by admin | Sep 29, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Heart Restoration was one of those books I didn’t want to put down once I began reading it. As a fan of Fixer Upper type TV programming, I loved this story about a young woman in charge of renovating an historic old home after her brother broke his leg.
Unlike a usual renovation, Lisa and Nick, the homeowner, were challenged with secret tunnels, a dead body or two, an old family mystery, and a bit of danger and plenty of suspense.
The well developed plot moved along at a brisk pace with enough action, dialogue, and a developing romance to hold my interest. I loved how skillfully a message of faith was woven naturally into the story as well as the way Nick and Lisa found peace and healing for the grief and loss in their lives.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For interior designer Lisa Reno things go from bad to worse when her contractor-brother falls off a ladder and breaks his leg. Now she has to deal with the past coming back to haunt her, an old house with a corpse in the creepy cellar, and her best friend trying her best to fix her up with any man that moves.
Nick Woodward is willing to do his old college roommate a favor – especially since it involves renovating his own inheritance. The last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone. When he lost his wife and unborn child so suddenly, he had made the decision to keep God and everyone else at arm’s length.
So far, so good.
Ah, the difference a trip to a dingy basement makes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Merrick is a church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Having lived most of her life in Western Kentucky, she dreams of the sound of crashing waves and sandy beaches. Married to her husband of 30-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, Kentucky.
by admin | Aug 23, 2020 | Books, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Craft of Being Covert is the final book in Christy Barritt’s series The Sidekick’s Survival Guide Mysteries. It has been a fun ride with accidental PI Elliot Ransom and her associates as she practically stumbles onto the answers to several serious crimes. In this installment, things ramp up in Elliot’s own personal mystery that her father left behind at his death.
As always the author has managed to combine mystery, suspense, romance, and humor to create a quite readable and enjoyable tale that should delight all readers who love mysteries. Elliot is a multifaceted character whose keen insight and love of her family make her easy to love. Having grown up in another country, her confusion over common American phrases was entertaining.
I enjoyed this series very much and hate to see it reach its end. I am certain that the author will have another equally entertaining to offer her readers soon. Although I began my reviews with the final book, I plan to review the rest of the series asap. Please be on the look-out for those reviews.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Time is running out for apprentice PI Elliot Ransom. She must find the information her father hid before he died or face devastating consequences. She’ll do anything to protect the ones she loves—even if it means sacrificing herself.
As a masked man taunts her, Elliot plunges herself into her father’s cloak-and-dagger world. Mastering the craft of being clandestine is a challenge. In order to survive, she must examine everything she thought to be true.
Will confronting her troubles ruin everything? Or will it provide Elliot’s family a new start? Either way, who would have ever thought being covert could cause such chaos?
Available to purchase for 99¢ or FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”
A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold almost two million copies, and one is currently being developed as a movie.
Christy’s books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.
Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs.
For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.
by admin | Jun 18, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Secrets Resurfaced wraps up Dana Mentink’s Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series with lots of action and a few surprises. With the requisite romance, personal conflict, a lovable dog or two, and cowboys, this Love Inspired Suspense has everything required for a satisfying evening escape.
When Dory Winslow returns to the area on an investigation, it is inevitable that she will meet up with her ex-boyfriend Chad. Their relationship did not end well and Chad has unresolved resentment against her related to a past tragedy. Despite his distrust of Dory, Chad cannot stop himself from running to her rescue and making himself her protector every time danger rears its head – and that seems to happen quite frequently.
The story takes several unexpected twists and turns along the way as what seems to be obvious changes a time or two. It was fun attempting to discover the guilty parties along with Chad and Dory as well as observe the renewal of their relationship as the conflicts were resolved. I always enjoy Dana Mentink’s books and love the way she includes animals as an important plot element. She manages to tell the story without revealing too many pertinent details until just the right point.
