by admin | Nov 12, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:
Deadly Connection is one of those books that jumps right into the action and barely gives the reader a chance to catch a breath or two before it’s off again. The narrative is filled with danger, suspense, more danger, and mysteries to be solved, all blended well with a strong helping of faith and a touch of romance,
Strong characters carry the story to its gripping conclusion. Reid Lucas, private investigator finds himself responsible to protect Quinn Matthews and her young son. None of them has a clue why she is suddenly required to run for her very life and Reid is risking his life for them also. The plot is filled with enough twists and surprises to keep even the most dedicated suspense fan happy and the spontaneous romance adds a welcome break from the danger and suspense.
I like the fact that all the characters were true-to-life. Reid and Quinn did not magically escape injury and the men after her were especially shrewd. The story flowed naturally and I was held captive by it to the very end.

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:
Private Investigator, Reid Lucas, and his mentor, Joe Lockhart, haven’t spoken in years, but when Joe wants to meet in a small-town diner, Reid’s interest is piqued. Without explanation, Joe calls and tells Reid he has five minutes to get waitress, Quinn Matthews, and her son out of the diner before they’re kidnapped by the group of thugs about to walk through the diner’s front door. Quinn Matthews’ life is simple and safe, exactly how she likes it—until Reid Lucas walks into the diner. Now, she and her son are running for their lives, and she has no idea why. But when the father of her son shows up and dies saving them, she realizes they all have one deadly connection: Joe Lockhart. Now, she’ll have to trust the mysterious private investigator to not only save their lives but connect her past to her present so they can figure out who is after them. And why. As the danger escalates, unexpected feelings arise. Reid doesn’t believe he’s worthy of Quinn’s love–or God’s. And Quinn is too worried about having her heart broken again and the effect of having a new man in her son’s life. Can they let go of their preconceived notions of love and relationships, or are they doomed to just let go of each other?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Pierce currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and two children. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and River Valley Writers, where she serves as secretary.
Website: lovereadwriterepeat.wordpress.com

by admin | Nov 1, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:
I have somewhat mixed feelings about Secret Beach Boyfriend. On one hand I enjoyed reading it but on the other hand I found myself getting a bit aggravated with both the hero and heroine much too often. Overall I liked both Annie and Rafe but they each had some major issues. Annie’s father had left the island when she was five and she never saw him again. She was left with deep-seated feelings of abandonment and low self esteem and felt unworthy of marriage and was essentially afraid to leave the island. Rafe had grown up with a mother who had minor OCD and her fear had severely limited his childhood experiences. Rafe was a great guy who cared about others and was not afraid to show it. Unfortunately there were moments that he seemed very needy to me but perhaps that is a natural result of growing up as he did. Annie’s fear of leaving the island also seemed extreme to me.
The book is well written with vivid descriptions of its setting. The mostly serious content was relieved at times by a touch of humor and of course romance. Secrets are revealed that explained events that had a major impact on Annie’s life. It was fun spending time with the pair as they got to know each other and renewed a one day childhood friendship that neither had ever forgotten. Their plans to save the marriage of Rafe’s parents was entertaining at times and also served an unexpected purpose. I was happy to see that both Rafe, Annie and his parents were able to overcome things that were holding them back. I enjoyed meeting some of Annie’s friends. I am hoping that they have their own stories in other books of this series. There are lessons to be learned in Secret Beach Boyfriend and what better place than the beach to learn them.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book: Secret Beach Boyfriend
Author: Kari Trumbo
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 29 , 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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She met Rafe on the beach when she was just five and it seemed like fate tied them together. When a chance encounter returns him to the islands twenty years later, Annie finds her beach friend has grown up and now needs her help.
Damaged and scarred from a past that still hasn’t healed, Annie needs help of her own. True to character, Rafe comes up with a perfect solution, but a temporary island romance does not fit into his agenda at all.
Will an offer to be her secret boyfriend give her heart a second chance? How can it turn into something more and prove there’s power in prayer and that love can triumph over a painful past?
He was Annie’s hero long ago, but can the man he has become save her now?
Secret Beach Boyfriend is the third “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kari Trumbo is a bestselling author of Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. Her books are known for characters who feel real, settings you could move to, and faith woven between the pages. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, and never enough time.
MORE FROM KARI:
Have you ever hunted for seashells on the beach?
This sweet story actually starts twenty years before the moment you open the front cover. Years before, on a solitary beach, a little boy comforts a girl he finds crying by offering to help her find seashells. He doesn’t know why she’s crying, just that he can help. Even though he knows his mother will be angry with him.
You see, Rafe (that’s the little boy) has a mother who has minor OCD and doesn’t let him go on the beach. But when Annie (that’s the little girl) is obviously heartbroken, he can’t leave her sitting there and not do anything. At that moment, a hero is born.
It’s the little things that make a hero. That moment in time when he made a choice to put Annie above his own discomfort created a past for them both, an anchor they could both look back on. It was pivotal enough for them both that they remembered it years later. Rafe, because he hid the shells and cherished the one time he got to collect them. Annie, because she was going through something no child of five should have to. His kindness was a glimmer of hope.
Fast forward twenty years and these two meet again, but don’t realize right away they are the people they’ve been thinking about on-and-off for most of their lives. Interestingly enough, that part of my story is true. I had a friend I met at a local beach when I was too young to recall names or anything else of great significance other than the feeling that it was the best day ever. She made me her best buddy for the day, and that stuck with me.
When I think of this story beyond the printed page, where Annie and Rafe live on in my mind, I have to wonder if shells will continue to be a theme in their lives.

BLOG STOPS:
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 22
Texas Book-aholic, October 23
Stories By Gina, October 23
Captive Dreams Window, October 23
Inklings and notions, October 24
CarpeDiem, October 24
For Him and My Family, October 25
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 25
Older & Smarter?, October 26
21st Century Keeper at Home, October 26
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27
deb’s Book Review, October 27
Connect in Fiction, October 28
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 3
Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
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Splashes of Joy, November 4
lakesidelivingsite, October 28
Artistic Nobody, October 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Godly Book Reviews, October 29
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 30
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 30
Livin’ Lit, October 30
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 31
Life, love, writing, October 31
Sara Jane Jacobs, November 1
Batya’s Bits, November 1
Daysong Reflections, November 2
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 2
Blossoms and Blessings, November 3
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GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/102a8/secret-beach-boyfriend-celebration-tour-giveaway
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 3, 2020 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance, Southern

MY REVIEW:
If all you’ve read by Jessica R. Patch are her Love Inspired Suspense novels, be sure and check out her Honeyhaven Romance series. I love her suspense novels with their great action-filled plots combined with a developing romance but sometimes I just need to read something light-hearted. The Honeyhaven novellas are perfect for that with their sweet romance, small town vibe, and humor that will make even Scrooge laugh.
Book 4 of the series, Honey for the Holidays, focuses on Scout Denman and Crockett Baylor. Scout and Crockett went from nearly engaged to barely getting along and that was only for the sake of their mutual friends. It seems as if the whole town sided with Scout when she assumed that Crockett had betrayed her with another woman (he didn’t).So when the job of city manager that Crockett had always wanted opened up, he convinced Scout to pretend they are once again together in order to give him a better chance at the job, After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Once again Jessica Patch has managed to take an emotionally charged and seemingly impossible situation, add a heavy dose of humor, a liberal amount of conflict, and mixed it all together to provide her readers with a delightfully romantic novella. I love the small town atmosphere where everyone knows everything about everyone and the way they all work together to help each other out. I enjoyed every second of it and like other readers have mentioned, I will probably find myself reading Honey for the Holidays as well as the rest of the Honeyhaven series again and again.
This novella can be enjoyed on its own but why do that when you can read the entire series and get to know all the wonderfully quirky residents of Honeyhaven. I can guarantee fun will be had by all.
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:
Crockett Baylor is known as a businessman whose professional practices are above reproach. His personal reputation? Not so much. When the mayor dangles Crockett’s long-buried dream in front of him, he’ll have to take drastic measures to prove he’s worthy. He’s got a plan but it requires the help of his ex, who despises him for all the wrong reasons.
Beloved Parks and Recreation Director, Scout Denman refuses to go along with Crockett’s cockamamie scheme: pretending they’ve rekindled their past romantic relationship. It’s too much of an emotional strain. But she has no choice when she gets in a bind and needs his help with a parks project.
As they stumble their way through Christmas events, grudgingly selling themselves as a couple, they discover there might be a genuine ember left burning under the ashes of their broken hearts. And if they can swallow their pride, they might be able to spark it into a glowing future together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a contemporary romance or romantic suspense. When she’s not hunched over her laptop (or in physical therapy because she’s been hunched over her laptop), you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on “adventures” in the name of book research, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
by admin | Sep 29, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance

MY REVIEW:
Heart Restoration was one of those books I didn’t want to put down once I began reading it. As a fan of Fixer Upper type TV programming, I loved this story about a young woman in charge of renovating an historic old home after her brother broke his leg.
Unlike a usual renovation, Lisa and Nick, the homeowner, were challenged with secret tunnels, a dead body or two, an old family mystery, and a bit of danger and plenty of suspense.
The well developed plot moved along at a brisk pace with enough action, dialogue, and a developing romance to hold my interest. I loved how skillfully a message of faith was woven naturally into the story as well as the way Nick and Lisa found peace and healing for the grief and loss in their lives.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
For interior designer Lisa Reno things go from bad to worse when her contractor-brother falls off a ladder and breaks his leg. Now she has to deal with the past coming back to haunt her, an old house with a corpse in the creepy cellar, and her best friend trying her best to fix her up with any man that moves.
Nick Woodward is willing to do his old college roommate a favor – especially since it involves renovating his own inheritance. The last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone. When he lost his wife and unborn child so suddenly, he had made the decision to keep God and everyone else at arm’s length.
So far, so good.
Ah, the difference a trip to a dingy basement makes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Merrick is a church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Having lived most of her life in Western Kentucky, she dreams of the sound of crashing waves and sandy beaches. Married to her husband of 30-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, Kentucky.
by admin | Sep 29, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for His Love Revealed by Cynthia Herron, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
Overall His Love Revealed had a strong plot with relatable characters. Featuring Ida Mae and Chuck who have been close friends since childhood, their happy-ever-after has not turned out exactly the way Ida Mae had hoped. Family history and its painful memories has made Chuck reluctant to marry, afraid he might follow in his father’s footsteps. Ida Mae carries a huge secret that she believes deserves the punishment of living alone the rest of her life.
Ruby, Missouri is one of those towns the reader may well wish truly existed. The Come and Get It Diner alone was enough for me with its mouth watering food and friendly ambience. There are enough food descriptions in this book to make one hungry the entire time she is reading it.
While both characters struggle with their past, it was heart warming to witness the Holy Spirit at work in their lives and the healing that took place. A bit less introspection and more interaction between characters would have been more to my personal preference but its strong message of forgiveness, including forgiving oneself, this book should be well loved by many.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: His Love Revealed
Series: Welcome to Ruby #2
Author: Cynthia Herron
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Will revelations of the past hijack their future?
Since childhood, Ida Mae Hoscutt, the beloved proprietress of the Come and Get It Diner, has loved Charles “Chuck” Farrow from afar. Now on the eve of her thirty-ninth birthday with no marriage proposal in sight, Ida Mae mourns past mistakes and contemplates a makeover. When a radio commercial wrenches Ida Mae’s heart, will a sudden turn of events sabotage her chance for happiness or will a long-held secret be the answer to love ever-after?
As Ida Mae’s right-hand man at the Come and Get It, Chuck yearns to shift gears and start over. He’s ready to shelve bachelorhood and blunders in favor of possibilities and new beginnings. When he prepares to move forward, two things challenge his objective. One is the father who walked away and never looked back. The other? A decades-old question that only Ida Mae can answer.
And Ida Mae isn’t talking.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cynthia Herron writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains. A hopeless romantic at heart, she enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Her Hope Discovered, her début novel and the first in a three-book series, released December 2018 with Mountain Brook Ink.
“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA.
She is a 2020 Selah Award (Double) Finalist, a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her work is represented by Sarah Freese at WordServe Literary.
Besides writing, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She also adores a great cup of coffee and she never met a sticky note she didn’t like.
CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 29, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 6, 2020. 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!
