Her Only Wish (A Season in Pinecraft Book #2) by Shelley Shepard Gray

MY REVIEW:
Betsy returns to Siesta Key to stay with her newly married friend Mary. There she meets August on the golf course as part of her bucket list of fun things to do. Along the way she makes new friends like Brianna, Uncle Gideon, Aunt Diane, Danielle and Annie. There are a couple of side stories like sisters Danielle and Annie’s relationship and August’s friend Nate. There are also returning characters from book 1 like Esther, Betsy, Mary Margaret and Lilly. I loved reading about Betsy working on her wish list of activities and being bold and brave.

This series includes relatable characters, interesting fun story lines, all located in a beautiful Florida setting. I can’t wait to read more from this series!

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Return to Pinecraft, Florida, for a Sweet Amish Romance

Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She’s got a list–a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions–beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She’s like no one he’s ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he’s met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they’ll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life–and love–requires a fair amount of risk.

About the Author
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books, including Her Heart’s Desire and Her Only Wish. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Gray lives in Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail. Learn more at www.shelleyshepardgray.com

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Colter Sons series by Karen Baney

Colter Sons series JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the first three books of the Colter Sons series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Books

The Reluctant Cattleman

Title: The Reluctant Cattleman

Series:
Colter Sons #1

Author:
Karen Baney

Publisher:
Desert Life Media

Release Date:
August 19, 2022

Genre:
Christian Historical Romance

A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Coming of age story set in Prescott, Arizona in 1887.

As Sam Colter takes on more responsibilities at the family ranch, he believes he is a disappointment to his father. He feels like the misfit of the family. When a journalist shows up to interview his mother, secrets from the past threaten his fledging sense of security. Can he overcome his fear and doubts to accept his role as a cattleman and rancher? Will he allow himself to love the woman who turned his life upside down?

Ellie Mae Thatcher moves to Prescott to start her career as a writer. When she misleads the Colters about her identity, she hurts the man she is falling in love with. Can she win back his trust and his heart?

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

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed getting to know Will Coulter, his wife Hannah and their five children. This specific  book is about their son Sam, the second oldest. The chapters alternate between Sam’s point of view and journalist Ellie Mae who comes to town to write about his family.

There’s alot of repeated writing due to the same events being told by Ellie Mae and Sam points of view; which I felt was unnecessary and boring at times. I also didn’t really connect with Sam as the main character, but I liked Ellie Mae.

This was a new to me author. The writing and plot seemed pretty simple to me, with most of it being first person writing. I read the book from beginning to end, but it’s not something I would read again. Unfortunately it didn’t grab my attention and I felt like it would be better suited to young adults instead of adults.

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

 

The Roaming Adventurer

Title: The Roaming Adventurer

Series:
Colter Sons #2

Author:
Karen Baney

Publisher:
Desert Life Media

Release Date:
October 21, 2022

Genre:
Christian Historical Romance

A Shotgun Wedding, Main Character Disguise Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1890 – 1891.

Boisterous Boone Colter settled into his career as a surveyor when his older brother approached him to survey a route for a new railroad. When Boone hires Jack Bennett, he never expected to be forced to choose between his desire for independence and protecting Jack. Will he rise to the occasion? Can he find a way to strike a balance?

Jaclyn “Jack” Bennett spent the last six years apprenticing as an assistant surveyor under her father. When her father asks her to give up her dreams, settle down, and get married, Jaclyn disguises herself as a man and flees to Prescott, Arizona. Except she never thought through how her choice would destroy the lives of those around her. Will she find a way to reconcile broken relationships?

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

MY REVIEW

This story follows the adventures of another son- Boone and surveyor Jaclyn from California. Jaclyn travels to Prescott, Arizona to help survey the area for the railroad with Boone and his crew.

I enjoyed this story alot more than the first one. I found the plot and characters more exciting and I liked reading about the adventures of surveying. I can’t wait to read more the Colter family and their experiences.

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

 

The Railroad Magnate

Title: The Railroad Magnate

Series:
Colter Sons #3

Author:
Karen Baney

Publisher:
Desert Life Media

Release Date:
December 2, 2022

Genre:
Christian Historical Romance

A Love at First Sight Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1891 – 1893.

James Colter was a successful entrepreneur and businessman in the railroad industry. As he watches his younger brothers marry and start their families, his loneliness deepens. He has everything, except the one thing he longs for the most:  a wife and family of his own. When he dances with the daughter of an older friend, was it love at first sight, or will he put his personal dream on hold again to pursue his professional aspirations?

Keri Glassman wants to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She dreams of becoming a contract attorney. When a handsome suitor invites her on a train ride, the course of her life is rewritten. Like her mother, she wants it all, a career, a loving husband, and a family. Can she find her own way or will her desire to please her parents threaten to destroy her hope for a lasting love?

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

MY REVIEW

This story follows the oldest Coulter son James as he continues his quest with building and expanding the railroad in the Arizona territory in the early 1890s. He meets female attorney Keri whose family happens to be old family friends.

I’m glad I gave this series a chance and didn’t stop reading after book 1. Books 2 and 3 were much better than the first one in my opinion! I still had a hard time connecting with Sam even in the other books when he was a part of family gatherings and events.

I have enjoyed getting to know the Coulter brothers and parents and can’t wait to read the rest of the series now!

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

More Books in This Series

The Resourceful Stockman   


About the Author

Karen Baney

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Connect with Karen by visiting karenbaney.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win all 6 books in the Colter Sons series (winner picks paperback or ebook)!

Colter Sons series JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 3, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 10, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

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“Falling for the Cowboy Doc” by Cari Lynn Webb

Falling for the Cowboy Doc JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Falling for the Cowboy Doc by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Falling for the Cowboy Doc

Title: Falling for the Cowboy Doc

Series:
Three Springs, Texas #4

Author:
Cari Lynn Webb

Publisher:
Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date:
June 27, 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Clean)

Can the rodeo cowgirl…

 

Win his love?

Professional roper Maggie Orr needs to secure a national sponsorship. And orthopedic surgeon Grant Sloan could derail her plans. Falling for the cowboy doctor is a distraction she can’t afford… Plus their careers are taking them in opposite directions. But from picnics to stargazing, Grant is reminding Maggie that there’s more to life than winning in the arena. Can they rewrite their dreams to include each other?

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

More Books in this Series

The Texas Seal's Surprise  Trusting the Rancher with Christmas  Her Cowboy Wedding Date  His Christmas Cowgirl


MY REVIEW 

Another sweet romance set in Three Springs Texas with the Sloan men! I have read many books by this author and I love the clean, fun, interactions the characters have with focus on family, faith and love.

Maggie and her sister Kelsey are wanting to compete in a national rodeo event but an injury and Doctor Grant Sloan’s recommendation may keep them from doing so.

I liked getting to know Maggie, Kelsey, and Dr Grant in this story; along with repeat characters from previous Three Springs, Texas books. I loved the closeness of Grandpa Sloan and his grandsons, as well as the loyalty and love of sister Maggie and Kelsey.

If you want to laugh and get to know a great family of Cowboy men in Texas, than this book and series is for you! I absolutely loved it!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $45 Amazon gift card, signed print copies of the first two books in the Three Springs, Texas series (The Texas Seal’s Surprise and Trusting the Rancher with Christmas) and summer candy!

Falling for the Cowboy Doc JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours
Posted in Book Reviews | 11 Comments

When to stretch your muscles

Here are my latest stretching videos on youtube:

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Fit Physical Activity into your everyday life!

MAKE IT A PRIORITY
*Remember that being active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve your health.

MAKE IT EASY
*You are more likely to exercise if it’s a convenient part of your day. Try being active first thing in the morning before you get too busy. Join a local gym or senior center that’s close to home.

MAKE IT SOCIAL
*Many people agree that an exercise buddy keeps them going and gives them the added benefit of emotional support. Consider starting a walking club with friends or an exercise class at your local library.

MAKE IT FUN
*Do activities you enjoy to make exercise more fun.

MAKE IT HAPPEN
*Plan to be active in many places and in many ways. Be realistic and specific about your goals. Make a weekly workout schedule.

I have LOTS of workouts on my youtube channel if you need workout ideas:

https://www.youtube.com/@RachelDeVaughn/videos

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