​Welcome to the Blog Tour for Beauty from Ashes by Pamela Hart,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Author Pamela Hart has written a beautiful and unique biblical fiction story, set in the world of dystopian, scifi and fantasy.  This story is such an intriguing allegory, not completely the same, but similar enough, of Christ and his love for all of us.  This is a fast paced, fascinating story with excellent characters and world building, and a villain who could almost be the devil himself.  With a focus of lost and found again hope, and love, this is a story that will stand out to readers, causing them to remember it long after the turn of the last page.

Genre: young adult, fantasy, scifi, dystopian, romance
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc
Publication date: July 25, 2022
Number of pages: 204

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.​

​(1) winner will receive:
a print copy of Beauty from Ashes,
2 themed bookmarks,
a $15 Amazon gift card,
a book themed tote bag,
and a book themed pencil case!

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

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​Carver stood in profile, shirtless as he peered into the mirror and carefully dragged a long razor over his jaw. His bronzed skin, so much darker than her own, was on proud display. His arms were corded with muscles that jumped and rolled as he guided the razor across his skin, his gaze never wandering from the glass before him. Broad shoulders shifted as he leaned in, and she could see the curve of his spine, and the dip of his lower back.
Amryn also saw scars. Some were nothing more than narrow white marks, clearly long-healed. Others were newer. Pink, and puckered. Some even looked like stripes. Were those . . . whip marks?
She must have inhaled too sharply, because Carver’s eyes snapped to hers in the mirror. He lowered the razor and turned to face her. It took considerable effort not to stare at his bare chest and the lined ridges of his abdomen, but somehow she kept her eyes on his face.
Mostly.
White cream still streaked the lower half of his face, since he hadn’t finished his shave, and his blue eyes were intent on her. “Amryn.” His voice was rougher than usual—probably still heavy from sleep. He cleared his throat. “Did I wake you?”
“No.” Her own throat felt dry, and if her cheeks weren’t already sunburned, they’d surely be flaming with her embarrassment. She clutched at her robe and took a quick step back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I didn’t hear you. I can come back later—”
“It’s fine,” he cut into her rambling. “You just startled me.” His fingers tightened on the razor’s handle. “Did you, uh, need the room?”
His flash of embarrassment as he glanced toward the chamber pot only made her own flare.
She shook her head. “No, I . . . I just wanted to retrieve something Ahmi brought for my sunburn.”
“Oh.” His wave of relief might have made her laugh, under other circumstances. He shifted back from the counter, and she noticed his feet were bare beneath the black cuffs of his pants.
Saints only knew why that detail made this whole moment feel more intimate.
He gestured to the counter with his razor. “I’m not sure which one it is . . .”
She followed his gaze to the array of bottles that sat on the countertop. As much as she wanted to simply run away from this whole situation, her skin was burning. So she forced herself to step into the washroom, even though it put her closer to him. If only she could be as nonchalant and confident as she’d felt yesterday on that training field with him.
She found the aloe with a little searching, and then she sidestepped toward the door. “Sorry again for the intrusion.”
“It’s fine, really.” He gestured to the looking glass. “Do you need the mirror?”
“There’s one in the bedroom.”
His eyebrows tugged together as his gaze narrowed on her neck. “That’s quite the burn. Do you need help applying the salve?”
“I . . .” It would be so easy to say no.
But this truly would go easier with help. And though she didn’t have her orders from the Rising yet, she knew the rebels wouldn’t want her to miss an opportunity to get closer to Carver.
She lifted the ointment. “If you’re sure?”
“Of course. Can I finish shaving, first? I’m nearly done.”
She nodded and stepped back into the doorway, allowing him the space to finish.
Other than their breaths, the low rasp of the blade against his skin was the only sound. He angled his chin in the mirror, moving the blade deftly but with precise strokes. Each movement was controlled and practiced, and watching him was strangely fascinating.
When he finished, he rinsed the razor in the shallow basin on the counter and dragged a towel over his face, wiping away any residual cream. Then he faced her and held out a hand.
She passed him the jar, and her pulse jumped when their fingers brushed.
As he twisted the jar open, she slipped into the space in front of him, so she could stand in the light coming in from the small window. She turned her back to him and gathered her loose braid over one shoulder.
Her voice seemed especially loud in the silence. “If you’d rather just do the back of my neck, I can do the rest.”
In the mirror, she caught the corner of his mouth lifting. “I really don’t mind. I have younger siblings, remember? I’ve been putting aloe on sunburns my whole life.”
The images that leapt to mind made something low in her belly curl. Carver, kneeling before a child and tending their sunburn. Dabbing blood from a scraped knee. Drying tears.
Her pulse skittered, and she lowered her head, partly to give him better access to her neck, but mostly to avoid seeing him in the glass.
He stepped closer, and she could feel the heat that radiated from his larger body. Even though he didn’t touch her, she was wholly aware of the fact that he stood directly behind her, bare to the waist.

