Thursday, March 13, 2025

Book Spotlight: Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill

Written in Secret JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 



Title: Written in Secret 
Series: The Art of Love and Danger #1 
Author: Crystal Caudill 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: March 11, 2025 
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. 

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. 

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook | Bookshop


Excerpt


“I could make you the hero of my next romance novel if that’s not threat enough. Oh! And I’ll make the heroine a criminal of the worst sort.”

Abraham folded his arms. “I thought you weren’t going to use this case as story fodder.”

“If you’re insinuating that I’m casting myself as the heroine, you are mistaken. I’d make a better villain with what I put my characters through. That being said, I think it best if I take my leave, Abraham.” Her eyes sparkled in a way that made him nervous. “I’ve just had the most brilliant idea for an actual story.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“You should be.” As she rose from her seat, her demeanor sobered.

“Thank you. You’ve given me hope that I’m not beyond redemption.”

“All I’ve agreed to do is be your friend.”

“‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.’ You have already proven a greater friend than many by speaking truth even when it was not welcomed.”

She nodded to take her leave, and all Abraham could do was watch her walk out the parlor door to the kitchen. He wasn’t sure what had just happened, but he was certain this case had just taken an interesting turn.

Also Available

Counterfeit Love Counterfeit Hope Counterfeit Faith


About the Author

Crystal Caudill

Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Written In Secret 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 March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 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, March 11, 2025

Author Interview: A Star Appears by Addison Dixon

A Star Appears JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Star Appears by Addison Dixon, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

A Star Appears

Title: A Star Appears
Series:
The Star & Cicatrix Legacy #1
Author:
Addison Dixon
Publisher:
Starstruck
Release Date:
March 4, 2025
Genre:
Young Adult Fantasy

Sixteen-year-old Riley has never had the confidence to stand up to the school bullies—until one of them harasses his friend Caroline. But his act of courageous defiance causes a mysterious black star to appear at the corner of his eye, setting in motion a series of events that will change his life forever. 

The star marks Riley as the third star bearer in a prophesy that spans hundreds of years. Thrust into the otherworld of Leíso, he must defeat Iradocc, a demolic who’s intent on spreading Dark Magic through Leíso and the Human World . . . and who is determined to see Riley dead. 

The first two star bearers failed. Now, only Riley can stop Iradocc before it’s too late. If he doesn’t, the Dark Magic will permeate both worlds, and everyone will die. But can Riley overcome his fears and believe in himself enough to save the world and those he loves?

A Star Appears is the first book in The Star & Cicatrix Legacy series, a magical and enchanting fantasy about family, friendship, loyalty, and courage.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon


Excerpt


A waft of cold air hit the wound on his cheek. Riley hesitated for a moment and then scooted through the window. Grabbing the window to shut it, he detected someone nearby and lowered his gaze.

Standing beneath the window, a dark-haired man with a razor-sharp fang and evil blue eyes stared up at Riley. The man grinned and his fang glinted like a knife in the moonlight.

“You cannot hide from us. I look forward to making your acquaintance.”

“Who-who are you?” Riley stammered. The malice emanating from this man was strong.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” He then glowered. “Stay out of my business. Otherwise, your punishment will be far worse than the wound I gave you.”

Goosebumps rose across Riley’s arms. With a grunt, he slammed the window shut, locked it, and pulled the curtains together. Throat dry, Riley forced a swallow. Who was that man and what did he mean by telling Riley to stay out of his business? Not to mention, the man said he looked forward to making Riley’s acquaintance. You would not say that to someone and then warn them to leave you alone. Groaning, Riley rubbed his face with his hands, grimacing at the pain from his wound.

About the Author

Addison Dixon

Addison Dixon is a young adult fantasy author who grew up playing in the forest and telling stories to her family. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, archery, swimming, taking walks in the woods, and gaming. She is also an editor who enjoys helping writers of all ages grow in their craft.

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


Author Interview


Q: What inspired you to write A Star Appears

Addison: An amalgamation of things inspired A Star Appears. I began writing it when I was 12. Growing up, I played in the woods, my family traveled a lot, and my mom read books to my brother and me as children (Laura Ingalls, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, etc.) The people I grew up around inspired many of the characters. Mine and my brother’s adventures, as well as adventures with our cousins, played a big part in my writing.


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

Addison: I worked on the main storyline for around 4 years.


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

Addison: How much of a challenge it can be to put all the notes and outlines together to create a cohesive storyline.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from A Star Appears

Addison: One of my favorite quotes is, “No human can see us unless they are ready—that is true. We are merely imagination and myth to them. You, however,” Dorobonn said, poking Riley’s chest with his forefinger, “are not blind to the magic that surrounds you. Many people miss it or have outgrown it. Not you. You have never lost it. You have shown valor in the face of adversity. Strength when needed. In this forest, there is a door nearby, as I am sure Alan told you. The Door of Tranien. Like us, it is only visible when you are ready to enter.”


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

Addison: When I first realized how much I enjoyed writing down different scenes and storylines of characters that I had created in my imagination.


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

Addison: I love walking outside on a warm summer night, staring at the stars and listening to the frogs and the insects singing their evening song while fireflies dance around me.
 

Q: What are you currently reading? 

Addison: These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, And a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918 by Joseph Loconte.


Q: What is your favorite genre to read? 

Addison: Fantasy.


Q: What is your favorite hobby? 

Addison: Archery.


Q: What is your favorite season and why? 

