Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Blog Tour & Giveaway Love's Mountain Quest by Misty M. Beller


About the Book



Book:  Love’s Mountain Quest
Author: Misty M Beller
Genre:  Historical romance
Release Date: June 30, 2020

After losing her husband in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler’s Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing–and the sheriff dead–she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help.

Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who’s behind the kidnapping and murder, and if he’s right, he knows all too well the evil they’re chasing.

As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.


Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Joanna Watson, a widow with a young son try to carry on with their life in Sutters Fort Montana Territory. Her friend, Laura takes her son on a Sunday outing along the creek and they come up missing. With the help of Mr. Bowen, a friend, and trapper/trail guide they go together to try to find them. Along the way, they are faced with hardship and a relationship starts to develop.
The story is one of learning to trust, redemption, healing, second chances, and a lot of faith in the Lord. It is an inspirational and heartwarming story set in the 1800s. The love story unfolding is an inspiring one. The author has a wonderful way with descriptions that make the story come alive. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Another great read from Misty.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.  All opinions are my own.


About the Author

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.




More from Misty

The Story Behind the Story: Love’s Mountain Quest

Love’s Mountain Quest was one of the hardest books I’ve ever written, even though I LOVE Isaac and Joanna and their story. What made this book so hard was the fact that I wrote most of the story during my third trimester of pregnancy with our son!



Our little Matthew is our fourth baby (and first boy), so I was VERY heavy with child during the last three months I carried him, and that was the time that I’d scheduled to write Love’s Mountain Quest. Needless to say, the words were not flowing very well. My creativity was as exhausted as the rest of me! I could see Isaac and Joanna’s story in my mind, but showing it for readers using real words was the hard part.

Thankfully, I have an amazing editor at Bethany House (waving at Jen Veilleux!) who helped me massage the first draft, pushing both me and the story to be the very best we could be. Unfortunately for her, the edits for this book were the first bit of writing I did after taking a short maternity leave after the birth, so my brain was still a bit mushy from all the post-partum hormones and lack of sleep a newborn always brings. Jen’s patience through the process was remarkable, yet I so appreciate her determination not to stop until we had the very best book possible.

Our little Matthew just turned one, and Love’s Mountain Quest is finally making its way out into the world. Because of Jen, I’m so excited to share it with you! I can’t wait for you to meet the characters and story I love so much.

                             Blog Stops

Splashes of Joy, July 30
Emily Yager, August 1
Simple Harvest Reads, August 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Genesis 5020, August 3
Betti Mace, August 5
Older & Smarter?, August 8
Mary Hake, August 8
Pause for Tales, August 9
Blessed & Bookish, August 10
Hallie Reads, August 10
Wishful Endings, August 11
Lighthouse Academy, August 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Artistic Nobody, August 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Bizwings Blog, August 12

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of Love’s Mountain Quest, Hope’s Highest Mountain, and a bath bomb!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! 
Click the link below to enter.

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Review of "Worthless to Priceless" by Robin Dunsmore Fusion




Robin recently moved to Tennessee with her husband Jimmy. Together, they celebrate with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for romance and flash fiction. Robin is multi-published and writes stories on her blog for children. Robin is a member of ACFW, Vice President of ACFW Colorado Western Slope, and member of John316 Marketing Network. 

She enjoys leading a Bible study group and singing in two community choirs. Robin loves company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home.



At the tender age of thirteen, orphaned Jenny Low decides to take matters in her own hands and runs away from her captive life in a Ute tribe. Rescued from near-death by a kindly teamster, Samuel Baunof, Jenny is sent to live with a family in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1886. She learns the truth of wickedness and runs again straight into true evil.

Meanwhile, Samuel holds his head up while facing life's cruelty head-on. A few years later, he crosses paths with the orphaned girl he once rescued. Now a beautiful young woman, Jenny is a God-send in his time of need. Their trials aren’t over and Samuel finds himself tracking her through the wilderness where, unbeknownst to him, someone else is after her too. Will he get to her in time?

