by admin | Apr 12, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Treacherous Trails” is one of those nonstop page turners that you just don’t want to put down. It seemed pretty obvious from the very beginning who the guilty person was but the author certainly kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next.
I loved the interaction between the characters, especially Owen and Ella and it was fun learning about their lifelong friendship as well as other background pertinent to their story. The loyalty and support of the Thorn family for each other and those they cared about was touching and inspiring.
The action filled plot is filled with lots of danger and suspense as well as multiple twists and surprises. A little romance in the midst of life-threatening situations didn’t hurt either. The ending was perfect in my opinion. Can’t wait for the next book in this 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:
Click to purchase
Falsely accused…
Can she escape the real killer?
In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?
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 and Harvest House. 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.)
GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:
Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!
BLOG STOPS:
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 12
Lighthouse Academy, April 12
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 12
Daysong Reflections, April 13
Karen Sue Hadley, April 13
Janices book reviews, April 13
Book by Book, April 14
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 14
History, Mystery & Faith, April 15
C Jane Read, April 15
The Power of Words, April 15
To Everything a Season, April 16
Among the Reads, April 16
Genesis 5020, April 16
A Baker’s Perspective, April 17
Two Points of Interest, April 17
Carpe Diem, April 18
Cafinated Reads, April 18
Maureen’s Musings, April 19
Simple Harvest Reads, April 19 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, April 20
Have A Wonderful Day, April 20
Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting, April 21
proud to be an autism mom, April 21
Bibliophile Reviews, April 22
A Greater Yes, April 22
Texas Book-aholic, April 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23
Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)
Kat’s Corner Books, April 24
Red Headed Book Lady, April 24
Bigreadersite, April 24
margaret kazmierczak, April 25 (Interview)
Raining Butterfly Kisses, April 25
Remembrancy, April 25
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46
by admin | Mar 26, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Storms In Serenity” is set in Serenity Key, Florida, a small island town sitting directly in the path of a brewing storm. This time nature may take a back seat to the storm of secrets and emotional turmoil waiting for release just under the surface of the otherwise peaceful retreat.
The story is told from several points of view that had me a bit confused at the beginning. As I kept reading my growing interest in the characters themselves and the connections between them all kept me quickly flipping the pages on my ereader. I finally turned it off in the wee hours of the morning. There is enough drama, conflict, suspense, and potential romance for several novels within the pages of this often gritty and realistic look at life. Subjects such as infidelity and rape are front and center but are handled tastefully and truthfully. Some characters have a strong reliance on God but others want no part of Him, usually due to events from their lives.
“Storms In Serenity” is a somewhat lengthy novel but it covered a lot of territory. By its end, most of the many situations in the book had been at least somewhat resolved with steps in the right direction for those that were not. I predict readers may find that in a future sequel. I liked the way several of the characters were gently nudged toward God in the midst of their storms. I also appreciated that pastor Noah had issues of his own to resolve. An excellent book of the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, “Storms in Serenity” should leave most readers with more than enough to think about for awhile.
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:
Click to purchase
How can one man save the town he loves when he’s the reason for the destruction?
Serenity Key, Florida, has seen its share of hurricanes, but this time, one foul weather system is about to collide with another storm, and this one has nothing to do with atmospheric pressure.
David New has guarded his secrets for years, but when two brothers, John and Andy Ryan, arrive in town and he gets news that the daughter he’s never told anyone about has disappeared, possibly the victim of a heinous crime, and the lives of many of the town residents begin to unravel in the gale force consequences of Jake’s past, he has nowhere else to turn.
God is the only one Who can calm the storms, but can David and the good folks of Serenity Key survive until He does?
A tempest has been brewing for thirty years, with only one island town in its path.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Fay Lamb writes emotionally charged stories with a Romans 8:28 attitude, reminding readers that God is always in the details. Fay donates 100% of her royalties to Christian charities.
