Giveaway and Review: Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Midnight Offensive 
Series: Toxic Truths #1 
Author: Elle E. Kay 
Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing 
Release Date: May 14, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense / Thriller

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line. 

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack. 

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania near Red Rock Mountain with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is active in her church’s youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Since her debut novel Shadowing Stella released in 2016, Elle has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children’s literature. Her award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes. She’s also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections. 

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail.

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

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Review

Midnight Offensive is the first book I have read written by Elle E. Kay and I look forward to reading some more books. This story was such a whirlwind, it took me a moment to unpack. If you like a good Christian suspense novel, this will hit the spot.

The character development was ok. I personally had a hard time connecting with them for the first half of the book. I think it was due to the fast pacing of the story. Once I got passed that, I enjoyed getting to know Sadie and Craig.

The storyline was fun. Right from the start a lot is going on in this story. Craig and Sadie are set up on a blind date, luckily, they are very close, so they have fun catching up on the date. The next day Sadie notices a suspicious guy hanging outside her building. From there everything spirals out of control. We have kidnapping, biological warfare, gunshots, evading kidnapping, and a double agent. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

The romance as brother’s best friend to more with some light second chance was a fun dynamic. The romance was low-spice, kiss only.

Elle E. Kay does 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.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Romantic Suspense Prize Pack which features 5 of Elle's most recent romantic suspense releases, including Midnight Offensive, along with a tote bag and swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 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.

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Giveaway and Spotlight: Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Series

Pip O'Possum (Work Then Play) Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful) Benjamin Bat (Humility) Nuts (Sharing is Caring) Jeremy Jay (Resilience) Author: Kathy J. Perry Publisher: Chickadee Words Release Date: April 4, 2025 Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)

These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals' adventures, friendships, and foibles, they'll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.

Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!) PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KathyJPerry.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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About the Author

Of the many jobs I’ve held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for me because investing in kids is so important. To this end, I continue to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact.

Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night. When not writing, you’ll find me painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses. Is this retirement? Apparently so! I’m loving every minute of it with my husband of 43 years.

Connect with Kathy J. Perry by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

BOOK EXCERPTS

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PIP O’POSSUM:

“That’s a lot to think about. I guess it’s about time I grow up. Will I still have time for fun?”

“Sure! There’s time for both work and play. But if you don’t do the hard labor—and I mean to the very best of your ability—you won’t succeed in life. You might end up as one of my meals. That would be unfortunate for you, wouldn’t it? Would you rather live—and live well—or be my breakfast?”

Boon covered his eyes with his goggles and blinked.

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SALLY SKUNKSKIN: (ending)

Over time, Sally made several friends: a skunk named Samson, the entire O’Possum family, and the raccoon who didn’t trust her. The raccoon even apologized for being unfriendly. But Amos became her best friend.

He and Sally talked whenever she stopped by his dam for a drink, her beautiful tail held high.

Sally and her new friends helped one another in good times and bad. Her grumbles were buried in her past. At last, Sally Skunkskin’s heart was grateful for everything: her home, food to eat, and most of all, her close friends.

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BENJAMIN BAT:

I’ll show her some tricks she can’t do.

“Watch this now,” he said as he fluttered away. Benjamin zipped and zapped all over the ravine. He sailed over trees and between narrow branches, giving a grand performance for the flycatcher.

Curious, Benjamin glanced toward JoJo for a split- second. His mistake cost him.

A barred owl was in hot pursuit!

Instantly realizing his error, Benjamin turned sharply to avoid capture, but one of the owl’s talons pierced his wing! For a few seconds, Benjamin was helpless. The owl carried him upward, but his wing’s skin tore, freeing Benjamin.

Without full support from both wings, he nose-dived, slapping flat against a large boulder in the gulch. He rolled down hill through broken rocks and tangled roots.

“Ow! Ow!” he cried with each bump and bounce. The barred owl, whose sharp eyes never lost sight of Benjamin, dove down to finish him off.

JoJo sprang into action.

Shocked and angry, she tackled the much larger bird, pecking at its back over and over until it moved on to find an easier meal. Worried for her new friend, she swooped down to Benjamin’s rescue. “Are you okay?”

