MY REVIEW:
I anticipate that Set the Stars Alight may take its place as my very favorite book of 2020. In my opinion, it will be extremely difficult to surpass this beautifully written story. I have found each and everything I have read by Amanda Dykes to be filled with wonder and a magical, lyrical style that makes me want to immerse myself into the story and stay forever. Each of her tales is better than the last.
Although many reviewers have remarked on the sense of wonder and light that emits from this book, I can only agree. Wonder just seems to be the right word and no other one will do to describe how I felt when reading it. This author has a powerful gift that touches the very soul and Set the Stars Alight was just what I needed to read during the dark days of this summer.
Set the Stars Alight is story-telling at its best. Quotable lines abound on nearly every page. I highly recommend reading it for the sheer beauty of its words but its story is worthwhile and offers a ray of hope to all who enter in.
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:
In an aged brick cottage in London, the magic of the past comes alive each night for the family of a humble watchmaker. In her father’s fireside stories, Lucy Claremont’s fascination with the high seas begins, leading her to devote her life’s work to discovering the whereabouts of a legendary lost ship. But when tragedy strikes, it’s childhood friend Dashel and his knowledge of the stars that may help her solve the puzzle.
Two hundred years earlier, three young lives are altered forever when a shepherd rescues the privileged son of a powerful admiral. As the children grow, war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, deep love, and a story of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption that fades into obscurity as centuries pass.
As Lucy and Dash explore mysterious ruins on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers–and the healing–they so desperately seek.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey
Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s a former English teacher and the author of Whose Waves These Are, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, as well as three novellas.
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?
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. |
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
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
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Dani Pettrey’s books since I read the first one. Her development of a plot is inspired and I love how realistic her characters are portrayed – flaws and all.
Speaking of flaws, heroine Gabby was a bit difficult to like but that may have been the author’s intention. Having returned home for safety’s sake after an attempt on her life, instead of keeping her head down and allowing others to help protect her, Gabby was constantly going off on her own to investigate a crime, sometimes taking others with her. Hard-headed for certain, Gabby often seemed a bit selfish as she ignored advice from others. And how she tortured poor Finn – knowing she loved him but so determined to follow her career instead of love.
If one wants a book filled with action, mystery, and suspense, The Killing Tide would be a good choice with its details about the Coast Guard investigative team. I enjoyed the scenes where I felt like I was observing the team at work. It is a fun to read book with more than enough murder and mayhem for even the most picky suspense fan.
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 Killing Tide
Author: Dani Pettrey Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense Release Date: August 2019 Click here to get your copy! |
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When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.
When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.
Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?
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. For more information visit www.danipettrey.com
MORE FROM DANI:
Pettrey kicks off her new Coastal Guardians series with an intense blend of suspense, love, and faith. The Killing Tide features romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.
— Kate Campos BookList
The Killing Tide is the first book in my Coastal Guardian series. My husband was Navy, so why am I writing about the Coast Guard? Because I think their mission to keep our waters and our country safe should be highlighted more. Before I started writing The Killing Tide, I’ll admit I knew little about the Coast Guard. I had a friend in high school who joined the Guard right after graduation, but that’s about the depth of my experience with them. Then, my husband and I watched a movie called The Finest Hour.
If you haven’t seen it, I highly urge you to. It’s the true story of one of the most dangerous and daring rescue attempts in Coast Guard history. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Bernie Webber takes a small team to rescue the crew of the Pendleton T2 oil tanker, which split in half off the coast of Cape Cod during a brutal nor’easter in 1952. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but let’s just say it’s a wonderful testament to courage in adversity. After watching it, I knew I had to write a series about the Coast Guard. I began researching and came across the Coast Guard Investigative Service and my interest was highly peaked. After talking with Coast Guardsmen, both newly in the service and those long retired, I began to see the story weaving together like a movie in my mind. I hope you enjoy reading the CGIS Wilmington teams’ adventures, cases and…of course, romances.
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle, $20 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of The Crushing Depths!!
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/fcce/the-killing-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
Secrets Resurfaced wraps up Dana Mentink’s Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series with lots of action and a few surprises. With the requisite romance, personal conflict, a lovable dog or two, and cowboys, this Love Inspired Suspense has everything required for a satisfying evening escape.
When Dory Winslow returns to the area on an investigation, it is inevitable that she will meet up with her ex-boyfriend Chad. Their relationship did not end well and Chad has unresolved resentment against her related to a past tragedy. Despite his distrust of Dory, Chad cannot stop himself from running to her rescue and making himself her protector every time danger rears its head – and that seems to happen quite frequently.
The story takes several unexpected twists and turns along the way as what seems to be obvious changes a time or two. It was fun attempting to discover the guilty parties along with Chad and Dory as well as observe the renewal of their relationship as the conflicts were resolved. I always enjoy Dana Mentink’s books and love the way she includes animals as an important plot element. She manages to tell the story without revealing too many pertinent details until just the right point.
Although Secrets Resurfaced is the final book of a series, it easily stands on its own merits. That being said, readers will probably want to also read the previous books in the series to learn the stories of Chad’s older brothers. It is definitely worthwhile.
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: Secrets Resurfaced
Author: Dana Mentink Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: June 2, 2020 Click here to get your copy! |
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When new evidence surfaces about a tragic boating accident that put her ex-boyfriend’s father in prison, private investigator Dory Winslow’s determined to look into it. But now someone’s dead set on silencing her. And working with Chad Jaggert—the father of her secret child—may be the only way to survive the treacherous truth about the tragedy that once tore them apart.
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 a national 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 Sourcebooks. 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. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
Well, it’s been a wild ride through the Roughwater Cowboy series! Here we are at the end, with youngest brother Chad’s story. Fortunately, the rest of the clan (Mitch, Liam and Helen) are here to lend a hand when the man Chad’s father was jailed for killing comes back to life. Helping out also is Jingles the hapless dog, and a new member of the canine family, three legged Meatball. Throw in a killer on the loose and a secret child, and we’ll have a ‘hold onto your hat’ finish to this series. Thanks for coming along with me! God bless you!
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book 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/fc1a/secrets-resurfaced-celebration-tour-giveaway
