sass Aleckson now lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, playing Balderdash with the fam, and getting lost in good stories. Especially stories that shine grace. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit her at www.michellealeckson.com.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Right Here Waiting ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 9, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 16, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Picture Imperfect by Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Picture Imperfect
Series: Roseville Romances #1
Author: Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance
Can a struggling career woman and a procrastinating artist save a beloved nonprofit?
Aspiring novelist Caroline Penn expected a promotion, not a picture book assignment. But when her employer, the non-profit Helping Hope, runs into financial trouble, this book might be the solution. With the company struggling to stay afloat, she and the illustrator will need to collaborate on a strict deadline—no problem for a workaholic like Caroline, right?
Andy Jackson, a “starving” artist, pays the bills by taking on graphic design gigs, but his perfectionism gets in the way. If only he could focus on a project for once, perhaps he could achieve his dream to make art for children for a living.
When the two are thrust together to create a book, Caroline can’t seem to write for children, and Andy can’t meet a deadline to save his life. As time ticks down to release day, the two must face their pasts and insecurities. If they can avoid strangling one another for long enough, they may just bring to the table what the other is missing.
If not, the fate of their careers—and a beloved nonprofit—hangs in the balance.
Hope: So I’ve technically always been writing. I used to write six-page stories that I would give to my first-grade teacher to hang up on her wall. But as far as novel writing goes, I had a friend in high school who wrote novels. I thought this friend was crazy. So in good friendly rivalry, I decided to give it a go myself. I haven’t looked back since.
How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Hope: Alyssa and I had talked about how we wished we saw more books that featured people like us—people in our twenties struggling to justify being in a creative field. We’d experienced massive burnout from doing, at one point, seven jobs apiece, to support our passion for publishing. We wanted characters who reflected those same struggles and the same hope we had that one day it would all be worth it.
How did you choose the title Picture Imperfect
Hope: One of our characters struggles with perfectionism. We wanted to show that just because something isn’t picture perfect doesn’t mean it isn’t worth pursuing.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Hope: Alyssa and I hadn’t written in the genre before, so it was definitely a steep learning curve. People say “Oh, well, writing romance would be so easy,” but in adult romance, you have to hit certain beats at just the right time. In some ways, it’s a lot harder to write than the usual young adult genres that we’re known to dabble in.
What do you want readers to take away from reading this book?
Hope: We really want them to take away a couple of things. First, we want them to rekindle their passions for their dreams. We had an ARC reader tell us that she’d given up on writing, but that this book gave her the hope and push to start again. Secondly, we hope to show the realities of burnout and perfectionism and how it often plagues creatives, especially those in their 20s. Finally, we want readers to walk away from the story filled with hope.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
Hope: It’s so hard to say, because this book sets up the trajectory for several more romances between supporting characters. I will say, in this story alone, I really appreciated Andy—and not just because I wrote him. He has a great deal to overcome in terms of perfectionism. I’m actually a lot more like Caroline—meeting deadlines early, taking on as much work as possible. But Andy taught me the importance of slowing down.
Are you a pantser or plotter? How did this tendency show up with this book?
Hope: So funnily enough I’m a plotter, and Alyssa is a pantser. So often when we coauthor, we’ll do some hybrid of the two. Romance, however, strictly requires plotting. So we operated off of an outline in this. That’s not to say that we didn’t deviate off of it. Our characters often have a mind of their own.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Hope Bolinger is the author of 12 books, including the award-winning Blaze trilogy. She has worked in the industry as an agent, done acquisitions and editorial roles for publishers, and has also worked for magazines, newspapers, and online publications such as Crosswalk.com. Her articles and other publications can be seen by millions yearly, and she has 1100 bylines to her name. When she isn’t battling deadlines, she loves to hike in Ohio’s national parks and pet her high-maintenance cat Twix. Find out more about her at https://www.hopebolinger.com.
Alyssa Roat has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an agent, editor, writer, and marketer. She is the publicity manager at Mountain Brook Ink and Mountain Brook Fire, a former associate literary agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, an editor with Sherpa Editing Services, and a freelance writer with 200+ bylines in local, national, and international publications. She is the author of The Wraithwood Trilogy and the co-author with Hope Bolinger of the YA superhero chat fiction romances Dear Hero and Dear Henchman. Her name is a pun, which means you can learn more about her at http://www.alyssawrote.com or on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as @alyssawrote.
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Perfectly ArrangedOR a $20 Amazon gift card (winner’s choice)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 8, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 15, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hangin’ by a Moment by Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Hangin’ by a Moment
Series: Deep Haven Collection #5
Author: Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: September 14, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
He just wants to erase his past. She can’t seem to escape hers. But facing it might put their future in jeopardy.
