Giveaway and Review: Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin by: Erma M. Ullrey

 

About the Book

Book: Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin

Author: Erma M. Ullrey

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

BlIn the snowy embrace of McCall, Idaho, Sadie’s Gift weaves a tale of an unexpected reunion and slow-to-thaw hearts. Grief-stricken Brooke Radcliffe and frustrated author Jack Chance are brought together by fate in Aunt Sadie’s cabin. An early blizzard forces the former childhood friends to confront their differences and work together to survive. Can Brooke and Jack set aside their painful pasts and let love melt their frozen hearts? Discover a story of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of forgiveness in this heartwarming tale of love in the unlikeliest of places.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Erma Ullrey is a follower of Jesus Christ. Married for forty-four years she enjoys four wonderful children, three outlaws, and four precious grandchildren. She worked in the medical field for over twenty-five years. After completing her B.S.H.S., she became a health educator and received international credentials in childbirth education (I.C.E.A.) and lactation consulting (I.B.C.L.C.). She’s served as a women’s Bible study leader, and participates in a local book club as well as local and national writer’s groups.

She posts encouraging blogs and enjoys chatting with her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram friends. And she keeps chickens.

 

More from Erma

Enter to win a free copy of SADIE’S GIFT: The Christmas Cabin. A love story set in beautiful McCall, Idaho, during a surprise blizzard that ultimately melts a couple of frozen hearts.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 19

She Lives To Read, December 20

Artistic Nobody, December 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 22

Guild Master, December 23 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, December 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 28

Vicky Sluiter, December 29 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 30

For the Love of Literature, December 31 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s book and movie reviews, December 31

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erma is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/t4eEu/sadies-gift-the-christmas-cabin-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo

The Relic Keeper was a great short novella filled with redemption and faith. I loved reading Angelo’s story and seeing him get the opportunity to change his life around. Padre Benedetto is such a tender-hearted man. Even though he knew what Angelo was doing, he still welcomed him in. When trouble followed, Angelo to the church, Padre Benedetto found a way to keep Angelo safe from it. I loved all the twists and turns in this story. It was a great read.

*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.

A Christmas in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars.

A Christmas in Shady Springs is the second book I have read written by Sarah Anne Crouch, and it will not be the last. This is book three of the Shady Springs series, and although I did read it as a standalone, I felt like maybe I missed something. I hope to go back and read the other two books in the series. This book was the perfect small-town Christmas romance story. If you love Christmas Hallmark movies, this is the book for you.

I really felt for Madeleine. She is trying to plan the perfect Christmas wedding. And everything that could go wrong goes wrong. From the very first scene, we see that the church is not available on the date that they put on the invitations. Running to the post office to get the invitations back and switch the date. A wedding in December is always a risk with the weather. And sure enough, a winter storm rolls in on the day of the wedding. With many other things spiraling out of control, it was fun to be rooting for Madeleine and A.J. to make it down the aisle. Watching Madeleine and A.J. work through it and navigate their life together was the perfect read, interlaced with humor.

The romance was cute and sweet with kisses only.

Sarah Anne Crouch did a good job of intertwining faith 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: Love in the Castle by Ann Swindell

 

About the Book

Book: Love in the Castle Library (In the Castle Library Book 2)

Author: Ann Swindell

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: October 15, 2025

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

ANN SWINDELL writes stories that point to Christ’s presence in our day-to-day lives and the hope He brings to our hearts. She is the award-winning author of multiple books and the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing classes for women. Ann lives in West Michigan, and she enjoys adventuring with her family…usually with a cup of Earl Grey tea in hand.

 

 

 

 

More from Ann

Love in the Castle Library is set in two of my favorite places—one imaginary, and one real. When I started the In the Castle Library series, the main character’s journey in book one (Christmas in the Castle Library) takes her to Lethersby, a small, fictional European country full of tradition, beauty, and charm. I tried to put much of what I love about Europe into this fictional country that I wish existed. From what readers have told me, they wish it was real, too!

Book two, Love in the Castle Library, is also set in the castle in Lethersby, but I decided to make my hero and heroine take a jaunt to Oxford, England—my favorite real country outside of the USA.

I spent a summer in college studying abroad in England, and Oxford was the city that captured my heart. The “city of dreaming spires” is ancient, beautiful, and academic—a heady mix for a nineteen-year-old girl who traveled there for the first time. I even gave a nod to one of Oxford’s most well-known professors through the hero’s name, Jack.*

I had the gift of getting to go back to Oxford with my family over a decade ago, and while I’m aching to go again, including some of my favorite places in Love in the Castle Library helped me to enjoy the city vicariously through my characters. Look for some of my favorite places to eat—including Ben’s Cookies and the King’s Arms—when the characters visit. And if you ever have the opportunity to make it to Oxford, make the effort to buy one of those cookies (they’re sold by weight!) and enjoy some ice cream at G&D’s…the hero recommends chocolate of any kind (and so do I!).

I hope you love this story as much as I do, and that these tastes of beautiful places, both real and imagined, point your heart to the beauty of Christ that is at the heart of every story I write.

*Jack was C.S. Lewis’s nickname, and he taught at Magdalen College in Oxford from 1925-1954.

Review

Love in the Castle Library is the second book in this series by Ann Swindell. If you like hallmark, faith aspects, historical stories and castles, then this is the book for you. This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend reading them in order, so you don’t miss anything.

Both Jack and Delphine have a few layers to uncover. I loved getting to know Delphine better and learn her story.

I enjoyed returning to the fictional country of Lethersby, revisiting the castle and characters from the first book. Though Lethersby is a fictional country, it was fun researching the past with the characters as they try to find where Queen Alma went to.

This fake romance to more romance was perfect and sweet with only kisses.

Ann Swindell did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the book.

Blog Stops

To Everything There Is A Season, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Lily’s Corner, December 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 8

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 9

Inkwell Inspirations , December 10

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews, December 10

Devoted Steps, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Devoted To Hope, December 16

Stories By Gina, December 17 (Author Interview)

Lyssa Loves Books, December 17

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Review from Donna)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, December 19

The Bookish Pilgrim, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann is giving away the grand prize of a $50 gift card to Amazon and a signed paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3e375/love-in-the-castle-library-celebration-tour-giveaway

Giveaway and Review: Christmas Wishes by: Carmen Peone

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Christmas Wishes by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Christmas Wishes 
Series: Seven Tine Ranch Romance 
Author: Carmen Peone 
Publisher: Iron Stream Media 
Release Date: December 2, 2025 
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Western Romance

One dream wedding. Two uncertain futures. A season of decisions that could change everything…. 

At Seven Tine Guest Ranch, Mandie Sellars serves guests as a cook, but her aspiration is to be the ranch’s event planner. When a surprise Christmas Eve wedding lands in her lap, Mandie sees this as her chance to shine—if she can handle the pressure. 

Her fiancé, Hudson Piccolo, just took the call of his his dream legal job. There’s just one catch—the job is in Seattle, clear across the state. Accepting it means leaving the ranch and upending Mandie’s and her daughter’s lives. 

Can their love withstand the tension between their ambitions and their commitment?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Iron Stream Media | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Inspirational Western Romantic Suspense. With the love of history and the Western woman’s lifestyle, she weaves healing, hope, and horses into her stories. With a thread of romance. She lives with her husband in Northeast Washington on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation.

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

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Review

Christmas Wishes is the first book I have read written by Carmen Peone. I look forward to reading more by her. This is part of the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series. Though I read this as a standalone and had no issues, I do plan on going back and reading the rest of the books in this series. This was a cute holiday novella.

Mandie is a single mom working at a ranch, trying to become an event planner. With her wedding less than a month away, she jumps on the chance to head up the wedding planning for a wedding a week before hers. In the middle of it all, Hudson, her fiancé, is offered a dream job. Hudson wants to move for a better career. Mandie wants to stay in the country, but they are both open to what God has for them. This was such a fun story to watch unfold.

The romance was sweet and light with kisses only.

The faith aspect was light, but at the root of their relationship.

*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 signed copy of Christmas Wishes and some other Christmas-related goodies!

(3) additional winners will each receive a signed copy of Christmas Wishes!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 8, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 15, 2025. 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!

Giveaway and Spotlight: The Relic Keeper by: Heidi Eljarbo

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Relic Keeper 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: independently published 
Release Date: November 18, 2025 
Genre: Christian Inspirational Historical Fiction

Once a thief, always a thief? 

