Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Book Spotlight: Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham

Some Like it Scot JustRead Takeover + Review Tour

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


 

Title: Some Like it Scot 
Author: Pepper Basham 
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Release Date: April 8, 2025 
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance 

She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together? 

Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people's stories. She's built a career as "Miss Adventure," known for saying yes to anything new--country, food, or experience--and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures. 

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman. 

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn't venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme's comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister's death, he's even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan. 

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what's familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life's story when "home" is in two very different places? But maybe home--and the future--isn't quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Faith Gateway | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

Authentically, Izzy Positively, Penelope Loyally Luke


Excerpt


Graeme

And then my attention settled on Katie Campbell. Her gown appeared less elegant than the others, and so tight it easily highlighted her curvy silhouette. But her profile held the real mesmerizing quality. Shaded beneath that muckle hat of hers, all smiles had faded. She wore an intriguing look, distant.

Lost? Lonely?

I shouldn’t care, truth be told.

And she shouldn’t draw my attention like she did. No more than the rest of the group with their fancy dress and saucer-sized hats. But she did. In a bathersome way. My attention kept pulling back to the ginger in the ill-fitting frock and an expression filled with unvoiced emotions.

Suddenly, her entire body stiffened, and she turned, eyes wide.

And I heard it.

The sound of Kirsty’s bicycle bell.

Och! How on earth did the little imp plan these things? Did she keep watch for victims from her Grannie’s front porch?

The girl made sport of scaring strangers and with the last week of Summer Term in place, she’d likely have even more freedom. Usually, her antics weren’t a problem because she rarely disturbed the natives anymore, but when tourists came it was like she had a radar out to find them. Wild one, she was. But with naught but her aged grannie for family, she was left to her own devices…and amusement most of the time.

“What’s all the noise?”

Mum’s question fell on deaf ears as Katie grabbed a man’s arm near her, clearly trying to get his attention about mad Kirsty. In one quick movement, the man shocked to attention moving away from Kirsty’s trajectory, but in the process knocked Katie back. Katie stumbled, attempted to keep her balance with arms flailing about like propellers, and then—my breath seized in my chest—she tumbled over into the loch.

Did catastrophe follow the woman!

“Good heavens, Graeme!” Mum called.

I rushed to the door and flung it open, Mum on my heels. Dodging two ladies in fancy dress, I ran the distance to the loch, passing the daft man she’d saved as he stared into the water without one step to help.

“I…I didn’t know. I…didn’t mean…”

The loch wasn’t especially deep at the water’s edge, perhaps 12 feet, but deep enough.

Katie didn’t emerge, but I could see her silhouette below the water, her arms frantically moving but not making progress to the surface. Jerking off my jacket and tugging off my shoes, I drew in a deep breath and plunged into the loch near her.

The cool water soaked through my t-shirt and jeans as I turned in Katie’s direction and waited for the bubbles from my dive to dissipate. A pale arm flapped toward me through the bubbles and then her gaze met mine. So wide, so vulnerable, pleading for my response.

And my heart squeezed an answer.

She pointed below to her skirt and I swam lower, noting the trouble.

The bottom of her dress had interwoven with an old, disposed oyster cage. I dove lower and found the tangle, ripping the knotted lace to free her. With the last tug of snagged cloth, I rose, wrapping my arm about her waist on the way to the surface.

Her arms wrapped around my neck, her body flush against mine, as we broke above the water line. I may have freed the tangle of her cloth, but the knot in my chest only tightened as she coughed against my shoulder, her cold cheek pressing into my neck.

Greer had looked at me with such fear, once.

Only once.

Near the end.

And I’d been helpless to save her.

But Katie trembled against me, a mingle of breaths and coughs assuring me of her fitness, and…well, I fought rising emotions until they stung at my eyes. I was a bloomin’ fool, I was.

With a sweep of my arm, I brought us close to the rock well lining the water’s edge and steadied us against it. She coughed once more before shivering into my side. My hold instinctively tightened around her and with one long sigh, her head dropped against my shoulder, fully trusting me and my strength.

The pressure in my chest tightened to the hurting spot. Don’t trust me to keep you safe, I wanted to say, but the words refused to form. Instead, I went completely doolally and held her a little closer.

Because…truth be told. She was safe now.