Can these two people with completely different backgrounds and beliefs help each other and those around them? Is Samuel able to rescue Jenny from the horror her life has been drawn into? Is his faith strong enough to help her understand that God loves her and didn’t abandon her? Jenny is challenged to accept love and forgiveness even when she feels the world closing in.




My Review

The characters, Jenny & Samuel were very well-developed and I grew to admire both. Each in their own way.  Jenny, with her soiled past, was still able to show immense love towards others & Samuel still grieving the loss of his wife, was still able to hold onto his faith in the Lord.


I love how each character grew in their faith even in times of hardship. The Lord used Samuel to remind Jenny of the Lord's love for her.

The story was intense but heart-warming with a happy ending. Even the tough scenes with Jenny's abuse were handled appropriately for a Christian novel.

A great read of inspiration, forgiveness, and second chances.  A great reminder of what God can do in a person's life.

I received an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.



Sunday, August 9, 2020

Welcome, Rachel Hauck: New Release "To Love a Prince" and Q & A






Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club. She is also the recipient of RT's Career Achievement Award.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.



                                                                     Q & A 


Q: What's the name of the new series? And how many books do you foresee?


A: True Blue Royal. Right now, I have three books planned. But we'll see what else opens up as the stories unfold.

Q: What inspired you to write this story?

A: I first met HRH Prince Augustus, aka Prince Gus, in The Fifth Avenue Story Society. He was the jilted fiancé of Coral Winthrop, one of the society members. He doesn't have a point-of-view and we only see him through Coral's eyes, but I started to like the guy. I felt a bit sorry for him and wondered if I could give him a happy ending.

His journey is one of redemption, hope, and forgiveness. Most of us have experienced some sort of rejection or disappointment in life. We can relate to what Gus experienced. He thought he was marrying the love of his life only to find himself alone on their wedding day. Then he rebounded into another relationship that ended, albeit amicably. He feels like a big looser. Especially for a prince.

Q: Wow. We feel for him. Tell us about the heroine. She'd better be good to Gus!

A:  Daffodil Caron was a childhood friend of the prince’. But over the years they lost touch. She's a curator with the Royal Trust, and about to be engaged herself. She's a peaceful character, steady, doesn't see herself as she truly is—a future princess. She's ready to settle for good when the best is around the corner!

She and Gus both step into their true essence in this story.

Q: Go Daffodil. We like her already. So, Rachel, why another royal series?

A: Besides wanting to give Prince Gus a happy ending, royal stories were my most requested. I think they enchant readers of all ages! Plus, I do love a good royal romance. There are so many beautiful, spiritual layers we can all relate to in royal stories. I love this verse from Psalm 45.

Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget your own people also, and your father’s house;

11 So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him.

12 And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor.

13 The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace; Her clothing is woven with gold.

Sounds princess-like to me!

Q: I see the ebook is available for pre-order. What about print and audio?

A: Yes, ebook readers can pre-order. Print and audio will be up and ready on August 11th. So mark your calendars! I'm so excited about the print--the design is lovely. And the audio voice artist is fabulous!

Q: Will the book be in my library?

A: The book will be available for libraries to order in print and ebook,  but if not, ask them to order it. I know libraries love to provide books for their readers!

Q: I'm not sure if I want to pre-order. What's the benefit?

A: Great question. The pre-order price is a lovely $5.99. (In saleswoman's voice: "Get your deal now!") Ha! Plus, the book will automatically download on release day. You'll open your e-reader to find a new book!

Also, it helps me, and every author, in the sales rankings on release day. A good sales ranking, along with reviews, will get the book noticed by other readers. If you're not ready to pre-order, add the book to you Wish List. 

Q: Great! Where can we get a copy?

A: At your favorite online retailer. (Except CBD) 
Go to my web site for buying options. www.rachelhauck.com



Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace in the North Sea’s Lauchtenland. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the capital city, and a handsome, successful boyfriend. The last person on her mind is Gus, the prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricatured by the press—he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But after he’s jilted at the altar, then dumped by his second fiancé, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue finds solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar rather than serve his country and the Family.

