Blog Tour of When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson

 

 

About the Book

 

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!

My Thoughts

 Set during the Civil War, the story follows Augusta and the rest of her family as they find themselves

involved in helping the Union soldiers during the war. The author's exciting way of describing the war and the surrounding area shows a lot of research on her part. Every chapter written brings everything to a climax. There were so many instances that were intense and gripped my heart. I loved how the author weaved in God's word and how the characters responded.

The characters appeared real, with deep emotions and many layers, and they made history come alive. It is a heart-tugging romance as they face the ongoing war that brings disruption. The ending was a surprise. I list Kendy's books as one of those on my TBR pile. I can't wait to read more by her. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

               Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Simple Harvest Reads, April 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 2

Devoted Steps, May 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Betti Mace, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 6

Pause for Tales, May 7

Guild Master, May 8 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, May 9

Cover Lover Book Review, May 9

               Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kendy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/00adcf54206

Blog Tour of Mara, In The Face of Battle by Blossom Turner

 

 

About the Book

 

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!

My Thoughts

The author has penned a very realistic story that shows how the Holy Spirit tries to guide Mara and Lucas' lives. But the forces of evil are at work and try to get a stronghold on them. Book 2 is even deeper, with more battles with the unseen and more struggles with their faith. The spiritual aspect of the story keeps it grounded.

Mara and Lucas face many challenges in this book. It's a story of heartbreak, betrayal, and forgiveness. The story wraps up nicely but ends abruptly. However, it continues in the next installment. I can't wait to read book 3 in the series. Highly recommended.

Mara and Lucas face many challenges in this book. It's a story of heartbreak, betrayal, and forgiveness. The story wraps up nicely but ends abruptly. However, it continues in the next installment. I can't wait to read book 3 in the series. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

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

             Blog Stops

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)

                 Giveaway

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

Blog & Review Tour for Written on My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Written on My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Written on My Heart
Series: Discerning God's Best #5
Author: Heidi Gray McGill
Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance with a Western (Louis L'Amour) touch

It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want him to say. 

In the wilds of the rugged West, Betsy Smith discovers beauty in every corner—from the blazing sunsets to the wind murmuring secrets through the mountains. Yet, it's the magnetism of Gabe Manning, with his dark complexion and dashing demeanor, that draws her gaze. Having known him since childhood, Betsy sees in Gabe the embodiment of the heroes she admires from her a stalwart protector of the innocent, a champion of justice, a man of unshakable integrity, and a paragon of honor, guided by principles as steadfast as the mountains themselves— all while reconciling with his Arapaho Indian heritage. Yet, amid her admiration, Betsy longs for God’s reassurance that Gabe is the one for her. 

As deputy of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, in 1875, Gabe “Little Sun” Manning sees the allure and harshness of frontier life. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the presence of Miss Betsy Smith, a compassionate schoolteacher whose independence and intellect captivate him as profoundly as her beauty. Yet, as their bond deepens, Gabe wrestles with doubts about his ability to fulfill the desires of her heart. He knows she's willing to forsake her career for a future with him, but can he offer her the family she seeks? Haunted by the secrets of his past and desperate for redemption, Gabe faces his most formidable challenge yet. 

Written on My Heart is a powerful Christian Historical Romance full of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. In award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill’s fifth installment in the Discerning God’s Best series, you’ll be transported to a world of wild-west adventure and heartwarming romance. 

For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You’ll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited.
• Full-length Christian historical fiction
• A standalone novel in the Discerning God’s Best series
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Timeline: 1875–1876
• For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford  

Book One: Desire of My Heart
Book Two: With All My Heart
Companion Christmas Novella: Stitched On My Heart
Book Three: Matters of the Heart
Book Four: Healing of the Heart
Book Five: Written on My Heart
Book Six: Keeper of My Heart - Preorder now
Prequel: Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup. Search Heidi Gray McGill to locate her website.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Heidi Gray McGill | Amazon | BookBub

My Thoughts

I loved the story about Gabe and Betsy. Betsy's life was not easy. She was a schoolteacher trying to support the family after her father got fired. Her pay never seemed to be enough. And it only got more difficult as time went on. My heart was touched by Betsy's determination to go on despite the agony of everyday living. The villain of the story, Luther Conrad, constantly worried her.

The storyline is filled with lessons learned from God's word, constantly shaping Gabe and Betsy's character. I loved the ending. Everything was wrapped up nicely. There were times when I felt compassion for both Gabe and Betsy. I can't wait for the next one in the series. It's been a joy to read so far.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

More in This Series

   

   

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About the Author

Heidi Gray McGill is a celebrated author whose award-winning Christian fiction transports readers to the rugged landscapes of the past, where faith and fortitude reign supreme. With a talent for crafting historical and contemporary tales, Heidi has penned nine compelling books, each filled with resilient characters navigating the wilds of life with God’s love as their guide.

Heidi’s writing is as bold and purposeful as the untamed West itself. She began her literary journey in March 2020. She quickly became a beacon of inspiration, weaving stories that echo the timeless themes of redemption, courage, and the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness. Much like the pioneers of old, her characters face adversity head-on, offering readers a chance to journey alongside them, discovering healing and insight through God’s Word. 

 

Living in a quaint town near Charlotte, NC, Heidi shares her life with her devoted husband of over three decades. When she’s not crafting stories of grit and grace, she treasures moments with her family, especially her grandsons, and finds joy in cooking, playing games, and exploring new worlds through books. 

 

Join Heidi on her inspiring journey into the heart of the American frontier and beyond. Visit HeidiGrayMcGill.com to discover the transformative power of God’s love woven into her stories. Connect with her on social media and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free prequel to her bestselling series. 

 

Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories. Fusing Faith and Fiction™

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 28, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 5, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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

Review of Relinquishing the Agent Blog Tour by Lorri Dudley

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Relinquishing the Agent

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 8, 2025

Can love bloom between a woman living a lie and a man sworn to uncover the truth?

Bluestocking Rebecca Leah Prestcote would prefer to hide in a library, searching for a cure to her sister’s ailment, over participating in London’s Season. But when her wealthy cousin demands Rebecca attend a house party as her, Rebecca cannot refuse. Her cousin intends to win the affection of the Marquis of Wolston and Rebecca is, after all, a charity case. When the Marquis unexpectedly arrives at the wrong party, Rebecca must uphold the ruse, or be caught in her cousin’s lie.

Daniel Elmsley, Marquis of Wolston, cannot let another target escape, not if he plans to catch the band of body snatchers and prove his worth as a spy. But when people at Lady Coburn’s house party go missing, his mission escalates to stopping a murderer. When he intercepts a letter meant to blackmail Lady Prestcote, he begins to wonder if the beguiling beauty may be involved in the conspiracy.

Singled out for Lord Wolston’s affections, Rebecca must maintain her web of deception and evade the investigation of the captivating marquis even while he ensnares her heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This well-written story is about intrigue, deception, secrets, spies, and lots of fast-moving action and mystery. I was taken in by the first few pages I read. It was hard to guess who the villain in the story was, and I didn't discover it until almost the end. It kept me guessing.

With a looming betrayal, the main characters showed many layers, and I rooted for them but despised others. The story was set in England in 1817, and the backdrop was handled in the style of that era. It was well-researched, and the characters made me feel like I was there watching. I couldn't put it down, and I recommend it.

I received an advance copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

 

 

 

 

More from Lorri

Listed among the Regency underworld of housebreakers, Thames pirates, sneaks (pickpockets), Covent Garden nuns (prostitutes), vagrants, and ruffians are another class of evil-doers called resurrection men, also known as sack-‘em-up men or body snatchers. The dark industry of grave robbing blossomed in the early 1800s and was thrust into the public’s eye by the notorious Burke and Hare murders in 1831. While my story takes place earlier, in 1817, the laws and practices were already in place before Burke and his accomplice were arrested.

