 Today I'm posting a line from Between Before and AFter by Maureen Doyle McQuerry.  My First Line: Prologue The year Uncle Stephen performed a miracle, all our lives changed. What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Then head on over to Hoarding Books and link up! And then hop around the linky to visit other blog stops.
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 Welcome to the Blog Blitz and Giveaway for The Sleuth's Dilemma by Kimberly Rose Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! About the Book Title: The Sleuth's Dilemma Series: The Librarian Sleuth #2 Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink Genre: Cozy Mystery Release Date: February 1, 2019 Anna loves her job as a high school English teacher until everything goes sideways. The one bright spot in her life is Titus Gains, the school counselor, who is there for her at every turn. Titus’ boss complicates his ordered world when she tasks him with running a meeting that changes everything. How had he not noticed Anna earlier? Someone is out to destroy her, and he can’t let that happen. As the head of the English department, part of Luke Harms’ job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. Things went haywire when Anna was put in charge of the big writing contest. Entries are missing, Anna appears to be in danger, and her job is on the line. Luke is investigating and wants to make things right for this woman he’s starting to care about. Can a trio of school officials along with Nancy Daley, the town sleuth, stop the saboteur before it’s too late? And will Anna choose the right man, or lose them both? About the Author Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/ Excerpt from Chapter 4Anna stared at the phone a moment before tucking it into her pocket. Nancy glanced her way. “What’s wrong?” “That was Titus, from work.” “Titus?” “Yes. He called to check on me.” Nancy’s pace slowed. “That was sweet of him, but why did he think he needed to check on you?” “I suspect that email I told you about has him more concerned than he’s letting on.” “Interesting. I wonder why? Do you think he might have feelings for you?” “No way. He’s a concerned co-worker, nothing more.” Anna turned and walked backward, checking out the area behind them. The quiet residential street looked the same as always. A man from a local yard maintenance company weeded a flowerbed across the street. A few cars were parked along the curb, and the sound of children playing nearby filled the air. She turned back around and walked facing forward. “I suppose you could be right about Titus. When we had dinner with him the other night,” Nancy said, “he seemed like a nice guy. Tell me more about this writing contest.” “There’s not much to it. Students enter every year with the hope of winning a five-thousand-dollar scholarship for college. It’s not a lot, considering the cost of college, but every little bit helps.” “Is it highly competitive?” “I imagine so. This is my first year running it.” “Maybe that’s something we need to talk to Luke about then.” Ugh. “No, thank you. Although, to be fair he was really nice when I asked him for help today. I guess he’s not as horrible as I’d thought.” Nancy grinned. “He’s stopped in at Carter’s place a couple of times with his daughter while I was visiting. Maddie and Carter’s nephew are practically inseparable.” Anna grinned. “I’ve noticed the same at school. Who would’ve thought those two would be such good friends?” “Apparently you, since you thrust them together when you asked them to head up the book club.” Nancy shot her a knowing smile. “Perhaps, but I had no idea they’d click so well. I saw two teens in need of attention and friendship and thought they’d work well together.” The neat thing was they were best friends and not romantically involved, according to what she’d heard them say to other students who’d asked if they were a couple. It drove her crazy to see kids kissing in the hallways. Maddie and Gavin didn’t even hold hands to her knowledge. Giveaway (1) winner will win:
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 26, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm April 2, 2019. Open internationally as long as winner can accept gift card from US Amazon. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Enter the giveaway HERE. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
About the Book
When referenced in the scriptures, the word holy means to “set apart for a sacred purpose.” It is a description all women who seek to follow Christ want to embody—but the struggle between the ideal of a holy life and reality can seem far apart. In Holy As You Are, best-selling author Christie Gardiner seeks to close the gap reminding women of the holy attributes they already possess and how they can accomplish extraordinary ordinary things that will forever change the landscape and heart-scape of their worlds.
