Book Spotlight: Beauty in the Bittersweet by Jessica Stone

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Beauty in the Bittersweet by Jessica Stone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beauty in the Bittersweet
Series: A Thornbush and Juniper Story
Author: Jessica Stone
Publisher: Story Architect
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Genre: Women's Contemporary Fiction (Christian) with romance

If checking off lists were all it took, Elle Reed could keep her life from crumbling around her. But her husband betrays her trust, her best friend’s recent diagnosis reveals a hidden trauma, and a secret Elle has been keeping from her mother has wrecked their Gilmore Girls-esque relationship. Her career may be the one thing she has control over, and she holds it tightly with both hands. 

Then she gets a call she never expects—her mother has passed away suddenly, taking any hope of reconciliation with her. Discovering Catherine’s collection of devotional journals while packing up her home provides an opportunity to glean the wisdom she so desperately misses. But the journals reveal that her mother had secrets of her own, leaving Elle wondering if anyone in her life is who they say. 

When an upheaval at work rips away the only stability Elle has left, she has to face her biggest fear. What will it take for her to surrender control to The One who’s had it all along?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Jessica Stone Stories | Amazon

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Excerpt

I slowly replaced the two books and pulled the box out of the closet. Pushing to my feet, I headed for the one room I hadn’t gone into since the day it had been necessary to select a dress to take to the funeral home. My mother had always considered her bedroom to be her sanctuary, and she kept it altogether clutter-free. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, I closed my eyes, trying to remember the last time we curled up here to watch movies.

I couldn’t stop myself from sinking into the memories any more than I could fight the softness of the plush floral bedding pulling me down. I pressed my nose into the place she’d last laid her head, where the scent of her rosemary shampoo lingered in the silk pillowcase, nearly convincing me she wasn’t truly gone.

Even still, I wouldn’t cry.

At last, I reached toward the nightstand and found what I knew would be waiting. The current journal had a pale gray cover with a soft ribbon marking her last entry scarcely a third of the way into the book, and as I held it to my chest, the tears I had not built into today’s schedule finally broke free.

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About the Author

Despite her start as a journalist for a faith-based news publication two decades ago, Jessica Stone has always loved fiction. She believes that her testimony and message come most clearly through storytelling, and she loves the process of developing deep—and deeply flawed—characters who find redemption and learn to accept grace, just as she is herself. Jessica and her husband reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, near her parents and other family. This story—and her confidence to write it—were inspired by her own Gilmore Girls-esque relationship with her daughter, who is living out her dreams as a fashion designer in Paris. Beauty in the Bittersweet is Jessica’s debut novel and the first in her A Thornbush and Juniper Story series.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will receive a print copy of Beauty in the Bittersweet plus a sticker/bookmark, journal and pen set!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 29, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 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. No shipping restrictions. 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!

Book Spotlight: Winning Over the Baker by Danielle Thorne

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Winning Over the Baker by Danielle Thorne hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Winning Over the Baker 

Author: Danielle Thorne 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: April 29, 2025 

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can this single mom have it all

Without losing her heart? 

Just when Tam Rochester’s dreams of expanding her herb shop and being able to support her daughter are finally coming true, Patrick Butler arrives in town. She wasn’t counting on the single dad’s plans for a bakery right across the street or the competition it’ll bring. Tam’s not afraid to fight for her future, but going toe-to-toe with Patrick would be easier if she didn’t adore his kids—and if she could just ignore her growing feelings for the too-talented baker…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

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Also Available:

 

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Excerpt

Footfalls approached the other side of the door, and Tam stepped back with a smile. When it opened, she was greeted by Patrick Butler, instead of her business acquaintance.

Light green eyes made a striking contrast against his dark hair and olive complexion, and his cropped, wavy locks lay mussed in a charming way. A giant, well-fed ginger striped cat was curled up in the crook of one of his arms. It looked like it could take down a gazelle. “Oh. Hi, again. I thought... Is Donna here?” she stammered.

“Good morning to you. ” His jeans were dusted with white powder and his shirt sleeves rolled up. “Donna already headed over to the bakery. Can I help you?”

Tam flushed with guilt. “Um, no.” She couldn’t admit she’d come to ask about the peaches behind his back.

The ginger cat yawned lazily, and Tam gaped at the mouth full of sharp teeth. The saber-toothed tiger’s owner looked at her in curiosity as a second cat, a Siamese kitten, strolled up and rubbed against his ankle. “Nice fur babies,” Tam said, trying to figure out how to get peaches and avoid any contact with the cats. “I didn’t know Donna had animals.”

“They’re mine. They’re Butlers, too.”

“Interesting name.” He didn’t look like a butler. Her pulse skipped when he leaned one thick shoulder against the door.

