by admin | Aug 7, 2020 | Abortion, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Marriage, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I can always count on books by Chautona Havig having a somewhat different approach than most that I read. Tempting Tait is definitely one of those with its unusual approach to marriage. If you have already read Bentley’s story you may have a tiny idea of what Tait’s story has in store for you.
Tait is not the usual romantic hero. Girls are not falling over themselves to date him. In fact the one girl he ever dated (once) married someone else. But Tait is an upstanding guy, one with very strong convictions – and those convictions lead him to make some very interesting choices as he follows what he believes to be God’s plan for his life.
Overall, the tale moves along at a decent pace with plenty of angst as well as humorous moments to keep it interesting. At times Tait’s approach to life can be a little frustrating, but hey, you have to respect a guy who stands up for what he believes. Tait never wavers. A cute story, Tempting Tait also deals with a very serious problem in our country, an issue on which more of us should take a stronger stand. Hopefully readers will be challenged and inspired by Tait’s story.
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: Tempting Tait
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Release Date: July 30, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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He chose to be a dad before he realized he’d need a wife, too.
When Tait took in an abandoned girl, he had no idea it would change his life.
Tait Stedtmann–accountant, fledgling do-it-yourselfer, and all-around nice guy. He’d been more than a little interested in Bentley Girard and had finally worked up the courage to ask her out. That was before that fateful day at the rest stop when he saw a girl shoved from a car and abandoned there.
She’s not like any girl he’s ever met, and now she’s given him an ultimatum. Adopt her baby, or she’ll abort it.
Eden doesn’t think he’ll do it. She can have the abortion and move on with her life–far away from these creepy Christians in Fairbury. But when Tait agrees, she finds herself keeping her word… and the pregnancy.
Nine months later, Tait is wracked by guilt as relief sets in when Eden leaves and terrified as he decides he can’t do this daddy thing alone. Bentley figured out how to make marriage happen for her.
Would she help him, find someone, too?
Tempting Tait is the second in the Marriages of Conviction series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
MORE FROM CHAUTONA:
How One Man Turns A Mess into a Miracle
It’s been ten… maybe fifteen years since Eden Pohl waltzed into my brain and settled in. Despite my focused attention on other books, her taunts never strayed far from my hearing.
If you really believed what you say about abortion, you’d tell my story.
You just don’t want to have to write the messy stuff.
Ouch. Worst of all, she was wrong. And she wasn’t.
I don’t mind attacking the hard things when it’s the right time, but I only had half a story. I knew what would not happen but not what would.
So, she languished there in what is probably the longest pregnancy in fiction.
After my friend, Sandy, killed my dreams of combining Tait and Bentley’s stories and added Tait’s (and therefore Eden’s) into a series, things clicked. Duh. Tait would need a wife. Being a single parent is hard. It isn’t how God designed things, you know? We’re supposed to have help. A spouse, extended family, the church.
But sometimes things don’t work in this fallen world. Sometimes we find ourselves parents—even by choice—without the daily support of another parent. Not only that, sometimes our own parents aren’t in a position to be able to help. Age, illness, or distance can remove us from the God-given networks we should have and don’t.
Finally, our decisions sometimes cause us to isolate ourselves even from God’s family, and the result can mean we don’t have that help that we otherwise would.
One verse came to mind over and over when I planned out the rest of Tait’s story.
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18)
Sometimes the words tried to transform themselves into, “It is not good for a father to be alone, so God will find him a helper parent suitable…”
And I had to silence that voice.
First, because we don’t just change Scripture to suit our purpose. Or rather, we shouldn’t.
Second, because that’s even more out of order than having a baby before marriage. It happens sometimes—sometimes by choice, as in Tait’s situation. However, the healthiest marriage will usually put a strong emphasis on the marriage relationship first (after the Lord, of course) and then focus on the children. Why? Because it is best for the children if their parents are in unity. Children find security and strength in knowing their parents love and are committed to each other.
So many times, I started to put that emphasis in the wrong place struggled to get it right. Then one day I realized that this was the very thing I needed to do. Show that struggle. I needed to show that Tait’s focus was wrong—that he created problems he could have avoided simply by being a good daddy… but also by being an even better husband.
I hope you’ll enjoy Tait’s story, and I pray that his heart for the unborn will touch your life in a real and tangible way.
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of Tempting Tait and an original watercolor of “Tait’s Wedding”!!
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/fe37/tempting-tait-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 26, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Just Read, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The opening scene of Rocky Mountain Revenge sets the tone for an action-packed, mysterious, suspense filled tale the kept me turning the pages and fully engrossed until the very end. If this debut novel is any indication of Rhonda Starnes’ talent as an author, I certainly look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Grace Porter has returned to her home town to temporarily help her sister at the family veterinary clinic. It quickly becomes evident that someone would like to see both the sisters dead. Police chief Evan Bradford is the man Grace left behind but he is determined to protect Grace and to help her discover who is behind the attacks and the reasons why.
The plot is well developed with just the right blend of action, danger, humor, and romance to make a compelling story. I liked how an element of faith was woven into the narrative without being intrusive. Although I did have a suspect in mind before the end of the book, a red herring or two had me questioning my choice. Rocky Mountain Revenge is another great Love Inspired Suspense and lovers of that imprint should add this author to their must read list.
