Love and Other Mistakes Blog Tour and Review!

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Love and Other Mistakes 

Author: Jessica Kate  

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: July 30, 2019 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

There’s a fine line between love and hate . . . And for the last seven years, Natalie Groves has hated Jeremy Walters.

Natalie Groves was meant for great things. But soon after her fiancé left, Natalie’s father was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly her grand plans evaporated . . . and God felt very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and an internship presents Natalie a chance at her destiny—but she needs a job to work around it. And the only offer available is worse than a life sentence. Her ex Jeremy, now back in town, is desperate for help with his infant son and troubled teenage niece, Lili. And Natalie may be just the one to help Jeremy . . . provided they don’t kill each other in the process.

When Jeremy and Natalie join forces, sparks fly. But will either of them get burned along the way?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Australian Jessica Kate is a sassy romance author and addict.

Her novels feature wit, snark and grit, and her StoryNerds podcast gives her a chance to nerd out with others about these ingredients in books, movies and TV.

She has a passion for garlic bread, theme parks and Batman.

Sign up to her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com to hear first about her books, including her upcoming novels Love and Other Mistakes and A Girl’s Guide to the Outback.

The StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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REVIEW

My Thoughts ~ 

Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is one of those wonderful stories where you get so much more than you were expecting!

Based on the book blurb, I expected a sizzling romance with lots of tension. I got that, but I also found engaging subplots that could be their own story, family drama, exposed secrets, and profound messages of forgiveness, our worth in God, and the faithful love of God! And all of this was layered with an ongoing M&M addiction and some deliciously sassy remarks!

Right?!! You're hooked now, LOL!

The story is told through Jem, Lili (Jem's teenage niece), and Natalie's perspectives. I loved the authentic way the author portrayed the characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the depth and complication Lili's storyline added to the mix! And there was never a dull moment as that tangled web of secrets, drama, and betrayal started to unravel!

I want to note that if cancer or marital affairs are painful to you, these subplots could be triggering. However, I also want to note that the author handled these heartbreaking subjects in a way that realistically shows the the range of emotions that someone personally affected by these things would feel. Through Natalie, Jem, and Lili, the author shows how forgiveness is needed so that you and I can move on from the trauma. The characters also confronted the misconceptions they've developed about God from their own relationships with their fathers, from betrayal to doubting their own worth and ability to achieve anything to feeling like they needed to be perfect.

Five Stars ~ Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate has a lot of surprises and messages of profound truth packed between the pages! Love and Other Mistakes is the author's debut and a standalone. However, the characters for the author's next book -- A Girl's Guide to the Outback -- are introduced in Love and Other Mistakes!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

About the Book ~

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail.

Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the dead letter office, and she dreams of something more -- a bit of intrigue, perhaps a taste of romance. When she comes across a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love, it becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

But when Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter, and yet...she finds herself caring -- perhaps too much -- for the one who wrote it.

For more information about Rachel Fordham and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If I had to use one word to describe Rachel Fordham's writing style, characters, and stories, I would say that all those elements are absolutely charming!

I guess that's two words, LOL!

But it's true! Yours Truly, Thomas is a charming read! It's the kind of story that makes your heart smile as you watch the characters fall in love, be spontaneous, end up in some mishaps, and fight for life. In addition to all those endearing facets of the story, I thought the storyline was unique for the era! I loved learning about the dead letter office! And Penny's spontaneous decision to travel to Azure Springs, meet Thomas, and figure out her own life was surrounded by some fun complications -- but I don't want to give away any spoilers!

Grief, regret, and guilt play a big roll in the story as both Penny and Thomas learn how to move forward after tragic loss, fighting to live for the hope of the future. Despite these heavy themes, I felt like the author did a good job balancing them with a sweet romance, heartfelt faith, and an intriguing storyline! Thomas and Penny's respective relationships with God are genuine, coming from a place of where the characters have been and where they want to go with Him.

Four Stars ~ Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is -- at the risk of sounding repetitive -- absolutely charming! Yours Truly, Thomas is a standalone, but it is the second book set in the author's charming town of Azure Springs, introduced to us in the author's debut, The Hope of Azure Springs!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book ~

Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protections of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother's death would mean wedding her himself. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with impending war looming over Israel, Rivkah's father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from without and within Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?

For more information about Connilyn Cossette and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Connilyn Cossette truly outdid herself with Until the Mountains Fall! This riveting story is one of the author's most intricate and layered stories to date!

Connilyn Cossette has become known for her unique Old Testament stories that open up aspects of the Bible that are often overlooked. But in Until the Mountains Fall, the author also manages to layer New Testament truth into the story with some gender-swap, Prodigal Son inspiration in Rivkah's story! Additionally, some of the events that transpire left me stunned and desperately awaiting the next book! The result is a story you won't soon forget!

Malakhi and Rivkah were amazing characters! They were multi-faceted, unique, and genuine! I loved getting to see Malakhi and Rivkah before and then after Rivkah's desertion. The changes and spiritual prisons that they had each built around themselves were so realistic. Their anger, betrayal, feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and shame were masterfully portrayed on the pages, and I think I can safely say that I am not the only reader that will be able to relate to these heart-wrenching themes on a personal level! And the ways that Malakhi and Rivkah continued to grow and confront their misconceptions will make you want to break out in cheers of joy!

Spiritually speaking, there are just so many amazing gems of truth in Until the Mountains Fall, but my personal favorite was the Prodigal Son aspect. It left me with red and puffy eyes from ugly crying at the beautiful parallels between Rivkah's father and our Heavenly Father Who never stops waiting for us to run to Him so that He can crush us in His arms of love!

Five Stars ~ Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette should be another addition to your "Keep Forever and Ever and Ever" shelf! Until the Mountains Fall is the third book in the Cities of Refuge Series. While it could be read as a standalone, there would probably be some confusion with the subplot, and since the previous stories are also AMAZING, I strongly encourage readers to read the series in order.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig

About the Book ~

Does an ancient book of prophecy hold the answers to saving the world...or predict its destruction?

Mentioned in the pages of the Old Testament but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets -- and dangers -- never before seen on earth.

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is once more given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as Viorica snatches the volume right out from under them.

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most -- freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe, and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives, and entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in centuries-old words could unleash a storm of their own destruction.

For more information about Ronie Kendig and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Goodness, Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig was...AMAZING!!! Do yourself a favor and GET THIS BOOK!!!

It was so awesome to reconnect with some of the amazing characters that I met in The Tox Files, but even the new characters -- looking at you, Iskra! -- more than held their own! Each character was incredibly crafted with past demons, strengths, motivation, quirks, and shortcomings. The author also has an amazing ability at writing not only a realistic male character but also the kind of hero who doesn't let fears or evil stop him from doing what's right! I loved Leif. He might be my new favorite hero from this author -- and that's saying something! His past (specifically, a forgotten six months) is shrouded in mystery, and he's...special. But you'll have to read the story to find out why! I loved the sarcastic humor that Leif and Mercy (can't forget my favorite hacker, or she'll delete my internet presence!) interject throughout the story! And Iskra, well, I love a tough female character as much as the next gal, but Iskra is in a class all her own! Her dark past could contain triggers for anyone who's dealt with sexual abuse. That said, her story is a fight for hope. Hope that she finds.

I don't want to give a lot away about the storyline, but it is a thrilling and epic tale that will leave you feeling like you just pounded fifteen shots of espresso after running a marathon! I love the way the author takes these nuggets from the Bible and creates a National Treasure meets Revelation storyline! The spiritual thread consisted of a fight for freedom and hope as both Leif and Iskra wrestle with the ghosts of their past. I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from dark realities. However, that darkness does not stop the beautiful cry of hope from piercing the reader's heart!

Five Stars ~ Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig is a thrilling adrenaline rush from start to finish! Storm Rising is the first book in Ronie Kendig's new The Book of the Wars Series from Bethany House Publishers. I would definitely recommending reading this series in order. There are previous stories some of the characters appear in, but you don't need to read those to understand the storyline of Storm Rising -- but it's so much fun if you do!!!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!