Italy, 1620. Angelo is an orphan, lonely and forgotten. Having been passed on from one family to the next, he ends up as a common thief, subject to and under the thumb of a ruthless robber called Tozzo. The boy knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence. 

One day, a priest invites Angelo to help with chores around the church and rectory and, in exchange, offers him room and board. Padre Benedetto’s kindness and respect are unfamiliar and confusing, but Angelo’s safety is still a grave concern. Two older robbers have heard rumors about Tozzo’s hidden treasures and will stop at nothing to attain them. 

With literary depictions and imagery, Angelo’s story is a gripping and emotional journey of faint hope and truth in seventeenth-century Italy. Using invisible threads, Heidi Eljarbo weaves together her fictional stories with historical figures and real events.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

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

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Excerpt

That night, Angelo returned to the church. The street had been quiet. The merchants had packed up their stalls, and the villagers were safely asleep in their homes.

Angelo had been a thief for as long as he could remember, but lately, he’d started debating with himself, wondering whether stealing from a church was considered sacrilegious. God was a stranger…a distant king, and the people who worshipped him seemed more inclined to talk about the devil. Angelo had been the victim of plenty of threats in his short life. If there were a God, what would He think of a lowly thief like Angelo? Would He pour his wrath down on Angelo’s head like hot lava from an erupting volcano, or would He show mercy upon a young man who had experienced little goodness in his life?

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of The Relic Keeper and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping 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 Hero’s Christmas Kiss by: Virginia'dele Smith

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Hero's Christmas Kiss by Virginia'dele Smith, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Hero's Christmas Kiss 
Series: Military Kisses 
Author: Virginia'dele Smith 
Publisher: Books are Ubiquitous, LLC 
Release Date: November 7, 2025 
Genre: Wholesome and Cozy, Small-Town Christian Romance  

 

Caroling, coffee, and complications. A broken hero and the sweet girl next door…  

 

She just might be the miracle this soldier deserves. But can she fulfill her dreams without losing the guarded military man who’s captured her heart? 

 

Emilie Fielding longs for love — and to own her own business someday. Despite fears that she’s wasting time waiting for her prince to come while working for her Scrooge-like boss, the optimistic barista tackles Christmas preparations for the coffee shop with unbridled holiday joy. And when she stumbles hanging mistletoe, she surprises herself as well as her handsome rescuer with a merry peck on his cheek, right before he’s cajoled into lending her a hand. 

 

Garrett Banks yearns to belong. Learning to live with lingering injuries and struggling with feelings of vulnerability, the Marine discovers a humorous group of senior busybodies and the vibrant young woman who catches his attention while visiting a treasured small town. Tasked with helping to check off her yuletide to-do list, his honed defenses and well-constructed walls begin to crumble. 

 

Even though Emilie’s innate connection with him deepens, she wrestles with the growing need to leave her beloved home to secure her future. And while Garrett hopes to stay by her side, he fears the only way forward is to let her go. 

 

Do they have the courage this Christmas to unwrap the gift of forever?  

 

A Hero's Christmas Kiss is the charming eighth book in the Green Hills romance series and part of the Military Kisses Sweet Romance multi-author project. If you like swoon-worthy characters, fairytale towns that help people heal, and a cozy cup of holiday cheer, then you’ll adore Virginia'dele Smith’s jolly read.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Ashli Montgomery is a wife, a momma, a writer, a quilter, and an entrepreneur. Her passion is sharing love stories, books, quilts, yoga, recipes, her faith, and her favorite ways to create a lovely life.

Ashli writes wholesome and cozy romance under the pen name Virginia’dele Smith to honor Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith. 

These three cherished grandmothers taught Ashli to love without judgment, always putting family first. Through Grandma Syble’s journals and appetite for books, through Momadele’s priceless cards and handwritten letters, and through hours of visiting over fabric at Mema’s kitchen island, Ashli also learned to treasure words. 

Get to know Ashli by subscribing to her newsletter, The Gazette, at AshliMontgomery.com

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Review

A Hero’s Christmas Kiss is the first book I have read written by Virginia'dele Smith. It is part of a multi-author series and can be read as a standalone. With a nod to Snow White, this book was cozy, sweet, and full of humor, all things perfect for a Christmas read.

Garrett is dealing with some injuries he incurred while in active duty and is on medical leave from the military. He finds himself in the town of Green Hills, where he meets Emilie. Emilie is the manager at Brew Diner and is trying to keep things going, but she desires to venture out and start her own coffee shop and roastery.  Garrett sticks around to help with some projects at the diner. With all the time together, Emilie and Garrett start to develop feelings for each other. With side characters like the meddlesome 7 senior citizens who frequent the diner, it was full of humor and fun.

The opposites attract romance was perfect and sweet 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

(3) winners will each receive A Hero's Christmas Kiss Book Bundle including autographed hardcover edition; commemorative postcard, bookmark, sticker, and magnet; plus a $25 Starbucks gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 2, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2025. 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!

Giveaway and Review: The Red Cottage by Hannah Linder

 

About the Book

Book: The Red Cottage

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

We’re made for someone. I think I’ve always believed this—that it was never about proximity, or happenchance, or who you know, or where you are.

But that God, in His infinite wisdom, created a second half for each of us.

Someone who fits in the curve of your neck when you hug.

Who laughs at the things you laugh at.

Who speaks to you in a language your soul understands.

I think that’s why I love The Red Cottage so much. Circumstances would have never mattered with Tom and Meg. They loved each other. They were linked. And even if everything had been different, if they had been born hundreds of years before, they would have found their way back to each other.

If the age was ancient Egypt, and he had been a Pharaoh, and she a slave, they would have discovered each other.

If the year was 1920, and he a factory worker, and she the daughter of an oil tycoon, they would have defied the rules of society.

In any other place, in any other time, in any other way, Tom would have loved Meg. And Meg would have loved Tom. That is the beauty and the mind-blowing magic of real love.

So, when you fall into the pages of The Red Cottage, I hope you aren’t so foolish as to imagine this was an accident. That Tom said the right things, or that Meg felt vulnerable in just the right places, and that their bond—both the first and second time—was a mere hapless stroke of luck.

They would have loved each other anyway.

We’re all made for someone.

Review Stops

The Red Cottage is the first book I have read written by Hannah Linder, and boy, was I blown away. I am so excited to read more by her. This hooked me in from the start, and I did not want to put the book down. I don’t always get to read gothic regency mysteries, so this was a fun change in pace.

The romance was a little too much for me at some points. I would have liked it to be a little more clean, less descriptive of the romance scenes.

*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.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 21

Devoted Steps, November 21

Sydney Schmied Books, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Sylvan Musings, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 23

Min Reads and Reviews, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 24

Lily’s Corner, November 25

She Lives to Read, November 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 27

Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews , November 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 29

Cover Lover Book Review, November 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Betti Mace, December 1

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 2

Mary Hake, December 2

Holly’s Book Corner, December 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 3

Pause for Tales, December 4

To Everything There Is A Season, December 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dd06/the-red-cottage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Giveaway and Review: Heart's Promise by: Linda Hoover

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Heart's Promise by Linda Hoover, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Heart's Promise 
Series: Heart's Desire #3 
Author: Linda Hoover 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: June 23, 2025 
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Welcome back to Jacob and Julia's Iowa farm. 

In 1893, their son Justin is eleven. and daughter Annaliese is ten. When Jacob and Julia adopted Annaliese as an infant, they were told God had a special plan for her. As Annaliese grows up, she wonders if her purpose will be world-changing. 

Julia's old friend, Edward Harrington, comes to visit from England, along with his wife and son, Robbie. Their time at the farm is the beginning of a like/hate relationship and later something more between Robbie and Annaliese. When the families travel to San Francisco in 1900, a shocking revelation from Edward's wife could change everything, beginning with taking Annaliese to England. 

If this is God's plan, Annaliese is disappointed. It's nothing like she imagined, and her heart's desire is to go to veterinary college. This could mean a very different future for her. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

More in This Series

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About the Author

Linda Hoover lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. She earned a degree in psychology from Anderson University where she learned the voices in her head were actually characters from stories waiting to be told.

Linda has been writing since childhood, but her publishing career started with writing columns and a middle grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. A retired librarian, she now enjoys being a fulltime author in her home office. 

You are invited to visit her website, Linda Hoover Books, to find out more about her and her books. You can stay in touch when you subscribe to her newsletter, and as a thank you, you’ll receive a novella.

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Review

Heart’s Promise is the first book I have read written by Linda Hoover. It is the third book in the Heart’s Desire series, though it can be read as a standalone. This story drew me in from the start.

Set in the Gilded Age, this was a fun clash of opinions and experiences. The Harrington’s are from England, and our set is in their traditional ways. When they come to visit Jacob and Julia’s farm, they are met with the new ideals of America. At the end of their visit, they promise to return to see the Pacific Ocean. Years pass, and the Harrington’s return and both families travel out West by rail to see the Pacific Ocean. The families get to see many great things along the way and have many adventures on their trip. I loved the picture of seeing these iconic places through the eyes of the Gilded Age.

During the trip, Mrs. Harrington states that Annalise is the spitting image of her friend who went missing. Annalise is adopted, so the possibilities of it become clear. When a fortune cookie tells her she is going to take a trip across an ocean, they continue to pray about it. Then plans are made. In England, Annalise meets her grandparents. Through a series of events, there is healing between them.

The romance between Robbie and Annalise begins to unfold, but their conflicting view on women’s roles keeps them apart. It seems an insurmountable issue that will keep them apart. While Robbie is away at college, he asks some friends what the bible has to say about women’s intelligence and role. When they come back with the answer, Robbie changes his view. Robbie and Annalise are able to overcome their difference and get their happily ever after. This opposites attract romance is perfect with kisses only.

Lisa Hoover did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the novel.

*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 each receive an ebook copy of Heart's Promise and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 24, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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!

Giveaway and Spotlight: Shadowcape by Dawn Ford

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Shadowcape by Dawn Ford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Shadowcape 
Series: Band of Unlikely Heroes #4 
Author: Dawn Ford 
Publisher: ScrivKids 
Release Date: November 11, 2025 
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

Four heroes. One dark enemy. A battle that could change the Wilden Lands forever. 

After the Erlking’s latest attack, Queen Bearer Horra Fyd searches desperately for a way to end his evil schemes once and for all. But when the rats destroy the hidden books that may hold the answers, hope begins to slip away. 

An experiment gone wrong throws their newest ally—Grendel—into chaos, just as children begin to vanish and the elves abandon their secret kingdom. Shadows gather. Secrets surface. And time is running out. 

Now Horra, Rowan, Glory, and Grendel must summon courage greater than their fears and faith stronger than their doubts. If they fail, the Erlking and his wicked minions will seize the Wilden Lands—and destroy everything they love. 

Fans of epic sagas like The Lord of the Rings will be swept into this breathtaking world of magic, peril, and unlikely heroes. 

Will four unlikely heroes rise to face the darkness … or will their world fall into ruin? Read this exciting series conclusion to find out.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

More in This Series

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About the Author

Dawn Ford writes fantastical YA & MG stories with a fairy tale flair. Author of the Firebird Series, her book, The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes, won the 2016 ACFW Genesis Award. Dawn loves thrift shopping, doing crafty things, and spending time with her family. She believes in that magic can be found anywhere.

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

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Excerpt

Glory let out a high-pitched squeal a second before a furry orange form burst through the lab, breaking the door.

Horra halted, her eyes wide.

Grendel Largeness, more beast than girl at the moment, snarled. Spit flew from her fanged mouth as it stretched into a more animalistic maw. Attached to her ears was something that looked like insect antennae. As Horra watched, Grendel grew larger.

Heart thudding in her chest, she ran toward the giantess. “Out! We’ve got to get you out of here.” She caught Grendel by the arm, and her troll strength allowed her to yank the girl through the Hall of Monstrosity and into the throne room to the double-door castle entry.

Destroyed by Fairy Princess Misty Toppenbottom after the Erlking’s last attack, the doorway remained a gaping hole, open and unimpeded. Horra shoved the giantess toward the crumbling opening.

Grendel growled and whined, the arm beneath Horra’s claw bulging enough for the seams of her tunic to split apart.

They reached the doorway before Grendel grew too large. Her head struck the tall doorjamb, loosening some remaining blocks. Debris rained upon on them both.

The giant girl wrenched her arm free. Wild-eyed, she ran toward the trees, the strange gadgets in her ears still humming. In a few strides, the giant girl entered the forest on the side of the castle’s northern edge before disappearing from sight. Trees trembled with the girl’s movement as she tore through the expanse. In moments, silence fell again.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a bundle of all four paperback books in the Band of Unlikely Heroes series!

(2) winners will each receive a signed copy of Shadowcape!

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 25, 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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