Although Secrets Resurfaced is the final book of a series, it easily stands on its own merits. That being said, readers will probably want to also read the previous books in the series to learn the stories of Chad’s older brothers. It is definitely worthwhile.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Secrets Resurfaced
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Click here to get your copy! |
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When new evidence surfaces about a tragic boating accident that put her ex-boyfriend’s father in prison, private investigator Dory Winslow’s determined to look into it. But now someone’s dead set on silencing her. And working with Chad Jaggert—the father of her secret child—may be the only way to survive the treacherous truth about the tragedy that once tore them apart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Sourcebooks. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
Well, it’s been a wild ride through the Roughwater Cowboy series! Here we are at the end, with youngest brother Chad’s story. Fortunately, the rest of the clan (Mitch, Liam and Helen) are here to lend a hand when the man Chad’s father was jailed for killing comes back to life. Helping out also is Jingles the hapless dog, and a new member of the canine family, three legged Meatball. Throw in a killer on the loose and a secret child, and we’ll have a ‘hold onto your hat’ finish to this series. Thanks for coming along with me! God bless you!
BLOG STOPS:
| Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 5
Texas Book-aholic, June 5
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 6
deb’s Book Review, June 6
Pause for Tales, June 6
Inklings and notions, June 7
Just Your Average reviews, June 7
Genesis 5020, June 8
Through the Fire Blogs, June 8
Hallie Reads, June 8
She Lives To Read, June 9
For the Love of Literature, June 9
Betti Mace, June 10
Quiet quilter, June 10
Older & Smarter?, June 10
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 11
Blogging With Carol, June 11
For Him and My Family, June 12
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 12 |
Bigreadersite, June 12
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 13
reviewingbookplusemore, June 13
Reading Is My SuperPower, June 14
KarenSueHadley, June 14
Moments, June 14
Simple Harvest Reads, June 15 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 15
Remembrancy, June 16
Bizwings Blog, June 16
To Everything There is A Season, June 16
Splashes of Joy, June 17
Blossoms and Blessings, June 17
Just the Write Escape, June 18
Daysong Reflections, June 18
Artistic Nobody, June 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline) |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/fc1a/secrets-resurfaced-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Mar 14, 2020 | Books, Historical, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
Meddlin’ Madeline is back again with what looks to be another exciting adventure. I recently had the opportunity to read the first five chapters of Chautona Havig’s latest novel Byrd’s-Eye View. Due to circumstances beyond her control the book is unfinished at the present time; however the first four chapters gave me a taste of what is to come as well as the desire to read the rest once it is complete.
Madeline is determined to put her “sleuthing life” behind her but somehow something always seems to happen to trigger her meddlin’ ways. Her current goal is to improve her photography skills and learn to develop her own photos but something happens to sidetrack her good intentions.
Honestly, Havig’s characters are such fun but these five chapters have managed to frustrate me almost beyond endurance because I want to know the rest of the story and I want it now! I suppose that is a good indication that the rest of the book should be excellent. I surely hope so because I can’t wait to read it! I’m rooting for a romance between Madeline and a certain friend and am impatient to find out if that’s the direction the story will take.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Bird’s Eye View
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Fiction / Christian / Historical / Mystery
Release Date: February 18, 2020
Click here for your copy! |
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If everything looks so perfect, how does she know it’s all wrong?
Madeline just wanted to learn to develop her own pictures. It seemed an innocent enough pastime until she sees something in the developer’s tray that piques her meddlesome curiosity.
Now she’s on the hunt for clues to spare a man’s life, and she might just land her father in hot political waters while she’s at it.
The fifth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series, Byrd’s Eye View sees Madeline back at home in Rockland and determined to stay out of trouble, although that’s not likely to happen, is it?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
MORE FROM CHAUTONA:
It’s Like This Book Didn’t Want to Be!
It’s an hour and a half from my mother’s old house in Missouri to the Springfield airport—a perfect distance for plotting out a book. So, when I had to drive back to swap out rental cars, I decided to work on the early 2020 books. Up first… Madeline #5.
Often when I’m plotting out a new book, the first few minutes are kind of jumbled messes as I consider this plot point or that and get into a work flow, and that day was no exception. However, by the time I hit the interstate again, I’d done it. Madeline would learn how to develop pictures in this one. The plot would revolve around that new skill.