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NUTS:

Poppy’s stomach grumbled, so she scurried down her tree to dig up a nut—but another squirrel was already there. With her paws on her hips, she stood up and said, “Wait a minute, Hickory. This is MY walnut. Mine! I hid this one, along with many others. I’m sure of it.”

Hickory crossed his arms over his chest. “No, Poppy. I buried this one.”

Neither hoarder would give the nut to the other. They were far too hungry to share but not too hungry to argue. For several minutes, they ignored the exposed treasure.

Andy, another gray squirrel, sneaked between them, snatched the prize for himself, and scrambled up to his nest.

Andy’s movements were so quick that neither Poppy nor Hickory saw him grab it. Poppy only noticed it was missing when she bent down to grab it herself.

“Now see what you’ve done?” Poppy said. “It’s gone.”

“Well, I didn’t take it,” said Hickory, still not unfolding his arms.

The two of them searched the ground but couldn’t find the nut. At least not until Poppy heard “nibble, nibble” coming from above.

She pointed up to the branches. “I think Andy’s got it.”

Hickory’s mouth fell open. “Well, I’ll be...”

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JEREMY JAY:

“Hmm.”

Jeremy picked up his claw and stared at it. His talons lay flat and twisted.

“Hard to imagine how this could ever be useful, though. It’s not like it makes my other leg better. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

Boon puffed out his chest. He didn’t like animals putting themselves down. There was no feeling bad for yourself on his watch.“

No one’s perfect. No one, nowhere.

“I’ve always strived for perfection, even with this.”

Jeremy turned his head to the side. Isn’t perfection the goal?

“Do the best you can with what you have, bub. That’s it. When you do, you’ve won. But it takes practice and hard work.”

Jeremy held his foot out for Boon to study. If they were going to talk about it, then this huge bird should see it all, so that he could know it all. “How can this ever be useful?”

“Open your mind, boy. Start imaginin’ it as a tool for nest-buildin’. Start thinkin’ of how you can use it. You might surprise yourself by what you can do.”

“Thanks, Boon.”

“You’re welcome. Just remember, nobody’s perfect.”

**********

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a 5-book signed softcover bundle of the Oakwoods Series, bookmarks, and a $50 Amazon digital gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 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.

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Burning Escape by Michelle Sass Aleckson

Burning Escape is the fourth book I have read by Michelle Sass Aleckson, and she has become a must-read author for me. It is the third book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series, which each book can be read as a stand-alone, but so far, the series has been addicting, I have been skipping the TV and reading these books instead. So, if you want to dive into a great adventure, check out the Chasing Fire: Alaska series or any of the other related series, you will not be disappointed.

The character development was good. Tori has a lot of layers to unpack. Learning to trust others and trust God. I loved getting to check back in on Orion and see what he is up to. He is off in Alaska trying to prove himself, not just riding on his grandpa's or parents’ coattails.

The storyline and setting were perfect. Up in Alaska, fighting fires is a fun place to be for the day. We start with the perfect meeting, thinking that they will never see each other again. The next day they come face to face fighting for the same smoke-jumping slot. Having to work as a team. We find ourselves once again encountering the militia. While trying to get away they find themselves in a community and the only way to try to get through seems to be to pretend they are married. This book is action-packed and kept me on my toes.

The fake relationship to more is the perfect fit for this story. The romance aspect is low-spice, kisses only, and perfect.

Michelle Sass Aleckson did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. It was a great reminder that letting go and leaning into God is the best place to be.

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

Reverie by Drew Taylor

Reverie is the first book I have read by Drew Taylor, and it has blown me away. This is such an intricate piece of artwork. I will be rereading this book again and I look forward to reading more from Drew Taylor.

The character development was great. I loved watching Esme fight through her thoughts as she recovered from her trauma. She had a lot to unpack and a way to go to find the truth. Noah had a lot of growth too. I loved that the characters were relatable and real.

The setting and storyline were great. I loved that there was a story within a story. The whole concept was well done and thought out. I loved watching Esme trying to figure out what happened, and what was real and what was made up.

The romance element was typically a little more on the side of more than I am typically personally comfortable with. This is a personal preference. In showing the vulnerable, and the desire, it is also paired with the realization and the facts of God’s design for marriage. This book talks about passion and desires. It is kisses only.

