Tuesday, December 20, 2022

About the Book

Book:Judy in Disguise

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 4, 2022

She wants her history to stay hidden…

…He’s trying to break free of his past

But as they reveal themselves to each other, can they carry out their covert mission?

Judy Larkin has been shy to show her true self ever since the worst day of her life. Which makes her the perfect target for her Simon Legree wannabe boss. He knows the right buttons to push making noncompliance next to impossible. But is she really the type of person to do this kind of thing? Especially with the boss’s preppy nephew?

Geoff Spooner has let himself be manipulated for too long but coming out from under his uncle’s thumb will cost him. Is he willing to pay the price? Could be this last demand will be the straw that breaks him free, but what will he lose in the bargain? His self-respect?

It’s 1972. Join Judy and Geoff in this quirky misadventure as they go undercover to discover who they really are, what the cardinal in the sycamore has to say, and what they are truly equipped to do.

You will love this sweet, clean tale inspired by the song “Judy in Disguise” because everyone roots for the underdog.

Get Judy in Disguise today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawland The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Judy in Disguise is the first book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

More from Jennifer

Have you ever been to a party and had so much fun you hated to leave? That’s how I felt when I finished up The Weather Girls. I fell in love with the characters and the memory lane saunter through my hometown of Kokomo, Indiana.

Then, chatting with a good writing friend, I realized I could have a spin-off series where Ferguson House, the business, and of course the cardinal and the sycamore tree all play a part.

The friends from the original series could drop by the stories, but these would be stand-alones. I also wanted to make these stories fun as well as heartwarming.

Then I had the question–where to get the story inspirations?

The same place I got it for Sunny, Stormy, and Windy—the oldies station.

That’s when I Googled song titles from the 60s that had girls’ names in them. When “Judy in Disguise” popped up, I knew it had to be the first of the new Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. The story ideas came fast and furious.

I am so excited about this new series, and I hope you will be too as familiar song titles get new plot points. Come join me at the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

MY REVIEW

This is a fun story to read which includes laughs, adventure and a faith thread throughout the story. I loved having some much loved characters from another book make an appearance in the story. Who could forget The Weather Girls? They play a part in this story that I thought was so cleverly written. The time period brought back so many memories. I liked the different songs mentioned and laughed at the type of phone I grew up with. Do you remember the rotary dial or push button phones?

Judy is a good character but I sure hope she gets a little more confident in her self. I couldn’t believe what her boss wanted her to do and was shocked she went along with it. Nothing good comes from being deceitful and Judy is in for a bumpy ride.

Geoff falls into the trap as well when his uncle comes up with a scheme to spy on his competitor. Now Geoff and Judy must “fake” an engagement to infiltrate and take down their biggest competition. Geoff is not happy with the arrangement and is determined to stop being afraid to say no to his uncle.

One thing I really liked about Geoff is his faith. He tells Judy that God does love her even though Judy seems to think that “ God has more important things to think about than her.” I know I can relate to that. I sometimes wonder where God is when I go through trials. We are afraid to trust Him and that stops us from receiving our breakthrough.

This has been such a wonderful story about two people who have dreams they think will never happen. As they learn to open up to each other they begin to rely on God to show them the right thing to do and in the end find happiness and a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, December 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Connie’s History Classroom, December 20

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 22

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Cover Lover Book Review, December 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Stories By Gina, December 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29

For the Love of Literature, December 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23239/judy-in-disguise-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, December 19, 2022

About the Book

Book: Book, Chapter, & Vows

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: September, 2022

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.

So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

This Breakers Head novel is Chautona Havig’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

There is something about hearing a book red aloud that brings anticipation to me. I love how Christa transitions from one character to the next in a seamless way. She is able to bring excitement to the story as characters become more visible. I enjoyed this audio and continue to look forward to more from her.

This journey finds us discovering more about Mallory. I have always liked her character and now we are on a mission to see how her relationship with Benjamin will go. There is a real struggle within Mallory about her feelings and we can feel the turmoil within her. When an unexpected ex visits, Mallory starts to question her life. Did she do the right thing when she and Trevor didn’t work out? Why is he suddenly back in town?

Benjamin is trying so hard to let his relationship with Mallory blossom, but little things start getting in the way. Seeing Mallory kiss her ex doesn’t give him an ego boost and now he is wondering if there is more to what he saw. A rumor is floating around that Mallory is leaving. I liked how Benjamin didn’t over react and relied on God and prayed about the situation. I’m sure some of us would have reacted differently and confronted the situation. It is a good lesson to not believe gossip but allow God to handle the situation.

One thing that really stands out in this book is how we need to appreciate the little moments in our life. We become so focused on our jobs or whatever keeps our focus from the little blessings we have each day. Recognize the family and friends that support you and be thankful for the time you spend with them.

There is a certain ex that just won’t go away. Trevor keeps coming back to talk to Mallory but she wants nothing to do with him. Her frustration is causing her to be short tempered and maybe has put a little distance between her and Benjamin. I loved how the author illustrated the ups and downs of a relationship and how we can let our pride get in the way. We see the flaws the characters have and I found them relatable for many of us. Our stubbornness sometimes gets in the way and if we aren’t careful, we will miss what God has for us.

There is an emotional time in the story where we learn more about Uncle Bud and I was amazed at what was uncovered about his past. Doing the right thing can cause others to be hurt but in the end following God’s direction will always be enough. I think as Benjamin learns about Bud he starts to feel a little more comfortable sharing his secret with Mallory. It is a very profound moment because the author shows how telling the truth frees you from what has been holding you back.

I have enjoyed each book the author has contributed to this inspiring series. The way she is able to make her characters realistic helps readers connect with each one. Thank you for all the beautiful memories you have given me on this journey and the many lessons on faith, trust and unconditional love.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *