Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate Blog Tour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Love and Other Mistakes

By Jessica Kate

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages

July 30th 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Jessica Kate’s hilarious, romantic debut novel proves that some mistakes—including love—are begging to be made again and again.

Natalie Groves once had big dreams. But soon after her fiancé, Jeremy Walters, inexplicably broke off their engagement and left town, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Now tasked with keeping her family afloat, Natalie’s grand plans have evaporated . . . and God feels very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and Jeremy is back in Charlottesville with an infant son and years of regrets. When his niece, Lili, lands on his doorstep in need of a place to stay, Jeremy needs help—and fast.

An internship opening finally presents Natalie a chance at her dream job, but she needs a second income to work around it—and the only offer available is Jeremy’s. They could be the solutions to one another’s problems, provided they don’t kill each other in the process. When they join forces, sparks fly. But they both know there’s a thin line between love and hate . . . and that love will turn out to be the best decision—or the biggest mistake—of all.

Praise for the Book

“A stunning debut . . . This tale of love and redemption will stay with you long after you've closed the book. A must-read.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress

“Witty. Charming. Heartfelt. I could go on and on about Jessica Kate’s debut novel. From its highly relatable characters to its pitch-perfect dialogue, Love and Other Mistakes is a delightful, romantic read filled with just the right amount of sass. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud as I watched Natalie and Jem navigate their relationships, careers, and faith. Definitely one of the most enjoyable books I've read lately, and I can't wait to see what’s next from Jessica Kate!” —Melissa Tagg, Carol Award–winning author of Now and Then and Always and the Walker Family series

“Love and Other Mistakes wraps a poignant and warm look at relationships within a smart, sly, and knowing comedic voice. Readers of Sally Thorne and Bethany Turner will be immediately at home with Natalie: an all-too-real heroine who balances whip-smart agency with an endearing vulnerability and whose intersection with long-lost Jeremy helps her forge a path to confidence and discover the woman she was always meant to be. Kate’s unputdownable debut recognizes that all human relationships—familial, friendship, romantic—are worth the keen eye and clever insight of her talented pen.” —Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca Mysteries

“If you’re looking for a story with sass on top of style, or a fresh voice pumped full of fun, you need to read Love and Other Mistakes. Then after you’ve enjoyed this—and I’m confident you will—make a date with whatever this exciting new author writes next!” —David Rawlings, author of The Baggage Handler

Goodreads   Amazon   B&N   IBooks   Kobo   Google Play

About the Author

Australian author Jessica Kate is obsessed with sassy romances. 

She packs her novels with love, hate, and everything in between—and then nerds out over her favorite books, movies and TV in the StoryNerds podcast. When she’s not writing or discussing fiction, she’s hunting the world for the greatest pasta in existence.

Her debut novel Love and Other Mistakes releases July 2019, while A Girl’s Guide to the Outback hits shelves in January 2020.

Receive her sassy short The Kiss Dare FREE when you sign up for her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com. StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

Website   Goodreads   BookBub   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   Newsletter

My thoughts:

This book has a lot going on not that I didn't appreciate a multi layered story but this one has a different feel to it.  The pastor who is has no intention of admitting to his mistakes, his young daughter who finds herself in the middle of all of his dishonesty.  I have to say, these characters  made the storyline interesting..

For a debut novel I thought that one was pretty impressive and I liked that author had characters from various age groups and blended them perfectly within the pages of this book. A story of family and friends  and how at times we have to make sacrifices to help not only your loved ones but those who are need of help. too.

I was expecting a bit more humor but I loved the dialogue between Jeremy and Natalie and how they pulled together to do what is best other people in their lives.
Overall this storyline is much more tender than I thought it would be and that's just fine with me. I like the writing of Jessica Kate and I will read more of her work. I received an electronic copy rot this blog tour.  Al opinions are my own.

Tour Schedule July 29th: Launch Meagan Davenport Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters July 30th: Library Lady's Kid Lit Rockin' Book Reviews July 31st: Beauty in the Binding Bookworm Lisa Singing Librarian Books August 1st: Peaceful Pastime The Barefoot Reader August 2nd: Radiant Light Life Is What It's Called A Modern Day Fairy Tale August 5th: I'm Into Books Backing Books August 6th: Uplifting Reads Among the Reads Wishful Endings August 7th: Two Points of Interest Just Your Average Reviews August 8th: Angela Walker's Reviews Splashes of Joy August 9th: Locks, Hooks and Books Austin Ryan August 10th: Grand Finale Follow a Q&A with the Author Each stop on this tour has a full interview, or a question and answer with the author. Stop by each blog to follow this exclusive Q&A with the author and found out more about her and her debut!

Convenient Amish Proposal by Jan Drexler

Book Description

Suddenly a Mother

When Bethany Zook's childhood friend returns to Indiana Amish country a widower, with an adorable little girl in tow, she's willing to aid him in any way. But there's just one thing Andrew Yoder needs--a mother for little Mari. And he seems convinced Bethany is the answer, just as she's sure any union between them would be one strictly of convenience...

Andrew thought Bethany had married another. Now, determined to keep Mari despite his mother-in-law's interference, he offers Bethany marriage in name only. But she's quickly becoming more than a housekeeper and a mamm. Can he leave the past behind to claim a family of the heart? 

Paperback, 288 pages
Published February 5th 2019 by Love Inspired Historical 

Buy the book on   Amazon        

My thoughts:

Amish fiction and Historical fiction are just two of my favorite genres.  A storyline with both?  Well yes and thank you very much!  I loved this book by Jan Drexler, she is the author of one of my all time favorite series which happened to combine Amish and historical fiction so when I started reading this book it was love at first page.

Set in 1934 this is the story of Andrew a widower who returns to his family farm with his adorable little girl, Mari.  Bethany who is his childhood friend is still living on her families neighboring farm. I loved Bethany, her father and brothers immediately. Andrew has a meddling mother in law like none other I have ever seen.  Rose thinks she can swoop in and determine the best course of action in the lives of Andrew and Mari and I have to say, Bethany is much more patient than I am for putting up with so much.  

As a fan of a marriage of convenience stories this is one is so well written and has charming and less than charming (at times) characters and I have already recommended it to my sister and am now taking this opportunity to recommend it to other readers. I could not put this book down until I finished it so I ended up reading it in one day.

Overall, Convenient Amish Proposal is a book that I absolutely loved and when I read the authors note at the end of the book that this story was inspired by her grandmother's life, I found myself loving it even more.  Ms. Drexler's writing is amazing, her knowledge of the Amish, the time period she chose and her character development are the reasons why this book will be on my keeper shelf.

  

Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker

Book Description

When Cohen Marah steps over the body of his dead father on a cold spring morning, he steps into a labyrinth of memory.

 In the week that follows, he must confront his traumatic past, a violent present, and the most frightening question of all-did he kill his father?

My thoughts:

Never having read a book by Shawn Smucker before this one, I really didn't know what to expect but that's what makes reading a new to me author exciting.  I started reading this one evening and at first I wasn't sure how I felt about the storyline but by the third or fourth chapter I became interested in what would happen in the life of Cohen Marah.

This is a pretty intense story with Cohen finding his injured father and then staying by his fathers hospital bed as he is flooded with memories of his youth.  Lights from Distant Stars is unlike the majority of the books that I have read this year and that was a good thing because it brought me out of my comfort zone  Cohen is a complex character dealing with family, his past and his faith.  

The author takes his readers from present to past throughout the novel, doing it seamlessly so I never felt a jarring or interrupted pace in his writing.   I greatly appreciated his writing style in this book and will read his other work now, too.

I received a  complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.  All opinions are my own. 

Storm Rising (Book of the Wars, #1) by Ronie Kendig

Book Description

Once lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold ancient secrets and dangers. Former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe has been tasked with capturing the ancient text, but a Bulgarian operative snatches it, determined to secure her freedom. 

When a series of strange storms erupt, they must form an alliance to thwart impending disaster.

My thoughts:

This is the first book that I have read by Roni Kendig but after hearing/reading such good things about her writing, I decided it was time for me to find out firsthand if I would have the same reaction as others have had.  I really do have to agree with so many other readers, this is storytelling at it's best.

I am not a nail biter by nature because I just can't and I hate to ruin a perfectly good manicure but I'm  not gonna lie, occasionally  I would notice one of my nails dangerously close to my mouth.   This story had me on the edge of my seat, feeling a little fidgety from the excitement and was the cause of far too many midnight snacks!  In other words, I could not put this book down  This is an action packed novel with characters that I have absolutely nothing in common with but that didn't stop me from getting caught up in their lives.

There is a lot going on in this book so I won't go into details but if anyone is looking for a  thrilling page turner with more suspense that you can imagine, I have no hesitation in recommending Storm Rising to you.  Just prepared to  carve out some serious reading time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

A Reluctant Belle (Daughttry House #2) by Beth white

Book Description

Impoverished Southern belle Joelle Daughtry has a secret. By day she has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of the construction of a Negro school. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.

When childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry house renovation Schuyler Beaumont takes over his assassinated father's candidacy for state office, Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect--and even love--if you're already engaged to someone else?Impoverished Southern belle Joelle Daughtry has a secret. By day she has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of the construction of a Negro school. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.

When childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry house renovation Schuyler Beaumont takes over his assassinated father's candidacy for state office, Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect--and even love--if you're already engaged to someone else?

My thoughts:

I'm always unsure if a second book in a series will live up to the first one but this one absolutely did! It you haven't read the first book,A Rebel Heart there is enough of the back story that you'll have no problem with what's been happening. 

Joelle is determined to do what she thinks it right and fair even though others may not agree with her and  it is dangerous.  You have to love a lady who is no shrinking violet and one who will go the extra mile to treat all human beings with respect and dignity.  As a fan of historical fiction, I think Ms. White has captured the aftermath of the Civil War in this realistic and well written story. She blends adventure and danger with a touch of faith and a bit of romance.

I am eager to read the third book in the series to find out what adventure the author has in store for her readers.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley but was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

Criminally Cocoa (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #3.5) by Amanda Flower

Book Description

A taste for trouble . . .   

 
As if being in New York City for Easter isn’t exciting enough, Charlotte Weaver has another reason to be thrilled. She’s helping her cousin, Bailey, on the set of her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey will even be re-creating the delectable hand-woven chocolate Easter baskets she once crafted for the city’s world-famous JP Chocolates. But once things start rolling, Charlotte starts to notice odd things
happening—things that seem intended to make Bailey look bad . . .
 
With Bailey feeling extra nervous about being on camera, Charlotte decides to keep her suspicion of sabotage to herself. But she knows that among Bailey’s fans at the Gourmet Television network lurks a dangerously jealous rival. Now Charlotte will have to find out who that person is—before sour grapes turns one of the sweetest times of the year fatally bitter . . .

My thoughts:

Ms. Flower takes her readers to New York City in this novella.  If you have read any of the novels in the Amish Candy shop Mystery series you will know that Bailey King is a chocolatier who has moved to Ohio with her Amish grandmother after her beloved grandfather passes away.  So, it wasn't a big surprise when she's offered a cable cooking show.  What is surprising is the community allowed her Amish cousin to accompany her.  There was one thing that didn't surprise me and that is how much I loved this book.

Wherever Bailey goes trouble seems to follow her, it's like she's a magnet  or something and maybe that's why I am so drawn to her, I just can't stay away from this adorable character. I also liked getting to know Charlotte better and seeing the sights of the city through her eyes is funny and sweet. Although things on the set of the show are far from sweet, with mishaps galore but thankfully no serious injuries.  

Speaking of mishaps two of my favorite characters from this series  are in New York, too.  Yep, Juliet and her comfort pig, Jethro.  I love Jethro and I honestly got more of a chaotic vibe than comfort but  that's what I adore about this little guy.

Ms. Flower kept me guessing as always as to who and what is going on in this great addition to the series.  A quick and fun week-end read that will keep you laughing as you venture into the city without leaving your home.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review.

The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden

Book Description

Rachel Linden’s newest contemporary women’s fiction story speaks to the universal struggle of what it means to live a meaningful life where the passions we have meet the needs of the world.

At 26, idealistic baker Mia West has her entire life planned out: a Craftsman cottage in Seattle, baking at The Butter Emporium, and the love of her life, her boyfriend Ethan, by her side.  But when Ethan breaks up with her instead of proposing on their sixth dating anniversary (with the Tiffany blue box in his pocket), Mia’s carefully planned future crumbles.

Adrift and devastated, she determines to find new meaning in her life by helping those in need. 

Guided by recurring dreams about honeybees that seem to be leading her toward this new path in life, Mia joins her vivacious housemate Rosie on an around-the-world humanitarian trip funded by the reclusive billionaire, Lars Lindstrom. Along with a famous grunge rock star, an Ethiopian immigrant, and an unsettlingly attractive Hawaiian urban farmer named Kai, Mia and Rosie embark on the trip of a lifetime. 

From the slums of Mumbai to a Hungarian border camp during the refugee crisis, Mia’s eyes are opened and her idealistic vision is challenged as she experiences the euphoria, disillusionment, and heartbreaking reality of humanitarian work abroad.

As Mia grapples with how to make a difference in an overwhelmingly difficult world, circumstances force her to choose between the life she thought she wanted and the unexpected life she has built. 

My thoughts:

I had been hearing really positive things about this book so I was curious what the buzz was all about. After seeing the photos posted on social media for days on end, I decided didn't want to miss the opportunity to read it since I liked this authors work.

With a fantastic storyline and interesting characters, Ms. Linden takes her readers on a journey that quite frankly is thought provoking and admirable.  I had a great deal of respect for Mia, I mean she was expecting a marriage proposal from her longtime boyfriend but got a broken heart instead when he breaks up with her.  Did she languish for long?  No, she did not, she accompanies her friend on an around-the world humanitarian trip. 

I'm sure that it is never easy to see first-hand the conditions the refuges experience but it's an important topic which makes me cry when I see something like this reported in the news.  Mia is on a journey of self discovery along the way as she tries to help those in need with her traveling companions.   I really liked the entire group and thought the author wrote each of them extremely well.  I also like the message of how the future doesn't always turn out the exactly as you planned but it can still be just as bright.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

  

Reunited with the Cowboy by Claire McEwen Review+ Giveaway

On Tour with  Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy
(Heroes of Shelter Creek #1)
By Claire McEwen
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

Goodreads   Amazon   B&N   Harlequinn   IBooks   Kobo

My thoughts:

Maya and Caleb are both trying to come to terms with things that have happened in the past but it isn't an easy thing for them to do, especially once they are reunited for the first time in a rather surprising way.  I could imagine how difficult it was for them seeing each other after the tragedy that tore them apart.

I loved Maya, a biologist who works in the field of wild life and is assignment in her hometown, the one she left after the accident that took the life of Caleb's sister, As much as I loved Maya, it was her grandmother who stole my heart.   Not only is the grandmother adorable but her book club, the Book Biddies are pretty hilarious! I have never been in a book club before but if I ever join one, it would  most definitely be one like the Book Biddies.  They are funny, sweet, kind and so supportive of Maya.  

I became fond of Caleb as the story progressed and actually started to love him as he dealt with is own demons. 

Overall, I loved Reunited with the Cowboy, the story moves a perfect pace, the characters are compelling and Ms. McEwen is a skillful storyteller.  I look forward to reading more of her work.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of Prism Book Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

                                  About the Author

Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.

Website   Goodreads   BookBub   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Instagram

FOLLOW THE TOUR

                                                                  

                                                                         

                              Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally

Ends July 24, 2019

Enter Giveaway

     

Underestimating Mss Cecilia (Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley #2) by Carolyn Miller

Book Description

Shy, sweet Cecilia Hatherleigh has always been in love with Edward Amherst, the boy next door. Yet he’s never seen her as anything but the quiet girl in the background as he flirts with the other vivacious women of the ton.

When a near tragedy brings Edward’s attention to his family duties, this prodigal son decides he needs to settle down with a proper wife. Cecilia hopes to convince him to choose her—but God may want her to forget the wayward nobleman and put her future in His hands alone.

These two try to find their way toward happiness, but prejudice, political riots, and the changing face of England’s societal structures begin to block them at every turn. Can their struggles turn to triumph—or will their paths permanently diverge? Shy, sweet Cecilia Hatherleigh has always been in love with Edward Amherst, the boy next door. Yet he’s never seen her as anything but the quiet girl in the background as he flirts with the other vivacious women of the ton.

When a near tragedy brings Edward’s attention to his family duties, this prodigal son decides he needs to settle down with a proper wife. Cecilia hopes to convince him to choose her—but God may want her to forget the wayward nobleman and put her future in His hands alone.

These two try to find their way toward happiness, but prejudice, political riots, and the changing face of England’s societal structures begin to block them at every turn. Can their struggles turn to triumph—or will their paths permanently diverge? Shy, sweet Cecilia Hatherleigh has always been in love with Edward Amherst, the boy next door. Yet he’s never seen her as anything but the quiet girl in the background as he flirts with the other vivacious women of the ton. 

When a near tragedy brings Edward’s attention to his family duties, this prodigal son decides he needs to settle down with a proper wife. Cecilia hopes to convince him to choose her—but God may want her to forget the wayward nobleman and put her future in His hands alone.

These two try to find their way toward happiness, but prejudice, political riots, and the changing face of England’s societal structures begin to block them at every turn. 

Can their struggles turn to triumph—or will their paths permanently diverge? 

My thoughts:

Unrequited love is a difficult thing to deal with, especially if you are in love with the boy next door which is the situation Cecilia finds herself in. The object of her affection is Edward Amherst who is flirtatious with every young lady except Cecelia.  Let's just say that he doesn't have a sterling reputation but the heart wants what the heart wants. right? 

Between her mother trying to find a suitable match for her and the antics of Edward, Cecilia is left wondering what the future holds for her.  Trusting God is always the right thing to do although it isn't  always the easiest thing to do.  I loved the message of love and faith throughout this novel. 

 Ms. Miller has crafted a beautiful story and one that I highly recommend.  I have said many times that this author is a masterful storyteller and I can honestly say it once again after reading this book.  I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own. 

Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson

Book Description

Cassie Kendrick is on the run. Her abusive father arranged her marriage to a despicable man, but she's discovered an escape. Disguised as a man, Cassie enlists in the Union army, taking the name Thomas Turner. On the battlefields of the Civil War, keeping her identity a secret is only the beginning of her problems, especially after she meets Gabriel Avery, a handsome young photographer.

Anxious to make his mark on the world and to erase the darkness and guilt lurking from his past, Gabriel works with renowned photographer Matthew Brady to capture images from the front lines of the war. As Gabriel forges friendships with many of the men he encounters, he wonders what the courageous, unpredictable Thomas Turner is hiding.

Battling betrayal, their own personal demons, and a country torn apart by war, can Cassie and Gabriel learn to forgive themselves and trust their futures to the God who births hope and healing in the darkest places?

My thoughts:

Tara Johnson has written one the best Civil War novels that I have read and I have read several because historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.  Ms. Johnson is a new to me author but after reading Where Dandelions Bloom, I can easily see her becoming one of my must read authors.

With limited choices on how to escape her abusive father who has arranged her marriage to an equally wretched man, Cassie Kendrick enlists in the Union Army disguised as a man. Thomas Turner is the name she has taken and let's just say that Thomas goes through a lot to keep her identity a secret on the battlefield.  Gabriel Avery is the handsome photographer who is sent to capture images on the front lines of the war.  He is carrying baggage from his past but desperately wants to escape his demons, too.  I liked how Cassie and Gabriel both took action to remove themselves from situations they didn't welcome in their lives. Though their home lives were vastly different from each other, they still were determined to have better futures.

The secondary characters left a lasting impression on me as much as Cassie and Gabe did.  Cassie's grandmother was one of my absolute favorites, she is so kind and caring which left me wanting to meet her.  Kudos to the author for creating characters who seemed so real to me.  Where Dandelions Bloom is a beautifully crafted and memorable novel and one of my favorites of 2019. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Johnson's work.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.