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Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong Review and Giveaway

October 23, 2024October 22, 2024 Babbling Becky L

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fiancé Finale
Series: Love Off Script #3
Author: Angela Ruth Strong
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There’s a slight problem, though—he’s already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary.

But he’s got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for.

Despite Nicole’s resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie’s going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he’s never really understood.

More Books from this Series:

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong is the founder of IdaHope Christian Writers. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana released as a movie in 2022. Strong lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband.

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

My Impressions

“A man always has to choose the woman he loves. Over and over and over again. Because that’s what love does.”

Wow! My emotions are all tangled after finished Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong. I laughed loud and long at Strong’s humor. I loved the vivid descriptions of the Pacific Northwest. I cringed at obtuseness and misunderstandings. I related to being a pastor’s daughter and wondering whether family or church would come first this time. How I both cheered for Charlie and Nicole to rekindle their broken relationship, and wondered if it was even wise.

Each chapter starts with a great love quote by a famous author, plus a bit of film roll is depicted. Charlie and Nicole alternate narrating chapters, which probably has a lot to do with the back and forth emotional tug. If the road to true love is never easy, surely Charlie and Nicole prove this. Meri and Kai and Gemma and Karson all appear from earlier books, so this series really needs to be read in order.

The big question is, when Charlie, an independent filmmaker, and Nicole, a publicist, are assigned to work together, will they be able to figure out what went wrong with their first engagement before they develop and destroy a second? It is nip and tuck all the way!!

Alice the jeweler is my fave secondary character. She really sees people. Alice is both comforting and challenging in her responses in her loving responses.

Strong brings up so many themes. Hypocrisy in the church, being afraid to love, redemption, selfishness, redemption, lost sheep, making peace with past relationships, mercy, truth, and love. Wow! No matter where you see yourself on the spectrum of faith, you will be challenged to better love others and better live out the Truth.

I received a copy of the book from the author and JustRead Tours. I also bought a copy of the book for my keeper shelf. No positive opinion was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“We accept the love we believe we deserve.”

“She flies with her own wings.”

“Perhaps that’s the meaning of reckless love. God still loves us at our worst.”

“That’s been my experience with God. He doesn’t seem to calm the storms in my life, He just holds an umbrella over my head to protect me until the sun comes out again.”

“In a world where appearances are everything, I have committed the most grievous of offenses. I’m imperfect.”– Nicole

“Is there anything better than being known and being loved?”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Angela Ruth Strong’s rom-coms will not only have you in stitches and sighing, but will also have you evaluating how you live your life.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fiancé Finale and a $25 Amazon 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 October 23, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2024. 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!

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Starry Nights- Out of Play- by Angela Ruth Strong Review

June 6, 2024 Babbling Becky L

(Starry Nights is an anthology of four contemporary romances. I am only reviewing one in this blog.)

About the Book

Title: Out of Play, part of Starry Nights anthology

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC

Released: June, 2024

Out of Play – Angela Ruth Strong
When single mom Bex Lemaire is asked to step down as her eight-year-old daughter’s soccer coach for getting too competitive, she’s hoping the new coach will let her assist. Former child star Skylar Hayes agrees to take over the team as research for his comeback role. At first, he mistakes Bex for a raving fan but eventually realizes she’s only crazy about soccer, which gives her the skills needed to train him. She’s all work, while he likes to play, but together, they just might win.

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first romance novel in 2009, and her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky released as a movie in 2022. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she blogs for Inspy Romance and My Book Therapy. Get to know her even better at http://www.angelaruthstrong.com.

My Impressions

“I’ll coach Skylar so I can coach the Ladybugs back to victory. This will only benefit my dream of someday coaching Mia’s college team. Maybe even her professional team. While I’m dreaming, why not the World Cup?”

This promising anthology is kicked off by Angela Ruth Strong’s novel, “Out of Play,” the one I pre-read. While the novel is about an intense soccer mom coach( Bex Lemaire) living vicariously through her 8-year-old-daughter, Mia, there is so much hilarity it’s dangerous. For example, here are my first thoughts as I started Out of Play. (By the way. I was worried because it focuses heavily on a sport and I am not a sports fan. I needn’t have worried!!)

Oh, my goodness! I just started “Out of Play” by Angela Ruth Strong late tonight. I’ve been bursting out laughing loudly every couple seconds. Guess my honey won’t want me reading this on the car trip tomorrow!! We’d like to get to our destination safely! Someone said, can’t you laugh quietly? Not when Strong’s humor is this good!! ( Bex has nicknames for all the other girls’ moms, her exaggerations are over-the-top, and she and the other protagonist, child-actor Skylar Hayes, have no idea about the other’s notoriety.) If that doesn’t make for a barrel or two of laughs!!

