The Christmas Switch Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Christmas Switch by Zoey Marie Jackson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Christmas Switch: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance by [Zoey Marie Jackson]

Title: The Christmas Switch
Author: Zoey Marie Jackson
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: October 25th, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance

Keeping this secret gets complicated

with the family she wished for right next door.

Swapping places with her identical twin over the holidays sounds easy enough to Chanel Houston. But playing the role is trickier than expected when it comes to maintaining frosty relations with her sister’s neighbor and nemesis—especially since he has an adorable little girl and a rowdy puppy. Ryder Frost’s supposed to be grumpy and rude…so why does Chanel find the single dad so irresistible?

Guest Post

Book ideas for myself and probably for many others come as a result of a ‘what if-then
situation that we think about and could be a result of blending things that we love or
have experienced. In this case, it was a blend of concepts and things that I like to craft
the idea for The Christmas Switch.

Being a twin myself, I absolutely love reading about twins, and I have always tried to
incorporate twins in my stories. For my first book for Love Inspired, I wrote about a set
of five-year-old matchmaking twins. I knew I wanted to do the same again but I wanted
to add a little intrigue, put a twist on it. That’s when the idea came to have these twins
switch places. This is understandable in the younger years so I had to think on the
concept of what would cause adult twins to switch places.

Fortunately, I was working with a great editor for the line who helped me formulate the
reason for the switch. Adult twins might switch places if one was in danger. Next, a book
trope that is almost always a guaranteed read for me is the neighbor-next-door. So, I
put the hero next door. To further add to the fun, one of the most enjoyable tropes for
readers is the enemies-to-lovers.

That’s when the light bulb went off and the concept materialized. What if I had twins
who switched places and that twin falls in love with the neighbor next door whom her
sister dislikes. The editor loved that idea so I began working on the characters and
crafting their story. Because of the timeline of when the book would be written and
delivered, I was asked if I could make it a Christmas story. If you blend all these, you
have The Christmas Switch.

Finally, while writing this, I was and still am going through a tough personal experience.
God ministered to me while writing and I then shared that through my story. I hope it
entertains and blesses at the same time!

Book Review:

I am a sucker for Christmas romances! And right now the weather’s getting a little colder, so I can start to dream of Christmas. And this was just an adorable book with all the Christmas magic.

Chanel’s life just got a lot more complicated. When her twin sister begs her to switch places, she agrees even though her hometown is filled with too many painful memories. But what happens when her sister’s annoying neighbor turns out to be a single dad with an adorable little girl? Chanel’s heart is getting attached with Ryder and his daughter Gabby even though their whole foundation is a lie.

Okay, I realized that this synopsis sounds super dramatic, but this book was actually pretty low stress. And Chanel is switching with her sister, Cara, because Cara is involved in an FBI investigation. Can I just say that explanation made me sigh in relief! I feel like lying in a relationship is a very bad move, so I loved that Chanel actually had a reasonable explanation. It made me love this story a little bit more!

Chanel was going through a lot, and she had a ton of past trauma she needed to work through. It was sweet to watch her with Ryder and Gabby, and they both helped her work through her painful past. I loved how she was with Gabby. And it was refreshing to have a more gentle female protagonist. I think a lot of female protagonists now are sassy, quick witted warrior queens, and I love those characters. But it’s refreshing to have a different kind of heroine.

Ryder was a sweetheart. Honestly, it was so cute to watch him with Gabby, and he was trying so hard to be a good dad. He also had a lot of past pain to work through, and it was cool to see him and Chanel help each other. They were both a little broken, and they helped bind each other up.

This was low stress, sweet read. I sometimes had a hard time really getting into it, but it was still really cute! The ending was a bit fast paced which was surprising because the romance was definitely a slow burn. However, I think the slow burn romance really worked for these characters because they were both more cautious in nature.

I would totally recommend this clean, Christian read to anyone who loves a Christmas 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zoey Marie Jackson loves writing sweet romances. She is almost never without a book and reads across genres. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, she has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University and has been an educator for over 20 years. Zoey loves interacting with her readers.

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 1, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Elite Guardians Collection

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Elite Guardians Collection by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Sami A. Abrams, and Kelly Underwood, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

Dive into the exciting ignition to the Elite Guardians Collection.

Driving Force: An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians Collection Book 1) by [Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo]

Title: Driving Force
Series: Elite Guardians Collection #1
Author: Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: March 22, 2022
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

He’s the last client she wants to protect…

Elite Guardians bodyguard/former sniper CHRISTINA SHERMAN has protected uncooperative clients before—but this time, well her client is bossy, headstrong and occasionally eats off the floor. Yes, he’s a highly trained military working dog, but certainly her skills could be put to better use, right?

Not according to former Special Forces Air Commando GREY PARKER. He needs her help to protect his dog while he undergoes an experimental surgery that could restore his ability to walk. He just needs someone to keep his canine partner safe. Most of all, Grey wants back on his feet so he can track down a deranged scientist known as The Scavenger who unleashed a nerve agent that left Grey sidelined in a wheelchair.

When an attempt is made on Grey’s life, and dead bodies begin piling up—with evidence the same toxin is responsible—suddenly Christina is tasked with keeping both dog and soldier alive…and with them, the secrets that could stop a terrorist attack.

But this time, even Christina might be in over her head.

Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!

Impending Strike: An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians Collection Book 2) by [Lynette Eason, Sami A. Abrams]

Title: Impending Strike
Series: Elite Guardians Collection #2
Author: Lynette Eason and Sami A. Abrams
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: June 28th, 2022
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Protecting him just might cost her everything…

Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself.

Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for?

Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why.

But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. Problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble.

It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her?

Book three of the riveting, high-octane world of the Elite Guardians reboot!

Defending Honor: An Elite Guardians Novel (Elite Guardians Collection Book 3) by [Lynette Eason, Kelly Underwood]

Title: Defending Honor
Series: Elite Guardians Collection #3
Author: Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood
Publisher: Sunrise Publishers
Release Date: October 4th, 2022
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She’ll have to pretend to be his wife to save his life…but what will it cost her heart?

Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it.

Billionaire and former playboy Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but then his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident. Since he’s next in line to helm the family business, now someone wants him dead. Preston needs someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is a fake marriage.

In order to keep him safe, Laila will have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love. She’s used to putting her life on the line for a client. But what will this case cost her heart?

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

Guest Post:

We are excited to share a guest post from Kate Angelo the author of Driving Force. 🙂

As a genre, romantic suspense lends itself to a complex story with exciting plot twists and deep character development I find captivating. It’s one of my favorite genres to read and write because I’m fascinated how deeply wounded characters set aside their differences and work together under extreme pressure to bring down a villain. When writing romantic suspense, I explore ways my character’s past affects how they approach the external plot. Will she run into danger, or bury her head and hide? Will he take the lead, or will he step back and allow the heroine to guide them? Motivation mingled with the life experiences and personality of the character will dictate their response and it’s a challenge to write. But by the end, two imperfect people become enlightened and discover the internal obstacles holding them back from their greatest desires which leads us to their happily ever after—and that perfect kiss!

Besides digging into the characters, romantic suspense adds a level of tension you may not find in other thriller and suspense novels. Two imperfect people juggling life and their own hindrances is one thing but throw in the need to survive or save lives and now we’re really cranking up the pressure. Personally, I love reading books with smart villains whose motivation is something greater than evil for the sake of evil. Add some bleeding edge technology or scientific research and I’m all in!

Recently, I wrote a romantic suspense novel with a phytologist heroine. If you’re unsure what a phytologist is, you’re not alone. After all, how many times have you found yourself discussing algae with others? Oddly enough, I have! While drafting the novel, I went to lunch with a group of friends and met a scientist who is a botanist, psychologist, and phytologist. I’ll admit, for the first time in my life I was excited to discuss algae! I was able to share some new research in an area he was passionate about and chat for hours about the live saving properties of this new type of algae.