The day Jack Stewart walked out of jail, he vowed to keep his conviction a secret. The whole thing was just a terrible mistake, and he did his time. Now he wants a new life in a sleepy town where no one knows his name. Deep Haven is the perfect place to start over as a chef. The last thing the former pararescue jumper wants is to get involved. But when Boone Buckam—the guy he owes for getting him out of the slammer—asks for help, how can he refuse?
Colleen Decker has already escaped evil once—as a teenager, she was kidnapped by a murderer. But she’s put all that behind her as a trauma nurse in Minneapolis. Or maybe not, because a freak mistake in the ER sends her past crashing down on her. She needs a timeout in her hometown of Deep Haven. She doesn’t plan to stay—even when she’s roped into the job of flight nurse for the town’s Crisis Response Team chopper. Colleen’s not sure why she’s drawn to danger, but she’ll be safe enough—after all, she’ll need training, and her teacher is a handsome former pararescue jumper. What could go wrong?
When Jack said he didn’t want to get involved, he especially meant his heart—but being with Colleen feels like a fresh start. He’ll even climb aboard a chopper again, despite his vows. They’re headed for a happy ending…
But secrets never stay buried in a small town. And when disaster strikes one snowy night, they’ll both have to decide if the past will destroy them…or if it just might lead them home.
Cozy up to this perfect Deep Haven drama about discovering a season of second chances.
We get another book in the Deep Haven series! Another mysterious stranger is coming to Deep Haven, and another small town girl is going to learn how to put down roots. This book focuses on Jack-formerly Winston Stewart-, a friend of Boone’s, and Colleen Decker, the daughter of Annalise Decker. Annalise got her own story in You Don’t Know Me which is the 6th book in the original Deep Haven series. I actually haven’t read that book, so it was added to my growing TBR! One of the things I really like about this series though is that it actually can be read stand alone. I have not read any of the original Deep Haven series, and I have not read the first 2 books in this series either. But I can still enjoy the characters and the story without being confused 🙂
Jack is just trying to find a safe place. After a terrible mistake that ended with him in prison, he needs to get his life back together. He has no desire to get involved in anything permanent though. But when his friend Boone asks for a favor, he can’t refuse. So he finds himself training Colleen Decker to be the newest flight nurse. No matter what Colleen does she can’t seem to escape from her past. After a freak mistake in her job as a ER nurse, she’s forced to take time out in Deep Haven. She ends up getting roped into the flight nurse job, and there she meets Jack. As Jack and Colleen start to fall for each other, will they be able to put the mistakes of their pasts behind them? Or will it follow them into their future?
This was another wonderful book in the Deep Haven series! Jack is an adorable main character, and I love how Boone pulls another new guy into Deep Haven. Jack had to conquer a lot of demons though. He was filled with guilt over what he had done, and he didn’t want to accept God’s forgiveness. I loved how compassionate he was, and he was incredibly heroic in all of his actions. He and Colleen were so cute together too!
Poor Colleen had gone through a lot in her life, and she was still struggling with all the trauma. She wanted to prove to everyone that she had changed from who she was as a teenager, but she felt stuck. She had to decide whether or not she could trust how God had made her. And whether or not the path He took her was the right one.
This was such a wonderful book! I would recommend it to anyone who likes sweet Christian romance. There were a few moments where the plot dragged a bit, but it was still a lot of fun! It’s a perfect, clean, fall romance!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Author Interview:
What first made you start writing?
I’ve always enjoyed making up stories, creating something out of nothing. After dabbling in the craft for a long time, about ten years ago I decided to take it seriously to see if I could really succeed. I’m so glad I did! I encourage all aspiring authors out there to keep at it. I’d love to see your book on the shelf someday!
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Writing about all of the good food! Ha! Seriously though, this book had me researching so many things I never expected to become an expert at! The research was fun, but not knowing whether I was doing these situations justice was the hardest part of writing this book.
How did you come up with the story?
I wanted to write a story with the theme of Aladdin in mind. I liked the idea of exploring what it would look like for someone to hide their true selves and how God could break through that barrier. I wouldn’t say there are any overt Aladdin references in Hangin’ by a Moment, but the idea of God knowing you and loving you for who you are certainly remains.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
This is a tough one. I don’t think any of them stood out as a favorite. I loved Colleen’s tenacity, and Jack’s creativity. I appreciated Colleen’s desire to figure out what she wanted in life, which I think is a common struggle. What a relief to discover that God loves us no matter what we do or say!
How did you meet Ms. Warren?
I’ve known of Susan May Warren for years. She’s long been a superhero of mine. I “met” her online while taking some of her classes and then was thrilled to meet her in person at a writer’s conference a few years ago. I’m not ashamed to admit that I totally did not play it cool. Ha! I fan-girled like crazy. My heart is full of gratitude that I can now call her a friend.
