To Reach the Sky by: Kristy Werner

To Reach the Sky is the fourth book in the Hearts of Osage County series by Kristy Werner, and it is not to be missed. If you love contemporary Christian cowboy romance, then this is the series for you.

This story is about Lane Bennett. Lane is working hard on the family ranch. He has watched his brother, cousin, and friends find love, and now it is his turn. Lane has loved Zoe since the eighth grade. They have been best friends, and when Zoe’s family life was hard, she had a place at the Double H Ranch. After graduation, Zoe leaves to pursue her singing career.

This story was the perfect cowboy romance. Lane is a man of few words, so he doesn’t speak from the heart. Lane doesn’t want to stop Zoe from achieving her dream. Zoe doesn’t feel like she is worthy of that kind of love. The lack of communication sure does cause a lot of heartache, even though they were both well-intended. Reading their story and watching it unfold in my mind was better than watching a movie. I cannot wait for Trace’s story.

This best friends-to-more romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.

Kristy Werner did a good job of intertwining faith elements throughout.

*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 only my honest opinion.

Giveaway and Review: A Brewed Awakening by: Pepper Basham

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Brewed Awakening 

Author: Pepper Basham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: May 5, 2026 

Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance 

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? 

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door. 

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again. 

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat. 

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry. 

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Thomas Nelson | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | BookBub | Bookshop

Also Available:

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About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

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

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Review

Pepper Basham has hit this out of the park once again. It is books like A Brewed Awakening that make Pepper an instant read for me. It had the perfect balance of wit, swoon-worthy moments, southern charm, flirty banter, and so much more.

Finn has moved from across the pond to start over. Finn is a single father to his beautiful daughter, Lucy. Lucy was born with a cleft lip and palate and has undergone multiple surgeries to have it repaired. Finn is protective of all things Lucy. So starting over in Wisteria, North Carolina, seems like the perfect idea. Setting up a restaurant next to the Tea shop seems like it should be a great idea.

After the death of her mother and grandma, Daphne is now the owner of Tea Thyme, the town's tea shop. When she meets her new neighbor Finn, who on paper seems like her dream guy, with her dream car and British accent to boot. But with her heart healing, she doesn’t want a flirty fling; she wants a relationship. The closer Daphne gets to Finn and his daughter Lucy, the more her heart gets involved.

This story was such a fun read. There is a social media thread that is shared throughout the story. The witty banter and hashtags are next-level genius. I loved all the meddling side characters who are rooting for this relationship to blossom. All while the two restaurant owners are in competition to land the wedding catering job. I loved seeing the town come together to help each other out after the big storm.

This enemies-to-lovers romance was the perfect balance of all things swoonworthy with kisses only.

*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 only my honest opinion.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of A Brewed Awakening, and winners choice of a Literary Beverage Mug or a Storming Castles mug!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 13, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 20, 2026. 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: Miss Beth Bettencourt by: Eva Marie Everson

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Miss Beth Bettencourt by Eva Marie Everson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Miss Beth Bettencourt 
Author: Eva Marie Everson 
Publisher: Kregel 
Release Date: May 12, 2026 
Genre: Southern Fiction/Christian Fiction

Will an unlikely romance tear down Beth’s walls of indifference? 

It's 1962 in Bynum, Georgia, and Beth Bettencourt's world is turned upside down when she wakes to a man snoring in the guest bedroom. 

She's home alone; her parents are traveling abroad, grieving her twin sister's unexpected death. Instead of accompanying them, Beth stayed in Bynum to tend to her kindergarten and closely guard her own heart. 

A beautiful and beloved member of the community, Beth is an unusual specimen for her time as she nears thirty and remains unmarried. She holds deep-seated unforgiveness toward her twin, Elise, who ran off with Beth's beau. To make matters worse, Elise took their grandmother's ring, which had been promised to Beth. 

But now a stranger enters her home and her world. David Patrick Martin seems ready to break down her walls of indifference and find the core of Miss Beth Bettencourt. But can he be trusted with Beth's past, her present, and more importantly, her future?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Eva Marie Everson is a bestselling, multi-award-winning author of nearly 50 works of fiction and nonfiction. Collectively, her novels have sold over 300,000 copies. She is the CEO of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, and a popular speaker at writers conferences across the nation. Eva Marie is a double magna cum laude graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary (Associate of Biblical Studies and Bachelor of Biblical Exposition) and of Tzemach Institute (a two-year program in Biblical Studies). In 2022, she was awarded the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). She and her husband live in Central Florida where they enjoy their children and grandchildren. They are owned by a Norwegian Forest cat named Vanessa.

Connect with Eva Marie by visiting evamarieeversonauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Excerpt

“I decided to fully forgive Gordon. And Elise.”

Marty’s eyes opened, then slowly slid toward me. “That’s a good thing.”

“I cannot carry the anger anymore, nor do I want to.”

He beamed. “Learning to let go . . . that’s the best thing you can ever do.” He scooted up again. “But there will be times when the old hurts will rise again.”

“You speak from experience.”

“A lot of experience.”

“So what do you do when those old hurts return?”

He stood, walked over to the fire, which had died to blackened ash, and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his dungarees. “Give them to God.” He looked over his shoulder at me to offer another smile. “The only thing you can do. Ask him to take them, and he will.”

Fresh breeze stirred the air around us, and I shivered.

Marty crooked his finger. “Come on over here. There’s still some warmth coming off the leaves.”

I walked over, and as naturally as if I’d done it all my life, I linked my arm with his, then looked down into the firepit. The leaves glowed under the current of the wind.

“Don’t worry,” he said as if he’d read my mind. “I’m going to pile the dirt back over before we leave.”

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Tour Giveaway

(5) winners will each receive a copy of Miss Beth Bettencourt (winner's choice between ebook or print), Southern recipes, a Miss Beth Bettencourt bookmark, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 11, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 18, 2026. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Protector by: Jennifer Pierce

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Protector

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Jennifer Pierce

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: sunrise media group

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romantic Suspense Fiction

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Heroes of Renegade

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: May 12, 2026

Review:

Protector is the third book in the Heroes of Renegade series, and every last book in this series has been amazing. They can be read as a standalone. This story did not disappoint. It had me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put the book down. I can not wait for the next book in this series.

Samantha is a firefighter who is in the Witness Protection program along with her teen sister, whom she has custody of. Until recently, they were thriving in Renegade. When a new girl shows up in class, Samantha thinks she is the cause of all the problems.

US Marshall Liam has moved to Renegade to try and give his niece a fresh start. He has recently been given custody and is trying to tone down his wild career a little to create a more stable environment for his niece. When Liam is given Samantha’s case, he checks in and makes sure everything is ok. But not everything is going as easily as planned. With a sudden uptick in fires, things seem to point to arson and not just random arson, but targeted at Samantha. Samantha and Isabella are healing together from their past hurts while rebuilding their life.

This fake dating romance was perfect with kisses only.

Jennifer Pierce did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story. It was a great look at healing a relationship with God.

*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 only my honest opinion.

Giveaway and Review: Loving Sarah by Jo Huddleston

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Loving Sarah by Jo Huddleston, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Loving Sarah 
Author: Jo Huddleston 
Publisher:Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications 
Release Date: May 12, 2026 
Genre: 1950s sweet small-town romance  

Sarah wears William’s engagement ring. Then, Robert arrives in town. 

In this love-triangle story, Sarah cheerfully manages the candy shop she inherited from her mama. Being engaged to be married to Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s most eligible bachelor, makes her life pretty much perfect. But then she meets Robert and has an unexplainable sense they’ve met before. 

Robert travels from Michigan to operate Gatlinburg’s main-street SkyLift attraction while his dad recovers from a fall. He’s miserable being relocated to this Tennessee mountains hick town. That is, until he meets Sarah and feels an instant attraction to her. He’s unaware that the town’s biggest secret involves him. 

Although she’s engaged to another, Sarah and Robert are mysteriously drawn to each other. This woman and her beloved mountains curb his desire to return to Michigan. Will Sarah give in to her feelings for Robert or be true to the man she’s promised to marry? 

Loving Sarah is steeped in the easygoing culture and traditions of the Smoky Mountains in the 1950s. The story is a sweet, small-town romance with a heart-wrenching battle to make the right choice. This book will keep you turning pages with its mix of loyalty, betrayal, uncertainty, and emotional stakes.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Author

Jo Huddleston writes sweet Southern romances set in the 1950s, where you can escape into wholesome, faith-based love stories of deep commitment, hope, and happily-ever-after endings. Readers describe Jo as a wonderful storyteller whose books are sure to inspire and entertain you. Reviewers say her books should be Hallmark movies.