With a wealth of spiritual guidance and upbeat wisdom that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, this inspired volume challenges readers to look at their tragedies and triumphs and everything in between as sacred opportunities to choose holiness. What if ordinary is extraordinary? What if you are Holy As You Are? About the Author
Christie has enjoyed participating in speaking engagements across the country where she loves reminding groups of women that with God, they are not alone and are enough. Christie's heartfelt and quick-witted writing was first enjoyed in blog form on behalf of the Utah Jazz and Illume Gallery of Fine Art. Her performing career has spanned three decades in theater, television, film, commercials, podcasting and voiceover work. She is a longtime faculty member at the Utah Conservatory of Performing Arts where she inspires young people to increase their self-esteem through participation in the arts. She enjoys serving in her church's youth program. In her spare time you will find Christie with her husband and children, in nature or in the yoga studio teaching a class. She makes her home in Utah and occasionally, the Oregon coast.
GiveawayTour Schedule
March 25th:
http://mybookaday.com/ March 26th: http://empowermoms.net/ March 27th: https://rachellechristensen.com/blog/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ March 28th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ March 29th: https://brightlystreet.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/  Welcome to the Blog Tour for Glory Road by Lauren K. Denton with JustRead Publicity Tours! We continue the Glory Road celebration on social media starting March 26. About the Book Title: Glory Road Author: Lauren K. Denton Publisher: Thomas Nelson Genre: Women's Fiction/Southern Fiction Release Date: March 19, 2019 Written in Lauren Denton's signature Southern style, Glory Road tells the story of three generations of women navigating the uncertain pathways of their hearts during a summer that promises to bring change--whether they're ready for it or not. At thirty-eight, garden shop owner Jessie McBride thinks her chances for romance are years behind her and, after her failed marriage, she's fine with that. She lives contentedly with her fiery mother and her quiet, headstrong daughter. But the unexpected arrival of two men on Glory Road make her question if she's really happy with the status quo. Handsome, wealthy Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter's wedding, and Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. And Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from high school days who's known her better than anyone and whom she hasn't seen in years, moves back to the red dirt road. Jessie finds her heart being pulled in directions she never expected. Meanwhile, Jessie's fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and trying to navigate a new world of identity and emotions--particularly as they relate to the cute new guy who's moved in just down the road. At the same time, Jessie's mother, Gus, increasingly finds herself forgetful and faces a potentially frightening future. As all three women navigate the uncertain paths of their hearts and futures, one summer promises to bring change--whether they're ready for it or not. About the Author Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lauren now lives with her husband and two young daughters in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent. On any given day, she’d rather be at the beach with her family and a stack of books. Her debut novel, The Hideaway, is USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts bestseller. Her second novel, Hurricane Season, released in April, 2018, and was listed on BookPage's 2018 list of Most Anticipated Fiction. ReviewLauren K. Denton has written a southern contemporary romance novel that will entice readers. This story is fascinating in that it tells the story of three generations of women. The story is about the uncertainty of live and unexpected changes and different paths in life. This is an enjoyable read with interesting characters and their life experiences and the bond of these three generations of women. With a homey feel, this is the perfect book to curl up and read on the front porch on a warm summer night. Genre: contemporary, romance Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication date: March 19, 2019 Number of pages: 368 An e-review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and via JustRead Publicity Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Giveaway (2) winners will each win a print copy of Glory Road. Be sure to check out each stop on the Blog and Takeover tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight March 23, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE. Enter the giveaway HERE. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of blog stops! And... Be sure to stop at the takeover tour, starting on March 26, for more chances to win!   Welcome to the Blog & Review Tour – and Giveaway – for War-Torn Heart by Allison Wells, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! About the Book Title: War-Torn Heart Author: Allison Wells Publisher: Ambassador International Genre: Historical Fiction Release Date: March 20, 2019 Abigail Walker, a young woman from rural South Carolina, is on the cusp of womanhood, aching to be able to run wild as the younger children do, yet yearning for things she has yet to understand. Awkward and unsure of herself, Abby is flustered when she meets Harvey Nicholas, a cadet from Clemson College. As summer begins, Abby finds herself constantly in the company of Harvey and falling quickly in love with him. As rumors of war begin to reach the States, Abby begins to fear what may come for her older brother and Harvey. Once Pearl Harbor is bombed, the boys are eager to protect their home and the women they love. But will Abby and Harvey's love be able to withstand distance, rumors, loss, and hurt? Or will the war be what tears apart Abby's heart? War-Torn Heart is a kleenex-box book with a story of hope, of love, and of perseverance through World War II, which will make the reader cry, scream, and long for more. About the Author Allison Wells is a new author, but for the most part she’s a Southern wife and mother. With four active children, she spends most of her time in the car, but when she can she loves to sit down and read or write. Allison is a graduate of Clemson University in the beautiful foothills of South Carolina and she still lives close enough to hear football games on Saturdays. Author InterviewCheck out the author interview HERE. Giveaway 1) winner will win a print copy of War-Torn Heart (US only) (1) winner will win an ebook copy of War-Torn Heart (open internationally) Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 18, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm March 25, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Enter the giveaway HERE. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
First Line Fridays -- Finders Keepers
3/21/2019
 Today I'm posting a line from Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon book 1 in the Carrington Family Series. Watch for book 4 coming this fall!!  My First Line: Prologue Seville, Spain 1689 Isabella stumbled along the rough bords of the dock, feeling exposed without her corset and many layers of petticoats. What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Then head on over to Hoarding Books and link up! And then hop around the linky to visit other blog stops. 
About the Book
To fulfill her mother's last request, twenty-four-year-old historic design specialist Catherine Pressley-Coombes travels to England in order to investigate an elusive family line. Armed with an illegible diary, she is determined to discover the identity of her mysterious ancestress. Distracted by an Elizabethan manor and unused to British country roads, Catherine runs her car into a ditch. Luckily, Nick Davidson, a handsome, hard-working local rides in on his tractor to save the day. As the down-to-earth manager of his family's estate, Nick also happens to be one of England's most eligible aristocrats.
Nick is certainly not the kind of man Catherine would fall for a man dogged by media and rumor. So why does she find the English lord so irresistible? Even though she can't overlook their differing values and beliefs, as she and Nick spend time together, their attraction deepens. While she battles through romantic turmoil, Catherine is beleaguered with far more sinister concerns: a series of unexplainable misfortunes that are not mere accidents. With her heart on the line, Catherine discovers her life is in jeopardy, and she has no idea who the perpetrator is but she has a growing suspicion that the danger might be connected to whatever secrets lie hidden in her ancestor's diary. About the Author
Born and raised in Southern California, Paige Edwards is a multi-award-winning author who enjoys clean romances and thrillers. A BYU-I alumna, she went on to graduate summa cum laude from NOVA with a degree in interior design. Her husband’s job transferred their family to the mid-Atlantic states where they have lived ever since. As a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and former chapter registrar, she has spent time researching applicants’ genealogical credentials. When she needs a break from writing, you can find her shooing deer out of her garden, biking battlefields, or kayaking on the lake.
Review
Debut author Paige Edwards has written an intriguing contemporary romantic suspense novel that readers will enjoy. The story is well-written with a captivating story and interesting characters. This novel will be sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next. One idea that might help readers better understand the main character is to better introduce her religion (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) earlier in the story. Also, the cover does not match the story; it tends to give the idea that the story is a thrilling murder mystery, where instead it is a romantic suspense novel. Overall readers will enjoy this edge of your seat contemporary romantic suspense.
Genre: romantic suspense, mystery, contemporary, LDS Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: March 1, 2019 Number of pages: 240 A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayTour Schedule
March 18th:
https://brightlystreet.com/ https://thekeeledeal.com/ http://mybookaday.com/ https://www.wishfulendings.com/ https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ March 19th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ http://fireandicereads.com/ http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/ March 20th: https://rachellechristensen.com http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/ http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ March 21st: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ http://empowermoms.net/ March 22nd: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/ http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/  About the Book Title: Beauty in Battle (book #3) Author: Robin Patchen Publisher: JDO Publishing Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: April 9, 2019 The truth is out, but will it set her free or land her in the grave? Harper doesn’t want to return to Maryland to face the police. The mess she left behind makes her look guilty of the worst, but it’s too late to run again. Red is safe and the authorities are waiting. At least Jack is by her side. Now that Jack knows the truth, his feelings for Harper are deeper than ever. He’s not about to leave her side, especially knowing a killer is after her. But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s come unhinged. And he may not be the biggest threat lurking. Books in the Series
About the Author Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story. ExcerptErnie drove for five minutes and then pulled into the lot beside a coffee shop. “Let’s get something warm to drink. It was freezing in there, and it’s freezing in this car.” “You think Harper is cold? Should we bring her something?” Ernie laughed, though the sound was dark. “They don’t let us bring the prisoners take-out.” She climbed out of the car, so he did, too. But it felt wrong, so wrong, to be here without Harper. Everything felt tight. Uncomfortable, as if he’d grabbed a too-small shirt that was pinching and pulling on his skin. Giveaway (1) winner will win
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 11, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm March 24, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Enter the giveaway HERE. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
About the Book He’s not looking for trouble… Montana rancher Knox Marshall’s danger years are behind him. A former bull-rider, he now runs the Marshall family ranch, raising champion bucking bulls for the National Professional Bullrider’s Expo (NBR-X). Wealth and success are his, but life is stable, expected, and…ordinary. But he wants more from life… But trouble is looking for her… Kelsey Jones just wants a safe life, a family, a home. Onstage, the beautiful rising star of the Yankee Belles becomes the person she longs to be – vivacious and confident – burying the brokenness she carries from a violent assault. Becoming NBR-X’s next country act is key to outrunning her past and achieving the success and security she craves. When trouble finds them both… Knox and Kelsey’s paths collide when an explosion at an NBR-X event traps them in the rubble and leaves them reeling. Kelsey’s crippling nightmares return, but for Knox, an obsession to find the bomber is ignited. What will it cost him to protect her? When Kelsey’s past threatens Knox’s family, he’ll have to choose between saving the Marshall legacy or becoming the protector he’s always longed to be. The explosive first book in the Montana Marshalls series! About the Author With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over forty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She's a three time RITA finalist and an eight time Christy Finalist. Of her books, Publisher's Weekly has written, "Warren lays bare her characters' human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness." And Library Journal adds, "Warren's characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance..." Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She's also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation. ReviewSusan May Warren has written a fun and fast paced cowboy romantic suspense novel that readers will immediately be drawn to. The story comes to life from the pages as the lives of cowboy Knox Marshall and stage performer Kelsey Jones unfold. This novel is about the past coming to catch up with the present and the complications it causes. It’s about developing a friendship that turns into an unexpected romance. The romance in the story seems to go a little bit fast and it seems to focus a bit more on some of the minor characters who will be getting their own story in the next novel in the series, rather than focusing on the story of Knox and Kelsey. Overall, Warren has written a story with a cliffhanger that readers will enjoy and thrill over as they anticipate the next book in the series. Series: The Montana Marshalls Genre: contemporary, romantic, suspense, Christian Publisher: Stonewater Books Publication date: March 12, 2019 Number of pages: 320 A review copy of this book was provided by Relz Reviewz Author Support. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.   About the Book Title: Beauty in Hiding (book #2) Author: Robin Patchen Publisher: JDO Publishing Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: March 12, 2019 Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men. Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are. Jack Rossi is mystified by his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something's not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they're trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits. Derrick, Harper's ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through. Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If the truth comes out, she may lose her freedom—or her life. Books in the Series
About the Author Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story. ExcerptTen minutes later, Jack prepared two plates and carried them to the table. Red leaned over his, pulled in a long breath, and said, “I’ll give you ten thousand dollars to teach Harper to cook.” Jack laughed as he sat beside him. “You’re a tough negotiator, old man.” After they said grace, Jack watched Red cut a small bite, dredge it in the creamy gravy, and pop it in his mouth. His eyes closed as he savored the meat. When they opened again, he said, “Okay, twenty thousand, but that’s my final offer.” Giveaway (1) winner will win
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 11, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm March 24, 2019. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Enter the giveaway HERE. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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