In the early 1800s, the academic field of anatomy and physiology started to break new ground with the invention of the stethoscope and the first open heart surgeries (not all successful). Many of these breakthroughs developed as a result of the dissection of human cadavers. Fresh bodies became a hot commodity, but by law, the only bodies legally designated for dissection were those of hung criminals. Demand outweighed the supply, and an underground market for grave robbing grew as academics handsomely paid resurrection men to dig up specimens. The fresher the body, the higher the earnings, which ultimately led to the ugly intent of murder.

Why would a Christian author want to write about a horrific topic like body snatching?

While my story doesn’t go into any gory details (I get woozy at the sight of blood), Rebecca and Daniel’s story allowed me to dive into the concept that we all have intrinsic worth. The victims of Burke and Hare were people society had forgotten—people who were expected to go unnoticed if they disappeared. But those victims were image bearers of God. Jesus proved their value by dying for them on the cross. They are not forgotten because God knit them together in their mother’s womb, knows every hair on their heads, and has carved their names into the palms of His hands.

Rebecca and Daniel’s love story, with mystery, espionage, and romance mixed in, demonstrates how God’s power is made perfect in weakness. While Lady Coburn’s excentric party guests and the victims of the villainous resurrection men exemplify that worth isn’t based on works, popularity, or lineage but on the sacrifice Jesus made for them.

Enjoy!

Click to watch Relinquishing the Agent’s book trailer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4BwfvZiNLM

                   Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 22

Pens Pages & Pulses, April 22

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 23

Betti Mace, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

She Lives To Read, April 25

lakesidelivingsite, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Texas Book-aholic, April 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 28

Devoted To Hope, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 30

Book Looks by Lisa, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Cover Lover Book Review, May 3

Bizwings Book Blog, May 4

Pause for Tales, May 4

Stories By Gina, May 5 (Author Interview)

Roads to Everywhere, May 5

                Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri 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/00adcf54202

Review of Two Seconds Too Late Blog Tour by Dani Pettrey

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Two Seconds Too Late (Jeopardy Falls Series: Book Two)

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 29, 2025

A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted.

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY Thoughts

Two Seconds Too Late is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and mysterious story. I was hooked from the beginning. Riley, the head of a P.I. firm, along with her brothers, take on a missing person's case. Riley's friend, Kelly, is the missing person, and things take a weird turn after that. Riley suffers from nightmares from the past. Her friend, Grayson, a helper in the case, also suffers from the ghosts of his past, making the investigation more difficult.

I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of suspense, wondering who the bad guys were. The slow-burn romance between Riley and Grayson was fun, and I enjoyed the playful banter. The faith element was woven into the story in a non-preachy way.

Everything wrapped up nicely in the end. This is another great read in the Jeopardy Falls series. I received an ARC from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani loves to mentor aspiring and newly-published authors. Seeing them grow and spread their wings is so rewarding. She recently was awarded ACFW’s Mentor of the Year. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband.

More from Dani

Hi friends! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to stop by and say hi. I deeply appreciated. I have loved writing Riley and Greyson’s story. They are my favorite couple since Landon and Piper in my Alaskan Courage series. She’s fiery and independent and he is smitten by her, but also fears for her safety and after you read Two Seconds Too Late, you’ll understand why. Taking them out of their regular environment and placing them as a couple at high-end spa and resort brings on the opportunity to test out their feelings for one another under the guise of playing along. It’s a close proximity, opposites attract, and fake relationship story that tugged at my heart and I hope it’ll dug at yours too.

Every time I release a new book, I get a bunch of questions, which I love. I love sharing more about the story and digging into my hope for it, so I’m sharing several of the questions I get asked most and I wanted to share the answers to them with you. Please feel free to ask any other questions in the comment section below and I’ll respond within a day. Thanks again for stopping by! I hope you enjoy reading Riley and Greyson’s adventure as much as I enjoyed writing it.

