Giveaway and Review: Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Sanctuary and Sabotage 
Series: Guarded Hearts #2 
Author: Lori DeJong 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: September 15, 2026 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them. 

Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future. 

When Kinsley’s clinic is sabotaged and her barn goes up in flames, Trevor’s instincts tell him she's in danger. But Kinsley refuses his help, determined to protect her family’s legacy without revealing the secret that could bring it all down. 

As threats close in and old feelings rekindle, Trevor makes a quiet choice that could cost him her trust. To save Kinsley, he’ll have to expose his own subterfuge—and convince her that love sometimes means standing guard, even from the shadows. 

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. 

Lori loves to write about love and romance with a touch of suspense, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly. 

Lori is an ACFW Genesis Award winner, four-time Selah Award finalist, two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, has been awarded an Angel Award, and placed second in the FHL Reader's Choice Awards. She's also a member of several organizations, including ACFW, Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers, Novel Academy, CenTex Christian Writers, among others. You can visit Lori at https://loridejongwrites.com and sign up for her newsletter for writing updates, book recommendations, a monthly giveaway, and more.

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Review

Sanctuary and Sabotage is the second book in the Guarded Hearts series written by Lori Dejong. It can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, this is the series for you.  

Trevor Paxton is struggling to let go of repeated survivor’s guilt. When his coworker is killed in the last operation, he takes some time to figure out if he should even go back to work or move on. But while on his leave, he still finds himself stepping back into unofficial security detail. When weird things start happening at Kinsley’s vet clinic, Trevor feels the need to help out. Kinsley brushes it off. When her brother comes to her, wanting to sell the land because he has gambling debt to repay, things start to line up.   

This best-friend’s-sister romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.

The faith elements are woven throughout out.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus a signed copy of both Mistletoe and Malice and Sanctuary and Sabotage!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 5, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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A Hometown Kind of Love by: Janine Rosche

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: A Hometown Kind of Love
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Janine Rosche
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Falling For Flannel in Maple Lake #2
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Sunrise Publishing
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Christian Contemporary Romance
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: October 6, 2026

Review:

If Hallmark is your cup of tea, you do not want to miss this series. A Hometown Kind of Love is the second book in the multi-author Falling for Flannel series. A Hometown Kind of Love is written by Janine Rosche, and it's perfect. This can be enjoyed as a standalone.

This story took Hallmark and blended it with the show Nashville for the perfect fall read. Rowan left Maple Lake to pursue her music career in Nashville. But the musician life is not all it is cracked up to be. Rowan has returned home to celebrate with her family. Lucas, Rowan’s high school boyfriend, is still holding everything and everyone together in Maple Lake. He has set his sights on opening a counseling facility to help teens out, for those who can and cannot afford it.

The character growth throughout this story was a lot. There were many different layers to this story, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Dealing with lost dreams, parental abandonment, overcoming cancer, alcoholism, feeling like you don’t belong, and so much more.

This second chance romance was perfection with kisses only.

I loved the faith elements twisted throughout this story.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

New Beginnings in Shady Springs by: Sarah Anne Crouch

Review:

New Beginnings in Shady Springs is the fourth book in the Shady Springs Series written by Sarah Anne Crouch. This story can be read as a standalone, without missing too much, though there are some overlaps in characters.

This story had me hooked from the beginning. Clara has been a widow for six years. She is a biology teacher and has a real heart for the kids. Clara loves to help in any way she can and often finds herself helping out alongside Pastor Sam. Sam has had feelings for Clara since he started Pastoring in Shady Springs. When he first started, Clara was newly a widow. As time has gone on, his feelings for Clara have grown, but he has never felt like he had a chance. After a tornado rips through town and forces them to wait out the storm in proximity, they can no longer ignore their feelings. Working together to help the town rebuild while also developing a relationship is no easy task. Especially when you are the pastor of the church, and the rumor mill gets a hold of the relationship. I loved the small-town community and seeing them come together to help others.

This second chance at romance was perfect and sweet, with kisses only.

Sarah Anne Crouch did a great job intertwining faith throughout the story.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Find Me in the Silent Night By: Lisa Jordan

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Find Me in the Silent Night
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Lisa Jordan
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫:Sunrise Publishing
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Contemporary Romance Fiction
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Jonathon Island Series Season 2 Book 9
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: September 22, 2026

Review:

Find Me in the Silent Night is the ninth book in the second season of the multi-author Jonathan Island series, written by Lisa Jordan. Each one of these books has been even better than Hallmark. And this one did not disappoint.

James Sullivan has come back to the island to help restore the Grand Hotel. He has been managing it. Vanessa MacBride returns to the island after her father’s heart attack and tries to help her father restore the family resort. But her uncle, Ryan MacBride, who destroyed the Sullivans’ family, is trying to cause more of a mess and take over the family resort. Ryan always seems to be stirring up trouble.

James offers to help Vanessa out, while they both work on hosting the Christmas festival together.

This story is the perfect read. I loved getting to check in on some of the past beloved characters and see where they’re at in life.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Giveaway and Spotlight: The Christy Awards 2026

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2026 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2026 Finalists & Winners (announced on November 6th)!

You are Invited

The Christy Award Gala Friday, November 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel Nashville, Tennessee Featuring Michelle Shocklee, Amanda Cox, Nicole Deese, Amanda Dykes, Susie Finkbeiner, J.J. Fischer, Rhonda McKnight, Jamie Ogle, Amanda Wright, Jaime Jo Wright, and other distinguished 2025 winners—bringing a meaningful connection between past and present excellence.

This is our year to gather together in person to celebrate and honor the best Christian fiction of the year. The Christy Award Gala will be held the evening of Friday, November 6th and will feature a premiere cast of the industry’s authors to announce The Christy Award winners in nine categories, The Christy Book of the Year, and The Amplify Award for Christian Fiction.

