A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore

A Child to Bind Them

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Child to Bind Them 
Author: Donna Gartshore 
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: April 28, 2026 
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can one little girl… 
Heal wounds from the past? 

Landing a contractor job at New Hope Ranch finally allows Mitch Cooper to give his daughter, Gemma—who has a developmental delay—a stable home…if he can find reliable childcare. But when therapy horse trainer Aubrey Simpson eagerly offers to look after the three-year-old, Mitch finds himself hesitant to agree. Realizing Gemma is the baby she gave up for adoption, Aubrey will do anything to help the little girl—even spend time with her cautious father. But as unexpected feelings grow, will Aubrey reveal the truth…and risk her newfound family?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Publishers Weekly best selling author Donna Gartshore lives in Saskatchewan, Canada. Donna is so grateful to be able to tell stories of faith, hope and second chances for Love Inspired. She also writes devotionals and the occasional poem or short story. Donna loves time with her family, personal and group Bible study, long chats with friends over dinner or coffee and engaging in discussions about books and writing with her local and online writing communities.

Connect with Donna on Facebook and Instagram.

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My Thoughts

A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore is a special story.  I felt the writing was strong, featuring believable characters throughout. The narrative progressed smoothly and maintained a consistent rhythm.  I enjoyed getting to know Aubrey Simpson, Mitch Cooper, and Mitch’s daughter, Gemma.  I sympathized with Mitch, a single father working to give his daughter a stable home despite her dislike for change.   The story gives us a brief look at the challenges of raising a developmentally delayed child.  The epilogue offered a satisfying ending.  Donna Gartshore is a new author for me, but after reading this book, I’m sure I’ll be picking up more of her work.   A Child to Bind Them is a story that tugs at your heartstrings.  

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Excerpt

Maybe I shouldn’t have stepped in. Maybe that made Mitch look bad in front of the guys.  In her room, Aubrey was pondering what the next few weeks or months would bring for her, especially as the construction and renovations began to move into the areas she worked and taught in.

Her surroundings, as with all the places she’d lived in over the past few years since she’d had to give up her baby, were largely free from personal style and décor. She always tried to keep her living space as impersonal as possible so if she had to pick up and move on, she wouldn’t feel like she was leaving pieces of herself behind.

Her clientele was already starting to dwindle, as some decided they would prefer to start or continue lessons when the reno was fully completed. She knew the Duffys were doing their best to keep her busy and to assure her that she still had a role here, such as asking her to introduce Mitch to the workers and give him some tips about the horses, but there was no way those kinds of things were going to fill up her days.

This was the kind of situation that usually made her start getting restless, start looking elsewhere and thinking about where she could go next that would keep her busy enough to suppress the grief and remorse that never quite went away.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a print copy of A Child to Bind Them and The Rancher's Prayer!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 28, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 5, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Enter Giveaway

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A Child to Bind Them is available from Harlequin.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, Bookshop, and BookBub.  You can find Donna Gartshore's other novels here.   Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, May 5 with Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle.  I am off to work on the next item on my lengthy to do list.  It will take me a while, but, eventually, my house will be organized and it will look great.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway.  You can use the form above to enter the giveaway or click here.  Good Luck!  I hope that you have a glorious weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

I never go anywhere without a book or my kindle.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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

Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post

 Witness Safeguard Mission

Book Summary

A family in a killer’s crosshairs.

A K-9 determined to defend.

When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? With attacks coming from all sides and dangerous family secrets being exposed, can Braydon and Nicole stay alive long enough to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again?

Canine Defense

Book 1: Searching for Evidence

Book 2:  Sniffing Out Justice  S

Book 3:  Uncovering the Truth

Book 4: Witness Safeguard Mission

My Thoughts

I was quickly drawn into Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post.  The story was filled with action right from the outset and maintained that momentum all the way through. I appreciated the unpredictability, as it kept me guessing about what might unfold next.  Meeting Nicole Woodard, her younger sister Maddy, Officer Braydon Feldman, and his K9 companion Caesar was a highlight. Caesar showed intelligence, loyalty, and affection, and he played an important role in apprehending criminals.  

Nicole and Braydon had chemistry, but survival is essential for their relationship to progress.    There is a thread of faith woven through the story, and the epilogue provided a satisfying conclusion that made me smile. Witness Safeguard Mission is the fourth Canine Defense book, but it works as a standalone. Witness Safeguard Mission is a suspenseful story with a murdered dad, a clever K-9, a scared sister, resolute killers, a protective officer, children’s church, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

Witness Safeguard Mission is available from Amazon.  The first three books in the Canine Defense series are Searching for Evidence, Sniffing Out Justice, and Uncovering the Truth.   The fifth Canine Defense novel is Defending the Innocent Target which will be out on September 29.  You can find Carol J. Post's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am a stop on the JustRead Publicity Tours on Thursday, April 30 for A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore.  I am off to get some chores done.  I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

 The Rancher's Unlikely Match

Book Summary

Could her fresh start…
…be the answer to his prayers?