The Christian element was great and interwoven throughout. I loved the realness and the struggle, but also the reminder of Christ and who we are in Him.

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

The Dutch Muse By: Heidi Eljarbo

The Dutch Muse is the second book I have read written by Heidi Eljarbo and I am excited to get my hands on more. She has created such a perfect team of art detectives. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Fabiola Bennett Mysteries.

The character development is good. Fabiola is such a fun character. Her love for art history makes me want to learn more about art. The three musketeers-Fabiola, Pippa, and Cary are off to solve some more mysteries. I have enjoyed getting to know them and seeing them work together to solve the crimes.

I enjoyed the split timeline. It is a fun dynamic to be able to shine a light on art history. I loved seeing both storylines. Envisioning what might have unfolded in 1641 was a fun dynamic. The setting was enjoyable.

The romance was very light, just a dusting, as there has been something brewing between Fabiola and Cary for a few books. This friends to maybe more I hope we get to see it unfold more.

The Christian element was a little light. Though there were some great points made, pointing us to God.

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

Giveaway and Review of The Final Word by Laura Thomas

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Final Word by Laura Thomas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Final Word 
Series: Bite of Betrayal #2 
Author: Laura Thomas 
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink 
Release Date: June 5, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

When aspiring author Sophie Brooks chooses to trade a vibrant Paris life for the tranquility of a quaint English village, she imagines her final days in the City of Lights will be magical. Sophie doesn’t anticipate a chilling encounter with an old flame—nor does she plan to find a new love on her very last night. 

Miles Morgan’s life has been defined as a successful opera singer-until now. His chance encounter with Sophie in Paris ignites renewed hope … if he can figure out his next chapter and if she can accept what his future may hold. 

In the heart of the English countryside, Sophie and Miles’ fairy tale romance turns into a noxious nightmare as the darkness of Sophie’s past—and her volatile ex—catch up with her. Both Sophie and Miles must surrender everything to the One they thought had betrayed them as they lean into love and fight for their lives. 

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

More in This Series

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About the Author

A published, award-winning Christian author, Laura Thomas writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing.

Laura is a hope*writers certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!

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

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Review

The Final Word is the first book I have read written by Laura Thomas. This is the second book in The Bite of Betrayal, though it can be read as a stand-alone. This story was full of suspense, right from the starting scene.

The character development was great. Sophie had a lot of things to overcome. The past abusive relationship that ended in her stepping away from her faith, her comparison issues with her twin, and a few other things. Miles is faced with a series life life-changing medical issues that he needs to try to overcome. I loved seeing them fall in love while also dealing with faith issues.

The setting and storyline were good. I loved being first in Paris and then in the quaint little town in England. There were a lot of layers going on in this story, between the ex-boyfriend Troy and the abuse that went on there, the medical issues Miles is dealing with, and the bond between the sisters. It was a fun story to unwrap and try to figure out what was truly going on.

The romance between Sophie and Miles was a cute whirlwind, kisses-only romance.

Laura Thomas did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. Dealing with coming back to faith and wrestling with the hard things.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card plus an ebook of CAPTURED IN FRAME!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 25, 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.

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Meet Me at the Fudge Shop by Lindsay Harrel & Rachel D. Russell

Meet Me at the Fudge Shop is the first book I have read written by Rachel D. Russell and the second book I have read written by Lindsay Harrel and it was such a pleasure. If you like Hallmark movies, this book is for you. It’s as sweet as the fudge shop setting. This can be read as a standalone, but so far, the whole series has been addicting.

The character development was good. Both Lily and Declan must overcome the hurdle of family obligations and try to see where God is leading them. I loved seeing Lily come to life and find her true passion while also telling her parents the truth about what has been going on. Declan has to overcome the guilt he feels from his grandfather’s death. I loved that not only did the main characters grow but also the family healed and mended bonds.

The setting and storyline were perfect. I loved the hallmark feel. The small island town is the perfect setting for this series, and I loved getting to revisit and learn more about this town and its people. I loved the deep-rooted family feud and watching Lily and Declan try to overcome and mend relationships. I loved the fudge war to see who would win the fudge shop.

The second chance romance between Lily and Declan is a sweet and low-spice, kisses-only romance.

Lindsay Harrel and Rachel D. Russell 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.

