Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Book Spotlight: Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder

Home Baked Bribery JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Home Baked Bribery

Title: Home Baked Bribery
Series: Addie Masters Mysteries #2
Author:
Gina Holder
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
March 4, 2025
Genre:
Cozy Mystery, Christian

The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge. 

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him? 

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs. 

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon


More In This Series


Excerpt


Why are smoke detectors so loud?


Addie grabbed a dish towel, sprang onto a kitchen chair, and waved the white flag of surrender. The piercing scream ceased. Her cookies were burnt. She was well aware of that fact—her nose worked just fine. Did that annoying little thing have to announce it to the entire cape?

A thin gray haze remained.

She opened a window, then removed the charred hockey-puck shaped treats from the oven and set them on a hot pad on the kitchen island. With a frown, she poked one, but it was as unmoving as the Rock of Gibraltar and would probably break a tooth.

She leaned her elbows on the counter, hands cupped under her chin and stared at the tray of culinary casualties. Why is baking so difficult? I thought I followed the recipe.

She could put together an entire car engine in under twelve hours, but she couldn’t turn flour, sugar, butter, and salt into something delicious… or even edible.

About the Author

Gina Holder

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Home Baked Bribery blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 4, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 11, 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Sunday, March 2, 2025

February 2025 Reading Recap & March 2025 TBR

  My February 2025 Reads: 


  1. Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A potent story of loss and revenge. It held flowing prose, a fresh setting, and a daring heroine. Read my review.

  2. Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart by Lysa TerKeurst & the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team - ⭐⭐⭐½ - A bedtime devotional designed to calm the reader and encourage her to trust in God.

  3. An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon - ⭐⭐⭐ - A light, bookish read with alopecia representation. Read my review.

  4. A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander - ⭐⭐ - Written well-enough, but mixed/unhealthy messages about boundaries, patriarchy, victim shaming, and handling infidelity. Affiliated with Focus on the Family.



Expected March 2025 Reads:
  1. The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell by Kelly Flanagan.
  2.  
  3. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. - Currently reading. This is a LONG book!

  4. Kate Landry Has a Plan by Rebekah Millet.

  5. Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow - My local book club's March selection.



What will you read this month? 

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Book Review: An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon

About the Book:




Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book–or each other–by the cover.

Read an excerpt from An Overdue Match on the publisher's website.

My Thoughts:

An Overdue Match
by Sarah Monzon featured Evangeline, a librarian devoted to the proper treatment of books, and Tai, a tattoo artist unashamed to be who he is. Of the two main characters, Tai was my favorite. I appreciated his determination to treat/love Evangeline well, even when she wasn’t open to dating him. Evangeline was a bit angsty at times, but had satisfying character development by the end of the story.

The shining element in An Overdue Match was the author’s thoughtful treatment of alopecia. I was aware of this condition, but I had not previously read about it in a Christian fiction novel. The author surrounded Evangeline with friends and family who affirmed her worth and beauty despite her hair loss, but Monzon also exposed Evangeline to those who spoke negatively of her condition. I appreciated that Evangeline eventually gained confidence and a healthy way of viewing herself.

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon commenced the Checking Out Love series. It worked well as a standalone and there was no cliffhanger overlapping into book two (though I do expect to see Tai and Evangeline again). I particularly liked the ending of An Overdue Match, but it did take me a while to finish this novel as it was easy to set down and not pick up for a few days.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Author Interview: Anything by Kristina Welch

Anything JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anything by Kristina Welch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Anything

Title: Anything: A Romance for Jesus Freaks
Series: Mayberry University Series #1
Author:
Kristina Welch
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date: February 1, 2025
Genre:
Christian YA Romance

​​Two guarded hearts. He’s breaking down walls and she’s building them higher. A match made in Heaven, or a blueprint for disaster? 

After the fiery downward spiral of senior year, Kit Talbot crash-lands on a quirky college campus where traditions rule and dorm floors act more like family. It’s just weird enough to keep her mind off the wreckage she’s leaving behind. 

