by admin | Mar 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Just when Harper has settled in well at Derrick’s grandfather’s home in Maryland and she and the old man are becoming quite close, the author kicks the story up a notch and sends them on the run after the particularly disturbing events of one evening. It is evident that someone is out to get Harper or at least point the finger at her for murder and she can think of nothing but protecting Red. Derrick is beginning to show his true colors and Harper does not trust him – even with his own grandfather. As they hide out in a small New Hampshire town, their landlord finds himself becoming involved with Harper and Red against his better judgement.
Although the first book in this series left readers with a serious cliffhanger, the author does not disappoint in the fast-paced Beauty in Hiding. Action and danger abound as Harper does everything she can to keep herself and Red safe. It’s also fun to watch a romance develop between Harper and Jack despite their best efforts to avoid it.
Great suspense series that had its hold on me by this second installment. Once again – get the entire series before you begin reading because you will not want to stop until the end.
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:
Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series:
Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects her to those two dead men.
Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.
Jack Rossi isn’t sure what to make of his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something’s not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they’re trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.
Derrick, Harper’s ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.
Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If Harper can’t trust Jack with the truth, she may lose more than just this glimpse of true love. She may lose her freedom—or her life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website | Facebook | Twitter
by admin | Mar 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The first book in Robin Patchen’s Beauty in Flight series (with the same title) is a quick read due to its short length and could actually be considered a novella. The book introduces Harper Cloud, a young woman who has attempted to rebuild her life after a stint in prison. Loving her work with the elderly, she tries to ignore the feelings that she is being watched but a close call convinces her to accept a job taking care of her new boyfriend’s grandfather in Maryland. Is a second chance really possible for Harper or will her past catch up with her?
Overall I thought Beauty in Flight was a good read with enough suspense to keep it interesting. The characters were realistic and relatable. The author managed to drop a few clues along the way which left me with some doubts about one particular character. Some readers have complained that there was not enough Christian content but as this is a series, I anticipate that readers will see that particular topic expand in later installments.
I was able to read the entire series in order during a short span of time so the fact that I was left hanging at the end of this installment was not as frustrating as it might have been if I was forced to wait on the next book in the series. My advice would be to read all three books one after the other if possible. In my opinion, the three books could easily have been published as one.
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:
Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction now slams them shut.
Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can’t entice her away. She’s trusted men before, and look where that got her.
She tries to brush off the feeling that she’s being watched. She won’t allow a baseless paranoia to derail her life. But when she’s followed home one night, her pursuer gets within a hair’s breadth of grabbing her. She knows it’s time to get away from Las Vegas.
Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.
But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down–and take Harper with him.
Can there be a second chance for someone like her?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Patchen to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.
CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website | Facebook | Twitter
by admin | Feb 22, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Fatal Homecoming is a fast-paced suspense with more than enough action and danger to keep even the most avid suspense fan glued to its pages. I really enjoyed reading about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for a change of pace.
Well rounded characters and a riveting plot keep me reading until the end. I also liked the way the author managed to weave a strong spiritual message into the story through conversations between the primary characters who found that depending on God was all that would get them through the increasing threats to their lives.
I liked this book enough to inspire me to look for more by this new-to-me author. I hope to enjoy another of her books in the near future.
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:
| Title: Fatal Homecoming
Author: Stacey Weeks
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release date: February 5, 2019
Publisher: Write Integrity Press
Click here to purchase your copy!
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It was murder. She was sure. And that assurance could cost her life.
Undercover RCMP officer Rick Chandler poses as a detective in the small town of Chenaniah River. He is investigating the possibility of a corrupt police force when Jessie returns to bury her brother, and she refuses to believe evidence that point to her deceased brother’s involvement in drug trafficking. Soon, the same person that murdered her brother targets her. Can Rick help Jessie dodge bullets, escape fires, and exonerate her brother before the attacks escalate?
Jessie Berns has returned to her hometown to find answers about her brother’s suspicious death. With the help of an old friend, Detective Rick Chandler, they pursue a truth that someone is willing to do anything to keep hidden—even kill again. They uncover decades-old secrets that expose hidden sins and threaten the lifestyles of high-powered people in their small town.
