A new fantasy based on Slavic folklore... Foul Days by Genoveva Dimova (Spotlight) #newbooks #bookx #fantasy #folklore @tbrbeyondbooks @torbooks

Welcome to my tour stop! Follow the tour here and read about this new release below...

Foul Days

(The Witches Compendium of Monsters #1)

By Genoveva Dimova

Adult Fantasy, Folklore

Paperback, eBook and Audiobook, 368 Pages

June 25, 2024 by Tor Trade

Summary

The Witcher meets Naomi Novik in this fast-paced fantasy rooted in Slavic folklore, from an assured new voice in genre

As a witch in the walled city of Chernograd, Kosara has plenty of practice taming rusalkas, fighting kikimoras, and brewing lycanthrope repellent. There’s only one monster Kosara can’t defeat: her ex the Zmey, known as the Tsar of Monsters. She’s defied him one too many times, and now he’s hunting her. Betrayed to him by someone close to her, Kosara’s only hope is to trade her shadow―the source of her powers―for illegal passage across the Wall to Belograd, where monsters can’t follow.

Life in Belograd should be sweet, but Kosara soon develops a fast-acting version of the deadly wasting sickness that stalks shadowless witches―and only reclaiming her magic can cure her. To trace her shadow, she’ll have to team up with the suspiciously honorable detective investigating the death of the smuggler who brought her across the Wall.

Even worse than working with the cops is that all the clues point in a single direction: one of the Zmey’s monsters has found a crack in the Wall, and Kosara’s magic is now in the Zmey’s hands.

The clock is ticking, the hunt is on, and Kosara’s priorities should be clear―but is she the hunter or the hunted? And in a city where everyone is out for themselves, who can Kosara trust to assist her in outwitting the man―the Monster―she’s never been able to escape alone?

Content Warning: Physical and psychological abuse by a partner, violence, murder, arrest and imprisonment, drugging

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Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

Genoveva Dimova is a Bulgarian fantasy author and archaeologist based in Scotland. Her debut novel inspired by Slavic folklore, Foul Days, is coming out in June 2024, with the sequel, Monstrous Nights to follow in October 2024. When she’s not writing, she likes to explore old ruins, climb even older hills, and listen to practically ancient rock music.

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Do you enjoy reading fantasy? Are you a fan of The Witcher? Does this sound like a book you'd enjoy?

Read an excerpt from this Christian historical romance... Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M. Beller (Excerpt) #newbooks #bookx #christfic #christianfiction #christianromance #romancebooks #histfic #historicalfiction #sistersoftherockies #rockymountainjourney #BHPFiction @MistyMBeller @Bethany_House @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop with Austenprose! You can read my review

of this story here and read on below for an excerpt from the book...

Rocky Mountain Journey

(Sisters of the Rockies #3)

By Misty M. Beller

Christian Historical Romance

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 272 Pages

 June 18, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father’s life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith’s identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.

Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother’s location. Soon Grant realizes there’s a woman hiding among the men, and he’s determined to find out who she is, what she’s hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.

In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

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Excerpt

A shiver slid through her, and she glared at Rosie. “I’m beginning to think you don’t care. But I do.” The burn of tears swept in fast. She was going to lose control if she didn’t stop talking. She dropped her voice for the last bit. “I do care. I care about a helpless woman out there alone in the mountains. And I care about Papa. I will accomplish what he asked of us.”

Rosie studied her, brows knit as though she didn’t understand why Faith was so upset. She reached out and touched Faith’s arm, and it took everything within her not to jerk away.

“I care, Faithie. We all do. It’s just that we also have to take care of those still with us on this earth. Those who are expecting—” She waved a hand around. “Our family. The ranch. We have responsibilities. Papa would understand that responsibility better than anyone. He would want us to wait for the right time.” Her face softened as her eyes turned distant. “I remember how he used to stay with the horses when they colicked, walking them for hours to help them recover from a twisted gut. He did whatever he had to.”

Pain pressed in Faith’s belly, a twisting that would steal her breath if she let it linger. She had no memory of Papa walking the horses when they colicked. It seemed all the good times had taken place when Faith was too young to remember. She was the baby of the family, so to her Papa had always seemed old—­never young and vibrant—­as far back as she could recall. The stories of his younger days sounded so thrilling.