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About the Author

Danielle Thorne writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia, for Harlequin's Love Inspired books. She is the author of sweet, romantic adventures, both historical and contemporary.

Danielle has also published poetry and short stories as well as non-fiction for young adult readers. She' s a graduate of Ricks College and BYU-Idaho with degrees in the Science and Humanities and University Studies. A mother of four and grandmother of two, Danielle's been married for over 30 years to Robert Thorne, and together, they enjoy traveling and serving in their church and community.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Winning Over the Baker, $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, Twinings Peach & Orange Herbal Tea, tea bag holder, stickers, and a bookmark!

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 30, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 7, 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.

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

Book Review: Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen

About the Book:

One final cry of terror, and suddenly her world shifted violently, until a blinding collision scattered her mind and shook her bones. Then, the pain. The freezing water. And as all sensation drifted away, a hand reached for hers before all faded into darkness. . . .

In the midst of a fierce storm, a carriage carrying Sir John Mayfield, Lady Marianna Mayfield, and her lady's companion careens off a narrow cliff road, changing their fates forever. When the wreckage is found, Sir John is gravely injured, and a woman is discovered unconscious wearing a valuable ring. As the woman regains consciousness in a strange house, she grapples with fragmented memories of the accident, unsettling dreams of a child in peril, and a deep mystery tied to the ring on her finger. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and haunted by a sense of foreboding, the survivor realizes she cannot trust anyone and must uncover the truth of what happened that stormy night, even as danger mounts and enemies conspire against her.

In this revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of Julie Klassen's acclaimed novel, a woman's startling secrets lead her into unexpected danger and romance in Regency England.

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My Thoughts:

Lady Maybe held a different flavor than Julie Klassen’s other Christian Fiction novels. First of all, the book was hard-to-put-down. For me, Klassen’s novels are generally calm and sweet historical romances that I find enjoyable and relaxing. However, Lady Maybe kept me on my toes with its mystery and made me want to stay up all night with its romance. Intrigue hovered for most of the book while other plot points (injury recovery, searching for a child, secrets, etc.) constantly moved the story forward. I read the novel in two long sittings because I wanted to know how things would turn out for Sir John, Lady Marianna, and Hannah.

Lady Maybe also carried a more sensual romance than normally found in Klassen’s novels. Including a fade-to-black bedroom scene was an edgy choice for a novel that held clearly Christian elements as it openly addressed repentance, forgiveness, and the need for Christ. I did enjoy the romantic tension between Hannah and Sir John, though I think the story could have stood quite well, perhaps even better, without the love triangle that grew throughout the novel.

Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen was highly enjoyable to read, so much so that it has a permanent home on my bookshelf. Four stars!

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.

Book Spotlight: The Accused by Cara Putman

About the Book:

When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder?

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Advanced Praise:

“The Accused has everything a reader could want in a suspense novel: a methodical courtroom procedural and murder investigation, sharp dialogue, tight prose, and a dynamic cast of characters. A brilliant novel that fans of the genre won't want to miss!”— Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author of The Line Between

“The Accused is Putman at her best! The layered, twisty plot had me holding my breath, and the courtroom scenes in this legal suspense were riveting. Highly recommended!”— Colleen Coble, best-selling author of I Think I Was Murdered

The Accused has everything I want in a legal thriller. A chilling crime, a challenging case, interpersonal conflicts, behind-the-scenes judicial wrangling, and a climactic courtroom finale. Cara Putman drew me in with her complex characters, and the intriguing plot kept me engaged through every unexpected twist! I couldn't read fast enough!”— Lynn H. Blackburn, best-selling, award-winning author of the Gossamer Falls series

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Author Bio

Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than 35 books. She graduated college at 20 and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.'” Cara is active at her church and a full-time Clinical Associate Professor on business and ethics to undergraduate and graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management.

Putman also practices law and was a second-generation homeschooling mom for twelve years. Putman obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from Krannert and her J.D. from George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at: caraputman.com.

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Tour Giveaway

In celebration of the release of The Accused, author Cara Putman and her publisher Kregel Publications are generously offering a giveaway contest open to US residents.

Grand Prize Winner – one print copy of each book in The Secrets to Keep series including: The Vanished, and The Accused, and an Amazon Gift Card for $20.00 to one lucky winner.

Runners Up – one print copy of The Accused to two lucky winners.

Enter the tour giveaway on today's Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DI_UnBVvxHk/?img_index=1

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Book Review: To Bring You Back by Emily Conrad

About the Book:

Can their second-chance romance overcome the challenges of his fame and the tragedy in their past?

