Blog Tour: STRINGS by Jan Merritt

Contemporary Romance, Romantic Drama, Women’s Fiction

Date Published: 11-21-2025

With a national lockdown looming, a Southern journalist flees north, determined to jumpstart her career in the safety of a Minnesota wilderness, feisty and wary of entanglements, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star.

A pandemic is spreading across the globe. A national lockdown looms in the United States. A Southern journalist sees a chance to protect her health and jumpstart her career by escaping north to a Minnesota wilderness. Feisty and wary of entanglement, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star on his way home.

Robby Song’s career may be on hold, but Grace Wheeler is on a mission to build hers. To Robby, she’s an intriguing challenge. To Grace, he’s a distraction she’s not ready to handle. But the brutal Northwoods winter is coming. Grace flees back south . . . to soul-searching isolation and a puzzling middle-of-the-night call.

 

About the Author

Jan Merritt is passionate about teaching both in the classroom and on horses, but brain cancer changed her life. Surgeries and treatments have left her with a new brain, one that does not have skills to teach middle school English or balance to ride horses . . . but loves to create stories.

Jan lives on the coast of South Carolina with strong ties to northern Minnesota. Growing up was filled with rich but conflicting narratives. Her dad told stories about his pioneering Minnesota family, egalitarian values, and the importance of self-reliance. They made annual trips to family cabins on a lake north of Duluth. But in her friends’ homes back in Charleston, she was immersed in plantation lore, tales of the Confederacy, and exclusive traditions of a social set that she was not born into. She is married to a musician who is also a mental health therapist. They have three children.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/STRINGSJanMerritt

Amazon

Blog Tour: A PROOF OF LOVE by Merida Johns

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/BN gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A fictional story with a memoir overlay as narrator Katie Blake reflects on life in small town America and the principles, influences, and big personalities she wants you to never forget.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, 2009, and the town gossips have their shorts in a twist about a mysterious newcomer who wears tie-dye, colorful headbands, clunky necklaces, and rings on every finger.“Who installs a ceiling fan on a Victorian porch?” cries Ned Boomer, Woodburg’s grumpiest man, and the town gossips concur, “She must be a hippie, witch, or maybe worse . . . a socialist.”

Hell-bent on preventing a neighborhood blow-up, precocious, nine-year-old Katie Blake launches a covert investigation to gather the truth about the enigmatic Rose. But when she discovers a decades-old secret binding her, Rose, and bad-tempered Ned Boomer, her world takes a turn.

Penning a memoir sixteen years later, Katie is forced to reconsider whether the real proof of love was in preventing a neighborhood war or finding friendship and comfort among three unlikely grief-stricken souls who should never be forgotten.

Read an Excerpt

Gram taught me to be independent, manage my anxieties, and have confidence in myself, showing me how to use my imagination to wiggle out of a jam or face the “grim crossroads” when confused or sad.

The first time I cried and lost it over a complicated computer problem, she said, “Be inventive, Katie! What can you do to calm down and think things through?”

We put our heads together to come up with ideas. Gram said she brewed herself a cup of tea when needing a break. Mom worked on crossword puzzles. Dad played solitaire. My one decadent delight was a FatBoy ice cream, and that’s how Gram and I hatched the plan of taking two ice cream sandwiches and hiding them under the frozen vegetables to create my private emergency stash.

“Close your eyes, breathe, take a bite, and replace the leftovers. No one will suspect anything. Our little secret. . .”

About the Author:

At heart, I am a storyteller who writes women’s fiction and stories of courage and discovery, showcasing the protagonist’s journey toward a more fulfilled self.

My passion is writing women’s fiction and exploring the human experience—how ordinary people tackle challenges, endure sorrow and betrayal, wrestle with doubt, and act on their aspirations to achieve flourishing lives. My insight into the power of fiction came during a conference call in late 2017 with a group of fellow life coaches. “What would it be like to help women and men achieve a flourishing life through storytelling?” I asked them.

After that phone call, I got started answering that question. The result was my debut novel titled Blackhorse Road, a compelling story of womanhood and the power of choice, gratitude, and forgiveness, published July 21, 2020, by Coffee Cup Press, followed by Flower Girl (2022), Flawless Witness (2023), and now A Proof of Love (2026)

Before embracing writing fiction, I was the author of health informatics and leadership textbooks. Later, I put my leadership experience to use as a leadership coach, focusing on supporting others to fulfill their leadership and economic potential. My range of nonfiction is available on my Amazon Author Page.

