EmpowerMoms

“Expired Return” by Lisa Phillips

Posted on February 2, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Expired Return JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Expired Return by Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Expired Return

Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #1

Author: Lisa Phillips

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: January 31, 2023

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBub

More Books in this Series

MY REVIEW

Expired Return is book one in the Last chance, fire, and rescue series. This was a fast pace drama with some clean romance that kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat from beginning to end!

This story involves City Hall liaison Allen and former girlfriend Pepper and her niece Victory. They were really great characters and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout the book. There were lots of family dysfunction and heartache due to bad choices, grief, and addiction. Some people try to overcome their bad upbringing while some do not, which you will see in this story.

I enjoyed reading the epilogue, as well as a sneak peek into book 2 called Expired Hope at the end of the book. I can’t wait to read more in this exciting new series. Once you start reading this book, you won’t want to put it down.

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

About the Author

Lisa Phillips

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Discover the world of Last Chance Fire and Rescue at https://lastchancecounty.com/lc-fire

Connect with Lisa by visiting www.authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Expired Return, a $10 Amazon gift card, and sticker swag from Last Chance County!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 7, 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

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Posted in Book Reviews | 4 Comments

“Ranch Under Fire” by Tina Wheeler

Posted on February 1, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Ranch Under Fire JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ranch Under Fire by Tina Wheeler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Ranch Under Fire

Author: Tina Wheeler

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A witness on the run.

A mission to survive.

Fleeing after witnessing a shooting in her office, Bailey Scott must rely on cowboy Jackson Walker for protection when the gunman turns his sights on her. With a drug ring determined to silence her, Jackson promises to protect her at his ranch. But he’s an undercover DEA agent with secrets he can’t reveal. Can he take down the criminals before their pursuers lead them straight into an inescapable trap?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About the Author

Tina Wheeler

Tina Wheeler is a retired teacher and award-winning author. Although she grew up near a desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.

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

MY REVIEW

Wow I really enjoyed this fast paced suspense story!

Bailey finds herself on the run after witnessing her boss getting shot at work. She and handyman friend Jackson are on the run in Arizona trying to stay alive and figure out who wants them dead and why.

This story has it all- blackmail, drugs, moles, disguises, revenge… I really liked getting to know the main characters and Jackson’s brother Cole and family. I always love reading about a close knit family working together.

I highly recommend this clean romance and action story. LOVED it! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an autographed copy of the book and a $15 Amazon card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 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!

Posted in Book Reviews | 4 Comments

“A Family for the Rancher” by M. K. Stelmack

Posted on January 25, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

A Family For The Rancher JustRead Blog + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Family for the Rancher

Series: A Ranch to Call Home #1

Author: M. K. Stelmack

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

Can the prodigal cowboy…

Teach her to hope again?

Horse trainer Mateo Pavlic wants to buy back his family’s ranch. But Haley Jansson isn’t interested in selling…or forgiving his twelve-year absence. Mateo has loved Haley since they were kids, and he feels a deep connection with her sweet son, Jonah. Soon, Mateo wants to be all in with Haley and her adorable baby. But can he convince her to risk her land, her child and her heart?

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

About the Author

M. K. Stelmack

M. K. Stelmack writes historical and contemporary romance. She is the author of Heartwarming’s A True North Hero series, the third of which, Coming Home to You was made into a movie called Love by Accident. She has also written ‘The Montgomerys of Spirit Lake’ series. A Family for the Rancher marks the first in her new series, A Ranch to Call Home. She lives in Alberta, Canada, close to a town that the fictional Spirit Lake of her stories is patterned after.

Connect with M. K. by visiting mkstelmack.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Family for the Rancher and $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 1, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway Here

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

Excerpt 1
Mateo.
He got out of the vehicle as if he had all the time in the world, took a
good long gander around as if the Jansson homestead was a stop on
some kind of tour. She slammed her door shut and came around the
hood. “This is,” she said, “about the worst-possible time for you to pay
a visit. Dad’s not here, the guy working for us can’t be reached and I’m
heading to the hospital.”
“Why?”
She pointed to Bump. “Guess.”
“Alone?”
“What does it look like to you?”
“I can give you a ride.”
“You can’t. I’ve got the car seat in this truck.”
“I’ll drive your truck, then.”
“Then how will you get back?”
He took in a bit more of the Jansson ranch, as if she’d pointed out
interesting aspects of the house and yard he should note before he
finally looked back to her. “Haley, consider it as a way of thanking you
for the supper last night.”
Haley sucked in her breath. He had noticed. He had come back to his
old home.
Mateo crossed to her and held out his hand. There were calluses
along the pads, and the thumb jutted out as she remembered. She’d
never held his hand, even though they’d kissed.
“Keys?” he prompted.
Of course. She was as stupid as they come. Looking to hold a man’s
hand—the same man who’d treated their friendship like old chewing
gum—while about to give birth to the child of a man who’d deserted
her the day he discovered he was about to become a father. She sure
knew how to pick them.
She slapped the keys into his hand. “Fine,” she said and jerked open
the passenger door. “Let’s do this.”

