by admin | Apr 5, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Jessica Patch is back with a brand new series! Cold Case Takedown is book number one in her Cold Case Investigations series and if it comes even close to predicting the rest of the series, readers are in for some intense and suspense filled reads.
I’m not a football fan myself but those who are will get an extra bonus with this tale that also includes a second chance romance. Nearly every page is filled with action as the danger ramps up with surprises around every corner. I could easily identify with Georgia’s anxiety issues and was quite happy that I was not in her shoes.
This author is a master at creating realistic characters and placing them in virtually impossible situations yet somehow they manage to develop a believable romantic relationship in the midst of it all. That’s what I call talent. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment!
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:
Exposing a murderer is a deadly game.
When cold case podcast host Georgia Maxwell’s investigation into her friend’s decade-old murder unveils corruption in small-town football, she’s thrust into a deadly conspiracy. And it’s put her on the radar of Colt McCoy—cold case unit chief and her high school sweetheart—who wants her help solving the crime. But every clue brings them one step closer to someone who will kill to keep the truth hidden…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense or small-town romance. When she’s not hunched over her laptop, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com.
by admin | Mar 28, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
It seems that each new book by Dana Mentink is even better than the last one and that is saying something because every one of them has been excellent. In her latest, Framed in Death Valley the narrative revolves around an already married couple but boy do they have some obstacles to overcome.
Beckett has just been released from jail after being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Out of concern for his wife Laney, he has filed for divorce thinking that is the best way to protect her until the real killer is found. As can be easily imagined, Laney is both hurt and angry which makes it difficult for her to accept Beckett’s help when it becomes apparent that her life is in danger anyway.
With escalating danger and suspense and a surprise or two thrown in for good measure, Framed in Death Valley is a page turner that I could not put down until the very end. As always, a subtle faith message with a theme of forgiveness and trusting God was deftly woven throughout the tale. Highly recommend it!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: Framed in Death Valley
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational Suspense
Release date: March 1, 2021
Click here to get your copy!
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Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.
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 the Publisher’s Weekly 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 Poisoned Pen Press. 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.
MORE FROM DANA:
What’s up in Death Valley?
As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.
I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!
It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?
BLOG STOPS:
Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 16
Among the Reads, March 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 17 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, March 18
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 18
Genesis 5020, March 18
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19
Betti Mace, March 19
Lighthouse Academy, March 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20
Bizwings Blog, March 20
Texas Book-aholic, March 21
Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21
Inklings and notions, March 22
Remembrancy, March 22
Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
For Him and My Family, March 23
Blogging With Carol, March 23
Older & Smarter?, March 24
Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
KarenSueHadley, March 24
She Lives To Read, March 25
deb’s Book Review, March 25
Through the Fire Blogs, March 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27
Labor Not in Vain, March 27
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 28
Pause for Tales, March 28
Blossoms and Blessings, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29
Daysong Reflections, March 29
Hallie Reads, March 29
by admin | Jan 31, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always know that I may as well settle in and make myself comfortable when I pick up a new book by Dana Mentink because I will not want to move for awhile. Her books are always guaranteed to keep me turning pages as quickly as possible because almost anything can and will happen at any moment. Not only is there ample action, danger, and suspense to hold my attention but the author never fails to create a convincing plot combined with a strong thread of faith. It also does not hurt that a dog or a child or even sometimes both are often included.
Cold Case Pursuit contains all of the above in spades. The villain is evil, creepy, and always seems to be one step ahead even while taunting Penny, one of his intended victims. Tyler was the perfect hero as he dedicated himself to protecting Penny and working hard to solve the case, even after a serious injury. He began by trying to be an encouragement to her but it was easy to see that a more serious relationship was in store for them.I enjoyed reading about the K9 division of the police force as well as examples of how they worked.
Do not allow the sweet cover image fool you into passing this book by. Despite the cute dog and child, Cold Case Pursuit has one of the most dastardly plots ever!
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:
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Book: Cold Case Pursuit
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Click here to get your copy!
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A cold case solved by the K-9 unit…
but the past is not so easily escaped.