Rosemary might be right about Papa understanding responsibility, but that only proved Faith’s point all the more. They had a responsibility to find Steps Right and return those beads to her. The necklace had once been an heirloom within her own family, passed down through the generations.

Steps Right had been wearing the string when she discovered their father on the plains, nearly dead. While her sister had gone back to their village to get help, she’d stayed with Papa and nursed him through the night, keeping him alive and awake in the cold by having him tell stories of his wife and daughters. A story for every bead on the necklace.

She’d continued to care for him at her village, then when he recovered enough to rejoin his trapping companion, Steps Right had sent the strand of beads with him as a gift.

And as her papa lay dying, he’d tasked his four daughters—­and her specifically, in that moment between the two of them—­with returning the beads to her so they could be reunited with the Peigan family that had treasured them for generations.

Faith would fulfill that responsibility. Even if she had to do it alone.

Rosemary picked up the basket and turned with a smile. “We’ll find her, Faith. I promise. As soon as we can.” Then she started for the door. “I think Elise and Goes Ahead have arrived. I hear the children outside.”

The family planned to set out tomorrow morning for a short trip to visit nearby villages they’d worked with in the past. Similar to the missionary journeys the apostle Paul had embarked on during Bible days.

How exciting it must be to travel so much. To see more of this vast, breathtaking land

and meet its inhabitants. They’d probably seen a host of waterfalls throughout the mountains. They could have even been to the place where Steps Right lived right now.

An idea slipped into Faith’s mind. What if she went with them tomorrow? They’d said this upcoming journey would be shorter than most, likely only a month, before they circled back to the trading post to restock supplies before a longer trip that would last through the winter.

She could accompany them. They planned to start northward, and White Horse had once mentioned a waterfall he knew in that direction. She could at least check that one. And they might even pass others she could search.

Hope rushed into her spirit, and she spun to gather Bertie and head outside. She would have to be convincing, but hopefully her sisters wouldn’t mind her setting off with trusted friends to help share their faith.

It was time she took control of this search and accomplish what Papa had begged of them. Be the daughter he’d believed her to be. Then maybe the pain of losing him would finally start to heal.

Chapter 1, pages 18-20

From Rocky Mountain Journey © 2024, Misty M. Beller, published by Bethany House

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my reviews.)

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller (MistyMBeller.com) writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven through with the truth of God's love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children.

Have you ever been to the Rockies? Is it a place you'd like to see?

Visit Paris in this cozy mystery... An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder by Dianne Freeman (Review) #anartloversguidetoparisandmurder #countessofharleighseries #diannefreeman #historicalmystery #cozymystery #newbooks #bookx #austenprosepr @Difreeman001 @KensingtonBooks @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review below...

An Art Lover's Guide to Paris and Murder

(Countess of Harleigh Mysteries #7)

By Dianne Freeman

Historical Romantic Mystery, Suspense

Hardcover, eBook & Audiobook, 304 Pages

June 25, 2024 by Kensington

Summary

Filled with Victorian-era intrigue for readers of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, and Julia Seales, Dianne Freeman’s Agatha Award-winning series takes a delightful jaunt to the City of Light as Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, encounters a murder scene at the Paris Exposition.

Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George’s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew’s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia is not entirely forthcoming about her reasons, she is clearly a woman mourning a lost love.

At the exposition, swarming with tourists, tragedy casts a pall on the festivities. A footbridge collapses. Julia is among the casualties. However, she was not just another fateful victim. Julia was stabbed to death amid the chaos. With an official investigation at a standstill, George and Frances realize that to solve the case they must dig into Julia’s life—as well as Paul’s—and question everything and everyone in Julia’s coterie of artists and secrets.

They have no shortage of suspects. There is Paul’s inscrutable widow, Gabrielle. Paul’s art dealer and manager, Lucien. Julia’s friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak. And art jurist, Monsieur Beaufoy. The investigation takes a turn when it’s revealed that George has inherited control of Julia’s estate—and another of her secrets. While George investigates, Frances safeguards their new legacy, and is drawn further into danger by a killer determined to keep the past buried.

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My Review

AN ART LOVER'S GUIDE TO PARIS AND MURDER is a story set in Paris during the Exposition when an aunt calls her nephew and his wife to come because she believes there was foul play in the death of an artist friend. However, not everyone is as they seem, and danger lurks as they try to investigate. The lush setting, likable characters and an interesting plot make this an intriguing story that cozy historical mystery fans are sure to enjoy!

