by admin | Feb 26, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mississippi, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As a lifetime Southerner I love that Patricia Bradley’s books have southern settings. Aside from that it was her skill at grabbing me and pulling me right into the middle of her stories that won my loyalty. Obsession continued the tradition by combining an absorbing plot, strong characters, plenty of action along with mystery, growing suspense, a few twists and surprises as well as a red herring or two. A second chance romance and a strong faith message were the icing on the cake.
The second book in the author’s Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, Obsession held me captive from beginning to end. After all, who could resist a mystery about a female park ranger whose life has been threatened and who also seems to have a stalker? When a former romantic interest becomes involved in the case and seems determined to protect her, a few sparks began to fly.
As you have probably begun to realize, I definitely loved this book. Emma and Sam were both natural and believable characters who I would love to know in real life. I am already looking forward to 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:
This one’s personal
Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she’s forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation.
To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed. Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past, and he doesn’t intend to let her down again. Especially now that her life is on the line.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff and Obsession, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
by admin | Feb 3, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I love Cara Putman’s skillful combination of the law, suspense, romance, and faith. I actually prefer her succinct explanations of the legal process which tells me just enough for me to understand without making me feel as though I’ve been through a university class on law. Vivid description, excellent dialogue, natural friendships, and true-to-life frailties combined with realistic action and danger made Lethal Intent a true page turner.
Caroline Bragg’s longtime close friendship with Brandon Lancaster has just begun to look as though it might develop into more when she accepts a new job as the lawyer for a pharmaceutical research firm. On her very first day on the job she discovers one indirect connection of Brandon to her firm through a child from his foster care facility who is a candidate for experimental treatment. Later she also discovers that Brandon has invested in the firm and she fears their relationship may create a conflict of interest. Aside from that more than one death connected to the firm and several things that do not add up puzzles Caroline and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Lethal Intent is another fully absorbing novel from Putman that keeps this author on my must read list. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it and all her previous novels to readers who enjoy legal suspense novels.

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: Lethal Intent
Author: Cara Putman
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Click here to get your copy!
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If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.
Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.
When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?
Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?
This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if she became an attorney if people would give her words the same weight. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges.
An award-winning author of more than 30 books, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.
When she’s not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons. You can read chapters for most of her books and connect with Cara at her website: http://caraputman.com.
MORE FROM CARA:
Each novel has a unique genesis story. The spark that launches it into a journey of 90,000 words. For Lethal Intent, that journey began with a friend’s journey of childhood leukemia with her oldest. From watching their family wind through years of treatment including cutting edge therapy trials. Then it developed with the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack and the thought what would someone be willing to do if they believed they’d found the next strain of immortal cells. The lead characters made appearances in other books, but now would have their opportunity to step to center stage. The story morphed and changed, dictated by the vagaries of the law and changes.
Each story has a spark. For Caroline it was a brainstorming session with my writing buddies Rachel Hauck, Colleen Coble, and Denise Hunter. That was when her backstory developed, all the things that happened to her to form her into the adult she is on the pages. One who cares deeply about others but who is fundamentally scared, longing for a place she can relax and take a deep breath.
Each story has a spark. For Brandon, it was brainstorming with another writing friend Tricia Goyer that lead to a creative job for a hero that wasn’t the typical law enforcement. His role with the group foster home was set and the backstory filled in quickly. What would it be like to be separated from and lose a brother in the foster care system? Would that generate this need to keep sibling groups together? And then the law changes and the fabric of your professional identity and something so much deeper is threatened.
Each story has a spark. The pharmaceutical start-up where ethics collides with the desire to save children. The push to do whatever it takes overshadowing the guardrails of the law. If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman. But does Caroline really have the strength to battle and does she need to?
Lethal Intent grew from each of these sparks and many more to develop into a story I can’t wait for you to read. In the process I learned immense amounts about CAR-T cell therapies and foster care law. Most of all, I hope you’ll fall into the pages and be engrossed in a story you can’t bring yourself to put down until the final page.

BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 21
lakesidelivingsite, January 21
Texas Book-aholic, January 21
Through the Fire Blogs, January 22
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 22
A Novel Pursuit, January 22
CarpeDiem, January 23
Betti Mace, January 23
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 23
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 24
Blogging With Carol, January 24
HookMeInABook, January 24
For the Love of Literature, January 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25
Fiction Book Lover, January 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
For Him and My Family, January 26
EmpowerMoms, January 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 26
Artistic Nobody, January 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 27
Where Faith and Books Meet, January 27
By The Book, January 28
Older & Smarter?, January 28
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 28
Inklings and notions, January 29
Simple Harvest Reads, January 29
Blossoms and Blessings, January 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30
Splashes of Joy, January 30
Pause for Tales, January 30
Spoken from the Heart, January 31
Just Your Average reviews, January 31
deb’s Book Review, January 31
Hallie Reads, February 1
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 1
Genesis 5020, February 1
To Everything There Is A Season, February 2
Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 2
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3
Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 3
Daysong Reflections, February 3
GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away the grand prize package of a “Just one more chapter” pillow cover, a copy of the book, an Erin Condren journal, and a hand-stamped bracelet!!
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/10627/lethal-intent-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jan 29, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Heather Fontaine had suspected she had a stalker for awhile but when someone broke into her home, she decided that she was putting the safety of her friends into danger so she disappeared. Fiercely independent, Heather tried not to let herself get too close to people and certainly would never ask anyone for help. Turns out she actually had another stalker in Travis Walker whose career was in security, only Travis was secretly keeping watch over Heather in order to protect her.
As in all novels by Lynette Eason, the suspense and danger ramped up with each chapter if not by the page. Who was stalking Heather and for what reason and how far were they willing to go? Plenty of action and unexpected twists kept me turning those pages and the well blended elements of faith and romance made it all the sweeter. It was fun seeing characters from earlier books in the series as well as meeting new ones in Active Defense.
As always, I recommend this book as well as any book written by this author. It stands on its own quite well but would be even more enjoyable if the series were read in proper order. Pick up your own copy soon!

I voluntarily reviewed a digital 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:
She’s used to life-or-death situations.
She just didn’t expect them to follow her home.
When former field surgeon Heather Fontaine returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house–and threatened her friends–she assumes it is the stalker who has been creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble follows her even there.
Luckily, a stalker isn’t the only one observing Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it’s what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead–and why–before it’s too late.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Acceptable Risk, as well as Protecting Tanner Hollow and the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
by admin | Dec 3, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense, U.S. Marshalls

