Monday, July 23, 2018

Review of Legacy of the Heart with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours


Welcome to the review tour for Legacy of the Heart, a series of novellas by five authors that are connected by a special locket being passed through family and time. You can read my review below, and then follow the rest of the reviews on the tour. Be sure to also enter the great giveaway!


Legacy of the Heart
By Danica Favorite, Stacy Henrie, Tina Radcliffe, Terri Reed & Sherri Shackelford
Inspirational Romance, Novella Collection
ebook, 378 Pages
June 22nd 2018 by Beyond the Page Publishing

An antique locket with the power to inspire everlasting love unites the five stories in this stunning collection of historical and contemporary inspirational romance novellas!

In Heritage of Love, Danica Favorite takes us to the Chicago world’s fair, where a chance encounter will spark an opportunity for true love, if only the young couple can first overcome polite society’s rigid rules . . .

Stacy Henrie tells the story of a sheriff desperate to escape the matchmaking efforts of the women in his small town, only to discover that his attempts to sidestep them may lead to eternal love and happiness in By Any Other Name . . .

Tina Radcliffe’s Forget Me Not paints the picture of a charming antique store, where love will blossom when two strangers learn the secret about a long-ago hurt and a love that never died . . .

In The Lost Locket, Terri Reed introduces readers to two people who have given up on love and will fight their undeniable attraction until it may be too late . . .

And in Winning the Fireman’s Heart, Sherri Shackelford shows us two long-time friends forever searching for the perfect mate, until a gesture of kindness reveals the love that’s always been waiting for them . . .

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo
**My thoughts**
I admit that historical romance is not my usual choice, especially those that take place during the 1800s. But the concept behind this book was intriguing, and I'm often willing to give such stories a chance. And of course, three of the stories are contemporary romance. The five novellas are connected by a locket that is destined to bring love to its bearer. And not all of them are historical. One of the advantages of this book is that the different novellas are going to appeal to different readers, which is one of my favorite parts of collections like this. What doesn't work as well for me is going to appeal to someone else, and vice versa.

The first story, Heritage of Love by Danica Favorite, is one of those stories that has the main characters fall in love instantaneously, which is honestly not one of my favorite kinds of romances. It just isn't possible. But beyond that, I loved the message of learning to like people for who they are, and not judging them by their heritage. Violet is a white woman whose dying father is determined to get her married off to an appropriate man of his choosing. But Violet has met and fallen in love with another man. The other man is half-Indian, which is not going to sit well with her father, who has had negative encounters with them in the past. John's own family had been split when his white father married his Lakota mother, and she was disowned. But they are determined to love each other as people and not as a race or a stereotype. This is the most important.

The second story, Any Other Name, really captured my heart. Violet's sister Iris had met a man named Rome and kept in touch with him via letters. After she sells the family home, she moves to be with him, as they had discussed marriage. Despite some initial shyness and a small case of mistaken identity, they get married anyway, mostly to allow Iris to have some security in life, and to allow Rome some peace from the meddling women in the town. Their story is sweet as they slowly get to know each other, which means they are slowly falling in love as they discover more about each other and how they truly are a perfect match. I'm also a sucker for Billy and there is a touch of suspense. 

 Forget Me Not was such a familiar kind of story to me. I feel like I have visited Wolf Creek before and that I already knew these characters, though I obviously don't. I think this story just fit in quite well with the type of contemporary romance I have been reading a lot of lately. We fast forward a few generations and now the locket belongs to a young lady named Maddy. She inherited the locket and an antiques store from her great-aunt Jacqueline. Unfortunately, she is behind on her rent and doesn't realize that she is facing eviction sooner rather than later. And then she has a chance meeting with a handsome stranger named Gabe, who is immediately taken with the feisty and independent woman and wants to help her. I really like these two characters and rooted for them the whole way through this story.

 Next we have The Lost Locket, which chronologically follows Forget Me Not. The locket has been bequeathed to Maddy's sister Penny. Penny has recently moved back to Colorado to be near her sister Maddy, but she isn't necessarily looking for love. She doesn't believe in the power of the locket. But then she meets Brad, the doctor with whom she often has to work in the local ER during the night shifts. The attraction between the two of them is strong, but he is leaving soon. Is it really worth trying to pursue? Of course, I am rooting for these two in this contemporary romance as well.

