Book Review + Giveaway: Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti

Posted on September 23, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

Sabotage Games JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Sabotage Games

Title: Sabotage Games
Series: Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency #2
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery

Who will pay the ultimate price for Olympic Gold?

LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock is determined to claim her place in the press box, despite the male colleagues who slam the door in her face. But when a mysterious illness begins systematically sidelining athletes, Emma’s gift for spotting patterns reveals a plot far more sinister than mere competition.

With the Games in his own backyard, Olympic sprinter Ryan Callahan laces up his speed skates to compete in his first winter games. He has no time for distractions—especially not the inconvenience of the beautiful female journalist staying as a guest in his family’s crowded home.

But when the pattern of sabotage deepens, Emma and Ryan must work together to follow the threads before they become the next targets to fall.

La Verità con Integrità. Truth with Integrity. The Legacy of a (Girl) Stunt Reporter.

A 1930s Historical Romantic Mystery

This page-turning novel offers a sweet, slow-burn romance mixed with cozy suspense. Set during the historic III Olympic Winter Games—the first year women’s speed skating was featured—it unfolds against the snow-covered, high-stakes press boxes of Lake Placid, New York, in 1932. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and J’nell Ciesielski looking for an inspirational read.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Danielle Grandinetti’s Shop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

Undercover Wish Eyewitness Sketch

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Danielle Grandinetti has another winner in her Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency series! I loved Andri and Gabby’s story in Eyewitness Sketch, the first in the series, and it continues wonderfully in this book.

Here we meet determined sports reporter Emma Hancock and Olympic hopeful Ryan Callahan. It’s 1932, and Emma is off to Lake Placid to cover the Olympic Games, the first where women’s speed skating will be part of the competition. The Callahan family has offered to provide housing for Emma and her fellow journalist Lena, and there’s a connection between Ryan and Emma from the moment they meet.

Emma is definitely a rarity in the press box at the Games, and there are those men who would see her shut out entirely simply because of her gender. Ryan is not one of those men. He sees more than just a lovely young woman. He sees her intelligence and tenacity, and he values those qualities. Their relationship is just such a joy to watch! Things unfold slowly, and Emma in particular tries to resist her attraction to Ryan. She wouldn’t want to be accused of partiality in her work (and of course, there are some who try to imply that she’s “sleeping her way” to a story).

As she always does, Grandinetti gives us a strong, likeable heroine in Emma, and she also throws in a good dose of history. I didn’t know that the Lake Placid Games were the first time women’s speed skating was part of the competition. And y’all know how I feel about books where I learn things! We also get a dose of political tension, with there being potential for someone to cause confusion, possibly even harm, at the Games, and there are rumblings of those who would see the “perfect” race ascend to their rightful place. Plenty of things to keep the pages turning, that’s for sure!

Faith is a strong theme, but Grandinetti doesn’t beat the reader over the head with it. Emma and Ryan both trust in God and rely on His guidance, and it’s a natural part of their characters and their interactions.

Danielle Grandinetti’s books are a breath of fresh air – sweet but swoony, and always well-written and fascinating! It’s a five-star read for me, and I look forward to the next in the series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Undercover Wish & Eyewitness Sketch!

Sabotage Games blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 29, 2026. 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

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Book Review and Giveaway: And the Walls Came Tumbling Down

Posted on September 18, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN

by W.M. Gunn

Alternative History / Historical Fiction / Family Saga

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: August 11, 2025

SYNOPSIS

And the Walls Came Tumbling Down reimagines the twentieth century as it might have unfolded if fate had shifted—and mercy had not.

Two families, one American and one German, collide across World War I, the Great Depression, and a radically altered World War II, shaped by hatred, sacrifice, and forces that feel uncomfortably divine. As twin brothers choose opposing paths within Nazi Germany and a Texas farm boy takes to the skies, history veers off course. D-Day collapses in disaster. Britain faces annihilation. Volunteer pilots launch desperate missions, and a single flight toward Berlin carries the weight of ending the war at an unimaginable cost. Biblical echoes of Jericho haunt every turning point, raising unsettling questions about destiny, justice, and intervention.

Blending military history, family saga, and psychological tension, this gripping alternative history challenges readers to ask what if history changed, and what the cost of that change would be. 

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

WM Gunn is a native Texan who spent many years in the pharmaceutical industry and is now focused on writing. He is active in writing groups and volunteering with non-profit groups. He lives in his hometown in Texas with his high school sweetheart bride of many years. To date, he has published hundreds of short stories, two novellas, and two full-length novels. Holmes, Moriarty, and the Monkeys and Chasing the Sun were two novellas released in 2024. His debut novel, The Two Terrors of Tulelake, was released in 2024. The Calendar was his next novel, published in 2025. Now, And The Walls Came Tumbling Down, the first book in an exciting trilogy, will be published in September.

WEBSITE ◆ INSTAGRAM ◆ YOUTUBE ◆ FACEBOOK ◆ BOOKBUB

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REVIEW

I’m working on my full review now! I’ll start by saying that WM Gunn has given us another nail-biter of a book, imagining something most of us may never have contemplated. I loved it.

More to come!

To learn more about the book, look for #LSLLAndtheWallsCameTumblingDown on your preferred social media platform.

CLICK TO VISIT THE  LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE CAMPAIGN PAGE

FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH REVIEWER taking part.

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The 2026 Art of Writing Conference

Posted on September 4, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

Art of Writing 2026 JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the Art of Writing 2026, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! If you’re a reader or an author of Christian fiction, or you think you might want to be, read on. There’s a fantastic giveaway at the end of the post!

About the Conference

The Art of Writing conference will be held on November 6 in Nashville at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel, Tennessee. This focused, four-session conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing professionals, curated by Thomas Nelson Fiction’s Laura Wheeler.

Session One: State of the Industry: What’s Changing, What’s Selling, and What You Can Do About It

AOW_WheelerAOW_Bowen AOW_BroeneAOW_GilbertAOW_MondsAOW_Potts

The Christian fiction marketplace is shifting—and the authors who thrive will be the ones who understand why. This panel of publishing professionals opens with a data-driven look at the current state of Christian publishing, drawing on the latest market research to map what’s actually moving books today. From there, the conversation gets practical: how platform sales really work, what authors can do to actively support their books, and why audio is the format no one can afford to ignore. Whether you’re traditionally published or exploring indie paths, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of the industry landscape and concrete next steps for your own author education.

Panel moderated by Laura Wheeler, and featuring Kelsey Bowen, Stephanie Broene, Nick Gilbert, Becky Monds, and Kerri Potts.

Session Two: AI and the Christian Author: Ethics, Opportunity, and a Rapidly Changing Landscape

AOW_CrosbyAOW_Harrington AOW_JohnsonAOW_Tallent

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing landscape faster than anyone predicted—and for many authors, it’s raising as many questions as it eyebrows. This panel brings together diverse industry voices to cut through the noise with clarity and hard-won wisdom. What can AI legitimately help you do? Where are the ethical lines—and why do they keep moving? What do you need to know to protect yourself legally and act with integrity as a creative? This session is about being informed, staying anchored in your values, and navigating a fast-changing landscape with wisdom.

Panel moderated by Jeff Crosby, and featuring Chad Harrington, Hannah Johnson, and Joshua Tallent.

Session Three: Soul of the Writer, Heart of the Story: Writing Fiction That Reaches Every Reader

AOW_CoxAOW_Dykes AOW_Lowe AOW_Vann AOW_White

The metrics are loud. The algorithms are relentless. And somewhere in the middle of it all, there’s a writer trying to create something that actually matters. This session begins with the writer and asks what it takes to stay spiritually and creatively whole in an industry that never stops measuring. From that foundation, the conversation moves into craft: how do you write fiction that carries deep conviction without losing readers who don’t share your faith? What’s the difference between a story that illuminates and one that lectures? How do you make those choices at the level of character, scene, and structure? This is a session for authors who believe their stories are for something—and want to write them in a way that proves it.