Excerpt 2
She giggled. “Are you giving your mom ’tude already?”
“I wonder where he’d get that from?” Mateo said. He thought he’d
spoken softly, but the baby gave a startle reflex, his tiny hands splaying
out. Mateo didn’t think. He held his finger out, and the baby grabbed
on. A feeling of power and peace and absolute terror spread through
him.
He could only imagine what Haley was experiencing. Her eyes were
on him, and she smiled quietly. “Pretty cool, eh?”
He cleared his throat. “Yeah.”
He wiggled his finger as if in a handshake. “Hello there. My name is
Mateo. What’s yours?”
There was a slight hesitation from Haley, and then she said, “Mateo,
I’d like you to meet my son, Jonah Knut Jansson.”
Mateo looked at her in surprise. “But that’s—”
“Your middle name. I know. I’ve always liked that name—and it’s not
as if you’re the only one who has it, you know. I’m not naming him
after you, just so we’re clear on that.”
They hadn’t seen each other in twelve years before today, so he
believed her. Still. He thumbed baby Jonah’s brand-new soft hand.
Still.

Excerpt #3
Haley gave Mateo a second look. His eyes were on Jonah. Ever since
he’d started working here, it seemed his attention swung to Jonah like
metal to a magnet. She was simply the thing that fed and dressed her
son. How much was Mateo here for her and how much he was here to
soak up Jonah? “How do you know I haven’t been out here before?”
Mateo dragged his gaze to hers and gave her a dry look. “There’s not
much that goes on out here I don’t know about.”
He had a point. He practically lived and breathed these cattle. In
fact, he’d temporarily moved into Brock’s old quarters attached to the
house via a carport. From the nursery window at night, she would
watch Mateo leave with a flashlight to check on the cows. It had given
her an odd feeling of companionship and also relief to know that all
was in hand.
A feeling she shouldn’t get used to at all.

Posted in Book Reviews | 7 Comments

The Amish Bachelor’s Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Posted on January 21, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

The Amish Bachelor's Bride JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Amish Bachelor’s Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Amish Bachelor’s Bride

Author: Pamela Desmond Wright

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance, Amish Fiction

Marrying in name only…

Could lead to more than they expected

Single mother Lavinia Simmons’s world is turned upside down when she discovers her late husband gambled away their home. A quick marriage of convenience to bachelor Noem Witzel in return for caring for his niece and nephew is the solution both Lavinia and Noem need. Neither of them is looking for romance. But what if these perfect strangers have other ideas?

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed reading this sweet, Amish love inspired story!

Lavina and Noem were great main characters and very relatable as they began to navigate their arranged marriage and instant family together. I loved reading about their day to day activities and how the family grows closer together despite the circumstances and the opposition around them.

I also liked getting to know Noem’s dad and Lavina’s extended family and how the amish community quickly come together to help a family in need.

Easy to read, quick story about family, faith, second chances and love!

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

About the Author

Pamela Desmond Wright

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparents’ cabin. The cabin was later donated to The Muleshoe Heritage Center in Muleshoe Texas where it can be viewed by the public.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Kindle Fire 7!

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 23, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 30, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

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“Her Heart’s Desire” by Shelley Shepard Gray

Posted on January 20, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

I really enjoyed reading “Her Heart’s Desire” and all of the interesting characters and the story setting in Pinecraft, Florida.

I found the characters and their struggles relatable and I especially liked the main characters Mary Margaret and Jayson. Mary Margaret was definitely my favorite with her personality, openness, and willing to try new things in Florida. Jayson and his friend Danny immediately befriend Mary, Betsy and Lilly after meeting them outside the Inn in Pinecraft. I liked reading about their different vacation adventures together. This was a really fun book to read!

Other characters included Michael, Esther, Larry and innkeeper Nancy. The flow of the story lines kept my interest page after page and I can’t wait to read more in this series! After recently vacationing in Florida, I felt like I was back there again with Mary Margaret, Jayson and the others.

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

About the Book:
What happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures?
Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber, a handsome and charming carpenter.
Jayson is taken with Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky–including a girl he’s supposed to marry. And when someone from Mary’s past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding . . .

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.