Did you have this story in mind from the first book?
No! This story came as a surprise. I’d actually intended to write a different story, but then Colleen seemed so forlorn there in her apartment in Minneapolis. I needed to redeem that bratty, confused kid from Warren’s You Don’t Know Me. She’d grown up now, and I wanted to give her a chance to prove it.
Do you think that the cover matches the story and what was your favorite part of the cover?
I love the cover. The fall theme makes me think of cozy coffees and crisp evening walks. The unpredictable nature of fall weather on Minnesota’s North Shore is definitely an element to the book, so I think the cover is a great fit.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Andrea Christenson lives in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on. She believes that a great loaf of artistic bread can turn a meal into a masterpiece. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive 3 Hangin’ by a Moment ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 14, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 21, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Then Came You by Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Then Came You
Series: Deep Haven Collection #4
Author: Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 6, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
He doesn’t need any trouble. She can’t seem to escape it.
Detective Daniel “Boone” Buckam is more than burned out. After fourteen stellar years on the job, one bad judgment call—and, fine, a whole lot of cynicism—has forced him into a mandatory vacation in Deep Haven. If he can get his head on straight, there’s a job as Police Chief waiting for him back in his Minneapolis suburb. And then, he meets Vivien.
Actress Vivien Calhoun isn’t really a drama queen. Sure, she gets swept up in the emotions of life—but please, she’s an actress. Or, um, was until a stalker made her flee the bright lights of Broadway. Now, she’s passionate about directing her local theater production. But when she accidentally ropes an uptight police detective on vacation into her cast, she can’t help but wonder if he might be the leading man she’s always longed for.
Boone can’t help but like Vivien. He might even have a type—vivacious and bubbly, with a penchant for attracting danger. He can smell trouble even if she can’t, and is pretty sure her stalker has hunted her all the way to Deep Haven. He’ll have to stay by her side—even if it means being in her silly play—to keep her safe. But Vivien is more than he expected as she helps him discover a part of him he’s locked away…the part that said he could never love again.
It’s summertime in Deep Haven, and the fun is heating up in this laugh-out-loud, charming story.
From an early age, I was an avid reader and copious writer. I’d make up verbal stories as well as written ones. In middle school, we even had our own book binding “publishing company.”
I’ve always had stories to tell.
I love the adventures and experiences of reading and writing. Though I set aside much of my writing pursuits while my own children were young, I still spent time with verbal storytelling. It wasn’t uncommon for me to spend thirty minutes a night weaving stories for them at bedtime.
About five years ago, I delved back into writing, with the intent of becoming a published author. At that point, I’d realized that, if I could be doing anything in the world, it would be writing. Add in several government furloughs that jeopardized our financial security, and it became a whole-hearted pursuit. I started taking classes, attending conferences, and meeting with a local writing group.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Writing the book. Seriously, though, each step has challenges, but two things stand out in particular. First, I really wanted to make sure I wrote a novel that would satisfy all (or, at least most!) readers who’ve been waiting for Boone’s story. That was a huge undertaking. Getting the details right, his character, really getting inside who he is. I wanted to really honor the amazing character that Susan May Warren had created.
Second, during my first rewrite, I had to add three scenes and rearrange the order of several others. This meant I had to unravel the story and then re-weave it back together. That was a really tough challenge, but one of those scenes, the audition scene in the bookstore, turned out to be one of my favorites.
How did you come up with the story?
I knew how I wanted the story to start and knew my characters—Vivien and Boone. The car show scene and Vivien’s antics were in my head. From there, I worked with my mentor, Susan May Warren, to build out the basic plot outline. We had to ask questions—like would bring Boone to Deep Haven? What story goals will each of the characters have? What things can go wrong that will challenge each character?
From there, the scene writing began. It’s a slow process for me, delving into each scene. Really evaluating who the character is and what things might happen to move the story along.
Because PJ Sugar had some true laugh-out-loud moments, I wanted to bring a little of that flavor to the page, too. Vivien and PJ have some humorous similarities with over-the-top behavior and I loved getting to show the way Vivien suits Boone so well.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
Both Vivien and Boone have characteristics I relate to, but I’ve been attached to Boone for so long, if I have to pick a favorite, I’d say it’s him. I loved him in the PJ Sugar series and I loved bringing him back onto the page.
Both the characters deal with identity issues and I think this is so common in our human experience. For Boone, he expects so much of himself. He strives to do the right thing, is deeply committed, and raises the bar on himself continually. I can definitely relate to him.
Did you have this story in mind from the first book?
I knew it would be Boone’s story and I knew there’d be a tie-in to the Crisis Response Team, but it wasn’t until we sat down and plotted it out that I really solidified the plot. I had some ideas, but it was all pretty loose and vague. I knew Boone would redeem himself and get closure on some niggling questions—not to mention his happy ending. I also knew Vivien would have to make a choice about where her future would be.
I thoroughly enjoyed bringing our new characters from the first three Deep Haven Collection novels into this one, capturing the spirit of the small town and tying the stories together.
Do you think that the cover matches the story and what was your favorite part of the cover?
Yes, the cover designer did a great job. Boone and Vivien have a couple pivotal kayak scenes. I don’t want to share any spoilers, but the first one is a moment when Boone feels like he’s misread the friendship entirely. It’s funny and sweet and it really brings them to a turning point. In the second, we get to see the two of them in action, working together and rising to a challenge that reveals their individual tenacity, their heroic natures. It’s a situation where Vivien realizes she’s not just a “pretty face” and her impulsiveness isn’t just reckless or careless. For Boone, we see the kind of quick-thinking, jump-into-the-fray hero he is.
I love how the cover captures the feel of summer on the lake.
Book Review:
Another lovely book in the Deep Haven series! Crazy for You was my first dip into the Deep Haven pool, and I loved it. Then Came You did not disappoint either. I was honestly a bit surprised with the couple, but Vivien and Boone were adorable together. I’m sure fans of Susan May Warren’s PJ Sugar series will be thrilled to see Boone again too. I have not read many of the Susan May Warren books, so I’m getting a lot of books added to my TBR 🙂 Luckily, all the books in this series are stand alone, so even though I just met Boone, I fell in love with him pretty quickly!
Unless Boone Buckham figures out a way to relax and quickly, he’ll lose everything he worked so hard to achieve. After a lawsuit was slapped on him, his boss basically ordered him to take a vacation in Deep Haven. He needs to lower his blood pressure and calm his temper down, or he will never become chief of police. The one thing he did not expect was Vivien Calhoun. Vivien is an actress, and a pretty good one because no one seems to notice she’s barely holding it together. After failing in New York and moving back to Deep Haven, all she wants to do is move one. But when her stalker follows her to Deep Haven, it’s clear that’s not an option. Boone doesn’t have time for love, but he will not let anyone hurt this woman who’s become so important to him. So much for relaxing.
I adored this book! Vivien and Boone have a lot to work through, but I loved watching them come together. They were so cute together. Vivien was over the top, bubbly, and friendly while Boone was much more reserved. They balanced each other perfectly! Vivien added some much needed energy and light to Boone’s life, and Boone became Vivien’s safe place. She was used to holding up a mask for everyone in her life, but Boone managed to push through all of her walls.
I loved watching the two of them go through parallel journeys of discovery too. They had to see how their worth came from Christ not from the praise of man. Vivien and Boone both had a lot of tragedy in their lives. Most of which came from the people who they loved the most. But God worked on them to help them see how their worth comes from Him. I would have loved a bit more focus on what God had done in them, but I loved the message of being happy where you are. It doesn’t matter where God puts us because we can find joy in Him.
The plot was super interesting, and there were quite a few plot twists that I was not expecting. I had a harder time staying interested in this book, but I did really enjoy it! As I read more, I would get more and more into it. Boone and Vivien’s story was clean, fun, and romantic! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian, contemporary romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Rachel D. Russell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and My Book Therapy’s Novel Academy, and is a regular contributor to the Learn How to Write a Novel blog. The mother of two teenagers, she often interrogates her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent cantering her horse down the Oregon trails. Visit Rachel at www.racheldrussell.com.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Then Came You ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
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 3, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 10, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book:
Title: Rebuilding Joy Series: RenoVations #2 Author: Regina Rudd Merrick Publisher: Bellville Street Books Release Date: June 2, 2021 Genre: Contemporary Romance
A waitress, a contractor, and an FBI agent walk into a café …
Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children are in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene.
Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it.
Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding.
Would you believe writing fan-fiction? I found a site with readers and writers of like mind, writing about the early 2000s television show, “Sue Thomas: FBEye.” In about two years time, I wrote the equivalent of three novels over two dozen short stories, novellas, poems, and scenes, using the characters and putting them in new settings and adventures. I was hooked! When I received positive feedback for those stories, it dawned on me that if I could write that much in that length of time, maybe I could write a whole book.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
The hardest thing about Rebuilding Joy was the suspense element. It was my first foray (except for fan-fiction) into romantic suspense, and I had to make sure the mystery made sense, no loose ends were dangling out there, and it had to be SOLVED!
How did you come up with the story?
Later on, you’ll see the connection with the book one in the RenoVations series, Heart Restoration, but the evolved with my plan to show how people in a rural community, in this\ case, a family by the name of “Reno,” have the same trials and tribulations as those in the big city. Del struggles with the idea that he has settled for the comfortable existence he’s always had, and Darcy gave up her dreams to move home to raise her kids as she juggles running a café. All it takes, from that point, is a few “what ifs” and you have the beginnings of a story.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
I really, really love Darcy Emerson Sloan in Rebuilding Joy. She appears in book one, but this is her story, along with Del’s. She’s been through a lot in her young life, but she is tough, feisty, and determined to make a good life for herself and her twins—with or without a man. I can’t imagine going through some of the things she’s experienced, and can totally understand the bitterness that can come with overwhelming loss. I’m so glad God loves us through it!
Have you worked in a restaurant?
I’ve never worked in a restaurant, but when I was a teen my parents ran a church camp, and I helped serve, refill drinks, field questions, and a little cooking, as well, for groups that used the facility. I hope I didn’t get it all wrong, and for those of you in the food service industry, I apologize ahead of time!
Did you have this story in mind from the first book?
Most definitely. The beginnings of the story came with book 1 in the RenoVations series, Heart Restoration. I planned, then, for the next book to be Del Reno’s story, but I wasn’t sure who his love-interest would be. In book one I introduced all the characters and set the stage for the mystery with a system of tunnels running from the Ohio River to the fictional town of Clementville. Bringing in the café was simply a happy plot-point, and I felt that I had to redeem Sheriff Clay Lacy! I gave him a bit of a raw deal in Heart Restoration, but he was one of the stars of my Christmas novella, “The Twelve Days of Mandy Reno!”
Do you think that the cover matches the story and what was your favorite part of the cover?
I love the cover. Roseanna White designed it, and she comes highly recommended. My goal in working with her was to have the cover of Rebuilding Joy coordinate with Heart Restoration as much as possible, and I think we succeeded. I love the little strip of buildings, including the café, and I think it’s a good representation of a tiny little country town in Kentucky. Honestly, the fonts had me from day one—how’s that for extreme nerdiness!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com
(3) winner will receive their choice of ebook or signed print copy of Rebuilding Joy!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 7, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 14, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Title: Crazy for You Series: Deep Haven Collection #3 Author: Michelle Sass Alekcson and Susan May Warren Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: May 25, 2021 Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
he’s doesn’t want any trouble…
Former soldier Veronica “Ronnie” Morales isn’t going to let her kid brother, Tiago, get pulled into the gangs of Minneapolis, so, seeking safety and a fresh start, she heads to sleepy Deep Haven on the north shore of Minnesota. She’s hoping to put down roots as the paramedic for the new Crisis Response Team, but it’s not easy to be the outsider.
He can’t seem to escape it…
It’s also not easy being the guy related to everyone in town. Especially when you’re the holdout vote for a landmark project. Fire Chief Peter Dahlquist might be the loneliest guy in town when both sides of his massive family—the Hatfields and McCoys of Deep Haven—demand that he pick sides. The only one who seems to understand is the newcomer in town…his new, albeit street-tough paramedic.
Can trouble bring them together?
When Tiago finds himself caught up in small town shenanigans and the town blames Ronnie for tragedy, Peter is forced to pick sides. But this choice just might cost him the home—and the woman—he loves.
Oh my gosh! This book was sooo amazing. It is the first one I have read in the Deep Haven series, but I absolutely loved it! Crazy for You is set in the same world of Susan May Warren’s first two Deep Haven series and the Christiansen Family series. I’ve read a few of the Christiansen Family series, so I was delighted to see some cameos from them. I didn’t know any of the other characters, but I either fell in love with them or loved to hate them through this book!
Peter Dalquist is part of the two biggest dynasties in Deep Haven, the Dalquists and the Zimmermans, and he’s forced to pick sides when both of his families want a piece of land. Peter just wants his families to get along, and when he’s basically related to everyone in town, there’s nowhere he can go for some peace. Except maybe with the new paramedic, Veronica “Ronnie” Morales. Ronnie’s determined not to let her brother be pulled into the gangs of Minnaepolis, so she moves him to Deep Haven for a fresh start. But soon her brother gets pulled into a whole other set of troubles, and the whole town blames Ronnie for them. And Peter will have to decide whether or not he’s willing to fight for what he really wants.
I am a very nonviolent person, and I am a huge believer in the importance of family. But I really just wanted to smack the Dalquists and the Zimmermans because they were being such idiots! They were completely shameless in how hard they were pushing Peter, and I felt so bad for the poor guy. Peter’s birth father was a Zimmerman, but when his mom remarried a Dalquist, his stepfather also adopted him. He was stuck between the two families, and even though he was surrounded by family, he was also very alone.
He always felt the need to keep the peace, and it was almost like he had to prove himself because he wasn’t part of either family. But he was sooo sweet. I loved how he was a very strong male character, but he also struggled with his inability to say no. It was interesting especially because Ronnie was the complete opposite.