But a wild Frisbee toss down the beach changes his destiny.

Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince. She reminds Gus of his heritage and assures him that he’s needed in Lauchtenland.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment at Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding ball, their friendship blooms into affection.

Then secrets are exposed, and Gus must choose between his past hurts and his future hope. And Daffy must trust her heart to forever love a prince.

“To Love a Prince is breathtaking and enchanting! Rachel Hauck is the queen of inspirational royal romance.” – Teri Wilson, bestselling author of Unleashing Mr. Darcy and Christmas Charms.



Saturday, August 8, 2020

Welcome to the Blog+Review Tour & Giveaway for Calm Before the Storm by Janice L. Dick

Calm Before the Storm Blog + Review Tour 
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Calm Before the Storm by Janice L. Dick, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Calm Before the Storm Title: Calm Before the Storm
Series: The Storm Series #1
Author: Janice L. Dick
Release Date: August 15, 2020 (re-release)
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

South Russia, 1914.

The world is at war and revolution threatens. Against this backdrop of fear and danger, three young people search for hope and love. Katarina Hildebrandt’s tranquil life on her family’s Crimean estate is about to change. Tutor Johann Sudermann has found true faith, but it will turn his life upside-down. And Paul Gregorovich Tekanin, working for the revolution in St. Petersburg, finds his choices will demand his soul as well as his wit and strength.

Will they find faith to weather the coming storm?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

My Review

The story set in 1914, South Russia at the Succoth Estate in Crimea is an interesting setting. The historical aspects of the story were fascinating and paint the disparity of the war that affected even the wealthy whose future was also threatened. The Hildebrant's are a family of strong faith especially Katarina who took over the motherly role of her siblings. I admired her strength, courage, and unselfish desire to help those less fortunate.

The characters of the Hildebrandt family were very diverse but together as a family was strong. I enjoyed experiencing the youngest siblings grow up and how the family's values were instilled in them. The children's tutor, Johann was a caring man who took being a teacher very seriously and believed in God but struggled with his faith.

The book was a very emotional read and one that took me from smiles to tears. The romance in the story was beautifully written. The story was inspirational, courageous, filled with gratitude and lessons of true faith in the Lord. Highly recommended.

I was provided with an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily choose to review it.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janice L. Dick

Janice L. Dick is an award-winning author who writes from her rural home in Saskatchewan, Canada. She writes historical and contemporary fiction, blogs, book reviews, and inspirational articles. In September 2016, Janice became the first recipient of the prestigious Janette Oke award, presented by the InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship.

In 2016 Janice established her indie imprint: Tansy & Thistle Press: faith, fiction, forum, and has since released two more historical novels. She has completed two historical trilogies based on her Mennonite heritage in South Russia. Find out more at her website.

CONNECT WITH JANICE: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Calm Before the Storm ebook + $10 Amazon gift card!

Calm Before the Storm JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 4, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 11, 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.

 

 
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, August 7, 2020

Review of "Pioneer Longing" by Ramona Flightner




Ramona Flightner, a historical romance novelist, is an avid reader, writer, and traveler. By day, she practices the healing arts as a nurse practitioner. Every other moment, she's researching, reading, and writing her next novel.

Ramona is from Montana. Her favorite pastimes are fly fishing the cool, clear streams of a Montana river, hiking in the mountains, and spending time with family and friends.


Connect with Ramona on her webpage

Facebook
instagram
Pinterest
She loves to hear from fans!


A callous deception. A perilous escape. A tremulous truce. Can they overcome their misgivings to trust in love again?

Phoebe Mortimer is well aware she is her family’s ugly duckling. Which is why she knows she should have known better than to believe that the charming, handsome Eamon O’Rourke would be interested in her. When he proves he thought of her as nothing more than a momentary distraction on the long journey to Fort Benton, her beliefs about men are solidified.

Eamon O’Rourke exults in his unfettered life. He took a vow with his younger brother never to marry. Never to be a father. With his huge family, he knows he will be busy enough as an uncle. However, he never expects to meet Phoebe. When she stirs up emotions he never thought to feel, he suppresses them and pushes her away. Hurting her more deeply than he ever intended to.

Now, Phoebe’s in danger and Eamon fears she will refuse any aid from him. For she has little faith in his fickle promises. How will he convince her of the sincerity of his love now that she has every reason to doubt him?

Discover the O’Rourke Family Montana Saga set in the frontier town of Fort, Benton, Montana Territory! Follow as each sibling forgives childhood heartbreak, discovers love, and finds their happily ever after!


Purchase

My Review

Set in 1865, Montana Territory, the author's descriptions give a vivid picture of the wild ruggedness of Fort Benton.

The O'Rourke family is strong, committed to family, and helping the less fortunate that are being victimized. When the Mortimer sisters end up on the steamship in St. Louis heading for Fort Benton to take refuge with their uncle, little do they know the danger that waits ahead. The O'Rourke's come to the rescue and is a force not to be taken lightly. They are committed to the cause, respect women, and see love as something to be cherished.

The story is suspenseful, fraught with hardship and pain, but is also steeped in courage, trust, and faith. A very inspirational and uplifting story. I can't wait to read the next in the series.


I  received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Review of "Finding Destiny" by Emma Easter





Like the characters in her stories, Emma Easter juggles a range of identities.

In the low-income community where she works, Easter is known as a family medicine physician who treats patients of all ages and backgrounds, including those who've been historically under-served by the healthcare system. But it's less known that she's also experienced life on the opposite end of the stethoscope as a cancer patient, now in remission.

College friends see her as an accomplished musician, having studied and mastered five classical instruments--but behind closed doors, she's just as comfortable rocking an air guitar to Creed. And when she isn't giving her heart, soul, and sanity to her three young children she's indulging in her most secret identity of all: meeting new characters, crafting fresh plots, and exploring every corner of her imagination.
Across all these different roles, one cohesive thread has tied everything together: her faith and love of Jesus Christ.

    You can reach her at EmmaEaster.com


INTRIGUE, ROMANCE AND THE LOVE OF GOD – AUTHOR OF THE SISTERS OF ROSEFIELD, EMMA EASTER, INTRODUCES A NEW SET OF FLAWED AND LOVEABLE CHARACTERS IN THE DESTINY SERIES.

On Pre-Order-Publish Date Aug. 19th- 99c

After a horrific incident with her former husband Mike Cadwell, Davina Brooks is left a widow. She became free to pursue a relationship with her childhood sweetheart, the tall, brawny, and bearded town sheriff Daniel. Daniel, however, has a bit of a temper and struggles with intense jealousy, which makes Davina often question their relationship.
When Davina gets an offer to become an actress and move to Los Angeles she has to decide what is more important, her relationship with Daniel, or her new dream…






MY REVIEW

Daniel and Vina have been friends ever since childhood and are finally engaged to be married. Then things are turned upside down when Trent and his movie company come to Fallow Creek to shoot a movie. Vina who has feelings of finding her own path in life and second thoughts about marriage is torn. There is a lot of tension and confusion while Vina figures things out. Where does that leave Daniel? You will have to read the book to find out. 

The book is filled with uncertainty, forgetting or not listening to God's path, and second chances for true love.  Another good read from Emma Easter.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.



Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Welcome, Christian Author Kay DiBianca Q & A







Kay DiBianca holds an MS degree in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has worked in the IT departments of several major corporations, including IBM, UNC Chapel Hill, International Paper, and FedEx. Her professional experience has spanned various facets of software development, from programming to team management.

Kay and her husband, Frank, a college professor, have enjoyed many common interests over their long marriage, from flying (Kay has an instrument rating in single-engine aircraft; Frank is a glider pilot) to athletics (they both compete in the Senior Olympics, although only Kay has taken on full marathons) to their faith commitment (they are US representatives for Bridges for Peace, an international Christian organization whose mission is to serve the people of Israel and build relationships between Christians and Jews).

Kay and Frank are retired and live in Memphis, Tennessee. They have one son, Arthur, who resides in Austin, Texas. "The Watch on the Fencepost" is Kay's first novel.