This is the first book I've read from this series. The author did a good job in alluding to prior stories but writing this in such a way that this book could easily be read on its own. The characters are well drawn with a new setting for this mystery that makes it easy to become immersed in this story. There are touches of romance here and there as these characters are still newlyweds. Romance that is light, organic and didn't overtake the story. I like how George and Frances work together in their sleuthing, how they tease but also respect each other as equals. The mystery slowly unravels with plenty of potential suspects and motives. I had a fairly good idea who not to trust from about the half-way point, but it is a bit complicated, and I didn't know how things would play out. Everything gets a bit crazy as the danger grows to a climatic ending where I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable story. All the required parts are here for a good mystery with properly selfish villains, likable leading characters, murder and danger with a few other complications to make things interesting. Definitely recommended to historical cozy mystery fans!

Content: Some suggestive content, references to affairs, drinking, murder, but nothing overly detailed.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Agatha and Lefty Award winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, a two-time finalist for the Macavity’s Sue Feder Memorial Award, and a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband now split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at DiFreeman.com.

Are you a fan of historical romantic mysteries? Have you read any of the books in this series? Does this book sound like one you'd enjoy?

Another delightful Austenesque mystery in this series... The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray (Review) #mustread #5starread #cleanreads#theperilsofladycatherinedebourgh #mrdarcyandmisstilneymysteries #claudiagray #historicalmystery #austenesquefiction #newbooks #bookx #austenprosepr @claudiagray @VintageAnchor @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop for this delightful book! Read my 5-star review below...

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh

(Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery #3)

By Claudia Gray

Historical Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Austenesque, Adaptation

Paperback, eBook & Audiobook, 352 Pages

June 18, 2024 by Vintage

Summary

The third book in the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery series, which finds the amateur sleuths facing their most daunting challenge yet: preventing the murder of the imperious Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Someone is trying to kill Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Esteemed aunt of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, generous patroness of Mr. William Collins, a woman of rank who rules over the estate of Rosings Park with an unimpeachable sense of propriety—who would dare? Lady Catherine summons her grand-nephew, Mr. Jonathan Darcy, and his investigative companion, Miss Juliet Tilney, to find out.

After a year apart, Jonathan and Juliet are thrilled to be reunited, even if the circumstances—finding whoever has thus far sabotaged Lady Catherine's carriage, shot at her, and nearly pushed her down the stairs—are less than ideal. Also less than ideal: their respective fathers, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mr. Henry Tilney, have accompanied the young detectives to Rosings, and the two men do not interact with the same felicity enjoyed by their children.

With attempts against Lady Catherine escalating, and no one among the list of prime suspects seemingly capable of committing all of the attacks, the pressure on Jonathan and Juliet mounts—even as more gentle feelings between the two of them begin to bloom. The race is now on to provoke two confessions: one from the attempted murderer before it is too late—and one, perhaps, of love.

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My Review

THE PERILS OF LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH is another delightful Austenesque mystery series perfect for Austen fans! Fans of the series will love immersing themselves with these characters and another mystery, while those new to the series will also enjoy seeing familiar characters and getting to know the next generation as a mystery is solved. Likable characters (one neurodivergent), an engaging plot, and a touch of romance make this a very enjoyable read!

I loved being back with Jonathan and Juliet as they try to figure out the mystery of the threats against Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I love both of these characters and the workings of their imaginations and minds. Jonathan has a bit more of a struggle being neurodivergent, which wasn't something understood very well during this time period. It makes for more of a challenge in some things but not in others. Juliet is a bit unconventional for a woman at the time, even though solving mysteries was forced upon her a bit by circumstance. Both their fathers travel with them on this adventure about 20 years from when Pride and Prejudice took place. The Collins and Colonel Fitzwilliam are all present for this story as well, so there is a mix of familiar characters who we get to know on a deeper level years later as well as some new characters. Although, those who aren't familiar with Austen can certainly enjoy this story as well, it is better enjoyed if readers are.