Storms in Serenity is the first book in Fay’s Serenity Key series. Fay’s other series include, Amazing Grace and her novels, Stalking Willow, Better than Revenge, Everybody’s Broken, and Frozen Notes. The Ties that Bind Series includes Charisse, Libby, and Hope. Delilah, is coming soon.
Fay’s is also the author of The Art of Characterization: How to Use the Elements of Storytelling to Connect Readers to an Unforgettable Cast.
GUEST POST FROM FAY LAMB:
ONCE UPON A STORM
I’m one of those people who love storms. I revel in the lightning that streaks across the sky, the rumble of thunder as it rolls over the air, and I dance to the eerie sound of the wind coming through a crack in the window. Storms don’t frighten me. I’m an East Coast Floridian. I’ve lived through many a tempest.
However, so that you won’t think me completely insane, I have also fled a few hurricanes. In our house, a Cat III storm is something to debate as we watch to see how low the millibars fall at the storm’s center. A Cat IV means gather the important documents, place them into plastic bags and tuck them into plastic tubs, batten down the hatches, and depending upon its projected proximity, hunker down or flee. A Cat V is a no-brainer. Run!
If only the storms in our lives had categories so that we know when to stand and face the winds of life or to debate the direction, or to decide when to flee. Sometimes, the storms of life come at us without warning, with no stirring up of the waters by our own hands. Other times, the storms can be abated by the stance we take, the decisions we make, and by failing to move out of harm’s way, perhaps in an opposite direction.
That’s what my first novel in The Serenity Key series is about: one man stirred up a storm many years prior. The destructive force of that storm amassed because he didn’t take a stand, he failed to make crucial decisions, and he choose to run from a situation that God would not allow him to outrun. Storms in Serenity is a modern-day retelling of the Biblical truths of the aftermath of David’s sin with Bathsheba and the destruction the storms of life that blew apart not only David’s family but also those he called friends.
Mostly, though, Storms in Serenity, is a novel that proves that when it comes to sin, truly, no man is an island.
BLOG STOPS:
Bibliophile Reviews, March 13
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 13
A Greater Yes, March 14
Bigreadersite, March 14
proud to be an autism mom, March 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15
Multifarious, March 16
Christian Author, J.E.Grace, March 17
History, Mystery & Faith, March 18
A Baker’s Perspective, March 19
Simple Harvest Reads, March 20
MargaretKazmierczak, March 21
Texas Book-aholic, March 22
Carpe Diem, March 23
Pursuing Stacie, March 24
Janices book reviews, March 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 25
Red Headed Book Lady, March 25
Daysong Reflections, March 26
Among the Reads, March 26
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Fay is giving away a grand prize of an Echo Spot!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/ca75
by admin | Mar 12, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Lynn Blackburn is a new author for me but I had heard some of the buzz about her new release and because I trust Revell I took a chance on reviewing it. I am so glad I did!
“Beneath the Surface” is one of those books that starts off running and takes the reader on a relentless race through an obstacle course of action, danger, and suspense with a few ventures off course for a touch or two of romance. The story begins with the discovery of a submerged body behind Leigh Weston’s home by the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team. As Ryan Parker and others on the team investigate the limited clues they have, it becomes evident that someone also has Leigh in their sites. Could it be related to the case or is it connected to something in her past?
What a great book! I loved how the characters interacted with each other and the way their friendships and their faith strengthened in the midst of danger. It was also a bit fun to see how the clues led to a certain point and then everything turned in a totally different direction – plenty of surprises in this one! Sometimes it’s enjoyable to be able to solve the mystery on my own before the end but it was great the way the author developed her plot and kept me guessing the entire time. Everything was brought together in a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. I absolutely cannot wait for the release of Blackburn’s next book “In Too Deep”.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she’d left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.
Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer–one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.
Dive into the depths of fear with an exciting new voice in romantic suspense. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final heart-pounding page.