Bringing the reader along for an investigation is another element of romantic suspense I love. Even if I know who the villain is, I’m intrigued by the motivation behind the evil and learning the secrets they keep. I want a villain with a wound so deep it drives them to hurt others. It sounds terrible, but I suppose it’s because I like a hint of psychological thriller in my suspense novels.

In the end, I believe I chose to write romantic suspense because I like layering in complexity and digging deep to deliver a story that keeps you on your toes, not only because lives are at risk, but because the reader is in suspense over whether two flawed characters can overcome their issues and find their happily ever after. Oh…and because I’m a huge nerd and I get to delve deep into researching psychology, phytology, biochemical engineering, and all the other sciences!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.

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

Kate Angelo is an author, minister, and public speaker from Southwest Missouri who works alongside her husband strengthening and encouraging marriages and families through their ministry. As the mother of five mostly grown children, she is fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls-subjects she never intentionally taught while homeschooling. With her chihuahua taking up half of her desk space, she writes suspenseful stories of imperfect people who encounter hope and healing through Jesus. Kate is a tech enthusiast, coffee lover, productivity guru, accomplished knitter, avid boater, prayer warrior, and known klutz.

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

Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30s that she found authors who captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. In her opinion, a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

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

Kelly Underwood‘s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. She writes book reviews for her blog bestinsuspense.com and is an active member of the Central Florida chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you have to read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably on her back patio with a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Visit her at kellyunderwoodauthor.com

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback set of all three Elite Guardians Collection novels, plus an Elite Guardians T-shirt!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 3, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 10, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

With Every Breath

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for With Every Breath by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

With Every Breath (McCall Family Series Book 1) by [Natasha D. Frazier]

Title: With Every Breath

Series: McCall Family #1

Author: Natasha D. Frazier

Publisher: Encouraging Works

Release Date: October 5, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

She has nothing to lose, but loving her could cost him everything. Is he willing to risk it all a second time around when she has less than thirty days to live?

Renowned motivational speaker Nina Marie Robinson has received a grim prognosis. With the little time she has left, she’s giving one last commencement speech at her alma mater Jackson State University and taking a well-deserved vacation to the Bahamas. Nina is also determined to show her college sweetheart she’s still in love with him, but can she convince him to drop everything and board that plane with her?

Andrew McCall is one step away from being promoted to professor at Jackson State University. If anything goes wrong, Andrew will find himself in the last place he wants to be—chief executive officer of McCall Resorts as his father’s successor. When Nina comes to town and requests that he accompany her to the Bahamas, will he have to choose between the woman he’s always loved and everything he’s worked for?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BookBub

Guest Post:

I love second chance romances! I had a general idea about writing a second chance romance with college sweethearts that would reunite on a vacation, but hadn’t quite come up with how it would happen. Earlier this year, I experienced sudden onsets of dizziness. At times, it felt like I was dying when the room would spin and I hadn’t moved from my seat or bed. Scary thought! My doctor diagnosed me with vertigo and prescribed medicine and exercises for the dizziness.

After that, it hit me!

Boom!

I amped it up a thousand and put my main character, Nina, in a situation where she had to determine what was most important to her and decide what to do about it. Then, With Every Breath, was born.

Sometimes we live like we have a limitless amount of time, but when faced with the reality of our mortality, we change, and that’s what happens to Nina. That’s also what I’d like readers to know after reading this book. Our time on earth is limited. If you love someone, tell them. Share your love and the beauty that is you with the world while you still can. And remember, above all else, that God loves you and is always with you. You are called for His purpose.

Natasha Frazier

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink.

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

CONNECT WITH NATASHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive an audiobook bundle of the Love, Lies & Consequences series (4 titles), an autographed copy of With Every Breath, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 11, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Pearl’s Promise Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Pearl’s Promise by Edwina Kiernan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Pearl’s Promise

Series: Gems of Grace #2

Author: Edwina Kiernan

Publisher: Moliant Publishing

Release Date: May 1, 2021

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A duty-bound heir. A dejected spinster.

