by admin | Sep 2, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
With each installment of her Montana Marshalls series Susan May Warren seems to raise the action and suspense another notch. Ford is even more riveting than the previous books of this series and that is saying a lot. It seems that each of the Marshall brothers has chosen careers attempting to keep up with examples set by at least one of their brothers and perhaps to meet their perceived expectations of their father. So it comes as no surprise that Navy Seal Ford thinks he has a lot to live up to and his twin sister RJ may have fallen into the same mindset. Of course Ford still believes that he is responsible for RJ and when he learns that she is in trouble in Russia, he recruits his friend Scarlett and takes off across the world to rescue RJ.
Ford is pretty much nonstop action from beginning to end with danger around every corner. Each of the main characters has issues they are struggling with in the midst of just trying to stay alive long enough to get RJ out of the country. The author introduces a surprise or two along the way as well as laying some groundwork for Garrett and RJ’s own stories. This book was a true page-turner in every sense of the word. I encourage readers to pick up a copy but highly recommend that they begin reading with book one to get the whole story.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.
But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.
Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.
But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?
And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over forty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.
With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three time RITA finalist and an eight time Christy Finalist.
Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”
And Library Journal adds, “Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”
Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.
by admin | Sep 1, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Dangerous Relations starts off with a bang when Shelby Adair arrives at her sister’s apartment for dinner only to find that she has been murdered. After much disagreement about who should take the sister’s baby, the father’s brother and the child’s nanny reluctantly agree to let Shelby take her home only to have someone shoot at her as she goes to her car.
A number of suspects are revealed as the story progresses, each with legitimate reasons to want custody of Shelby’s niece Chloe and to want Shelby out of the picture. Shelby doesn’t know who to trust but the real threat may come from an unexpected source. Ample plot twists and surprises, action, and danger keep the adrenaline pumping as Chloe’s uncle Ryan and Shelby work together to protect the innocent child.
As always, the author expertly blended a riveting suspense with a sweet romance and tied it all together with a journey of faith for the leading characters. I will continue to recommend all novels by Carol J. Post.
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:
He’ll do anything to save his niece…
In this The Baby Protectors novel
When her sister’s murdered, navy man Ryan McConnell insists on protecting Shelby Adair and their niece—especially after someone tries to kidnap little Chloe. But can Shelby trust the child’s uncle? After all, she’s convinced his family’s behind the attacks. But the longer Ryan shields them, the more Shelby wonders if becoming a forever family is their only shot at survival.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog
by admin | Aug 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Recovered Secrets is yet another exciting suspense by Jessica Patch that readers will want to finish in one sitting yet be disappointed that it has to end. Grace Thackery, the heroine was rescued at the point of death and has suffered from amnesia for nearly two years since. Suddenly it seems that someone wants her dead but she has no idea why. As bits and pieces of her memory begin to return, Grace also begins to exhibit some unique skills that have her and her friend Hollis wondering just who she really is.
Fast-paced and filled with suspense, Recovered Secrets held me captive until the very end. Unexpected twists and a perfect blend of action, danger, romance, and faith make this book a keeper in my opinion. I always enjoy this author’s novels and will continue to look forward to anything she cares to write.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A blank memory. A new life.
But her borrowed time just ran out
Two years after Grace Thackery washed up on a small-town Mississippi riverbank, she has the first clue about the life she doesn’t remember: someone wants her dead. And while search-and-rescue director Hollis Montgomery’s determined to protect her, the secrets of her past are darker than they expected. Can the bond between Grace and Hollis survive her true identity…and an assassin?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. You can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on fun adventures (all in the name of research), and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.
by admin | Jul 6, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have found Dana Mentink to be a multifaceted author. It is quite amazing to me how one woman can write such hilarious romances on one hand and turn around and pen absolutely riveting suspense on the other. In my opinion, Danger on the Ranch may be her most suspenseful novel yet.