Pre-order ESPERANCE on Kindle (or buy the paperback on or before November 18th)
then fill out the form below to receive a bookmark! Open internationally.
 
https://forms.gle/g24KSM7Yyr6U8yMA8
 
Thank you for pre-ordering!​

Readers of new adult and fantasy romance will devour Esperance, Heather Frost’s latest release.  This book is deliciously delightful on so many levels.  It is filled with plenty of edge of your seat action, suspense, politics, magic, and a slow burn romance.  The characters are intriguing and the story is completely captivating.  Readers who enjoy stories like The Selection Series by Kiera Kass and The Desolation Series by Kortney Keisel will definitely want to pick up this fast paced and exciting book.  Once again, Frost has written a story that readers will absolutely not want to put down!

Series: Esperance Trilogy
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: November 18, 2022 
Number of pages:531

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

​

Follow along with the blog tour schedule HERE.

During a time when legends were born . . .

ENFLAMED

The most beautiful noblewoman in the kingdom, the lowly knight who can never have her, and the forbidden love they share.

When Sylvi Prestegard discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry a wealthy nobleman known for his thieving ways, she’s desperate to avoid the union. She turns to her childhood friend Espen, a Knight of Brethren, counting on his loyalty and kindness to help her escape.

Espen has been given an urgent mission to locate the holy lamp, an ancient relic necessary to defeat the enemy invading their country. In addition to his royal quest, he’s determined to protect Sylvi, the woman he’s always secretly loved. When she suggests the two of them marry to thwart her father’s plans, Espen cannot deny her request.

As they search for the holy lamp, Lord Prestegard pursues them, intent on reclaiming his daughter. With Espen’s life at stake, Sylvi must conspire to save them both. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or are the flames of their forbidden love destined to be extinguished?

The real story of the Holy Lamp . . .

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Another story packed full of action, intrigue, and romance, Enflamed by Jody Hedlund, is a beautiful story and a splendid addition to The Knights of Brethren series.  A story of a knight and the most beautiful woman in the kingdom and their forbidden love this adventured filled swoony romance will pull readers in through the turn of the last page.  A main theme in the story and something that both main characters  struggle with is self worth and confidence.  The story progresses in such a way that readers can see the development of these traits throughout the story.  Another fabulous story from Hedlund that readers will not want to miss.

Series: Knights of Brethren
Genre: Medieval, fantasy, historical, romance, fairytale
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Publication date: August 16, 2022
Number of pages:247

Other books in the series:
1-Enamored
2-Entwined
3-Ensnared
4-Enriched
6-Entrusted

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

During a time when legends were born . . .

ENRICHED

A wealthy noblewoman with a heart of gold, a wounded knight closed off to love, and the sacrifices for a chalice that can bring healing.

Lady Karina lives in a convent and expects to become a nun someday. When her wealthy father asks her to help his textile business become more successful by marrying one of the popular Knights of Brethren, Karina complies, ever the dutiful daughter.

During a royal quest to find the sacred chalice, Torvald is called home to save his family’s estate through an arranged marriage to a wealthy maiden. Although willing to do his duty, he’s vowed never to give his heart to anyone after watching his father suffer heartbreak over a woman.

As Torvald weds the kind and lovely Karina, he resists the pull of attraction to his bride. Even though Karina feels the sting of Torvald’s rejection, she chooses to love him unconditionally. As he resumes his search for the chalice and puts his life in jeopardy, Karina makes the ultimate sacrifice for him. Will he have the chance to love her in return before it’s too late?

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Enriched  is a fabulous addition to author Jody Hedlund’s sweet fairytale style medieval romance Knights of Brethren series.  Readers will love the fiery redhead, Lady Karina, and the chalice searching knight, Torvald.  With an arranged marriage, the two join together, both trying to help and please their families.  A story of duty, danger, heartache, rejection, deception, and unconditional love, Hedlund has written a beautiful, adventure filled and captivating romantic story that readers will be charmed by.  The fourth book in the series, this splendid book continues the brilliant story of the holy grail.  Readers will not want to put this charming book down.

Series: Knights of Brethren
Genre: Medieval, fantasy, historical, romance
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Publication date: July 12, 2022
Number of pages: 236

Other books in the series:
1-Enamored
2-Entwined
3-Ensnared
5-Enflamed (coming Aug 2022)
6-Entrusted (coming Sept 2022)

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.​

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​Venn was taking a drink when Vera stilled.
     So attuned to her, he lowered the water skin at once. “What?”
     Her brow furrowed as she twisted to peer into the trees behind them. “I thought I heard . . .”
     Venn strained his ears, and after a few heartbeats he heard it, too. Soft and distant, a
muffled cry.
     They both came to their feet. Venn grabbed one of the daggers at his belt and handed it to
her. “Stay with the horse.”
     Vera took the blade with a frown. “But—”
     “It could just be an animal,” Venn said. “But it could also be some kind of a trap. Let me scout
the area first.”
     She didn’t look happy about remaining behind, but she nodded.
     Venn palmed another dagger and slid between trees, angling in the direction the sound had
originated. It wasn’t long before he heard it again—an almost cracking cry that ended
sharply—and he altered his course slightly. He stepped carefully, picking his way among the
underbrush and steering clear of anything that might give away his presence.
     The next time he heard the cry, there was no mistaking it—an infant’s shriek, new and weak.
Venn’s heart lurched and he stepped faster. He knew that sound, because he remembered his
little sister’s birth. She’d had that particular newborn cry for a period of weeks only. His three
nieces had been the same.
     Finally, he spotted a blanket. Gray and threadbare, it was bunched up on the ground
between two large rocks. A tiny fist had punched through the folds, but the baby’s face was
hidden. The cry was thin—more of a whimper, edged with a whine.
     Venn dropped his knife and pulled down the blanket, already making a cooing noise he only
ever had for his nieces. The infant’s eyes were closed, and her small face was scrunched up.
The babe’s frown was deep, making a jutting island of her chin. She had pinkish skin, but there
was no hiding that she was Devendran. Fates, she was so small. She could only be a week or
two old.
     She was wearing a small child’s shirt that drowned her, and it was filthy. She had no soiling
cloth, though a quick inspection showed no wounds or sign of abuse, other than some insect
bites on her arms and legs. She couldn’t have been abandoned for long, then.
     Venn kept murmuring to her as he checked her over, and then—satisfied that touching her
wouldn’t hurt her—he scooped her into his arms, cradling her small and fragile body against his
chest. Her downy hair was dark and matted to her head, and she instantly started rooting as she
nuzzled against him.
     He gave her the edge of his thumb, and she gummed it furiously. His heart broke. “Where is
your mother, little one?”
     She obviously had no answers. She merely pulled desperately at his thumb, her entire body
squirming.
     A twig snapped behind him.
     Venn clutched the babe to his chest with one broad hand as he whirled, his free hand diving
for his blade. He didn’t draw it, though.
     A boy—probably only seven or eight—stood across the small clearing. He clutched a small
bundle of wet cloth in one hand, and a dagger too large for his hand in the other. He was
Devendran, with sunburnt skin and brown hair, and though terror was in his eyes, so was anger.
“Put down my sister, or I’ll gut you.”

As always, author Heather Frost captures readers with the turn of the first page.  Another fast paced story filled with adventure, intrigue, and romance.  This story focuses on the broken relationship between Vera and Venn.  It’s about their past regrets and how to best move forward with life without each other.  Or does it need to be without?  Readers will just have to dive into this story to find out. An engaging and fabulously written story that picks right where book three’s cliffhanger leaves off.  Readers will not want to miss this next book in the fabulous Fate of Eyrinthia series.

Series: Fate of Eyrinthia
Genre: young adult, fantasy
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: July 14, 2022 
Number of pages: 241

Other books in the series:
0.5-Fire & Ash
1-Royal Decoy
2-Royal Spy
3-Royal Captive

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.​

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Jody Hedlund has crafted another sweet, thrilling, and fairytale style medieval romance in Ensnared.  This story focuses on the unlikely relationship between Gunner, a knight, and Mikaela, a maid servant.  They have been friends from childhood, but run in completely different circles, due to their status differences.  Throughout the story their friendship blossoms into romance, as they work together to overcome the best of the forest.  Although a retelling of the Holy Grail, the story focuses more on the relationship between Gunner and Mikaela than the actual story of the Holy Grail.  Readers may want a bit more detail on the Holy Grail and finding the chalice part of the story, but will not be disappointed with the sweet romance.  This is a story that readers will delight in.
Series: Knights of Brethren
Genre: Medieval, fantasy, historical, romance
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Publication date: June 14, 2022
Number of pages: 246
Other books in the series:
1-Enamored
2-Entwined
4-Enriched (coming July 2022)
5-Enflamed (coming Aug 2022)
6-Entrusted (coming Sept 2022)
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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NEW TO EYRINTHIA? GET BOOK 1 FOR FREE DURING THE VIRTUAL TOUR!
 
Royal Decoy (Fate of Eyrinthia #1) is currently FREE on Kindle (U.S.)
Grab it HERE.
 
***The series is also available on Kindle Unlimited!***

Without quite knowing how it happened, Grayson walked the streets of Duvan with Imara on his arm and her bodyguard shadowing close behind.
There was an uncomfortable twist in his gut and his cheeks felt too warm, though that could have been from the Mortisian summer heat.
Cooking meats sizzled, spicing the air with an array of exotic peppers and spices. Men and women called out wares, children laughed and raced around the large market square, and those now-familiar purple flags fluttered everywhere. Music drifted among the stalls and some men and women sang, eager for every coin dropped in their cup.
“It’s more beautiful than I imagined,” Imara said, her eyes alight as she took everything in.
Grayson’s view of things was decidedly different. The square was overcrowded, chaotic, and far too loud. Assassins and thieves alike would thrive in such an environment. He kept his gaze moving over the continually shifting crowd.
Imara’s turquoise skirt swished against his leg as they walked, and she only released his arm when they reached a cart selling a variety of drinks. She chose one made from lemons and small red berries. She claimed it was tangy but sweet.
Grayson asked for water.
Imara watched him over the rim of her cup. “Are you sure you don’t want to try this?”
“I’m sure.” Just the smell made his mouth pinch.
She shrugged her narrow shoulders. She really was very short; her head barely reached his chest. After swallowing another sip, she said, “You’re quiet.”
“I don’t have anything to say.” Conversation was not a gift he possessed.
“That’s all right. I have a hundred questions! Now, let’s see . . . Is it true you made your first kill when you were three years old?”
Grayson choked on his water, coughing harshly as he whipped his head toward her. “What?”
“That’s how the story goes in Zennor,” she said easily. “The Black Viper learned the art of killing in the nursery—the way all Ryden children do—but he loved death more than the others. He killed his nursemaid when he was three and drank her blood, and he’s never gotten enough of the taste since.”
Grayson blinked at her. There were no words.
Her mouth twitched. “I’m assuming it’s not true, then?”
He finally managed to find his voice. “No.”
She bobbed her head. “After meeting you, I didn’t think it could be true. You’re not half as intimidating as your reputation.”
That didn’t exactly sound like a compliment.
Before he could make any response, Imara fired off her next question. “Is it true your mother has a poison garden?”
From the corner of his eye, he could see her bodyguard’s hand on his knife. It had probably gone there at her last question, though Grayson had been too busy choking to notice. “She does,” he confirmed.
“How interesting. My mother only embroiders.”
Grayson snorted.
Imara grinned. “There! The Black Viper can laugh. Another rumor, utterly wrecked.” 

Pre-order ROYAL CAPTIVE (Fate of Eyrinthia #3) in any format, then fill out the form below to receive an exclusive short story: The CAPTAIN AND THE TROUBLEMAKERS.
 
About the Story:
When Wilf steps in for Bennick’s father during an important rite of passage at the military academy, he gets more than he bargained for. Eleven-year-old Bennick has a fight to pick with another student—a boy named Venn Grannard . . .
 
The story will be emailed to you after ROYAL CAPTIVE releases on March 18th. Here is the link to the form: https://forms.gle/nDubVYVaB7EPYRfh8
 
Thank you for pre-ordering!

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During a time when legends were born . . .

ENAMORED

A princess in need of a husband, a young Sage who cannot have her, and a web of deceit that threatens their love.

Having been raised by her childless aunt and uncle, the king and queen, Princess Elinor finds herself the only heir to the throne of Norvegia. As she comes of age, she must choose a husband to rule beside her, but she struggles to make her selection from among a dozen noblemen during a weeklong courtship.

With aspirations to become the wisest man in the land, Maxim is summoned home by his father Rasmus, a Royal Sage. Reunited with Elinor, once his closest friend, Maxim is quickly enamored with her even though he can never be considered a prospect for her husband.

Elinor’s feelings for Maxim are rekindled too . . . until she learns he has been unwillingly drawn into Rasmus’s scheme to take control of the throne. With the kingdom under attack both from within and without, can Elinor and Maxim overcome the deceit spinning around them? Or will it destroy their love once and for all?

The real story of Excalibur. ​

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From the turn of the first page, readers will be sucked into Jody Hedlund’s action-packed, romance-filled, novel, Enamored.  This story is full of engaging characters, adventure, and swoony romance that readers will absolutely not want to put down.  A medieval retelling of the magnificent sword Excalaber, readers will be enthralled and charmed by this fabulous story.  Once again Hedlund has delivered a story that readers will get entirely caught up in, forgetting everything else around them.  An excellent addition to the world of young adult books.

Series: Knights of Brethren 
Genre: young adult, fantasy, retelling, fairytale, historical, medieval, romance
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Publication date: November 9, 2021
Number of pages: 252

Other books in the series:
2-Entwined (coming December 2021)

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.​

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