Widowed rancher Ben Wright doesn’t need more complications, especially not runaway goats from the pretty new farmer next door, Jessica Howard. With three kids, a farm and a baseball team to coach, he’s earned his gruff reputation. Jessica left a draining social work career in Houston, hoping for a fresh start and to save her inherited farm from debt—the last thing she needs is a grumpy neighbor. But despite their rocky start, Jessica begins to see past his tough exterior as she spends time with his kids. When old hurts arise, Ben and Jessica must decide…is a future together worth fighting for?

Tumbleweed, Texas Series

Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain

Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus

Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

My Thoughts

The Rancher’s Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer is a cute story.  I like the author’s friendly and engaging writing style.  The main characters are developed and likeable.  I particularly appreciated Ben’s three children, whose presence contributed humor and positivity. The goats and their behavior were also quite entertaining.  I liked the cozy town of Tumbleweed, Texas with its friendly residents.  The romance between Ben and Jessica is sweet and progresses at just the right pace.  While The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is the fourth book in the Tumbleweed, Texas series, it can be read as a standalone.  I enjoyed reading the series, and I am sorry that this is our last visit.  The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is a heartwarming tale with galloping goats, a new neighbor, formulating lotion, baseball troubles, a daddy daughter dance, and, hopefully, a happily ever after. 

The Rancher’s Unlikely Match is available from Amazon.  The first three books in the Tumbleweed, Texas series are The Coach’s Secret Child, The Pastor’s Easter Prayer, and The Police Chief’s Instant Family.  You can follow Jill Kemerer on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release. Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, April 29 with Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J. Post.  It is the fourth book in the Canine Defense Series.  I hope you have a terrific Tuesday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth Bernier

The Bush Tea Murder

Book Summary

Culinary journalist Naomi Sinclair is cooking up a maelstrom of trouble upon her return to the blue waters of her native Saint Thomas.

A new cozy mystery set in the US Virgin Islands, this charming amateur sleuth will enrapture readers of Joanne Fluke and Carrie Doyle.

Food journalist Naomi Sinclair doesn’t expect a side of murder with her passion fruit juice. But when her return to Saint Thomas heralds a series of troubling cases, ranging from petty theft to cold-blooded murder, that threaten her tight-knit community, that is exactly the kind of unsavory treat she must sink her teeth into.

Luckily for her neighbors, Naomi is as adept at solving puzzles as rolling johnnycake dough—a good thing, since her island community, though small, keeps serving up plenty of trouble. With the help of her friends and her crush, Mateo, Naomi must navigate the tumultuous turquoise waters of life in the Caribbean, all as her beloved father battles an illness that keeps tugging her back to her island amid her rising career stateside.

Rich with mouthwatering recipes, lush landscapes, and a hefty dose of fun under the sun, The Bush Tea Murder has all the ingredients to make up the perfect beach read.

My Thoughts

The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley Ruth M. Bernier has a unique concept and setting.  Instead of the main character solving one mystery, Naomi Sinclair solves several mysteries. Naomi is clever and has community connections that are helpful.  I loved the lush, tropical setting of the US Virgin Islands as well as the diverse cast of characters.  Dialogue flowed smoothly and the story moved at languid pace of the islands. 

I liked how the smaller mysteries connected to the murder mystery.  Unfortunately, I was easily able to solve the whodunit before I was halfway through the story.   I wish the story were a little less predictable and I thought the ending was a tad abrupt.  I liked seeing how things fit together and uncovering the reasons behind the mysteries. Overall, The Bush Tea Murder was enjoyable, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

The Bush Tea Murder is available from Amazon*.  If you wish to be notified when Ashley-Ruth Bernier has a new book release, follow her on Amazon to receive notifications. Thank you for stopping by today.  

I will return on Tuesday, April 28 with The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer.  It is the fourth and final book in the Tumbleweed, Texas series. I am off to dig out the shop vac out and sweep the storage area (the compressed wood shelves that disintegrated left what I call "sawdust" everywhere).  I then need to purchase wood for the shelves and cut it to fit. I'm thankful my father taught me to use power tools. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Murder in a Lavender Daze by Daryl Wood Gerber

 Murder in a Lavender Daze  by Daryl Wood Gerber

 

About Murder in a Lavender Daze

 

Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

2nd in Series

Setting - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies Publication 

Date ‏ : ‎ April 28, 2026 

Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages 

 

Emma Brennan always knew that her idyllic California hometown of Carmel-by-the-Sea would be the perfect place to open her very own spa. The success of her Aroma Wellness Spa, gift shop, and café has proved her right. But while the business is located in the Courtyard of Peace, Emma finds herself privy to events that are far from serene—like murder . . .

With its soothing décor and tempting treatments, customers are flocking to Aroma Wellness for more than just facials and massages. Lately, Emma has been booking private events, from spa parties to bridal showers and birthdays. Next on her calendar is something really unique: A “Happily Divorced” party.

After eight years of marriage, Addison Lacey is divorcing her husband, whom she claims convinced her he was Mr. Nice Guy when he was really Mr. Controlling Guy. To kick off her journey toward becoming a better version of herself, Addison wants to celebrate, bigtime. Her wealthy mother, Gianna, a former model turned difficult diva, is footing the bill. . . . But when Emma goes to Gianna’s home to pick up the final payment, she and Addison find her dead in her bed amid the aroma of lavender, with an herbal-infused pillow from the party nearby.