An encounter that could ruin both their families’ demands for their futures…

Horrified to see the man she had always dreamed of marrying saying his vows to someone else, Pearl Acton’s devastation only seems to confirm one of her deepest fears – that she’ll remain unseen and alone, never mattering to anyone.

And when her family falls on hard times and seeks to marry her off to a wealthy suitor as soon as possible, her other deepest fear seems inevitable – being trapped in a loveless marriage, just like her parents.

Until an encounter with a quiet and soulful heir, Nicholas Dalton, sparks a fragile hope that perhaps Pearl might save her family’s fortune and marry for love.

But when circumstances on both sides of their families take drastic turns, the promise of happiness seems irrevocably shattered.

As Pearl and Nicholas each strive to uphold their family duties, they soon discover that things aren’t quite what they seem. But is it too late to escape their crushing obligations and forge a new path – together?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

Guest Post:

My Author Journey

by Edwina Kiernan

There was nothing I loved more as a child than making up stories on paper — composing sentences and drawing little illustrations to accompany the words. Notebooks were my favorite things to have within reach, and I continually filled them with the imaginations of my heart.

As I grew older, I still loved to write. I branched into poetry, devotionals, short stories, articles — every kind of writing there was to try, I tried. But my first love was always fiction, and I dreamed of the day when I would hold a book in my hands that contained the words of a novel I had written.

It has been a long journey, but in November 2020 that dream came true. Earlier that year, I had been knocked off my feet with pneumonia, which was made worse by my pre-existing chronic health conditions. I remember being in the hospital, wondering if my time on Earth was up.

God used that time to help me reprioritise and fully commit to what I believed He had called me to do for Him.

Years before, I had listened to the naysayers who said that being an author was not a valid career choice, that it was not a secure enough job to spend any time pursuing. Yet, deep inside, I knew that God had given me a passion and desire for words and their meanings — and for what they could be fashioned into…
The Bible speaks of how powerful our words are, that there is life and death in the power of the tongue (see Proverbs 18:21).

So many people — in my life and in other people’s lives — have used words to attack, disparage and demolish. But it’s my goal to use words to uplift, encourage and exhort.

And to point people to the truth.

Jesus often used parables to illustrate deep truths to the people with whom He spoke, and I believe fiction can serve the same purpose in today’s world.

Most people read to escape reality for a while. I believe that the very best endeavour of fiction is to not give people a way to escape reality, but to give people a way to navigate reality — to give people hope and understanding, insight and encouragement, and ultimately: meaning.

For those reading this who dream of writing books: Don’t listen to people who say that you can’t do it. Pray. Ask God if it’s something that you should invest your time and energy in (because it does take a lot of time and a lot of energy). But if you feel that it’s what you’ve been made to do, then don’t let other peoples’ negativity or ill-informed opinions hold you back.

The world is full of books, but there’s always room for more.

Write, rewrite and polish your words, and use them to speak life, truth, and hope to a world that desperately needs to hear those things.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edwina Kiernan is a Christian writer, and author of the well-received Inspirational Regency romance novel, Ruby’s Redemption.

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination, and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. Her latest novel is the second in the Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace.

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She still loves to learn, taking courses from places like Oxford University and the Beau Monde, for both fun and further education.

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel, and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.

For free gifts, updates, and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness, join her mailing list at EdwinaKiernan.com

CONNECT WITH EDWINA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Pearl’s Promise and a $25 Amazon gift card!