This is a cozy mystery with plenty of possible suspects. and a touch of romance. I liked that as the story progressed there were more and more red herrings as there is more than just attempted murder going on. When you have some hidden secrets by some of the characters it makes you doubt if they're as innocent as you think or hope. Only as the story neared the end was it clear who the villain was. It's not often that a story can keep me guessing and in such an enjoyable way. The historical aspects were done well, with the societal norms and expectations of the time properly portrayed and also addressed, which I felt was a lovely nod to Austen. I also appreciated that the romantic aspect didn't overtake the mystery but was well balanced and a continual thread in this series. I'm hopeful for an eventual happy-ever-after for these characters.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved reading this newest addition to the series! A truly delightful read! I'm hopeful there will be at least two more books in this series to come as we need one set in the story of Emma and one set in the story of Northanger Abbey.

Content: Attempted murder.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my reviews.)

About the Author

Claudia Gray is the pseudonym of Amy Vincent. She is the author of the Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney Mysteries, which began with The Murder of Mr. Wickham. She is also the writer of multiple young adult novels, including the Evernight series, the Firebird trilogy, and the Constellation trilogy; in addition, she’s written several Star Wars novels, such as Lost Stars and Bloodline, and is one of the story architects of the High Republic series. She makes her home in New Orleans with her husband Paul and assorted small dogs.

You can find the author here.

Are you fan of this author or cozy historical mysteries? Have you read any of the books in this series? Have you read any other stories set in another author's fictional world?

I Can't Wait for... A Proper Façade by Esther Hatch (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #aproperfacade #estherhatch #romancebooks #cleanreads #cleanromance

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I binge read this series not too long ago and will be binge reading it again. It's just a delightful, fun, sweet, swoon-worthy series. The fourth book that come out soon is my pick this week...

A Proper Façade

(Proper Scandals #4)

By Esther Hatch

Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 248 Pages

August 20, 2024 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Mercy Rothschild has always been granted an unusually long tether by her parents, who have never pushed her to marry until she’s ready. She assumes that when the right man comes along, she will marry for love. However, even her long-suffering parents have their limits. As she embarks on her third Season, they begin to pressure her to find a match. And the Duke of Harrington is the perfect candidate.

Nicholas Kendrick, Duke of Harrington, follows the rules of the ton meticulously. When he determines that Mercy is the ideal candidate for a wife, he marches dutifully toward her along the courtship path. Desperate to extricate herself from Harrington’s advances, Mercy concludes that there is only one course of action: she must push her intended into the arms of another woman. But when Mercy becomes acquainted with the man behind the proper facade, her plans come crashing down as she realizes that stiff and proper Harrington might be the very man she’s been waiting for. If only she hadn’t been so successful in her plot to thwart her chances with him.

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Will you be reading this one?

Check out a Q&A with the author of this new reimagining of a classic... Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren (Interview) #AdventuresOfMaryJane #TBRBeyondTours #HopeJahren #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #histfic @delacortepress @tbrbeyondtours

Welcome! I'm excited to share an exclusive

interview with the author today! Read on below...

Adventures of Mary Jane

By Hope Jahren

Young Adult Historical Fiction

Hardcover, eBook & Audiobook, 464 Pages

June 25, 2024 by Delacorte Press

Summary

In this brand new reimagining, Mary Jane—the red-headed spark from Mark Twain's, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, who stole Huck’s heart in just 30 pages—comes to life with her own story of adventuring down the Mississippi River in the 1840’s.

Meet Mary Jane Guild — she’s on a dangerous and unpredictable adventure down the Mississippi River — and she’ll steal Huck Finn’s heart along the way.

In these chapters you’ll come to know the real Mary a girl on her own dangerous and unpredictable journey down the Mississippi River in pre–Civil War America. Equipped with an uncanny ability for mathematics, a talent for sewing, and a bale of beaver skins, Mary Jane navigates deadly illnesses, angry mobs, treacherous landowners, outright thieves and swindlers, and more than a thousand miles of muddy water. What’s more, she thrives in the face of these challenges, thanks to support from a caring boat captain, generous neighbors, a cheery peddler, a chosen family, a loyal and loving dog, and two hardworking horses. Traveling solo requires Mary Jane to grow up fast, but it ultimately leads her to a new resilience, a love of adventure, deep and enduring sisterhood, and a blue-eyed, pony-tailed boy she can’t stop thinking about.

Jahren offers a wealth of layered characters and deeply researched, authentic details of changing times in the North and South. Using the language and style of Twain and shifting the point of view to a smart and determined young woman, she explores timeless themes of duty, family, romance, and betrayal, with grit and courage at the core.