She likes to laugh with people, but not at people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. She’s a spectator fan of several sports, with tennis being her favorite. She doesn’t enjoy being in the dark and is fearful of snakes! 

Jo holds a BA degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), where she is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned the MEd degree from Mississippi State University. 

Please visit Jo's website and get a free book when you sign up for her newsletter.

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Review

Loving Sarah is the first book I have read written by Jo Huddleston. This story was an interesting look into the past and southern charm. The story begins with the birth of twins who are split up at birth because the babies are put up for adoption, and no family can take on the cost of two babies. So begins the story. Then the story starts with Sarah, the main character, who is engaged to William, her long-time sweetheart. In the middle of planning their wedding, Robert arrives in town to care for his father. Sarah is instantly attracted to Robert and struggles with whether to marry William or break off the engagement to pursue Robert.  

This love triangle romance had me hooked. It was kisses only and sweet.

*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 only my honest opinion.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card + eBook of Loving Sarah!

(2) winners will each receive the eBook of Loving Sarah!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 12, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 19, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No delivery restrictions. 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!

Giveaway and Review: A Girl's Guide to Having it All by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Girl's Guide to Having it All by Leslie Kirby DeVooght, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Girl's Guide to Having it All 
Series: Magnolia Bluff #3 
Author: Leslie Kirby DeVooght 
Publisher: Lanier Price Publishing 
Release Date: April 30, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction with Romance

She mastered her career. Finding a husband? Not so much. 

High-powered political lobbyist Carleigh Chastain turns thirty-five with an impressive résumé, a packed calendar, and no love life to speak of. When her longtime friend—and former marriage-pact partner—Lawson announces he’s marrying a woman he barely knows, Carleigh does what any sensible best friend would do: she drops everything in DC and jets to Magnolia Bluff, Georgia, determined to save him from a costly mistake. 

Instead, her plans unravel, forcing Carleigh to confront the choices she’s made—and the ones she’s avoided. 

Meanwhile, Spencer MacDowell, her steady, loyal best friend since law school, is done waiting in the friend zone. 

As faith, friendship, and romance collide, Carleigh wonders if she’s been too busy chasing success to notice where God—and her heart—have been pointing all along. Funny, heartfelt, and romantic, this story asks what “having it all” really means.

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

More in This Series

 

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About the Author

Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction with faith, love, laughter, and a lot of Southern charm. Her stories are inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! When Leslie isn’t writing, she’s cheering on her three children, and enjoying date nights with her husband, who loves that she researches kissing.

In addition to writing her own stories, Leslie co-owns Spark Flash Fiction, an online magazine that publishes short, short romance collections four times a year. 

 

Connect with Leslie by visiting lesliedevooght.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Review

A Girl’s Guide to Having it All is the first book I have read written by Leslie Kirby DeVooght. This is the third book in the Magnolia Bluff series, though it can be read as a standalone.

Carleigh is thirty-five and focusing on her career. On her birthday, she is reminded of her marriage pact that she made with her best friend Lawson in high school, who shares a birthday with her. He calls Carleigh to inform her that he is proposing to his girlfriend, whom Carleigh knew nothing about.

Carleigh and Spencer have been best friends since college. They do everything together, and many people mistake them for a couple. Carleigh goes home to try and change Lawson’s mind before he makes a horrible mistake. Through it all, Carleigh sees what’s right in front of her and how much her relationship with Spencer really means.

This friends-to-more romance is perfect and sweet with kisses only.

Leslie Kirby DeVooght 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 only my honest opinion.

The Last Mile Between Us By: Heidi McCahan

The Last Mile Between Us is the third book in the Welcome to Redemption, Alaska series by Heidi McCahan. This series is perfect for those who love small-town contemporary romance. This town has won my heart, and I have been enjoying returning to Redemption to touch base with past characters and see whose romance is about to unfold. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Caroline has returned to Redemption to work as the town’s new physician assistant, even though it wasn’t her first choice of location. She feels like everyone can’t forgive and move on from her past mistakes. So Caroline is trying to overcome her past failures.

Jude finds himself in Redemption trying to recover his career from scandal. Though he keeps finding himself needing medical intervention from none other than Caroline, with whom he has a past.

I loved being back in Redemption and seeing how the town has healed and changed after the flooding.

This second-chance romance is great with kisses only.

*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 only my honest opinion.