by admin | Aug 23, 2020 | Books, Coast Guard, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The Crushing Depths gets off to a rousing start and the action rarely stops until it reaches its somewhat unexpected end. I love how true-to-life the author forms her characters with none of their human strengths and frailties hidden from view. The camaraderie between the characters is a pleasure to observe with touches of humor in the midst of danger and tragedy, much like real life. I also enjoy how characters cross between books so that their stories continue alongside the featured heroes of the current novel.
I will keep this review short because I certainly do not want to reveal any spoilers. This story is action packed and filled with danger, suspense, tragedy, loyalty and dedication with a bit of faith, humor, and romance woven in for good measure. Lovers of suspense cannot go wrong with a novel by Dani Pettrey and The Crushing Depths is a fine example of her talent.
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 Crushing Depths
Author: Dani Pettrey
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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They know the power and peril of the ocean.
But as they get closer to the deadly truth…
An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com
MORE FROM DANI:
Enjoy this special recipe for a Lavender and Honey Latte that makes a special appearance in my book!
| Where Faith and Books Meet, August 12
Losing the Busyness, August 12
deb’s Book Review, August 12
Texas Book-aholic, August 13
Fiction Full Of Faith, August 13
For Him and My Family, August 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13
Artistic Nobody, August 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 14
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14
Through the Fire Blogs, August 15
Mia Reads, August 15
April Hayman, Author, August 15
Emily Yager, August 15
Inklings and notions, August 16
Stories By Gina, August 16
CarpeDiem, August 16
Betti Mace, August 17
Lighthouse Academy, August 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17
KarenSueHadley, August 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 18
lakaesidelivingsite, August 18
Livin’ Lit, August 18
The Christian Fiction Girl, August 19 |
Life, Love, Writing, August 19
Blogging With Carol, August 19
Life of Literature, August 19
Older & Smarter?, August 20
Inside the Wong Mind, August 20
Mary Hake, August 20
Melissa Wardwell- Back Porch Reads, August 21
Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 21
Empowermoms, August 21
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 21
Amanda Tero, August 22
Splashes of Joy, August 22
Simple Harvest Reads, August 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, August 22
Blossoms and Blessings, August 23
Worthy2Read, August 23
Spoken from the Heart, August 23
Hallie Reads, August 23
The Artist Librarian, August 24
Christian Bookshelf Reviews , August 24
Daysong Reflections, August 24
Hebrews 12 Endurance, August 25
Live. Love. Read., August 25
Remembrancy, August 25
Lights in a Dark World, August 25 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a necklace, tumbler and a $50 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/ff51/the-crushing-depths-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Aug 2, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Oregon, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The first book in Kimberly Rose Johnson’s new Protection Inc series, Direct Threat delivers an action-filled suspense that will keep readers guessing until its very end. The story features the two co-owners of a northwestern protection agency as well as a newcomer who has been invited to work with them on a new case. Protecting the young daughter of their clients at her grandparents’ secure home on the Oregon coast should be a piece of cake but turns out to be just a bit more difficult than expected. An uncooperative ten-year-old is the least of their problems.
The author provides a vivid backdrop to the tale and her characters are well rounded and believable. New characters arrive on the scene throughout the book and some of them seemed fairly suspicious to me. I loved how the author managed to keep me fooled almost to the end although I had begun to wonder about a certain person.
I thoroughly enjoyed Direct Threat and will be looking forward to the next book of 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:
| Book: Direct Threat
Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 1 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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One little girl.
Two bodyguards.
Only one chance to guard their hearts.
Protection Inc. co-owner, Carissa Jones, an ex-cop turned bodyguard, has one goal—keep her young client safe. When her business partner brings in a new guy to help, she discovers her heart desires more. Can she still do her job and follow her heart without compromising her client’s safety?
Marc Olsen, a former Military Police officer, struggles to find his way as a civilian. He agrees to help out an old friend for the summer. He gets more than he bargained for when he’s assigned to work with the feisty co-owner of Protection Inc.
When sparks fly faster than bullets, will the bodyguards be distracted from their task, or will they work together as an even stronger team?