As they close in on the devious mastermind manipulating the community, it becomes frighteningly clear to Rick that Jessie is not the one calling the shots in her amateur investigation. She is the killer’s new target.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stacey Weeks: My primary ministry in life crowds around my dining room table like a ravenous herd every night. My husband and children are both my greatest blessing and greatest ministry opportunity. Caring for them is a privilege bestowed upon me as wife and mother.
I believe God simultaneously called Kevin and me into ministry. Kevin’s calling was clear – he is a pastor. I, on the other hand, took years to recognize the specific areas in which I was equipped and called serve. I believe that God has called me to meet Kevin’s needs, to meet the needs of our children, and to serve Him personally.
GUEST POST FROM STACEY WEEKS:
A Pile of Stones
Often, the things I am studying in the bible make their way into my novels. At the time of writing Fatal Homecoming, I was reading the book of Joshua.
In Joshua chapter four, Joshua describes the pile of stones the Israelites built as a memorial to God. Those stones were evidence of the Lord’s provision for them. The monument was a reminder to future generations that God had delivered his people.
In Fatal Homecoming, Jessie needs to remember God’s provision. She wears a unique pendant passed down through the women of her family. Her necklace is comprised of river stones that represent the rocks from Joshua. They are to remind that God always meets His children in their moment of need.
Shortly after writing this necklace into Fatal Homecoming crisis struck a good friend of mine. As our church gathered around a suffering family to love and support them in their time of need, I decided to make a real pendant of stones to give to my friend to remind her and to remind me that God meets every need in His time and in His way.
The pendant of stones can be strung on a necklace or keychain. It is more than words on paper and more than a pile of rocks strung on a string. It was a reference point. They mark where God gave me a story to share so that others may know and believe.
If you are the lucky winner of this pendant of stones, I pray that every time you look at it, touch it, and feel the weight of it around your neck that you will remember to believe that your God is good. Always.
Stacey has also gifted all the blog readers with a short story to download. Enjoy!
Click here to download.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14
Carpe Diem, February 14
Real World Bible Study, February 15
Blogging With Carol, February 15
Multifarious, February 16
Mary Hake, February 16
Bibliophile Reviews, February 17
Bukwurmzzz, February 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 18
Maureen’s Musings, February 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 19
Texas Book-aholic, February 19
Through the Fire Blogs, February 20
Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 20 |
Quiet Quilter, February 21
Inklings and Notions, February 21
Daysong Reflections, February 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22
As He Leads is Joy, February 23
Simple Harvest Reads, February 23 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Spoken from the Heart, February 24
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 24
EmpowerMoms, February 25
Janices book reviews , February 25
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 26
Bigreadersite , February 26
A Baker’s Perspective, February 27 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Stacey is giving away a grand prize of a beautiful handmade necklace (May vary from picture)!!
Be sure to enter the giveaway for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/da8a/fatal-homecoming-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Ashley Dawn’s Shadow series is a suspense-filled series that grew on me as I read it. Romantic suspense that offers the reader plenty of twists and turns with surprises around every corner, the entire series will hold the reader in its grip until the very last sentence.
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:
Revenge is sweet…unless you are on the receiving end of it.
“Do you know of anyone who would want…you dead?”
Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he wasn’t sure there were any rules…
“…I need you.”
Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light.
As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom?
Only God can save them from this unknown killer…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent’s office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.
Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has four published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.
Social Media:
www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn
www.ashleydawn-author.com
https://twitter.com/authoradawn
by admin | Nov 27, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, New Orleans, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Robin Caroll’s books since I first discovered her early Love Inspired Suspense novels. I have since then made it a point to at least try to read her latest as soon as it was released. I have been fortunate to receive review copies of many of them. Stratagem was not a disappointment. In fact the author seems to have upped her game. This one left me in suspense and guessing the murderer until the very end.
Readers who are also fans of the popular escape rooms that seem to be springing up everywhere should particularly enjoy this book. A similar concept is used by a business that develops adventure games to help companies in their team-building efforts but this time things go terribly wrong and one of the team members is found dead. She just happens to be the ex-wife of Grayson Thibodeaux, one of the partners in the game development business. When investigators decide that her death was murder, Grayson becomes the primary suspect and even his detective friend cannot help him.