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Author Interview

Welcome to my blog today to tell us more about the ADVENTURES OF MARY JANE!

Thank you for inviting me to be here!

How would you describe the main character(s) of your story?

Mary Jane is, above all, looking for friends. She’s all alone, out on her own, at age 14, trying to travel across the country and get to a safe place where she can just be herself. Did I mention the year is 1846?

What inspired the idea of writing about Mary Jane from Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

Like a lot of GenXers, I read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in highscool, then again in college, then to my own kiddo, and then for myself. I love the book, but there was one character – she only appeared in 20 or so pages – that never made sense to me. She was just too sweet and compliant to be real … and there was this dead body laying around … it just didn’t add up. After 10 year of puzzling over it, I set out to uncover who she really was and what she was up to during those days when she met Huck.

Did you find any interesting facts as you did research for this story?

So many! Did you know that in the 1800s on the American Frontier most people didn’t have “Right” and “Left” shoes? They just had two shoes that they could wear back and forth and swap out and repair as needed. It’s kind of smart, really.

What is your favorite part of the book?

When they harvest the honey. Can you imagine sitting out in a field on a sunny day with your best friends eating honey right off the comb you just pulled out of a tree – biting into the wax until the sweetness gushes out? What a great afternoon that would be!

What are you hoping readers will get out of the ADVENTURES OF MARY JANE?

I am hoping that they’ll feel like the got a new friend. Mary Jane is in a tough spot, and she needs friends. She’s willing to tell you all her secrets in the hopes that you’ll like her. For her sake, I really hope the reader does.

What are you working on next?

Mary Jane’s cousins, Susan and Joanna, have very different personalities, but they both go on to have different and exciting adventures of their own. I hope I get to tell their stories too!

About the Author

HOPE JAHREN is a teacher, scientist, and book lover living in Oslo, Norway. Recognized as one Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Jahren is the recipient of three Fulbright Awards and was named one of the Brilliant 10 by Popular Science magazine in 2005. She is the author of two works of nonfiction: The Story of More and Lab Girl, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography. Adventures of Mary Jane is her first work of fiction.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Did you read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? If you did, did you ever wonder about Mary Jane? What connected with you in the interview?

A story of forgiveness and resilience... The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #christfic #christianfiction #womensfiction @justreadtours

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

The Way Back

(Lights of Acadia #1 )

By Heidi Chiavaroli

Christian Women's Fiction, Dual Timeline, Romance

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 336 Pages

June 18, 2024 by Hope Creek Publishers 

Summary

Young love means everything . . . until it leaves you with nothing.

The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not. 

Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she seeks answers, the boyfriend who once cost her a promising future reappears, stirring up both pain and hope. 

When her mother's vindictive fans threaten her grandmother's livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?

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My Review

THE WAY BACK is a story of grief, pain, estrangement, and loss, but also of family, faith, hope, strength and love. It's about second chances and the forgiveness that takes place in a small town by the ocean between two old friends and three generations of women. It's also about a story of a woman who kept the lights burning in lighthouses and the strength she found in her faith. Christian fiction and romance readers should enjoy this heartfelt story.

I think this is a story that will resonate with a lot of people, especially with all that has happened in the last couple of years. I liked so many of the themes: forgiveness, second chances, family, friendship, strength, self-confidence, resilience. I loved both Laney and Jason as well as Laney's grandma. I also enjoyed getting to know Abbie in the past. Laney has a lot of trauma to work through as well as trying to decide who she is, who she would let into her life, and if she could forgive and trust in God. So many tough things to be able to move past and let go of, but also things to reach and hope for. I loved Jason's commitment to be there for Laney and how he worked through and was still working through his own trauma. I loved how open and accepting Laney's grandma was. How she just had unconditional love and how that resonated out to Laney in not only the emotion but in words and actions as well. The journey Laney goes through was hard to read, but also full of so many bright spots of hope and joy.

I want to share one part that I felt was especially poignant:

"I believe a God who heals sees our scars differently than we do. He's got a few of His own, after all. And they're not signs of pain and death, they're signs of victory."