Panel moderated by Amanda Cox, and featuring Amanda Dykes, T.I. Lowe, Johanna Vann, and Roseanna M. White.

Session Four: Fix That Manuscript: Inside the Author-Editor Relationship

What actually happens when an editor gets their hands on your manuscript—and how do the best author-editor partnerships improve the work without making it smaller? This Q&A session pulls back the curtain on the editorial process with real manuscript pages, real edits, and a real conversation between an author and editor who have done this work together. You’ll learn the difference between different levels of editing and walk away with a clearer understanding of what to expect—and how to get the most—from your editorial relationships.

Panel featuring Laura Wheeler, Vanessa Miller, and Marybeth Whalen.

Learn More about Art of Writing 2026

New: Beyond the Books

Add-On: Get to Know the Finalist Authors during this special morning gathering of authors and readers.

AOW_Dykes AOW_Crosby

Meet and hear the hearts of the 2026 finalist authors in this intimate time of connection between authors and their readers, hosted by Amanda Dykes and ECPA President Jeff Crosby. Available to anyone registering for a single event or the bundle. Featured finalist authors will be posted on The Christy Award website after the Finalists Reveal webinar.

Learn More about Beyond the Books

The Christy Award Finalists Reveal

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in nine categories live on September 11 at 10 a.m. CST, featuring Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

Chris Fabry Jeff Crosby

“With each passing year, I am more aware of the power that stories have to communicate goodness, truth, beauty and hope in our world,” states ECPA president Jeff Crosby. “And because of that, I am honored to be associated with the annual Christy Gala, which honors excellence in Christian fiction, and the Art of Writing conference that nurtures the work of writers of faith and contributes tools as they refine their craft.”

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award events

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Art of Writing 2026 JustRead Takeover Tour

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 11, 2026. 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

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Book Review and Giveaway: Eat, Drink, and Get Buried by Cleo Coyle

Posted on September 2, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

Eat, Drink, and Get Buried (A Coffeehouse Mystery)
by Cleo Coyle

Eat, Drink, and Get Buried (A Coffeehouse Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
22nd in Series
Setting: New York
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication date: ‎ September 22, 2026
Print length: ‎ 400 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10: ‎ 0593642317
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593642313
Digital
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0593642320
ASIN: ‎ B0GC3CJTMX
Audiobook
ASIN B0GTS1W181
MP3 CD
ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8228950139

When the Village Blend caters a glittering rooftop party, their creative coffee concoctions are eclipsed by a shocking murder in this thrilling new Coffeehouse Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

Years ago, when master roaster Clare Cosi was a newly divorced mom raising her daughter, Joy, Ava Welsh became Joy’s best friend. Now the painfully shy girl next door has grown into a successful New York businesswoman, and Clare is delighted to be catering Ava’s coffee-themed party, especially when her boyfriend, Ryan, confides his plan to propose that very night.

Then a scream shatters the celebration. A woman is thrown off the balcony to her death, and Ryan–who abruptly flees the party–is accused of murder. Clare vows to help Ava clear his name.

Her digging uncovers suspicious connections to a deadly event from which a teenaged Joy and Ava barely escaped with their lives. The stakes rise ever higher as a ruthless killer attempts to keep the ugly truth buried–even if it means sending Clare and her caffeinated crew six feet under.

I’ve long been a fan of Cleo Coyle’s Coffeehouse Mysteries. After reading Eat, Drink, and Get Buried, guess what? Still a fan!

Clare and her Village Blend crew are catering a party for Ava Walsh’s boyfriend Ryan. Clare’s daughter, Joy, and Ava became fast friends when they were young, so Clare is thrilled when Ryan tells her that he’ll be asking Ava to marry him at the party.

But after several snags and unexpected mishaps, the worst happens: a young woman from Ryan’s past is thrown over the balcony to her death, and Ryan is tagged as the prime suspect. He flees, and Ava enlists Clare’s help to clear her sweetheart’s name.

