by admin | Feb 19, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As the plague of human trafficking has become more and more visible in the news recently, I appreciate the fact that several Christian fiction authors have taken the initiative to include this subject in their novels to bring it to the attention of a larger audience. In my opinion Tanya Stowe has done a superb job by tastefully yet realistically describing the horrors of this evil and at the same time managing to introduce a ray of hope for the victims.
Her story features a young domestic violence counselor, a former victim herself, who discovers an alarming number of missing girls from the nearby reservation. Motivated to get to the bottom of it, Dulcie Parker soon finds her efforts blocked at every turn and realizes that there is no one she can trust except for Deputy Austin Turner. Working together the pair finds themselves besieged by danger even as they get closer to unearthing the truth. The problem is, will Dulcie’s dedication to stopping the traffickers lead to her becoming another victim.
I enjoyed Vanished in the Mountains with it’s riveting plot, strong characters, escalating suspense, endearing romance, and strong message of faith. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more books by this author.
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: Vanished in the Mountains
Author: Tanya Stowe
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Release date: February 3, 2021
Click here to get your copy!
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A search for missing women leads to a deadly pursuit.
When domestic violence counselor Dulcie Parker uncovers evidence of a human trafficking ring in the Four Corners area, she’s determined to stop it or die trying. With corruption all around her and killers on her trail, Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner’s the only one she can trust. But can they work together to expose the crime ring before she becomes the next victim?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.
MORE FROM TANYA:
When my children were very young, my husband and I took a trip to Colorado for a family reunion. After the reunion we traveled through Colorado to see the sights. We stopped in Silverton and my sister and I took my young son and daughter down the narrow-gauge railroad to Durango. Riding the swaying train down slopes covered in pine trees with the rushing white water of the Animas River below, I knew I’d write about the area someday. Many years later my husband and I took our first “kid-less” vacation in our motorhome. We stayed in a campground on the Navajo Nation next to Canyon de Chelly. We had no running water or electricity and that night, a storm blew in from the west. We watched the sky change to hues of purple and pink and then sat mesmerized as lightning strikes crossed the magnificent valley. Once again, I planted the scenes in my mind, determined to write about them one day. Little did I know both vacations would combine into one story. I hope you find my memories of the Four Corners area as unforgettable as I did! Blessings!
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 8
Through the fire Blogs, February 8
Lighthouse Academy, February 9
Among the Reads, February 9
Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10
Betti Mace, February 10
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 11 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 11
Pause for Tales, February 11
KarenSueHadley, February 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 12
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 13
deb’s Book Review, February 13
Because I Said So – and Other Adventures in Parenting, February 14
Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 14
Hallie Reads, February 14
Older & Smarter?, February 15
Texas Book-aholic, February 15
Artistic Nobody, February 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Blogging With Carol, February 16
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 16
Inklings and notions, February 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17
She Lives To Read, February 18
Genesis 5020, February 18
Bigreadersite, February 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 19
Labor Not in Vain, February 19
Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
HookMeInABook, February 20
Daysong Reflections, February 20
For Him and My Family, February 21
Fiction Book Lover, February 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
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 | Dec 21, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Another nail-biter from Carol J. Post! Having escaped a dangerously abusive marriage herself, Tia has dedicated her life to helping other women and children escape similar situations. When she inherits a house unexpectedly, she is excited to realize that she will have even more room to provide a place for these hurting women to stay. The only monkey wrench to that plan is the grandson who shows up expecting to inherit the house himself. Because of his own background Jason easily understands Tia’s dedication and find himself sympathetic to her cause and also increasingly drawn to her.
During his stay in Harmony Grove, Jason discovers that he is being followed and Tia learns that her ex-husband has been released from prison. Otherwise despite their feeling that something is not right, life seems to go on normally as Christmas approaches until the situation suddenly explodes.
It took awhile before the author introduced the most suspenseful aspects of this tale as she deftly laid the foundation and backstory. But when the action began, it was intense! Many twists and surprises fill this plot that will keep you turning the pages to find out how things will turn out. I was definitely not disappointed in Shatter the Silence and can’t wait for the next book in this series. Well done!