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.
You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
MORE FROM KIMBERLY:
Direct Threat is the first book in the Protection Inc. series. The series follows a group of bodyguards who are all either former cops or military police. They are on location in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast in book one, but their business is based out of Seattle.
I’ve been to Lincoln City more times than I can remember, but I took a research trip there with my husband, specifically for this book.
While in Lincoln City my husband and I walked the same beach my characters walk. I studied the access points to the cliffside homes from the vantage point of the beach, as this was an important aspect in the story. We also visited the ice cream shop mentioned in the book. You’ll understand significance of the shop when you read the story.
My writing career has taken some twists and turns. When I first began writing in 2006 I wrote romantic suspense. Then switched over to writing contemporary romance, which turned out to be the genre of my first contracted book and many more after that. After writing several romantic mystery novels for my publisher, I decided to dust off my romantic suspense manuscripts and publish them. Direct Threat is one of those manuscripts.
I absolutely love reading and writing suspense as well as romance, so joining the two together comes naturally for me. I hope you will read and enjoy this story.
You can learn more about Kimberly Rose Johnson and her books at https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
BLOG STOPS:
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/fe34/direct-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 11, 2020 | Books, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Elizabeth Goddard has earned her place on my list of must read suspense authors. Her Uncommon Justice series has been first rate all the way and Don’t Keep Silent is the icing on the cake. Goddard offers her readers a tale of nonstop action, mystery and suspense, with ample clues along the way yet somehow managed to keep me guessing until the very end.
Characters are both well-rounded and relatable. I honestly cared about Liam and Rae and hoped that they not only would find Rae’s sister-in-law but that their relationship would be restored. Several possible suspects looked good as the villain in my opinion and I was wrong more than once. The narrative included a surprise or two that helped to keep things interesting. A strong message of faith was included but was not intrusive.
Don’t Keep Silent was an enjoyable read that kept this suspense fan happy for a few hours. I look forward to this author’s next series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided for the author’s influencer team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Justice comes easy for these two. But forgiveness? That’s another matter altogether.
Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn’t feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he’s less than thrilled. But Rae’s keen investigative skills have led her down the right path–and directly into the dragon’s mouth–leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.
As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other . . .
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Goddard has sold over one million books and is the award-winning author of more than 40 romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She is a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense finalist for her Mountain Cove series–Buried, Backfire, and Deception–and a Carol Award finalist for Submerged. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.
by admin | Jul 9, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Having read the previous books in the Coffey & Hill series, I knew exactly what to expect from A Dream Within A Dream – or so I thought! Each and every one of the other books has been a nonstop, breath-holding adventure and the latest installment certainly lived up to those expectations. Yes, I expected surprises around every corner as well as plenty of action, mystery, and suspense. What I didn’t expect was to become so heavily involved in the lives of the characters that one final surprise left me in shock.
A Dream Within A Dream is a twisted tale that continuously kept me wondering exactly what was going on. One character in particular played a role that demanded my sympathies but at the same time it was difficult to really quite get a read on him. Later, some of his choices seemed to come out of left field.
I was not at all pleased with how the story ended but continue to hope that I really did read a few hints that all was not exactly as it seemed – indeed A Dream Within A Dream. I am certainly trusting that this series has not reached its end.
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:
He may be the key to solving one of the greatest unsolved art heists in history
Trudi Coffey hasn’t seen Samuel Hill in weeks. Then the FBI shows up asking about him. After a strange encounter with an armed man demanding her help and an attack by a member of the Boston mob looking for someone named Dream, Trudi manages to find Samuel–or rather, he finds her. He’s made some pretty powerful enemies, but right now his full attention is on protecting Dream from the mob. Because Dream has something they want–the map to the location of artwork stolen from the Gardner Museum during the infamous 1990 heist.
With danger closing in from all sides, Trudi and Samuel will have to call on all their allies to keep Dream safe and discover the identities of the people who have been hunting down Samuel. The real questions are, whom can they trust? And who will make it out of this alive?