By the time I hit Noel, I’d really come up with a cool book idea. I was so excited. You have no idea. Then, as I passed Noel on my way to the hospital in Gravette, Arkansas, I stopped on the side of the road so I cold turn off the voice recorder and start working on another book.
The recorder was off. All my “brilliant ideas” were gone.
Sometimes, I wish I was a crier. It would have been appropriate right there. Just sayin’.
Determined to record the ideas all over again before I forgot them, I started the first few things, watching the recorder bars rise and fall with the inflection of my voice. It worked great.
The only problem was I couldn’t remember anything I’d come up with. Photography. That was it.
That’s when I called my friend and wailed.
Look, it had been a hard couple of weeks, a rough day, and now this. But, complaining about it offered enough catharsis that by the time I went back to Springfield the next week, I was able to record most of it again. Some of it was actually better.
Little hint: it usually is the second or third round of ideas.
By the time I’d finished, I knew what happened and what havoc it would cause, but not to whom or why. Enter Clark.
You know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about that HERE—halfway down the pageish—and be assured that I didn’t do it).
So, just as I was getting into Byrd’s Eye View, Clark and I met up at Denny’s to figure out how to make all the elements I had work.
My one issue became another one. Why became totally different from anything I’d considered. Who became a great reason for it to make things tough on Madeline’s father, and a previous thing I’d thought was a bit excessive became more so… and more believable at the same time. How cool is that?
There was still one problem, though.
I wasn’t done with the book I needed to finish before I could immerse myself in this one.
And this book needed to be done yesterday.
Look, I had actually considered not doing this book until later in the year. For a few minutes, I wished that I had. But Madeline always comes out in February/March and I’d kind of like to keep it that way. So…
Despite losing my notes, having plotter’s block, having Clark upset everything I’d planned and making it better… again. It’s here. And I think it’s my favorite one yet. Who am I kidding? Of course it is!
BLOG STOPS:
| Through the Lens of Scripture, March 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13
Texas Book-aholic, March 14
Daysong Reflections, March 15
Mary Hake, March 15
Back Porch Reads, March 16
Inklings and notions, March 17
For Him and My Family, March 18
Betti Mace, March 19
deb’s Book Review, March 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20 |
Godly Book Reviews, March 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 23
Carpe Diem, March 23
She Lives To Read, March 24
Bigreadersite, March 24
Lots of Helpers, March 25
Pause for Tales, March 26
janicesbookreviews, March 26 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of all five paperbacks in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f791/byrd-s-eye-view-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jan 1, 2020 | Books, Mystery, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
Jaime Jo Wright writes the type of books I love – atmospheric stories filled with mystery and emotions with characters that I can care about. Echoes Among the Stones is just that sort of novel. A split-time tale set in both 1946 and the present day, the narrative focuses on Aggie Dunkirk and Imogene Grayson who Aggie knows as her grandmother Mumsie.
Imogene’s story begins with the death of her beloved sister and follows her attempts to discover the killer. Aggie’s story begins when she moves to live with Mumsie and takes a job as secretary for the town’s cemetery. As one strange and frightening event after another occurs, Aggie and her new archaeologist friend endeavor to discover how the events are connected and who might be responsible.
I absolutely adored this darkly fascinating story and enjoyed how the author connected the past and present. The plot moved at a perfect pace, teasing me along the way. Characters were well rounded and seemed quite lifelike. The book was a definite page turner and I hated to put it down for even a minute until I reached its end. Of course I was also disappointed that I reached that point so quickly. I am eager for Wright’s next offering. It will definitely be on my must read list.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the author and provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After Aggie Dunkirk’s career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn’t plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene–even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.
Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town’s cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past’s secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden–even if that means silencing Aggie.
In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister’s body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister’s case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She’s also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of three novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and two children.
by admin | Dec 3, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Geneology, Mystery
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MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed the Inn at Hidden Run, the first book in Olivia Newport’s Tree of Life Series so much that I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review her second novel of the series In the Cradle Lies. I love Jillian and her father Nolan as well as their other friends in the small Colorado town of Canyon Mines. The relationship between Jillian and Nolan is special and they work together so well with refreshing and often humorous dialogue.
