Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Book Review Blog Tour: Sweet Ridge Hearts by Susan Bagby

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Sweet Ridge Hearts by Susan Bagby!

Title: Sweet Ridge Hearts
Series: Maple Ridge #3
Author: Susan Bagby
Publisher: She Rises Studios
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sweet

Career-driven Katy Flanagan desperately wants to become the creative director of the Martin and Lewis marketing agency. But when she loses the promotion and gets dumped by her boyfriend the same day, Katy flees New York for a small-town break with her cousin Christine.

Yet even in country-quiet Maple Ridge, Katy’s skills can be useful, and she’s prepared to jump in to help Christine win a competition for her Sweet Ridge Bakery. What she’s not prepared for is handsome bakery manager Derek Higgins.

A veteran dealing with the aftermath of PTSD, Derek is a lone wolf, and he likes it that way. Being forced to work with a spirited businesswoman and her healthy ego is a challenge every step of the way. But the stakes are too high for him to give up helping his boss.

As the competition heats up, so does the chemistry with Katy—until she’s offered a new job in another city. Now she has to decide whether to take a risk and start her own company, or become the creative director of a new, successful firm, which is everything she ever wanted. At the same time, Derek must face his own issues when personal tragedy wraps him in survivor’s guilt, leaving him unable to forgive himself for past actions.

While Derek seeks to heal the wounds of a haunting past, and Katy searches for the courage to face her fears and forge a new path, what will become of their relationship?

Contempory Romance is a genre that I read every once in a while. Sweet Ridge Hearts by Susan Ragby is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 3 in the Maple Ridge Series. I have not read the first 2 in this series, but it seems to be a good standalone book.

I will admit it took me a bit to get the gist of the storyline. The main characters in this book are Katy Flanagan, who is career focused on becoming a "big time" Marketing Manager. Derek Higgins who is a Bakery Manager in Maple Ridge is the secondary main character. Katy decides to go visit her cousin, Christine, when life does a flip flop on her. Losing the opportunity to obtain a job she desperately wanted and breaking up with her boyfriend. This brings her to Maple Ridge and where she meets Derek Higgins. Derek is a Veteran and suffers from PTSD and is the manager of the town Bakery, which is owned by her cousin Christine. Katy decides to use her business skills to help her cousin win a contest. Derek seems intimated by Katy and her skills but he also wants to be a part of helping Christine win the contest. Derek and Katy seem to have a spark for one another, but Derek is trying to hold back. Katy and Derek have baggage that might prevent them from having a meaningful relationship. I really think the author handled the love story between Derek and Katy quite well, especially helping them overcome things to have a relationship. The book does contain some foul language and sexual content, so read with caution. I think, the storyline was good and would appeal to those who enjoy Contemporary Romance. Good BOOK!

More in This Series

Author Susan Bagby spent most of her life working with children and youth as a speech pathologist. After retirement, she moved back to her hometown of Akron, Ohio, and her debut novel, Christmas Wish Upon a Star, was published in 2022 and was a semi-finalist for the 2023 CIBA Chatelaine Book Awards for Romance Fiction. Her second book, Home for Love released in October of 2023 and was a second-place winner for the Romance-Wholesome category in the 2024 Spring BookFest Awards. Her third book, Sweet Ridge Hearts, was published in the fall of 2024 and won a first place for Romance-Wholesome category in the spring BookFest Awards 2025.

Susan belongs to the Great Lakes Fiction Writers organization and to Romance Writers of America (RWA). She is presently working on a new small-town romance series and loves seeing new characters come to life. When she’s not writing, she loves reading, walking in the woods, yoga, Pilates and playing the piano. She’s a firm believer that dreams do come true.

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

(2) winners will each receive a signed copy of Sweet Ridge Hearts and a $20 Amazon gift card!

The giveaway begins at midnight May 7, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 14, 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.

DISCLOSURE: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. The book contains some language that some readers may not agree with and/or use in their everyday life.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder

Book: Home Baked Bribery (Addie Masters Mysteries Book 2)

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release date: March 4, 2025

The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

Click here to get your copy!

Cozy Christian Mystery books are truly a favorite genre of mine. I like that the book has Mystery to it although a soft "cozy" one! Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder is the most recent book that I have read. It is Book 2 in the Addie Masters Mysteries series. I have not read Book 1 yet, but I do plan on doing so soon.

WOW, what an interesting and COZY book. Abbie Masters is the main character in this book. Talia is Abbie's roommate and is a baker in the Annual Bake Sale and Contest in Rockport. Abbie she is a Junk Removal and Handy Woman, but also loves investigations and mystery. The competition takes an interesting turn when the Celebrity Judge dies and Abbie decides to figure out who killed the judge. Abbie is also trying to help Poppie and Marigold, the local 100yr old twins, find their missing dogs. The book is fast paced and fun loving. I really enjoyed how Abbie has a great love for her town of Rockport and keeps busy with helping others. The mystery of who killed the judge had so many twists and turns and really kept me intrigued in the storyline. The 100 yr old twins were such a great addition to the story. I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries. GREAT BOOK!

Gina Holder is an indie 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.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25
By the Book, April 25
Vicky Sluiter, April 26
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26
Book Looks by Lisa, April 27
She Lives To Read, April 28
Leslie’s Library Escape, April 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30
Madi’s Musings, May 1
Hannahbandanarama, May 1
Texas Book-aholic, May 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4
Holly’s Book Corner, May 4
Lily’s Corner, May 5
DevotedToHope, May 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 8
For Him and My Family, May 8

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!

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/00adcf54204

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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Perfect by Kimberly Keagan

Perfect JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Perfect by Kimberly Keagan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Perfect
Series: Hearts on Display #1
Author: Kimberly Keagan
Publisher: Ventana Publishing, LLC
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance

In the glittering era of the Gilded Age, the heirs of Philadelphia’s Denwall Department Stores navigate family expectations, relentless ambition, and unexpected love.

William Walraven’s picture perfect life is turned upside down when his fiancée jilts him for an English aristocrat and his father refuses to name him as his successor. To prove he’s worthy of leading Denwall Department Stores, Will must open their first New York store under budget and before the Christmas shopping season.

Overwhelmed by disappointment and a nearly impossible deadline, Will has no time for distractions—especially not the captivating bookseller he saves from being crushed by a beer wagon.

Ivy King and her aging grandmother are barely keeping their struggling bookshop afloat. Though drawn to the charming, enigmatic man who saved her life, Ivy has no illusions about her place in the world. It certainly isn’t beside a department store heir whose dazzling emporium threatens to close her family’s business.

Brought together in the wake of an attack on Will’s brother, Will and Ivy find themselves at a crossroads—torn between the expectations that define them and a future neither expected.

Perfect is a clean, wholesome historical romance featuring opposites-attract tension, class differences, a touch of mystery and humor, and an inspirational journey of faith and love.

Historical Romance is a genre that I appreciate and LOVE to read. Perfect by Kimberly Keagan is Book 1 in the Hearts on Display series. It is also the Debut Novel for the author. I always LOVE reading Debut Novels.

I can honestly say the storyline caught my attention from the first pages. The setting is in New York City in 1895, the historical times of the Gilead Age. The main characters in this book are William Walraven and Ivy King. Will has a lot gong on in his life. A broken engagement to a woman whom he loved, yet she wanted someone else in life. He also has to open a Department store just before the Christmas Season and on a specific budget. Will is really focused on accomplishing this so he can prove his worthiness to his father. Ivy King helps her grandmother run a local bookstore. The bookstore has its struggles. Ivy and Will meet when Will saves Ivy from what could have been a major accident, getting crushed by a Beer Wagon. I believe Will and Ivy are meant for each other, but it certainly takes some struggles of the heart for both of them to realize how fitting they are for one another. Will also comes to realize that his father was not very encouraging to Will and only wanted to make it BIG in the world, all the while not giving enough time to the important ones in life. Ivy LOVES helping her Grandmother at the Bookstore, even though the Bookstore is barely making it. Will and Ivy's story is one of Opposites Attract, giving our best to the important ones in life, and not just jobs and material things. I feel the author has an AMAZING writing style and I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Kimberly Keagan discovered her love for romance novels at thirteen, often choosing a book over chores. She believes there's nothing like being transported to another time and place to find a happily ever after.

Kimberly is blessed to have her own handsome hero husband and two wonderful children. After earning a degree in accounting, she enjoyed a career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, though not very romantic. Now, she's pursuing her dream of writing historical romance. Her short stories have been published in Spark Flash Fiction and Short Fiction Break. Kimberly's debut novel will release in 2025. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching sports, and researching her family tree.