Cosi gives us a lot of history in this story, both glimpses into the historical music scene in New York and into the lives of the characters. Matt and Quinn have their roles to play here, but they aren’t front and center this time. Clare, Joy, and Ava are the main focus, and Madame has some fun scenes as well! I can only imagine what Madame would be like in real life. I think she and I would get along swimmingly, and I love that she and Clare are close even though Clare is no longer married to Matt. (I had a mother-in-law like that. She was the best!)

I really enjoyed Joy’s story arc. She had something on her mind, but wouldn’t talk to either of her parents about it. This leaves Clare free to imagine the worse about

The story moves at a good pace. I never felt like it was too slow, and as the big reveal and the final showdown got ever closer, I could hardly put the book down. Cosi gives us characters both likable and not so much, tension, secrets, intrigue, humor, and my favorite, recipes. I haven’t made any of these yet, but I think the blueberry cream cheese scones with vanilla-lemon glaze might be up first! If you like your mysteries with recipes, there are plenty to love here.

I always feel like I’m visiting friends when Cleo Coyle takes us back to the Village Blend, and this entry in the series gives me that same cozy feeling. I hope there are many more adventures yet to come for Clare and her crew. I’m a fan of the Coffeehouse Mysteries to the last drop!

About Cleo Coyle

CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries, now celebrating more than 20 years in print, and the national bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. With more than one million books sold, their works have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech; received multiple Best of Year selection honors from reviewers; and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections. Alice and Marc are also bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together, wrangle their rescue cats, drink a lot of java, and cook like crazy. Connect with Cleo at CoffeehouseMystery.com

Author Links

Webpage: https://www.coffeehousemystery.com/

Free Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/cleocoylerecipes/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleoCoyle/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleocoyle_author/

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleoCoyle

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cleocoyle.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cleo-coyle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51488.Cleo_Coyle

Purchase Links:

Amazon Barnes & Noble   Kobo   Google Play    Apple    Bookshop.org

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 1 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

September 1 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW

September 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

September 2 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT

September 3 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 3 – The Editing Pen – SPOTLIGHT

September 4 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

September 4 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 5 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 5 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

September 7 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

September 8 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

September 8 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT

September 9 – Sarandipity’s – SPOTLIGHT

September 9 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT

September 10 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

September 11 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

September 11 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

September 12 – Book Hookup – REVIEW

September 13 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 

September 14 – deal sharing aunt – SPOTLIGHT

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Posted in Book Reviews, Cozy Mystery, Great Escapes Book Tour | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Book Review + Giveaway: The Last Valentine by Andrea Renee Cox

Posted on August 28, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

The Last Valentine JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Last Valentine by Andrea Renee Cox, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Last Valentine

Title: The Last Valentine
Author: Andrea Renee Cox
Publisher: Writing to Inspire Publications
Release Date: April 17, 2026
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romantic Tragedy, Sweet Romance, Men’s Fiction, Short Story

Zechariah attempts to make his wife’s last Valentine’s Day extra special, but everything keeps going wrong. When her final moments draw near, will he find a way to push beyond his own grief to gift her a final burst of joy?

This award-winning romantic tragedy is perfect for fans of the movies Roman Holiday, Collateral Beauty, and A Walk to Remember.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | Fable | BookBub

Also Available

About the Author

Andrea Renee Cox

Born and raised in north Texas, award-winning author and Editor of the Year nominee (2026) Andrea Renee Cox is a born-again child of God who enjoys writing stories that inspire, copyediting Christian fiction manuscripts, tutoring middle school students, and going on road trips with her family. Whether she’s working on historical or contemporary, women’s fiction, sweet romance, or romantic tragedy, she uses her skills in research and writing techniques—as well as a large dose of prayer and guidance from God—at every turn in the journey to produce the best story of her ability every single time. Her books may be found on her website (andreareneecox.com), and readers are welcome to follow her blog and subscribe to her newsletter for the latest updates in her journey.

If you’re looking for a quick read, The Last Valentine fits the bill. It’s a short story that can be read in one sitting. But Andrea Renee Cox packs a lot of feeling into not a lot of pages!

Zechariah’s wife Emmalie is terminally ill, and he wants to make her last Valentine’s Day special. But nothing seems to go right, and Zechariah fears his best efforts won’t be worthy of his beloved. The story reminded me a bit of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, as, unbeknownst to him, Emmalie is trying her best to make his day special, too.

We know from the outset that this will be an emotional read, and so it is. My heart went out to Zechariah, as he hit one snag after another with his gift while struggling to keep his grief at bay just a little longer. And even though we all probably suspect where the end of ths book is generally going, I don’t want to say so much about it here that I totally give it away. The story is Cox’s to tell, and she does so with gentle, flowing prose that feels like a hug.

The book has some thoughtful questions for discussion at the end, so this would be a good short read for a book club. And it’s a beautiful reminder that with the bitter taste of loss, there is always a sweet threat of hope.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an electronic copy (PDF, MOBI, or EPUB) of The Last Valentine, a paperback copy of Novelists in November, and a couple of bookmarks and stickers!

The Last Valentine blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 2026. Winners 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 Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Christian Fiction, JustRead Blog Tours, Romance, Short Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Book Review + Giveaway: The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde

Posted on July 22, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

The Light of Stars JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Light of Stars

Title: The Light of Stars
Author: Jenelle Hovde
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

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

Also Available

No Stone Unturned

 

About the Author

Jenelle Hovde

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mother, ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores, Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith. Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.

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

Book hangover. That’s what I’ve got. This book has just left me with all the feelings, and I loved it so much, I haven’t yet found the wherewithal to start another.

Torn from her childhood home in India by her grandfather, the “Iron Colonel,”given a new name, Kitty Grenville and her brother Edward have come of age in England. Kitty, an intelligent young woman with a deep interest in astronomy, chafes under her grandfather’s restrictions. While Edward appears to be frittering away his opportunities for higher education, Kitty is isolated at the family estate. And when her grandfather informs her that she is to marry Sebastian Sinclair, Kitty determines that she will do no such thing. She longs to return to India, to find her mother, to marry for love, and an arranged marriage to a boy she barely remembers has no part in that vision. Especially not one affiliated with the East India Company.

Sebastian Sinclair has some baggage of his own. He’s the black sheep of his family, pressed into service for the East India Company at his grandfather’s behest for the East India Company following the death of his older brother – a death for which Sebastian blames himself. He might consider working with missionary William Carey, but instead he accedes to his grandfather’s politely worded directive that he return to England and go to Parliament to take care of Company business. Oh, and he’s also to marry Kitty Grenville, one way or the other. No pressure.

Hovde’s book is well researched, rich in historical detail, and oh, so marvelous at making me care for Kitty and Sebastian! My heart ached for Kitty, who felt like the life she wanted was denied her at every turn. She can’t understand why her grandfather and aunt tell her so little about what happened in India. She is a woman ahead of her time, with her interest in the stars and science and literary salons, and I love that. She isn’t one to fake social niceties to make someone else happy. And Sebastian is so burdened by what he sees as his fault, but he’s a good man. He’s willing to be patient with Kitty, to work to win her heart even when it seems hopeless.

I’ve decided a good Regency romance is just about my favorite, and this one is delightful. Arranged marriage isn’t necessarily one of my favorite tropes, but enemies to lovers is, and the sparks flying here are delightful. I loved how Kitty tried to show Sebastian everything about her that might put him off, and how those things kept working against her! Instead of being appalled at her interest in a bluestocking salon, he was not only a hit with the others there, but it drew him to Kitty’s wit and spirit even more.

Faith is woven throughout the story, not in a preachy way, but as a steady pulse. Sebastian realizes that flawed as he may be, God has a purpose for him and can use him for good. Kitty sees that God, the same God who put her beloved stars in the heavens, is with her and has never left her. The two of them are drawn to God and so to each other, and I loved seeing how their story unfolded.

Five stars, big and shiny! Jenelle Hovde is a new favorite author for me.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

The Light of Stars JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours

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Book Review + Giveaway: The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray

Posted on July 8, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

The Amish Widow's Club JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Unexpected Caller by Shelley Shepard Gray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Unexpected Caller

Title: The Unexpected Caller
Series: The Amish Widows Club #1
Author: Shelley Shepard Gray
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Amish Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

She finds sisterhood in the Amish Widows Club–but will she risk loving again?