About the Author

Pepper Basham

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Some Like it Scot and hairy coo themed gift box!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of Some Like it Scot!

Some Like it Scot JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 16, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Author Interview: Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson

Lullaby by the River JustRead BlogTour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Lullaby by the River

Title: Lullaby by the River ‎
Series:
Amish River
Author:
Temperance Johnson
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
February 4, 2025
Genre:
Amish Fiction

An unique Amish love story.  

A wounded woman with no way out…unless she marries her ex. 

After unexpected abuse, quiet and happy Priscilla Yoder thinks her life can’t get worse. But then she finds out she’s pregnant, and her family and church insist she marry the man who hurt her. When a man she used to love, a man who wants to leave the Amish, offers to marry her, she doesn’t see a better option. 

Danny Taylor, charming bad boy of his Amish community, is ready to leave the plain life. But when a woman he used to love finds herself in danger of marriage to an evil man, he can't resist offering marriage to keep her safe. Only problem is, he didn’t expect to fall for his bride so fast. She's softening his tough heart and showing him that there’s a good side to the Amish. As they grow closer, he realizes this gorgeous woman in pain has giant walls, and it will take both patience and faith if he wants to scale them. 

Caring for Danny was never what Priscilla wanted. And she never expected his faith to bring her closer to God. 

But when Danny’s past wounds resurface, and as Priscilla learns to hope again, can they trust God to make their relationship more than just a marriage of convenience?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon


Also Available

Liberty Rose


Excerpt


After a long day of celebrating the 4th of July, she and Danny were now alone. Priscilla stood on top of the hill, overlooking the Ohio River. Such a beautiful view with fields, trees, and moonlight shining off the river.

Looking over the mountain top, she was in awe. She turned to Danny, who was watching her closely. “It’s so beautiful. I’m in awe.”

He tugged her gently to lie down on the blanket they had brought up. “Let's watch the stars come up.”

She was tense at first, but then she calmed into his hold. He wasn’t making a move. He was just showing her a good time. She smiled.

When the fireworks started, Priscilla jumped. She had been so relaxed in his arms, the bishop himself could have yelled at them, and she wouldn’t have moved. “The fireworks are beautiful,” she told Danny.

In the middle of the fireworks, he adjusted his position. Taking her cheek in his hand, he kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her nose. “Let’s make our own fireworks.” His voice was husky. Priscilla closed her eyes, enjoying his every touch. The fireworks were loud, but she hardly heard them.

His lips finally found hers, and she touched his chest, wanting to pull him closer. He was so gentle and passionate at the same time. She kissed him back when he deepened the kiss.

After a while, she pulled back, smiling.

Danny’s face flashed red from the shadow of the fireworks. “That was nice.” He kissed her again. “I haven’t waited this long to do it wrong.” He grinned at her. He ran a hand through her hair and she could see he wanted to kiss her again, but he just pulled her close and whispered, “I love you.”

She cuddled closer to him. She was glad he had waited. It was worth it.

About the Author

Temperance Johnson

Temperance Johnson has always loved to read and write. As one of eleven children, she read from her older sister's books. With that, her love for both reading and writing has only continued to grow. Passionate about the subjects of adoption, family, and faith, she started the Liberty Chronicles and now her Amish fiction. In her free time, she plays with her ponies and many nieces and nephews. Her horses even made it into her stories. She enjoys spoiling her ten nephews and twenty-three nieces.

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


Author Interview


Q: What inspired you to write Lullaby by the River?

Temperance: I was reading a biblical fiction book and it had spiritual abuse in it. It made me a bit upset on how it [was] handled. I had always been interested in the Amish. And I had worked with Amish in the past. So I started thinking about Priscilla’s story and told my writing partner about it and she loved it too. I started it and it was so fun to write.


Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Temperance: I started it in February of 2022 and finished it October 2024. So it took two years but I stopped writing it for a while. I wrote most of it in about 8 months.


Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Temperance: The real stories of the Amish women I listened to. Many were similar with all the rules.
Also I loved writing the Romance in this story. I had never done a newly married couple and it got a bit steamy. (Of course, it is clean fiction).


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Lullaby by the River?

Temperance: “I will always come for you, my sunflower.” Danny told her.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Temperance: Since I was a preteen. I always loved to write.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Temperance: That I come from a family of 11 and I can write in pretty much chaos going around. lol


Q: What are you currently reading?