Former US Marshal Mitch Whitehorse was responsible for putting his brother in prison but unfortunately that brother has managed to escape and is determined to extract his revenge on Mitch. Jane Reyes, Mitch’s brother’s ex-wife and the child she has kept a secret need protection from the brother who is a psychopathic serial killer. Mitch has always believed that Jane was involved in the murders but in order to protect his nephew, he must trust her.
Wow! Danger on the Ranch was so suspense filled that I could not put it down and read it pretty much in one sitting. Character development was excellent, especially Mitch who struggled with judging his brother’s ex-wife while battling guilt for not recognizing (or ignoring) how dangerous his brother was. The relationship between Mitch and Jane developed at a believable pace even for a short mass market length book.
I loved this book and recommend that this is a must read for those who love suspense. Pick up a copy while you can!
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: Danger on the Ranch
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense
Release date: June 1, 2019 |
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After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.
Click here to purchase your copy.
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 thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, Harvest House and Woman’s World Magazine. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. 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, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
We’re kicking off a new cowboy series, but this one is going to take you for a wild ride! Set on a ranch that’s sandwiched between the sea and the hills required me to do some on site research of course! I spent quite a while in this gorgeous area of California, looking for cattle. (You can see the zany results in my video.) I found the cattle, and also the perfect setting for this first book. It’s a creepy one, I’ll warn you, as hero Mitch Whitehorse comes face to face with the serial killer brother he sent to prison….and his desperate ex sister in law. Saddle up and enjoy the story! God bless!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25
Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, June 25
Maureen’s Musings, June 26
Among the Reads, June 26
Quiet Quilter, June 26
Blossoms and Blessings, June 27
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 27
Vicky Sluiter, June 27
Wishful Endings, June 28
Blogging With Carol, June 28
For Him and My Family, June 28
For the Love of Books, June 29
Retrospective Spines, June 29
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29
Hallie Reads, June 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 30
Pause for Tales, June 30
The Becca Files, July 1
Real World Bible Study, July 1 |
Through the Fire Blogs, July 1
Remembrancy, July 2
Reading Is My SuperPower, July 2
janicesbookreviews, July 2
Just Your Average reviews, July 3
Moments, July 3
Genesis 5020, July 4
Lighthouse Academy, July 4
Emily Yager, July 5
Carpe Diem, July 5
Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 5
Bigreadersite, July 6
To Everything a Season, July 6
Daysong Reflections, July 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 7
Texas Book-aholic, July 7
Inklings and notions, July 7
Simple Harvest Reads, July 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8
EmpowerMoms, July 8 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package that includes a gorgeous insulated lunch bag, a copy of Danger on the Ranch (winner’s choice of format), and a $15 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
by admin | Jun 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Memphis, Romantic Suspense, True Crime
MY REVIEW:
I grew up just outside of Memphis shortly after Boss Crump and Georgia Tann’s reign. I remember hearing my parents and grandparents talking about Georgia Tann and even speculation about an adopted uncle who may have come from the Tennessee Children’s Home. We never found out for certain and everyone who may have known are long gone. After reading The Pink Bonnet as well as Lisa Wingate’s novel about Tann, I am thankful that her infamous days of power were over by the time my sisters and I were born.
The Pink Bonnet is a page-turner that I did not want to put down until I reached its end. Although I probably had a bit more interest in it than some due to knowing the city intimately, the story was both poignant and encouraging. I particularly liked how determined Cecile was to get her daughter back, even to the point of placing her own life in danger. Percy was even more inspiration as he put his own life and job on the line when he realized just how corrupt his employer was. It was heart-breaking to learn how these children were taken from their parents and literally sold to anyone who could pay the price with no concern at all how they would be treated. Although a happy ending was doubtful for Cecile, I was pleased with how her story ended.
Those were truly dark days for Memphis but I couldn’t help but think about all the missing children and child trafficking in our current society and wonder if there are powerful individuals controlling that industry today.
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: The Pink Bonnet
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Christian Historical, Suspense
Release date: June, 2019 |
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A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.
How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.
MORE FROM LIZ:
A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series.
In book two, The Pink Bonnet, Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.
How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child? Find out in The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma.
The True Crime Behind the Story
Georgia Tann was a woman who ran an adoption agency in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1924 until 1950. It is estimated that, in that time, she kidnapped over five thousand children and sold them to the highest bidder. She even advertised the children in the newspaper, especially around the holidays. Some of the nation’s biggest celebrities adopted through Miss Tann, including Joan Crawford, Dick Powell, and June Allyson. Learn more about Georgia Tann HERE and visit www.TrueColorsCrime.com for more exclusive content.
BLOG STOPS:
| Just the Write Escape, June 20
The Becca Files, June 20
Livin’ Lit, June 20
The Power of Words, June 21
Christian Bookaholic, June 21
Godly Book Reviews, June 21
Spoken from the Heart, June 22
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 22
For HIm and my Family, June 22
Blossoms and Blessings, June 23
Inspired by fiction, June 23
Mary Hake, June 23
Connie’s History Classroom, June 24
Moments, June 24
Simple Harvest Reads, June 24
Daysong Reflections, June 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 25
For the Love of Literature, June 25
Remembrancy, June 26
As He Leads is Joy, June 26
Emily Yager, June 26
Genesis 5020, June 27 |
Reader’s Cozy Corner, June 27
Carla Loves to Read, June 27
Inklings and notions, June 28
Changed by Him, June 28
Bigreadersite, June 28
Through the Fire Blogs, June 28
Inspiration Clothesline, June 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29
Pause for Tales, June 29
Hallie Reads, June 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 30
For the Love of Books, June 30
Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 1
Texas Book-aholic, July 1
janicesbookreviews, July 2
Older & Smarter?, July 2
By The Book, July 2
A Reader’s Brain, July 3
amandainpa, July 3
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 3 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Pink Bonnet!!
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/e331/the-pink-bonnet-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jun 14, 2019 | Books, Historical, Prohibition, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once again Melody Carlson has pulled me into one of her books and held me captive for a few hours that flew by much too quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed Harbor Secrets, a novel set on the Oregon coast during the turbulent era of Prohibition. I particularly enjoyed this story because my daughter now lives on the Oregon coast and it was fun to learn some of its history through the lives of the characters.
Anna McDowell is a strong, single mother who has been estranged from her father for many years. Returning home with her teen daughter after her father suffers a stroke, Anna takes over her father’s newspaper until he can recover. Most residents are not very happy with a woman in charge of the paper and it doesn’t take very long for Anna to realize that something fishy is going on in Sunset Cove. As she investigates, she also finds herself the center of attention of more than one eligible bachelor.
As the title indicates, this suspenseful tale is filled with secrets, some that directly affect Anna’s life. In the midst of all the action, danger, suspense, and romance is a strong story of forgiveness and reconciliation that led to a particularly satisfying ending.
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:
A Peaceful Coastal Town…Threatened by a Storm of Secrets
It’s 1916 when newspaper woman Anna McDowell learns her estranged father has suffered a stroke. Deciding it’s time to repair bridges, Anna packs up her precocious adolescent daughter and heads for her hometown in Sunset Cove, Oregon.
Although much has changed since the turn of the century, some things haven’t. Anna finds the staff of her father’s paper not exactly eager to welcome a woman into the editor-in-chief role, but her father insists he wants her at the helm. Anna is quickly pulled into the charming town and her new position…but just as quickly learns this seaside getaway harbors some dark and dangerous secrets.
With Oregon’s new statewide prohibition in effect, crime has crept along the seacoast and invaded even idyllic Sunset Cove. Anna only meant to get to know her father again over the summer, but instead she finds herself rooting out the biggest story the town has ever seen—and trying to keep her daughter safe from it all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.
https://www.facebook.com/melodycarlsonauthor/
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