                                                              Q & A


What got you started writing?

My background in math and computer science led me to a career in software development. Most of my writing was in the form of status reports and performance evaluations. Not exactly the stuff of gripping fiction! But after I retired, I realized I had a strong desire to express myself creatively, and that started the ball rolling.

How did you come up with your book idea? What inspired you?
I’m a runner and I like to listen to audiobooks or podcasts when I’m out running. I often find myself making up stories in my head as I run. One day I was listening to a mystery novel and I thought I could write one just as interesting. I happened to be running in a park next to a fence and decided to use that as the beginning of the story.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?

Writing the first draft was surprisingly easy. I found the words just poured out. But after I finished it, I realized the arc of the plot wasn’t well-defined and I knew I needed help. Fortunately, I found a couple of freelance editors who gave me guidance, and I also discovered wonderful craft books. The learning curve was steep but definitely worth it. I realize now that mastering the craft will be a long, but fascinating, journey.

Who is your favorite character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?

This is a great question because it’s one I always ask people in the audience when I give a talk about the book. However, my favorite character is someone that no one else has ever mentioned: it’s Tommy Abrahams. I like Tommy because he reminds me of many of the programmers I’ve worked with through the years. Tommy doesn’t have very good social skills, and he’s insecure about his job, but he’s a smart and honest man. In the end, Tommy’s decency leads him to something amazing, but I can’t tell you what it was because that would spoil the ending.

Do your characters (or message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda? 

Oh yes! I’ve experienced characters taking over a scene and doing things I hadn’t intended them to do at all. As a matter of fact, when I was writing the climactic chapter, something happened that I never anticipated. I shook my head at one of the characters and said, “You’re going to do WHAT?”

How has writing this book impacted you personally?

It has changed my life. Since I’m retired, I have the time to concentrate on this new area, and I spend much of my waking time writing, reading craft books, or reading novels. I’ve learned to analyze other works in a more sophisticated way, and I believe I’ve matured through creating a world and characters to populate it. My husband is also writing, so we have this new experience to share.

How many books do you currently have published? What genres?

The Watch on the Fencepost is my only published book to date. The second book in the Watch series is titled Dead Man’s Watch. It’s complete, and my publisher has offered to publish that one as well. I hope it will be out this year. I’m working on the third book now. They’re all mysteries.

What is your favorite thing about writing? Your least favorite?

My favorite thing is the thrill that I get when I see the story coming together. Sometimes the pieces just fall into place, but other times it’s hard work to keep trying until it sounds right. I’m also delighted when I write a phrase or sentence that seems to capture the moment in a creative way. My least favorite thing is the fear I often feel when I sit down to write. Every story is a new challenge, and it’s easy to feel that I’m not up to the task.

What authors in your genre inspire you most?

There are so many. I’ve been reading Raymond Chandler’s novels lately and I’m in awe of his descriptive and character-building talents. I also like Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. In a modern setting, I like Louise Penny and Hank Phillippi Ryan.

What would you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she has enough talent?

Get a copy of “Plot and Structure” by James Scott Bell and read it. In Chapter One, he dispels the notion that you have to have a special talent in order to be a good writer. Reading that book convinced me that hard work and practice would enable me to write novels that are well-crafted and entertaining. Novels that can change the world.



A Watch that Tells More than the Time . . .

In a deserted park on a cold winter day, 27-year-old Kathryn Frasier is training for a marathon when she discovers a gold watch on a fencepost. Sensing that it was deliberately left for her to find, she sets out to solve the mystery behind the watch, but her orderly life is turned upside-down when it leads her to a dark family secret and a suspicion that her parents’ recent deaths may not have been an accident.


Thrown into the hunt for a possible killer, Kathryn peels back layer after layer of cryptic clues, and encounters an extraordinary cast of characters, including an actress with a talent for disguises, a politician with a secret of his own, and a handsome businessman who shows a sudden romantic interest in Kathryn.

But is the search for the truth worth risking her own life?