Soon, Addison is a prime suspect. But Emma knows there are plenty of others Gianna rubbed the wrong way, including her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Once again, with the help of her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma is determined to sniff out a killer—whether the police like it or not . . .

About Daryl Wood Gerber

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, and Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense novels, including the well-received Accidental Murder, The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams trilogy. Daryl has published a standalone Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays, and her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also, she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: https://darylwoodgerber.com.

Author Links

 WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com 

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber 

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber 

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1 

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber 

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber 

BLUE SKY: @darylwoodgerber.bsky.social 

My Thoughts

Murder in a Lavender Daze by Daryl Wood Gerber takes us back to Emma Brennan’s Aroma  Wellness Spa (plus gift shop and café) in charming Carmel-by-the Sea, California.  I always enjoy returning to Carmel-by-the-Sea.  It is a lovely setting with kind residents, great shops, and delightful fairies. I enjoyed catching up with Emma and the other characters including a couple from A Fairy Garden Mysteries. 

The author's vivid descriptions made the setting easy to picture.   I thought having a divorce party was a wonderful idea (put the past behind you and start your next chapter with positivity).  Of course, in this town, a divorce party is bound to go awry.  The mystery was enjoyable, with well-placed clues. The ending left me smiling.  There are recipes at the end including one for double chocolate chip cookies.  Murder in a Lavender Daze can be read as a standalone.  Murder in a Lavender Daze is a merry mystery with a gift shop skirmish, an uplifting facial, a murdered mother, calming lavender, a planted pillow, a cute cat, and helpful fairies. 

Recipe for Banana Protein Muffins

Good for You!

All my mystery series to date include recipes. The Cheese Shop Mysteries feature a lot of cheese recipes. The French Bistro Mysteries feature French food. The Cookbook Nook Mysteries have a wide variety of choices. The Fairy Garden Mysteries tend to be tea party type recipes. The Literary Dining Mysteries feature recipes from the era that pertains to the book club book. Some of the recipes I share are good for your health and some are simply tasty.

In my Aroma Wellness Series, the chef for the café is serious about providing food that is beneficial for her customers. Eating the right food, according to Sierra, is vital to one’s stamina.

I can’t disagree. I’m a cook and baker, and I’ve done a lot of research on ingredients that are used in recipes. I like to know which ones are supplying which vitamins or protein or both.

Banana Protein Muffins, a recipe included in Murder in a Lavender Daze, are delicious and good for you. According to Healthline: whey protein may help promote muscle growth, support weight loss, and manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammatory bowel disease, among other benefits.  Protein also provides energy throughout the day. Bananas provide essential vitamins B6 and C, which support blood cell production, immunity, and the nervous system’s health.

Isn’t it nice to know you’re eating something yummy and good for you? Don’t you feel exonerated from guilt? I know I do.  Enjoy!

Banana Protein Muffins

(Gluten-free version of Banana Protein Muffins)

(Yield: 10–12 muffins)

Ingredients:

2 bananas, mashed

2 eggs

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup almond flour

½  cup sweet rice flour

½ cup protein powder, vanilla flavored

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon whey powder

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup chocolate or carob chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with 12 liners and set aside. I like to spray the liners with oil because the protein powder (or any gluten-free batter) can stick to the liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, honey, water, and vanilla extract.

Add in the almond flour, sweet rice flour, protein powder, baking powder, whey powder, cinnamon,  and salt. Mix well.

Stir in the chocolate chips or carob chips.

Scoop the batter into the liners, filling each about 3/4 of the way up. Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.  Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes.

*If you want to make these using regular flour, simply swap out the almond flour and sweet rice flour for regular flour. Measure for measure. Enjoy!

Murder in a Lavender Daze is available at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Bookshop.org, and Website. The first An Aroma Wellness Mystery is Essence of Foul Play.  If you wish to be notified of Daryl Wood Gerber upcoming releases, follow her on Amazon.  Are you ready for a giveaway?  The prize is a $20 Book.org Gift Certificate and your choice of Essence of Foul Play (first book in An Aroma Wellness Mystery), Murder on the Page (A Literary Dining Mystery #1), or Murder by the Millions (A Literary Dining Mystery #2).  I have given you three ways to enter. You can click here to enter, you can enter via the form above, or click the badge floating on the lower right hand of your screen.  Good Luck!  I will be sharing my thoughts on The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth Bernier on Thursday, April 23. It is the first A Caribbean Island Mystery.  I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesay.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

April 21 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

April 21 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

April 21 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW

April 22 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, RECIPE

April 22 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 22 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

April 23 – Bigreadersite – REVIEW

April 23 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 23 –The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW

April 24 – View From the Birdhouse – REVIEW

April 24 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW

April 24 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – REVIEW

April 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

April 25 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

April 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

April 26 – Sarandipity's – AUTHOR GUEST POST

April 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 27 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.