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at FamilyFans.com, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide. When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allen Poe scared him silly. Today he owns everything Poe ever wrote. A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full-time. He is the author of Annabel Lee and The Raven.
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Melissa Kosci is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. She and Corey, her husband of twenty years, live in Florida, where they do their best not to melt in the sun. |
by admin | Jul 4, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
It has been an interesting experience reading this series backwards but that has not hindered my enjoyment of it. Even though I knew what was ahead of Jo and several other characters, I was able to approach my reading as though the earlier books were extended flashbacks. Didn’t stop me from thinking a time or two “just wait, you’ll get what’s coming to you!”
Well written with constantly building suspense, Cleansed by Death is a page turner that has a few surprises in store for the reader. Strong characters fill the major roles in the story, many of them good friends of police chief Jo Oliver who provide a much needed support team for her. Although Jo has spent years in an abusive marriage only to lose her husband to another woman, there is some indication of a potential romance with a long-time friend and co-worker. Another friend is a spiritual mentor to Jo and provides a compelling salvation message during their interactions.
Cleansed by Death provides the series with an excellent start that would have driven me to read the rest of the series had I not already read the other two books. I definitely plan to purchase the fourth book of the series Capsized by Death as soon as possible. I do need to know how everything turns out for Jo and her gang.
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: Cleansed by Death
Author: Catherine Finger
Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Mystery
Release Date: June 2016
Click here to get your copy!
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Haunted by an evil presence she can’t quite grasp, Police Chief Josie Oliver finds herself drawn into the crosshairs of a vicious serial killer. Fighting for her marriage, faith, and fate, Chief Josie is confronted by an Adversary that only God can conquer–if she decides to let Him in.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Recently retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.
Capsized by Death, the fourth novel in her Jo Oliver Thriller series, was released by Elk Lake Publishing in December, 2019. Anchored by Death, the third of her Jo Oliver novels, was a Bronze Medal winner at the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards; a 2018 Selah Awards finalist; and a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards. Her second Jo Oliver Thriller, Shattered by Death, was a finalist in the International Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards. Catherine and her novels have been featured on radio stations, blogs, and in numerous articles—all posted at www.CatherineFinger.com.
Catherine loves to interact with her readers at www.CatherineFinger.com Follow her on Facebook at Catherine Finger, Author, and on Twitter at CatherineFinger@BeJoOliver.
MORE FROM CATHERINE:
Welcome to our Jo Oliver Thriller series Celebrate Lit Tour!
Cleansed by Death, the first book in the series of four novels, began with an idea to write a book about strong women struggling with life, love, and loss while embedded in traditional male roles. I wanted to show real women dealing with difficult internal and external struggles and create tension for my readers. Playing with the question of whether such challenges make our characters better—or bitter—added depth and twists to my story.
It took a long time to get this story to the point of releasing it into the world. I stopped writing it twice, shelving it for about a year each time. Every summer as I percolated over the story, I read it cover to cover and realized I still loved both the voice and the bones of the story. Adding the faith piece in a way that felt authentic and edgy was the frosting on the cake and it happened as a half vision, half spiritual warfare experience in Jo Oliver’s head and heart. This experience developed her unique brand of conversation with God as she understands Him and added a spiritual dimension to my stories.
My Midwestern roots showed themselves with reckless abandon in this debut—becoming a cornerstone of future installments. As I write this kick-off note to you, I sit in front of my computer facing a wilderness scene that features prominently in this story. Writing in the midst of the corona virus leads me back to some of my favorite places for comfort—the woods and lakes of Wisconsin.
Enjoy the read!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28
Blogging With Carol, June 28
Texas Book-aholic, June 29
Through the Fire Blogs, June 30
Bigreadersite, June 30
Betti Mace, July 1
Godly Book Reviews, July 1
For the Love of Literature, July 2
Older & Smarter?, July 3
Emily Yager, July 3 |
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 4
Daysong Reflections, July 5
deb’s Book Review, July 5
Inklings and notions, July 6
For Him and My Family, July 7
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, July 7
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8
Pause for Tales, July 9
Lights in a Dark World, July 10
Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 10 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Catherine 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/fcd9/cleansed-by-death-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 1, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Dead Silence is a contemporary suspense that could easily be inspired by current news and kicked up a notch or two. Featuring Elise Carmichael, widowed mother of a young deaf son, the story begins with Elise accidentally reading lips of a man discussing a murder plot. Once she has relayed the information to the FBI, Elise quickly finds herself and her son threatened time and time again. The danger ramps up with each page as Elise, her sister-in-law, and others work together to identify the person behind the threats.
I enjoyed the character of Elise, a gutsy mama bear of a woman who would do everything possible to protect her beloved son. It was fun watching her face off with the FBI agents – this woman pretty much told them what she thought of them. I also liked how she took things into her own hands when she felt that law enforcement was not doing enough to solve the case. A subtle faith message highlighted a disillusioned Elise who slowly found her way back to God.
I did have my suspicions early on but the narrative really didn’t let any obvious hints slip by to diminish my enjoyment of the story. Dead Silence would be a great book to recommend to those friends who may be looking for a good suspense without romantic elements to detract from the rest of the story. I recommend this book as well as Caroll’s previous 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: Dead Silence
Author: Robin Caroll
Genre: Christian Suspense
Release Date: June 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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Political games can be deadly…
Elise Carmichael is a court sign language interpreter who reads lips all the time. As a widow with a young son who is deaf, lip reading is simply second nature, until the day she reads the lips of someone on the phone discussing an attempt to be made on a senator’s life—a senator who just happens to be her mother-in-law. Before she can decide what she needs to do, she receives the information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. Then she later sees the news report that her mother-in-law has been shot and killed. But when she comes forward, her life, as well as her son’s life, may now be in the crosshairs of the assassin.
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.
MORE FROM ROBIN:
Hi, there. . .Robin here. I’m getting so excited for the release of my thirty-fourth novel, DEAD SILENCE. I have to say, I love this book. The heroine is strong, yet flawed. Her love for her son—willing to do anything to protect him is a mother’s instinct I relate to so well, having three daughters and two grandsons. The love of a mother for her child is so ingrained in me that I wanted to share that in a story.
I’ve been asked why I opted for a heroine who is an ASL translator and who has a deaf son. Many years ago, I became friends with someone who is deaf. She shared with me some of her frustrations, but also how her way of life is in comparison to mine. It got me to thinking that being deaf could be thought of as a disability but could also be used as an advantage…it was all in how you looked at it. My friend shared many stories of how she “eavesdropped” by reading lips and learned much about people and how they reacted to issues, enough that it led her into her career field today—a counselor, specializing in providing therapy for the hearing impaired as they live in a hearing world. I hope that I portrayed my characters in this positive light.
While I’m a Louisiana girl at heart, I reside in Little Rock, the capitol city for Arkansas. Since Bill and Hilary Clinton lived here and claimed it home before Bill was President, we have many political plans and posturing here. I saw it as a perfect backdrop for this particular story with the political undercurrents running rampant throughout the story.
I hope that you enjoy reading DEAD SILENCE as much as I enjoyed writing it.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 19
deb’s Book Review, June 19
Texas Book-aholic, June 20
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20
Emily Yager, June 20
For the Love of Literature, June 21
Rebecca Tews, June 21
By The Book, June 22
Spoken from the Heart, June 22
Genesis 5020, June 22
KarenSueHadley, June 23
Hebrews 12 Endurance, June 23
Betti Mace, June 24
Remembrancy, June 24
Older & Smarter?, June 24
Inklings and notions, June 25
Read Review Rejoice, June 25
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Through the Fire Blogs, June 26
Splashes of Joy, June 26
HookMeInABook, June 26
For Him and My Family, June 27
Mary Hake, June 27
Simple Harvest Reads, June 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 28
amandainpa, June 28
Worthy2Read, June 29
Pause for Tales, June 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30
Hallie Reads, June 30
Daysong Reflections, July 1
Lights in a Dark World, July 1
Quiet Quilter, July 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 2
Maureen’s Musings, July 2 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Robin 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/fcd1/dead-silence-celebration-tour-giveaway
