Book Review - Ready to Trust (Hearts of Oklahoma, #2) by Tina Radcliffe + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Reece Rainbolt is shocked to learn that he has inherited half of the Ballard's family farm next door. He was close to his neighbor but, not close enough to inherit property. Reece is even more shocked when he discovers that he and his ex, Claire Ballard, have a five-year-old daughter together. Claire is devastated that she has to share the farm with Reece, especially since he broke her heart. She is determined to sell off the farm and leave him behind. However, Reece will buy the farm on one condition - Claire must stay the summer to help with the harvest and allow Reece to get to know his daughter.

The book was a quick and fairly straightforward read. I like that there wasn't a ton of back and forth drama of misunderstandings. I do wish that Claire had followed her heart earlier and made more attempts to win Reece over too. I didn't like that she wanted to know more about him without showing her true feelings while he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. I did love that family played an important role in the novel. I look forward to reading more books from the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Ready to Trust

(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home

(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

And coming in December...

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

Ends August 19, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Review - Universe of Two by Stephen P. Kiernan + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Charlie Fish just graduated from Harvard during World War II and he assigned to the Manhattan Project.  Charlie works with some of the greatest scientific minds to design and build the detonator of the atomic bomb. As Charlie works on the detonator, he begins to question the mission and how many lives would be affected by the bomb. Brenda, his girlfriend, is unaware of Charlie's work but, tells him that he should "be a man" and not to doubt his work.

However, once the bombs strike Hiroshima and Nagasaki, both Brenda and Charlie are devastated by the impact of his work. After the war ends, Charlie receives a scholarship to receive a Ph.D. in physics at Standford. They hope that this new opportunity will give them a fresh start. When Charlie starts his classes, his new classmates and professors only talk about the bomb and what new weapons they can create. Charlie feels that he is unable to escape his past. Brenda and Charlie decide to dedicate their lives to making amends for creating the atomic bomb.

The novel is an exhilarating love story that has a major focus on war and music. At times, it can be overwhelming with how much detail the author goes into the bomb-making Charlie does at the Hill and the music that Brenda creates. The author tries to weave a story about the evil that was created and the beauty that music creates. I thought the romantic part between Charlie and Brenda was electric and emotional. I felt the pain and devastation as they did when coming to terms with the Atomic bomb and the war. People who love romantic historic fiction will love this novel of two young adults trying to heal their conscience and find peace in a world they helped changed. The story will leave you breathless and your heart aching for a love so deep and powerful during an uncertain time.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (August 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062878441
ISBN-13: 978-0062878441

Praise for UNIVERSE OF TWO

“Rarely does historical fiction get everything so right as Universe of Two: compelling characters, faithful detail, a story packed with unexpected twists, and a sure, authentic voice that never wavers. In this novel of the dawn of the atomic age and its profound consequences, Stephen Kiernan leads us along a journey of conscience as complex and infinite as the science itself.” —Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Golden Hour

“Stephen Kiernan has pulled off the nearly impossible, reminding us by wrapping a war story in a love story that although we hold the power for our own extinction, we also have the power to redeem, heal, and save. The most tender, terrifying, relevant book you’ll read this year.” —Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us and The Lost Family

“Based loosely on the life of mathematician and organ-maker Charles B. Fisk, this fascinating novel delves into the guilt and remorse that wracked him for his part in the development of the atomic bomb. . . . The two main characters are complex and flawed, but when they come together, their world is in harmony.” —Library Journal

“Kiernan recreates the zeitgeist of America leading up to the atomic bomb on a national and personal level: the eager anticipation of wartime’s end, the grimly fascinating science, and the growing sense of guilt and dread. Simultaneously tender and hard-hitting, this riveting story offers much to reflect upon.” —Booklist

"Universe of Two skillfully educates, entertains and enlightens as great historical fiction should . . . . Masterfully researched and exquisitely told." —The Patriot Ledger

From the critically acclaimed author of The Baker’s Secret and The Curiosity comes a novel of conscience, love, and redemption—a fascinating fictionalized account of the life of Charlie Fisk, a gifted mathematician who was drafted into Manhattan Project and ordered against his morals to build the detonator for the atomic bomb. With his musician wife, he spends his postwar life seeking redemption—and they find it together.

Graduating from Harvard at the height of World War II, brilliant mathematician Charlie Fish is assigned to the Manhattan Project. Working with some of the age’s greatest scientific minds, including J. Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, and Leo Szilard, Charlie is assigned the task of designing and building the detonator of the atomic bomb.