Temperance:  Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart by Misty M Beller


Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Temperance: Christian historical fiction and I’m [now] enjoying Christian contemporary fiction.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Temperance: I love riding horses and photography. Also book scrapbooking.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Temperance: I like spring. It means winter has ended. and this winter never seemed to end. lol I like fall as well. The colors are beautiful.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $20 Baker Book House gift card and a print copy of Lullaby by the River!

Lullaby by the River JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 8, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 15, 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

Friday, April 4, 2025

March 2025 Reading Recap & April 2025 TBR

   My March 2025 Reads: 


  1. A Jane Austen Year by The Jane Austen House Museum - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A lovely book for anyone who loves Jane Austen's works and her world. Read my review.

  2. To Bring You Back by Emily Conrad - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A sizzling contemporary romance with deep faith themes. Review to come.

  3. Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Solid writing and a decades-old mystery.

  4. Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - An inspirational romance with swoony moments and just-enough depth. Read my review.



Expected April 2025 Reads:
  1. The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell by Kelly Flanagan.
  2.  
  3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!

  4. Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen.

  5. Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer.

  6. The Watchmaker's Daughter by Larry Loftis - My local book club's April selection.


What will you read this month? 

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Book Spotlight: Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson

Frayed Promises JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Frayed Promises by Lynn U. Watson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Frayed Promises

Title: Frayed Promises
Series: Promised Destiny #2
Author: Lynn U. Watson
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/Romance

Late 1800s historical romance.  

Sequel to The BookFest® award winning, Tangled Promises . 

God gives impossibilities beautiful endings 

Clara and Daniel Becker married secretly circumventing nobility’s rules. When denial no longer serves her, how does Clara hide the truth of their wedding night conception and their nuptials from her father, the Baron? 

If Vati sends her away, Daniel promises to follow. But unexpected circumstances bring them face-to-face with the words of Proverbs 16:9. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.  

Her grandmother’s last warning spins like a tempest threatening to shipwreck their joy and fray every promise they have made. A Life-Affirming Story. 

A portion of the royalties will go to support https://lifechoicesmemphis.org/  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


More In This Series


Excerpt


From Chapter 1

“The genuine admiration and love between the two of you glows. It has for years. A beautiful thing, and I’m sad for you. This old lady’s opinions don’t count for much in our world, though.”

“You believe Daniel and I shouldn’t see each other anymore—at least not like this.”

“I’m not my children or my grandchildren’s judge. You must decide whether to follow your conscience or your heart. Often conflicts rage between our desires and the still small voice whispering into our ear the right thing to do. Clara stared at her shaky hands and pressed them over her stomach. Maybe I can hold my nervous flutters inside. An eerie silence draped itself around them.

Daniel finally spoke. “Clara and I are married.”

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Oma drew a breath. “Onkel Martin’s responsible?”

“With Curt’s assistance.” Clara nodded. “They surprised us at the Erntedank festival by having everything ready. We needed only to say, ‘I do.’”

Oma’s arms crossed over her bosom, she frowned at the couple.

“You don’t share our excitement, Oma?”

The older woman took another deep breath and rubbed her fingers between her springy white curls. “Your decision creates grave difficulties ahead for the two of you.”

“But you’ll not speak a word to anyone. Promise.”

“I’ll keep your secret. But, Clara.” Oma looked her granddaughter in the eye. “Choices carry consequences.”

About the Author

Lynn U. Watson

Award-winning author, Lynn U. Watson is the great-great-granddaughter of a baron from Southwest Germany. From stories whispered down generations to the vibrant threads of her own life, Lynn's journey is a testament to creativity and compassion. Nurtured by her grandmother's love of needlework, Lynn built a thriving custom clothing business, and with her husband, Steve, they created The Lynn'n Butterfly Collection (cross-stitch designs). In 2007, Lynn became a certified reflexologist, opening Footsteps in Eden, a haven where she uses touch therapy and prayer to relax her clients. She combines her passions and heritage Stepping through Time Stitching Stories of Faith. Lynn, Steve, and their feline overlord, Jasmine, call Bartlett, Tennessee home.