There were some turns in the story and aspects that didn't work for me. The secondary story was a bit jarring at the beginning and drew me away. However, that did get better as the story went on and by the end, I was very invested. Also, towards the beginning there were some emotions and logic from Laney that felt forced. Sort of like the author wanted the character to come to a specific conclusion or feel a certain way that didn't feel natural. The romance was really quick. Almost insta-love and would have been if they didn't know each other previously. I really enjoyed this story until about the last fourth and then the story went downhill for me. Not every piece and character in a story needs to have resolution, with everyone changing for the better. A story can still end happily and there be a path towards hope without that. Most people who have been very self-focused don't change who they are and what they've done in a single moment. It would take more time and it feels very inconsistent and unrealistic when that happens. I also feel like it's emotionally and mentally healthy to learn to create boundaries and not let toxic people affect your life, regardless if they're family or not. You can still forgive, be happy, and have healthy boundaries. I think the story would have felt more authentic and genuine if it hadn't felt so forced and every single thing wasn't tied up so prettily.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was definitely a very poignant story with some good themes. I really liked the characters and their journey. The last part didn't work for me and definitely took away from how much I was liking this story. My issues may not be issues for other readers.

Content: Some references to self-harm, neglect, drinking, drugs, assault, teenage pregnancy, and death (both of a loved one and a teenager).

Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Heidi Chiavaroli (pronounced shev-uh-roli...sort of like Chevrolet and ravioli mushed together!) wrote her first story in third grade, titled I'd Cross the Desert for Milk. It wasn't until years later that she revisited writing, using her two small boys' nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn't stopped writing since! Heidi writes women's fiction, combining her love of history and literature to write both split time stories and contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her second Carol Award-winning novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott's life and led her to write The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Wyatt, her standard poodle.

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

Tour Schedule

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

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Way Back, themed canvas tote bag, bath salts, 3 specialty teas, ocean-inspired candle, magnet, gel pen, notebook, and $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked above. Giveaway began at midnight June 19, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 26, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Have you read any stories where there is a strained mother/daughter relastionship? Do you like second-chance romances?

A beautiful, masterly woven story... Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes (Review) #bornongildedmountains #amandadykes #historicalfiction #historicalromance #inspirationalfiction #newbooks #bookx #austenprosepr #bhpfiction @AJDykes @Bethany_House @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop with Austenprose! Read my review of this new release below...

Born of Gilded Mountains

By Amanda Dykes

Christian Historical Fiction, Epistolary

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 384 Pages

June 18, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

When newcomer Mercy Windsor arrives in Mercy Peak in 1948 after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood's beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood--an abandoned estate with a haunting history--and begins to restore it to its former glory.

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of that mountain's lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal, Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Engine No. 8, which vanished years ago, along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention another fabled treasure that--if found--could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Christianbook

My Review

BORN OF GILDED MOUNTAINS is a lush, lyrical story about two pen pal girls who become the closest of friends through their letters. It's about loss, grief, hardship, betrayal, but also friendship, sacrifice, giving, faith and love. Set in a small town that is slowly dying while two friends search for a treasure that will offer a second chance for them, others and this town. A not-to-be-missed beautiful story for historical fiction fans.

It's been a while since I've read a story like this one. A story that needs to be read slowly through prose that is almost lyrical in nature with deep relationships and equally deep meaning. It's a story that digs down deep just as these characters must do the same as they face life in all its difficulties and complexities. I adored both Rusty and Mercy as well as this small town that knows and loves its own. I laughed so many times when reading these girls' letters and then experiencing the town with its quirky people. My heart was lifted even as it was also torn with heartbreak in places and then lifted again as the treasure was sought and even a greater treasure found. This one dragged out all the feels. I appreciated that the author didn't tell me how to think or force parts of this story, but instead let these characters fall and learn and, as a reader, allowed me to be fully immersed and draw my own pieces of wisdom as I journeyed with them.

Here are a few of the places that resonated with me:

"But then, something happened, right there in the dark, when not a soul in the universe knew where I was. I can't—I can't explain it, but it was so sudden, and so thick, and heavy, and warm, and good—it was simply . . . comfort. Peace. Like the God who made those mountains to begin with looked down at that avalanche and found me, wrapping me up, and wherever He was, the fear began to fade."