 I think the fifth and final story, Winning the Fireman's Heart, has my favorite couple in it. We were introduced to Georgie in the first Wolf Creek story. She and Logan have been friends forever, and clearly have a thing for each other, though they have been able to hide it pretty well. We've all had one of those friends at some point in our lives. And those moments building up to them realizing how they really feel about each other just make you feel warm and fuzzy. Or at least they do for me. Plus the premise made for great romantic comedy, pretending to be married so that Georgie could claim her prize of a free designer wedding dress. I was just disappointed at how short their story is and wanted more! I think they could easily be fleshed out into a full-length novel.

 So these five stories, all woven together by this mystical locket, all have their own charm (pun somewhat intended). I think romance readers will find that at least one of these couples and stories appeals to them. Another great summer day read.

About the Authors

A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life.

She and her family recently moved into their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado. Danica loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily-ever-after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun.


A USA Today bestselling author, Stacy Henrie is the author of more than a dozen inspirational historical romance novels and novellas. Her books include Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. Born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family, Stacy enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all laughing with her husband and kids.


Originally from Western, N.Y., Tina Radcliffe left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N., followed by a move to Colorado, which led to a career as a library cataloger. A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina is an RWA Honor Roll member, a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Arizona, where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.


Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly Top 25, Nielsen’s Bookscan Top 100, have been Amazon Bestsellers and featured in USA Today, Christian Fiction Magazine, and Romantic Times Magazine, finaled in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest, National Reader’s Choice Award contest, and American Christian Fiction Writers’ The Carol Award contest.


Sherri Shackelford is an award-winning author of inspirational, Christian romance novels for Harlequin/HarperCollins Publishers. A wife and mother of three, Sherri’s hobbies include collecting mismatched socks, discovering new ways to avoid cleaning, and standing in the middle of the room while thinking, “Why did I just come in here?” A reformed pessimist and recent hopeful romantic, Sherri has a passion for writing. Her books are fun and fast-paced, with plenty of heart and soul.



Tour Giveaway


 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends August 1st

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Sunday, July 22, 2018

The Truth Between Us by Tammy L. Gray Book Tour Grand Finale with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

I hope you enjoyed my review of The Truth Between Us the other day. Now you have the chance to read the other reviews from the tour, as well as several excerpts. There's even an interview with the author. Please check them all out and then be sure to enter the great giveaway at the end!

 Please note that affiliate links are present in this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

 Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Truth Between Us
By Tammy L. Gray

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Interview with the Author

1. What was your motivation behind writing THE TRUTH BETWEEN US?

One of my goals in writing is to have a deeper meaning come through the story. Since this book is the second in a series, I always knew April and Sean would get their happy ending, but choosing the inspirational thread was a little more challenging. I wanted to show how even the strongest of people can hurt in silence. April is tough, guarded and defensive. But she also has a myriad of wonderful qualities—loyalty and kindness—if she would lonely allow herself to love. As her arc progressed, I could clearly see her need to understand unconditional love and did my best to show how God’s love doesn’t come with strings or conditions. 

Remembrancy - Review

"In The Truth Between Us, Gray focuses on how the unconditional love of one person covers over years of fighting to measure up to others expectation, seeking acceptance to the point of losing who you are meant to be.

It’s not an easy road to traverse, there are switchbacks, wrong turns, potholes, and deep ruts to navigate along the way. But with friends to navigate her back to the route, April just might find herself."


Chapter 1 – Sean

Nine months, twenty-seven days, and four hours.

The last time he’d had contact with the woman he was supposed to marry. The woman who’d chosen misguided loyalty and lineage over his unconditional love. 

Sean drummed his left fingers against the steering wheel, his right hand occupied with the ring April had so easily returned. He slid the smooth gold onto his pinky, the same way he had in the jewelry store to measure its size. It stopped at his knuckle, the light bouncing off the diamond in an array of beautiful colors. 


"The second book in Tammy Gray’s Bentwood series, and it was just as attention-grabbing as the first!This one has April as the main character, and I was completely hooked into her and her life!
I was enthralled and captivated by her story...

Ms. Gray skillfully wove life lessons, and much truth, into this story line. We need to let go of who we think others are demanding us to be, and look for the person God wants us to be."


"When I started reading The Truth Between Us, I wasn't sure what to think. . . . But as I kept reading and got to know them each better, I found myself drawn into the story, which ended up being a beautiful tale of redemption and forgiveness.

...Though it took me a while to get into, The Truth Between Us is a really engaging story, and I'll definitely be coming back for book three."


"I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am thrilled to have discovered the writing of Tammy L. Gray. The Truth Between Us is an extremely well-written relationship drama with a strong, compelling plot and themes of grace and redemption. Honestly, I never wanted to put it down."

Uplifting Reads - Review

"They have such a beautiful and rich past together, stretching way back to their early days. And it just feels like so much was a misunderstanding that they never had a chance to work through. Reading this was a great way to relax on a hot summer's day. I want to read the first book in the series now, to get a better understanding of this book. And I would be interested in reading the next one to follow up on where everyone goes, and to figure out what is happening with some of the other characters."


"I appreciate how Tammy Gray has met these characters where they are at, largely broken and faithless. The subtle introduction of Christianity is unseen and realistic, given entry by the desires written on their hearts, the natural law, and those God has put in their path."


Chapter 2 – April

She slipped away quietly and continued toward the altar as if the wedding march were playing through the wind. A melody imprinted in her soul with each careful step. 

At the front, the white wooden arbor draped with lace and held together at the corners by bouquets of pink roses, was just like the one April had seen in a magazine, but Sean had staunchly vetoed the idea of a fancy arbor, not wanting anything to distract from the beauty of their venue.

Or the beauty of his bride, he’d said, ruining her chance to argue. He was the only person she knew who could make her cave with so little effort.

C Jane Read - Review

"Once I connected with the characters I couldn’t put the story down. This is an emotional story filled with a powerful message of discovering yourself, a wonderful example of unconditional love and what trust really means."


"The Truth Between Us takes us on a roller coaster of emotions, from passion to anger to hurt to redemption and everything in between. Sean and April are complex characters and their story is as layered as they are. Tammy L. Gray is extremely skilled at writing in such a way that the reader feels part of the story too, and nothing feels forced or out of place. The sweet ending and the undertones of redemption do not cancel out the rawness of the story itself, rather it gives the journey an edge of grace that makes it all worth it."

Book by Book - Review

"So, if you like to read romantic, character-based fiction, add The Truth Between Us to the TBR. Tammy L. Gray tells the story so well that it’s hard not to enjoy it. I know I certainly did (so much so that I’m once again left very eager to read more of the series), and I recommend it."


"With The Truth Between Us, I had nothing to worry about, and here’s why: Sean Taylor.

I had a hard time liking the other main characters until later in the book. But Sean, I loved from the start, for the same reasons all the Bentley Brats love him: he’s funny, he’s daring, he’s passionate, he’s authentic.

...I found a story that shows the great impact of being loved unconditionally, and how very different that kind of love is from the conditional kind."


Chapter 3 – April

The hostess smiled at her warmly, and April motioned toward the man already standing to greet her. Aiden had secured a table next to the towering windows at the back of room. They faced north, allowing the sky to reflect the beauty of dusk without the spotlight of the setting sun. With the light to his back, a halo encircled his blond head and saintly face. Lucifer himself would be jealous of the effect.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Chapter 3 – April

“I pay attention.” His tone was casual, as was the way he dismissed the waitress with a nod. “Especially to people who fascinate me.”

“Careful Aiden, one might think you’re flirting.” She was amazed at the ease in which she threw out those words when warning sparks were firing through her body. “You forget I’ve known you too long to be charmed by your looks and good manners. You offered a proposition. Get to it.”


– Sean

Sean wasn’t sure about anything anymore except that in three days he’d be face to face with the two people who’d trampled his heart. “Surprising her is the only way I’ll know if we still have a chance.” She was too good at hiding her feelings. Too good at shutting out every single emotion she didn’t want to feel.

“Okay. But know this. If a blow up occurs, I will take her side.” Andrew had abandoned the Duncan kingdom and had admitted more than once that he didn’t understand his sister’s choices. Still, his loyalty was unwavering.


"This is a great story. I shows just how evil people can be and how power and money can tear a family apart.

The characters are well-developed and I enjoyed the group of friends. The way they continued to remain close for so many years was fun to see...

I would recommend this book to other readers."


"There’s an abundance of depth and richness and beauty to this book and the series it’s in, to its characters and their relationships, and to the themes present throughout. I’m very much looking forward to revisiting all these characters that tug on my heartstrings, that make me think, and that have become real to me in Ms. Gray’s next addition to the Bentwood Series."

Among the Reads - Review

"I really loved Sean. He was so alive. His love for April was so incredible it almost hurt to see. He’d loved her ever since they were kids. Waiting patiently. It was the kind of love every girl dreams of. A sacrificing, forever kind of love. Sigh...

This book chews you up, spits you out and then puts you back together again. It leaves you with tears in your eyes and yet a satisfied kind of warmth in your chest at the end..."

Christen Krumm - Review

"If you are needing a sweet escape from this summer heat (and let’s be honest … with the heat wave this week, who doesn’t?) you aren’t going to want to miss Tammy L. Gray’s The Truth Between Us.

The newest addition to Gray’s Brentwood series is every bit as toe tingling as I hear the first one is...

I felt like this book was down to earth. It was a little bit gritty — just like you’d encounter in real life, and I found that very refreshing."

Heidi Reads... - Review

"I've been eagerly anticipating April and Sean's story since meeting them in the first book and wondering how on earth the author planned to get them back together. . . . They have great chemistry, even when they are in the midst of conflict, and the process of reconciliation was gratifying. I appreciated the positive influence of Caroline, a newcomer to the group of longtime friends, and once again I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the Bentwood series!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Truth Between Us
(Bentwood #2)
By Tammy L. Gray
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
ebook, 252 Pages
July 12th 2018

Nine years to win her. Three years to love her. And one decision that destroyed it all.

April Duncan was raised with three clear truths: the family name is absolute, ambition and success rule over every emotion, and love always comes with strings attached. Image was everything in her carefully crafted world... until the mirror cracked.

Sean Taylor was April's best friend, the one man who taught her it was okay to let her guard down and to rely on someone. She trusted him. She loved him. Which made his deception the darkest kind of cruelty.

Now, nearly a year later, she’s ready to leave her failed engagement in the past and get back her life and her estranged family, even if it means dating a man solely for his connections. She’ll never again choose love over loyalty.

Sean has spent his entire life breaking barriers, facing challenges, and never giving up. Until one impossible choice destroyed his future and left him no option but to flee from the woman who annihilated his heart.

Now he’s back in Bentwood and determined to make her hear the truth and rebuild the trust he shattered. But April has become a mere shell of the woman who claimed his heart long ago.

Winning her back is more than just seizing a victory, because if he fails… the girl he’s loved for a lifetime will disappear forever.

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended that you begin with book one to get the full experience among this tight group of family and friends.


Other Books in the Series

Until I Knew Myself
(Bentwood #1)
By Tammy L. Gray
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
ebook, 264 Pages
March 8th 2018

RITA Award-winning author Tammy L. Gray delivers an unforgettable new series following five struggling friends in search of the true meaning of family through secrets, betrayal and the unexpected influence of an outsider…

Tyler Mitchell grew up an orphan, taken in by his best friend’s family when he was only sixteen. Even though ten years have passed, and he’s been given everything he should ever want—a loving home, an adoring girlfriend, a successful career, and lifelong friendships—Tyler has always felt a foreigner in his own life.

When a surprising phone call reveals the death of his biological grandfather, Tyler’s seemingly perfect life starts to unravel. The people he loves most in world have kept from him the greatest secret of all—knowledge of his father’s family.

Now hunting for more information about his past, Tyler discovers nothing is quite as it seems. And the definition of family is far more complicated than choosing between blood and loyalty.


About the Author


Tammy L. Gray lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas, even the erratic weather patterns. She writes modern Christian romance with true-to-life characters and culturally-relevant plot lines. She believes hope and healing can be found through high quality fiction that inspires and provokes change.

Her characters are real, relatable and deep, earning her a 2017 RITA award in the Romance with Religious and Spiritual Elements category.

When not chasing after her three amazing kids, Tammy can be spotted with her head in a book. Writing has given her a platform to combine her passion with her ministry.


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a Kindle ebook of UNTIL I NEW MYSELF, book one in The Brentwood Series, and a $10 Amazon eGift Card
- Open internationally
- Ends July 25th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!
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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

The Celery Patch by Samantha Bayarr with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

I am a longtime fan of Amish literature, so it is my pleasure to join in with this book blitz for the newest Amish romance by Samantha Bayarr, The Celery Patch, the first book in the Amish Acres series. I already downloaded my copy!

 Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.


Welcome to the Book Blitz for
The Celery Patch
By Samantha Bayarr

Learn more about the start of this new Amish romance series with
a touch of mystery, read an excerpt, and enter the giveaway below...


The Celery Patch
(Amish Acres #1)
By Samantha Bayarr
Amish, Christian Romance
Paperback & ebook, 265 Pages
June 21st 2018

When a celery patch mysteriously crops up overnight in the Yoder's field, it attracts some unwanted suitors competing for Naomi's hand.

Someone has grown an oversized patch of celery in Naomi's family field and now she's being accused of trying to "catch" a husband. Will rumors spread by a jealous friend damage her reputation and threaten her chances of marrying the man she loves?


Excerpt

“I’m getting married this wedding season, too!” Naomi Yoder blurted out before she could stop the words from pouring from her lips.

Her sister, Ruthie, sucked in her breath and covered her mouth, then quickly recovered from the shock.

 Her best friend, Katie Troyer, squealed and pulled Naomi into a hug. “So he asked you, then?” Katie gushed, a giggle exploding from deep within her.

Not exactly!

 Ruthie sat across from them. “Who asked you? Jeremiah?”

 Naomi nodded, enjoying the attention she was getting over her fake announcement.

 Annie Lapp, who’d walked over to their house to discuss a community quilt project, sank into the wicker chair nearest the swing where Naomi and Katie sat. “I don’t believe you, Naomi; you’re a liar!”

Naomi felt her blood run cold despite the heat of the morning sun beaming across the covered porch; her heart drummed against her ribs like a team of horses galloping at full speed. Of course, it was a lie, but she didn’t have much experience with lying the way Annie did; was it possible the girl’s bad habits were rubbing off on her? She hadn’t meant to say it, especially in front of Annie, who was the biggest gossip in the community. If only Katie hadn’t made her jealous with her own wedding news to Benjamin Mast. Not only had it made her worry that she was the last to make such an announcement from her age group, but Naomi just couldn’t take another minute of Annie’s or her sister’s teasing.

Hearing the word spinster coming from her own sister’s mouth had caused her to overreact, and now it was too late to take it back. Not only would Annie tell the entire community about her lie, but she would also add her own lies to make the situation worse. Annie annoyed her with her constant invasive prying, just so she’d have something to gossip about. Well, this time, Naomi had gone and given her plenty to wag her tongue about.

About the Author

Samantha Bayarr, a former Paralegal, became the first Independent Author of Amish Fiction when she published Little Wild Flower in paperback in 2005. Since then, she has written over 130 Christian Fiction Books in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Western & Cowboy Romance, Amish Romance, and Amish Suspense.

She lives in an historic home in a small town in Florida with her husband, John Foster, who writes children's books. Samantha illustrates her husband's books, the first in the series entitled: Walla Walla and the Great Pirate Adventure. Check out these wonderful stories with a Christian message and over 50 full-color illustrations in each book.

Samantha Bayarr founded Livingston Hall Publishers in 2002. Named after her great, great grandfather, Edward Livingston Hall, who owned a publishing house in the late 1800's, until his passing; Samantha resurrected this legacy as a way of honoring him for passing onto her his love for the written word.


Blitz Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends July 20th

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Review of The Truth Between Us (Bentwood #2) by Tammy L. Gray

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for The Truth Between Us by Tammy L. Gray. This book is the second in the Bentwood series. It can be read as a standalone, but it definitely helps to have read the first book. Today I am sharing my review of this book. Other stops along the way will have more reviews, excerpts, etc. Plus there is a great giveaway at the end!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I also received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.


The Truth Between Us
(Bentwood #2)
By Tammy L. Gray
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
ebook, 252 Pages
July 12th 2018

Nine years to win her. Three years to love her. And one decision that destroyed it all.

April Duncan was raised with three clear truths: the family name is absolute, ambition and success rule over every emotion, and love always comes with strings attached. Image was everything in her carefully crafted world... until the mirror cracked.

Sean Taylor was April's best friend, the one man who taught her it was okay to let her guard down and to rely on someone. She trusted him. She loved him. Which made his deception the darkest kind of cruelty.

Now, nearly a year later, she’s ready to leave her failed engagement in the past and get back her life and her estranged family, even if it means dating a man solely for his connections. She’ll never again choose love over loyalty.