Read an excerpt 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’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
by admin | Mar 12, 2018 | Amish, Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Shelley Shepard Gray is one of the authors of Amish fiction who manages to keep her books both fresh and exciting. “His Risk” features Cal, a formerly Amish man working undercover in a gun-running gang who sees no way out but death. When he returns home to be with his brother through some serious surgery he meets Alice, the sweet Amish girl house sitting for her brother across the street. Although both know it is a terrible idea, the two of them cannot seem to avoid becoming friends (or more) as they continue to spend time together. All Cal can think of is that he could be bringing danger to everyone he cares about.
This may be one of my favorites of this author’s Amish novels. “His Risk” includes excellent character development with several points of view that help to flesh out the story. The narrative is filled with plenty of drama and suspense laced with several surprises along the way. I’m not 100% sure that I entirely liked how the gang situation was resolved but Cal’s explanation to Alice’s friend Irene made perfect sense to me.
This book contained excellent examples of how often people are not exactly what they seem and even “bad” people may be motivated by wounds from their life. An example of one laying down his life for another was an unexpected event that really touched me.
I would highly recommend this book to all who love Amish fiction and even to those who believe they don’t like it. “His Risk” is definitely worth taking the time to read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An undercover English DEA agent will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.
Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County. Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.
Alice shouldn’t like—or want—Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.
When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of His Risk. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 28 on the Litfuse blog!
by admin | Mar 2, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Fugitive Spy” takes its readers on a wild ride before it reaches a thoroughly satisfying ending. The suspense begins on the very first page and continues to escalate throughout the entire book. There were moments when I didn’t think things could get any worse for the intrepid team of Casper English and Dr. Ashley Drager but lo and behold, that’s exactly what happened.
There’s a lot going on in this suspense filled book but I hesitate to say very much. It’s a story readers really need to read for themselves. I will give a few hints to hopefully make the book irresistible. Spies, amnesia, medical suspense, secrets, missing father, action, danger, technology, germ warfare, safe house, betrayal, romance, and faith – this is just a taste of what you will find in this amazing book.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Fugitive Spy” and hope others will take a chance on it if they are not already aware of Jordyn Redwood’s awesome books.
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 spy with amnesia—and a mission he can’t remember
When Casper English lands in her ER with amnesia, Dr. Ashley Drager learns he has a picture of her…and the same tattoo as her long-missing father. With a dangerous man after Casper, and his memories possibly holding the key to finding Ashley’s father, she secretly whisks him away from the hospital. But can she keep him alive long enough to help him regain his memories?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She pursued her dream of becoming an author by writing medical thrillers. She hosts Redwood’s Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping authors write medically accurate fiction. Jordyn lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two beautiful daughters and one crazy dog. You can connect with Jordyn via her website at jordynredwood.com.
by admin | Dec 9, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed a number of books by Cara Putman during her career as an author that include both historical and contemporary suspense. Although each one has been very good, I believe that this author has excelled with her latest legal suspense series entitled Hidden Justice. “Imperfect Justice” is the second installment of the series and may be the very best one yet.
“Imperfect Justice” offers the reader not one, but two mysteries to help solve (you know we all get that involved with our books). When one of attorney Emilie Wesley’s clients dies after apparently shooting and killing one daughter and injuring the other one, Emilie is not convinced that her client could do such a thing. Working with the client’s brother Reid Billings to find the truth and thus potentially save the surviving daughter, Emilie is also plagued by an unknown stalker whose escalating actions make her increasingly uncomfortable if not fearful.
With almost perfect pacing, the plot of “Imperfect Justice” features vivid characterization and detailed descriptions. Action, danger, and a few surprises blend with a touch of romance to produce a gripping story that managed to hold my attention until I reached the very end. I also enjoyed that fact that Hayden and Andrew from “Beyond Justice” are featured secondary characters. It’s always fun to meet up with characters you loved from a previous book. I look forward to the next book in the series, “Delayed Justice” but it looks like it will be a wait of several months. If you haven’t read the first two books, do yourself a favor and pick up copies to read while waiting for the final book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?
To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara Putman is the author of more than 25 legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at 16, college at 20, completed her law degree at 27, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.
Find out more about Cara at http://caraputman.com.