MY REVIEW:
I have read several books by Lisa Harris and have found them all to be very compelling. Her latest suspense, The Escape is definitely a nail-chewing suspense filled tale that literally hit the ground running. My attention was held captive until the very end.
With an action filled plot that involved a plane crash, a dangerous escaped prisoner, and a cross-country chase after a fugitive who seems to stay two steps ahead, the narrative held multiple plot twists and surprises. Two strong principal characters with tragic pasts, U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn were a strong team who worked together well. Their backgrounds influenced their work and personal lives to the exclusion of any relationships with the opposite gender yet working together helped begin a healing process.
Although a thread of faith runs throughout the story, it is subtle and enhances their personal stories. In addition to the pursuit of the escaped prisoner, another more personal and sinister mystery also lurks in Madison’s life. Unfortunately I reached the end of The Escape with that mystery unsolved as well as questions about how a relationship between Madison and Jonas will develop. I’m hooked so I will try to be patient and wait for the next installment of this series because I need to know!
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 catch a fugitive who has nothing to lose?
US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn have orders to transport two high-profile prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest.
With both pilots and one prisoner dead–and one fugitive on the run–Madison and Jonas must negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry as they track a murderer who is desperate to disappear . . . and will do anything to stop them.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than 40 books, including The Escape, The Traitor’s Pawn, Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, as well as The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent over 17 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. She is currently stateside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.
by admin | Oct 28, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:
Although Certain Threat was the third book of a series, it can certainly stand on its own. The story is not dependent on the previous installments yet it does include the same core group of characters with new ones added.
Once again the author takes her readers on an exciting adventure down multiple rabbit trails with a few red herrings along the way. There were enough distractions for me to begin to wonder exactly who was being targeted and who among various suspects was responsible. For once I really didn’t have a clue and didn’t have it all figured out before the actual revelation at the end. In my opinion it takes a skilled author to manage that.
The Protection Inc. series has been an enjoyable one and I hate to see it end. It has been fun getting to know all the characters, especially, Frank, Carissa, and Marc. I do look forward to seeing more along this line from Kimberly Rose Johnson in the 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:
Book: Certain Threat
Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 6, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her.
Not long after Katrina overhears two people talking about robbing the bank where she works, her attached garage explodes. With the help of her neighbor, Frank Davis, she escapes the burning home after a storage shelf falls over, trapping her beneath it.
The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for, the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.
When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.
Join the team of Protection Inc. this Christmas where love is in the air even in the midst of danger.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award winning author
Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
MORE FROM KIMBERLY:
Certain Threat was one of my favorite books to write. There are three point of view characters. Two have been in the series from book one and the third is a new addition in this book.
I adore Frank, the hero of this book. The man is tough, honest, and always does his best to do the right thing. He’s a good example for his younger business partners who like to do things their own way, especially Carissa.
For me the most fun part about writing this book was getting inside Frank’s head. He comes across as tough and sometime gruff, but he is a marshmallow on the inside when it comes to Katrina, his neighbor. Katrina brings out a side in Frank we haven’t yet witnessed and it was a blast to write—no pun intended. LOL you’ll understand when you read the book.
I look forward to writing future books in this series and going deeper with the rest of the Protection Inc. team and their friends.

BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 19
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 19
Worthy2Read, October 20
21st Century Keeper at Home, October 20
Texas Book-aholic, October 21
Inklings and notions, October 22
deb’s Book Review, October 22
Betti Mace, October 23
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 24
Mary Hake, October 24
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 25
April Hayman, Author, October 25
Splashes of Joy, October 26
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Artistic Nobody, October 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 27
mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 27
Aryn the Libraryan, October 28
CarpeDiem, October 28
For Him and My Family, October 29
Daysong Reflections, October 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30
Bigreadersite, October 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 31
Blossoms and Blessings, October 31
Simple Harvest Reads, November 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Bizwings Blog, November 1
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GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10266/certain-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 18, 2020 | Books, Law Enforcement, Love Inspired, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Witness Protection