Sean has spent his entire life breaking barriers, facing challenges, and never giving up. Until one impossible choice destroyed his future and left him no option but to flee from the woman who annihilated his heart.

Now he’s back in Bentwood and determined to make her hear the truth and rebuild the trust he shattered. But April has become a mere shell of the woman who claimed his heart long ago.

Winning her back is more than just seizing a victory, because if he fails… the girl he’s loved for a lifetime will disappear forever.

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended that you begin with book one to get the full experience among this tight group of family and friends.

Goodreads│Amazon
**My thoughts**

This story reminded me of reading a soap opera in a way, without all of the sex and violence. But you had plenty of broken hearts, attempts at rekindling romance, games, and backstabbing. April has felt betrayed by her ex-fiance for his role in her beloved uncle being arrested. She has also lost contact with her family, because they never approved of him. And then you have Aiden chasing after her. He may be her ticket back "in" with her family, but there's something conniving about him that I just don't trust.

Sean never fell out of love with April, even though he went away for a while, and he knows that deep down she is still in love with him. He's a bit pushy trying to win her back, but also seems to believe that it is going to require extra effort to break through to her to help her to realize that they belong together. Plus with him being back in town, they need to get used to being around each other, as they share the same circle of friends and will run into each other quite frequently. So how do they sort out themselves, their feelings, and their painful past?

This book is considered to be a standalone. For the most part it is, but I can tell there are a lot of pieces of the other characters' stories that I missed by not reading that one. There is some kind of a riff between a couple of the guys, Ty and Beck. And Caroline has a mysterious past, that I think is being set up for a future installment. It's kind of like a miniseries in book form.

Despite some of my confusion with some of the other characters, I focused more on April and her story with Sean, Aiden, and the rest of her family, watching her grow and evolve. I rooted for the MCs to figure out what was ailing them. They have such a beautiful and rich past together, stretching way back to their early days. And it just feels like so much was a misunderstanding that they never had a chance to work through. Reading this was a great way to relax on a hot summer's day. I want to read the first book in the series now, to get a better understanding of this book. And I would be interested in reading the next one to follow up on where everyone goes, and to figure out what is happening with some of the other characters.

Other Books in the Series

Until I Knew Myself
(Bentwood #1)
By Tammy L. Gray
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
ebook, 264 Pages
March 8th 2018

RITA Award-winning author Tammy L. Gray delivers an unforgettable new series following five struggling friends in search of the true meaning of family through secrets, betrayal and the unexpected influence of an outsider…

Tyler Mitchell grew up an orphan, taken in by his best friend’s family when he was only sixteen. Even though ten years have passed, and he’s been given everything he should ever want—a loving home, an adoring girlfriend, a successful career, and lifelong friendships—Tyler has always felt a foreigner in his own life.

When a surprising phone call reveals the death of his biological grandfather, Tyler’s seemingly perfect life starts to unravel. The people he loves most in world have kept from him the greatest secret of all—knowledge of his father’s family.

Now hunting for more information about his past, Tyler discovers nothing is quite as it seems. And the definition of family is far more complicated than choosing between blood and loyalty.


About the Author


Tammy L. Gray lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas, even the erratic weather patterns. She writes modern Christian romance with true-to-life characters and culturally-relevant plot lines. She believes hope and healing can be found through high quality fiction that inspires and provokes change.

Her characters are real, relatable and deep, earning her a 2017 RITA award in the Romance with Religious and Spiritual Elements category.

When not chasing after her three amazing kids, Tammy can be spotted with her head in a book. Writing has given her a platform to combine her passion with her ministry.


Tour Schedule

 July 16th:
Launch
Remembrancy
Katie's Clean Book Collection
All-of-a-kind Mom
Christian Chick's Thoughts
July 17th:
The Power of Words
Uplifting Reads
My Scribbler's Heart
Locks, Hooks and Books
July 18th:
C Jane Read
Reading Is My SuperPower
Book by Book
Author Austin Ryan
July 19th:
Faithfully Bookish
Wishful Endings
Tell Tale Book Reviews
Rockin' Book Reviews
July 20th:
Redeemed Hope Dweller
Among the Reads
Christen Krumm
Heidi Reads...
July 21st:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a Kindle ebook of UNTIL I NEW MYSELF, book one in The Brentwood Series, and a $10 Amazon eGift Card
- Open internationally
- Ends July 25th

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