Death Valley Double Cross by Dana Mentink

by | Mar 29, 2022 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

My first introduction to the books of Dana Mentink was through her Love Unleashed contemporary romance series. I enjoyed her writing as well as her humor in those books and was a bit surprised when asked to review one of her Love Inspired Suspense novels. What a versatile author! She is an expert when it comes to suspense. I think I have managed to read a copy of every one of her LIS books since and have never been disappointed.

Death Valley Double Cross takes readers back to Furnace Falls for yet another exciting, nonstop. action-packed, suspense filled tale. An unexpected encounter with the man she left at the alter is just the beginning of a life threatening experience for Pilar Jefferson. One surprise after another and more twists than one can imagine follow Pilar and Austin as they attempt to stay one step ahead of the person who will do anything to find the hidden money from an old robbery. Working together is awkward but there is no other choice.

A story of second chances, forgiveness, and faith, Death Valley Double Cross offers a chance to catch up with old friends from the previous books of the series and make a few new ones. Easily a standalone, this book is even better after reading the others.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Death Valley Double Cross

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Suspense

Release date: February 22, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

A killer seeking revenge will stop at nothing to get it…

Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison—and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe—and escape an assassin?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over fifty 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. 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 remember standing on the edge of the lookout and gazing into the wonder that is Artist’s Palette in Death Valley. Artist’s Drive, which takes you to this breathtaking view, rises above Badwater Basin (the lowest spot in North America) and then meanders along twisting canyons and hills until it brings you to this popular tourist stop. The premier view is a place called Artist’s palette. It’s a sprawling pocket of color, hues of rose, ochre, green and gold tucked in the rippling landscape and teased to life by the desert sun. Isn’t that just like God? To lead us to surprises and wonders that await us in a sometimes hostile world? Every day we spent in Death Valley held a surprise, from the rocks that move mysteriously across the sands to the towering twists and turns of 20 Mule Team Canyon. There are only two things to do with a wonderous place like that…enjoy the divine bounty, and write a novel set there so others can come along!

I hope you will enjoy this third installment in the Desert Justice series. The first is Beckett’s story and then we had quiet cowboy Levi’s adventure. Now it’s brash pilot Austin’s turn. Will he get his happy ending after being dumped at the altar and wrecking his shoulder in an accident? Turn those pages and come with me to Death Valley to find out!

BLOG STOPS:

 

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 29

Daysong Reflections, March 30

Texas Book-aholic, March 30

Lighthouse academy, March 31

Inklings and notions, March 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 1

Betti Mace, April 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 2

Pause for Tales, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 3 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, April 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 6

Life, Love, Writing, April 6

Bigreadersite, April 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 7

Bizwings Blog, April 8

For the Love of Literature, April 8

Blogging With Carol, April 9

HookMeInABook, April 9

Simple Harvest Reads, April 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Paula’s Persuasion, April 10

Blossoms and Blessings, April 11

Sodbuster Living, April 11

Labor Not in Vain, April 12

Through the fire blogs, April 12

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of the first three books in the series (Paperback for U.S. Only) 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/1c112/death-valley-double-cross-celebration-tour-giveaway

Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill

by | Mar 25, 2022 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Although I am a booklover who enjoys most genres of Christian fiction, my top two favorites are historical and suspense. It is indeed a special bonus when a historical romance includes a suspense filled plot as this book does. Counterfeit Love is the debut novel by author Crystal Caudill. I am excited to announce that I will now be adding yet another author to my must read list. How will I ever keep up?

Counterfeit Love met all my requirements for a good book. Its plot moves along at a steady pace with more than enough twists and surprises to keep me turning those pages. Characters are strong and realistic with believable reactions to their circumstances. The romance seems natural and progresses at a convincing speed. The author is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects and does so with grace. Interesting historical facts played an essential role in the story and added to its interest.  

I also liked the authenticity of the faith aspect of the story. It was easy to relate to both Theresa and Broderick’s struggles. Faith, forgiveness, and redemption are major themes woven seamlessly throughout the plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed Counterfeit Love and look forward to the next installment of the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Audra Jennings PR. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves–or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he’s been sent to track down?

After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name–and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors’ threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn’t all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home–and the truth.

After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiance is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career–but that’s better than failing her twice in one lifetime.

They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there’s no question they’re both still keeping secrets–and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.

To read an excerpt of Counterfeit Love click here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. Counterfeit Love is her debut published novel.

Caudill says that reading and writing are part of her soul and have been since she first held a crayon. While she considered writing to be an escape from challenges and struggles and a way to keep her sanity, Caudill would come to recognize that God used it as a teaching tool. “The stories came through my fingertips, but they were marked with His fingerprints,” she shares.

As she delved into history and crafted her own stories of hope through danger, Caudill would answer the call to pursue writing as a career after her first writer’s conference. “My stories are still filled with danger, struggle, and history, but they are also permeated with the hope and love of Christ. I hope they are dangerously good. Good for the heart and for the soul.”

She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Find out more at crystalcaudill.com or find her on Facebook (@crystalcaudillauthor) and Instagram (@crystalcaudillauthor).

You can also join fellow readers in Crystal Caudill’s Reading Friends group on Facebook. 

GIVEAWAY:

 

Texas Christmas Revenge by Connie Queen

by | Nov 22, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Texas Christmas Revenge by Connie Queen hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Texas Christmas Revenge is an action packed mystery suspense with a strong romantic element added for good measure. Another second chance romance novel, emergency dispatcher Brandi Callahan must turn to her ex-fiance Texas Ranger Rhett Kincaid for help after receiving a cryptic message from a person who seems to be her missing and assumed dead sister.

The fast paced plot moves from one dangerous scene to another from the very start as Brandi and Rhett do everything they can to protect the toddler Brandi believes to be her nephew, even as the threat to their own lives continues to escalate.

Another suspense filled offering from Love Inspired Suspense, Texas Christmas Revenge kept me turning the pages on my tablet as quickly as I could read them. I enjoyed the many twists and turns as well as surprises along the way and was quite satisfied with the resolution to the mystery.

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I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

An abandoned little boy is the only clue to a killer’s dangerous holiday plot…

Certain a desperate 911 caller is her presumed-dead sister, emergency dispatcher Brandi Callahan follows the cryptic message to a terrified toddler…and an armed assailant. Now Brandi will do anything to protect the boy—even if it means asking her ex-fiancé, Texas Ranger Rhett Kincaid, for help. But can Brandi and Rhett stop this killer before he exacts his terrible Christmas vengeance?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn’t until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Texas with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

 

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink

by | Nov 7, 2021 | Alaska, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Dogs, K-9 Unit, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I make it a point to read every book Dana Mentink publishes. I love how well she manages to write a suspense filled plot complete with characters I would love to get to know. Her villains are usually either unexpected or somewhat demented. I especially love that I will find at least one dog in every book and each of those dogs has his own unique personality. What’s not to love about her books?

Yukon Justice more than lived up to my expectations. It’s setting of a reindeer rescue ranch offered a bit of an education about reindeer with several facts that will be new to many readers. The featured K-9 Unit dog Ella was a fun combination with several quirky habits yet totally on the job when working.

Katie and Brayden’s relationship was somewhat strained due to past issues but working together might just change that. As they encountered one dangerous situation after another Brayden’s focus changed to wanting to protect Katie at all costs. Could she give up enough independence to let him help?

Another great offering from this author. Can’t wait to read the next book in the 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: Yukon Justice

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 26, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Sabotage on a family ranch…

Newfoundland Ella and her Alaska State Trooper partner is on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

 

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  and Amazon bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

MORE FROM DANA:

Up on the housetop, click, click, click, down through the chimney with good St. Nick. Does anyone know that line from the famous Christmas song? I’ve been singing it for years but only recently did I learn that the clicking is a real reindeer phenomenon. Those reindeer ankle joints make a clicking sound so they can find the rest of their herd if they are separated in a blizzard. It’s just one of the many things I learned about reindeer while researching to write Yukon Justice. In the novel, Katy has to take over running her aunt’s reindeer ranch and protect it from threats by a dangerous intruder. I had the pleasure of “Zoom” interviewing the owner of the Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, Alaska! Jane helped me learn all kinds of interesting things about reindeer. How much do you know about these critters? Take my quick three question trivia quiz to test your knowledge!

1. What’s the difference between caribou and reindeer? They are the same animal but caribou are the wild variety and the domesticated version are called reindeer.

 

2. Do males or females grow antlers? Both! Reindeer are a type of deer and the only species where the female grows antlers as well as the males.

 

3. How come kids put out carrots for Santa’s reindeer? Good question! Carrots are not, in fact, part of a natural healthy reindeer diet. The animals don’t even have front teeth! A much better treat would be willow or birch leaves, or their favorite food…lichen, which they find by scraping the snow away from the ground with their hooves.

 

So how did you do? If you want to know more about these amazing creatures, snag yourself a copy of Yukon Justice!

BLOG STOPS:

 

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 6

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 7

Gina Holder, November 7 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, November 8

Daysong Reflections, November 8

Genesis 5020, November 8

For Him and My Family, November 9

Lighthouse-Academy, November 9

Bigreadersite, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10

Remembrancy, November 10

Betti Mace, November 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 11

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 12

Blogging With Carol, November 13

To Everything There Is A Season, November 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 14

Simple Harvest Reads, November 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 15

Vicarious Living, November 15

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 16

Blossoms and Blessings, November 16

Bizwings Blog, November 16

She Lives To Read, November 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 17

Splashes of Joy, November 18

Through the Fire blogs, November 18

Kayem Reads, November 18

Labor Not in Vain, November 19

Pause for Tales, November 19

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 19

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book OR signed copy of the book (U.S. Only)!!

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/12f8a/yukon-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Personal Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson

by | Oct 18, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

 MY REVIEW:

Personal Threat is the exciting conclusion of the Protection, Inc. series by Kimberly Rose Johnson. Set during the Christmas season, this book is quite the appropriate read as our own holiday season is quickly approaching.

Having read the previous books of this series, I enjoyed reading about familiar characters and catching up with what was going on in their lives. I also enjoyed reading Sally’s own story that revolved around a threat to her adopted daughter, Emma. Repeated attempts by Emma’s biological father to snatch Emma made it clear that both Sally and Emma were under increasing danger. Police officer Dillon Brady was determined to protect them, even though Sally’s experience as a bodyguard convinced her that she really didn’t need his help. After all, she knew from previous relationships that men could not be trusted.

The plot of Personal Threat moved along at a steady pace with ample action, danger, suspense, and a developing romance to hold the interest of most readers. The relatively short book can be easily be read in one evening. I loved the family type relationship the members of the team had with each other and the way they had each other’s back. A fitting end to a good series, Personal Threat is a book I would be happy to recommend.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: Personal Threat

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christmas

Release date: September 21, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Bodyguard Sally Wilson has become the target. Can she save her own life as well as her daughter’s?

Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but when Sally’s young daughter, Emma, becomes the target of child traffickers, and the little girl’s biological father wants Sally dead, the Christmas season takes a dark turn.

Police officer, Dillon Brady, responds to a call for help at the home of his friend and Protection Inc. bodyguard, Sally Wilson. When their relationship tips beyond friendship, Dillon is determined no one will hurt Sally or her daughter again. Will his resolve be enough?

Sally is drawn to Dillon. He’s a natural with Emma and appears to care about both of them. Sally’s been fooled before by a man she believed loved her, but what if it’s an act? Can Sally learn to trust again and follow her heart, or will Dillon get relegated to the friend zone?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery and suspense with a heart.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

MORE FROM KIMBERLY:

Every year since I signed the contract for my debut novel, a book set at Christmastime, I have made it a goal to write a Christmas book, usually a novella. This year, Personal Threat is that book.

I wrapped up the series with Personal Threat. My husband came up with the title for this one because the threat in this book is very personal for one of the Protection Inc. team members.

We first met Sally in book two of the series and it seemed only fitting she starred in a book of her own. We also get to know Dillon better in this book which for me was super fun to write. He’s played an important and growing role as the series has progressed and is one of my favorite characters in the series.

BLOG STOPS:

 

CarpeDiem, October 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 15

Worthy2Read, October 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 16

Bigreadersite, October 16

Blossoms and Blessings, October 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 18

Betti Mace, October 19

Daysong Reflections, October 19

An Author’s Take, October 20

The Sacred Line, October 20

Inklings and notions, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 21

Blogging With Carol, October 22

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

deb’s Book Review, October 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 26

Mary Hake, October 26

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 27

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/12297/personal-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Cold Case Double Cross By Jessica Patch

by | Aug 24, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Cold Case Double Cross is another page-turner from Jessica L. Patch. Its pages are filled with enough action and suspense to hold the attention of most readers until the very end.

Cash Ryland has convinced cold case investigator Mae Vogel to help him prove his brother’s innocence in a murder case. He believes his brother was wrongly convicted and hopes Mae can overlook their own past long enough to find the real killer. It doesn’t take very long for them to discover that someone does not want them to find the answers and their very lives are in danger.

As always, I enjoyed this latest offering from Patch that included a second chance romance blended into a riveting suspense along with a strong message of faith and forgiveness. I don’t remember ever reading a book that featured a character with dyslexia and I found his struggles with self-esteem due to his handicap to be enlightening. I love how this author manages to cram so much content into a limited number of pages.

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:

They’re on a cold trail
and running out of time.

Convinced his brother was wrongly convicted of murder years ago, detective Cash Ryland’s determined to find the real killer—even if it puts him in the crosshairs. But he needs help from cold case investigator Mae Vogel, whom he mistreated in high school. Can they put their past aside to solve the murder…before the killer succeeds in silencing them for good?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cold Case Investigators

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists. When she’s not hunched over her laptop, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by 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.