Decades after her parents’ murders, Penelope McGregor’s grateful the killer’s finally been identified—until he comes after her. Now Detective Tyler Walker and his K-9 partner, Dusty, must protect Penelope and catch the culprit…while making sure his little girl stays out of the crosshairs. But can the single father outplay a killer whose endgame will leave no one safe?
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, Poisoned Pen Press, and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself puttering around her Northern California backyard. 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:
I love book covers with adorable children on them, don’t you? There’s something so angelic about those wee folks on the covers. I have two bear cubs myself, young adults now, and I love them devotedly. Tell you what though. Sometimes, just occasionally mind you, they were a wee bit naughty. Don’t tell anyone, but one reason I enjoyed writing Cold Case Pursuit so much is that hero Tyler is the single dad of a little girl named Rain who is….er…a handful. Sure, she’s adorable, but she’s prone to disobedience and the occasional tendency to flush things down the toilet. So in addition to the edge of your seat pursuit of a murderous clown killer, there are the shenanigans of a precocious preschooler, a highly trained yet distractible police K-9, and a romance that doesn’t exactly run smoothly. Fun to write? You betcha! I hope you enjoy coming along with me on this True Blue adventure!
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 19
KarenSueHadley, January 19
Bigreadersite, January 19
Through the Fire Blogs, January 20
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 20
Remembrancy, January 21
Genesis 5020, January 21
By The Book, January 21
For the Love of Literature, January 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22
CarpeDiem, January 22
Texas Book-aholic, January 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23
Blogging With Carol, January 23
Inklings and notions, January 24
Fiction Book Lover, January 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Batya’s Bits, January 24
Betti Mace, January 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 25
Labor Not in Vain, January 25
Hebrews 12 Endurance, January 26
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 26
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 27
Lighthouse-Academy, January 27
Older & Smarter?, January 27
Artistic Nobody, January 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Splashes of Joy, January 28
Mary Hake, January 28
For Him and My Family, January 29
Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, January 29
deb’s Book Review, January 30
Hallie Reads, January 30
To Everything There Is A Season, January 30
She Lives To Read, January 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 1
Daysong Reflections, February 1
Bizwings Blog, February 1
by admin | Dec 22, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The opening scene of Rocky Mountain Revenge sets the tone for an action-packed, mysterious, suspense filled tale the kept me turning the pages and fully engrossed until the very end. If this debut novel is any indication of Rhonda Starnes’ talent as an author, I certainly look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Grace Porter has returned to her home town to temporarily help her sister at the family veterinary clinic. It quickly becomes evident that someone would like to see both the sisters dead. Police chief Evan Bradford is the man Grace left behind but he is determined to protect Grace and to help her discover who is behind the attacks and the reasons why.
The plot is well developed with just the right blend of action, danger, humor, and romance to make a compelling story. I liked how an element of faith was woven into the narrative without being intrusive. Although I did have a suspect in mind before the end of the book, a red herring or two had me questioning my choice. Rocky Mountain Revenge is another great Love Inspired Suspense and lovers of that imprint should add this author to their must read list.
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:
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Book: Rocky Mountain Revenge
Author: Rhonda Starnes
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: July, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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To survive her deadly homecoming, she’ll need to trust a man from her past…
Temporarily home to help at her family’s vet clinic, Grace Porter has no intentions of staying—but someone’s determined she won’t live long enough to leave. With both Grace and her sister in the crosshairs, her ex-boyfriend, Police Chief Evan Bradshaw, must protect them. But can the single dad lawman uncover the truth about why a killer’s out for vengeance before time runs out?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rhonda Starnes is a middle school language arts teacher who has dreamed of being a published author since she was in seventh grade. She lives in North Alabama with her husband, who she lovingly refers to as Mountain Man. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Rhonda writes romantic suspense with rugged heroes and feisty heroines.
MORE FROM RHONDA:
Probably the number one question any author receives is “How did you come up with the idea for the story?”
When the Love Inspired editors announced, in February 2019, they were hosting The Great Love Inspired Author Search, I knew I had to enter. After all I’d spent the last six years targeting the Harlequin Love Inspired lines. This would be my fourth time entering one of their pitch contests, my third pitching to Love Inspired Suspense. The only problem was I didn’t have anything new to enter. They’d already seen all of my manuscripts.
I follow the Love Inspired editors on social media, so I had read several posts on themes and settings they’d like to see. One editor had even mentioned Colorado as a setting she’d like to see in a book. This started my wheels turning because my husband and I lived in Colorado for a few months when we were first married. We loved our time there and have often talked about going back one day. I started researching parts of the state that we didn’t get to visit when we lived there, and then I created the fictional small town of Blackberry Falls.
I’d had an idea in the back of my head for while about a story that involved a heroine who wasn’t in law enforcement but who witnessed a crime while on video chat. That’s how I came up with Grace Porter, a veterinarian who had run away from her small-town roots. And what’s a homecoming story without a reunion romance? Enter, Police Chief Evan Bradshaw, the man Grace had left behind. Once I had the opening scene, main character, and setting in place, everything else just kind of evolved from there.
BLOG STOPS:
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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 9
Through the Fire Blogs, December 10
Genesis 5020, December 10
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 11
Simple Harvest Reads, December 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For the Love of Literature, December 12
Lighthouse Academy, December 13
Connie’s History Classroom, December 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14
Reviewingbooksplusmore, December 14
Inklings and notions, December 15
Betti Mace, December 15
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 16
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deb’s Book Review, December 16
Texas Book-aholic, December 17
lakesidelivingsite, December 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 18
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 18
For Him and My Family, December 19
Pause for Tales , December 19
Artistic Nobody, December 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
SusanLovesBooks, December 20
Splashes of Joy, December 21
Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 22
Daysong Reflections, December 22
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Rhonda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Rocky Mountain Revenge!!
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/104a4/rocky-mountain-revenge-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 18, 2020 | Books, Law Enforcement, Love Inspired, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Witness Protection
MY REVIEW:
Texas Holiday Hideout is a good example of why I enjoy Love Inspired Suspense. Due to its short mass market format, the reader jumps into the story feet first and only slows down for an occasional breath or two before the action picks up again. I also love that I can usually get through the entire novel in an evening so I don’t expect a long commitment to it, especially when I’m having a busy week. I am constantly amazed at how the Love Inspired authors are able to condense a story into a limited amount of pages without leaving me feeling deprived. In my opinion that takes true talent.
The story itself is somewhat unique. The heroine finds herself in need of witness protection after her mother’s murder only to discover that she has already been in the program unknowingly most of her life. Now that would do a real number on most people’s trust factor. Her own mother lied to her! Now to stay safe herself, she is forced to lie again and she doesn’t like it one bit. But she would do almost anything to protect her precious young son. U.S. Marshall Miles Avery is doing everything he can to keep Melissa and her son safe and his family has taken them both into their hearts. Can he continue to protect his own heart?
Lots of danger, action, suspense, and romance are in store for readers of Texas Holiday Hideout. Filled with multiple twists, turns, and surprises it is a tale that kept me turning the pages until the very end. Its emphasis on faith and trust was strong but subtle. Another winner from Virginia Vaughan and Love Inspired Suspense.
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:
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Book: Texas Holiday Hideout
Author: Virginia Vaughan
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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When her identity’s exposed, hiding on a lawman’s family ranch is her last hope.
After her mother is killed, Melissa Morgan’s shocked to learn she’s spent her life in witness protection. Now it’s US marshal Miles Avery’s job to keep her and her little boy safe. And with a mole in his agency, the only way to evade the killer is to hide Melissa on Miles’s family ranch…and pretend she’s his wife for the holidays.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Virginia Vaughan is a multi-published author of inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love of writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.
MORE FROM VIRGINIA:
What if one day you discovered you were in the Witness Protection Program and didn’t know it?
This is the premise for my October book, TEXAS HOLIDAY HIDEOUT, which releases this month. My heroine, Melissa Morgan, learns she and her mother entered the program when Melissa was a child. Her mother never told her and, when Melissa witnesses her mother being murdered, she becomes the assassin’s next target. US Marshal Miles Avery steps in to protect the single mom and her son from a killer, but a leak in WITSEC leaves him with little options except to take his witnesses to his family’s ranch…and pretend she’s his wife for the holidays.
So, in celebration of TEXAS HOLIDAY HIDEOUT releasing this month, here are 10 things about the Witness Protection Security Program (or WITSEC) I learned during my research for this book.
- The program is voluntary. No one can be forced to enter.
- You can leave the program at any time—although it is not recommended.
- No person in the program, who follows the rules, has ever been killed.
- People entering WITSEC sometimes keep their same first name and/or initials so that if they mess up and start to sign their name, they have time to correct.
- Since WITSEC is a federal program, many states have their own programs to protect witnesses of gang or street-level crimes.
- If you get married while in WITSEC, you must lie to your new spouse to protect your true identity in the event the relationship doesn’t last.
- Protected witnesses are mostly criminals. Only about 5% are innocents despite the popular trope in movies and fiction.
- Local law enforcement may or may not be notified when a protected witness is relocated to their jurisdiction.
- Divorced, non-custodial parents have had their children hidden from them and now must agree to allow their children to enter the program.
- WITSEC protected witnesses are expected to eventually become self-sufficient. They do not get to live off the government for the rest of their lives.
Did any of these facts about WITSEC surprise you? I’d love to hear which ones. I had a lot of fun researching WITSEC for TEXAS HOLIDAY HIDEOUT. I hope you enjoy Miles and Melissa’s story! Look out for the next book in the series—middle brother Navy SEAL Paul Avery’s story—coming in TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF in March of 2021.
BLOG STOPS:
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Through the Fire Blogs, October 8
Genesis 5020, October 8
Hallie Reads, October 8
Artistic Nobody, October 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Through the Lens of Scripture, October 9
Texas Book-aholic, October 9
reviewingbooksplusmore, October 9
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 10
deb’s Book Review, October 10
The Cafe Scholar, October 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 11
KarenSueHadley, October 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 11
Older & Smarter?, October 12
Inklings and notions, October 12
Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
She Lives To Read, October 13
Hebrews 12 Endurance, October 13
For Him and My Family, October 13
Betti Mace, October 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 14
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Locks, Hooks and Books, October 14
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 15
lakesidelivingsite, October 15
Lighthouse Academy, October 15
To Everything There Is A Season, October 15
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 16
Blogging With Carol, October 16
Book Love, October 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17
Batya’s Bits, October 17
Emily Yager, October 18
Labor Not in Vain, October 18
HookMeInABook, October 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 19
Mary Hake, October 19
Daysong Reflections, October 19
For the Love of Literature, October 20
Bigreadersite, October 20
EmpowerMoms, October 20
Blossoms and Blessings, October 21
Splashes of Joy, October 21
Pause for Tales, October 21
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Virginia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Texas Holiday Hideout!!
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/101f3/texas-holiday-hideout-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 26, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Just Read, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The opening scene of Rocky Mountain Revenge sets the tone for an action-packed, mysterious, suspense filled tale the kept me turning the pages and fully engrossed until the very end. If this debut novel is any indication of Rhonda Starnes’ talent as an author, I certainly look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Grace Porter has returned to her home town to temporarily help her sister at the family veterinary clinic. It quickly becomes evident that someone would like to see both the sisters dead. Police chief Evan Bradford is the man Grace left behind but he is determined to protect Grace and to help her discover who is behind the attacks and the reasons why.
The plot is well developed with just the right blend of action, danger, humor, and romance to make a compelling story. I liked how an element of faith was woven into the narrative without being intrusive. Although I did have a suspect in mind before the end of the book, a red herring or two had me questioning my choice. Rocky Mountain Revenge is another great Love Inspired Suspense and lovers of that imprint should add this author to their must read list.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
To survive her deadly homecoming
she’ll need to trust a man from her past…
Temporarily home to help at her family’s vet clinic, Grace Porter has no intentions of staying—but someone’s determined she won’t live long enough to leave. With both Grace and her sister in the crosshairs, her ex-boyfriend, Police Chief Evan Bradshaw, must protect them. But can the single dad lawman uncover the truth about why a killer’s out for vengeance before time runs out?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rhonda Starnes is a middle school language arts teacher who has dreamed of being a published author since she was in seventh grade. She lives in North Alabama with her husband, who she lovingly refers to as Mountain Man. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Rhonda writes romantic suspense with rugged heroes and feisty heroines.
https://rhondastarnes.com