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


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a Frayed Promises prize bundle which includes a signed paperback copy of Frayed Promises, a 3.5" square Frayed Promises related magnet, a bookmark, a Cross-Stitch pattern relating to book tagline, a Fairest Lord Jesus postcard (suitable for framing), and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Frayed Promises blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 31, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 6, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Book Spotlight: An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus

An Unexpected Companion JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book




Title: An Unexpected Companion 
Series: K-9 Companions #31, Legacy Ranch #1 
Author: Mindy Obenhaus 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: April 1, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

With his dog by his side… Is a second chance within reach? 

After losing his family and his leg in a car crash, widower Dirk Matthews dedicates his solitary life to woodworking and his mobility service dog, Molly. That is, until a troubled kid steals from his truck. Desperate to reach her grieving oldest son, widow Tessa Wagner agrees to have the boy help Dirk work on her family’s ranch. Only she doesn’t expect her own connection with the carpenter. Soon they’re feeling more than the shared loss of loved ones. But will past heartbreak stand in the way of their future? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

The Cowgirl's Redemption A Christmas Bargain Loving the Rancher's Children Her Christmas Healing Hidden Secrets Between Them Rediscovering Christmas


Excerpt


While the boys took off down the hall with Molly, Tessa remained beside Dirk, moving at a more leisurely pace. “Thank you for inviting us tonight. In only a matter of minutes you have opened my eyes. Now I’m starting to envision the potential for the barn at Legacy Ranch.” Her sweet fragrance wrapped around him, sending his mind down a trail it had no business venturing.

“Believe it or not, you and the boys are the first people outside of my family to see this place.” He cringed as soon as the words spilled out. He must sound pathetic.

Her steps halted as she looked up at him. “Are you serious? How long have you lived here?”

“A little over two years.” Shoving his hands into his pockets, he longed for a rock to crawl under. “I guess I’ve become a bit of a hermit.”

She continued to watch him, her scent wrapping around him, making it difficult to look away. Yet instead of the sympathy he expected to see, he saw only understanding. “Trust me, if it weren’t for those two—” she nodded toward her boys “—I would be, too.”

Staring into her beautiful eyes, he found himself longing to come out of hiding and truly live again. But to what end? Tessa would be leaving in August, and he’d find himself alone once more.

About the Author

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of An Unexpected Companion and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Rediscovering Christmas

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 2, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Friday, March 28, 2025

Movie Review: The Chosen: Last Supper

About the Movie:


The table is set.

The people of Israel welcome Jesus as king while his disciples anticipate his crowning. But—instead of confronting Rome—he turns the tables on the Jewish religious festival. Their power threatened, the country’s religious and political leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last.

Shot in a beautiful cinematic format, The Chosen: Last Supper brings the most pivotal week in history to audiences in this special three-part theatrical release.

Buy tickets today to see The Chosen: Last Supper in theaters starting March 28!

Movie Trailer:



My Review:

I’ve watched some, but not all, of The Chosen series. Being very familiar with the Biblical narrative, I decided to watch The Chosen: Last Supper (episodes one and two) anyway. I quickly caught on to who each character was and enjoyed the portrayal of different disciples. In these episodes, the followers of Jesus held different levels of comprehension about Jesus and the future which I found interesting.

As usual, Jonathan Roumie, the actor who played Jesus, excelled in his role. He captured the kindness and care that I imagine Jesus had for those around him. As the movie progressed, there were moments of seriousness and humor, but underneath, a solemnness about the future events lurked. The writers and Roumie captured this so well.

One of the things I loved most about The Chosen: Last Supper was hearing the characters quoting from Scripture. For me, it hits different when I hear the words and see the earnestness portrayed visually. Absolutely beautiful.

The Chosen: Last Supper holds some visually intense moments. I would recommend episodes one and two for ages 13 and up.

Many thanks to Come And See Foundation for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

More about the Movie:

  • The Chosen is a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie), seen through the eyes of those who knew him. Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Israel, the seven-season series shares an authentic and intimate look at Jesus’ revolutionary life and teachings.
  • The Chosen: Last Supper is releasing in theaters in 3 parts! Part One (episodes 1-2) releases on March 28; Part Two (episodes 3-5) releases on April 4; and Part Three (episodes 6-8) releases on April 11.




Giveaway:


One winner will receive a $10 Amazon giftcard. Limited to US only. Enter by leaving a comment on this blog that includes your full name and email address. Giveaway ends 03/31/25 at 11:59 pm, EST.