This year’s gala features a keynote address from Michelle Shocklee, recipient of The Christy Book of the Year for her acclaimed novel All We Thought We Knew. Her story and perspective will set the tone for an evening rooted in faith, creativity, and impact. Continuing Christy tradition, recent honorees will present category awards, including Amanda Cox, Nicole Deese, Amanda Dykes, Susie Finkbeiner, J.J. Fischer, Rhonda McKnight, Jamie Ogle, Amanda Wright, Jaime Jo Wright, and other distinguished 2025 winners—bringing a meaningful connection between past and present excellence.

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The Christy Award Finalists 2026

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - tie

Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications) Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

In the Light of the Sun by Angela Shupe (WaterBrook, an imprint of PRH Christian)The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz Tyndale House Publishers) Where Stillness Speaks by Chelsey Welwood (Chelsey Welwood))

GENERAL FICTION

South of Somewhere by T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers) The Bitter End Birding Society by Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) When the Road Comes Around by Katie Powner (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL - tie

From the Valley We Rise by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson Fiction)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE - tie

Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White (Tyndale House Publishers) Through Water and Stone by Karen Barnett (Kregel Publications)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER - tie

Final Approach by Lynette Eason (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) Girl Lost by Kate Angelo (Revell/Baker Publishing Group) Tempest at Annabel's Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) The Accused by Cara Putman (Kregel Publications)

SHORT FORM - tie

A Very Merry Matchup by Becca Kinzer (Tyndale House Publishers) One Nine by Sara Davison (Sara Davison) Planning for Nickie by Tasha Hackett (Tasha Hackett) To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher (RobinSong, Inc.)

SPECULATIVE - tie

Every Hour until Then by Gabrielle Meyer (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) Heir of Light by Niki Florica and Jill Williamson (Sunrise Publishing) Maxine Justice: Public Offender by Daniel Schwabauer (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) Of Dawn and Embers by Gillian Bronte Adams (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

YOUNG ADULT - tie

Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Sons of Day and Night by Mariposa Aristeo (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) The Outsider by Katy Morgan (The Good Book Company) The Star-Blessed by Angie Dickinson (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

 

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Register for The Christy Award 2026 Events

Join us in Music City for a vibrant, can’t-miss gathering of the Christian fiction community.

Beyond the Books Add-On: Meet the finalist authors at this special morning gathering of authors and readers.

The Art of Writing conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing professionals for an afternoon of relevant topics and networking.

The Christy Award Winners Gala celebrates this year’s finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 25, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 2, 2025. 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

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

Giveaway and Excerpt: Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Magic City Murder 
Series: Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series #16 
Author: Bruce Hammack 
Publisher: Jubilee Publishing 
Release Date: August 6, 2026 
Genre: Mystery / Private Detective

A missing husband. A murdered journalist. A city where everyone has something to hide. 

Blind former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his partner Heather McBlythe take on what looks like a straightforward case: track down a missing husband so his estranged wife can finally file for divorce. 

The simple case turns deadly when the body of the woman the husband has been living with is found in a Miami canal. She wasn't just the missing man's companion — she was an investigative journalist silenced before her story could see the light of day. 

As Smiley and McBlythe dig deeper, they uncover a trail of political corruption and cartel money that someone powerful is determined to keep hidden. With a growing list of suspects, a city full of secrets, and a killer working in the shadows, Smiley must sort through the tangle of lies before whoever is cleaning up loose ends decides Smiley's next.  

Pick up your copy of Magic City Murder today and follow Smiley and McBlythe from Houston to Miami as they chase down a missing husband and a killer who's running out of places to hide. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots, professional detective work, and clean reads without the gore, violence, or explicit content.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BruceHammack.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Bruce Hammack, a native Texan, began his professional writing career in the tenth grade when the local Rotary Club sponsored a writing contest for students in civics class. To the amazement of students and teachers alike, he won the prize of a twenty-five-dollar savings bond.

After retiring from a career in criminal justice, Bruce picked up the proverbial pen again. He now draws on his extensive background with law enforcement (and criminals) to write contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries. 

An avid Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes fan, Bruce firmly believes the world can’t have enough whodunits. When not writing, he enjoys travel, classic whodunits and a quiver full of children and grandchildren. Having lived in eighteen cities around the US and the world, he now makes his home in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of thirty-plus years. 

Connect with Bruce by visiting brucehammack.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Excerpt

“That’s not what you told us yesterday. What did you tell Detective Ruiz?”
Kate’s head dipped, and her words seemed to catch in her throat. “I told him Peter cleaned me out. His leaving hurt me. It still stings, so I made it sound like Peter took my money and ran. But that’s not how it happened. I agreed to loan him what I had in savings and my retirement accounts. We were going to build a publishing company together, and we worked like fiends to make the dream come true.”
Steve took a full breath through his nose and blew it out of his mouth. “We need to stop. Call Detective Ruiz right now and set the record straight before you go to jail.”
“Jail? Why would I go to jail?”
Heather explained in her lawyer’s voice. “If he hasn’t already done it, Detective Ruiz will check your financial records and those of Peter. When he sees you and Peter had full access to each other’s accounts, he’ll be back to ask you why you said or implied that he cleaned you out without your knowledge.”
“I don’t think I used those same words.”
Steve shot back, “Quit playing games, Kate. You’re a suspect in a murder case. Go to your room, let the seriousness of your situation sink in for a few minutes, then call Detective Ruiz.”
Tears fell again as Kate made a quick escape to the relative safety of her bedroom.
“At least she didn’t slam the door this time,” said Steve.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Magic City Murder, a Smiley And McBlythe bookmark, a Reading Log, and book lover stickers!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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