Review of Secrets of Their Past (Wander Canyon #5) by Allie Pleiter

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Secrets of Their Past, the fifth book in the Wander Canyon series by Allie Pleiter, part of the Harlequin Love Inspired Romance collection. Today I'm sharing with you my thoughts on this standalone novel. You can follow the tour above for even more! Best of luck entering the great giveaway!

Secrets of Their Past

(Wander Canyon #5)

By Allie Pleiter

Contemporary, Inspirational Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 22, 2022 by Love Inspired

Facing the past could change his future. 

 

Veterinarian Neal Rodgers is in Wander Canyon seeking the truth about his past—not to rescue a litter of kittens under his next-door neighbor’s porch. But persistent single-mom Tessa Kennedy is impossible to ignore—especially when she uncovers a family secret of her own. Discovering the hidden facts of their histories could be the key to unlocking everything in this small town.

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**My thoughts**

This is the fifth book in the Wander Canyon series, but I felt right at home like I was already old friends with the characters in this inspirational small town romance. So if you haven't read the first four books, you'll be absolutely fine. I will admit that now I want to go back and revisit all of those stories, though!

I liked the premise of this one because it was different than most of the small town romances I have been enjoying as of late. Neal has come to town on vacation, but really, he's seeking answers to his past. Tessa, his well-meaning neighbor, ends up involved in his search and ends up finding mysteries in her own past as well. Neither one of them has been looking to pursue any kind of relationship with anyone else, but as they become friends and embark upon their searches, they strike up a close friendship that slowly burns into something a little bit more. Definitely more realistic than those quick-love stories that I so often find.

Watching their relationship build as they work to unravel their pasts made for a great evening read. I enjoyed my trip to this town and will have to go back for more!

Thank you to the publisher and Prism Book Tours for my requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed True Large Print copy of Secrets of Their Past by Allie Pleiter, a wool shawl hand-knit by the author, and a 3oz bottle of Apple Harvest body lotion (US only)
 

One winner will receive an ebook of Secrets of Their Past by Allie Pleiter (International)
 

Ends March 9, 2022

ENTER HERE

 

The Widow Rescue (Disaster City Search & Rescue) by Ginny Sterling

 

Breanna Martin felt like life was splintering apart before her very eyes. Arguing over an unexpected pregnancy, her husband never returned home again. Widowed, wounded, her heart aching and full of regret, she focuses nurturing the only thing left that seemed to matter anymore other than her growing baby. Karma has other plans for her, when an unexpected kindness comes in the form of a handsome fireman, Jake Childress.

Jake knew the torture of losing a loved one, saying goodbye to his own brother after a tragic accident, yet something in the frantic woman’s tears struck a chord in him. He’s drawn immeasurably to Breanna. Her sad, soulful eyes that seemed to look right through him, making him wonder at what it would be like to make her smile again.

When attraction kindles a flame neither expected, can a second chance at life be just what both of them needed?

Available on Amazon

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Find more of Ginny Sterling's books on Amazon here.

About the author:

Ginny Sterling is an avid romance writer. She lives to tell sweet, inspirational, tender tales that tug at the heart, leaving the reader smiling, laughing, or crying. She favors writing sweet historical and contemporary romance books - including The Lawkeepers Series, Disaster City Search & Rescue Series, Legendary Brides, and her own beloved series, Healing Hearts.

Growing up, Ginny traveled extensively, visiting family all over North America, seeing the sights and learning that everything in life worth having... revolves around love, faith, and home. When not at work, she spends all of her free time writing, quilting, or shopping for coffee mugs to add to her vast collection.

Each book written is sure to be an adventure, bringing laughter and love to your heart!

www.GinnySterling.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ginny.Sterlingbooks 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ginny_sterling 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ginny-sterling 

The Billionaire's Birthday Gift (Billionaire Birthday Club) by Jenna Brandt

 

What do you give the billionaire who has everything?

Nate Miller’s music company just sold for a billion dollars, making him one of the youngest billionaires in the world. Despite getting the life he thought he always wanted, he can’t help but be nostalgic about the girl who got away because of it. When he finds out she’s getting engaged, he decides he needs to do something about it before it’s too late.

Stella Buchanan is a triple threat. Though best known for her acting career, singing was always her true passion. The problem was the music industry revolved around Nate Miller, her ex-boyfriend and record producer. When he broke her heart, she promised to leave that world behind forever. At least, until she runs into Nate at the Billionaire Birthday Club during Christmas.

Will Nate’s birthday gift be the perfect present for the holidays? Will Stella decide to give Nate a second chance? And what will happen when Stella’s on and off boyfriend shows up on the island, diamond ring in hand?

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com

Jenna’s Joyful Page Turners Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/844819802336835/

Heroes and Hunks Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430422374043418/

Her books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1497269877&sr=8-1

Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Stalk her on Instagram www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pin her on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter

Look her up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Check her out on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenna-brandt

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Love's Sacrifice and Promise (The Twin Mountain Inn) by Madison McBride

  

This is the heartwarming story of how Isabella discovered her lineage to the Thornton family. Her family's legacy wasn't just built on the Twin Mountain Inn's existence, but through every one of the four generations before her. The story begins with a forceful, grounded faith and a sacrificing love held together by an unbreakable promise.

Bell finds the journal of her father's grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Bailey. Bell is quickly captivated by the story of hardship and loss in love and her father's grandmother's enduring faith and love for the Lord through it all. In the midst of all this, there was Nathan and the enduring promise he made that bonded Mary to him before they even set eyes on each other. The only way Nathan could get redemption was through Mary's empathetic love for him.

Will Nathan win over Elizabeth's magnanimous heart?

Available on Amazon

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Madison lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband, two children, and a very spoiled Dachshund. She loves Hallmark movies, coffee, and chocolates. Madison loves history and enjoys spending time in museums and other historical places. She feels very strongly about treasuring family and time spend together. She also enjoys wildlife and landscape photography if she is not writing or reading. 

As a child she always loved reading, but she never realized how much she would love writing until she started. To be able to share this gift of writing has become a dream come true. She believes every character in her books has been influenced by someone or something from her life. 

If you enjoy romantic stories with lasting characters showcasing strong family bonds, with a red threat of faith tying everything together, you surely will enjoy Madison’s books. It is touching stories that are emotional and sweet that captivate the reader and transport them to another time and place. She writes a particular genre, and when she sits down to write, the magic happens. She doesn't know where the characters will take her, throughout their journey as they discover themselves, they give you hope and make you think.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Read an excerpt from The Billionaire's Birthday Blind Date by Jo Grafford

  

It’s not easy coming up with a birthday surprise for a billionaire best friend — especially a guy she likes a little more than a best friend should…

But that won’t keep Eloise Cantona from trying. After enjoying the Billionaire Birthday Club’s exclusive birthday experience with her brother, Roman, she’s determined to recreate some of that magic for her best friend, Elon. He seriously works too hard managing his family’s golf resort empire. Don’t CEOs deserve a break, too? Unfortunately, Elon is so tight-lipped about his bucket list that she hardly knows where to begin. She ultimately decides to surprise him with a blind date.

Elon Carnegie has been wanting to ask Eloise on a date for a long time, but he is reluctant to risk a lifelong friendship if things don’t work out between them. When she surprises him with her ridiculous birthday gift of a blind date, however, he decides he’s done waiting for the right time and place to reveal his true feelings for her. So what if she thinks she already has the perfect weekend planned for him? He has one goal in mind — to spend every second of his birthday trying to win her heart!

Read an excerpt:

“Our friendship means everything to me.” So much so, that the idea of losing him for good brought her close to tears. 

After a pause, Elon folded his arms. His normally empathetic expression was unreadable.\ 

“Prove it." 

“Prove what?” she asked helplessly, half expecting him to break into a laugh and tell her this was all some sort of joke. He’d always been a bit of a prankster. She glanced around them at the crowded cafe. It was a popular lunchtime dive. The tables were jammed with patrons. Not an empty chair was in sight. 

“That our friendship still means something to you." 

“How?” She reached for her glass of tea to get rid of the sudden dryness in her throat. 

“That’s for you to figure out, sugar.” A ghost of a smile tugged at his mouth, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “I have a birthday coming up. How about you surprise me?”

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

 Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Her Billionaire Best Friend (The Black Tie Billionaires) by Jo Grafford

It’s not easy for an undercover agent to be just friends with the woman he’d much rather be dating.

Titus Rand is sent to Anchorage by a top-secret organization to investigate Genesis & Sons. He goes undercover as the head of his own security firm to serve as a bodyguard — which makes his path cross again and again with Jolene Shore, a lovely nurse on their payroll. Unfortunately, his line of work leaves no time for dating.

His plan to keep his emotional distance from her falls apart when he's asked to guard the newest ward of the Maddox clan, a long-lost brother who requires constant medical attention. Though he knows it’s best to keep his relationship with Nurse Jolene firmly in the friend category, it’s getting harder each day to ignore what his heart wants.

Read an excerpt:

In exactly seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’m going to be on a lunch date with the hottest nurse on the planet! 

Titus Rand glanced at his watch, hardly believing his luck. After months of dodging a powerful attraction to the tall, athletic-looking ICU nurse supervisor, he’d finally given in to the temptation to ask her to lunch. And she’d said yes! 

Getting close to her wasn’t advisable on any level. Every instinct of his was waving a red flag of caution. But for once, he planned to ignore his better judgment. In his line of business, he’d learned that sometimes a person only had a narrow window of opportunity to accomplish a particular goal. Usually, those narrow windows involved bringing dangerous criminals to justice. 

Today, that narrow window involved letting his guard down a fraction to allow himself the luxury of a single lunch date. He was pretty sure the attraction was mutual. Or so he hoped. And daydreamed about. And at other times prayed it was nothing more than wishful thinking on his part, because he’d rather take a bullet than hurt Jolene. 

Which he inevitably would do if he allowed her to get too close to him — something he was choosing not to think about at the moment.

 Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Mail Order Isabella (Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies Book 29) by Jo Grafford

  

A deathbed promise, an accidental family, and a mail-order marriage…

Isabella Hill signs a mail-order bride contract only hours before promising to raise a dying friend’s babe as her own. With her wedding date looming, there’s no time to contact her would-be groom by letter, so she decides to deliver the news of her change in circumstances in person — praying he won’t object to the idea of a ready-made family. Otherwise, she and her precious bundle might soon find themselves living in the streets.

Tex Sullivan’s rebel younger brother forges Tex’s name on a mail-order bride contract, only days before Tex is supposed to marry the catch of the season. While he scrambles to set the scandal straight, he finds himself face-to-face with a lovely, impoverished debutante from Atlanta — with an infant in her arms, no less! Tex never asked for a woman like Isabella to come into his life, but is it possible she’s exactly the kind of wife he needs?

Read an excerpt:

“If you slip away, no one will notice,” the woman in front of her hissed. 

Isabella frowned. “You think I should give up and go home?” She bit her lower lip, realizing she wasn’t in her Sunday best like the other women. 

“Well, it’s not as if you stand a chance against the rest of us,” the woman noted with a sideways glance at her wrinkled skirts. 

“Says who?” Isabella’s ire rose. “For all we know, the interviewer is specifically looking for a wrinkled, windblown lass.” She lifted her chin. “In which case, the rest of you ladies will be sorely out of luck.” 

To her surprise, there was no reply. The entire line of women had grown as silent as death.
“You,” a man said in a laughing voice. “You’re next.” 

Isabella slowly raised her head to meet the gaze of the man conducting the interviews.

 Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

The Fake Bride Rescue: A K9 Handler Romance (Disaster City Search & Rescue #7) by Jo Grafford

 

Firefighter Ransom Keller can’t stand the thought of attending his twenty-year high school reunion as a single guy. Folks tend to expect a little more action in the romance department from a former star linebacker and an ex party machine. But a decade in the Special Forces followed by career in fire rescue operations hasn’t left him much time to play Romeo. So he does the unthinkable — he hires an actress to pose as his bride for the weekend.

Serena Chandler is supposed to be working on her doctoral dissertation, not filling in for her bestie’s slightly scandalous rent-a-date service. However, her short-term “husband” seems like a perfect gentleman, so she relaxes and decides to enjoy their weekend trip together while keeping things strictly professional between them. He’s made it clear he’s a no strings attached kind of man, and that’s fine with her.

Their carefully negotiated agreement works right up to the point when a fire breaks out at his alma mater, and she becomes trapped in the gym. Watching the ripped and ready Ransom take charge in a daring rescue operation, however, makes all her best-laid plans go up in smoke. She finds herself scheming with her Mensa-level I.Q. for a way to turn their fake marriage into a real one.

If they survive the fire, of course!

Read an excerpt:

The guy staring back from the photo wore aviator sunglasses. His arms were crossed in a defiant gesture, and his mouth was twisted in a scowl. He certainly wasn’t going out of his way to look datable, which Serena found that appealing. 

“He looks ready to hurt someone,” she chuckled. 

Iris adopted a smug look. “His name is Ransom Keller. Ex Special Forces. And what he needs is a fake bride at his side during his twentieth high school reunion.” 

“A fake bride, huh? That’s a thing?” Serena asked dryly. 

“It’s really a thing,” her bestie returned cheerfully. “Remember all that playing pretend we did as children?” 

“Um, yeah, and I distinctly recall our husbands being imaginary.” 

“Well, it was excellent practice for this.”

 Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Billionaire's Birthday Surprise (Billionaire Birthday Club) by Jenna Brandt

  

Samuel Butler is a billionaire celebrity chef, equally known for his playboy ways as he is for his Irish gourmet cooking. When a close friend encourages him to use his next birthday adventure to find something deeper, he’s not sure if he’s ready to stop giving in to life’s pleasures.

Vanessa Lewis is staying on the Billionaire Birthday Club’s private island to celebrate her sister’s extravagant birthday. When she runs into Samuel Butler, the charming hunk she shared a passionate kiss with on New Year’s Eve two years earlier, she wants nothing to do with the man who could so easily forget her. Fate intervenes, however, when the sisters are invited to join a private party for the very man she wants to avoid.

Will Samuel’s birthday surprise be more than he bargained for? Can Vanessa trust Samuel to change? And what happens when their new relationship is tested in more ways than one?

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jenna's books on Amazon here.

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement as well as Border Brides and Playing for Keeps. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association. 

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com

Jenna’s Joyful Page Turners Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/844819802336835/

Heroes and Hunks Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430422374043418/

Her books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1497269877&sr=8-1

Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Stalk her on Instagram www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pin her on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter

Look her up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Check her out on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenna-brandt

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Naomi (Once Upon a Church House) by Jo Grafford

 

A mother and daughter facing sudden tragedy, a handsome sinner who agrees to lend a helping hand, and the unwanted feelings he kindles…

Naomi McGruder loses everything in what feels like an unstoppable run of bad luck — her husband, both her sons, and the business they own. When her home is repossessed, she has no choice but to turn to her last living relative for help, a distant cousin of her late husband whom she hasn’t seen for years. With one stubbornly loyal daughter-in-law in tow, she boards a train for Mountain Spring, Idaho, never dreaming she would land the two of them in the crosshairs of matchmaking minister.

Pastor Zachary Shepherd is flabbergasted at how quickly the Lord answers his prayers to send more women to their town of rough-and-tough mountain men, this time in the form of two lovely widows. The younger one will be an easy match; he already has the perfect husband in mind for her, so long as the man is willing to receive a bit of coaching on his appearance and a few other items. Naomi, however, fits so perfectly into Pastor Zach’s work at the church that he begins to dream of building a parsonage to help him keep her closer — much closer — to his plans for the future.

With the spring thaw approaching, the air is suddenly brimming with not one, but two, courtships and all the pitfalls and mayhem that seem to accompany the first bloom of love in their rustic mountain town!

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Blind Date Rescue (Disaster City Search & Rescue) by Jo Grafford

When a tropical storm serves up a second chance at love for a once-burnt-twice-shy kind of guy...

Champion surfer Ford Anderson is a classic shy guy. He’s far more comfortable riding the next big wave than he is braving the perils of dating. So when his best friend and self-proclaimed wingman tries to wheedle him into going on a blind date, he turns him down flat. A mere few hours later, a news alert identifies his would-be dinner date as the woman stranded on a sinking yacht.

Though he’s certified to handle water rescues, Ford can’t help feeling guilty, knowing the lovely marine biologist would be safely enjoying a meal on dry land if he’d asked her out like he was supposed to. With a storm brewing and the water turning treacherous, there aren’t many surfers who can handle the kinds of waves blowing in. In fact, he knows only one surfer skilled enough to handle the mission — him.

Looks like Ford will be getting to meet his brilliant and beautiful blind date, after all!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Billionaire's Birthday Date (Billionaire Birthday Club #2) by Jo Grafford

What do you give a billionaire who has everything?

Roman Cantona is promoted to CEO of his family's hotel conglomerate. He always knew this day would come; he just never imagined it would come so tragically or so quickly. There are too many things he never had the opportunity to cross off his bucket list before shouldering the weight of the Cantona dynasty, and now he has time for little else besides work. As his birthday approaches, he’s in no mood to celebrate. At the last minute, however, he accepts a friend’s dare to submit an application for an exclusive birthday experience…or so the website claims.

Rising pop singer Celine Petrova receives an invitation from an exotic resort for a weekend singing tour. Though she’s preparing for her graduate thesis project, she can’t afford to turn down the opportunity. She is shocked to come face-to-face with the man who funded her full-ride scholarship — the very hunky, very sweet billionaire who looks like he could use some cheering up…

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate link)

Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet romance stories with humor and heart — and always with a happily ever after.

A typical day finds her at her laptop, a fizzy beverage within reach, and a cat snoozing on her desk. He takes credit for most of what she does. When Jo's not writing stories, she's reading them. She adores cowboys, heroes in uniform, billionaires, mail order brides, and humorous sidekicks.

Readers can visit with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders/. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

The Plus One Rescue (Disaster City Search & Rescue) by Jo Grafford

With a heroic-sounding name like his, Axel Hammerstone naturally made all the “most likely to succeed” lists in his high school yearbook. So it comes as no surprise to his friends when their favorite defensive tackle player returns from Afghanistan with a Purple Heart for wounds sustained while saving a bunch of fellow soldiers during an ambush. He’s the only one who blames himself for the one man he failed to rescue during the ensuing explosion. Despite his own injuries, he’s determined to atone for the loss of his best friend and battle buddy by devoting the rest of his career to search and rescue operations.

Kristi Kimiko was first called the “dog whisperer” on her sixteenth birthday when she coaxed a wounded Boston Terrier from their burning apartment complex. Seven years later, she’s living her dream as an expert search and rescue trainer in Disaster City, Texas. Unfortunately, it leaves her little time for dating or any sort of social life, for that matter. When the hunky Axel half-limps and half-swaggers his way into her renowned dog training course with his beautiful golden retriever, she senses her life is about to change — especially after he somehow manages to coax her into serving as his Plus One at a big family birthday bash the following weekend.

If she’s learned anything in her line of work, where there’s smoke, there’s a fire; and this particular hunky firefighter has a way of making the sparks fly every time he looks in her direction!

Just 99 cents on Amazon!

(affiliate link)

Read an excerpt:

“I met the most wonderful young man on my flight home,” her grandmother gushed. 

“What? I didn’t know you were on the market again,” Kristi teased. 

“He was a handsome devil, too.” Aimi Kimiko ignored the jibe. “A Marine. I was hoping to introduce the two of you, but—” 

“But he caught wind of your ill-concealed matchmaking intentions and took off running in the opposite direction?” 

“He didn’t run.” Her grandmother looked mildly offended. “He limped.” She pointed one delicate finger toward the baggage claim area. 

Kristi glanced up. “Holy hotness!”

Find more of Jo's books here. 

About Jo Grafford

Jo writes sweet romance stories — with humor, sass, and happily ever-afters. She loves to visit with readers in her Cuppa Jo Readers group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders/. Join her New Release Email List at JoGrafford.com, follow her on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford, or check out her Amazon author page at https://www.amazon.com/Jo-Grafford/e/B00G56XKS2.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Review of One Little Lie by Colleen Coble #OLLPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for One Little Lie by Colleen Coble! This is the first in her Pelican Harbor series, and I promise there is more to come! Read on for my review of this title and then follow the tour for even more. Plus there's a great giveaway at the end!

One Little Lie

(Pelican Harbor #1)
By Colleen Coble
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages
March 3rd 2020 by Thomas Nelson

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Praise for the Book

“Colleen Coble always raises the notch on romantic suspense, and One Little Lie is my favorite yet! The story took me on a wild and wonderful ride.” —Diann Mills, bestselling author

"Colleen Coble once again proves she is at the pinnacle of Christian romantic suspense. Filled with characters you'll come to love, faith lost and found, and scenes that will have you holding your breath, Jane Hardy's story deftly follows the complex and tangled web that can be woven by one little lie.' —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

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**My thoughts**

It has been a while since I read a Colleen Coble book, so I was glad to have one come across my queue for a review! This one starts out with a bang, gripping you from the first page, as you witness a teenager giving birth and then being ripped away from a cult that had been her life for as long as she could remember. 

Flash forward another 15 years, and we meet Jane, who has just taken over as Chief of Police after her father's retirement. Most people support her, but there are a few who are not happy she has taken on this role. Add to the stress a person known as The Vigilante who keeps killing people for their sins, and the camera guy doing a documentary on small town police offices who has been instructed to follow her every move.

There's a lot going on in this story. A lot of people have a lot of secrets, and they are all intertwined. Some of them you are going to figure out pretty quickly. But some of them, you will not. Pay attention to the relationships as all of these layers are peeled back. It's almost too much at some points. But then all of those pieces do fall together nicely as the case is finally solved at the end.

There's no cliffhanger as far as the murders are concerned, but there is one of sorts when it comes to Jane and a certain relationship in her life! How she is going to handle that situation almost felt like a cliffhanger to me. But the author says in her afterword that she felt Jane's story was too large for just one book, and we should get the satisfactory conclusion in the next installment due out this fall. I'm holding you to that, Colleen Coble! lol

But overall, I did enjoy the story. I kept my attention during a time of a lot of uncertainty in the world and was a welcome distraction. I gave it 3.5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Prism Book Tours for providing me a requested review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a print copy of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble (US only)

Ends March 25, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review of Love Overboard by Rachelle Paige Campbell #LovOverPrism

 On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Love Overboard, a contemporary romance from Rachelle Paige Campbell. Today I'm sharing with you my thoughts on this book. You can follow the tour for some other reviews and excerpts. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Love Overboard

By Rachelle Paige Campbell
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 202 Pages
February 24th 2020 by Wild Rose Press

Forced to share a stateroom with her ex-fiancé, Caitlyn fakes amnesia to stay on board her dream Alaskan cruise. Torn over deciding his future, Cruise Director Gregory tumbles into helping her. As they grow closer, unspoken secrets threaten to rip them apart, for good.

(Affiliate links included.)

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**My thoughts**
This was a great escape for a couple of hours on a cold and windy winter day. I liked Caitlyn right away and really felt for her, trying to find her way after losing both of her parents. She misses the company of her sister, but decides to go ahead and go on this cruise anyway after taking so many years to save for it. The only problem is, she had purchased the two tickets with her now ex-fiance and he has apparently decided to still go. He's married now and wants the trip as his honeymoon. Neither one of them will budge.

I admit that this small part of the plot was a bit hard for me to believe. Even after Caitlyn refuses to give up her half of the room and the cruise, Adam stays on board and leaves his bride behind, expecting her to meet him in various ports for a few hours at a time. I can totally appreciate his stubbornness, because I am quite stubborn. I just cannot believe his wife would put up with it.

Caitlyn feigns amnesia and gets the ship staff on her side, especially the charming cruise director Greg. When the two of them meet, they feel an instant connection and familiarity that draws them to each other. They spend time on the ship getting to know each other, especially after Caitlyn's surprise super talent ends up being able to help Greg out of a tricky situation. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow as they also were able to grow as people, overcoming major personal obstacles, not realizing how much they were helping each other in this short period of time.

The end felt slightly rushed in a way, but overall it was a fun story to read. Despite my minor hiccups at the very beginning and very end, the middle part kept me quite captivated, plus it was a fast read. It was definitely a different kind of plot than I've seen in a while, which I appreciated!

Thank you to the author and publisher for my review copy via Prism Book Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

I write contemporary romance novels filled with heart and hope. I believe love and laughter can change lives and every story needs a happily ever after.

Check out my blog for updates on my current projects. My published stories are listed by series name on the menu at the top.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends March 11, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review of A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate! It's a follow-up to Love and Other Mistakes, which I reviewed a few months ago here. But this one can easily be read as a standalone. I have my thoughts below and you can read more reviews and some excerpts as you follow the tour.

A Girl's Guide to the Outback

By Jessica Kate

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 368 Pages

January 28th 2020 by Thomas Nelson

How far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? This funny, sweet, and romantic story proves that opposites do attract—and that God has a sense of humor.

Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly.

When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe—just maybe—Sam will reconsider his future with the church.

As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future?

(Affiliate links included.)

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**My thoughts**

I was so excited to see a new book from Jessica Kate! I enjoyed her debut novel, Love and Other Mistakes. This one serves as a follow-up novel but completely works as a standalone. We are introduced to Sam and Kimberly in the first novel, but this is their story and you don't need to have read LOM to understand this one. Of course, I always recommend reading all of the books in a series for maximum enjoyment!

This one took me a little bit longer to get into than the first book. But once I got into it, I enjoyed it. Kimberly is strong and amazing at her job, but suffers from a lot of anxiety and an overbearing mother who didn't really seem to want her in her life. Sam is one of the best youth directors ever, but his dyslexia gets in the way of him pursuing many of his dreams. And he is very dedicated to his older sister Jules. Jules is super spunky and stubborn and would make an amazing best friend.

Sam goes back to Australia to help his sister who is struggling with the family farm. Jules has heard all about Kimberly and hatches a plan to have Kimberly come overseas to help figure out how to save the farm while also trying to get Sam to help find his perfect replacement at the youth center he left behind in the US. Jules also has some slight ulterior motives because she knows that the two of them belong together.

I like watching Sam and Kimberly going back and forth, continuing to spar but then learning to appreciate each other, becoming friends, and developing a slow burn of a relationship. Secondary in this story is the relationship between Jules and her ex-boyfriend Mick. All four of them have so much to work through, and together it seems more possible.

And I especially loved having the Australian setting for this one for something a little different in my reading.

I'm looking forward to Ms. Kate's next novel!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me a review copy via NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Australian author Jessica Kate writes inspirational romances with wit, sass, and grit. Jessica is a screenwriting groupie, cohost of the StoryNerds vlog and podcasts, and her favorite place to be—apart from Mum and Dad’s back deck—is a theme park. She has traveled North America and Australia, and samples her favorite pasta wherever she goes—but the best (so far) is still the place around the corner from her corporate day job as a training developer. She loves watching sitcoms with her housemates and being a leader in a new church plant.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a print copy of Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate

US only

Ends February 12, 2020

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