Substack: https://meridajohns.substack.com/
Facebook: https://meridajohns.substack.com/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/MeridaJohns
Website: https://www.MeridaJohnsAuthor.com

Blog Tour: WONDER IN THE GARDEN by Talia Aikens-Nunez

WONDER IN THE GARDEN

by Talia Aikens-Nunez

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GENRE: Picture Book

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BLURB:

Nina loves spending time in her family’s garden, and so does her dog, Nube. They delight in all the wonders found growing there and all the spectacular colors—roja, naranja, verde, amarillo, morado. But mostly they just love to play, as it’s the perfect place for a game of hide-and-seek with its tall corn and enormous leafy veggies. It’s also a place to have the best al fresco meals with Nina’s loving extended family. Exuberant text sprinkled with Spanish and vivid, energetic art that captures the garden in all its glory make this the perfect book for celebrating the bounty of our gardens and the joy of spending a day there, learning, laughing, and lending a helping hand!

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EXCERPT

Every day, I say hi to my world. ¡Hola, mundo! 

And hi to my garden. ¡Hola jardín!

My dog, Nube, say hello too. Woof!

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My Review: A fun, colorful, and innovative way to learn about the wonders of the garden. See what this kid and her dog see while running through the garden. Not does this book show you the fruits and colors found in the garden, but it also gives Spanish words to learn as well.

Just a joy! Who knew the excitement one could find in the garden? A highly recommended book!

Rating: 5 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Talia was born in the great City of New York. She went to Wellesley College for undergrad and New York University for grad school. Through her early years, she wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be an author. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising bi-cultural children inspired Talia to write multicultural children’s books. 

One day several years ago, her son challenged her statement that "brown boys can be superheroes too." She was mortified and crushed that her son could not see himself in fantasy stories like superhero movies. Then she took him to see Black Panther. He never challenged that assertion again and he wore the Black Panther costume for weeks. As she washed the atrocious smelling costume (and the one of Miles Morales several months later), she rejoiced! She was elated that her son felt seen. Those movies provided a mirror for him of his identity. Months later, she was told the story of the Borinqueneers. When she could not find any books for her kids to read about them she knew that she had to write. So, that journey began. 

Talia has authored several children’s books over the last fifteen years such as Small Nap, Little Dream, Escucha Means Listen, and a series of chapter books called OMG. She lives in Connecticut with her two kids and her husband.

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Talia Aikens-Nunez will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Book Blast: ;IGY6 by Dean Sali

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Dean Sali will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

;IGY6 is more than just a self-help guide, it is a beacon of hope for those in the military and beyond. Whether you are a soldier, a veteran, or someone who supports them, this book provides invaluable insights and practical advice that can make a real difference. Readers will find solace in the shared experiences and learn how to navigate the complexities of PTSD towards a better, more fulfilling life.

Read an Excerpt

I didn’t just hit rock bottom, I crashed into it.

Anger coiled in my chest with every step towards the gun cage. As I started to unload my service revolver, the world blurred, like I was watching a movie in slow motion, every sound muffled and distant. Time collapsed into a black tunnel.

Snap out of it, I told myself.

The next thing I knew, I had pressed the barrel under my chin, trigger at the reset. Just then, I heard someone whistling—light and unaware—behind a row of shelving. My breath froze. Instinct took over, and I eased my finger off the trigger, put the gun down. I quickly unloaded it and locked it away.

Holy fuck.

I was drenched in sweat, shaking so violently I could hardly breathe. It was the closest I’d come to using it. I stumbled into an empty office and picked up the phone. My voice was shaking, but the words were clear: “I need help. I’m having suicidal thoughts.” My union rep didn’t hesitate. He told me to call my doctor, to get therapy, to reach out if the thoughts got worse. I hung up and texted Suzanne: 911.

She called back before I could take another breath.

“Dean, are you safe?” she asked.

“No,” I whispered, voice cracking.

About the Author: Dean Sali is a resolute advocate for personal growth, resilience, and inner healing. With a background in the military and law enforcement, he has faced intense challenges that tested his strength, confidence, and sense of purpose. He served on a UN tour in Rwanda in 1994, an experience that deeply shaped his perspective on trauma, recovery, and the human spirit. His journey with PTSD has given him firsthand insight into the struggles of rebuilding from within, and he has spent years exploring methods of healing, including chi exercises, mindfulness, and reconnecting with nature.

Beyond his professional experiences, Dean is a devoted father of four, with a granddaughter on the way. His writing is deeply personal, offering practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement to those seeking clarity, confidence, and peace. Through his work, Dean hopes to inspire others to embrace their own healing journey and discover the strength they already carry inside.

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/0228815371
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/67545013.Dean_Sali

Blog Tour: AS LONG AS YOU'RE MINE by Jenna Jaxon

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jenna Jaxon will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A scandalous mistake…or a wicked way to happiness?

Hoping to compromise herself, Lady Amantha Easton sneaks into the bedroom of her would-be suitor only to find a total stranger there—a totally handsome, charming stranger to be sure—but not at all the man she plans to marry. She leaves his room with her reputation intact—barely—only to fall victim to the gentleman’s charms in a public place. Now Amantha must face the fate she’s tried to avoid—marriage to a man who will never love her.

All Rafael Beauregard wanted was a warm bed and a good night’s sleep…but what he got was an unexpected romp with a beautiful vixen and a fiery kiss that left him wanting more. An excellent trade, except now he’s got to marry Lady Amantha, one of the most willful women he’s ever met. So Rafe’s challenge is to persuade her that marriage to him might be the best thing for them both…once he convinces himself.

Read an Excerpt

“Oh, Raif!” She could scarcely breathe now. “That…feels…so good.”

“I thought it might. You’re awful sweet.” His low, sleepy voice sounded odd under the covers. On the verge of asking if he was well, she lost the thought when he lifted his head from her breast and crushed his lips to hers.

All else forgotten, she wouldn’t have cared if the house burned down around them. His lips were hot, insistent. Then he plied the seam with his tongue, softly urged it to part for him. She had no desire to resist and soon he had buried his tongue deep in her mouth. A tentative stroke of her own brought a growl of encouragement, and she abandoned herself to explore his willing mouth. She did things she’d never dreamed she’d do, with Raif or anyone else. And she only wanted more. “Oh, Raif. I never thought it could be like this.”

He chuckled. “How soon you forget, Jenny.”

“Jenny?” Amantha froze, her blood turning to ice in her veins. “Who’s Jenny?” Sudden anger lit a fire in her, and she pushed him away. “How many women were you expecting in your bed tonight, Raif?”

“What?” The sleepiness had flown from his voice. “You’re not Jenny?”

“You expected me to be?” This was a nightmare. They weren’t even married and Raif was being unfaithful to her.

“I didn’t expect anyone in my bed.” He threw off the covers and fumbled at the bedside table.

“What do you mean you didn’t expect me? We had planned this, Raif.” What the devil was the man playing at?

“We?” A match flared as he lit the lamp, the sudden light after the darkness almost blinding her. She put her hand up to shield her eyes.

“What do you mean, we?” He sat up in the bed, rubbing his eyes. “Who are you, sweetheart?”

The voice, now unmuffled, certainly did not have the superior tone of Raiford Tolbert. Slowly Amantha lowered her hand to find a man with dark hair she’d never seen before peering at her.

Dear God, what had she done?

GUEST POST

What do you think is an important aspect of the historical romance genre and how can it be achieved?

I think one of the most important aspects of historical romance is historical accuracy. A major reason many fans of the genre read it is in order to become immersed in another time and place and to create that immersive experience, the historical romance author has got to get the details right.

I was a history major in college and I’ve loved history all my life, so writing historical romance seemed like a no brainer to me. Fortunately, I also love to do research. I daresay most authors who write in this genre do, else they wouldn’t stay in a genre that requires hours of painstaking poring over centuries old newspapers, diving into websites dedicated to ships’ records, or looking through pictures from turn-of the last century hotels to be able to describe what one of their bedrooms looks like, or to be able to figure out where and how the final huge struggle between the heroine and the villain will play out.

I did all of those things when researching and writing As Long As You’re Mine (and have done so for each of my historical works over the past seventeen years) in order to allow the reader to experience the story in the most accurate way possible. Granted, some historical authors create fictional places for their works, and there’s nothing at all wrong with doing that as long as the places adhere to comparable real places during the time period. (Meaning you can’t have a town during the Regency with electric lights.) However, part of the fun for me as an author is finding the perfect town or village and then discovering everything I can about it. Then when my characters walk down the street, the reader can really see every detail through that character’s eyes.

One of my most thrilling finds while doing research for one of my books was an interactive walking tour of the town I’d chosen for my characters to live in. So in the book, when the house party members went into the town, I knew every step they could take, everything they could see, every landmark they could visit and all the details about it are right there in the book. Another bit of serendipity occurred when I wrote another book and needed an extraordinary outing for my courting couple. And my research of that area told me that there were actual Roman ruins in the town, which was perfect for this couple to go and see.

All of which is to say that this most important part of the historical romance genre is easily accomplished if the author is willing to spend the time it takes to make their settings, their fashions, their customs, and their characters’ actions as authentic to the time period as possible. I remember when the first season of Outlander came out, I read that people working on the show said that setting foot on the set was like stepping back into the 18^th century because of the time and talent that had been put into the production values to make it as authentic as possible.

From that day I have striven to live up to that very high standard. I’m not sure that I always do so, but I know that is my goal and it is the goal of the very best authors in the genre.

About the Author

Jenna Jaxon is a best-selling author of historical romance, writing in a variety of time periods because she believes that passion is timeless. She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all these elements into her own stories.

She lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets--including Olive, an almost silent cat, Earl Grey, a very curious bunny, and a Shar-pei mix dog named Frenchie.

Blog: http://www.jennajaxon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenna.jaxon
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/jenna.jaxon
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennajaxon1.bsky.social
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@passionistimeless
TicTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@jennajaxon1
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jenna-jaxon
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jenna-Jaxon/author/B005CHPBD2
Twitter/X: http://twitter.com/@1jennajaxon

Book Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GS54DPYB/ref=sr_1_2