• What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

That despite a strong, complexed and nuanced antagonist, that light can come from the darkest places and bring peace or, at the very least, closure to not only the families of the victims but to the hero and/or heroine as well. It might not be perfect, and it certainly doesn’t fix anything, but I still believe in the hero/heroine triumphing over the villain.

2) What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

So many. I would say my top three influencers were Sue Grafton and are Lisa Gardner and Dee Henderson. The three write very different style of stories. Sue perfect the mystery with some edgy suspense scenes. Lisa creates the best or worst, I suppose. They are a force to be reckoned with and I love her twists and surprises. And, Dee’s book are paced so well and laid out so methodically. I’ve learned something different, and continue to do so, from these three, excellent authors.

3) Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

To me it’s a combination of knowing the hero and heroine’s jobs. I like to think about what kind of person would do that job and how it will affect them and the story itself. I also know the setting as it’s a character its own right and adds to and affects the story overall. I also know the crime, but I don’t know who did it. I like to leave my options open to see the direction the story goes, and where the investigation leads.

4) What was the biggest challenge this book presented? What about the biggest opportunity?

The balance between what was occurring on the surface in contrast to what was simmering beneath the surface and rising up in subtext. Creating that balance and keeping things on track was interesting, but It provided the perfect opportunity to delve into the deepest part of the characters. Overall, it was tricky to strike the right balance and have the subtly rise to the surface in a natural and authentic way.

Homemade Butterscotch Recipe:

Butterscotch is Riley’s favorite candy & the bane of Greyson’s existence (you’ll see why in the book J).Ingredients:

2 ½ cup sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

1/3 tsp. salt

¾ cup water

½ cup molasses

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

And a little sea salt for an added touch.

Directions:

Put ingredients in pan. Cook mixture to 250 degrees.

Pour into a lined pan with parchment paper and leave it alone.

Sprinkle some sea salt if you’d like.

Let it sit overnight.

Cut it up into squares (a pizza cutter works great) and store in fridge.

                   Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 23

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 23

The Sacred Line, April 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 24

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 25

Wishful Endings, April 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Inklings and Notions, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 28

Maureen’s Musings, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

Betti Mace, April 30

Bizwings Book Blog, April 30

Leslie’s Library Escape, May 1

Just Your Average reviews, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Inkwell Inspirations, May 2

Stories By Gina, May 3 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 3

Cover Lover Book Review, May 4

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 5

Lights in a Dark World, May 5

Pause for Tales, May 6

Roads to Everywhere, May 6

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book in winner’s choice of eBook or paperback, and a $20 Starbucks 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/00adcf54203

Review of To Light the Way Forward: A Shell Collector Novel by Nancy Naigle

 

A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector.

On a journey to find hope and purpose, Rosemary is determined to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, despite the possibility of a tropical storm. On the way, she stops at Tug’s Diner, where she quickly develops a bond with the kind and helpful owner, Tug.

But soon, Tug’s diner is a destroyed by the storm, adding to his grief from losing the love of his life last year. In the aftermath, Rosemary sees the heavy sadness in Tug and is determined to help him heal. Alongside Tug and his friend Paul, Rosemary helps them provide meals and support to the community.

When Amanda and Paul reunite after being out of contact because of the storm, the take-it-slow plans they’d committed to feel unrealistic. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple move forward in their relationship, they discover that love might be possible for them too, reminding everyone that life is meant to be lived in one direction…forward.

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

To Light the Way Forward is the first book I've read by this author, but she has quickly become a favorite of mine. The story is very touching and uplifting, touching my heart many times. The characters are well-rounded, compassionate and loving, but also with flaws. Each is trying to come to terms with what their future will bring. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

Growing up in an ocean town, I loved the setting of Whelk's Island. Although it is a fictional town, it has a lovely community of heartwarming and caring residents; it appears very real throughout the story. I laughed many times as I read because of Rosemary. She was a joy to read about and my favorite character. And then there was Tug, whom I liked immediately. The struggles, love, and faith shown by all the characters left a lasting impression on me. I didn't want the story to end, but the ending wrapped everything nicely and perfectly. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author through NetGalley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Julie