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

(2) winners will receive a “Perfect” Tea Time Bundle which includes a lovely tea set, a signed copy of Perfect, and other cozy reader treats—like a candle, stickers, coaster, and bookmark!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 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!

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Mara, In the Face of Battle by Blossom Turner

Book: Mara, In The Face of Battle (The Victory Series Book Two)

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Christian Suspense/Spiritual Warfare

Release date: April 22, 2025

She escaped the darkness once… but will she survive its clutches yet again?

Despite scars both seen and unseen from her unimaginable past, Mara returns to the home that once imprisoned her in secrets, lies, and abuse. This time, she’s no longer a victim—she’s a young woman transformed by faith and driven by love. Mara is determined to share with her siblings the hope she’s found in a God who saved her life and filled it with purpose.

Reminded of her past with every look in the mirror, Mara’s heart finds a home in Lucas, a man who loves her beyond appearances. With him, she steps into a new life of joy, ministry, and the promise of forever.

But an unseen battle rages. Mara discovers the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy is closer—and far more dangerous—than she imagined. Armed with prayer and the Holy Spirit, Mara must confront the forces that seek to crush everything she holds dear. When an unimaginable failure shakes the foundation of her faith, Mara faces her greatest test yet.

Can she trust God is good when life is not? Or will the shadows of her past pull her under once more?

A gripping story of faith, love, and resilience. Turner takes us on a journey that will inspire and challenge readers to find hope in their own darkest moments.

Click here to get your copy!

A favorite author of mine has ventured into the Christian Suspense genre. Mara, In The Face of Battle by Blossom Turner is a new release that I have had the opportunity to read and enjoy. It is Book 2 in The Victory Series.

I was captivated at this storyline from the first few pages and could not put the book down. The main Characters in this book is Mara Howland and Lucas. The setting is Small Town Canada. Mara has returned to the Home where she suffered the abuse as a child. She has come to grow strong in her faith and is proudly telling her siblings and others about her LOVE for God and how he saved her. Lucas is the one she is destined to marry. Mara has found a the man, one who looks within Mara and looks beyond the Scars and Abuse she suffered. Lucas and Mara marry and they begin a life together. Mara really wants to minister to the community and her family and she begins to do so with her lifelong partner, Lucas. I really LOVE how the storyline shows that even those with a strong faith will face turmoil and spiritual battles. The LOVE between Lucas and Mara is so inspiring. The book is one of Forgiveness, Spiritual Battles, spreading the LOVE of GOD through actions, even in the midst of struggles and battles. I am truly enjoying this series! I would say this is MUST Read for those who enjoy Christian Suspense! AMAZING BOOK!

Blossom Turner is an award-winning novelist who loves to jump out of planes, garden, and sing… all for fun. She is published in a variety of anthologies, a former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, and a personal trainer. With a passion for words this gifted author brings to life this new series on spiritual warfare with thought-provoking plots and twists that will keep you guessing. Love and deep relationships sprinkled with hope permeate her novels. Check out the award-winning Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, with their Shepherd/Bernese dog named Lacey.

More from Blossom

Have you ever felt like something, or someone is watching you? Have you ever experienced darkness in a fully lit room? Or wondered if a malevolent force was working against you?

We all love stories on angels and God’s love and protection, but we also have an enemy…a living, breathing adversary. Ephesians 6:12 says…For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJV)

This story, Mara, In The Face of Battle… is the second in the Victory Series. The series found me. My genre is historical romance. I was building a following, won some awards, and loved what I was doing. But as I finished up my last series the Holy Spirit made it very clear that Mara would be my next project. From my own personal experience of spiritual warfare where Satan has come to steal, kill, and destroy, (as Jesus warned in John 10:10), I was to write a series on a character named Mara from birth to death. I think this approach is unique in and of itself. But then to weave in the unseen, how angels fight to protect, and the darkness seeks to destroy, adds a whole new and deep dimension.

If you would enjoy a read that is a cross between Frank Peretti books, and Francine Rivers’ character Angel, in Redeeming Love, then you’ll love Mara, In The Face of Battle. In this powerful trilogy, discover a world where spiritual warfare is brought to life, prayer is a weapon, and faith is tested. Expect to be impacted in a way that will change your life story.

You will be entertained, (nothing wrong with that) but you will also come away with a greater appreciation for prayer, for Christ, and His work on the cross. You may even view the trials of your life in a new encouraging way. The battle is real but the One by our side is victorious.

