Anything by Kristina Welch ~ Book Review

February 24, 2025

 



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



My Thoughts


I absolutely loved this book and I could not put it down because I needed to find out what would happen to Levi and Kit. I thought the author did such a great job with all the details and capturing who these characters are. The storyline can seem a little long at times but you truly get to not only know the main characters completely but you see their relationship with each other and God develop throughout the story. 

My heart went out to Kit, her struggles with PTSD and memories of her abusive relationship in highschool. She has put up these permanent walls and rightly so but she is faithful in clinging to her faith despite of what is happening in her heart and mind. She continually encouraged others and made sure she did it in a manner that would glorify God. Her relationship with her siblings and her parents, especially her mom was superb and one that I strive for in my own life. To always lead with that example of God being the center for your children is what any mom strives for and you can see Kit reaping what has been sown to her when she is with others. 

Oh my word Levi is amazing!! He is truly the perfect mix of dreamy and swoony all at the same time. He will leave you sighing out loud most of the story. He is so patient and leans on God for everything. His courtship with Kit is so sweet and truly one that just put God in the center of it all. He also had some growth in the story and it was neat to see how he handled everything with maturity and love.

The side characters that I hope we will see in future books in the series were heartwarming and brought the perfect mix to the story. I loved all the references to pop culture, I mean for a YA book you cannot wrong doing that as it makes the story completely relatable to the reader. 

I hope to read more from this author and I hope to see Kit and Levi again in future stories. The author tackles a pretty deep subject but she does it in a way that is not overly triggering as there are no graphic descriptions. She truly does it in the most gentle of ways. 






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.


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.


Enter Giveaway


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


Anything JustRead Blog Tour


JustRead Publicity Tours
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A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer ~ Book Review

February 16, 2025



About the Book 


Book: A Hundred Magical Reasons
Author: Laura DeNooyer
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Independent
Release Date: January 2025

Most fairy tales have happy endings, but is it too late for this one? After all, Mrs. Charlotte Rose Gordon, the disgruntled town recluse, is eighty-eight and has grown weary of fighting the dragons of her past—including the desire to clear her husband’s name of a 1918 crime.

Dragons of a different kind pursue Carrie Kruisselbrink.

During 1980, the summer of her private rebellion, Carrie defies parental expectations and pursues her café dream. While waiting for funding, she takes a job with Mrs. Gordon.

As Mrs. Gordon unfolds the story of her oppressive childhood and delightful friendship with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, Carrie never expects to encounter her own fears and soul-searching.

In this modern-day fairy tale that weaves between 1980 and the early 1900s, Mr. Baum’s influence impacts each woman’s personal quests on a hero’s journey neither anticipates. Can Carrie and Mrs. Gordon find common ground in battling their respective dragons?







My Thoughts 


This was such a unique story and written in such an intriguing and captivating way. If you enjoy the Wonderful Wizard of Oz then you will enjoy how this author has woven in this fun classic to explore how it influences the characters in this story of friendship. Carrie the main character is running away from her family history and traditions. She is a bookwork always dreaming and would love to one day open up her own bookshop cafe and restaurant. 

The unusual friendship between Ms. Gordon and Carrie develops into this great adventure of their own version of Pilgrims Progress as they navigate life and they learn life lessons through literature. I really enjoyed that this author truly directs the story to God's redemption story and reminding us that fairy tales sometimes point us to the truth of God if we only seek Him.

Overall I enjoyed the story but be aware that it is truly a long book (534 pages) and at times it became a bit slow. It took me much longer to finish this story than most books. It was one of those books that I had to intertwined while I read other books just so I could have a little break from it. But don't let that deter you. It is well written and very deep and full of historical information on Frank L Baum. 

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. 


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Misgivings by Anne Gibson ~ Book Review

February 7, 2025

 



Welcome to the Blog Tour for Misgivings by Anne Gibson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


About the Book


Misgivings

Title: Misgivings
Author: Anne Gibson
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: September 2, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance


Desperate to avoid the turmoil that now engulfs her, Dee would do anything for a chance to turn back time. Wracked with regret and paralyzed by fear, she is forced to hide halfway across the world, all in a bid to safeguard the one person she holds most dear. If only she could undo the past and prevent this disastrous situation from ever unfolding. 


After waiting five long years, Luke thought he was finally making progress in his relationship with Dee. But just as she begins to open up and trust him, she suddenly vanishes, leaving him bewildered and determined to uncover the truth behind her sudden disappearance.  



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub



My Thoughts


I wasn't sure what to expect with this story but I was pretty amazed. It is not a light heart read as it does tackle some serious themes such a domestic abuse, non-desciptive rape, kidnapping/torture and death. The author does this in a very tasteful manner and is gentle with the topics should these be triggers for you. The book also encompasses a great arc of redemption and how God's love can set you free. 

The characters were relatable and believable. Dee was woman who had been through a lot and I am glad that she had great growth throughout the story. I really enjoyed Luke and the way he treated Dee and loved her. It was really sweet.

Overall I thought this book was good and I am glad that I got to read a new to me author. I look forward to reading her future books. 




About the Author


Anne Gibson

Award-winning author Anne Gibson is blessed to call the stunning Canadian Rockies home. When she isn't penning her stories, she relishes time in nature—hiking, paddling, and basking in the sun at the beach alongside her family and beloved furball. A true romantic at heart, Anne often finds herself curled up with an engaging book, dreaming up her own captivating love stories.


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


Tour Giveaway


(1) winner will receive a print copy of Misgivings as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!


Misgivings JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 10, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.


Enter Giveaway


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

Misgivings JustRead Blog Tour

JustRead Publicity Tours
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