Monday, August 4, 2025

The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham - blog tour review and giveaway


About the Book

Book: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2025

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

MY REVIEW

This book is quite the adventure! I absolutely love this series. Grace and Frederick are two of my favorite detectives. Grace’s love for fiction is still my favorite thing about her and very enduring. I just adore her. Her grace and kindness is infectious. I love how Grace relates to others so well, even if it involves comparing them to her favorites in fiction. 


This time the mystery takes them to Grace’s home where she finds things are quite different than when her and Frederick left for their honeymoon trip. Going to Lillias, Grace’s sister, Grace and Frederick stumble on the murder of Lillias’s husband Tony. 


There are so many twists and turns that make the story unputdownable. The people Grace and Frederick trust start to dwindle as an inheritance from Grace’s long-dead mother brings danger and surprises around every corner. Along with the danger and intrigue is heart, humor, faith building trials, and romance. And many exciting twists and turns. I especially loved Zahra and how she helps Grace and Frederick in her quiet ways. 


I really hope there are more books in this wonderful series. 


5 out of 5 stars.


I received a NetGalley link from the publisher and #celebratelit for tour purposes. All views are my own.  

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 


Excerpt

June 23, 1914

Perfect husbands were rare, except perhaps in fiction, but Grace Percy, Countess of Astley, had married the real-life equivalent, she was certain.

“I still cannot believe this surprise, Frederick!” Grace’s shock had continued all the way from the harbor, where her dear husband had announced that they’d arrived in America instead of England. “I thought the terrain looked different than England, but I never suspected we’d go anywhere else except your beloved Havensbrooke.”

Our beloved Havensbrooke, I hope?” he corrected, turning from his place in the front seat of the hired touring, next to a rather somber driver.

Her smile immediately responded. At nearly seven months married, Grace still found her thoughts paused on occasion at the idea of his English estate being her home. But how could she help it? They’d only lived in the estate a few months before they’d taken off on their honeymoon tour. But oh, what a delightful introduction to her new home, complete with a murder mystery and a ghost hunt.

She sighed. Married life certainly kept proving to be wonderfully exciting.

She sent him another grin before tipping her head out the window just enough to take in the familiar lane leading to her father’s house. “How did you even know where to go? Harrington is such a small place outside of Richmond, and I know I’ve never given you exact directions.”

His low chuckle warmed the already heated June air, skittering a familiar welcome of tickles up her bare neck. “I’ve written my own letters to your father, darling.” His voice, so smooth and English, carried such delicious tenderness that Grace turned to find him shooting a wink to their adopted daughter, Zahra.

Zahra’s lips tipped. She rarely showed great affection, but who could blame her? After losing her family and living on the streets of Cairo, the little girl still had plenty of healing to do. So every smile came extra special.

Poor Miss Cox, the young English maid Frederick had hired in Italy to accompany them through the remainder of their trip, blushed at Frederick’s wink and smile. After all the overt affection Grace lathered on her darling husband, it was a wonder Miss Cox hadn’t gotten used to it yet, but perhaps the trouble lay more in how very handsome her husband was.

Grace thought about that idea for a moment. She supposed if she wasn’t married to this wonderful man, she’d find herself a little awestruck too.

Truth be told, he was so handsome, he might fit the description of a dime-novel villain, but she was very glad fiction didn’t get it right on that score either.

“Besides, it may be a while before we can travel again.” He continued, turning back to face the front of the car. “I know it’s a few months earlier than we’d originally planned, but it seemed a waste not to take advantage of being at sea. And I know you’d love to see your family.”

Grace would have kissed his cheek if she hadn’t been sitting in the back seat of the touring with Zahra between her and Miss Cox. “You are the most wonderful man.” She turned to Zahra and Miss Cox. “Don’t you think so?”

Miss Cox’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, but Zahra’s grin stretched enough to show off her teeth. The simple white dress she wore brought out the depths of those endless gray-green eyes. Grace still couldn’t stop smiling at the very idea that the little girl belonged to her and Frederick now.

“He has all his hair and teeth.” Zahra nodded, the tiniest twinkle in her eyes alerted Grace that the little girl might be finding her humor. “That is a help.”

Frederick’s laugh burst out. “Indeed it is, Zahra. And I’m glad to still possess both of them.”

Grace studied his thick dark hair for a second longer, her fingers twitching to push through his locks, but the very idea could send poor Miss Cox through the car window. Grace drew in a deep breath to keep her show of admiration to a more appropriate public display and leaned toward Zahra. “The gardens at Rutledge House are lovely, Zahra. They were my mother’s gardens, and I’d often spend time with her there. Hopefully, when we return to our dear Havensbrooke”—she emphasized, sending her dear husband a look to ensure her noted her correction—“you and I and, perhaps even Lily, can work to restore those gardens together. Then we can make our own special place too. Gardens are very creative places in stories as well as in real life.”

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

The Sacred Line, July 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 1

Jodie Wolfe, August 1

Worthy2Read, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

Devoted To Hope, August 2

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 4

Min Reads and Reviews, August 4

Stories By Gina, August 4

Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Daysong Reflections, August 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6

Blogging With Carol, August 6

Betti Mace, August 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Labor Not in Vain , August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

An Author’s Take, August 10

Lily’s CornerLily’s Corner, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 11

She Lives To Read, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 12

Pause for Tales, August 12

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

GIVEAWAY LINK

Thursday, July 10, 2025

To Love a Beast by Karen Witemeyer - blog tour review and giveaway


Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY - Kindle / Paperback / Audio

MY REVIEW

This is my second book from Witemeyer and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one I read from her (Cloaked in Beauty). I loved the Beauty and the Beast angle of this story. I am always up for a retelling, especially one about Beauty and the Beast. The author did a wonderful job with the story of making it her own, and the characters. I adored Callista. She is such a lovely person, so full of kindness and patience. But she is also not afraid to give her point of view and express how she feels. I love that she is a book binder. That aspect made her such a unique character. Everett's accident was a nice added twist for the "beast". The appearance of Callista throws him off for sure, but I appreciated how he quickly recognized her positivity too. 


The supporting cast of characters also make this book so enjoyable. Mrs. Potter, Timens, Lightfoot, all are such a delight. The villain's motives, when revealed, were intriguing. The plot was exciting and that climax! I enjoyed how the author told the story through Callista's letters to her father.


I am excited to read another book from this author!


I received a copy of the book through Bookfunnel. All views are my own. 

5 out of 5 stars! 




Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

 

 

 

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.


Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

Giveaway!



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

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

GIVEAWAY LINK

Friday, May 16, 2025

Tour review of The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine by Ben Guterson

 


Shadow of the World-Famous Nine

Author: Ben Guterson

Middle grade mystery

Release day: May 13th, 2025

FTC FYI: I received a hardcover copy and a NetGalley link for tour and review purposes. All view are my own.

SUMMARY

Zander and Natasha must reverse an evil spell threatening the Number Nine Plaza’s very existence in this puzzle-bending mystery—for fans of The Swifts
 
Summer is in full swing at The Number Nine Plaza, the world's largest and most fabulous department store, and best friends Zander and Natasha are looking forward to weeks of discovery after thwarting the vengeful Darkbloom's attempt to destroy The Nine. But has the danger truly passed? Store employees begin acting oddly, a long-lost clue to an ancient store mystery is uncovered, and Zander and Natasha themselves become targets for attack. When a devastating magic spell places The Nine under new peril, the two friends find themselves in a race against the clock to solve the store's ever-deepening riddles and preserve the world-famous Number Nine Plaza from destruction.
 
Featuring word puzzles, clues, and lavish illustrations, this enchanting, out-of-this-world mystery delivers an unforgettable read full of magic and adventure.

MY REVIEW

This is such a fun series. My two favorite mystery solvers, Zander and Natasha, are back in this intriguing mystery series.  I love the characters and the whimsical setting of the world-famous The Number Nine Plaza. This mysterious and enchanting department store has it all, including the dangerous and elusive Darkbloom who will stop at nothing to bring destruction to all who cross him. 


As much as I liked the first book, I enjoyed this book even more! Guterson does a great job of pulling the reader right in the story and keeping the mystery and the fun engaging right until the end. This book picks up right where the first one ends and the action and twists are non stop. I appreciate and enjoy how resourceful Zander and Natasha are, but sometimes it is to their peril. 


The stakes are high as the pair and others try to stop Darkbloom and I was all in. I absolutely love this genre and I hope there are more books in this series coming. 


Along with the great story, there are amazing illustrations throughout that bring the story to life! I enjoyed what those brought to the story. 


I received a hardcover and a NetGalley link, #gifted copy, from the publisher. All views are my own.


5 out of 5 stars.


PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon hardcover / Amazon Audible / Amazon Kindle


AUTHOR LINKS

Goodreads / Website / Instagram

TOUR SCHEDULE













Thursday, April 10, 2025

Blog tour review of 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!

About the Book

Some Like it Scot
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. 

MY REVIEW

This is my second book by Pepper Basham's and I can’t wait to read more. 


This book is so fun. So full of heart and humor and a swoony Scotsman. 


Katie is absolutely adorable. I love that she was travel writer. She’s in Scotland for an Edwardian experience to share with her followers. (Oh my goodness, so many funny moments from that and Katie’s “misadventures”.) I love how Katie immersed herself into Craighill and Scotland. It makes me want to visit. The author did a fantastic job with the setting and characters. I loved the town and the knitting ladies. Lachlan (he was adorable. I loved his and Katie’s sweet relationship) and Graeme’s mum were also wonderful. 


Graeme’s painful past was enduring. And Katie’s losses and disappointments were hard too. Each of them finding what they needed in each other was wonderful. 


Once Katie broke through Graeme the grumpy beast, their conversations were so lovely. But the ones before that were just as good too. Graeme and Katie had amazing back and forth banter. The dual POV showed the inner thoughts of each so well. 


I loved the shout out to Jaime Jo Wright!


And wow that kiss! The ending, it was simply perfect. (The author’s note also tugged at my heart.)


I received a NetGalley link from the publisher. And NetGalley approval from the publisher for the audio book. All views are my own. 


5 out of 5 stars!


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Faith Gateway | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

Authentically, Izzy Positively, Penelope Loyally Luke


About the Author

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.


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!

Some Like it Scot JustRead Giveaway

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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Tour review and giveaway of EMBERGOLD by Rachelle Nelson



Book: Embergold

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: March 18, 2025

Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.

Gilde has spent her life isolated in the wild marshlands, a place too wet for the dragon to go. She’s safe there, according to her father. So why is he asking her to leave with him now that she has come of age? There is more to Gilde’s family than she knows, and debts need to be paid.

Betrayed and shattered, she wakes in a crumbling mountain castle with the beast of her nightmares. Except this dragon speaks like a man and reads books. His kindness confuses her and opens a forgotten longing in her heart, all while Gilde plans her escape from a mountain full of secrets.

This place can unveil her past and why she was sacrificed to the beast —truths that may put both their lives in danger if they can’t learn to trust each other. But how can Gilde ever trust again? Especially after she discovers what dragons truly are.

MY REVIEW

Wow this book was so amazing! Nelson has crafted a fantasy story with spectacular characters and an engaging plot with Beauty and the Beast vibes. There are some crazy twists and turns that kept me so invested in the story. I didn’t want to stop reading. 


There is great world building and the magic was well done. I appreciate when magic isn’t over the top and confusing. 


Gilde is such a fantastic character. Her growth was astonishing in the story, as she makes her way through perilous circumstances that has her questioning what she’s been told and what she has believed her whole life. I can’t give many more details, but when she is taken by the dragon, Gilde’s world turns upside down. Wil stole the show for me. He is mysterious and wise, with a tragic backstory, and an instant favorite. 


This book is a journey full of many remarkable characters. I can’t name too many names but I loved where the story takes Gilde and Wil. Isa was a surprising favorite and Petra. I loved the times when they were together and what Will taught Gilde and of course, what becomes of Wil. The whole book is full of dazzling surprises. I highlighted so many phrases. Nelson’s words leapt off the page and were so memorable. 


Aimee Lilly does an amazing job with the narration. During the tense and climatic moments, I could feel her urgency. The variation of voices was well done, as well as the accents. 


I’m hoping for another story in this world! 


I received an eARC from the publisher and for tour purposes. I borrowed the audio from Libby. All views are my own. 


5 out of 5 stars

PURCHASE LINKS


Rachelle Nelson
 grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through forests and libraries, though she’s a bit less fond of mud. Her debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, released through Enclave Publishing, and won both the Carol Award and Christy Award. Rachelle doesn’t write true stories, but she does write about truth. When she’s not doing that, she sings in a band with her husband who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like good food and honest conversations, you’re her favorite kind of person.










To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a hardcover copy of the book,and an envelope of fun goodies, including a signed bookplate and a pewter dragon bookmark!!

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/00adcf54195

Blog Stops