Ronnie had a very rough life full of abuse and neglect. Her mom had a string of losers constantly around, and her little brother was quickly falling prey to the bad environment. Her past made it very hard to rely on anyone. She had to be tough all the time which for her meant not apologizing or letting anyone in. I loved how Peter balanced that trait by helping her see not everything has to be a fight. In a lot of cases, a little bit of humility goes a long way, and Ronnie definitely had to learn that. And Ronnie helped Peter see that some things are worth fighting for.
I really appreciated how Ms. Aleckson made it clear that there would be hardships after conflict. Everything is harder and more awkward after disagreements, but it is worth the struggle. Nothing was rosy and perfect, but there were some clear steps towards reconciliation. I loved this book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a wonderful small town romance! Crazy for You is also clean in the romance and the violence.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Author Interview:
What first made you start writing?
I’ve always been a huge reader. I love stories where the characters feel like real people I want to befriend. And sometimes I would daydream different endings to movies or books. But I didn’t think seriously about writing until my children were little and an employee survey at my job asked about hobbies, dreams and goals outside of work. It made me think about what I would do when my kids grew up. I was making up little rhymes and stories for them, so I thought about becoming an author. However, I’m notorious for starting things and not finishing them so first we bought a laptop. I spent a year writing a story. Once I knew I could finish a whole book my husband and I invested in a writing course and I got involved in some writing groups, going to conferences, etc. And now here I am! (And that first book will probably never see the light of day! LOL)
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
One of the challenges in writing a series with others is that our stories are connected. Like the real world, my characters’ actions affected the other stories in the series. The same was true for the other authors. We also had an established story world that many readers were already familiar with. I wanted to stay true to the Deep Haven Susan May Warren created and that her readers already loved. I really enjoyed collaborating with Susie, Rachel, and Andrea but at times we each had to make concessions for the sake of someone else’s story or to work within the framework already in place.
How did you come up with Ronnie and Peter’s story?
When Sunrise Publishing announced the contest to find authors applicants had to come up with a story premise. I’ve always loved Beauty and the Beast, so I thought I’d do a twist on the classic fairy tale. I’d make the heroine, Ronnie, the beast instead of the hero. I also love the small-town life but remember moving here and all the things that seemed strange to me when I first came. I thought it would be fun to incorporate some of that into a story with Ronnie moving to Deep Haven. I envisioned a strong hero that everyone liked and admired, but who had a hard time saying “no” to people. Peter and Ronnie were complete opposites in many ways, but each had something to learn from the other.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
I relate more to Peter, who is all about family and bringing people together, but I enjoyed writing the Ronnie scenes because she would say things and act in ways I would never do! I always admire people with spunk and drive like her. How did you learn about this opportunity to write with Ms.WARREN? I have been a big fan of Susie’s for long time. I’ve also taken writing workshops and classes from her, so I follow her social media accounts and get her newsletter. When I saw the announcement on Facebook for being a draft author and writing Deep Haven stories with Susan May Warren I jumped at the chance. It’s been a dream come true!
Do you have a big family as well?
Yes! My parents both come from big families. My dad is one of six children and my mother is one of eight. But unlike Peter, most of my family is scattered across the United States and we moved a lot, so I didn’t grow up near cousins or grandparents. But when we did visit, we had some fun family gatherings and lots of yummy food! Now we live close to a lot of my husband’s family and my dad and stepmom have settled nearby. We still make it a point to see our out of state family too including my mom and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Have you ever lived in a small town before?
I live in a tiny town in central Minnesota right now. There’s less than 500 people. It has a small school, four churches, a little grocery store, a gas station and handful of other businesses. I love going to the store or pumping gas and seeing people I know, catching up on their lives and sharing all the latest news. Our house is on twenty acres just outside of the town where my children can run wild, climb trees, plant vegetables, and we even make our own maple syrup. We love it!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
After growing upon both the east and west coasts, Michelle Sass Aleckson now lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, playing Balderdash with the fam, and getting lost in good stories. Especially stories that shine grace. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit her at www.michellealeckson.com.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Crazy for You ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
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, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Danger on the Loch by Paige Edwards, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Danger on the Loch Author: Paige Edwards Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: April 5, 2021 Genre: Christian Suspense
Raised by a cold and distant mother, photographer Paisley Clark has spent her life daydreaming about the father she doesn’t remember. Paisley’s dream turns to reality when a DNA test brings her in contact with the mysterious man. With her financial situation a disaster and her childhood friend James Pressley-Coombes working across the pond in Scotland, Paisley is emboldened to accept her father’s invitation to visit him.
She arrives in the Highlands only to discover that she isn’t Paisley Clark at all but a titled lady, the daughter of a Scottish duke. Despite the warm welcome and the comfort of James’s presence, dangerous undercurrents surround Castle Rannoch, her father’s estate. Overwhelmed, Paisley takes refuge in her camera and James’s steady presence to provide a sense of normalcy in her rags-to-riches transformation. But her once-easy relationship with James is changing, deepening beyond friendship in a surprising twist of events. Before they have time to examine their feelings, Paisley inadvertently captures a shocking image in one of her photographs—a picture worth killing for.
Wow! This was such a good book, I loved the characters and the suspense. Danger on the Loch is written by Paige Edwards and it was a wonderful book. Danger on the Loch features Paisley Clark who has been raised by her cold distant mother, and when a DNA test brings her into contact with the father she has been longing for she jumps for a chance to see him. When she arrives in Scotland, Paisley learns that things are really not as they see. James finds himself in Scotland per orders from his father regarding his job. He never expected to find Paisley there or find himself in the middle of a mystery that could very well be the end of them both.
I really liked Paisley and James. They were just likable characters. Paisley had learned to be independent because of her relationship with her mother, but she was still searching for someone to accept her. She was such a great character, and she didn’t overreact in any of the situations. She was kind and tried her best to mend the relationship with her father. And I just really liked Paisley
James was a sweetheart! He was super kind and super energetic. I loved his little quirks and how he cared for Paisley. They were friends first, and I thought that it was the cutest thing.
I really enjoyed the romance and the suspense from this book. I was on the edge of my seat, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. Paisley was trying to find out how to mend the relationship with her father. James was trying to figure out how to care for Paisley, and how to do his job that brought him to Scotland. I loved reading about Paisley and James’ relationship grow from friends to lovers. Also, the suspense about what was going on with Paisley’s father and his company had me the whole time.
I would definitely recommend Danger on the Loch! There is some violence, but it isn’t really violent. And there are aspects of the Christian faith but it doesn’t really feel preachy to me. I can’t wait to read Edwards’ other books! Danger on the Loch is a clean, suspense book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in Southern California, Paige Edwards is an award-winning author who thinks the color turquoise is almost as great, but not quite, as See’s Candy. A BYU-I alumna, she went back to school and graduated summa cum laude from NOVA with a degree in interior design. Her husband’s job transferred their family to the mid-Atlantic states where they have lived ever since. When she needs a break from writing, you can find her shooing deer out of her garden, biking battlefields, or kayaking on the lake.
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Danger on the Loch by Paige Edwards and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 10, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 17, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Title: Traitor Series: Tales of the Mystics #2 Author: Laurie Lucking Publisher: Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing LLC Release Date: April 27, 2021 Genre: YA Fantasy
Princess Penelope has finally found a way to redeem her past mistakes—if only it didn’t require betraying her new fiancé. Princess Penelope has been the object of gossip and ridicule ever since she returned home in disgrace following her failed engagement to the Crown Prince of Imperia. When her father offers a new start in a country far across the sea, she has no choice but to accept. Even if it means another betrothal, this time to a total stranger. Penelope arrives in Delunia determined to avoid bringing further shame upon her family. But her devoted, caring fiancé makes it harder to guard her heart than she anticipated, and rumors of dark magic haunt her with memories she’d rather keep buried far beneath her pristine exterior. When a poverty-stricken village outside the palace gates looks to her as their hope for a brighter future, Penelope embraces the opportunity to make amends for her transgressions. But in order to help, she must manipulate her new fiancé, putting her reputation on the line once more. And her heart. Can Penelope rise above the failures of her past, or will she forever be branded a traitor?
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Riella! I so appreciate the opportunity to share a bit about myself and Traitor. 🙂
What first made you start writing?
I’ve loved books ever since my earliest memories. My active imagination devised plots for every form of play, from the sandbox to American Girl dolls. I enjoyed writing stories (complete with dreadful illustrations!) until about mid-grade school, when sadly I let a few class assignments convince me I was a bad writer. The stories never left my head, but I didn’t bother to write anything down until much more recently. When I left my job as an attorney to become a stay-at-home mom back in 2012, I desperately needed a project to occupy my mind while I spent precious but long days at home with my newborn. Eventually, I summoned the courage to start typing one of my favorite daydreamed stories, and I fell in love all over again!
What genre would you categorize your books and what made you choose that?
I would categorize my books as young adult fantasy, or to be super-specific: young adult Christian fairy tale fantasy. Ha, what a mouthful! I write for young adults because that’s still my favorite genre to read, and growing up those were the books that had the greatest impact on my life. As a pre-teen or teenager, if I found a book that really resonated with me I read it again and again, living in that storyworld as much as possible. Now I hope to provide that kind of home-away-from-home for my readers! To be honest, I didn’t originally intend to write a Christian series. But the main character in Common (Tales of the Mystics, Book One) had a faith element to her journey I couldn’t ignore, and when my worldbuilding led me to mystics who channel power from God (or the Luminate, as He’s called in my fantasy world), I decided to embrace it! As for fantasy, I love adding at least a few fantastical elements to every story. It allows me to stretch my creativity and makes for plots with higher stakes and less predictability. I use fairy tales as my primary inspiration because they’re so timeless and beloved, and it’s so fun to see how putting new twists on a familiar tale can add layers of meaning and complexity. Plus, fairy tales lend themselves so well to clean romance with happily-ever-after endings!