Leanna Mast never imagined she’d be a widow at forty-one, but it seems God had other plans. After mourning her husband for a year, she realizes it’s time to start living again. But her community expects her to remarry, and after living on her own, she’s not eager to start cooking and cleaning in another man’s home.

When she’s invited to join the Amish Widows Club, she discovers a place of belonging she didn’t even know she needed. In this group of women who support each other through sharing books, stories, and companionship, Leanna immediately feels welcome. She’s sure her life as a widow will bring her the fulfillment she craves . . . until handsome, kind Evan Keim comes calling. As their relationship deepens, her heart becomes involved. But how could she possibly leave the widows club for a dream that might be too good to be true?

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray skillfully draws readers into an endearing and delightful Amish community of friendship during widowhood and a second chance at love.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and finalist for both the Christy and the Carol Awards, 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 ShelleyShepardGray.com.

Leanna Mast’s first marriage hadn’t really been a happy one. So after her husband’s untimely death, she’s not sure she ever wants to marry again, even though her community really expects that she will. Gentleman callers keep finding their way to her door, but she isn’t interested in any of them. She longs for companionship, though, and when a new acquaintance, Doreen, introduces her to the Amish Widows Club, she hopes she’s found the friendship and company she seeks.

But then Evan Keim comes calling. Evan, someone whom Leanna had always admired from a distance. Evan, whose wife died four years earlier. Suddenly, the thought of a new relationship holds a little more attraction for Leanna. But does Evan feel the same about her? And if she chooses to marry again, what will happen to her newfound friendships in the Widows Club?

This is a wonderful start to a new series! Leanna and Evan are both just so very likeable. Their steps toward a new start don’t always run smooth. They both struggle with doubt, and they both make missteps that seem to push the other away. But Evan’s four sons, grown and nearly grown, offer insight and wisdom, as does Doreen. Slowly, Leanna realizes what it would be like to be married to someone who isn’t cruel and controlling, what it would be like to belong to a family full of love and care for each other. And slowly, Evan realizes that maybe he can be the man Leanna needs, even if that takes his life in a direction he didn’t anticipate it would go.

Gray’s writing style is easy to read, and the story she tells is so engaging, it was hard to put the book down for the night. When I finished, I felt like I was saying “see you later” to new friends. I can’t wait to read the story of Jenna, which will be next in the series!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from JustRead. I wasn’t required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

The Unexpected Caller blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 6, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2026. 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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Book Review + Giveaway: The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles

Posted on June 26, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

The Eyes of River JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Eyes of River by Cindy K. Sproles, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Eyes of River

Title: The Eyes of River
Author: Cindy K. Sproles
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: June 23, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction

A heart-wrenching Appalachian novel from a best-selling, award-winning author

In the shadowed hollers of the early-twentieth-century Appalachian Mountains, Lizzy Haney is on the run. She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.

But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to their late mother’s friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy’s dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.

Her hope rekindles as she happens upon an unexpected friend to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin’. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the accuracy of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

Lizzy Haney mails her brother to a friend in Knoxville, Tennessee for safekeeping. For keeping him safe from his father, that is. Elbert Haney is a mean drunk, and he’s always had issues with young River. Since Lizzy’s mother died, she’s done her best to protect the little brother she loves, and sticking a postage stamp on him and sending him away is all she knows how to do. But when she finds herself unjustly accused of murder, her plan to escape and reunite with River falls apart, and she is forced to flee for her own safety.

This story, y’all. My heart just ached for Lizzy. She was convinced her father had killed her mother, but she couldn’t prove it. And since her mother’s death, she had assumed responsibility for River’s well-being, and that mantle lay heavy on her young shoulders. She also tried to save money for family needs, knowing her father would drink up any income he had, and tried to protect Elbert from himself as well as keeping the family safe from his black moods. That’s a lot of weight for a teenager to carry.

When Alton steps in to help her, she has to rethink her view of him. They’ve known each other since childhood, and at first she still sees him as her pesky classmate. But when he remains steadfast in his efforts to help and shows himself capable, she realizes he’s no longer that annoying little boy, but a man. I was cheering for them to make it from the get-go!

Sproles walks Lizzy through a hard journey of tearing down the walls of suspicion and defensiveness she’s built to protect herself. Joe and Jerelene, an older couple who give Lizzy a safe place to land when her father is hunting her, provide tangible assistance and useful wisdom. Lizzy has to learn, slowly, that the God she isn’t even sure exists not only hears her, but answers her cries for help. He does that through the people He places in her path. She just has to learn to let go of the burden she’s carried for so long and trust that not everyone in the world is out to hurt her or put something over on her or use her for their own ends.

I also learned from the story. I had no idea children could be mailed, but once parcel post was available in 1913, it was cheaper to mail a child than to buy a train ticket for them! According to appalachianhistory.net (citing the applicable government regulation), “The post office’s official 40 page parcel post regulation book DID prohibit using parcel post to mail “live or dead animals, birds, or poultry…” but said nothing about mailing human beings.”

The thread of faith runs pretty strong in this story. Lizzy’s mother had always told her the truth would set her free and quoted Scripture to her. Lizzy herself has a hard time believing God is there or that He cares, and she’s got to wrestle hard with those deep questions. God deals with her, and she comes to realize that she can trust others – and Him – to lead her in the right direction.

Five stars for a beautifully told story that grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go. I’ll be reading more of Cindy Sproles’ books, and I recommend this to anyone who loves faith-based historical fiction with a clean romance as part of the story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

About the Author

Cindy Sproles 2025

Cindy K. Sproles is a speaker and best-selling,award-winning author of several novels, including Mercy’s Rain, Liar’s Winter, and Coal Black Lies. She is the executive editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. She also mentors and coaches new writers with Write Right Author Mentoring Services. She is an Appalachian-born-and-raised mountain girl who now lives in East Tennessee.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Eyes of River and a $20 Amazon gift card!

The Eyes of River JustRead Takeover + Review Tour

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 24, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2026. 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

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Book Review and Giveaway: Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham (Rendezvous 2026)

Posted on June 19, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com
Read Write Rendezvous '26 JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour that brings Rendezvous 2026 to you, hosted, sponsored, and organized by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Bringing Rendezvous ’26 to You!

Rendezvous: reader and writer gathering
November 7, 2026
Holiday Inn Nashville Airport

Readers and Writers will gather at the fourth annual Read Write Rendezvous, organized and sponsored by JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC, on November 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT at the Holiday Inn Nashville Airport. Rendezvous celebrates Christian fiction and sweet reads, featuring corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small-group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up bookshop, and book signings. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Over forty featured authors are participating, including The Christy Award Hall of Fame and bestselling author Tamera Alexander who will deliver the keynote address. USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author Lisa Phillips will lead worship. We will announce several more authors in the coming weeks! We prayerfully honor the legacy of the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat through each Rendezvous event, and this year we are especially celebrating the very first CFRR which was held 10 years ago in Nashville. Rendezvous is open only to registered attendees. Want to extend your reader getaway? The Christy Award Gala and Art of Writing conference will be held at a nearby venue on November 6.

Learn more about the 2026 Rendezvous

If you’re unable to attend Rendezvous this year, we don’t want you to miss out on getting to know our authors and their books. Our bloggers are bringing Rendezvous to you by spotlighting several of the participating authors this week. Follow along to grow your TBR list to astronomical proportions!

Check out recent releases by these participating authors in the JustRead Amazon Storefront.

Today I’m sharing about one of the Rendezvous authors, Pepper Basham! Sense and Suitability was the first of her books that I read, and I simply adored it.  See the book synopsis and my review below, and if you like a good, sweet, clean Regency romance, it may be your first Pepper Basham book, too!

And after the review, keep scrolling to enter the giveaway!

