EmpowerMoms

MY REVIEW:
Jett and Cassie went to high school together and several years later meet on an online dating website. Cassie has her dates and escape plan down to a science-thanks to her friend Bree but eventually gives Jett a chance.

Suddenly Jett and his roommate Sunny find themselves trying to take care of his sisters 3 kids-2 three year old twins and young baby. Thank goodness their neighbor Sarah also helps with the kids while Jett continues to work his job as a firefighter and is thrown into the life of diapers, tantrums, and messes.

Cassie works with teenage girls at The Haven needing assistance and suddenly finds herself with custody of teenager Star and her two younger sisters. Cassie quickly realizes that working with teenagers is completely different from raising teenagers.

Some of the details of both sets of kids were so horrifying and brought me to tears-the neglect, abuse, drugs, starvation, development delays… both Jett and Cassie work hard in their separate situations to give the kids a temporary home all the while trying to date each other but not share the news about their “kids”.

I’m not sure why it took them so long to share personal details because I think they could have helped each other out more. I guess because it was a new relationship and they didn’t want to scare each other off with the news of-by the way I have custody of 3 kids now?!! It was funny how they tried explaining off the noises, dirty clothes and calls to the firehouse as neither of them wanted to tell the other about their living situation.

All the day to day drama with both of them made me laugh and cry. This author did such a great job with the struggles and horrors of foster care, trying to be a single parent, and trying to just get thru the day-loving and hating every minute of it-being exhausted but grateful at the end of the day. As a parent, I could relate to so many of the struggles, laughs and tears. I loved reading this book!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Dating Charade
By Melissa Ferguson
Contemporary Romance, Christian
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 336 Pages
December 3rd 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Just when you think you’ve met your match . . . the charade begins.

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

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Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | TNZFiction

About the Author

Melissa Ferguson is an adjunct professor for Bible and religion at King University. She lives in the charming town of Bristol, Tennessee, with her husband, twin toddlers, and baby girl. She used to have hobbies like running and backpacking the Appalachian Trail outside her door. Now her hobbies include admiring the Appalachian Trail out her minivan window while singing “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” en route to the library.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Truth or Dare
By Julie Coulter Bellon
Sweet Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Novella
ebook, 134 Pages
May 8th 2018 by Stone Hall Books

After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle—or at least two matchmaking dogs—for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love

(Affiliate link included.)
Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt

Being here brought back so many warm memories for her, like sunshine chasing away all her shadows. The reality was, though some things seemed the same, their lives were very different than what they had been. She needed to keep that in mind.

Kami ran a hand through her damp hair and suppressed another shiver. She caught chills easily; that hadn’t changed. Back in the day, no matter what season it was, Jonah would be hot and she’d always be cold. He usually had his arm around her to warm her up, though. That was one thing she wished hadn’t changed, even if it was just for tonight.

She stole a peek behind her. The military had been good to Jonah. He’d always been athletic and good-looking, but now he was powerful and had a ruggedness to him. His blond hair was cropped, military-style, but the short-sleeved T-shirt he wore that proudly said Marines on it pulled across a broad chest and showed off some muscular arms. On the outside, he seemed more like his old self, but every now and then his change in demeanor told her there was a lot going on behind those blue eyes, and he didn’t seem in the mood to share. For now, anyway.

About the Author

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of nearly two dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense, Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense and The Captain was a RONE award finalist for Best Suspense. Most recently, her books The Capture and Second Look were both Whitney finalists for Best Suspense/Mystery. Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she’s visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. In her free time she loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they’re scheduled.)

December 11th: Launch
December 12th: Julie Coulter Bellon – Truth or Dare
December 13th: Delaney Cameron – The Gift of Love
December 14th: Raneé S. Clark – Roxy’s Song
December 15th: Stephanie Fowers – Robin and Marian
December 16th: Aspen Hadley – Blind Dates, Bridesmaids & Other Disasters
December 17th: Maria Hoagland – Santa Cam
December 18th: Rachel John – The Christmas Bachelor Auction
December 19th: Sally Johnson – Dear Mr. Darcy
December 20th: D.E. Malone – Hearts in Hendricks
December 21st: Melissa McClone – Mountain Rescue Romance Series
December 22nd: Brooke St. James – The Suite Life
December 23rd: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally (as long as winner is eligible to receive prize)
Ends December 28, 2019

ENTER HERE

This regency romance started off sad with jumping right into Lady Elizabeth’s life and her horrible, abusive parents. They way they treated her, talked to her and their expectations (especially during that era) were awful! Sometime we got a glimpse of Lady Elizabeth’s fun lighthearted behavior but it was rare.

Once Lady Walmsley rescues her and brings her into her home, we start to see Lady Elizabeth heal as she begins to realize her worth and value as a woman and person. I loved Kit from the very beginning-he was such a fun character and great friend.

This story wasn’t as fun as I would have hoped and the story line reminded me alot of another book I had read recently, so I didn’t really feel like I was reading anything new. I still liked it though, and if you like regency romances be sure to check this one out!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Lady Elizabeth Spaulding’s world has fallen apart.
Despite living her entire life to please her demanding parents, the Duke and Duchess of Marwood, she has little to show for it. After Elizabeth’s second failed betrothal, her father’s debts and appalling acts of retaliation force him to flee the country, consigning Elizabeth and her bitter mother to a life of poverty and exile. But Elizabeth’s fortunes change one day when an elderly acquaintance makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

Lady Walmsley, widowed and childless, is in need of a lady’s companion—and who better than the lovely Lady Elizabeth? Determined to rescue Elizabeth from her dreary life in the country, Lady Walmsley secures the help of Kit, the dashing Earl of Cantwell, in her quest. But the young woman they find is a ghost of the charming girl they once knew. Taken in by Lady Walmsley, and with Kit’s enthusiastic encouragement, Elizabeth finds herself pushed further and further from her empty solitude as she discovers the joy of truly living. Now, for the first time in her life, she must decide for herself who she is and if she deserves to be loved.

Purchase your copy here:

Biography
Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU then graduated from the University of Utah in music theory as a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger, and has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions. She also has a 75 percent success rate when it comes to matchmaking and is a big believer in happy endings. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel–whether by car, plane, or paperback.

Karen is also a 2016 Foreword INDIES finalist.

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet Romance for Christmas

We’re excited to be sharing books from eleven sweet romance authors with you this holiday season! Each day a different author and book or series will be featured. There is also a fantastic giveaway! If you’re a sweet romance fan, join us on this tour!

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they’re scheduled.)

December 11th: Launch
December 12th: Julie Coulter Bellon – Truth or Dare
December 13th: Delaney Cameron – The Gift of Love
December 14th: Raneé S. Clark – Roxy’s Song
December 15th: Stephanie Fowers – Robin and Marian
December 16th: Aspen Hadley – Blind Dates, Bridesmaids & Other Disasters
December 17th: Maria Hoagland – Santa Cam
December 18th: Rachel John – The Christmas Bachelor Auction
December 19th: Sally Johnson – Dear Mr. Darcy
December 20th: D.E. Malone – Hearts in Hendricks
December 21st: Melissa McClone – Mountain Rescue Romance Series
December 22nd: Brooke St. James – The Suite Life
December 23rd: Grand Finale

Blogs Participating

Andi’s Book Reviews
Baroness’ Book Trove
Beauty in the Bindingv
Becky on Books
Bookworm Lisa
Candrel’s Crafts, Cooks, and Characters
Christy’s Cozy Corners
Cover Lover Book Review
EmpowerMoms
FaithLaneAuthor
Hallie Reads
Harlie’s Books
Heidi Reads…
Jorie Loves A Story
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
Liberty’s Literary Loves
Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Locks, Hooks and Books
My Life, Loves and Passion
Nicole’s Book Musings
Paulette’s Papers
Reading Is My SuperPower
Reading On The Edge
Remembrancy
SPLASHES of Joy
underneath the covers
Wishful Endings

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally (as long as winner is eligible to receive prize)
Ends December 28, 2019

ENTER HERE

MY REVIEW:
I read the first “Back to Bluestone River” book in this series, and although this is book 2, they can be read as stand alone stories. I really enjoyed the first book and getting to know Ruby, Mike and the town of Bluestone River; so I was really excited to read this next book as the town starts to flourish more and as they rebuild the bird sanctuary.

It took me a couple of chapters to really like Parker because I felt like every time he interacted with Emma, he was rude for no reason. I liked Emma’s passion for her town and the project. She struggles with having a purpose and her calling in life even though she donates money and helps with lots of things.

I loved the authors details with Parker and Emma taking care of the animals-especially the owl. I felt like I was right along side them nursing the birds to health. I loved how passionate they were about the bird sanctuary!

I liked seeing Parkers daughter Nicole blossom during the story, along with Parker and Emmas friendship. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more books about Bluestone River!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Christmas Kiss
(Back to Bluestone River #2)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will working together

…lead to together forever?

Recently divorced, Parker Davis needs to focus on his new job so he can provide a stable home for his daughter in time for the Christmas holidays. The problem is, he’s frequently at odds with his boss. He and Emma O’Connell approach everything differently. Yet he finds her intriguing, and Bluestone River festivities keep pushing them together—often enough that two people at odds could find themselves evenly matched in love!

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Harlequin | iBooks | Kobo

Other Books in the Series

A Family for Jason
(Back to Bluestone River #1)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s not home for keeps

Unless he proves first love is forever

Bluestone River is a minefield of memories for Mike Abbot—all involving Ruby Driscoll. Twenty years after scandal divided them, they’re both back in their hometown. Ruby’s visit is strictly temporary. But as she uses her trauma expertise to help his vulnerable son, Mike faces what his heart has always known. Ruby’s still his one and only. This time, can he convince her to stay?

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo│GooglePlay

About the Author

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Bookbub│Amazon│Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

– 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card
– Open internationally for those who are eligible
– Ends December 18, 2019

ENTER HERE