There are also some very solid, faith-based messages imbedded in the story. Bex is not allowed to coach Mia’s soccer team this summer because she broke too many rules last season. So, Mia’s best friend’s uncle, Skylar, is roped into coaching the team, although he knows nothing about soccer. Bex finagles her way into becoming his assistant coach. A push-me-pull-you coaching relationship ensues, and so does a reluctant friendship and God’s refining. Slowly, but surely. “She isn’t interested in me or my autograph after all. She’s simply this excited about soccer. I’m an idiot with a huge ego.”– [ Skylar] As Bex hears Skylar’s story, she begins to understand why Skylar might have made mistakes, “Though does anyone make mistakes from a place of fulfillment?” Skylar goes on to add these important thoughts: “When I yelled, ‘Why did you make me unlovable?’ I immediately heard the words to Jesus Loves Me in my head.” Bex, on her part, has a lot of rethinking to do about her own attitudes as the story moves through practices and some intense and surprising games. How has her background shaped or misshaped her? Can she and Skylar both allow God to fill them with His love and gratitude, so they can give to others out of a place of fullness, rather than trying to give out of an empty heart? I love this, because this is something we can all check our attitudes against!

Some twists really caught me off guard. Others just made me lol! I highly recommend this book for its humor and for the character growth shown. Because we can all learn from the lessons Bex and Skylar learned.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. I also purchased my own ecopy. No positive review is required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“It’s a pretty face except for the bump on bridge of her nose, which, in this case, reminds me of the horn on a charging rhino.”

“Bex. She may be crazy, but that’s a sign of not caring what others think. She’s doing what she loves because she loves it. We should all be so crazy.”

“My endorphins throw a party.”

“We’re not here to win. We’re here to have fun.”

“And I realize that for us to win, he and I are going to have to continue to play the roles of good coach/bad coach. He’ll be the fun one. Meanwhile, I’ll lead the team to another victory.”

“Skylar’s eyes lift from my nose to my gaze. They lighten from a bitter espresso to delicious mocha, and I turn away before drinking them in. Somehow, my skin still buzzes with his unique brand of caffeine.”

“But if I was going to blame God, then apparently I believe in Him, right?”

“I want to give my daughter all the good things in the world, but no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be enough. She’s going to have to rely on God to fulfill her emptiness too.”

“Crazy good works. It’s how I feel when I’m around her.”

“I lied because I didn’t feel like I’d had a choice, but the truth is that I had choices, I just didn’t like them.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Magnificent! Guaranteed to make you laugh as you think about how you do life!

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Hero Debut by Angela Ruth Strong Review

July 23, 2023 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Hero Debut

Series: Love Off Script, #2

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Genre: Christian Rom-com

Releases: Aug 29, 2023

“Another sparkling feel-good romance, brimming with perfect doses of heart and heat!”– Bethany Turner, award-winning author of The Do-Over

Gemma Bennett is the leading lady of her own life, and her true love is writing screenplays. With her trusty pink notebook in hand, she signs up for the Citizen’s Safety Academy to research her newest blockbuster hope, a rom-com with a police officer as the hero. And the fact that the handsome and heroic Lieutenant Karson Zellner is the one leading the training? Well, who can blame her for wanting to spend evenings with the man she swooned over months ago when he responded to a call at her apartment?

Karson already has his fair share of problems before Gemma shows up, and he’s not exactly a fan of the ditzy blonde who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. The last thing he needs is a damsel in distress to rescue; there are plenty of people in real need of his help. The fact that she seems to think his job makes him a superhero is just one more strike against her. This isn’t a movie, and he feels like the furthest thing from a leading man.

Gemma can’t seem to stop doing the worst, most embarrassing things at just the wrong time. And as time goes on, Gemma begins to realize that the scripts for a perfect screenplay and a real-life happily-ever-after are two very different things. Can she step out of her own way to find the hero her story needs?

Click below to get your copy!

https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Debut-Novel-Angela-Strong/dp/0825447933

About the Author

My Impressions

“He’d become my hero when he came to my house to protect me…Is what brought him to me also going to separate us?”

Strong knocks it out of the park with Hero Debut!! The sequel to her popular rom-com Husband Auditions, this novel tells the tale of Barbie-like Gemma Bennet. Gemma enters Citizen’s Safety Academy looking for her screenplay hero, but she learns a lot in her disappointing search. Will her hero eventually emerge? Will she be prepared, or will they both cling to baggage of their perceived emotional pasts that threatens to draw the curtain early? I loved the title with its double entendre.

Written in 1st person POV, alternating mostly between Gemma and Karson Zellner, we traipse through a few weeks in the happy, but incident-prone life of Gemma. You’ll laugh uproariously all the way through this faith-based rom-com that delivers serious truths. You will benefit from the lessons, whether single or married for many years.

I loved that Strong shows us that even the protagonists we are rooting for, are not perfect. Perceptions of the past affect relationships, and two people going through the same event can experience it differently. Bravo for pointing that out!

Gemma’s roommates Kai and Charlie are present as a great foil, as are some special children. Then there’s Karson’s jovial former partner, Drew Harris. “He’s his own spotlight.”

Chock-full of quotes I will remember for a long time and pop references aplenty, I appreciated Strong’s outlook on life and even the rom-com category. She set the bar high for herself, then exceeded it, “Because the best romantic comedies have depth and meaning that make the humor poignant.”

I can’t wait for Charlie’s story, coming next as Fiancé Finale!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher. I also received an ebook copy via NetGalley. Plus I pre-ordered my own copy to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“If you’re going to write about police, don’t romanticize our job. We give out tickets, we arrest people, and we use our firearms when needed. We’re the ones who show up after a crime has been committed. Nobody wants to see us. Though we risk our lives to protect the public, they often attack us for doing our jobs.”

“We find what we look for… And I prefer to look for the beauty and joy in life. It’s out there.”

“There are three types of people in this world. Sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs.”

“Her eyes are on me, scratching the itch of my heart.”

“Nobody is a hero all the time. We’re just all in training.”

“I don’t know if you believe in God, but His love is the only perfect love. It’s the kind that redeems when the love we’d hoped to get from other people lets us down.”

“I’ve never been in this much trouble before. I make Ramona the Pest look good.”

“I really like this thing called gratefulness. It not only helps us endure situations we never would have planned for ourselves, but it enables us to turn our sorrows into joy.”

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such an excellent, fun rom-com! Strong writes some of the best!!

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Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

August 6, 2021 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: Husband Auditions

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Publisher: Kregel

Release Date: August 17, 2021

Genre: Christian Romance, Comedy

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK. Get to know her even better at http://www.angelaruthstrong.com.

My Impressions

“Poor ideas in real life often make the best entertainment.” And so is born the premise of this hilarious rom-com novel from Angela Ruth Strong. Meri and Kai, reluctant roommates (actually housemates)act and film respectively in a reality-made-for-YouTube channel serial movie about 100 ways to catch a husband. The catch of Husband Auditions is, that the rules are taken from a 1950s women’s magazine and applied in today’s world. As filming progresses, Meri and Kai begin to wonder how wise it is to complete this unusual project. Will there be a winner, or just losers?

With a sense of humor that will have you laughing out loud, Ms. Strong also presents very real moral situations for her characters to work through. Staid Sunday School answers need not apply. How does the very real love of Jesus work itself out in (gasp)Hollywood? In personal boundaries? In how we judge and treat others? Conservatives may have a hard time with the emphasis of the fact the Meri and Kai and another beauty are roommates(housemates). Strong WANTS you to be uncomfortable. Are we as readers assuming relationships that are not present? Do people answer to God or us? One of many dilemmas couched in Strong’s trademark humor to challenge your reactions to others and make you question if you are fully living out your faith.

My Rating

Magnificent! Hilarious Rom-Com

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A Latte Difficulty, #3 The CafFunated Mysteries by Angela Ruth Strong

March 30, 2020March 30, 2020 Babbling Becky L

About the Book

Title: A Latte Difficulty

Series: #3 The CafFunated Mysteries

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink

Released: April 2020

Can two baristas track down a gunman after the espresso shot heard ‘round the world?

When Marissa witnesses an attempted murder during the 4th of July parade, it starts a battle for her independence. She is forced to hide out in a safehouse, leaving her co-owner, Tandy, to run their coffee shop, track down the criminal, and, worse, plan Marissa’s wedding. Thankfully Tandy has help, but can she really trust the P.I. in a bow tie, her new deaf barista who acts more like a bartender, or a wedding planner who’s keeping secrets?

The threat on Marissa’s future goes from bad to worse when her bridal gown is covered in blood. Though her fiancé, Connor, agrees to give up his identity to join her in the Witness Protection Program, Marissa refuses to wave the white flag. Instead, she enlists Tandy to help her fight for truth, justice, and the Americano way.