Title: Sense and Suitability
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: October 14,, 2025
Genre: Clean Regency Romance (Rom-Com)
Where to Buy: Amazon

Synopsis:

In this clean Regency rom-com, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love–until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong? Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance.

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she’d found her perfect match in Simon Reeves–charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel–until he vanished from her life without so much as a “farewell” or “my deepest regrets” (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband–because she’s already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate–or the misfortune of Simon’s reckless patriarchs–has other plans. Simon’s once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She’ll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic–no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There’s just one small the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she’s still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories–especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones–are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the clean Regency romance you’ve been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight but the stakes low in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

I’ve never read any of Jane Austen’s works, but if Pepper Basham’s story here is anything like Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, I clearly have been missing out.

Oh, Emme! Oh, Simon! They are so wonderfully frustrating and stubborn and adorable. Emme is not what society expects. She has a hidden career as an author in a time when independence in women was not encouraged. Simon, too, is not what is expected. He was a younger son, and now he’s suddenly thrust into the public eye as a viscount, head of his family. They both determine to avoid each other, but life keeps throwing them together in unexpected ways, and it is adorable.

None of the characters are afterthoughts here. Selena Hemston is just nasty as the predatory woman looking to take over Simon’s heart and real estate. Emme’s sister Aster is her own kind of unconventional, and I love the bond between the sisters. Their Aunt Bean is a riot, blowing into town determined to save her nieces’ marriage prospects (and the showdown between Bean and Simon’s Aunt Agatha is an absolute treat). Simon’s younger siblings are all wonderfully written, and headstrong Charlotte is my favorite!

And this may be a clean romance that goes no further than kissing, but Pepper Basham writes those kisses in such a way that you can feel them down to your toes. The chemistry between Emme and Simon is clear, and it’s no wonder the ton wants to keep gossiping about them.

The biblical faith woven gently into the story is a delight. It isn’t going to thump you over the head with a King James Bible, but it is clear that our hero and heroine trust in God for guidance in times of need. The wit and humor and romance and despair (momentary, I assure you!) had me alternately laughing, gasping, and reaching for a tissue. It’s the first of Pepper Basham’s works I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. And it might even inspire me to go read some Jane Austen.

Five stars for an engaging, heartwarming, clean romance that will have you feeling like you’re saying goodbye to friends at the end of the story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $30 gift card (winner’s choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!

Rendezvous '26 blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 15, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 22, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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 Author and Reader Events, Book Reviews, Christian Fiction, JustRead Blog Tours, Rom-Com, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Spotlight and Giveaway: On the Bayou by Sean Bridges

Posted on June 9, 2026 by theplainspokenpen@gmail.com

ON THE BAYOU

by Sean Bridges

Suspense, Thriller, Mystery

Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 25 May 2026

SYNOPSIS

A stake-out at a trafficker way-station ends with Special Agent Jennifer Nash placed on forced leave. Until a government insider offers her a chance at redemption.

All she has to do is accompany an elite Louisiana SWAT team on a takedown mission. But as she’s shuttled by boat into the Atchafalaya Basin, she believes some of the unit might be compromised.

The raid ends in disaster. And the police find themselves outnumbered in the middle of a criminal operation, with a connected Cajun community and ruthless cartel members determined to put them down at all costs.

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Amazon | Wildrose Press | Walmart | Bookshop.org

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sean Patrick Bridges is an award-winning screenwriter and film producer. He graduated from Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany. He’s been a Finalist and Semi-Finalist for the Nicholl Fellowship. Had a project invited to the Sundance Institute. He’s produced and directed two documentary short-subjects in the Caribbean.

He’s written novels, screenplays, short stories and produced audiobooks. He’s appeared as some form of Law Enforcement in a few TV episodes and film. And he’s worked on various projects with Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios. 

He’s the owner of Audible Parade Productions in the Texas Hill Country. Their latest audio story is TRIPLE SIX, a five-episode presentation. For current information, check out audibleparade.com

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REVIEW

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Posted in Blog Tours, Spotlight, Thriller | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment