Framed in Death Valley by Dana Mentink

by | Mar 28, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

It seems that each new book by Dana Mentink is even better than the last one and that is saying something because every one of them has been excellent. In her latest, Framed in Death Valley the narrative revolves around an already married couple but boy do they have some obstacles to overcome.

Beckett has just been released from jail after being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Out of concern for his wife Laney, he has filed for divorce thinking that is the best way to protect her until the real killer is found. As can be easily imagined, Laney is both hurt and angry which makes it difficult for her to accept Beckett’s help when it becomes apparent that her life is in danger anyway.

With escalating danger and suspense and a surprise or two thrown in for good measure, Framed in Death Valley is a page turner that I could not put down until the very end. As always, a subtle faith message with a theme of forgiveness and trusting God was deftly woven throughout the tale. Highly recommend it!

 

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book:  Framed in Death Valley

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

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 the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. 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, and a chubby box turtle.

MORE FROM DANA:

What’s up in Death Valley?

As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.

I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!

It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?

BLOG STOPS:

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 16

Among the Reads, March 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 17 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 18

Genesis 5020, March 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19

Betti Mace, March 19

Lighthouse Academy, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Bizwings Blog, March 20

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21

Inklings and notions, March 22

Remembrancy, March 22

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

For Him and My Family, March 23

Blogging With Carol, March 23

Older & Smarter?, March 24

Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

KarenSueHadley, March 24

She Lives To Read, March 25

deb’s Book Review, March 25

Through the Fire Blogs, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27

Labor Not in Vain, March 27

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 28

Pause for Tales, March 28

Blossoms and Blessings, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29

Daysong Reflections, March 29

Hallie Reads, March 29

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away  the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card, a set of six mini cactus candles, and a signed copy of the book!!

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/1093d/framed-in-death-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

Can’t Buy Me Love by Andrea Christenson

by | Mar 22, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Can’t Buy Me Love by Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Lovers of books by Susan May Warren have often longed for more books set in Deep Haven if not to live there themselves. With the kick-off of Warren’s Sunrise Publishing she has chosen several new authors to provide some new romantic adventures in Deep Haven. I think her hard core fans will be pleased with the results.

Can’t Buy Me Love is a modern take on the classic Cinderella tale, complete with wicked step-sister. It does not follow the fairy tale exactly but it definitely has elements that the reader will recognize scattered throughout. Heroine Ella Bradley is a down-on-her-luck housekeeper who has ambitions to form her own company. Adrian Vassos, while not a true prince, is son to an extremely wealthy businessman who has big plans for him. They find themselves in Deep Haven doing community service together and the rest of their story is delightful. Filled with misunderstandings, plenty of humor, and unexpected events, the novel held my attention all the way to its end. An encouraging story of discovering God’s plan for your life as well as a fine example of forgiveness, Can’t Buy Me Love is a must read for fans of contemporary romantic novels.

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:

Title: Can’t Buy Me Love

Series: Deep Haven Collection #2

Author: Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: March 16, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

 

He can’t buy his way out of trouble this time…

Housekeeper-slash-entrepreneur Ella Bradley prides herself on being ready for anything. After all, with a father who died—and lied to her—and a stepmom and stepsister who despise her, she has no one else to depend on. But on the biggest night of her life, she’s unprepared to be trapped in an elevator with the man of her dreams.

Wealthy prince-to-a-fortune Adrian Vassos wants nothing more than to shed his reputation as a party boy and prove that he is a savvy businessman. Even, a gentleman. But when he’s trapped with a woman who knows his reputation but not his face, he gives into the temptation to be someone else—and lies.

When serendipity brings them together again—this time to work off community service—can their combined sentences spark a new ending? Maybe…if Adrian’s lies don’t find him out. Again.

The magic of Deep Haven enchants in this modern-day Cinderella story.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Andrea Christenson lives in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on. She believes that a great loaf of artistic bread can turn a meal into a masterpiece. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.

CONNECT WITH ANDREA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.

CONNECT WITH SUNRISE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | admin@sunrisepublishing.com

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Can’t Buy Me Love ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 16, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Fate by Natasha Frazier

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I agreed to read and review Fate by Natasha Frazier without having a clue what it was about. Can I just say that this book made me really feel my age? As a senior citizen I am no longer a fan of romance novels for the sake of romance and that is pretty much the content of this novel.

Honestly the story would appeal to younger readers who want a simple, easy to read tale with lots of romance. It is a clean read so parents would not object to their teen daughter reading it. In fact teens would probably love the frequent descriptions of how the characters were dressed, the dates they went on, and meals they ate, not to mention how many times Brian was described as “hot” by Melanie’s friend.

I did like the fact that the characters were both believers and it was evident by their actions and personal growth throughout the narrative. A surprise or two did add a bit of tension to the story and helped keep it interesting.

Although not exactly my personal cup of tea, I would recommend this book to younger readers who are looking for a book that is primarily romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Melanie Bennett and Detective Brian Morris met over a year ago when he solved her best friend’s murder case, and now Nashville’s annual Christmas festivities have them crossing paths again, could it be fate?

