Giveaway and Review: Beauty in the Bittersweet by Jessica Stone

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Beauty in the Bittersweet by Jessica Stone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beauty in the Bittersweet
Series: A Thornbush and Juniper Story
Author: Jessica Stone
Publisher: Story Architect
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Genre: Women's Contemporary Fiction (Christian) with romance

If checking off lists were all it took, Elle Reed could keep her life from crumbling around her. But her husband betrays her trust, her best friend’s recent diagnosis reveals a hidden trauma, and a secret Elle has been keeping from her mother has wrecked their Gilmore Girls-esque relationship. Her career may be the one thing she has control over, and she holds it tightly with both hands. 

Then she gets a call she never expects—her mother has passed away suddenly, taking any hope of reconciliation with her. Discovering Catherine’s collection of devotional journals while packing up her home provides an opportunity to glean the wisdom she so desperately misses. But the journals reveal that her mother had secrets of her own, leaving Elle wondering if anyone in her life is who they say. 

When an upheaval at work rips away the only stability Elle has left, she has to face her biggest fear. What will it take for her to surrender control to The One who’s had it all along?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Jessica Stone Stories | Amazon

---

About the Author

Despite her start as a journalist for a faith-based news publication two decades ago, Jessica Stone has always loved fiction. She believes that her testimony and message come most clearly through storytelling, and she loves the process of developing deep—and deeply flawed—characters who find redemption and learn to accept grace, just as she is herself. Jessica and her husband reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, near her parents and other family. This story—and her confidence to write it—were inspired by her own Gilmore Girls-esque relationship with her daughter, who is living out her dreams as a fashion designer in Paris. Beauty in the Bittersweet is Jessica’s debut novel and the first in her A Thornbush and Juniper Story series.

Connect with Jessica by visiting jessicastonestories.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Review

Beauty in the Bittersweet is the first book I have read written by Jessica Stone and I look forward to reading some more books. This was a book that I decided to read purely off of the cover and the words Gilmore Girls-esque in the description, and it did not disappoint. This will be a re-read for me in the future.

The character development was great. There were so many different layers to the characters and issues the characters were going through. Elle has just lost her mother and is having to pack up her mother’s estate and sell the house. Elle’s husband Micah is on tour managing a band and is not home very often. He makes some bad decisions and has an affair that greatly affects their marriage. Watching Elle and Micah fight for their marriage while going through everything else makes for such a vulnerable story. It really brought the characters to life.

The plot was great. I loved getting to go through the grieving process with Elle, while also fighting for her marriage while Martine (the woman her husband had an affair with) is telling lies about what transpired between her and Micah. Micah and Elle are trying to figure it out, while also working on their faith and marriage. Elle is also going through her mom’s journal, dealing with grief, but also finding out some things she didn’t know about her mom. I also loved getting a glimpse at the music industry from a different perspective. This has been my third story this year that touched on the music industry and it has been great.

The romance aspect was low spice. It did talk about the affair and the other party involved is trying to break up the marriage, so she tries to elaborate and tell falsehoods. Even with it all, it is a low-spice, closed-door romance.

Jessica Stone did a great job intertwining faith throughout the story. I loved that part of the sermon was included. I also appreciated the different scriptures sprinkled throughout. I loved seeing God redeem this marriage.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

---

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will receive a print copy of Beauty in the Bittersweet plus a sticker/bookmark, journal and pen set!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 29, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 6, 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.

---

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

Meet Me at the Grand by Lindsay Harrel

Meet Me at the Grand is the first book I have read written by Lindsay Harrel and I am excited to read more. This was such a perfect hallmark-esque book. But as avid readers, we all know that books are better than movies. Small island, with very small-town vibes. I would recommend starting with the prequel Meet Me on Jonathan Island, which is presently available for free on the Sunrise Publishing website.

The character development was good. I loved digging into Dani and her past. Seeing how things that happened as a kid shaped who she was and her ideas behind saving the island. Then seeing Liam and the things he went through and how he was also trying to overcome things that had happened as he was a kid, and how it had shaped his life, just trying to honor his mom.

The setting was perfect. I loved the small-town island feel. I also loved the no cars allowed on Johnathan Island. With a nod to Mackinac Island. Old town meets modernization. The storyline was fun. I enjoyed watching it all play out. I also loved meeting all the different characters. I look forward to seeing where they will go on this journey. And who we might meet in the next book.

The budding relationship between Dani and Liam was very sweet, clean, and low spice. It was the perfect balance.

Lindsay Harrel did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. Reminding us that even when we don’t see God, He is still there. He does not abandon us. “You and God- you’re my safe places.” It was a great reminder to rely on God and lean into Him.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Giveaway and Review: Rescuing the Remnant by Tanya Sparks Belvin

About the Book

Title: Rescuing the Remnant Series: The Resurrection Project #2 Author: Tanya Sparks Belvin Publisher: Tonya Belvin Publishing Release Date: November 1, 2024 Genre: Christian futuristic

This sequel to The Resurrection Project continues the story of medical student Ellen McCarthy, who uncovers a sinister truth when she takes an internship at the Grindland Institute in Chapel Hill, NC. Ellen and her coworkers, having rescued a little girl from Grindland's mysterious Resurrection Project, pray for a plan to rescue the remaining children from this medical experimentation lab. Their success is a matter of life and death, and God is guiding them every step of the way. Set in 2034, this Christian futuristic novel offers a thought-provoking exploration on ethics and the sanctity of life. All proceeds from the sale of The Resurrection Project and Rescuing the Remnant go to Tim Tebow's unKnown Foundation, focusing on finding missing and exploited children.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

More in This Series

Book Review

Wow! This book is one that you just need to take a step back when you are finished reading and reflect. Rescuing the Remnant is the second book I have read written by Tanya Sparks Belvin and it was such a pleasure. It is the sequel to The Resurrection Project, and I would recommend reading it before reading Rescuing the Remnant.

The character development was great. I loved getting to come back to the same characters and getting to know some new ones as well. Getting to know the other children in the project a little better and connect with others. I enjoyed getting to see a little bit more behind the scenes of the mindset of Dr. Raymond Lyons. There are a lot of different characters sharing their perspective and can be a little hard to follow at times. Luckily, most are ones from the last book, so they were easy to keep straight.

I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and setting. It was so engaging and had the right balance of medical, futuristic elements and romance to drive the story. Science fiction is typically a genre I shy away from, but reading this series has shown me it doesn’t always have to be way out there to be considered science fiction.

The romance was a perfect balance and nothing over the top. The perfect low-spice romance.

Tanya Sparks Belvin did an excellent job intertwining faith throughout the story. It left me with lots to think about and touched on some hard subjects and concepts. I loved that she also included a conversion story and laid out steps of how to come to Christ in the back of the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

---

About the Author

Tanya Sparks Belvin is a retired middle school teacher, with thirty-two years of experience. Her passion is serving the Lord, reading, writing, and entertaining her seven grandchildren. Tanya, her husband, Ron, and her mother, Tommie Moton, enjoy lakeside living in Denver, North Carolina. Tanya and Ron have three adult children.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyasparksbelvin.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy each of The Resurrection Project and Rescuing the Remnant!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 15, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 22, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

---

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

Cover Reveal: The Undercover Heiress of Brockton By: Kelly J. Goshorn

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Undercover Heiress of Brockton
Series: Enduring Hope #2 (multi-author standalone series)
Author: Kelly J. Goshorn
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Incognito Reporter Seeks Truth and Justice

Collect a new series of six historical romances. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered. 

Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. 

Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. 

After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. But sparks fly when Leo accuses Etta of negating the human side of the disaster in her determination to get a good story. 

Will Etta go back to her socialite comforts without her story—dragging along a broken heart?

---

Ready to see the cover?

PREORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Book House | Amazon | ChristianBook | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

---

About the Author

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into inspiring stories of love, faith, and family set in America’s vibrant past. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys, binge-watching BBC period dramas, exploring historical sights, and board-gaming with her family and friends.

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 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 only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

---

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

Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks

Whatever It Takes is the first book I have read written by Sarah Hanks and I am excited to read more. This book caught me from the start, and I could not put it down. Once I got started, I needed to get to the end, but once I got to the end, I didn’t want the book to end.

The character development was great. I was very invested in the characters. Ivy and Everly had a lot of layers that needed to be pulled back and overcome. I have always wondered about the effects of surrogacy, so this was a fun journey to see the thoughts behind it and the struggles.

The historical element was good, but I will admit that the contemporary story line is what really hooked me, and though the civil war story was good, I really couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. I enjoyed how both time periods were intertwined. I enjoyed seeing what Henrietta was doing in the civil war and constantly hoping she was not going to get found out.

I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. It was a fun dynamic dealing with historical on contemporary.

Sarah Hanks did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet

Kate Landry Has a Plan is the second book I have read by Rebekah Millet and it is such a pleasure. She has become an instant read. Personally, living in the Greater New Orleans area, I could really envision the whole story on a personal level. This will be a reread for me in the future.

The character development was great. I loved coming back to and learning more about Kate and her whole story and her niece Hayley. It was fun having a 40-year-old main character- as most books are geared towards younger ages. I loved Kate’s Gilmore girls style banter. I loved getting to know Micah and true man behind the library desk.

The storyline was fun. Who needs a movie when you have a book that is this fun and engaging? The humor was good. The setting was perfect. I loved that it was set where I live.

The relationship between Micah and Kate was clean and low spice.

Rebekah Millet did a great job intertwining faith throughout. With a reminder that our plan is nothing compared to our creator.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

The Pharisee’s Wife by Janette Oke

The Pharisee’s Wife is not the first time I have read a book by Janette Oke. Though reading it made me realize I need to read some more of her books. This book completely caught me up and I could not put it down.

The character development was outstanding. I loved getting to see Mary as she became a wife, went through loss, divorce and came to faith in Jesus Christ. I was completely invested in her story. I ached when she lost the baby, cried when she felt the rejection, and rejoiced when she was reunited with her family and found faith in our Lord and Savior. I was also very passionate about Enos. As much as is attitude frustrated me, I couldn’t help but feel some compassion for him at the end.

The storyline and setting were great. It really brought the bible times to life. It was fun seeing what it might have been like to be a wife of a Pharisee. I loved that it intertwined with Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It was perfect timing to read it.

Janette Oke did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the story. Which obviously set in Jesus’ time can be easy, but also hard trying to stay true to the history of events. I loved reading the authors note at the end.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

A Time of Proving by Alena Mentink

A Time of Proving is the first book I have read written by Alena Mentink and it was such a delight. It took me a second to change gears, switching genres, but once I did, I got swept into the story.

The character development was great. I loved seeing Miriam work so hard to get her family back, while also grieving losing both parents. Jase was put through the wringer with everything he went through. It was interesting to see the man he was and how he dealt with his past.

The setting was fun. I enjoyed being in the little midwestern town of Osceola. I enjoyed the storyline of redemption and watching love unfold slowly, with some twist in there for good measure.

The romance element was sweet and low spice. Which I always enjoy.

Alena Mentink did a great job intertwining faith throughout the novel.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Book Giveaway: Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Lullaby by the River ‎
Series: Amish River
Author: Temperance Johnson
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Genre: Amish Fiction

An unique Amish love story.  

A wounded woman with no way out…unless she marries her ex. 

After unexpected abuse, quiet and happy Priscilla Yoder thinks her life can’t get worse. But then she finds out she’s pregnant, and her family and church insist she marry the man who hurt her. When a man she used to love, a man who wants to leave the Amish, offers to marry her, she doesn’t see a better option. 

Danny Taylor, charming bad boy of his Amish community, is ready to leave the plain life. But when a woman he used to love finds herself in danger of marriage to an evil man, he can't resist offering marriage to keep her safe. Only problem is, he didn’t expect to fall for his bride so fast. She's softening his tough heart and showing him that there’s a good side to the Amish. As they grow closer, he realizes this gorgeous woman in pain has giant walls, and it will take both patience and faith if he wants to scale them. 

Caring for Danny was never what Priscilla wanted. And she never expected his faith to bring her closer to God. 

But when Danny’s past wounds resurface, and as Priscilla learns to hope again, can they trust God to make their relationship more than just a marriage of convenience?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

Book Review

Lullaby by the River is the first book I have read written by Temperance Johnson and it was quite a thrill. I was not disappointed and look forward to reading more. I was drawn in from the very beginning and could not put it down.  The character development was amazing. I loved getting to know Priscilla as she works through her rape, pregnancy, and faith. There were many layers to help transform her as a person and character. I also enjoyed getting to know Danny and the whole reason behind what makes him tick.  The setting and storyline were great. It did deal with some hard issues-rape and spiritual abuse. I loved being in the Amish community for this story. My family background is Mennonite, and though different, there are similarities. So, every time I read an Amish story I feel a connection. The storyline really kept me on edge at points.  The romance was good. Dealing from the hard place of Priscilla being pregnant from rape, Danny was very sweet and gentle. Taking his time and not forcing anything but being emotionally there for Priscilla. Temperance Johnson did a great job intertwining faith throughout. Watching faith develop from a hard place. It was really well done and showed the redemption of our God.  *I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

---

About the Author

Temperance Johnson has always loved to read and write. As one of eleven children, she read from her older sister's books. With that, her love for both reading and writing has only continued to grow. Passionate about the subjects of adoption, family, and faith, she started the Liberty Chronicles and now her Amish fiction. In her free time, she plays with her ponies and many nieces and nephews. Her horses even made it into her stories. She enjoys spoiling her ten nephews and twenty-three nieces.

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $20 Baker Book House gift card and a print copy of Lullaby by the River!

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

---

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

The Mother’s Day Bargain by Martha Fouts

The Mother’s Day Bargain is the first book written by Martha Fouts and I am so glad that I did. I look forward to reading more. I was able to enjoy the audiobook, read by Lisa Lynn Sandlin and she did such a great job. Here is your fair warning, once you start it you will not be able to put it down.

The character development is good. I enjoyed getting to know Gabriel and Rae. Gabriel made me think of one of my friends from high school. Trying to figure out the grown-up life being a real estate agent and Youtuber. Rae is the reliable people pleaser. Rae was making a great effort to move on with life and not trying to ruin her friendship. I loved seeing her grow through the book.

The storyline was so much fun. I could not stop laughing. Gabriel and Rae’s moms did some great scheming for the Mother’s Day Bargain. Though I will say Rae made quite the effort to find her date. It was fun watching it all unfold.

The relationship between Gabriel and Rae are best friends, to more, so, it is a very low spice, kisses only. Which is my personal preference.

Martha Fouts did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the book. Even including a partial sermon in there.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Season of Hope by Sara Jane Jacobs

Season of Hope is the first book written by Sara Jane Jacobs and I look forward to reading more. I was able to enjoy the audiobook, read by Lisa Lynn Sandlin and it was such a delight. The only warning I must give, in case you are anything like me, the story ends on a cliffhanger. So be prepared to acquire book two.

The character development is great. I loved watching Amanda figure out life even when her dreams don’t pan out. While also trying to not let her aunt’s dreams overcome her. Watching Tyler figure out life, growing into this caring guy after the struggle he had growing up with an abusive father.

The storyline is a fast-paced- spanning kids to college timeline. I loved the quick view on watching Tyler and Amanda growing up and how they maintained their friendship. Such a sweet storyline.

The relationship between Amanda and Tyler are neighbors and best friends, to slowly realizing they should be more. So, it is a very low spice, kisses only.

Sara Jane Jacobs did an amazing job intertwining faith throughout the story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.