MY REVIEW:
Texas Holiday Hideout is a good example of why I enjoy Love Inspired Suspense. Due to its short mass market format, the reader jumps into the story feet first and only slows down for an occasional breath or two before the action picks up again. I also love that I can usually get through the entire novel in an evening so I don’t expect a long commitment to it, especially when I’m having a busy week. I am constantly amazed at how the Love Inspired authors are able to condense a story into a limited amount of pages without leaving me feeling deprived. In my opinion that takes true talent.
The story itself is somewhat unique. The heroine finds herself in need of witness protection after her mother’s murder only to discover that she has already been in the program unknowingly most of her life. Now that would do a real number on most people’s trust factor. Her own mother lied to her! Now to stay safe herself, she is forced to lie again and she doesn’t like it one bit. But she would do almost anything to protect her precious young son. U.S. Marshall Miles Avery is doing everything he can to keep Melissa and her son safe and his family has taken them both into their hearts. Can he continue to protect his own heart?
Lots of danger, action, suspense, and romance are in store for readers of Texas Holiday Hideout. Filled with multiple twists, turns, and surprises it is a tale that kept me turning the pages until the very end. Its emphasis on faith and trust was strong but subtle. Another winner from Virginia Vaughan and Love Inspired Suspense.
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: Texas Holiday Hideout
Author: Virginia Vaughan
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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When her identity’s exposed, hiding on a lawman’s family ranch is her last hope.
After her mother is killed, Melissa Morgan’s shocked to learn she’s spent her life in witness protection. Now it’s US marshal Miles Avery’s job to keep her and her little boy safe. And with a mole in his agency, the only way to evade the killer is to hide Melissa on Miles’s family ranch…and pretend she’s his wife for the holidays.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Virginia Vaughan is a multi-published author of inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love of writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.
MORE FROM VIRGINIA:
What if one day you discovered you were in the Witness Protection Program and didn’t know it?
This is the premise for my October book, TEXAS HOLIDAY HIDEOUT, which releases this month. My heroine, Melissa Morgan, learns she and her mother entered the program when Melissa was a child. Her mother never told her and, when Melissa witnesses her mother being murdered, she becomes the assassin’s next target. US Marshal Miles Avery steps in to protect the single mom and her son from a killer, but a leak in WITSEC leaves him with little options except to take his witnesses to his family’s ranch…and pretend she’s his wife for the holidays.
So, in celebration of TEXAS HOLIDAY HIDEOUT releasing this month, here are 10 things about the Witness Protection Security Program (or WITSEC) I learned during my research for this book.
- The program is voluntary. No one can be forced to enter.
- You can leave the program at any time—although it is not recommended.
- No person in the program, who follows the rules, has ever been killed.
- People entering WITSEC sometimes keep their same first name and/or initials so that if they mess up and start to sign their name, they have time to correct.
- Since WITSEC is a federal program, many states have their own programs to protect witnesses of gang or street-level crimes.
- If you get married while in WITSEC, you must lie to your new spouse to protect your true identity in the event the relationship doesn’t last.
- Protected witnesses are mostly criminals. Only about 5% are innocents despite the popular trope in movies and fiction.
- Local law enforcement may or may not be notified when a protected witness is relocated to their jurisdiction.
- Divorced, non-custodial parents have had their children hidden from them and now must agree to allow their children to enter the program.
- WITSEC protected witnesses are expected to eventually become self-sufficient. They do not get to live off the government for the rest of their lives.
Did any of these facts about WITSEC surprise you? I’d love to hear which ones. I had a lot of fun researching WITSEC for TEXAS HOLIDAY HIDEOUT. I hope you enjoy Miles and Melissa’s story! Look out for the next book in the series—middle brother Navy SEAL Paul Avery’s story—coming in TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF in March of 2021.

BLOG STOPS:
Through the Fire Blogs, October 8
Genesis 5020, October 8
Hallie Reads, October 8
Artistic Nobody, October 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Through the Lens of Scripture, October 9
Texas Book-aholic, October 9
reviewingbooksplusmore, October 9
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 10
deb’s Book Review, October 10
The Cafe Scholar, October 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 11
KarenSueHadley, October 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 11
Older & Smarter?, October 12
Inklings and notions, October 12
Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
She Lives To Read, October 13
Hebrews 12 Endurance, October 13
For Him and My Family, October 13
Betti Mace, October 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 14
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Locks, Hooks and Books, October 14
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 15
lakesidelivingsite, October 15
Lighthouse Academy, October 15
To Everything There Is A Season, October 15
Sara Jane Jacobs, October 16
Blogging With Carol, October 16
Book Love, October 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 17
Batya’s Bits, October 17
Emily Yager, October 18
Labor Not in Vain, October 18
HookMeInABook, October 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 19
Mary Hake, October 19
Daysong Reflections, October 19
For the Love of Literature, October 20
Bigreadersite, October 20
EmpowerMoms, October 20
Blossoms and Blessings, October 21
Splashes of Joy, October 21
Pause for Tales, October 21
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GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Virginia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Texas Holiday Hideout!!
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/101f3/texas-holiday-hideout-celebration-tour-giveaway