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:
The hidden wounds bleed the worst…Tia Jordan almost died at the hands of an abusive, cruel husband and carries the scars, both inside and out. She is using those experiences to help other women and children find solace. Right now, her abused women’s shelter is bursting at the seams. When she learns she’s heir to a huge two-story house outside of town, she thanks God for unexpected blessings, until a grandson shows up with another will, threatening to contest hers. For the past several months, Jason Sloan has kept his nose to the grindstone, watching his mother’s cancer treatments dwindle away his savings. When he learns the inheritance he counted on has been left to Tia and her shelter, he’s torn. With his mother and him having been forced to flee an abusive situation themselves, Tia’s cause hits too close to home. All disagreements take a back seat, though, when he and Tia find themselves working together to fight an unseen foe. But which one of them is the target?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.
Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.
To learn more about Carol, you may visit her web site at http://www.caroljpost.com.
by admin | Nov 23, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Second Chance Romance
MY REVIEW:
Carol J. Post never fails to deliver an edge-of-the-seat, suspense filled story and Flee the Darkness is no exception. The first installment of her new Harmony Grove series, the suspense begins practically on the first page and continues to escalate throughout most of the book. Ample twists and surprises abound which was enough to keep me turning those pages.
When a dating relationship turns frighteningly obsessive, Melissa left her life in Georgia and returned to her hometown where she finally began to feel safe. At least she did until signs of a stalker began to plague her once again. To make circumstances even more difficult, her former boyfriend has also returned to town. She wants nothing to do with him – she can’t risk another heartbreak – but she needs his protection and he is determined to help.
Another great novel from Post is complete with action, danger, romance, and faith. I loved watching Melissa grow in her new faith and learn to forgive Chris for the past. I also liked the fact that the author kept me guessing due to the multiple potential suspects as the tale progressed. Can’t wait for book two in this series!
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:
Melissa Langston flees Georgia to escape a relentless stalker, but soon anonymous notes and a menacing figure lurking in the shadows shatter the fragile sense of security she has found in her small Florida hometown. The only one who takes the danger seriously is the cop who broke her heart years ago. She doesn’t want his protection. He let her down at the time when she needed him most, and she doesn’t do second chances.
When Memphis Police Officer Chris Jamison returns to Florida to deal with his father’s sudden death, the last thing he wants is to reconnect with his first love. No way is he ready to jump back into the vicious cycle of trying and failing to meet her expectations. But how can he turn his back on a woman who needs his protection, especially one who still holds such a grip on his heart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.
Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.
To learn more about Carol, you may visit her web site at http://www.caroljpost.com.
by admin | Nov 12, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always look forward to Lisa Carter’s suspense novels and she always hits the mark as far as I’m concerned. The Sound of Falling Leaves was no exception. I feel that I must warn others that this one may be a bit edgy for some readers. With some pretty evil people involved who will stop at absolutely nothing to achieve their goals, the reader will encounter several murders, at least one of which is fairly gruesome. I personally appreciate the fact that the author did not describe the scene in detail because my imagination took me quite far enough, thank you.
I did enjoy learning more about mountain culture, if you could call it that. Some of those mountain folk seem to be mostly uncultured if you ask me. The mountain setting was so vividly described that I could almost see the turning leaves and smell the smoke from area chimneys. Both protagonists took some time to grow on me. Both Tessa and Zeke carried multiple secrets and held them close so it was difficult to get to know either of them quickly. It was fun observing their growing relationship as they worked together to uncover the buried secrets of the isolated community. Multiple twists and surprises kept me reading and a developing romance and journey to faith were added bonuses.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Sound of Falling Leaves and look forward to the next suspense novel by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After aspiring opera singer Tessa loses her voice in a fire, she needs both a place to heal and a way to keep music in her life. She retreats to her aunt’s apple orchard in rural North Carolina to collect folk ballads. But amid the autumn splendor of this isolated Appalachian community, she uncovers an unnerving connection between a murder case and a long-ago disappearance. Tessa gets a glimpse into an almost-forgotten world, encounters a corrupt, small-town political dynasty, and finds superstition and prejudice at every turn.
She’s also drawn to Zeke, the handsome but enigmatic orchard caretaker, who shows her that mountain justice is neither impartial nor just. But battling a conspiracy of silence, Tessa isn’t sure if she can trust him. Yet somewhere in the mists of the Blue Ridge Mountains, evil lurks, and a killer is determined to keep the past where it belongs–dead and buried.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the best-selling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Her book Under a Turquoise Sky won the 2015 Carol Award for Romantic Suspense. Blending Southern and Native American fiction, she likes to describe her suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and teaching writing workshops. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. Visit her online at lisacarterauthor.com.
