Book Spotlight: Waylaid by Jerusha Agen

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Waylaid by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Waylaid
Series: Windy City Westons #1
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job. 

Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead. 

Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again. 

Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late. 

If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.  

Waylaid is the first installment in the thrilling Windy City Westons series that features five siblings who encounter danger and love in the city of Chicago.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Jerusha Agen | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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More In This Series

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Excerpt

“In my job, you learn to read people. To see who’s in trouble and who’s causing it.” Torin’s intense gaze collided with hers. “You’re in trouble, Miss Weston.”

Spring’s heart hiccupped.

He leaned forward slightly. “I want to help you.”

“Why?” The dumb question came out before she thought. He was a cop. It was his job. And that’s exactly what he’d say.

“Because you shouldn’t have to live in fear.”

Her next breath vanished. He knew she was scared. Did that mean he didn’t suspect her of something? Did he know why she was scared?

The phone vibrated against her sweaty palm, jumpstarting her pulse. She fought the urge to look at it while her heart pounded.

“Don’t you want to check that?”

She jerked to see his gaze on her phone.

He knew.

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About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to follow her on social media, subscribe to email newsletter updates, find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels and get a free suspense story.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Waylaid, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, and a Waylaid mug, notebook, and magnet!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 21, 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.

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

Book Spotlight: Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Sunrise Reef 

Series: Hope Harbor #11 

Author: Irene Hannon 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: April 1, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Sometimes you have to look beneath the surface to find the treasure within

After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life--except romance. But that's okay. Men are a complication she doesn't need. 

Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn't looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn't intend to fall for the quirky, free-spirited woman who's taken up residence in his father's guest cottage. 

But when Noah finds himself sucked into Bren's quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there's more to each other than meets the eye? 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

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More Books from this Series:

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Excerpt from Sunrise Reef

pp 24-25.

Before he could finish that thought, something wet hit him in the face.

In the next instant, the fires of hell rained down on him, burning his eyes, nose, mouth, and throat.

He dropped his overnight bag as his eyes slammed shut. His seared lungs balked, and he started to hack. Hard. Snot dripped from his nose.

Chest heaving, he fell to his knees as waves of pain crashed over him.

If someone was trying to kill him, they were doing a first-­rate job of it.

Splaying the fingers of one hand on the floor, he groped in his pocket for his handkerchief. He had to wipe away whatever was singeing his eyeballs. ASAP.

The instant his fumbling fingers closed over the square of cloth, he yanked it out and tried to swab off whatever toxic substance was wreaking havoc.

Didn’t work.

In fact, his eyes might hurt worse—­if that was even possible.

“Help . . . me.” The hoarse, croaked plea came out in a voice that didn’t sound anywhere close to his usual baritone.

No response.

Whoever had done this to him must have a heart of stone.

Or else they’d hightailed it out of here after rendering him defenseless.

What kind of scumbag would attack an innocent man and—

Wait.

Was it possible Dad had started renting the cottage again and hadn’t told him? Had he walked in on paying guests who’d assumed he was an intruder and doused him with pepper spray?

Oh, geez.

This day was going from bad to worse.


© 2025 by Irene Hannon
Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
Grand Rapids, Michigan
RevellBooks​.com

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About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 65 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. IreneHannon.com

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print set of the entire Hope Harbor series!

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 16, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 23, 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.

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

Book Review: The CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible

About the Bible:

Enhance your personal Bible study with the CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible. This uniquely crafted Bible features large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type in a single-column setting with wide journaling margins and line-art illustrations on every page spread. Including filigree designs, Scripture quotes, and other unique Scripture art alongside plenty of space for personal creativity and journaling, this Bible will inspire you to engage God’s Word in a fresh and exciting way. This beautiful Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey.

Order your copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition today at Lifeway!

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My Thoughts:

I confess, I had a case of insta-love when my copy of the CSB (Christian Standard Bible) Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible arrived. The Bible’s beige softcover features an elegant flower in the middle and feels smooth to the touch. It arrived in a protective case that I intend to continue using because I know light colors can easily get dirty in my house. It also has that delicious new paper and ink smell that I love. I know that scent will fade in time, but I’ll enjoy it while I can.

Inside the cover, the Bible includes all the expected pages: a gift page, table of contents, notes about this edition, and the Scripture texts of the Old and New Testaments (not the Apocrypha). Additionally, it includes two built-in bookmarks, a daily Bible reading plan, a concordance, and full-color maps. This edition does not include commentaries.

True to its name, each page spread of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible holds space on the outer portions for writing notes or coloring in illustrations (pencils, recommended). I can add my thoughts right next to text and color in flowers, fish, or whatever the illustration is. In recent years, I have found great value in slowing down my Bible reading to focus on specific portions. Thinking on a verse while coloring is an effective way for me to meditate on the Scripture. Some of the illustrations are repeated, but not annoyingly often.

The CSB is a good, but not perfect, translation of the ancient texts. This edition includes a two-page explanation of the translators’ mindset and goals when translating this edition. Regarding gender language, this section explains that gender neutral words previously translated as “men” or “man” may be translated as “people” or “someone”. However, the translators did not use gender neutral language if it required restructuring the sentence. I take this to mean that if the original text was referring to “mankind” or “humans”, then the translators used gender neutral pronouns rather than masculine as some earlier translations.

Personally, I doubt any English version of the Holy Scriptures is truly without a single translation error. As I said, I think this version is good. I especially enjoy the beautiful language of the Psalms. I noticed the phrase “faithful love” frequently took the place of “steadfast love” (KJV). Is there any difference in meaning? I’m not sure, but reading “faithful love” over and over in the Psalms emphasized God’s love for me and brought my heart the comfort that comes with being faithfully loved.

The CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible is clearly designed to appeal to women, but if a man enjoys notetaking and coloring as part of his Bible study, this edition would certainly be suitable. I like this Bible very much. Five stars!

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More Information:

• The CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.


• Over 600 line-art illustrations, including filigree, text, and other Scripture art.
• Wide, two-inch lined margins for journaling and notetaking.
• Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding.
• Single-column text format.
• Topical subject headings.
• Large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type size.
• Black-letter text.
• Two ribbon markers for easy referencing between pages.
• Concordance.
• One-year Bible reading plan.
• Presentation page for gift-giving.
• Full-color maps.
• 7.25” x 9.375” page size


• This beautiful Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey. Order your copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition today! Learn more at Lifeway.

• Find similar products in the Holman Gift Guide.

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Giveaway:

One winner will receive 1 copy of CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition. Enter by leaving your full name and email address in a comment. US only. Giveaway ends April 19, 2025, at 11:59 P.M.

Book Spotlight: Rescuing the Remnant by Tanya Sparks Belvin

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rescuing the Remnant by Tanya Sparks Belvin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Rescuing the Remnant
Series: The Resurrection Project #2
Author: Tanya Sparks Belvin
Publisher: Tonya Belvin Publishing
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Genre: Christian futuristic

This sequel to The Resurrection Project continues the story of medical student Ellen McCarthy, who uncovers a sinister truth when she takes an internship at the Grindland Institute in Chapel Hill, NC. Ellen and her coworkers, having rescued a little girl from Grindland's mysterious Resurrection Project, pray for a plan to rescue the remaining children from this medical experimentation lab. Their success is a matter of life and death, and God is guiding them every step of the way. Set in 2034, this Christian futuristic novel offers a thought-provoking exploration on ethics and the sanctity of life. 

All proceeds from the sale of The Resurrection Project and Rescuing the Remnant go to Tim Tebow's unKnown Foundation, focusing on finding missing and exploited children.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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Excerpt

Suddenly, a loud alarm started screeching throughout the ward, and we heard an announcement blaring over the intercom system. “Code 3. I repeat, code 3. There are intruders in the building. Everyone is to report to the nearest room and lock your door. Do not open the door for anyone who does not give the code.” I knew the last special code was “Green Leaf.” I wasn't sure if it had changed, but I was certain that Teacher would be the one to determine if/when it was safe to leave.

ST immediately came inside the room and bolted the door. SM walked quickly to the windows and secured them. Teacher just stood stock still, looking anxious. The children all ran to me, looking for comfort and reassurance. I led them towards the back wall and told them to sit down on the floor. We had drills once a quarter but, of course, we never expected to go through a real emergency.

I had a good idea of what was going on. I knew that Mamie and L2 were in danger, and we had to move to plan B to get them to safety. That meant that Luke and an unknown friend were coming in for the rescue.

Bless their efforts, Father God. Please keep them all shielded from harm and help Luck and his friend find a way to get L2 and Mamie out.

Excerpt From Rescuing the Remnant
Tanya Sparks Belvin
This material may be protected by copyright. Used with permission.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Tanya Sparks Belvin is a retired middle school teacher, with thirty-two years of experience. Her passion is serving the Lord, reading, writing, and entertaining her seven grandchildren. Tanya, her husband, Ron, and her mother, Tommie Moton, enjoy lakeside living in Denver, North Carolina. Tanya and Ron have three adult children.

Connect with Tanya by visiting tanyasparksbelvin.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy each of The Resurrection Project and Rescuing the Remnant!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 15, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 22, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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

Book Spotlight: Collision Course by Jorgia Yates

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Collision Course by Jorgia Yates, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Collision Course
Series: Hightower Security #1
Author: Jorgia Yates
Publisher: Jorgia Yates Inc.
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Serve his country or rescue his wife? 

Federal Air Marshal Reese Donovan has sacrificed everything he loves to keep another 9/11 from occurring again. 

After living apart from his wife, Verity, for a year, the last thing he expects is harrowing news that will force him to examine where his loyalty lies. 

While he’s been busy keeping the skies safe, Verity narrowly escaped a deadly explosion. 

To add insult to injury, the trauma has left her suffering from selective amnesia.  

Verity believes she and Reese are still happily married. 

With his wife depending on him to fill in critical memories before the bomber strikes again, Reese must lie to Verity while placing his faith in the private security team he holds responsible for cementing the cracks in his marriage. 

Unsure of who he can trust, and with time running out, Reese will face his greatest fear.  

Prevent a terrorist attack or save the woman he still loves.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | JorgiaYates.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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More in This Series

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Excerpt

Verity

He blows out a long breath. “The explosion you were in wasn’t an accident. Someone tried to kill you.”

My laugh gets caught in my throat, along with any reply. His face goes fuzzy, and my voice sounds like it’s coming from inside the elevator shaft. “No. Silas said it was just a freak accident.”

“He lied to you. They’re all lying to you.”

The elevator reaches the first of the floors Reese chose, but he presses the button to close the doors and selects the basement level.

“I… don’t… believe… they’d hurt me,” I say.

He leans against the closest wall and sighs. “But you did get hurt. You nearly died.”

I grip my bag of snacks tighter, hoping it might help with my nausea. “You’re being unreasonable. If I remember everyone at Hightower clearly, it makes sense that they can help me.”

“Your memories are faulty right now. We have no idea what is waiting for us in Jericho. It could be a trap for all I know.”

I scoff loudly. “A trap to do what? If Silas wanted to hurt me, he had plenty of opportunities.”

When he doesn’t answer, just watches the elevator lights, I step forward and angle my body so I’m closer to him. “And why would he go to the trouble of involving you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he needs you to remember something? Maybe you’ve got the information he needs?”

Indignation makes my back stiffen. “Oh, for crying out loud. You make it sound like I’ve been brainwashed.”

His eyes shift to me, then he narrows them. “Yeah, well. When it comes to a man like Silas Hightower, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were.”

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About the Author

Jorgia Yates writes swoony Christian Romantic Suspense with protective heroes and courageous heroines who constantly find themselves in sticky situations they need to shoot or smooch their way out of.

After meeting as two awkward teenagers in the nineties, Jorgia married the man her soul loved, and they have been blessed with two cherished children on the spectrum. 

Due to pesky physical disabilities, Jorgia is limited in what she can do outside the home, so she lives vicariously through her characters' exciting adventures.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a selection of confectionary from New Zealand, a paperback copy of Collision Course and a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 7, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 14, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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

Book Spotlight: Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham

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

About the Book

 

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. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Faith Gateway | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

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Also Available:

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Excerpt

Graeme

And then my attention settled on Katie Campbell. Her gown appeared less elegant than the others, and so tight it easily highlighted her curvy silhouette. But her profile held the real mesmerizing quality. Shaded beneath that muckle hat of hers, all smiles had faded. She wore an intriguing look, distant.

Lost? Lonely?

I shouldn’t care, truth be told.

And she shouldn’t draw my attention like she did. No more than the rest of the group with their fancy dress and saucer-sized hats. But she did. In a bathersome way. My attention kept pulling back to the ginger in the ill-fitting frock and an expression filled with unvoiced emotions.

Suddenly, her entire body stiffened, and she turned, eyes wide.

And I heard it.

The sound of Kirsty’s bicycle bell.

Och! How on earth did the little imp plan these things? Did she keep watch for victims from her Grannie’s front porch?

The girl made sport of scaring strangers and with the last week of Summer Term in place, she’d likely have even more freedom. Usually, her antics weren’t a problem because she rarely disturbed the natives anymore, but when tourists came it was like she had a radar out to find them. Wild one, she was. But with naught but her aged grannie for family, she was left to her own devices…and amusement most of the time.

“What’s all the noise?”

Mum’s question fell on deaf ears as Katie grabbed a man’s arm near her, clearly trying to get his attention about mad Kirsty. In one quick movement, the man shocked to attention moving away from Kirsty’s trajectory, but in the process knocked Katie back. Katie stumbled, attempted to keep her balance with arms flailing about like propellers, and then—my breath seized in my chest—she tumbled over into the loch.

Did catastrophe follow the woman!

“Good heavens, Graeme!” Mum called.

I rushed to the door and flung it open, Mum on my heels. Dodging two ladies in fancy dress, I ran the distance to the loch, passing the daft man she’d saved as he stared into the water without one step to help.

“I…I didn’t know. I…didn’t mean…”

The loch wasn’t especially deep at the water’s edge, perhaps 12 feet, but deep enough.

Katie didn’t emerge, but I could see her silhouette below the water, her arms frantically moving but not making progress to the surface. Jerking off my jacket and tugging off my shoes, I drew in a deep breath and plunged into the loch near her.

The cool water soaked through my t-shirt and jeans as I turned in Katie’s direction and waited for the bubbles from my dive to dissipate. A pale arm flapped toward me through the bubbles and then her gaze met mine. So wide, so vulnerable, pleading for my response.

And my heart squeezed an answer.

She pointed below to her skirt and I swam lower, noting the trouble.

The bottom of her dress had interwoven with an old, disposed oyster cage. I dove lower and found the tangle, ripping the knotted lace to free her. With the last tug of snagged cloth, I rose, wrapping my arm about her waist on the way to the surface.

Her arms wrapped around my neck, her body flush against mine, as we broke above the water line. I may have freed the tangle of her cloth, but the knot in my chest only tightened as she coughed against my shoulder, her cold cheek pressing into my neck.

Greer had looked at me with such fear, once.

Only once.

Near the end.

And I’d been helpless to save her.

But Katie trembled against me, a mingle of breaths and coughs assuring me of her fitness, and…well, I fought rising emotions until they stung at my eyes. I was a bloomin’ fool, I was.

With a sweep of my arm, I brought us close to the rock well lining the water’s edge and steadied us against it. She coughed once more before shivering into my side. My hold instinctively tightened around her and with one long sigh, her head dropped against my shoulder, fully trusting me and my strength.

The pressure in my chest tightened to the hurting spot. Don’t trust me to keep you safe, I wanted to say, but the words refused to form. Instead, I went completely doolally and held her a little closer.

Because…truth be told. She was safe now.

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About the Author

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.

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Tour Giveaway

(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.

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