Thursday, April 10, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham

Some Like it Scot JustRead Takeover + Review Tour

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Some Like it Scot

Author: Pepper Basham

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

She lives her life on the fly. His heart is double-knotted to home. Can two different souls create a life together?

Popular travel writer and podcaster Katie Campbell roams the world collecting other people's stories. She's built a career as "Miss Adventure," known for saying yes to anything new--country, food, or experience--and predictably finding those adventures taking a downward turn into misadventures.

Offered the chance to explore her ancestral roots through a three-week Edwardian experience, Katie finds herself immersed in the beauty and eccentricity of Scotland. In her period attire, with traditional foods and activities, the opportunities for misadventures are endless, especially with the presence of a maniacal macaw, a jealous co-worker, and an all-too-surly Scotsman.

Reclusive and protective Graeme MacKerrow doesn't venture far from his island home. A stoic Scotsman, Graeme's comfort zone has always been family, and after his sister's death, he's even more determined to save the MacKerrow ancestral home and keep those he loves close. The sudden intrusion of a six-foot-one American lass, famous for her traveling misfortunes, was far from his plan.

As this world of folklore, community, and woodworkers-in-kilts tempts Katie to discover her own story, could this one grand series of misadventures lead her directly to where she belongs? And would a settled-in-Scot ever risk loosening his grip on what's familiar to allow a wanderlust writer a home in his heart? How could their very different worlds share the same page of life's story when "home" is in two very different places? But maybe home--and the future--isn't quite what either one imagined it would be. Maybe home is less about a place . . . and more about a person.

Christian RomCom books have become a genre that I really enjoy. Pepper Basham in one of my favorite authors. Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham is Book 4 in the Skymar series. I started the series at Book 3, but I went back and read Books 1 and 2.

WOW, I truly enjoyed this book from the very beginning. The 2 main characters in this story are Katie Campbell and Graeme MacKerrow. Katie is a Podcaster and World Traveler. Katie's travels usually have some sort of mishap, but she finds the mishaps fun. Her current assignment takes her to Scotland for a visit at Craighill House. Her "mishap" for this trip is that she literally bumps into and falls into the arms of Graeme, a Scottish Man. The 2 begin to get to know each other and discover that one thing in common is that they have lost a sister. Katie begins to realize that Graeme is someone special and they begin to really enjoy each others prescense. Katie also now understands that coming to Scotland was more then just a working trip. It was a way to heal from the grief, discover more about herself and find someone she enjoys being with. Graeme is a wonderful Scottish Man and he really complements Katie. I laughed and cried while reading this book. It was also a heartwarming story. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian RomCom books! AMAZING BOOK!

Also Available:

Pepper Basham

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

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

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Some Like it Scot and hairy coo themed gift box!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of Some Like it Scot!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 16, 2025. 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.

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Rancher's Unexpected Bride by LauraLyn Keller

Book: The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2025

In the rugged Montana Territory, a Boston socialite’s bid for freedom collides with a rancher’s quest for a family.

According to Boston’s elite society, Ella Mountbatten has it all: status, prestige, and a bright future. What they don’t know is that her life as a socialite has become a gilded cage of abuse and oppression under the control of her cruel fiancé and domineering parents. Desperate to escape, Ella flees Boston and seeks refuge in the small town of Harmony Springs, Montana Territory, where her former friend now resides as the sheriff. But with her family determined to drag her back to Boston, Ella’s hard-won freedom—and her very life—hang precariously in the balance.

Rancher, Cody Brooks, is ill-equipped to be the guardian of three orphaned children. But that’s the situation he’s in after the death of his best friend. Now, what he needs is a wife to help provide love and stability to his makeshift family. So when a runaway heiress arrives in need of protection, it seems a marriage of convenience may be the answer to both their prayers.

But with danger closing in from Boston and the challenges of building a new life together, Cody and Ella must confront their deepest fears and desires. Can their marriage of convenience blossom into true love, or will the shadows of Ella’s past tear apart the fragile hope they’ve found in Harmony Springs?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Fiction is a favorite genre to read. The Rancher's Unexpected Bride by Lauralyn Keller is Book 1 in the Second Chances in Harmony Spring.

I was engrossed in the book from the first few pages. The setting begins in Boston and the majority of the book is set in Harmony Springs, Montana. The 2 main characters of this book are Ella Mountbatten and Cody Brooks. Ella is a Boston Socialite who feels she is being controlled by her parents and her fiancé. She finally decides to flee and heads to a small town in Montana, Harmony Springs. A former friend of hers is currently the Sheriff of this town. Cody Brooks, a resident of Harmony Springs, finds himself being the caregiver of his best friends 3 children after the friend dies. Cody doesn't feel ready to be the parent of 3 children under 6. He and Ella meet when she arrives in town and he recognizes that she needs a safe place to be. A friendship between Cody and Ella begins and Cody realizes that Ella might be an answer to prayer. He knows the kids need a mothers and Ella needs a safe place, especially with her Dad and fiance wanting her to return to Boston. I truly enjoyed this storyline. Ella and Cody's relationship grew as they got to know one another. They also began to have Faith in God that he will protect the family on their new journey. The book is one of Second Chances, Faith, and Family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

More from Lauralyn

Stories have a funny way of percolating in my mind. I’ll be driving or doing dishes or some other mundane activity, and all of a sudden, an idea pops into my head. What my mind does with it then determines the course of a story.

Here’s a peek at my thought process for The Rancher’s Unexpected Bride.

Marriage of convenience stories are fun—maybe I could write one. Oooh, and I love Montana. It should take place there. Historical, of course, since stepping back in time is also fun. Hmmm….who should the characters be? Maybe a socialite….or an heiress….where would someone like that be from? Philly? New York? Ooh, I know—Boston! Yeah, Boston. Let’s see, her name can be Ella, though that doesn’t sound terribly high society. Maybe Ariella, but she prefers being called Ella. And she wants to leave town because she feels that society life is suffocating her. Hmmm, that doesn’t quite seem like a strong enough reason. Oh! She comes from a stuffy family….with harsh parents….and an abusive fiance. That’s why she runs away. I can iron out the details later. Okay, so Ella runs from Boston to Montana. Now, who’s her love interest? A farmer might work, but why would they agree to a marriage of convenience? I suppose Ella could be a mail-order bride….hmmm, no, that might not work. She needs to leave in a hurry (the why to be determined later). Maybe the guy (let’s call him Cody—that’s a good name) is a widower raising young kids and needs a wife to help. Or….no, he took in the kids after their parents died. That’ll create an immediate need for a wife. Perfect! Actually, I think he should be a rancher instead.

And just like that, a story is born. Sometimes it comes to me in moments, other times in weeks. This story developed over a couple of years. I wrote one draft, decided it was too fluffy, and ended up giving it a complete rewrite. I’m very happy with how Ella and Cody’s story turned out. It’s a sweet, love-comes-softly romance, and I hope you enjoy it.

Maureen’s Musings, April 1
Texas Book-aholic, April 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 5
Devoted To Hope, April 6
lakesidelivingsite, April 7
Stories By Gina, April 8 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, April 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10
Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Guest Review from Melissa)
For Him and My Family, April 12
Holly’s Book Corner, April 13
A Reader’s Brain, April 14 (Author Interview)
Bizwings Book Blog, April 14

To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54189

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Wednesday, April 9, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson

Lullaby by the River JustRead BlogTour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Lullaby by the River ‎
Series: Amish River
Author: Temperance Johnson
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Genre: Amish Fiction

An unique Amish love story.

A wounded woman with no way out…unless she marries her ex.

After unexpected abuse, quiet and happy Priscilla Yoder thinks her life can’t get worse. But then she finds out she’s pregnant, and her family and church insist she marry the man who hurt her. When a man she used to love, a man who wants to leave the Amish, offers to marry her, she doesn’t see a better option.

Danny Taylor, charming bad boy of his Amish community, is ready to leave the plain life. But when a woman he used to love finds herself in danger of marriage to an evil man, he can't resist offering marriage to keep her safe. Only problem is, he didn’t expect to fall for his bride so fast. She's softening his tough heart and showing him that there’s a good side to the Amish. As they grow closer, he realizes this gorgeous woman in pain has giant walls, and it will take both patience and faith if he wants to scale them.

Caring for Danny was never what Priscilla wanted. And she never expected his faith to bring her closer to God.

But when Danny’s past wounds resurface, and as Priscilla learns to hope again, can they trust God to make their relationship more than just a marriage of convenience?

Amish Fiction is my ultimate favorite genre. Lullaby by the River by Temperance Johnson is the latest book in this genre that I had the opportunity to read.

WOW, I started reading this book and didn't stop until I finished the book. This was definitely not the "Typical Amish Fiction" book. Priscilla is a Pregnant UnWed Amish Woman. The Amish community wants her to marry the man who sexually assaulted her. Priscilla feels trapped and then Danny Taylor, her ex, steps in and offers to marry her. Danny was planning on leaving the Amish community and becoming an Englisher. I really LOVE how their relationship renews and becomes stronger. I truly LOVE that Priscilla and Danny are leaning on God more throughout the pain of the past resurfaces again. I was really amazed that Priscilla learns that her faith in God is stronger then ever. The author tackles many sensitive topics: Sexual Assualt, Domestic Abuse, Church abuse and more, with Grace. Danny was a "HERO" for offering a "Marriage of Convenience" to protect Priscilla and the unborn baby. The book is one of Second Chances, Faith, and Family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction. AMAZING BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

Temperance Johnson has always loved to read and write. As one of eleven children, she read from her older sister's books. With that, her love for both reading and writing has only continued to grow. Passionate about the subjects of adoption, family, and faith, she started the Liberty Chronicles and now her Amish fiction. In her free time, she plays with her ponies and many nieces and nephews. Her horses even made it into her stories. She enjoys spoiling her ten nephews and twenty-three nieces.

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

(2) winners will each receive a $20 Baker Book House gift card and a print copy of Lullaby by the River!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 8, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 15, 2025. 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.

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me by Allen Brokken

About the Book

Book: Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me

Author: Allen Brokken, Illustrated by Reace Erbe

Genre: Christian Fable

Release date: March 15, 2025

When disaster strikes the family farm, Lauren gets a big job. She has to milk their cow, Clarabelle, all by herself! Her only help might come from her new feline friend Meow Meow, but how can such a little kitten help with such a big job?

This read-aloud will help you share the timeless truth from the Bible that God can use the least of us to solve big problems.

Click here to get your copy!

Chrsitian Children Picture Books are a wonderful genre. Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me by Allen Brokken is the latest in this genre that I have read.

WOW, this book is cute and has a VERY important message for the little ones and their parents. The main characters in the book are a young girl named Lauren and a little Kitty named Meow Meow. Lauren's family lives on a farm. Lauren is given the task to milk the Cow for the first time. She isn't confident that she can carry out the task and expresses that to her mom. Her mom encourages her that she can do the task. Lauren takes the Kitty to the barn with her. I really LOVE how Lauren went from discouraged about her task to encouraged. The Cow at first wasn't cooperating, but then the little Kitty was an intergarl part of getting the task done. The message is strong for the little ones, the "Big tasks" don't have to seem so BIG when the right helper comes along. God makes things possible when we are about to lose faith. The illustrations are vibrant and will capture the attention of the young ones. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone with little ones between 3yrs to 8yrs old. GREAT BOOK!

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media and through his blog.

More from Allen

Sometimes, a story just HAS to be told. When I first wrote the book that became Light of Mine, book 1 of the Towers of Light series, there was a scene in which the main character, Lauren, and her newly found kitten are trying to milk the cow. It was a sweet moment in a chaotic story, and I had fun writing it as an homage to my kitten squeaker, who made trying to work around home very challenging at times. However, my editor was pretty clear that as cute as the story was, Meow Meow’s interlude with the milk cow Clarabelle just didn’t fit the story’s action. So, unfortunately, that scene found its way to the cutting room floor.

After a few years, I started having mothers of children who loved the Towers of Light Series ask the same question over and over….”But what about my littles?” Do you have a story for me to read to my younger children? After thinking about it, I realized Meow Meow’s adventure might be a perfect read-aloud. So I reached out to a fellow Realm Maker, Pam Halter, who has a really fun series of books with Willougby the Dragon, to see if she could help me turn my 2500-word novel scene into an 800-word picture book…and she did a fantastic job! So now we have Meow Meow Milks the Cow.

Another fun fact is that the character Ethan in this book is all grown up now and engaged to be married to Reace Erbe, and this is her first illustrated work in print. So we all hope you enjoy this Tower of Light read to me.