As he performs that work Charlie suffers a crisis of conscience, which his wife, Brenda—unaware of the true nature of Charlie’s top-secret task—mistakes as self-doubt. She urges him to set aside his qualms and continue. Once the bombs strike Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the feelings of culpability devastate him and Brenda.

At the war’s end, Charlie receives a scholarship to pursue a PhD in physics at Stanford—an opportunity he and Brenda hope will allow them a fresh start. But the past proves inescapable. All any of his new colleagues can talk about is the bomb, and what greater atomic weapons might be on the horizon. Haunted by guilt, Charlie and Brenda leave Stanford and decide to dedicate the rest of their lives to making amends for the evil he helped to birth into the world.

Based on the life of the actual mathematician Charles B. Fisk, Universe of Two combines riveting historical drama with a poignant love story. Stephen Kiernan has conjured a remarkable account of two people struggling to heal their consciences and find peace in a world forever changed.

You can purchase Universe of Two at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan

As a journalist and novelist, Stephen P. Kiernan has published nearly four million words. His newspaper work garnered more than forty awards — including the George Polk Award and the Scripps Howard Award for Distinguished Service to the First Amendment.

Stephen’s newest novel, UNIVERSE OF TWO, will be out May 5, 2020. He is also author of the novels THE CURIOSITY (now in television series development), THE BAKER'S SECRET (a regional Indie bestseller), and THE HUMMINGBIRD. He has also written two nonfiction books, LAST RIGHTS and AUTHENTIC PATRIOTISM. His work has been translated into many languages.

Stephen was born in Newtonville, NY the sixth of seven children. A graduate of Middlebury College, he received a Master of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He has chaired the board of the Young Writers Project, served on the Vermont Legislative Committee on Pain and Palliative Care, and served on the advisory board of the New Hampshire Palliative Care Initiative. He has spoken and consulted around the country about hospice, palliative care and advance directives.

A performer on the guitar since he was ten years old, Stephen has recorded 3 CDs of solo instrumentals, and composed music for dance, the stage and documentary films.

He lives in Vermont with his two amazing sons.

        

WEEK ONE

AUGUST 3rd MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

AUGUST 4th TUESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

AUGUST 5th WEDNESDAY Rajiv's Reviews REVIEW

AUGUST 5th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW & GUEST POST

AUGUST 6th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 

AUGUST 7th FRIDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon EXCERPT 

WEEK TWO

AUGUST 10th MONDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW

AUGUST 11th TUESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW 

AUGUST 12th WEDNESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
AUGUST 12th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

AUGUST 13th THURSDAY BookHounds REVIEW & INTERVIEW

AUGUST 14th FRIDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW 

AUGUST 14th FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - A Bridge Home: Back to BlueStone River by Virginia McCullough + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Eric Wells recently moved back home to Bluestone River to become the school principal. He finally got his dream of buying a home but, he is afraid of being a father because of his painful childhood. When his high school crush, Amy Morgan returns home with her troubled daughter, Cassie, Eric finds himself drawn to them.

I was very torn when reading this novel, I felt like both characters were hung up about their past. I felt like the romance moved very fast and when they hit a snag, they were both quick to go on the offensive. I feel like they didn't communicate enough with each other. I also felt like Eric was being a hypocrite when it came to Amy and her daughter. He was quick to judge other people (and including Amy) for their actions. For example, he didn't like how one mother "rewarded" a child's bad behavior but, Eric did the same thing with Cassie. The novel wasn't a bad book but, it was filled with flawed characters that I couldn't connect with.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Bridge Home

(Back to Bluestone River #3)

By Virginia McCullough

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

August 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will a new beginning…

Lead to forever?

What good is a home without a family? School principal Eric Wells finally has the house he’s always wanted, but a painful childhood makes him question his ability to be a father. So when his high school crush Amy Morgan returns to Bluestone River with her troubled daughter, he’s surprised to find he wants to be there for both of them. Will Amy finally give him a chance?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub | Amazon | Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card
Open internationally for those who are eligible
Ends August 12, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Review - The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess

Photo Credit - Amazon

It is the summer of 1987 and 25-year-old Eve Rosen is an aspiring writer who is stuck in a low-level assistant job. She is unable to get her writing career off the ground and she's been stuck in her brilliant brother's shadow growing up. When she feels her professional options are being limited, she jumps at the chance to attend a summer gathering at Cape Cope hosted by the famous New Yorker writer Henry Grey and his poet wife, Tillie.

She finds herself dazzled by the guests and has a crush on Franny Grey, Henry, and Tillie's son. She is excited when she receives an offer to become Henry's research assistant. Eve is excited when she is invited to the exclusive and famed "Book Party", where guests are invited to dress as literary characters. However, the night of the party turns uncomfortable when Eve discovers the truth behind the people she became involved with.

I am very disappointed with this book. I didn't find myself liking any of the characters and found them to be selfish and full of themselves. Eve was committing acts of adultery more than once but, was overcome with grief and misery when someone else did it. The novel was predictable and I found it to be rather pointless.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Blue Bishop has a special ability to find things that are lost. In her small town of Buttonwood, Alabama, she has a knack of finding lost objects such as pets, wallets, keys, and occasionally, trouble. One day during her walk, Blue discovers an abandoned newborn baby in the woods, just south of a magical buttonwood tree.

Sarah Grace  Landreneau Fulton is facing a tough decision. She was always taught by her mother to be perfect and do better. Sarah Grace has always tried to do the right thing even if it isn't what her heart wants to do. She fears how her family might react to her secrets.

With the appearance of the baby, both Blue's and Sarah Grace's lives will change forever. Together they will have to learn to fight for what they want in life and who they love. As they begin to live their true selves, they discover secrets that might reveal who they are.

Oh, this book was such a joy to read! The characters were all well developed and I couldn't wait to see if they got their happy ending. I also like that the romance in the novel didn't have a lot of childish back and forth but, characters who display their true feeling. The book was such an emotional rollercoaster, you can feel each of the characters' pain and joy. I can't wait to read other books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

Forge Books
Tor/Forge
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Forge Books (July 21, 2020)
Language: English
On Sale: 07/21/2020
ISBN: 9781250198563

Praise for Heather Webber's MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE

"Full of family secrets, undeniable charm and that particular touch of magic so often found in the South, MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE is a heartfelt and redemptive tale of a daughter looking to move forward in the place her mother couldn’t wait to leave behind. Heather Webber creates a town as dynamic and real as her characters—and a story so compelling that it will stay on readers’ minds long after the final page. I savored every word." —Kristy Woodson Harvey, national bestselling author of Slightly South of Simple

"Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is an enchanting gem of a novel, brimming with charming characters, heartwarming connections, old secrets, and a southern setting that makes you want to move there. As refreshing as a glass of blackberry tea, this is truly magical realism at its best!" —Karen White, New York Times bestselling author

"Family, fate, and magic intertwine in this endearing Southern tale of long-held secrets, homemade pie, and building one's future from the remains of the past. A tantalizing, delicious delight, through and through. Heather Webber writes with so much detail and imagination that I’ll be craving some Blackbird Cafe pie—and the comfort that comes with it—for a long time to come." —Kristin Harmel, international bestselling author of The Room on Rue Amélie and The Sweetness of Forgetting

Blue Bishop has a knack for finding lost things. While growing up in charming small-town Buttonwood, Alabama, she's happened across lost wallets, jewelry, pets, her wandering neighbor, and sometimes, trouble. No one is more surprised than Blue, however, when she comes across an abandoned newborn baby in the woods, just south of a very special buttonwood tree.

Sarah Grace Landreneau Fulton is at a crossroads. She has always tried so hard to do the right thing, but her own mother would disown her if she ever learned half of Sarah Grace's secrets.

The unexpected discovery of the newborn baby girl will alter Blue's and Sarah Grace's lives forever. Both women must fight for what they truly want in life and for who they love. In doing so, they uncover long-held secrets that reveal exactly who they really are--and what they're willing to sacrifice in the name of family.

You can purchase South of the Buttonwood Tree at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Heather Webber 

HEATHER WEBBER is the national bestselling author of more than thirty novels--including Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe, the Lucy Valentine novels, and the Nina Quinn Mysteries--and has been twice nominated for an Agatha Award. She loves to spend time with her family, read, drink too much coffee and tea, birdwatch, crochet, watch cooking competition and home improvement shows, crochet, and bake. Heather lives in southwestern Ohio and is hard at work on her next book.

        

WEEK ONE

JULY 20th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JULY 21st TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT

JULY 22nd WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More INTERVIEW 

JULY 22nd WEDNESDAY J Long Books REVIEW

JULY 23rd THURSDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon EXCERPT

JULY 23rd THURSDAY Day Leitao INTERVIEW

JULY 24th FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 27th MONDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW

JULY 28th TUESDAY BookHounds REVIEW & INTERVIEW

JULY 29th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

JULY 30th THURSDAY Captivated Reading REVIEW

JULY 30th THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW 

JULY 31st FRIDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW 

JULY 31st FRIDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July 2020 Haul Part 2!

Ahh, July is almost over! Thank God, and can you please take this unbearable heat wave with you (and COVID virus with you too -- please and thank you!)?

Another month into lockdown and one would assume that my skin would be amazing with all the extra time I am devoting to taking care of it...Nope! I am getting so many breakouts along my jawline and it's leaving ugly acne scars and dark spots. I have double down on the skincare and hopefully, it works and I just don't sweat it off.

I bought some more masks from Facetory. I like that they have a wide range of masks available at affordable prices. I am really excited to try the watermelon mask by Holika Holika. I bought a few lip products from Bite Beauty, Too Faced, Fluide, and Huda. I love lipsticks but, the last two lipsticks I opened melted and fell on to the floor. Argh! Brand new lipsticks all over the cream-colored carpet. I guess I am sticking to liquid products for right now. 

I restocked the Nivea In-Shower wash off lotion because right now it's just too hot for my skin to even come into contact with anything. I just can't. I bought a few new body washes from Red Flower and Skin & Co. I hope the fragrance lasts on my skin past the shower.  I have used a few body washes lately that have no staying power and that's exactly what I need when my skin starts to smell less than perfect.

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your thoughts! Hopefully I will have finished a few of these in the next 2-3 months :)

Book Spotlight - Scorpion by Jeff Sweat + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

About the Book:

Title: SCORPION (Mayfly #2)

Author: Jeff Sweat

Pub. Date: June 23, 2020

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 432

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

In Scorpion, the sequel to Jeff Sweat's YA futuristic thriller Mayfly, Jemma, Lady, and Pico all left the Holy Wood to seek answers to the End, and when they find the Old Guys—the only adults to have survived the original wipeout of everyone over the age of seventeen—they think they've found help at last.

But there's a lot the Old Guys aren't telling them. In fact, some of them don't seem interested in solving the End at all and just want Jemma and her friends to leave. Meanwhile, war is brewing among the tribes of the rest of the Children. Jemma's old home has fallen into disorder, and is far from prepared for battle. It won't be long before the fighting reaches Jemma and the Old Guys, if they even live to see it.

Haven’t started the series yet? Grab book 1, MAYFLY now!

About Jeff:

Jeff Sweat has made a living from words his entire career, starting out as an award-winning tech journalist for InformationWeek magazine and moving into marketing.

He led the content marketing team for Yahoo and pioneered its use of social media. He directed PR for two of the top advertising agencies in the country, Deutsch LA and 72andSunny. He now runs his own Los Angeles–based PR and marketing agency, Mister Sweat.

He grew up in Idaho as the middle of eight children—seven boys and one girl—and attended Columbia University in New York. Jeff lives in a big blue house in Los Angeles with his wife Sunny and their three kids, two cats, and a racing greyhound.

He loves to travel and writes everywhere he goes, even when there's not a desk. He likes karaoke, motorcycles and carpentry. He was once shot in the head with a nail gun, which was not a big of a deal as it sounds. But it still hurt like crazy.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of SCORPION, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21119/? 

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/13/2020	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
7/13/2020	JaimeRockstarBookTours	Instagram Stop
7/14/2020	Jaime's World	Excerpt
7/14/2020	The Try Everything/jenifer_reads	Excerpt
7/15/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
7/15/2020	Jazzy Book Reviews	Excerpt
7/16/2020	Fire and Ice	Review
7/16/2020	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
7/17/2020	popthebutterfly	Review
7/17/2020	TheReadingCornerforAll	Review

Week Two:

7/20/2020	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
7/20/2020	Rajiv's Reviews	Instagram Stop
7/21/2020	BookHounds YA	Interview
7/21/2020	Hurn Publications	Excerpt
7/22/2020	Two Chicks on Books	Interview
7/22/2020	Momfluenster	Instagram Stop
7/23/2020	Books and Zebras @jypsylynn	Review
7/23/2020	Buried Under Books	Review
7/24/2020	Two Points of Interest	Review
7/24/2020	Eli to the nth	Review