My Review

The third book in the CafFUNated Mysteries, A Latté Difficulty, by Angela Ruth Strong, is a cozy winner. It is time for an extended celebration of the Fourth of July in the small town of Grace Springs. If you have read the first two novels in the series, you will welcome back old friends Marissa and Tandy, owners of the Caffeine Conundrum, and their boyfriends, Connor and Greg. While Marissa is in the throes of planning her perfect wedding, their frenemy, Randon, is attacked in their shop and his computer stolen.
We see a bit more of sweet Billie and her rich, but rough-around-the-edges businessman boyfriend whose company becomes embroiled in ransomware, possibly involving Randon. Will the new deaf ex-barista Zam be a help or a hindrance as our foursome rush to save Randon’s life and keep themselves safe from the unknown assailant(s)?
Zam is such a fun and amazing character to add to this cozy mix. With his mad juggling skills and lip-reading abilities, Marissa and Tandy are lucky to have him on their side… unless he’s not…

A Latte Difficulty 1

Finally… it’s taken me three books to really like Goth Tandy. But do I ever admire her quick wit in this book and ability to get herself and Marissa out of trouble on more than one occasion because of it!
Kudos to Strong for the cross-mention of crime scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire, by Christy Barritt. Scenes like that ramp up the reading fun.
Fun, suspense, and faith. All of these factors into this cozy. The suspense is great, but Strong makes sure to place comic relief at just the right points. The other important factor in her books is faith. The main thought here is that the fear of the Lord if understood properly, will set you free from the fear of man. Wow!

A Latte Difficulty 2

A Latté Difficulty had twists enough that the reader may have trouble, like I did, figuring out who to trust and who to suspect, yet I was still surprised. Well done, Mrs. Strong!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.

My Rating

5 Stars – Superior – Hit My Reading Sweet Spot and leaves me begging for more CafFunation!

About the Author

4746114 Angela sold her first story to a national magazine while still in high school and went on to study journalism at the University of Oregon. Her debut novel LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO released in 2010 to a four-star review from Romantic Times. Angela loves connecting with fans and mentoring aspiring authors, which led her to start IDAhope Writers. She currently lives in Boise with her husband and three kids.

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Once upon a Christmas: Contemporary Retellings of Timeless Tales

October 22, 2019 Babbling Becky L

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may be compensated.

About the Book

Title: Once upon a Christmas: Contemporary Retellings of Timeless Tales

Authors: Andrea Boyd, Toni Shiloh, Mikal Dawn, Angela Ruth Strong, Jaycee Weaver

Released: October, 2019

Embrace the magic of the Christmas season with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.

Upon a Dream — A rare sleeping disorder keeps Talia from performing, but when Philip recognizes her gift, he’ll do whatever it takes to see her onstage.

Claim My Heart — Li Na and Colin Wen face off in a Mulan-esque courtroom battle where the real win might be losing their hearts.

A Snow White Christmas — Sheltered heiress Amala White flees her conniving stepmother’s plans and finds refuge with a handsome orchard owner and his seven quirky uncles.

Christmas Ella — Reality TV meets Cinderella story when a location director is swept off her feet by a rising star.

A Splash of Love — Las Vegas glitz meets Land of Enchantment culture in A Splash of Love, a modern twist on the Little Mermaid.

Get your copy here.

My Review

This is a delightful collection of five retold, re-imagined fairy tales, especially for the holiday season. I was familiar with one author, but I am now also on the lookout for the other authors’ works. Here are my quick thoughts on each:

Upon a Dream by Andrea Boyd
This anchor story for the collection sets Sleeping Beauty in a theater with a unique twist for modern-day. I enjoyed the unfolding of this retold fairy tale, with its updates for today’s world.

Once upon a Christmas 1.png
Claim My Heart by Mikal Dawn
Would you believe I have never watched Mulan? As a result, I had no “original” with which to compare this. This was my least favorite, but it was because of the character’s integrity.

A Snow White by Toni Shiloh
I liked the way Marcus asked God for wisdom even about the relationship. The “seven uncles” was a neat idea, especially the way that the relationships occurred.

Once upon a Christmas 2

Christmas Ella by Angela Ruth Strong
Strong always surprises me with her ingenuity, creativity, and humor in unexpected places. I have never met a story of Strong’s I haven’t loved.

A Splash of Love by Jaycee Weaver
As full of deceit and treachery as the original tale, this one was more painful. You’ll have to read it to see why I say that.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors. This in no way affected my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars – Hit My Reading Sweet Spot!

About the Authors

Each of Andrea Boyd‘s series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God. 14689507
Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible.
Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC.
You can visit her website @ http://www.andreaboyd11.com

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. 13656663

Mikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast and proud military wife. By day she works for an international sports ministry, and by night she mutters to imaginary friends, performs sketchy Google searches, and procrastinates (like any good writer!). When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand, of course!) for wedding ideas for her characters. 16465702

Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal has lived throughout the southern and Midwest United States, currently residing in Oklahoma (and hoping it’s their last move!) with her husband, two of her three kids, and one ferocious feline.

4746114 Angela Ruth Strong sold her first story to a national magazine while still in high school and went on to study journalism at the University of Oregon. Her debut novel LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO released in 2010 to a four-star review from Romantic Times. Angela loves connecting with fans and mentoring aspiring authors, which led her to start IDAhope Writers. She currently lives in Boise with her husband and three kids.

17239020

A Nevada native and New Mexico transplant, Jaycee Weaver is also a wife and mother of 3. She enjoys reading, writing, singing, photography, & all things kitchen and crafty. She considers herself a recovering perfectionist and is grateful for the grace of God that covers a multitude of eclectic hot messiness.

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A Cuppa Trouble, #2 The CafFUNated Mysteries by Angela Ruth Strong

June 26, 2019June 26, 2019 Babbling Becky L

45487958

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for A Cuppa Trouble by Angela Ruth Strong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Cuppa Trouble
Series: The CafFUNated Mysteries #2
Author: Angela Ruth Strong
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: July 1, 2019
Genre: Inspirational Cozy Mystery

Can a couple of baristas chase down a car thief without spilling a drop of their favorite drinks?

Plans for a Valentine’s Day grand opening of a small town coffee shop go awry when the first customer is killed. Evidence points toward the victim being mixed up in a car theft ring, but shop owners Tandy and Marissa have reason to believe he was framed.

An assortment of suspects–from a pink-haired heir to Tandy’s charming ex–all seem to know a little too much about grand theft auto.

Without approval from either their boyfriends or the gum-chewing FBI agent in charge, the shop owners go on stakeouts, plan stings, and pursue justice in a high-speed car chase. If they don’t find the killer soon, it might be more than their love lives in trouble.

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

MY REVIEW

“The flowers would die, but coffee was forever.” Any of you who know me know how intriguing I would find this new book from Angela Ruth Strong, A Cuppa Trouble. First, it’s a cozy, full of sprinkles of faith, light-hearted fun, and two young ladies who are exact opposites. Tandy and Marissa are working at being civil business partners. Each drinks only one hot beverage and despises the other’s drink of choice in their shared store.
What a perfect set-up for snarky, zingy, one-liners traded faster than the speed at which Marissa can trip over her ugly boots to the neon open sign.
And the juxtaposition and competition begin! A Cuppa Trouble Three.png

While this is second in the series, this book stands alone. In the last book, the girls almost didn’t secure the store site due to murder. This time, they barely open before…
And before you think all is fun and games, there are some serious relationship issues going on, not to mention some other rather important issues involving clothing, vehicles, and generally, staying alive. Can I say being from Iowa and Michigan makes this book a little scarier and more real to me than otherwise might be?! Will you correctly guess each girl’s choice of man? Tandy really surprised me.
I will have to stop looking down on Tandy for her Goth look. She explains it perfectly:
“Black is the color of coffee. You can’t go wrong with black.”
Marissa is an energizer bunny. “Everyone needs espresso to keep up with you.”
Susan’s character was a hoot!
“Perhaps her pink hair came from being a hot-tempered redhead who’d tried to bleach the color out.”
Other great quotes:
“Why would one need to be vulnerable with God if He already knew everything?”“He drew closer to God to really see things from God’s perspective. And that, my friend, is how I believe you define a man after God’s own heart.”
Finally, you have to find this hilarious one for yourself: “Friends don’t let friends…” A Cuppa Trouble Four.png

A great cozy you will want to devour with EITHER coffee or tea.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Just Read Tours. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.

MY RATING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

angela ruth strong

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about.

Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.

CONNECT WITH ANGELA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a “Coffee is like Sherlock Holmes” mug, “Drink Coffee & Do Good” sign (painted with coffee by author’s cover designer), $25 Starbucks Gift Card & “Drink Coffee, and Read Books & Be Happy” tote.

Angela Ruth Strong's prizes

Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 24, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2019. 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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