The plot of Stratagem was filled with twists and surprises from beginning to end. Strong characters were well-developed and all essential to the story. I felt as though I was present at the investigative sessions which helped me learn more about each character. I was not overly fond of the female detective but as the story progressed I was better able to understand why she reacted so strongly to the situation. I was fascinated by the process developed for the adventure games but would personally not want to work for a company that invaded the privacy of its employees to such a degree. A strong theme of faith and forgiveness permeates this highly emotional book which I appreciated.
I look forward to this author’s next book and can’t wait to see what twisted plot she comes up with for her readers.
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: StratagemAuthor: Robin Caroll
Genre: Christian Suspense
Release Date: November, 2018 |
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A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
You can find out more about Robin by visiting www.robincaroll.com.
GUEST POST FROM ROBIN:
Behind the Scenes: Robin Caroll Shares Her Inspiration for Writing Stratagem
Dear Reader,
Thank you for journeying to New Orleans in a web of deceit and confusion with me. Sharing a place that has such connection for me was a pure joy. South Louisiana offers such a laid-back attitude that I often miss “home.” I hope you’ll enjoy sampling a taste of the flavor of Louisiana.
Years ago I watched the movie The Game with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn and was enthralled. There’s just something grabbing about messing with a person’s mind and life by using their own feelings and instincts against them. When this story of Stratagem first began forming, I wanted to use all that intrigue to mess up the game master’s life. The end result is quite the ride!
As the characters came alive to me, I found the theme of forgiveness and acceptance coming out in the story. Some of the emotions within this story are very personal to me, and I’m honored I was able to share them with you. It is my wish that you may be touched by Grayson’s faith journey as well.
Until next time. . .
-Robin
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 17Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17Midnight Bookaholic, November 17
Back Porch Reads, November 18
Rebekah’s Quill, November 18
Real World Bible Study, November 18
By The Book, November 19
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 19
Genesis 5020, November 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 19
Lighthouse Academy, November 20
Inklings and notions, November 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 21
Splashes of Joy, November 21
Moments, November 21
Just the Write Escape, November 22
Mary Hake, November 22
Simple Harvest Reads, November 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, November 22
Aryn The Libraryan , November 23
Multifarious, November 23 |
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23Bibliophile Reviews, November 24
Remembrancy, November 24
amandainpa, November 24
Margaret Kazmierczak, November 25
Pause for Tales, November 25
Book by Book, November 25
Livin Lit, November 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 26
Baker kella, November 26
Daysong Reflections, November 27
Texas Book-aholic, November 27
Painting with Words, November 28
Maureen’s Musings, November 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28
Janices book reviews, November 29
Carpe Diem, November 29
A Baker’s Perspective, November 29
Godly Book Reviews, November 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 30
Reader’s Cozy Corner, November 30 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Stratagem!!
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/d629/stratagem-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Nov 11, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Oh my, another author to add to my “must read” list! I suspected that after reading Lynn Blackburn’s first novel in this series Beneath the Surface but In Too Deep definitely confirmed it for me. The author combines compelling mystery and suspense with engaging characters, a touch of romance, and a splendid sense of humor to provide readers with an exceptional experience.
Like many recent novels, In Too Deep focuses on human trafficking but approaches it from a different angle than most that I have read. When murder is involved, the Dive Team is brought in to investigate and what they find takes them on a dangerous mission. I loved this story that features Adam from the Dive Team and Dr. Sabrina Fleming, a forensic computer analyst. The camaraderie and teasing among the team members added a natural element and helped to relieve the tension. The fast-paced plot was full of twists and surprises that kept me on edge until the very end.
I enjoyed In Too Deep very much and can’t wait to dive into the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How do you choose between loyalty and the truth?
When the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren’t prepared to find an encrypted laptop–or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant.
Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence implicates members of Adam’s own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case.
The truth could set hundreds free–but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynn H. Blackburn is the author of Beneath the Surface, Hidden Legacy, and Covert Justice. Winner of the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel, Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