Though rock star Gannon Vaughn and his band, Awestruck, have conquered the music industry, he can't overcome his feelings for the woman he's loved since high school.

The impacts of mental illness and almost a decade of separation stand between them, but Adeline Green is still one of the few people who cared for him before he made it big. Acting on faith and the persistence that made him famous, he's determined to win her back.

Following the tragedy that severed her relationship with Gannon, Adeline has found a measure of peace by doing good where she can in her small town home of Lakeshore, Wisconsin.

When Gannon descends on her quiet life, their connection is as powerful as ever. If only getting close to him didn't mean facing her worst mistakes, both privately and in front of reporters eager to dig up the sordid details of their past.

Can they trust grace and forgiveness enough to overcome shame and embrace another chance at love?

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My Thoughts:

To Bring You Back by Emily Conrad took me by surprise. This sizzling, second chance romance held my attention from the start. I loved every moment of the book, from the rocky reunion to the gritty middle to the beautiful ending. With an excellent exploration of what grace is and what it means for the Christian, the story held depth and beauty in addition to the romantic tension.

To Bring You Back by Emily Conrad introduces the Rhythms of Redemption Romance series and I can not wait to read more. The rest of the series is on my wish list. 4.5 stars!

Author Interview: The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Other Sister
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Thriller, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life. 

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption. 

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker… 

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

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

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Excerpt

“What in the world is this?” she asks. “It’s like he’s obsessed—”

“With death, right?” All of these women, including myself, look as if we’re being laid to rest. “And he’s not asking them to pose. He’s sneaking into unsuspecting women’s homes and drawing them while they sleep.”

“What a freak show, Char. Things just become more bizarre by the second.”

“Tell me about it!” I fill her in on everything that transpired at the Newsoms’, from Bianca in the bedroom, to MacKenzie’s murderous outburst, to Ford’s displays of affection for me. “I can’t trust any of these people. There’s no loyalty, and it traces back to the mothers. They’re in some kind of competition for the better life.”

Tillie slowly glances up at me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

My hackles rise. “You can’t possibly be comparing me to them. I would…” My words trail off, because I have taken things that don’t belong to me. Things I coveted and wanted but couldn’t afford. And dark things transpired with a particular person who used to visit a restaurant I worked in. She was glamourous and well-liked. Rich.

She had everything I wanted. She was the person I wanted to be…and when you dream every moment of being someone else and living another life, escaping your own for a million reasons, those thoughts become your reality. You enter it, slipping over the edge until you don’t even know what you’ve done or how far you’ve fallen until it’s too late. All you can do is try to clean up the mess but in turn make it messier until people are hurt.

But I’m not that woman anymore.

Am I?

What constitutes change? Actions. Behavior.

Maybe I am still the old me. I can’t think about that right now. I have too many other things piling up on my plate. It’s just that now my plates are china and not paper.

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Also Available

   

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About the Author

Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Jessica R. Patch has penned over 27 novels and is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense or a dark, twisty thriller. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, down the street at the Mexican restaurant, or collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.

Connect with Jessica by visiting jessicarpatch.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to her email newsletter "Patched In" updates and receive a FREE short thriller.

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Author Interview

Q: What inspired you to write The Other Sister? 

Jessica: I watched a CW show called The Ringer back in 2012 and knew I wanted to write my own version of a ringer/twin story.


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

Jessica: I wrote the first draft in about 3 months and revised it in 3 weeks. Before sending it to my editor and then going through another round.


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

Jessica: Detective Patrick surprised me most, especially at the end in the conversation he had with Charlotte. It made me cry because I think it beautifully portrays how Jesus isn’t ashamed to call us his, even if we still feel our shame.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from The Other Sister? 

Jessica: Want is an open grave that constantly needs filling.


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

Jessica: 2008 after reading Rush of Wings and The Still of the Night by Kristen Heitzmann—highly recommend!


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know? I don’t like driving long distances, so I always have a friend or my husband in the driver’s seat!


Q: What are you currently reading? 

Jessica: I’m listening to a general market thriller by J.T. Ellison called A Very Bad Thing. I just started it so I can’t say if I can recommend it or not yet.


Q: What is your favorite genre to read? 

Jessica:Mystery/suspense/thriller/horror (not possessions or hauntings)


Q: What is your favorite hobby? 

Jessica: Ha! I’ve been trying to decide on a hobby. I think I may take up making sourdough. TikTok makes it look pretty easy and delicious. LOL

Q: What is your favorite season and why? 

Jessica: Hands down fall. I love cool weather, fall colors, bonfires, quilts, hot tea and cider and of course as a teenager T.Ping houses with toilet paper! Ahahaha.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of The Garden Girls & a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 22, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 29, 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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