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 22, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 29, 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

A Ranger for the Twins – Guest Post

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for A Ranger for the Twins by Tanya Agler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Ranger for the Twins
Author: Tanya Agler
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: October 13, 2020
Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

She fell from grace…

Before falling for him

When her husband defrauded the town of Hollydale, now-divorced mom Lucie Decker went from being the town darling to total pariah. Now she’s launching a new business and needs ranger Caleb Spindler’s help. And her twins adore Caleb. After all, he’s a genuine hero—even if he is hiding a secret. But while Lucie’s heart has forgotten how to trust, it still remembers how to fall in love…

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

Guest post:

I am so excited to welcome Tanya Agler to to our blog to talk about how she chooses her settings and makes it realistic.

Hello, and thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. The setting for my first
two books is Hollydale, North Carolina. It’s a fictional small town set in the foothills of the
Great Smoky Mountains. I’m going to go off-subject for a second and explain what led me to
write a book set in North Carolina. About three years after my husband and I had our first child,
my parents offered to babysit for us while we went on a long, three-day weekend, which was our
first time away from our daughter. We wanted to go somewhere close to home yet in another
state, and we ended up in Maggie Valley, NC, a delightful town that charmed both of us.
When I sat down to write The Sheriff’s Second Chance, I wanted to create a town in the
South as I’ve lived in the same area for a long time after moving around often as a child and
teenager. My mind immediately was drawn to those three days that we spent hiking in North
Carolina in the mountain region, visiting Thomas Wolfe’s house, and eating in a delicious,
downhome diner. From there, I started researching that area of the Great Smoky Mountains.
I started with blog posts about the top ten mountain getaways in North Carolina. From
there, I visited each of those town’s websites and made notes on their small businesses and what
made them different from other similar towns. I also researched diner menus in small towns and
clicked on other common businesses found in that area. Then, I also researched the history
behind towns in the Smokies and found out some interesting facts about the timber industry.
Then I went and looked at pictures from that trip with my husband as well as other hiking
trips and vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains, which are one of my favorite destinations.
From hiking to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, to white water rafting along
the Nantahala, I looked at the topography in the pictures and the different attributes of the

outdoors in relation to the book. Since I love hiking and long walks to waterfall, I made sure that
there was an outfitter’s business in the downtown district. Every time we visit a small town, I
take note of the shops and ambience. Google Maps is another fun resource as you can take
walking tours of towns or watch videos people post of a town.
Outdoor areas play into the setting of A Ranger for the Twins. I tried to figure out what
would be the most unlikely setting for a town debutante, and I thought of an outdoor retreat
center featuring rope courses. One inspiration for this was an adventure I had in my college
youth group. One afternoon we all went to a ropes course and performed exercises in trust
building. There was one particular course with a rope rather high off the ground, which people
then walked across similar to a tightrope. The leaders positioned most of the group on the side
where most people fall when they perform this exercise. Nine people would be on one side
waiting and two would be on the other. Of course, I fell on the side with two people and have a
very faint scar on my right wrist. Little did I know that would end up being part of a book
someday!
For research on retreat centers, I looked up at least twenty similar destination lodges and
retreats online and researched their staffs, their design layouts, and their amenities. I read
reviews and searched through their photo albums, combining my favorite attributes of each.
And then I started reviewing pictures of the state and national parks I’ve visited with my
family and continued from there.
Between my family vacations, day trips, and the internet along with Google Maps, those
are the ways I start to research the setting and then I add in the best of every town I’ve come
across with a little bit of pure imagination.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An award-winning author, Tanya Agler moved often during her childhood and settled in Georgia where she writes sweet contemporary romance novels, which feature small towns, family and pets, and themes of second chances and hope. Her debut, The Sheriff’s Second Chance, is a January of 2020 Harlequin Heartwarming release with the sequel, A Ranger for the Twins, coming in October 2020. A graduate of the University of Georgia with degrees in journalism and law, she lives with her wonderful husband, their four children, and a lovable Basset, who really rules the roost. Represented by Dawn Dowdle and the Blue Ridge Literary Agency, she’s currently at work on the sequels to her debut. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies, walking, and a good cup of tea.

CONNECT WITH TANYA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a reader tote bag, a signed print copy of A Ranger for the Twins, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 6, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 13, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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