My Thoughts - The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Light of Stars
Author: Jenelle Hovde
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in glittering London ballrooms and Calcutta street markets.

When Kitty Grenville’s grandfather announces her engagement to Sebastian Sinclair, she’s appalled. She barely remembers the boy she met once as a child—and now he’s a man tied to the East India Company, the very organization that tore Kitty and her brother from their mother and home in Hyderabad years ago. Unwilling to relinquish her dream of a love match or her passion for astronomy, Kitty is determined to refuse the marriage and find freedom in her own way.

Sebastian Sinclair carries the weight of duty and regret. To atone for past sins, he complies with his grandfather’s orders to return to England, fulfill a long-standing betrothal, and defend the maligned East India Company before Parliament. Though Kitty makes her disinterest clear, Sebastian is drawn to her intellect and spirit.

As Kitty navigates her first London season, her opinion of Sebastian begins to shift, especially when he shields her from scandal. When he’s abruptly called back to India, Kitty stuns everyone by marrying him and going with him, hoping to escape her grandfather’s control—and to find her mother.

But the challenges that await in India are greater than imagined. Together, Kitty and Sebastian must confront the legacy of family and empire—and discover if a marriage born of obligation can grow into a love strong enough to endure.

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

Also Available

---

About the Author

Jenelle Hovde, an accomplished illustrator, author, pastor's wife, and homeschooling mother,

ventured off the beaten path when she transitioned from her career as a doctor of audiology to pursue her passion

for writing. While her nine novels span different eras—from the ancient worlds to World War II—

her favorite genre is sweet Regency romance that enchants readers with tales of love and intrigue set against the

backdrop of nineteenth-century England. Drawing inspiration from timeless treasures found in antique stores,

Jenelle pens historical romance novels that captivate readers with vivid storytelling and gentle messages of faith.

Her stories have garnered impressive showings in multiple writing contests.

Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates life with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist

on interrupting her creative endeavors.

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

---

MY THOUGHTS

The Light of Stars is written by Janelle Hovde. This is  a beautifully written story that drew me in with its heartfelt characters, emotional depth, and themes of hope and resilience. Jenelle Hovde has a wonderful way of creating a world that feels both meaningful and immersive, making it easy to become invested in the journey of the characters.

The characters felt genuine, and their emotions came across in a way that made me want to keep turning the pages to see where their paths would lead. There is a thoughtful balance of warmth, reflection, and moments that encourage you to look deeper into the story.

This was a touching and memorable read that reminded me how even in difficult moments, there can still be light and possibility ahead. Jenelle Hovde has crafted a story filled with heart, and I look forward to discovering more from this author in the future.

Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to their choice bookstore!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 21, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2026. 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!

MY THOUGHTS - Mail-Order Viscountess Author: Misty M. Beller

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Viscountess

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release Date: June 9, 2026

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

When a Montana blizzard strands two strangers in a cave, honor demands a vow neither of them want.

Nobody knows the truth about newly knighted Lord Thomas Balfour. He doesn’t deserve the being honor showered on him, so after this last trip with his brother and sister-in-law to Butte for supplies, he’ll leave this territory behind completely. But once he reaches town, he’s blindsided to discover his brothers have ordered him a bride by post. A woman complicates everything. And even worse—the bride has brought her sister.

Kate McKinney masterminded this journey west to rescue her younger sister from their controlling mother’s plans. Yet one look at the intended groom’s scowl, and Kate’s doubts bloom. Maybe this mail-order marriage scheme will be far worse for her beloved sister than the wealthy brute their ambitious mother arranged.

Thomas has no choice but to help escort the sisters back to the Balfour ranch. On the trail, a blizzard changes everything, tearing Thomas and Kate away from the others—straight into danger…

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, snowed-in peril, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

His Brothers Did What?!  Meet the Hero of Mail-Order Viscountess

Every family has that one person who needs a little…nudging in the right direction.

For the Balfour brothers, that person is Thomas.

Lord Thomas Balfour is many things—newly knighted, fiercely capable, and absolutely convinced he doesn’t deserve any of it. He carries a secret that weighs on him heavier than the Montana snow, and he’s made up his mind: after one last supply run to Butte with his brother and sister-in-law, he’s leaving the territory for good. No fuss, no goodbyes. Just gone.

His brothers, of course, had other plans.

Because while Thomas was busy planning his quiet disappearance, his brothers were busy placing an ad—for a mail-order bride. For him. Without telling him a single word about it.

So imagine Thomas’s face when he arrives in Butte and discovers a woman waiting there to become his wife.

Actually, not one woman. Two.

Because the bride—Kate McKinney—has brought her sister along.