Enter Levi Whitaker, known as the swooniest guy on campus. Magnetic, confident, and far too much like the ex who sent her life into that PTSD-tainted nosedive. Levi seems to be everywhere, focused on her like she’s the only girl in the world—even indulging her sugar addiction with delivered treats. But Kit’s self-preservation instincts are sharper than ever, and she deflects him like Wonder Woman blocking bullets. 

That is, until Levi’s quiet faith and humble apology start to break down Kit’s defenses. He loves Jesus in the dreamiest way, looks like wow, and ... somehow triggers the flashbacks she fights so hard to avoid. Every minute with him is a risk she isn’t sure she should take. Should she protect them both from the chaos of her life or learn a bravery that feels irresponsible? 

As Kit fights to keep her life safe and manageable, she leans into her faith, clinging to the Bible verses God whispers to her heart. Clearly, he’s up to something, but the healing she prays for isn’t happening the way she wants.  

Why is God silent on the prayer she needs most?  

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


Excerpt


Haymitch interrupts my thoughts. “How ’bout you, Jeeves? You been here two years. What’s your take on Texas?”

“I think the barbecue here is the best I’ve ever had,” Levi says.

“Preach,” Austin says.

“The brisket is some’n else,” Haymitch agrees. “Wish I could introduce you to ‘Bama White Sauce though.”

“Let’s make it happen.” Levi says.

“Christmas break? Maybe we can drag Samwise away from his family for a couple o’ days.” “If you can convince Janie,” Austin says.

“Janie?” Sophie asks.

“My baby sister.”

“He don’t like tellin’ his sister no,” Haymitch says to us.

“Aw,” Sophie says to Austin. “You’re a softie.”

“She’s, what, seventeen now?” Haymitch asks.

“Nearly. She’s still a baby.” Austin sends a look to Haymitch, who raises his hands in innocence.

“Janie won’t like it,” Levi says to us, “but convincing her might be within our power.” “You could sell a megaphone to a mime, Jeeves,” Austin says.

Haymitch sputters a laugh.

“We’ve hung out with her at The Farm many times,” Levi explains.

“It’s not actually a farm,” Austin says to us.

“It’ll always be The Farm,” Levi says.

Every time he speaks, his smooth voice is a magnet pulling me back, forcing my gaze to him. Each time, it’s a zap of pleasure I can’t afford. Sophie dives in headfirst, but I can’t. Not after Aiden. No matter how kind or gentle Levi seems, I have to make better choices this time. Desperate for a distraction, I turn to Mia. “How are your sisters?”

Maybe she can anchor me back to solid ground.

About the Author


Kristina Welch
Photo by Brooke Ashlee Photography

When Kristina Welch isn't adventuring around the world with her husband and three little blondies, she's home near Denver, Colorado. She thrives on date nights, forest hikes, and peanut butter cookies. Her days include half-homeschooling her kids, thrifting for treasures, regretting DIY home projects, and babbling to Jesus wherever she is.

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


Author Interview


Q: What inspired you to write Anything?

Kristina: Anything began as a fascination with stories—what makes them compelling, what makes them dissatisfying, and which relationships are worth reading about. I knew I wanted to write about young love. I find it tragically underrated. When a person’s First Love is saved for the right person and held onto for life, I believe there’s a unique, God-given blessing in it. I married my high school sweetheart, and I like him more than ever. Of course, love stories don’t unfold that way for everyone—or even most—but plenty of novels already exist about finding love in your late twenties and thirties.

More than anything, I wanted to write a story that imitates real faith—what prayer actually looks like, the nudges of the Holy Spirit, the experience of asking and not hearing back right away, and the prophetic words from friends that seem insignificant at the time. Hindsight reveals glimpses of God’s kind and intricate orchestration in our lives, and I wanted to capture that.

I also wanted my writing to feel like real life. Some of my favorite TV shows influenced my style and voice. Gilmore Girls and Psych are enduring favorites for my husband and me. Despite content that frustrates us and leads to fast-forwarding, there’s something magic about the banter, the pop culture references (most of which I don’t even understand), and the permanent relationships. That might be why Anything has both a mother-daughter duo and a bromance—I guess I couldn’t help myself.

When pitching my story, I was told that pop culture references would date my book, that it couldn’t endure. Maybe so. But Gilmore Girls and Psych prove to me that pop culture references make a story feel real. And even 15 years later, I still enjoy every minute of their fast-paced, reference-soaked dialogue.


Q:  How long did it take to write this book?

Kristina: When I sat down to write it, I was sucked into a bizarre whirlwind. For days—then weeks—my brain couldn’t seem to do anything but write. If you’ve read the Miss Buncle Series, it was something like that. (Unrelatedly, I love her.) I barely ate or slept, completely consumed by characters and scenes. Since then, I’ve had to learn how to tone it down for the sake of my poor family.

I wrote about 60,000 words in ten days and then submitted the manuscript for its first round of formal editing about a month later. But the story has transformed considerably since then. It took a full year of editing—both formal and informal—for the results of my manic typing to develop into a completed novel.


Q:  What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Kristina: As I wrote, fear unexpectedly became a central theme. God was already teaching me about trust, but I didn’t know how deeply I would need to learn it. After finishing edits—when publishing should have been the next step—my family and I traveled to Israel. While we were there, war broke out. Missiles flying, violence creeping closer, and our three little kids stuck there with us. Suddenly, I wasn’t just writing about trust and prayer—I was living it.

In that 72 hours of danger, I experienced something far greater—God's kindness and orchestration. Miracle after miracle. Answered prayer after answered prayer. He cared for my family in unforgettable ways. When we returned home, I revisited my manuscript, prepared to weave in a deeper, firsthand understanding of trust, fear, and God’s mysterious presence.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Anything?

Kristina: I should probably pick something meaningful, but a recent review mentioned this line:

"No need for aerobic exercise. Talking to Levi is all I need to maintain optimal heart health.”

Along those lines, younger brother Mav is so much fun to write. Like this part:

“Tune in next week …” Great, it’s Mav’s TV narrator impression. “To see Kit realize how incredible her eldest brother is and lavish praise on him rather than sarcasm.” He sits up, and I know he’s about to imitate my voice. “Mav, you’re a stellar brother. I wish I had shared more Halloween candy with you. I left you with only Laffy Taffy and Starburst when you had braces, and I’m all torn up about it. As penance, I’m going to come home every month and do your chores and write your papers and fan you with a palm leaf.”


Q:  When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Kristina: In those first few months of writing this book, I experienced God in a special way. He was right there with me. I’d ask Him, What next? I’d tell Him I must be crazy for doing this. I’d talk to Him about how impossible it all was—even as I kept going. And through it all, He made it clear that He cared, that He was listening.

In October 2023, five months into the process, my husband and I were hiking in Breckenridge, Colorado. The millions of aspens and their bright gold leaves shimmering in the sunlight are stunning that time of year. As we hiked, we talked about my writing, we prayed. And in that moment, I felt one of those quiet whispers from God. I think He said, “Ask me to use it.” I hesitated—hard. But then I did. No telling what He had in mind.

Just now, writing this, I’m realizing that was three days before we flew to Israel. Is that relevant? I honestly don’t know.


Q:  Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Kristina: I’m obsessed with music, especially when it’s written by fellow Jesus freaks. I’m not a musician—that’s my brother, and most of my extended family. But I relate hard to songs. I take them seriously and hold onto them like friends. I look up lyrics and enjoy them like poetry. My little kids are fully indoctrinated and can sing the lyrics of Forrest Frank and KB like pros. I had so much fun compiling a “soundtrack” for Anything (kristinawelchauthor.com/extras) with songs that get at the heart of the story—Levi’s side and Kit’s.


Q:  What are you currently reading?

Kristina: I’m always reading some kind of Christian non-fiction. Right now, it’s Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. My husband and I already listened to his sermon series on it, but I love it, and it’s material I need to revisit.

I have phases with fiction. Yesterday I started Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers, but I think I’ll come back around to it. Rivers is a master, but I don’t have enough emotional energy for the heavy themes right now.


Q:  What is your favorite genre to read?

Kristina: Not a genre, but I love Katherine Center and Georgette Heyer right now. I’m also looking for a new Christian rom com author to learn from.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Kristina: Besides writing, I love teaching myself Illustrator. I’ve had the best time making covers for my books.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Kristina: All I can think is that the perfect date is April 25th—all you need is a light jacket. ☺

But picking one season is tough—I’m spoiled in Colorado with beautiful versions of each. Instead of picking just one, I’d say I love the transitions.

Fall to winter—the first snow.

Winter to spring—green peeking through.

Spring to summer—school ending, life feeling free.

Summer to fall—crisp mornings, leaves starting to turn.

There’s so much beauty in the start of something new.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Book Hugger’s Bundle of leather bookmarks, Christian stickers, book tabs, reading light, signed copy of Anything, and a $25 B&N gift card!

(1) winner will receive a College Life Bundle of a notebook, pens, sticky notes, popcorn, mug, signed copy of Anything, and a $20 Starbucks gift card!

(1) winner will receive a Devo Time Bundle of a Bible, highlighters, book tabs, tea lights, signed copy of Anything, and a $25 Etsy gift card!

Anything blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 3, 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Monday, February 24, 2025

Book Review: Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp

About the Book:



After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary.

As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.

War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.

Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

Read an excerpt on Kregel Publishers' website.


My Thoughts:

Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp gave me a book hangover, and I had to put fiction aside for about two weeks afterward. This novel gripped my attention and my emotions as I connected on a gut-deep level with Kai. I have known that deep pain, so searing that it can overtake and lead to reckless behavior. Kai’s motives and journey of female rage and revenge (which rarely appears in the Christian fiction market) felt understandable and authentic.

Although I plowed quickly through Darkness Calls the Tiger, it was not an easy read. Terrible things happened as the realities of war unfolded. The story may be too dark for some readers, particularly if self-harm, violence, and sexual assault are triggers. Still, the story holds redeeming elements that elevate it beyond a tragic tale of loss and war. Ryan’s devotion to Kai was perfection, even when she didn’t think so. Bits of forgiveness and sacrificial love emerge throughout the story until they culminate near the end as powerful themes in the novel.

Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp will be on my list of top 2025 reads. Tromp is a seasoned editor who has written a potent story with flowing prose, a fresh setting (the jungles of Burma during WW2), and a daring heroine. Five stars!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Movie Review: The Unbreakable Boy (In Theaters Now)

About the Movie:




From Kingdom Story Company, the team behind JESUS REVOLUTION and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, and Lionsgate, the studio behind WONDER, comes THE UNBREAKABLE BOY.

When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future. But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “unbreakable,” finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life!

👉 Watch this moving family film in theaters starting February 21! 👈

Movie Trailer:




My Thoughts:

I enjoyed watching The Unbreakable Boy, and I would watch it again. The movie presented good messages about persevering through hard times and choosing to love those around us well. The story wrapped these themes in a narrative that held humor while dealing with serious issues and heavy moments. Austin’s relentless joy and embracing of life made the movie hopeful. The autism representation was well done, and I think this could be a good movie to introduce autism awareness, particularly for those who do not have any personal experience with autistic individuals.

The Unbreakable Boy is a movie about family, but it is not necessarily suitable for all ages. My personal parenting style would put this as appropriate for tweens and older due to intense moments and poor behaviors. Topics such as unplanned pregnancy, alcohol addiction, medical issues, and bullying appear. For those wondering about faith elements in The Unbreakable Boy, some church attendance was shown, but it was not an overtly faith-based movie. Four stars!

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Ticket Information:

Buy tickets today to see The Unbreakable Boy in theaters starting February 21! Purchase at: https://theunbreakableboy.movie/

Giveaway:



Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card and one Fandango code to use toward seeing THE UNBREAKABLE BOY in theaters. Limited to US residents only. Enter by leaving your full name and email address in a comment on this post. Giveaway ends 02/23/2025.