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Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Battered Bride by Erica Vetsch

 




Book: The Bartered Bride

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A rebellious suffragette and a steadfast sailor—tied by duty, divided by secrets, and tempted by a love that changes everything.

A born sailor, Jonathan Kennebrae thrives in his role running his grandfather’s shipping enterprise. That is until his grandfather delivers a crippling ultimatum—Jonathan will marry Melissa Brooke or lose his inheritance and everything he’s worked for. Though Jonathan finds himself drawn to Melissa, he can’t help feeling his intended may not be who she appears to be.

​Melissa Brooke is tired of being voiceless. She’s been the perfect daughter all her life, doing what she’s told for the good of the family. Except she has a secret. Melissa lives a double life, teaching literacy to struggling immigrant women and fighting for the suffragette movement. If she goes through with the wedding, she’ll be forced to abandon her life’s work. Yet refusing the union could cost her any chance at an inheritance to fund her cause. To make matters worse, she can’t deny the tender feelings blooming between her and her fiancé.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre of mine. The Bartered Bride by Erica Vetsch is Book 1 in The Kennabrae Brides series. I have come to look forward to new releases by Erica Vetsch and being a new series I was excited to read this book.

I jumped right into the book and I kept reading until I finished it. The storyline is 1095 in Minnesota. The 2 main characters are Jonathan Kennebrae and Melissa Brooke. Jonathan and Melissa were born into Wealthy Families. Jonathan has spent his life helping run the Family Shipping Business that his Grandfather started. Jonathan loves his job and loves his family. Melissa also enjoys her work that she does. Her family and others are unaware that she helps women immigrants learn to read and a part of a movement, both things her family would not approve of. Jonathan's Grandfather arranges a marriage for Melissa to marry Jonathan or he loses his inheritance and Melissa could have to forfeit her inheritance from her family. Jonathan and Melissa are unsure of the arrangement and feel forced to marry to protect their futures. I really enjoy how the pair took their time to get to know each other, even with twists and secrets revealed. Jonathan and Melissa trusted God to help them through the obstacles that could have prevented a true love to grow from a forced love. The book is about Second Chances, Trust, Faith and LOVE.  I really enjoy novels with Arranged Marriages and I would HIGHLY recommend this book. FANTASTIC BOOK!









Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online where she spends way too much time!

 

More from Erica

Do you ever wish you could turn back time? That’s what I recently got to do, as I read through my very first published novel, The Bartered Bride, that is now being re-released by Wild Heart Books.

What a blast from the past. I was amazed at all the feelings that rushed back in as I revisited Duluth, MN in the last century. Melissa and Jonathan hadn’t changed a bit in sixteen years.

The story idea first came to me as I sat in church awaiting the start of the service. There I was, a not-yet-published-author, minding my own business when the plot sort of burst into my head. An arranged marriage set in Duluth, and using the “Gales of November” and the wreck of the Mataafa…

I jotted down a few notes, because face it, the best idea for a novel could pop into my head, and if I don’t write down the gist, I will forget it in two minutes.

I wrote The Bartered Bride in about six weeks, and I sent it through my critique group of the time. Then my agent submitted it to the publisher in the spring of 2008.

And we waited.

And waited.

And waited.

We heard nothing for months. My agent sent word that the publisher was still considering it, and I was to be patient. It wasn’t a no, but it also wasn’t a resounding yes!

I had already started the sequel to The Bartered Bride, a story called Marriage Masquerade, so I finished that one, and then with summer upon me, I wrote a new story, Clara and the Cowboy, about an heiress to a ranch and one of the cowboys who rode for her father. Maybe the publisher would like that series better. I heard nothing all summer on either of the two series I had proposed and submitted.

Then in September of that year, I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. The conference was being held in Minnesota, just a hop up the road from where I live. I ferried agents and editors from the airport to the hotel, I met people, I sat in workshops, all the time wondering if I would ever be a published author. Would my writing ever be ‘good enough’? Was I wasting my time?