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:
To survive her deadly homecoming
she’ll need to trust a man from her past…
Temporarily home to help at her family’s vet clinic, Grace Porter has no intentions of staying—but someone’s determined she won’t live long enough to leave. With both Grace and her sister in the crosshairs, her ex-boyfriend, Police Chief Evan Bradshaw, must protect them. But can the single dad lawman uncover the truth about why a killer’s out for vengeance before time runs out?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rhonda Starnes is a middle school language arts teacher who has dreamed of being a published author since she was in seventh grade. She lives in North Alabama with her husband, who she lovingly refers to as Mountain Man. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Rhonda writes romantic suspense with rugged heroes and feisty heroines.
https://rhondastarnes.com
by admin | Jul 24, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Liz Johnson is an author with a gift for combining a really good romance with an equally intriguing mystery. I have enjoyed her Georgia Coast series set in the historic city of Savannah with each book focusing on a long lost legendary treasure. It has been such fun following the characters as they search for clues to discover the location of treasures most people believe to be tall tales.
A Dazzle of Diamonds was quite the satisfying story featuring lifelong friends Penelope and Tucker. The common best friends to more trope was such fun to watch play out between the characters even as they both had major problems to overcome. I loved how loyal Penelope and Tucker were to each other, attempting to help in any way possible, only wanting the best for the other.
A plot that includes a family scandal, a former fiance, an old diary, a mysterious treasure, and a quirky but delightful aunt, makes for some pretty good reading. I thoroughly enjoyed A Dazzle of Diamonds and encourage you to grab a copy of your own as soon as possible. I do not think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Penelope Hunter loves her job as the event manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. Surely she cannot be expected to plan their wedding. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is threatening to take her big-ticket event elsewhere, especially if Penelope insists on being seen with her best friend, Tucker Westbrook.
Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his lifelong friendship with Penelope. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a lost Civil War treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. She works in marketing and makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
by admin | Jul 24, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Falling for the Innkeeper is a Love Inspired offering that seems perfect for a Hallmark Movie script. With its romantic Cape Cod setting and well defined characters, this book was a welcome break from the current newscasts and Facebook feed.
Jonathan Masters is a corporate lawyer whose sole ambition is to become a partner in his firm. Laura Lessoway is a single mother whose dream is to operate her late grandmother’s Sea Glass Inn but may have a few hurdles to overcome in order to do so. The inn becomes pivotal in the story as Jonathan arrives believing he must procure the property for a client or forever lose his chance as partner.
I enjoyed the conflict between Jonathan and Laura as they each fought for their own dream, especially since despite their different goals they were becoming increasingly drawn to each other. Laura’s young daughter added a special spark to the tale. I loved watching Jonathan gradually discover his true calling and the way he turned his life over to the leading of the Lord. Falling for the Innkeeper is a sweet romance that should delight all those who love a good, clean story.
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:
She’s the home he never expected to find.
A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn…
But what happens when romance checks in?
Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight. But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from his client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer. With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush. A hopeless romantic who met her husband on a blind date, Meghann has a passion for writing inspirational stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace. Before settling down with her husband and raising three rambunctious boys, she earned an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College. She loves to hear from her readers, who can reach her at www.meghannwhistler.com.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
by admin | Jul 15, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I read my first book by Jessica Patch after I learned that she lives in my general neck of the woods. She may be an hour or so away but that’s pretty much local and I need to support local authors if I can. The first few of her books I read were Love Inspired Suspense and I found them to be well crafted and good enough that I added her to my must read list. Then came the Honeyhaven novellas and I learned that this author also has a talent for light-hearted romantic comedy.
Hometown Honey is the third volume of the Honeyhaven series. It features single mom Zayda Miller who dreams of expanding her business to a larger building and her former best friend Stratton Shay who has become a famous chef and has returned to town for the annual pageant. Stratton has a dream of his own and is finally in the position to achieve it but what if his dream and Zayda’s dream collide?
Hometown Honey is the perfect summer read with its lovable characters, humorous situations, and warm-hearted romance. In addition to the primary characters, other Honeyhaven residents play excellent supporting roles. It was fun to catch up with the stars of the previous books and to learn a bit more about Crockett and Scout (aren’t those great names?) who I hope will be featured in the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hometown Honey from the very beginning to its perfect end. If you haven’t had a chance to read anything by this author, this series would be an excellent place to start.
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:
Welcome back to Honeyhaven!
The town is gearing up for the bicentennial and all the festivities including the annual Hometown Honey Pageant. Single mom, Zayda Miller has never been a fan of pageants, particularly this one, but she needs cash and if she could pull it off and win, she could use the sweet prize money to help her achieve her dream. With zero talent or skill in the kitchen—why baking pies is part of the pageant is beyond her—she’s off to a pathetic start. When her high school sweetheart, up and coming chef, Stratton Shay returns to town for the grand event, she reluctantly allows him to help her in the kitchen, but they might be cooking up more than pies for the competition. Until they discover they both want the same thing. And for one of them to win, the other will have to lose.
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.
