All, Reviews

The Thorn Healer Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Happy Tuesday, Reader Friends!

Thanks for stopping by to check out the blog tour of Pepper D. Basham’s The Thorn Healer hosted by Singing Librarian Books. 

Let’s get started!

Series: Penned in Time
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian
Publisher: Vinespire Publishing
Publication date: December 6, 2016
Number of pages: 327Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian

Jessica Ross’ scars run much deeper than the wounds of war. Determined to escape the ghosts of her past and the German influence on her nightmares, she returns home to the sleepy Appalachian town of Hot Springs, 

NC, only to find the renowned Mountain Park Hotel has been converted into a ‘prison’ for displaced Germans. To Jessica’s dismay, her grandparents have befriended one of the treacherous internees.

August Reinhold has not only found kinship with Jessica’s grandparents, but as they share their granddaughter’s letters from the Front, he discovers a surprising bond drawing him toward the independent and beautiful woman. Displaced by a war and a painful history, he finds Hot Springs and the intriguing Jessica Ross a tempting place to start over. Determined to scale the heights of her bitterness and show her the power of love, August faces more than just Jessica’s resistance but a more devious design to harm the civilian sailors housed in Hot Springs.

Will August’s tender pursuit bring Jessica the healing and hope she needs, or will bitterness force her into the hands of a “true” enemy waiting to destroy much more than her heart?

Purchase: Amazon             Add to shelf: Goodreads

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Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader’s Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, shortlisted for the Inspy Awards, and a finalist in ACFW’s Carol Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. You can get to know Pepper on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.

Connect and follow: Website, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, Amazon


1. Holiday – Christmas
2. Cookie – Preacher Cookies (aka chocolate/oatmeal no bakes)
3. Date option – Nice dinner and then the local bookstore…maybe ending with a stroll through the park or drive through the mountains
4. Tea – sweet, warm or cool
5. Vacation location – UK….EVERY time!
6. Animal – wolf, followed quickly by labs
7. Scripture – (One of my favorites) Ephesians 3:14-19
8. Chocolate – ALL, but I guess my favorite is dark
9. Restaurant – I really like Carrabas, but I’m open for a new favorite
10. Book genre – romance…all kinds
Y’all, I absolutely adore August Reinhold. I had to get that out there before I started my review.

Okay, now The Thorn Healer is the 3rd book in the Penned in Time series. This book has all that you want in a romance: that unforgettable first meeting, the spark of undeniable interest, and that sweet pursuit–on Mr. Reinhold’s part–of love. Be still my romance-lovin heart! The whole time I was reading, all I could think was: Ms. Basham is a historical romance master!!

Her imagery brings the town of Hot Springs to life. Beautiful blue tinted mountains, seen from the point of view of Jessica as she returns. Nostalgia had me sniffing. Then, August’s love of the town of his heart drew me in. I could picture the camp where he had to return each night before curfew. Oh and let’s not forget the smells!!! Pine and fresh soap may be a new favorite for me.

Better than the imagery was the story. Jessica Ross has some deep wounds in her heart and its left her angry, bitter, and without hope. Yet, August Reinhold tempts the joy to come free from the bitter wall she’s encased in. Their story will make you laugh, shed some tears, and smile with unbridled joy. And Jude!!! That sweet, sweet boy had me in tears. I just love the wisdom of a child.

Now, in true Pepper D. Basham fashion, the beloved writer threw in a few heart stopping, anxious moments. The extra suspense and intrigue added another nail biting depth to the already great tale. Thankfully, my heart is still beating and I survived the tumult of emotions she put me through.

As always, I enjoyed the series and seeing a glimpse of my favorite people from Book 1 and 2 made the read all the more sweeter. All this to basically say get your copy of The Thorn Healer and journey to Hot Springs! It’s a great way to end the series and leave you with a HEA glow.

*I give this 5 out of 5!
**I received a free copy from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

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Click to enter giveaway!

3 thoughts on “The Thorn Healer Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway”

  1. Oh Toni!
    Isn’t August swoony? I think he might be my favorite hero from the series….but I’ll need to go back and check with my previous fellas to be sure. He’s such a great example of Christ’s steadfast love.
    I’m thrilled you loved this story!

    Like

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