Giveaway and review The Tie That Loose by Felicia Ferguson

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Ties That Loose by Felicia Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Ties That Loose 
Author: Felicia Ferguson 
Publisher: Salt & Light Publishing 
Release Date: May 23, 2025 
Genre: military romantic suspense / women's fiction

Can you really trust God when life plummets out of your control? 

While clearing out her mother’s estate, Dani Robicheau Kirkland makes a shocking discovery: a box containing pieces of her parents’ life hidden away after her father was declared Killed in Action in the Vietnam War. Inside she finds her mother had once clung to faith and the desperate certainty her husband was alive before she spiraled into the devastated alcoholic Dani has known. 

Dani’s F-15 pilot husband, Chris, chafes under his father’s expectations to live up to his granddad’s legacy as WWII pilot. While the Bosnian War rages, Chris is tasked with a clandestine mission: flying an unsanctioned diplomat into Bosnia. But when his plane goes down due to a bird strike, Chris is trapped behind enemy lines with little hope of rescue. 

Dani is terrified she’ll nosedive like her mother did, but still clings to hope and a certainty that Chris remains alive despite the Air Force’s doubts. As she searches for a way to bring Chris home and he strives to stay alive, they each battle their family histories desperate to find God’s future for them both. 

Family ties ensnare them. Can God loose their grip forever?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Author

Felicia Ferguson achieved master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and Speech-Language Pathology, but has written since childhood and dreamed of authoring books that teach and inspire others. An award-winning fiction and non-fiction freelance writer, she has published several devotions and sweet romance short stories. Her passion, however, is writing women’s fiction and romantic suspense with strong female characters who work through their traumas and tragedies using biblical principles and counseling techniques.

As a child, Felicia lived in Kansas, Texas, and Louisiana before her family settled on a horse and cattle farm in Kentucky. As an adult, she lived in Tennessee for two years and later spent ten years in the Florida panhandle soaking up the sand and sun. But then God moved her once again. This time out of the South and into the mountains of Colorado. When she’s not glued to her laptop, Felicia enjoys hiking, Bible studies with friends, and looking forward to the next story.

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

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Review

The Ties That Loose is the second book I have read written by Felicia Ferguson. This book was an emotional journey. The details in this story are spot on and bring this story to life.

The character development was great. I loved seeing Chris struggle with his dad’s desire and brothers’ missteps that he felt the pressure to pursues his career in the air force. Dani has different layers to peel back. Dealing with the trauma of her own father being a POW/killed in action and seeing the toll it took on her own mom, now reliving some of those emotions are hard. I loved watching her process and grow more in her faith.

The storyline was great. I loved seeing the parallels to their own parents lives and desires and seeing how that affected them. While also changing their own future when they let God take control. I felt like I was truly in the middle of the forest hunting down my husband. It made me have an even greater appreciation for our military. Overall, this book was well written.

Felicia Ferguson did a great job intertwining faith throughout the story. I loved seeing how the main characters had to lean into God to be reunited. It was a great reminder to give it over to God and leave my life in His hands.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a That's So 90s Trivia Game, in honor of the book being set in the 1990s!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 16, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 23, 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.

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The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder

About the Book

Title: The Puzzle Within 
Series: The Game Masters #1 
Author: Gina Holder 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC 
Release Date: June 3, 2025 
Genre: Romantic Suspense

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who's been receiving threats signed: Enigma. 

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as "Nick of Time" turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette's security detail, his biggest concern isn't the threats—it's the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers. 

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzlehunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman's twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

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

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About the Author

Gina Holder is a hybrid author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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

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Review

The Puzzle Within is the first book I have read written by Gina Holder and I look forward to reading more. If you love puzzles, if you love Sherlock Holmes, this is the book for you. This book was dripping with puzzles, mystery, and suspense. I am excited to see where the next book will take us.

The character development is great. Arizona/Ari has a lot to unpack. She unearths a secret about her childhood that she didn’t know about, and as she and Nick are trying to find out who Enigma is, they uncover even more secrets. Nick is trying to overcome the grief and guilt of his wife’s death. There are a lot of characters in this story and a lot that we don’t even begin to touch the surface on.