My Review

The Watch on the Fencepost is filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense, and a nice romance.

The characters are interesting and easy to relate to. The storyline is fast-paced and left me captivated, wondering what would happen next. The main character, Kathryn, is out to prove her parent's death wasn't accidental and the author found an intriguing way to enter clues into the mystery.

The suspenseful parts had me on the edge of my seat wondering about the outcome, but everything wrapped up nicely at the end. Highly recommended.



Friday, July 31, 2020

Grand Finale for Falling for the Innkeeper by Meghann Whistler on Tour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope this book reminds readers that our pasts don’t have to define us. No matter how badly we’ve been hurt, no matter how long we’ve clung to false beliefs, we can choose to move forward and embrace love and light from this moment forward.

Among the Reads - Review

"While it would have been easy for the author to fall into the trap of giving easy answers and wiping away all the problems perfectly as they rode off into the sunset at the end, she didn’t. The resolution required compromise and while the conclusion was satisfactory, it did not end with everything perfect – making it more realistic and in my opinion, more enjoyable.

This sweet romance was just the right length and moved at just the right pace. . . . If you enjoy sweet romance, be sure to read Falling for the Innkeeper."


"I love this story. It has situations good and bad that we all have to deal with in this life. I love the Inn and their little town on the cape. . . . I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good love story."


"This is a heartwarming read, Jonathan and Laura are characters to cheer for throughout. I enjoyed the beautiful setting, and how well they worked together as their friendship grew. There's a lot to love about this book, with strong themes of faith and family, great character growth and interaction, as well as an absolutely adorable little girl. You won't want to miss it!"


"Falling for the Innkeeper is an adorable story about finding love when you least expect it. It’s also about learning to compromise and give up what you thought you wanted for something even better. . . . I definitely think readers who enjoy inspirational love stories will be fans of Falling for the Innkeeper!"


Jonathan adjusted his tie and cuff links, the expensive ones he wore when he wanted to impress. Not that he expected a single mother to even notice his wardrobe. But it was like his battle armor. Look the part, play the part. Get. It. Done.

There were lights on inside the inn, which was a good sign. He left his suitcase in the car, took a deep breath, walked up the brick-lined path to the front door and knocked.



"This book my first book by the Author. It will not be my last. The Author has such great descriptions, and I could visualize the scenes well. I love reading Love Inspired books. I recommend reading this book."

JoJo’s Corner - Review

"This is such a sweet story! I am a big fan of inspy romance and this book has all the ingredients for a perfectly heartwarming story that will be at the top of your own favorite list."


"Falling for the Innkeeper was such a good story! Laura and Jonathan felt like real people making their way through life, carrying burdens from their childhood that colored the way they viewed themselves and others. . . their journey was a joy to read about.

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

Jonathan had always had this idea that if he could just reach that brass ring, if he could just grab it and hold on, that would be the thing that would make everything in his life work the way it was supposed to, the thing that would make everything okay.

But would it? Would it really?

Making partner at the law firm wouldn’t magically fix his father’s illness. Making partner wouldn’t change the fact that he’d been a scared, bullied kid. Making partner wouldn’t mean that his father, who’d gone missing when Jonathan was just seventeen, would ever come home.



"I really enjoyed this book! It honestly was like reading a Hallmark movie! 🥰 I enjoyed the sweetness of it all. I loved the charming town and characters. And the inspiring message throughout."

Hallie Reads - Review

"As the pair does so, it is easy to fall in love with their story—and them as characters. I enjoyed getting to know Laura and Jonathan, their personalities and backstories, through Falling for the Innkeeper and seeing how they could move from enemies to something else. It is a delightful, fun story, and I now look forward to reading more from Meghann Whistler in the future."


"Falling For The Innkeeper is a sweet Love Inspired romance. It has a charming setting, great characters, especially the adorable Yankee Doodle singing Emma, and a storyline that manages to be both convicting and entertaining. Meghann Whistler skillfully gets her readers thinking introspectively while delivering a sweetly romantic escape. . ."


