What does it mean to “shape up and fly right” when trust is tested and life feels uncertain? Step into Lily’s journey of faith, discipline, and hard choices in a shifting world.

#Faith #LifeLessons #ChristianFiction

Read more: https://www.annettekmazzone.com/lily-among-thorns-shape-up-and-fly-right-trust-trouble/

A day of darkness is coming—but are you prepared? Explore biblical warnings, spiritual readiness, and Lily's unwavering faith in uncertain times.

#ChristianFiction #BibleProphecy #Faith

Read more: https://www.annettekmazzone.com/everything-ready-in-the-field-hardships-end-days/

Takeover + Review Blitz: A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Brewed Awakening
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Genre: Small Town Contemporary Romance

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She’s built her life–and her late grandmother’s tearoom, Tea Thyme–around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He’s looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn’t matter that she’s ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn’s heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled–Wisteria hasn’t seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship–and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

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

Also Available:

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

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

My Review

There is much to love about Basham’s latest release: the messages of hope and resilience, the beauty of strong, supportive community… the princess-obsessed six-year-old darling named Lucy. The cast of characters (in Basham’s usual style) was hilarious and distinct, and I loved the over-involvement of Wisterian citizens in Finn and Daphne’s love lives. They really didn’t stand a chance. From Granny D. to Mr. Rutherfurton to Pastor Nate to Daphne’s own brother, there was no shortage of individuals eager to put in their two cents (and I mean in the betting sense).

The premise of A Brewed Awakening is so fun, and I am a Daphne girl all the way–give me heels, pink, pretty teacups, and all things British any day. (Although I really want one of Finn’s molten chocolate cakes, if I’m being entirely honest.) Finn was charming as all get out, of course, and his and Daphne’s banter was top notch. I loved the way their shared love for food and their kindness was what ultimately brought them together.

That said, I do have a gripe about the enemies-to-lovers trope here–the physical attraction felt SO heavy and almost lustful at points through the first half of the book, and it wasn’t until they started getting to know each other as friends that their relationship really shifted to include character-based attraction. I get it. They had to hate each other, but simultaneously… want each other? I just didn’t love how it played out on-page, personally. I enjoyed it once better once we got past the halfway point!

Overall, though, I really enjoyed A Brewed Awakening (and want to experiment with some new recipes!) but I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite from Basham. I’m really looking forward to Pride & Practicality’s release, though!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a signed copy of A Brewed Awakening, and winners choice of a Literary Beverage Mug or a Storming Castles mug!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 13, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 20, 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!

Go check out A Brewed Awakening!

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