The storyline was fantastic. There were so many moving parts to this story. At times my brain was overwhelmed. Trying to figure out who is Enigma? What do all these secret codes mean? What is the bigger picture? There was a lot, and it made for a fun puzzle, putting all the pieces together. I had quite the time trying to figure out Enigma and who it might be and what the motive was.

The romance between Arizona and Nick was low-spice, kisses-only romance.

Gina Holder 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.

Burning Rivals by Voni Harris

Burning Rivals is the first book I have read written by Voni Harris. It is the second book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series. This series has captured me, and though you can read it as a stand-alone, it is worth the time to read it all.

The character development is good. Vince and Cadee are both dealing with grief and forgiveness. Things that we can all struggle with. It was great to see how they both dealt with it while also trying to fight the fire and figure out other life issues.

The storyline and setting were great. I loved being in Alaska helping the team fight fires. Getting to see the different aspects of fire and rescue has been such a fun thing to look into in the series. While also looking at how to survive situations in the last frontier. We got to get a bigger look into the militia.

The second chance romance between Cadee and Vince is low-spice, kisses only, and sweet. As they learn to forgive and give each other a second chance.

Voni Harris did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. It was a good reminder of how God is always there, even in the hard times.

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

Review and Giveaway: How to Kill a Giant by Carol Schlorff

Welcome to the Blog Tour for How to Kill a Giant by Carol Schlorff, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: How to Kill a Giant 
Series: How to Be a Hero #1 
Author: Carol Schlorff 
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing Inc 
Release Date: June 11, 2023 
Genre: Middle Grade Action and Adventure Fiction

He lost his courage. Will meeting a real superhero help him find it?  

An awful summer ... Thirteen-year-old Hugo is miserable. His move to a small Pennsylvania town has brought him nothing but trouble. Ignored by his new classmates and a favorite target for the school bullies, Hugo lets fear rule his life. It's going to be a long summer.  

An unexpected twist ... Hugo meets siblings Julia and Stefan, who are just as unhappy as he is. After finding a mysterious old Bible, all three are magically transported to ancient Israel, where they meet the young shepherd David, who suspects they're spies. The trio is caught up in a scary world where danger lurks on every side.  

A terrifying adventure ... As Hugo and his friends navigate the perils of this strange and frightening land, Hugo must face his greatest fear—that he's a coward. His only hope of survival is to learn the secret of David's bravery, but will he do so in time to face his biggest test? Find out in this thrilling tale of courage, friendship, and faith.  

How to Kill a Giant is a 2024 Christian Indie Awards Winner. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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About the Author

Carol Schlorff’s passion is to write exciting stories that encourage, inspire, and boost the reader’s faith, possibly because she has always felt like an outsider. She was born in North Africa to American parents and grew up in France. At age 15, her family’s abrupt move to Philadelphia resulted in a rough transition to American life.

After graduating from Penn State, Carol joined the Army in search of adventure. She was stationed in exotic—for her—locations like California, Arizona, and Texas. 

Since then, Carol has lived in Cracow, Poland, where she teaches English and organizes language camps. She also writes a blog on faith-related topics. 

Carol enjoys caring for her cat, Tabasco, watching a good murder mystery, and getting nervous while watching NFL games. Connect with her on her blog and Facebook.

Review

How to Kill a Giant is the debut novel for Carol Schlorff, and it was really well written. I look forward to sharing this with my kids. It is a YA book, and it hits the mark on the head. Bringing the bible to life and seeing things from a different perspective, it was delightful. For fans of Magic Tree House and the Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, this is the book for you.

The character development was good. We have Julia and Stefan- the siblings who are going through some family issues. Then Hugo is dealing with bullying at his new school. Being sucked into the bible story, David’s life shines a light on the issues the trio is dealing with back home.

The storyline was cute. I enjoyed the take on the bible story. It was fun to see David’s perspective and what things might have been like for him. It also brought some great themes and things for YA readers to think about.

Carol Schlorff did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the story. Which being a bible story can be easy to do. But she helped shed light on how we can use the bible to help and encourage our life when we deal with different circumstances.

Rating: 4.5 stars founded to 5

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $30 Amazon gift card and a copy of How to Kill a Giant (winner's choice between paperback or kindle)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 18, 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!

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

The Lawyer and the Laundress is Christine Hill Suntz debut novel, and it is a beautiful work of art. It can be hard to come across a Canadian historical fiction, and being a Canadian myself it is always a pleasure when I get to read a historical novel based in my home.