Jonathan tried to go back to his own work, but he couldn’t focus. “Your ex. He’s not very involved?”

“More like he’s not involved at all. He hasn’t even met Emma in person, you know.”

“What?” He felt something hot and fierce tear through him, outraged on her behalf. “How is that even possible?”


Splashes of Joy - Review

"As the story unfolds, so do these characters, and Ms. Whistler weaves together a beautiful story with a wonderful ending. I enjoy this.book for what it is, very sweet romance! And if you like a good clean Romance, this is one you need on your to read list! You won’t put it down until you finish the last page!"

Reading Excursions - Excerpt

She was fleet-footed, practically skipping from rock to rock. Jonathan followed, a little less certain of the path but determined not to fall behind. The boulders were damp and sandy, dried barnacles peppering the sides. She stopped and looked at him over her shoulder. “And Carberry Hotels is one of your clients?”

She was beautiful. She was so beautiful. And underneath the teasing, sometimes tough-girl demeanor, she was sweet, too. Everyone they’d run into during their excursion into town last night had loved her. He couldn’t understand why men weren’t lining up around the block to sweep her off her feet. If he had time for a girlfriend, he’d absolutely be the first person in line.

“Connor Carberry is my friend,” he said. “This deal is like a test case. If it goes through, the whole hotel chain could become a client.”



"This book took my heart on so many twists and turns - but it was a wonderful ending. I am super excited to see more from this author. She has written amazing characters, a beautiful setting, and has crafted a flowing storyline."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Falling for the Innkeeper
By Meghann Whistler
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

She’s the home he never expected to find.

A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn…
But what happens when romance checks in?


Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight. But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from his client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer. With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Meghann Whistler writes sweet, clean contemporary Christian romance novels that WON'T make your grandmother blush. A hopeless romantic who met her husband on a blind date, Meghann recently left her marketing career to pursue her lifelong passion of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace. Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, she earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College. She loves to hear from her readers, who can reach her at www.meghannwhistler.com. 

Photo by Sophie Jacobson



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Ends August 5, 2020

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Thursday, July 30, 2020

Welcome, Joanna Campbell Slan Q & A




National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan welcomes your emails! You can contact her at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com with your comments and questions.

Joanna writes books that feature spunky female characters. Her work has been praised by Library Journal as "topically relevant and chock-full of side stories." Publisher's Weekly calls her cozies, "a cut above the usual craft-themed cozy."

National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan welcomes your emails! You can contact her at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com with your comments and questions.


Joanna writes books that feature spunky female characters. Her work has been praised by Library Journal as "topically relevant and chock-full of side stories." Publisher's Weekly calls her cozies, "a cut above the usual craft-themed cozy."


RT Book Review describes one of Joanna's typical heroines as "our best friend, our next-door neighbor and ourselves with just a touch of the outrageous."

In her ongoing quest never to see snow again, Joanna lives with her husband and their Havanese puppy, Jax, on an island off the coast of Florida.





                                                            Q & A

Tell me about yourself. What got you started writing?


I grew up in an abusive environment and books offered the perfect escape, as well as a vision of a better life. From reading, it was a short hop to writing. Even as a little kid, I would staple papers together and tell people, “This is my book.”

How did you come up with your book idea? What inspired you?

Actually, I didn’t come up with this book idea! It was the brainchild of CJ Lutton, a talented man who died three years ago. He left behind several Sherlock Holmes books that (I felt) deserved publication. One book had a bifurcated plot, so I divided it into two books.

CJ had chosen the title, which is a reference to a comment Sherlock Holmes made about a story the world is not yet prepared to hear. That was a clue. The problem posed in the book had to be big enough and important enough that Holmes thought it could damage the British public’s trust in its institutions. I wondered, “What would be so dire?”

 Of course, the Sherlock Holmes books are set in a certain era, the late 1800s up until the first decade of the 1900s. That meant, the problem had to be true to that period. At first, I was well and truly stumped. So I did what I often do when I’m stuck, I took the book apart, piece by piece. And I studied each individual portion. I researched all the places, ships, politicians, issues, social problems, and so on of the times. Slowly an idea formed: What if three shipwrecked boys agreed to be turned into wolves once a month as a way to save their lives and the lives of people they care about? What if the British government found out—and decided to capture the boys to replicate their “illness” and breed exceptional warriors?
And away I went!

What was the most difficult part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?  CJ had left behind a compelling scene set inside the Bethlehem Hospital (Bedlam). I wanted to use it, but I had to fit it in so that it made sense. I overcame that problem by having Holmes plan a daring escape from this notorious insane asylum.

Who is your favorite character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?  I like Dr. John H. Watson, Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick. He’s so human! He’s a gentleman, a smart fellow, and a loyal friend.


Do your characters (or message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda?  On occasion, my characters surprise me. That’s important because it keeps me coming back to the keyboard to see what happens next.

How has writing this book impacted you personally?

I’ve written non-fiction, historical fiction, and cozy mysteries. This book gave me the impetus to tackle a thriller. My editor was pleased with the end result. She called it “one heck of a read.” I hope readers will enjoy this book, too. I’m proud of it!

How many books do you currently have published? What genres?

I have a spreadsheet that shows I have 80+ projects. I don’t know if you count box sets separately, so it’s pretty confusing. I’m not sure that the number matters anymore. 

The genres are: non-fiction (self-help, how to, coloring book, cookbook, personal essays, how to be a better public speaker) and fiction (historical fiction, historical fantasy thriller, and contemporary traditional mystery).

What is your favorite thing about writing? Your least favorite?

I love taking an idea and seeing where it will take me. My motto is “dwell in possibilities,” which is a quotation from Emily Dickinson. I can’t wait to get writing every day. It’s like reading a book, but I get to decide how the story goes. What could be better than that? 

My least favorite is finding errors. That’s not the same as proofreading. Errors can be complex problems like too many days in a week, or timing mistakes. Silly stuff that’s a pain in the backside. But…it’s an important aspect of my readers’ enjoyment.

What authors in your genre inspire you most?  Charlotte Bronte, Daphne du Maurier, and Agatha Christie—gosh, there are tons of authors I admire.

What would you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she has enough talent?  I would urge the beginning author to read every day, to run toward criticism instead of away from it, to study craft, and to keep writing. Most people give up too easily. In fact, I’d say that if you give up, this probably isn’t the right profession for you. In my humble opinion, the best authors are driven to write. It’s not a choice. 

 I’m sure there are people out there who don’t think I have enough talent. So what? I’m not going to let them define my life. That’s putting waaa-aay too much power in the hands of other people. I plan to keep on writing and to get better at what I do every day with every project.


The fourth book in a new series featuring Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, written by a USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author.

The world was not prepared for this story, a conspiracy hatched in the highest levels of the British government. A rogue Minister of Defense plans to turn soldiers into blood-thirsty animals—and Holmes and Watson may be among their first victims.

The adventure starts when Holmes is warned away from investigating Jack the Ripper’s heinous crimes. Despite Holmes’ well-known skills, he is sidelined. He must content himself with a straightforward case, finding a bolting beau, the result of a simple lovers’ quarrel.

But that “romance gone wrong” is really the key to a nasty secret with tendrils reaching all the way to a Sumatran island. That’s where four castaways made a difficult decision. They turned their backs on a society that sent them packing and allowed themselves to be infected with a deadly virus. After all, they never expected to ever come home again… And they certainly never expected to be considered lethal weapons! Can Holmes and Watson stop them from being used for evil purposes?

This fast-paced adventure will take Holmes and Watson from the dregs of London to its noble heights. The two friends will travel from Bedlam, the hospital for the insane, to stately Windsor Park. Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Sumatran Rat is a fast-paced thrill ride that’s sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you like historical thrillers with a hint of the supernatural, you’ll love this series. Each book stays true to Sherlock Holmes and his faithful friend, John Watson, whilst featuring a cast of real people and issues pertinent to the times.

This series is perfect for fans of Laurie R. King, Preston Child, and Joanna Penn.