Imagine my surprise when the publisher to whom I had submitted The Bartered Bride took the stage at a general session and announced that they were offering a contract to me for that book! Not only that, but when I had an appointment with the editor later, she offered not only a three-book contract on the The North Star Brides, but an additional three-book contract for the Brides of Money Creek of which Clara and the Cowboy was book one!

I had sold six books! The rest of the conference, you could have bought me for a dollar.

Melissa and Jonathan will always have a special place in my heart. They were the couple that started it all. I’m so glad they are getting a new start, and hopefully they will touch readers’ hearts as much as they have mine.



Life on Chickadee Lane, July 28

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 28

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

lakesidelivingsite, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Betti Mace, July 31

Fiction Book Lover, July 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Devoted To Hope, August 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Devoted Steps, August 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Simple Harvest Reads, August 3 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Stories By Gina, August 4 (Author Interview)

Inklings and Notions, August 4

For HIm and My Family, August 5

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Guest Review from Donna)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Book Looks by Lisa, August 7

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Bizwings Book Blog, August 8

Vicky Sluiter, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Cover Lover Book Review, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10




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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54260







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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste


A Family on His Doorstep JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



A Family on His Doorstep

Title: A Family On His Doorstep 
Author:
Alena Auguste 
Publisher:
Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date:
July 29, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sometimes a tough situation

Requires a leap of faith… 

Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walker overcome their scars from the past and embrace the possibility of a happily-ever-after together?  




Christian Contempory Romance by the LOVE Inspired brand is a wonderful genre. A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste is the latest book in the genre that I have read. The LOVE Inspired books are one of my favorite series, so I was excited to read this book by a new to me author. 

WOW, this storyline had me hooked from the beginning. Rebecca Young is about to become a Single Mom and has no job. Rebecca is Pregnant and her Ex-boyfriend has passed away. She makes her way to Eden, Texas, to the home of her Ex-Boyfriend, to deliver a box to his family. She is surprised when, Walker Greystone, the cousin of her Ex offers her Room and Board and helps her secure a librarian job, she accepts the offer with gladness. I LOVE how Rebecca is eager to work at the Library and make a life for herself. The surprise in this story was that Walker was working on a project at the Library and notices Rebecca often. They begin to form a friendship and relationship. Walker has a "reputation" in town because of the troubles of his Father and Grandfather. I love the way Rebecca encourages him that he is not a failure and he begins to see God in his life. The changes in Walker's life because he allows God to be in control are outstanding. I also see that Vince's family, her Ex-boyfriend and father of her unborn child, is very accepting of Rebecca. Walker and Rebecca are growing closer and acknowledging they have strong feelings toward one another. Walker has overcome so much in this short time and feels God is telling him that Rebecca is "the one". This book is one of Faith, Second Chances, Trust, and Family. I really enjoyed this book and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian Contemporary Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!




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






Alena Auguste lives in Texas and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Married to her very own knight for thirty plus years, she and her husband have four amazing grown children and two of the handsomest grandsons ever! When she’s not creating trouble for her characters or working at the family business, you can find her cozying up with a steaming cup of tea and a good book. She would love to hear from you at alenaauguste.com.




(1) winners will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

A Family on His Doorstep JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 4, 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours






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Monday, July 28, 2025

iRead Book Tours Blog Tour: SERVES YOU RIGHT by Orion Gregory

 



Book Details:

Book Title:  Serves You Right by Orion Gregory
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 300 pages 
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher:  Publish Authority
Release date:   July 8, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: No explicit sex scenes, a couple of f-words, one suicide.




Rookie detective Sydney Livingstone thought she’d left the chaos of her tennis career behind when she joined the small Walsh County Police Department. But a shadowy figure known as "The Enforcer" has other plans. On the dark web, a vigilante is waging their own brand of justice, pushing Sydney to confront a force that threatens to unravel everything she holds dear.

As she investigates a disturbing series of events, including a stalker targeting a seasoned officer, Sydney must navigate the twisted maze of corruption, deception, and a growing conspiracy within her own department. With the media spotlight on Walsh County and danger closing in, will Sydney uncover the truth—or become its next victim?​


Mystery and Thriller genre is a favorite genre of mine. Serves You Right by Orion Gregory is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in the Sydney Livingstone Detective Series. 

WOW, this book captivated my interest immediately. The setting is in Walsh County, Ohio. Sydney Livingstone has given up a Tennis Career to become a Detective. The Murder spree that Syndey is investigating is very intriguing. Sydney begins to see a corrupt Police Department and so much more, even as a Rookie Detective. I really LOVE that Sydney stays strong against the Vigilante and the one known as "The Enforcer". The actions around town begin to catch the attention of the media and they begin to report things and Sydney is worried if this could do damage to her investigation or even to her. The book has many twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I truly enjoyed this storyline from beginning to end. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Mystery and Thriller genre. GREAT BOOK!










Orion Gregory spent the early part of his career as a writer in the newspaper, magazine, and advertising industries, where he was the recipient of several prestigious awards. The latter part of his working career consisted of more than 25 years in marketing/sales industry. He never forgot his love of writing during that time, and always vowed to return to his roots. Presently, Orion spends the majority of his time writing mystery/thriller novels when he’s not coaching or teaching tennis. He finds great pleasure in mentoring young people and improving the conditions of animals in need. His life revolves around his wife and two daughters, as well as the wonderful friends he has made along his journey. He subscribes to the theory that the only bad pun is the one left unsaid.

connect with the author: website x ~ facebook instagram ~ goodreads












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Sunday, July 27, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Reverend's Second Chance by Lauralyn Keller





Book: The Reverend’s Second Chance

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 15, 2025

A buried secret in Harmony Springs could cost a pastor and a teacher their careers—and their second chance at love.

Lydia Jefferson buried her dreams long before the death of her husband. Now she’s locked her heart to men for good. In Harmony Springs, she’s finally found freedom from the shameful failure and loss of her past—until her childhood sweetheart arrives to be the new pastor.

Samuel Allen never thought he’d love again, not after his fiancée walked out of his life. But when his first church assignment sends him to Harmony Springs, he finds himself face to face with the woman who disappeared from his life seven years before. Could this be a second chance at love? Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with him.

When an orphaned child brings Lydia and Samuel together again, can they face the pain of their past and learn to trust each other enough to build a home?

 

Click here to get your copy!



 



Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

 

 

More from Lauralyn

Baking is one of my favorite activities. I find it relaxing, and it’s so fun trying new recipes. You might have noticed that there are generally some kind of dish or treat in my stories that characters really like. For Lydia Jefferson in The Reverend’s Second Chance, that treat is a cookie called cinnamon jumbles. It plays a part in her love story with Samuel Allen, the new pastor for Harmony Springs.

I asked ChatGPT how to make the best cinnamon jumbles. Here’s what it came up with.

Cinnamon jumbles are such a cozy, nostalgic treat! They’re chewy cookies with the perfect balance of cinnamon sugar, and they’re pretty easy to make. Here’s a recipe that will give you soft, chewy cinnamon jumbles with a nice little crunch on the outside.

Best Cinnamon Jumbles Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your cookies tender.
  6. Roll the Dough: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for rolling. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  7. Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
  8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

  • Softness: For softer cookies, don’t overbake them. The cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool on the baking sheet.
  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should stay soft for about 3-4 days.

I (Lauralyn) hope you enjoy this cookie recipe. Maybe you can even make them and enjoy a few with a nice cup of coffee or tea while reading The Reverend’s Second Chance. Lydia would approve. :)

God bless,

Lauralyn



Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 21

lakesidelivingsite, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

Guild Master, July 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

Simple Harvest Reads, July 26 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , July 27

For Him and My Family, July 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 29

Fiction Book Lover, July 30 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, July 30

Vicky Sluiter, July 31

Cover Lover Book Review, August 1

Holly’s Book Corner, August 2

Pause for Tales, August 3



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

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







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Friday, July 25, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Last Disciple: Gospel of John by Kurt Brouwer





Book: The Last Disciple: Gospel of John (The Last Disciple Book Four)

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: February 10, 2025

Discover the Untold Story of the Last Disciple to Witness the Miracles of Christ

In a world shrouded in doubt and darkness, one man holds the key to the greatest story ever told.

The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating new Christian historical novel from Kurt Brouwer. Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of one who was there. John, a disciple of Christ, watched the Son of God sacrifice his life on the Cross and entered the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the grave.

Witness Jesus Through the Eyes of One Who Was with Him

Years after witnessing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John seeks to faithfully write down the life-changing events he experienced firsthand.

Go back in time with John to old Jerusalem as he describes the fateful meeting between the Messiah and Nicodemus in which Christ uttered the most beloved passage in the Bible: ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John sets down the true story of Christ, contending with those who seek to water down the gospel message. Accompanied by trusted allies like Emmaus and Avram, John travels from Ephesus to Laodicea, Hierapolis, and beyond, determined to ensure the world never forgets the sacrifice and love of the Son of God.

John reunites with his old friend and fellow disciple, Philip, who is gravely ill. In a desperate bid to save Philip’s life, John seeks out the help of Evangeline, a skilled herbalist and healer. After Philip recovers, a mob whipped up by a high priest of the goddess Cybele lays in wait to attack John and Philip.

Will violent enemies of the faith cut off the gospel message John carries?

Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of the Beloved Disciple—and discover how one man’s courage can change the course of history.

If you’re struggling with doubt, searching for meaning, or hungry to deepen your faith, The Last Disciple: Gospel of John is the Christian novel you’ve been waiting for.

Don’t miss this gripping tale of courage, conviction, and the eternal power of the gospel!

 

Click here to get your copy!



 



Kurt Brouwer is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church on the Big Island of Hawaii. So, in addition to all the usual temptations writers face, Kurt has to fight off the lure of beautiful beaches, pounding surf, great weather, and lush golf courses. Can you imagine?

About nine years ago, Kurt did a study for his church on the Apostle John. If you’ve ever been obsessed by anything, you’ll understand what happened. Kurt couldn’t stop researching, digging, diving into the life of John and other first century Christians. Kurt read books by early church historians who wrote quite a bit more more about the disciples, but they often contradicted each other. Further, they never really delved into the daily lives and motivations, joys and sorrows of the first Christians.

Kurt took all of his research and knowledge, all the insights and details he had acquired and turned it into a series of Christian historical novels based on research and Biblical knowledge.

The first four books in the series are now available:

The Last Disciple: Crisis in JerusalemThe Last Disciple: Escape to AntiochThe Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus, and The Last Disciple: Gospel of John.

You can also read more on why he started the series at his website.

More from Kurt

About 10 years ago, I read a piece on BibleGateway.com estimating that the Gospel of John came out fifty years or more after the Crucifixion of Christ! I couldn’t stop wondering what John did all those years? Why did it take so long to write the fourth gospel? Was it the world’s longest case of writer’s block?

In this new book, The Last Disciple: Gospel of John, we witness John struggling to put down on papyrus the life-changing events he experienced as he walked with Jesus. We go back in time and watch Christ uttering the most beloved verse in the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

While we all know this verse as John 3:16, John himself would not have understood this designation at all. It’s obvious to us that it refers to the book of John, chapter three, verse sixteen.

But, in the course of research for this series, I found out that chapter and verse did not exist in the first century. In fact, the first published Bible that used this format for both the Old Testament and the New Testament was the Geneva Bible published after 1500 AD.

As you can tell, I’m having fun writing these books. Each day I try to faithfully depict the lives of the first Christians and to show their love for Jesus and faith in the gospel message.



Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 18

Inspired by Fiction, July 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 19

Bizwings Book Blog, July 20

Artistic Nobody, July 21 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, July 21

She Lives to Read, July 22

Fiction Book Lover, July 23 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 25

Simple Harvest Reads, July 26 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, July 27

Guild Master, July 28 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, July 29

Mary Hake, July 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 31 (Author Interview)



To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54252







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