I’d like to end by enclosing an endorsement from bestselling suspense author, Creston Mapes…

“I’ve been watching and waiting for a powerful new voice in Christian fiction, and I’ve finally found it in Blossom Turner and her new thriller, Mara – The Unseen Battle. With spiritual warfare comparable to Frank Peretti, this book was powerfully spiritual and chillingly realistic. It had everything I love in a good novel — tension throughout, great pacing, unexpected twists and turns . . . I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.” — Bestselling Author Creston Mapes

The Lofty Pages, April 25
Texas Book-aholic, April 26
Artistic Nobody, April 27 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28
Fiction Book Lover, April 29 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 30
Stories By Gina, May 1 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 3 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, May 4
A Reader’s Brain, May 5 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 6
Leslie’s Library Escape, May 7
Bizwings Book Blog, May 8
Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Gail Hollingsworth)

To celebrate her tour, Blossom is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an autographed 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/00adcf54205

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Sunday, May 4, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson

Book: When the Mountains Wept (West Virginia: Born of Rebellion’s Storm Book One)

Author: Kendy Pearson

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: April 5, 2024

War brought them together, but one lie holds the power to separate them forever.

Western Virginia’s Kanawha Valley is a hotbed of rebellion tensions and mixed allegiances.

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear.

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital.

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past.

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost.

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known.

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option.

And it is unthinkable.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Fiction books are a favorite genre. When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson is the lastest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm series.

I will admit it took a couple of chapters for me to get into the storyline. I enjoy stories set in the Civil War, but the storyline just wasn't making sense in the beginning, for me. Augusta Dabney and Dr. James Hill are the main characters in this book. Augusta Dabney is going through many trials in her life and then the war begins. Dr. James Hill decides to go against family and friends and joins the Union Army. He meets Augusta when the Dabney Farm becomes a Hospital to treat the Soliders during the War. Dr. Hill isn't too fond of Augusta until he really gets to know her. I will admit once I got past the first 2 chapters, I began to enjoy the book. Augusta and James both have "baggage" from their past that needs to be worked on individually. James really has some dark secrets and when revealed I was amazed at how Augusta handled everything. I feel the author did her research really well and makes the reader feel like they are there at the Civil War time. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction books based in War Time. GOOD BOOK!

Kendy Pearson is a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. As a veteran high school teacher, she loves to discover a pocket of American history missing from the schoolbooks and turn that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through historical events and settings, engaging with period personalities. And she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God’s undeniable grace.

She is the recipient of multiple lit awards and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. When away from the computer, she relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

More from Kendy

I was quite happy expressing my inner farm-girl and thriving at all things musical for decades. Until I found myself teaching high school history and raising three sons. I should have saved up a dollar for every war movie I watched! All the men in my family had a great interest in history. I remember watching the boys in a production of King Henry the Fifth, complete with Old English and death by sword. One year, I taught about the Civil War in three different classes, so that era became a favorite interest of mine. I read every Christian Historical novel I could find about the War of Rebellion.

Boy, did I have fun researching! For three months, I pored over the most incredible true stories of families and events, reading even soldier diaries. I created timelines and wrote note cards. I became the student again!

There is much of myself and my life in When the Mountains Wept. The female main character (Augusta Dabney) is part me and part who I long to be. She’s responsible, tough, brave, smart, farmish, doctorly—and she has red hair, freckles, and an Irish complexion that splotches and sunburns. My daughter influenced the 12-year-old sister in the story (she figured that out on her own). Will (Willamina) is a tomboy who will risk trouble for the sake of adventure. She is strong-willed and often has an attitude. (I’m pretty sure that last part was why my daughter figured it out.)

I enjoy a story that makes me laugh, so having three sons, I am pretty familiar with boyish antics. The 6-year-old brother added humor, and a saucy 12-year-old girl provided plenty of fodder, too. The romance between two very different but strong personalities provided an opportunity for a few laughs as well.

If a book makes me cry, it’s a keeper. My story contains painful truths, each rooted in my research. The characters experience the harsh reality of their circumstances. I cried while writing more than a couple of the scenes. It is just plain hard to wrap my head around living smack dab in the middle of war, where your neighbor is your enemy and your home is no longer your own.

I fell in love with the family I created in When the Mountains Wept, hence, I must not consign them to the past. They will live on in this series as each member of the Dabney family shares their own story of adventure, romance, sacrifice, and faith.

Blessings from the Heart of History, my friends!

Kendy