Addison: Spring. There’s an anticipation in the air, especially of new life, which is invigorating; plus I prefer warmer temperatures. 😊

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

A Star Appears blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 18, 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 Amazon accounts 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

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Book Spotlight: Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Watch Your Back JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Watch Your Back

Title: Watch Your Back
Series: Crossroads Suspense #3
Author:
Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Publisher:
Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense

You can’t watch your own back. 

Private Investigator Avery Reynolds leads the charge to expose Tampa's supposedly “extinct” mob. The crime boss responsible for her foster brother’s death is within her grasp—until she hits a wall in the form of Ethan Bridger, a Coast Guard veteran who unknowingly derails her sting operation. When the elusive “Big Eddie” comes out of hiding, he targets their mutual friends about to tie the knot. 

Avery sets aside her angst toward Ethan to focus on ending the crime boss’s reign of terror. But working together exposes her trust issues and his PTSD stemming from a comrade's tragedy. When Avery goes solo into a prisoner exchange operation, she discovers her vulnerability too late—and must lean on Ethan and the God she thought had abandoned her. But will that help reach her in time?  

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


Excerpt


The door creaked for a moment as she slipped into the hall. Silence greeted her, but a dim light shone from under the partially ajar bathroom door. It had to be two o’clock in the morning. Who in their right mind—

The heat kicked on, and the change in pressure inched the door further open. Maybe someone had forgotten to turn out the light. She could at least do that before going back to bed.

She pressed her hand against the door and pushed it open the rest of the way.

And froze.

A man was picking himself up off the bathroom floor, crawling up the bathroom vanity as if dependent upon it for support. His tank top was drenched—in water or sweat?—and clung to his muscled torso.

Avery’s throat went dry as he turned haunted eyes her direction.

Ethan.

What in the world?

With one hand supporting himself, he twisted the faucet on with the other and splashed handfuls of water onto his face and into his mouth.

She didn’t wait for him to speak but spun on her socks and fled back to her room, not caring if the door creaked as she opened and then locked it.

Maybe he was sleepwalking. Is that why he had fallen?

Those eyes of his— She pressed her own shut and tried to forget their disturbed, glazed look.

Either the man had a medical condition or was tormented by some secret she had just glimpsed.

And now, she couldn’t forget.

More In This Series

 


About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. A former English teacher, she now designs curriculum for a Christian academy and spends most of her time at her favorite assignment to date: being a mom to her toddler. Her books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. She lives in the Tampa, Florida area with her husband and son.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Watch Your Back & a $25 Amazon e-gift card!

Watch Your Back blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 5, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 12, 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

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Book Spotlight: Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder

Home Baked Bribery JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Home Baked Bribery

Title: Home Baked Bribery
Series: Addie Masters Mysteries #2
Author:
Gina Holder
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
March 4, 2025
Genre:
Cozy Mystery, Christian

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?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon


More In This Series


Excerpt


Why are smoke detectors so loud?


Addie grabbed a dish towel, sprang onto a kitchen chair, and waved the white flag of surrender. The piercing scream ceased. Her cookies were burnt. She was well aware of that fact—her nose worked just fine. Did that annoying little thing have to announce it to the entire cape?

A thin gray haze remained.

She opened a window, then removed the charred hockey-puck shaped treats from the oven and set them on a hot pad on the kitchen island. With a frown, she poked one, but it was as unmoving as the Rock of Gibraltar and would probably break a tooth.

She leaned her elbows on the counter, hands cupped under her chin and stared at the tray of culinary casualties. Why is baking so difficult? I thought I followed the recipe.

She could put together an entire car engine in under twelve hours, but she couldn’t turn flour, sugar, butter, and salt into something delicious… or even edible.

About the Author

Gina Holder

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 introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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


Tour Giveaway

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

Home Baked Bribery blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

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

Sunday, March 2, 2025

February 2025 Reading Recap & March 2025 TBR

  My February 2025 Reads: 


  1. Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A potent story of loss and revenge. It held flowing prose, a fresh setting, and a daring heroine. Read my review.

  2. Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team - ⭐⭐⭐½ - A bedtime devotional designed to calm the reader and encourage her to trust in God.

  3. An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon - ⭐⭐⭐ - A light, bookish read with alopecia representation. Read my review.

  4. A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander - ⭐⭐ - Written well-enough, but mixed/unhealthy messages about boundaries, patriarchy, victim shaming, and handling infidelity. Affiliated with Focus on the Family.



Expected March 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. Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet.

  5. Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow - My local book club's March selection.



What will you read this month? 

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Book Review: An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon

About the Book:




Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book–or each other–by the cover.

Read an excerpt from An Overdue Match on the publisher's website.

My Thoughts:

An Overdue Match
by Sarah Monzon featured Evangeline, a librarian devoted to the proper treatment of books, and Tai, a tattoo artist unashamed to be who he is. Of the two main characters, Tai was my favorite. I appreciated his determination to treat/love Evangeline well, even when she wasn’t open to dating him. Evangeline was a bit angsty at times, but had satisfying character development by the end of the story.

The shining element in An Overdue Match was the author’s thoughtful treatment of alopecia. I was aware of this condition, but I had not previously read about it in a Christian fiction novel. The author surrounded Evangeline with friends and family who affirmed her worth and beauty despite her hair loss, but Monzon also exposed Evangeline to those who spoke negatively of her condition. I appreciated that Evangeline eventually gained confidence and a healthy way of viewing herself.

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon commenced the Checking Out Love series. It worked well as a standalone and there was no cliffhanger overlapping into book two (though I do expect to see Tai and Evangeline again). I particularly liked the ending of An Overdue Match, but it did take me a while to finish this novel as it was easy to set down and not pick up for a few days.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.