Melanie Bennett has spent the last six months in therapy to erase the self-assigned blame and eradicate the night terrors that plagued her at every attempt to close her eyes after witnessing her best friend’s murder. The Christmas season always had a way of lifting her spirits, and this year is no different. The spark within her to live again couldn’t have come at a better time when she and Detective Brian Morris are reacquainted, but first, she must believe that she deserves happiness.

Will the circumstances of how they met prevent Melanie from taking a chance on love?

Brian was drawn to Melanie when he first laid eyes on her over a year ago; he wanted to ask her out, but the timing was all wrong. Expressing interest in her when she’d just lost her best friend was tacky, but fate dealt him another opportunity when he walked into her hair salon delivering flyers for the annual stuff the cruiser toy drive a year later. Though Brian desires love, will his unresolved issues with his mother get in the way?

Every moment spent with one another can only be described as fate – a power beyond human control. Will this Christmas season bring about the healing and love both Melanie and Brian crave?

Fate is book 2 in the Perfect Time for Love Series (Sweet Christian Romance).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natasha has penned an award-winning devotional, The Life Your Spirit Craves and a Henri award nominated devotional, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence. Natasha desires to encourage readers to live the life they have been created to live in God. Natasha’s first fiction book, Love, Lies & Consequences, was released on April 21, 2015, and earned The Readers’ Choice Award.

The Love, Lies & Consequences seems to be taking on a life of it’s own as books two and three delve deeper into the lives of the characters and how they deal with life’s issues. Natasha enjoys crafting stories that we can relate to and learn from. Visit Natasha’s website www.natashafrazier.com to sign up for her newsletter or to connect.

Natasha is also a motivational speaker, in much like her literary works, who speaks to encourage women to take their lives to the next level, release fear and become the women they have been predestined to be.

 

Pay the Price by Carol J. Post

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have come to expect a suspense-filled page-turner each time I open a book by Carol J. Post. Pay the Price did not disappoint. From the very beginning it was evident that Jessica Parker had walked right into danger when she returned to Harmony Grove to take care of things after her sister’s sudden death. All signs pointed to murder rather than suicide as reported and Jessica had a bad girl reputation to live down and fat chance of that happening with a sheriff and judge who remembered her well.

Lately I have been hearing the term “meet cute” used to describe a popular romance novel trope. Jessica’s first meeting with undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton could not be described as cute by any means. Despite their somewhat explosive first encounter, Shane quickly surmised that Jessica was probably also in danger and made it a point to spend as much time as possible making sure she was protected.

With plenty of action, danger, and suspense, Pay the Price was one of those one session books that I couldn’t put down until I reached the end. The suspense grew with each chapter and although I had my suspicions about the guilty parties, I was never one hundred percent certain until it was actually revealed. I appreciated the subtle Christian message that was woven throughout the story and found the characters to be both realistic and likeable.

I have enjoyed the previous books in the Harmony Grove series and look forward to reading Survive the Night when it releases in May. I recommend the entire series as well as other books by this excellent author.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sometimes homecomings can be deadly…

Jessica Parker left Harmony Grove with bad memories and a vow to never return – until she is called back eight years later to deal with her sister’s suicide. When all the evidence points instead to murder, she is determined to find the killer and bring him to justice. Her handsome new neighbor is eager to help, but she is sure he’s hiding something.

Undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton is in Harmony Grove investigating the crash of a plane full of cocaine and gets more than he bargained for when he runs into Jessica. He’s not sure whether she’s involved or is just going to get in his way. Soon it becomes obvious that someone wants Jessica gone from Harmony Grove. As the threats intensify, Shane finds himself in a race against time to solve both cases. The closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to making them his next victims.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.

Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

To learn more about Carol, you may visit her web site at http://www.caroljpost.com.

Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

by | Mar 1, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement

MY REVIEW:

Although I have never read a novel by Tom Threadgill before Network of Deceit, by its end I am confident that it won’t be my last one. In fact, if my TBR stack were already not so tall, I would be picking up a copy of Collision of Lies immediately. It is definitely on my future reads list.

Although considered Christian fiction, Network of Deceit is not overtly so but it is what most would consider a clean read. This book would probably be a good one to share with non-Christian friends who enjoy a good detective tale.

It is rare to read a novel with a female protagonist that is written by a male author but Mr. Threadgill managed to present Amara’s viewpoint quite well. Her love for her family and her tendency to get too involved in her cases made her come to life on the pages. Strong and mostly likeable characters and a steady plot provided a backbone for the story that held my interest all the way through. Several plot twists and surprises kept me guessing  and one final surprise came out of the blue.

I thoroughly enjoyed following Amara’s steps as she gathered clues for a suspicious death that “might” be a homicide. Her interactions with her fellow detective and possible love interest Starsky often added welcome humor to the story. I learned a few interesting things I didn’t know concerning gaming, hackers, and ransomware.

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:

She’s following her instincts. They’re following her every move.

After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she’s worked for: a transfer to San Antonio’s Homicide Division. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she’s forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see justice served and lives protected.

Read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tom Threadgill is a full-time author and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the International Thriller Writers (ITW). The author of Collision of Lies, Tom lives with his wife near Dallas, Texas. Learn more at www.tomthreadgill.com.

Obsession by Patricia Bradley

by | 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.