Review + Blog Tour & Giveaway: “A Match for Emma” by Pepper Basham

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for A Match for Emma by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Match for Emma

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 21, 2019

Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first – class ticket to culinary school in Europe. When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…unt il her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life – long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected. With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

BOOK REVIEW

A Match for Emma is the quintessential contemporary romance with a little Austen, a little Appalachia, and a whole lot of heart. I loved returning to Ransom and the Mitchell clan’s territory for Emma’s story. With subtle nods and influence from Jane Austen’s classic Emma, Pepper Basham weaves a deeper tale of friendship, trust, romance, grace, and even touches on grief and pride through the stories of Jon and Emma. The slow-growing romance has the right amount of tension for the reader to be fully engaged until the promised happily-ever-after!

If sweet friends-to-romance is your favorite story trope, you will love Jon and Emma’s journey. In my opinion, the pacing of the romance and beginnings of attraction is portrayed in the “Goldilocks” just right way. Emma and Jon’s dynamic friendship is what MAKES this story fantastic. Emma knows just how to break through his armor, and he knows just when to “speak truth” (if not always how) to help her be a better person.

I appreciate the way Pepper Basham draws on the power of dreams and incorporates it into this story to emphasize that dreams are worth chasing. Retellings are often fun and insightful, but A Match for Emma draws out even deeper parts of the classic characters and sends them on a unique journey all their own. For instance, grief is an unexpected theme; one that is articulated and experienced by Jon in real-life ways. And, Emma’s own struggle with pride and surrender adds layers to her personality. Spiritual themes are incorporated through Emma’s growth especially, allowing her to recognize mistakes and see how God uses all of the pieces of our lives to make a beautiful picture. The supporting characters, both family and friends (ahem Mama Mitchell!) also offer discernment, insight, and wise counsel to Jon and Emma’s lives.

I’m a big fan of Pepper’s stories from the beginning but there is just something special about the Mitchells that hits home for me and is the most relatable. With plenty of good cooking, cupcakes, Scrabble games to root for, Narnia the talking cat, and a Thor look-alike, this novel has enough humor and heart to keep me grinning for a while. I’m already ready for the next Mitchell’s Crossroads story!

Thank you to JustRead tours for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Reviews of the first two books in series: A Twist of Faith & Charming the Troublemaker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award – winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her most recent historical romance, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge, showcases her Appalachian heritage and family history, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech – language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of choco late, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her upcoming release, A Match for Emma, is the third book in her popular Mitchell’s Crossroads series. Pepper loves getting to know readers and other authors through social media. You may also learn more about her on her website!

CONNECT WITH PEPPER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Paris cube decorative tote, paperback copy of Jane Austen’s Emma, paperback copy of A Match for Emma (or another one of the Mitchell’s Crossroads books, if preferred), a ‘love’ ornament, a mug that reads “You’re my cup of tea”, and Misty Mountain handcrafted soap (made locally) – the scent is Mountain Berries!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 9, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 16, 2019. Open internationally except where prohibited by law or logistics. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

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

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