To say Thomas is less than thrilled would be an understatement. The scowl he greets them with says everything. A woman complicates his carefully laid plans. Two women? That’s a catastrophe.

But here’s what Thomas doesn’t know yet: Kate didn’t come west to trap a reluctant lord into marriage. She came to rescue her sister. And one look at Thomas’s stormy expression has her wondering if she’s made a terrible mistake—whether the Balfour brothers’ well-meaning scheme has landed her beloved sister somewhere far worse than the life they left behind.

Two people who don’t want to be there. One scheme cooked up by meddling brothers who love Thomas too much to let him walk away. And a Montana blizzard that’s about to strand them all together with no way out.

I pray you love Mail-Order Viscountess! J

Blessings!

Misty

MY THOUGHTS 

Mail-Order Viscountess is book three in the Lord of the Rockies series that  written by one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Misty M. Beller. I have read all the books in the series, you can read them as stand alones -but since this is a series following brothers, you will want to read them all. Plus, this series is probably my favorite of the author. 

Lord Thomas Balfour is newly knighted. He does not feel worthy or adequate and wants to walk away from it all. He has lived a reckless life - and it has shown. However, his brothers have sent away for a bride for him….. And she comes with her own sister. Kate McKinney’s thought process was to rescue her younger sister from her mother’s ill fated plans. Her sister would be the intended for Thomas - but a blizzard takes fate into it’s own hands. It becomes a journey of survival. 

I have been looking forward for Thomas’s story. I knew that it was going to be great, and boy was it ever. I loved that Kate also wanted to help her sister, and she finds out that her plans will not go the way that it plans - it shows that God’s plans are better then what we can whip up. 

Well written characters, engaging storyline this is a MUST read for historical fiction fans. I love this author, and this series. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate LIt for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, June 24

Sydney Schmied Books, June 24

Devoted Steps, June 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26

Lyssa Loves Books, June 26

lakesidelivingsite, June 27

Artistic Nobody, June 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, June 28

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 29

For Him and My Family, June 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Book Holds and Jello Molds, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 2

She Lives To Read, July 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 3

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 3

Connie’s History Classroom, July 4

Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, July 5

Mary Hake, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner, July 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6

Devoted To Hope, July 7

Pause for Tales, July 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/NbqMu/mail-order-viscountess-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour Reminders

MY THOUGHTS - The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town (Enduring Hope Book 5) Author: Naomi Musch

The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town (Enduring Hope Book 5)

Author: Naomi Musch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: June, 2026

Past and Present Collide on the Railway

When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.

Lily Mae Dodge flees Wyoming by night to find her mother, who sent her west on an orphan train ten years ago. After she’s arrested in Chicago, help comes from a man with a rare vision impairment whom she only just met on a train. Francis Basnett is a roustabout for the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, where he helps Lily gain employment. Their friendship grows into more, and it seems Lily is closer than ever to finding her mother. . .until the night a rogue troop train slams into the stalled circus train, killing dozens and splintering hope.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Naomi Musch is an award-winning author who writes from a deer farm in the pristine north woods of Wisconsin, where she and husband Jeff live as epically as God allows near the families of their five adult children. When not in the physical act of writing or spending time loving on her passel of grandchildren, she can be found plotting stories as she roams around the farm, snacks out of the garden, and relaxes in her vintage camper. Naomi is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Wisconsin Writers’ Association, and the Lake Superior Writers. She loves engaging with others and can be found all around social media or at her site.

More from Naomi

Did you ever dream of running away with the circus? I must admit, it was never something I imagined doing, but like most kids of my generation, my wonderment did soar the first time I stepped foot beneath a “big top”. Some of those sensory memories stayed with me through the decades since, and of course, made their way into my novel. Nowadays, the trains or wagons no longer roll into town. There are very few circuses still around.

I grew up in the region not far from Barnum and Bailey’s Circus World in Wisconsin, but when traveling circuses were at their peak (much earlier than my day, I will add), there were nearly 100 of them traversing the country, nearly a third of them by rail. One of the largest was the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus based in southern Indiana. (Originally northern Indiana, but they transitioned to a warmer location where they wintered their animals.) They traveled in two trains—one that hauled the animals, laborers, and roustabouts, and the other that hauled the performers with their families and other work staff.

The circus was a city within itself, and more importantly, it became like family to most of the performers. Into this world is where my cast of characters gathers in The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town. Lily Mae Dodge is in search of just such a place to call home and people she can think of as family while she searches for her mother, lost to her when she was sent west on an orphan train as a child.

I never imagined myself writing a circus story, but when I learned about the real-life history of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, and tragically, the terrible circus train crash that stands as the most devastating in history, I needed to get to know some of the performers and people who worked there. I also wanted to add my own characters in a way that would bring this historic circus family to life. To tell the story of the crash, it was important to me that I do it in a way that would honor the lives and memories of those who were involved.

“Tomorrow’s Town” is a circus phrase referring to the place of the next show. The traveling circus season was a busy one, and sometimes performers who were already looking ahead to the next show simply referred to the next location as “tomorrow’s town.” While The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town is set in 1918 during WWI when the tragedy took place, it is primarily a story of hope, dreams, love, healing, and found family.

I hope you enjoy Lily and Francis’s story, and that you’ll settle into dazzling discovery with the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus!

MY THOUGHTS

The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town is book five in the Enduring Hope Series. This story is written by Naomi Musch. The series is written by various authors - but are all tied together with the Enduring Hope theme. I have not read all of the books in the series, and each one can be read as a stand alone.  I think one of my favorite things in this series, is this is based off the real life event of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus train crash. 

Lilly was sent west on the orphan train, and she wants to find her mother. However, she gets arrested in Chicago. She finds herself befriending, Francis and he helps her find a job within the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus. I love that the author has created flawed characters. Lilly, being an orphan and Francis being visually impaired. I love stories where people are relatable and do not come from perfect backgrounds. 

I love how the author kept a lot of rich historical detail into the story. I felt that I was learning alot from the story. I had no idea what a roustabout was - but I felt myself in the middle of the circus. I love the cover of this book, the characters, the scenes and so much  more. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1

Simple Harvest Reads, July 2 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 3

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 5

Connie’s history classroom, July 5

Guild Master, July 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7

Fiction Book Lover, July 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, July 9

The Bookish Ledger, July 10 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, July 11

Holly’s Book Corner, July 11

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 13

Books, Books, & More Books, July 14 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/M32Wq/the-girl-from-tomorrows-town-celebration-tour-giveaway

MY THOUGHTS - The Brunswick by Callie Murray

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Brunswick by Callie Murray, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Brunswick
Author: Callie Murray
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

When Cora provides a safe haven for Jewish refugee children, she discovers that opening her doors means risking everything, including her heart.

In 1939 Georgia, far removed from the war brewing overseas, Cora Cain's world feels small--and shrinking. There, she runs The Brunswick, her family's once-grand hotel, which is now struggling as the town's general store. When Thomas Watkins arrives seeking work and solace after his mother's death, a connection sparks between them. Through Thomas, Cora glimpses a life beyond obligation and her war hero father's unpredictable moods.

But everything changes when Cora is asked to turn The Brunswick into a sanctuary for Jewish children fleeing persecution in Germany. As Cora and Thomas prepare for the children's arrival, they struggle to confront their pasts--and the prejudice of their neighbors--as their fragile hope is put to the test.

Meanwhile, in Vienna, ten-year-old Charlotte is offered refuge in America. But even with the horrors she sees around her, she wonders how her parents could possibly send her away. As war's shadow begins to reach small-town Georgia, each person must face what love demands and decide what to hold on to and what to let go.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

About the Author

Callie Murray is an entrepreneur who has been featured on The Today Show and in The New York Times. Her debut Southern fiction book delves into the lesser-known historical details preceding World War II. Callie and her husband live in Norcross, Georgia, with their seven children, four of whom came through the honor of foster care.

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

MY THOUGHTS

The Brunswick is written by Callie Murray. I had the honor of meeting Calile at a readers event in Georgia. I was super excited about this book - especially with it being her debut. I will tell you - it was BETTER then I ever could have imagined. The author has blended historical fiction with real life and it is woven together seamlessly. I cannot wait until her next book. 

Readers will find themselves in 1939, before World War II. Cora Cain runs The Brunswick, her family's once-grand hotel in a small Georgia town. The hotel has fallen on hard times and now serves as a general store. I love that the author chose this time period because it’s kind of forgotten in history. Thomas Watkins arrives looking for work - and I loved the romance that developed between Cora and Thomas. 

Now the heart and soul of the story -Cora is asked to help provide refuge for Jewish children fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe. This is where the real life history of Norcross, Georgia comes in. I loved learning about this and loved how the author also uses the point of  view of Charlotte, a young girl in Vienna whose family faces the heartbreaking decision of sending her to safety in America.

I love when I can learn from a book - I just moved to the great State of Georgia and getting to know some of it’s history was fascinating to me. I also love that I got to meet this author. I cannot wait until her next release. 

Thank you to the author, publisher, and JustRead Publicity Tours - all thoughts are my own. 

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 3, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 10, 2026. 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!