"Back in the war, we were up in the Dolomites, we were encamped in the middle of winter. I went to the stream to fill my canteen and slipped on a patch of ice. But I got up, filled my canteen at the stream, and caught my reflection as I stood back up. I looked cold and hard and empty. Tired. And not just from the war. For the rest of the day, I couldn't get the ice or the stream out of my head. Both water—but one harmed, while the other gave life. I thought of Cal, tromping through marshy land with bare feet. Would he want to be held in a cold, hard, unmoving place of ice? That was the home my heart was giving to his memory. I hated that. And I realized I had a choice in what sort of home my heart was. It could be a place of life and movement and hope, like that stream. Or I could carry on as I was, bitter and growing colder and harder by the day. Cal didn't deserve that."

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved this story! Such a treasure and so many themes that resonated with me and would resonate differently with each reader. A masterly woven story of life, friendship and both lost and fulfilled dreams. Highly recommended!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Amanda Dykes's debut novel, Whose Waves These Are, was the winner of the prestigious 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, and the winner of an INSPY Award. She's also the author of All the Lost Places and Christy Award finalists Yours Is the Night and Set the Stars Alight. Find her online at AmandaDykes.com.

Have you read any of this author's other books? What interests you about this one?

A journey to fulfill a promise... Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M. Beller (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #christfic #christianfiction #christianromance #romancebooks #histfic #historicalfiction #sistersoftherockies #rockymountainjourney #BHPFiction @celebrate_lit @bethany_house

Welcome to my tour stop with Celebrate Lit!

Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

Rocky Mountain Journey

(Sisters of the Rockies #3)

By Misty M. Beller

Christian Historical Romance

Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 272 Pages

 June 18, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father’s life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith’s identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.

Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother’s location. Soon Grant realizes there’s a woman hiding among the men, and he’s determined to find out who she is, what she’s hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.

In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Christianbook

My Review

ROCKY MOUNTAIN JOURNEY is a story of a woman who desires to fulfill her deathbed promise to her father, even if it means doing it on her own, and a man who is also trying to fulfill a promise to his brother. It's about family, friendship, faith and romance as these characters face danger. Fans of the author and genre should enjoy this concluding story in the series.

It was fun to step back into this family of sisters and the rugged west as the baby of the family, Faith, tries to fulfill her promise to return a necklace to the woman who saved her father's life a couple of decades earlier. You don't have to have read the previous books to read this one, but it definitely enhanced the story since it helps to know who the characters all are and the previous journeys, struggles, and romances. I felt like the author did such a great job in showing the dynamics of these sisters, particularly how Faith felt about being told what to do and not really allowed to make her own choices and be her own person. She gets to come into her own in this story.

I loved the first part of this story as Faith works through her emotions and choices and starts off on her journey. There are some pretty humorous moments that start off a companionship of sorts and then leads to a deeper relationship and romance as the story progresses. I liked the characters separately as well as Faith and Grant together. The danger begins to escalate towards the end of the story with some intense moments. Everything ends sweetly, as you'd expect, with family, faith and love being at the center of this story.

I also had several issues with the story. There were places that dragged and where there were internal thoughts and dialogue that didn't hold my interest. The religious element was really strong in this novel. I tend to struggle with books where an individual is easily converted or have these great faith experiences because unless they're handled really well, they just come off as forced, unrealistic, and not genuine or organic. This felt like the case to me in this story and since that was most of the second half it didn't really work for me. I also had some issues with some of the action and the villains. The way the villains did things and how the action unfolded didn't work for me. It was like the author didn't visualize what her words were saying. I think the action scenes needed to be mapped or choregraphed out so that they worked. Then ending was a bit too overly sweet and tied up too prettily for me too.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a mixed read for me. I enjoyed the first part and not as much the second. However, for readers who mainly only read Christian historical romance and love this author, they should enjoy this story.

Content: Some violence, including some people killed in self-defense.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my reviews.)

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

Tour Schedule

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 18

Life, Love, Writing, June 19

Book Looks by Lisa, June 19

Wishful Endings, June 20

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22

Devoted To Hope, June 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Happily Managing a Houeshold of Boys, June 23

Betti Mace, June 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

lakesidelivingsite, June 25

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 26

Mornings at Character Cafe, June 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 27

Cover Lover Book Review, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Holly’s Book Corner, June 30

Blossoms and Blessings, June 30

Lily’s Corner, July 1

Pause for Tales, July 1

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

ENTER HERE

Have you read the previous books in this series or other books by this author? Do you Christian fiction where a character is converted during the story?