What are some of your steps to creating a fictional world?
I don’t spend much time worldbuilding before I start writing, so my fictional worlds come into being organically as the stories fall into place. Usually I just add new countries, traditions, historical events, etc. as they’re needed while I’m writing, then go back and tighten the elements of my storyworld while editing. But I definitely have a strong sense for the feel of my setting before I get started! For Common, I envisioned a medieval-esque fairy tale kingdom with prim manners and tight social constraints that the main characters would have to work around. Traitor starts out there as well, but then I had fun creating a contrasting country for Princess Penelope’s new home filled with vibrancy and commotion that challenged her to grow beyond her comfort zone.
How did you choose the title Traitor?
I have to give my editor credit for that one! I originally had a different story planned for Book Two (which will now be Book Three instead!), but my editor suggested I write a book centering on Princess Penelope since the epilogue of Common hints at her journey to a faraway country for a new engagement. She proposed the title Traitor, and I loved it! Each title in my series is one word that describes a misconception the main character has about herself. So Traitor not only has an intriguing ring to it, but it also encapsulates Princess Penelope’s inner struggle as she strives to redeem her past mistakes while stumbling along the way.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
The hardest part of writing Traitor was finding the creative energy to move forward during some challenging life situations. Writing provides such an exciting outlet when I’m caught up in my fantasy world and the lives of my characters, but I find it very draining. Shortly after Common released, our family experienced a loss that sent me reeling for months. For a while it was hard to imagine ever pouring myself into a story again when my heart felt so broken and my mind so numb. Then I became pregnant with our third child, and I was overjoyed but exhausted in an entirely different way. It took a lot of strength and prayer to rebuild to a point where I could funnel energy and passion back into my writing.
Was it easier or harder to write this book as opposed to the 1st one?
They were each challenging in their own ways! Common practically wrote itself at times because I was so engaged in the story and characters and had more downtime to write. But because I was still so new to the craft, it needed tons of rewrites and edits at every step along the way. Traitor’s first draft was much harder to complete since I didn’t feel as close to the story at the beginning and didn’t have as many aspects of the plot fleshed out in my mind. But although I still have a lot to learn, thankfully the editing for Traitor was much more straightforward and my later drafts didn’t need nearly as many revisions!
Did you always plan to write Penelope’s story?
I didn’t! As I mentioned above, I originally planned to write a different story, tentatively titled Scarred, as the second book in my Tales of the Mystics series. The idea for Traitor was inspired by my editor, and I’ll admit my first inclination was to dismiss it. Scarred was already halfway written, and I wasn’t sure I could connect enough with Penelope to write an entire book about her. But the idea stuck with me, and soon I had the outline of a plot. I’m grateful for my editor’s brilliant idea and that I took the time to pursue it for so many reasons. Princess Penelope’s story had so much for me to learn, as both a writer and as a flawed person longing for forgiveness and redemption. And this addition to the series balances the rest of the books out really well, adding a layer of depth I couldn’t have achieved if I’d jumped straight into the next story. Now I’m working on completing Scarred as Tales of the Mystics, Book Three!
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
Interestingly, my favorite character in Traitor is probably the one who’s the least like me! Princess Dionne, the younger sister of Penelope’s new fiancé, took me by surprise as I was writing because I expected her to be a very minor character. But her bluntness and sense of humor made me curious to explore her personality more, and I enjoyed giving her opportunities to interact with Penelope both as a friend and as someone who wasn’t afraid to voice harsh truths. I think the fact that I’m her opposite—a shy peacemaker—is what made her my favorite character, because I got to explore what it would be like to react to situations so differently than what I’m used to with only fictional consequences. 🙂
I hope you enjoy Princess Dionne and the rest of the cast of Traitor! I’m so grateful to my readers for sticking with me during this long writing process—I did my best to make the story worth the wait! Thanks again for inviting me to visit today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laurie Lucking loves hoarding books, singing at the top of her lungs, playing games that don’t involve too much strategy, and spending time with her husband and three energetic kids. A recovering attorney, she now spends her days as a stay-at-home mom and has discovered writing young adult romantic fantasy is way more fun than drafting contracts. Her fairy tale–inspired stories combine the excitement of discovering new worlds with the timeless enchantment of falling in love. Find out more about Laurie and her writing adventures at http://www.LaurieLucking.com.
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