The character development is great. I loved seeing the layers behind Sara-widow who has lost so much. Seeing her work through her past to set her present right. She is not just a laundress. James, a widower has a lot to overcome. Trying to be the best single dad possible while unearthing political secrets.

The storyline and setting were a delight. I always appreciate a good story about my home country- Canada. My aunt lives in Holland Landing so when it was mentioned about the rebels living there it gave me a chuckle. I loved the storyline. I was rooting for Sara and James the whole time. Evie was such a sweetheart. She reminds me of my own daughter, trying so hard to pay attention, but sometimes she just needs a little adventure.

The marriage of convenience, slow-burn romance is a sweet low-spice, kisses-only story.

Christine Hill Suntz 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.

Fall Back and Find Me by Sarah Hanks

Fall Back and Find Me is the second book I have read written by Sarah Hanks and I look forward to reading more. This is the second book in the Sisters in Arms series and it can be read as a stand-alone. I have read books two and three in the series. This is a dual-timeline series, and it was so fun. It hooked me in from the very beginning.

The character development was great. Amber is the pastor’s wife and is used to doing everything. Then she comes down with a chronic illness POTS and has to learn how to live with the limitations her body is setting on her. She is having a hard time with that and struggles with God, while also dealing with her mother’s mental illness and her trauma of being in the foster system for a time. Lily is someone at church who comes to help Amber, but she has her struggles she is trying to run away from at home. Willow is a relative who was a woman who fought in the Civil War. Each woman is dealing with something and trying to find God in it all.

The storyline and setting were great. It was a fun dynamic dealing with historical and contemporary. It was fun seeing some of the struggles that occurred during the Civil War. It was also enjoyable to realize some of the difficulties that people with chronic illnesses deal with. The author's note also helped put things into perspective.

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.

The Rules of Matrimony by Anneka R. Walker

The Rules of Matrimony is the second book I have read written by Anneka R. Walker and I look forward to reading more. This is the fourth book in the Matchmaking Mamas series, though the books can be read as standalone. Still, the other matchmade couples are mentioned in the story as they are a group of friends. This story was a fun twist on matchmaking.

The character development was great. I loved seeing Amie as she struggled through her emotions. Ian was fun to get to know and he realized why he wanted a marriage of convenience and his reason behind it all. While trying to help society but also trying to withstand his heart’s desire-the inner battle.

The storyline and setting were great. The regency time period made for a perfect addition. I enjoyed the whole matchmaking marriage of convenience trope. My favorite scene was probably when the uncle came in with the rules of marriage and tried to annul the marriage.

The romance between Amie and Ian is a marriage of convenience, turned love. It is a sweet low-spice, kisses-only story.

Anneka R. Walker did a good 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.

EXtreme Blindside by Leslea Wahl

EXtreme Blindside is the second book I have read written by Leslea Wahl and I am thoroughly impressed. This is the second book in the series, though I have not read the first book, and I do not feel like I am missing too much. Things that happen in the first book are mentioned, but there is enough mentioned that you are not left with holes. Though this book can be enjoyed by all ages, this is geared towards YA mystery, and it is perfect for that genre.

The character development was good. I loved watching Jake navigate being a famous snowboarder while having to navigate his new relationship and adoring stars who do not hold to his Christian values. Sophie is trying to figure out her relationship with Jake while also figuring out her own teen emotions. As she aspires to be a journalist and is given this great opportunity to write an article on her boyfriend and the other snowboarders, she is also trying to help figure out who is sabotaging the games.

The storyline and setting were great. Having lived in Colorado, I always enjoy a story that takes me back, especially to the mountains. I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes aspect of the extreme games, while also trying to solve the mystery with Sophie and Jake.

The romance aspect is light and sweet, kisses-only between Jake and Sophie. There is a discussion about sleeping around when a fan tries to give Jake her hotel room card. But it is later discussed between Sophie and Jake and Jake talks about saving themself for marriage because that’s the way God intended it for. Which is the perfect message I want to give to my teens.

Leslea Wahl did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. It was encouraging to see how the character's faith was an integral aspect of their life. Though written from a catholic aspect, it can be enjoyed by all.

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