Once again a person shows up in their lives who needs their specialized services but doesn’t know it. And once again the pair puts their skills to work before they are even asked in order to help their new friend. In this tale, a young man, Tucker, shows up determined to ski an abandoned and highly dangerous ski run. Recognizing his troubled spirit and desperation behind his plans, Nolan, Jillian, and her good friend Kris join together to convince Tucker that he should not attempt to ski the treacherous run. In a parallel story, readers learn the backstory about Tucker’s grandfather Matthew and the secrets that troubled him his entire life.
In the Cradle Lies is another wonderful tale laced with mystery and history that reveals how sometimes family secrets can destroy one’s own peace and joy and how they also affect the other family members. The book has minimal romance but dwells strongly on relationships between family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to When I Meet You, the next installment of this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: In the Cradle Lies
Author: Olivia Newport
Genre: Christian Fiction
Release Date: November, 2019
Click here to get your copy! |
 |
Book 2 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees
On a solo ski vacation in Canyon Mines, Colorado, Tucker has a love-hate relationship with his wealth, spending indiscriminately while skiing fearlessly and preparing to conquer the overgrown slope of Hidden Run, a dangerous run not attempted in decades. As genealogist Jillian tries to uncover enough of Tucker’s family tree to understand his charming nature but reckless resolve, Jillian’s equally charming father, Nolan, cajoles Tucker into giving him ski lessons to get him talking about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s life in St. Louis in the 1930s.
On the surface, Tucker’s family’s history seems too perfect. The secret may lie in the sealed envelope Tucker carries with him at all times—even on the ski slope. When no one can find Tucker to tell him the fiancée he never mentioned turned up in Canyon Mines, they realize he must be off attempting to ski Hidden Run alone in a snowstorm. And they may be too late.
In the Cradle Lies is the second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twenty something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.
MORE FROM OLIVIA:
True confession. I live in Colorado and don’t ski.
In the Cradle Lies includes several references to “How can you live in the Colorado mountains and not ski?” Jillian, a main character in the Tree of Life series, has lived in the mountain town of Canyon Mines since she was two, and by the time she was eight she knew she didn’t want to ski.
I grew up in Illinois, and while my high school had a ski club and somehow found places to ski (I’m not sure where; um, not exactly mountain territory), I was sure I would break something. Arriving in Colorado in my forties did not persuade me to take up skiing at that age. I live at the base of Pikes Peak, not in the mountains like Jillian. I do love the views!
But one of the fun things about being a writer is learning a lot about things you know little about. Enter Google and YouTube. And more YouTube. And … you get the drift.
Some quick facts about Colorado skiing to help get you in the mood for In the Cradle Lies:
- Colorado typically leads the country in “skier days”—days of skiing purchased in ski areas.
- Actually, most people in the state don’t ski. By a large margin. Like 90 percent. (So I feel better and so does Jillian.)
- People visiting the state to ski or snowboard are important to our economy. (So thank you!)
- Colorado has hosted about 175 ski areas since it became a state in 1876. Today, we have only about 30 operating resorts—so there are lots of dormant, lost, and hidden runs like the one in my story.
I hope you’ll check out In the Cradle Lies—and find out why Tucker came from St. Louis to Canyon Mines to ski an abandoned run that put his life at risk.
| Through the Fire Blogs, December 3
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 3
Inklings and notions, December 4
Daysong Reflections, December 4
Genesis 5020, December 5
Godly Book Reviews, December 5
Just the Write Escape, December 6
Pause for Tales, December 7
For Him and My Family, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Mary Hake, December 8
Betti Mace, December 9
Bigreadersite, December 9 |
A Baker’s Perspective, December 10
Hallie Reads, December 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11
Spoken from the Heart, December 11
Older & Smarter?, December 12
Texas Book-aholic , December 13
Blogging With Carol, December 13
janicesbookreviews, December 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
A Reader’s Brain, December 16
With a Joyful Noise, December 16 |
To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of In the Cradle Lies!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f1ba/in-the-cradle-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway
