by admin | Feb 27, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Cold Case Connection is another page-turner from Dana Mentink who in my opinion is an expert writer. I especially enjoy her suspense novels. Once again she has written a tale that held my attention to the very end and I was reluctant to put it down to attend to mundane things like housework.
The steady plot dropped plenty of hints in just the right places yet I didn’t manage to solve the mystery on my own until it was revealed within the story. Plenty of action and suspense kept those pages turning. I loved the sparks between Sergio and Helen despite the initial conflict and distrust. Both characters were well-rounded with unresolved guilt feelings that drove them to find the murderer of Sergio’s sister and the possible connection to a death in the past.
I thoroughly enjoyed this riveting suspense with a strong hint of romance. It was fun to touch base with characters from earlier books in the series. I look forward to future releases by this author.
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: Cold Case Connection
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: February 1, 2020
Click here to get your copy. |
 |
Convinced his sister’s death wasn’t an accident, private investigator Sergio Ross is determined to catch her killer. But with all the clues hinting at a connection to another unsolved murder, he has to join forces with Helen Pike—a woman linked to both deaths—to find the truth. Can they follow the cold evidence trail to get justice…before they become the next victims?
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 Harvest House. 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:
Cold Case Connection was really fun to write because it’s Helen’s story. She’s an intelligent, sensitive woman who is the sister to the men living on the Roughwater Ranch. Liam is her biological brother, but she’s just as close to Chad and Mitch who might as well be blood relatives. In this novel, Helen has to relive the worst moment of her teenage life, the night when a mysterious murder occurred during a teen prank. Helen is going to have to face the past in order to preserve her future. Cowboys, a case gone cold, a coastal ranch and a whole lot of danger…I hope you will enjoy the ride!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14
Among the Reads, February 14
Through the Fire Blogs, February 14
The Avid Reader, February 15
Texas Book-aholic, February 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16
Inklings and notions, February 16
janicesbookreviews, February 16
Betti Mace, February 17
She Lives to Read, February 17
Genesis 5020, February 17
For the Love of Literature, February 18
For Him and My Family, February 18
My Devotional Thoughts, February 19
Reading Is My SuperPower, February 19
Just Your Average reviews, February 19
Remembrancy, February 20
Older & Smarter?, February 20
Blogging With Carol, February 20
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deb’s Book Review, February 21
Bigreadersite, February 21
EmpowerMoms, February 21
Blossoms and Blessings, February 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22
Christian Bookaholic, February 23
KarenSueHadley, February 23
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 23
Emily Yager, February 24
Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 24
Pause for Tales, February 24
Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25
Maureen’s Musings, February 26
Hallie Reads, February 26
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 26
Livin’ Lit, February 27
To Everything There Is A Season, February 27
Daysong Reflections, February 27 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a bag, a copy of the book, and an 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/f5c6/cold-case-connection-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Feb 22, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time fan of Rachel Hauck’s books, I was excited to get my hands on her latest, The Fifth Avenue Story Society. Once again I found a story I had difficulty putting down.
Unlike most novels, The Fifth Avenue Story Society features five main characters, most of whom are perfect strangers. Each of these people has received an anonymous engraved invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society that meets in the heart of New York City. Despite their skepticism, curiosity compels each of them to attend the first meeting where the mystery deepens. Why were these five particular people invited when they apparently have absolutely nothing in common? Yet something brings the group back together week after week as they begin the slow process of getting to know and eventually growing to care for one another.
The author has constructed a captivating tale with unique and well-developed characters who are emotionally broken in different ways and in need of the truth in their lives. It was a joy to see these people with very little in common grow to be friends who both challenged and supported the others and helped point them toward the truth that would heal their lives. The book was not overly preachy but the reader can clearly see the master hand at work in the background.
The Fifth Avenue Story Society may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love that Hauck is not afraid to tackle the gritty issues of life and often uses a fictional touch of the supernatural to guide the way to the Lord.
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 Fifth Avenue Story Society
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Women’s Fiction
Release Date: February 4, 2020
Get your copy of the book here. |
 |
An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.
Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.
Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.
Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.
Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.
Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.
When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to bear their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.
Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.
READ AN EXCERPT:
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10
The Avid Reader, February 10
Livin’ Lit, February 10
Genesis 5020, February 10
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10
The Power of Words, February 11
A Baker’s Perspective, February 11
Rebecca Tews, February 11
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11
Older & Smarter?, February 12
Seasons of Opportunities, February 12
Texas Book-aholic, February 12
Inklings and notions, February 12
deb’s Book Review, February 12
My Devotional Thoughts, February 13
Just the Write Escape, February 13
For Him and My Family, February 13
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 13
CarpeDiem, February 13
Remembrancy, February 14
Christian Bookaholic, February 14
Connect in Fiction, February 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14
April Hayman, Author, February 14
Robin’s Nest, February 15
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 15
Britt Reads Fiction, February 15
Just Your Average reviews, February 15
Blogging With Carol, February 15
Batya’s Bits, February 16
Bigreadersite, February 16
A Reader’s Brain, February 16
Worthy2Read, February 16
Stories By Gina, February 16 |
Back Porch Reads, February 17
janicesbookreviews, February 17
Literary Reflections Book Blog, February 17
Inside the Wong Mind, February 17
Mary Hake, February 17
Through the fire blogs, February 18
Mia Reads, February 18
Baker Kella, February 18
EmpowerMoms, February 18
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 18
Maureen’s Musings, February 19
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 19
Coast and Anchor, February 19
Spoken from the Heart, February 19
SPLASHES of Joy, February 19
She Lives to Read, February 20
By The Book, February 20
Wishful Endings, February 20
Moments, February 20
Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Andrea Christenson, February 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21
Pause for Tales, February 21
For The Love of Books, February 21
Lis Loves Reading, February 21
Reader’s Cozy Corner, February 22
Hallie Reads, February 22
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 22
To Everything There Is A Season, February 22
Godly Book Reviews, February 23
Daysong Reflections, February 23
SusanLovesBooks, February 23
Lights in a Dark World, February 23 |
by admin | Feb 20, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Tom Threadgill is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect when I began reading Collision of Lies. I did anticipate that it would turn out to be a fairly good suspense story based on its description and the reputation of its publisher. The cover alone is enough to capture my interest and I was happy to find that the content inside held it until the end.
With a tenacious heroine, Amara Alvarez, as well as a contingent of various other interesting characters, the book progresses at a steady pace, detail by detail as it builds to a satisfying conclusion. I loved the characters, each with their own vibrant personality. It was fun to observe their interactions, some of which could be quite humorous. I particularly enjoyed Dr. Pritchard, the ME. And who could resist a detective with a pet iguana? Although not exactly the male protagonist, Starsky also grabbed my attention and I would not mind if a relationship developed between him and Amara in future installments.
The author fed his readers bits and pieces of facts slowly as what was assumed to be a monumental tragic accident became so much more. Attention to details helped me follow the different law enforcement officers as they painstakingly discovered clues to a diabolical crime. Even so I was often surprised at the twists the case took as it sometimes seemed like the team took two steps forward and one step back.
I thoroughly enjoyed Collision of Lies and plan to be on the lookout for future novels by Tom Threadgill. Fans of suspense and police procedure novels should enjoy this one.
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:
The case was tragic. But it was an accident. Right?
Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she’s correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie.
With time running out, Amara must convince others–and herself–that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy is alive. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.
A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.
Read an excerpt Here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © David M. Humphrey
Tom Threadgill is a full-time author and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). He is currently on the suspense/thriller publishing board for LPC Books, a division of Iron Stream Media. He lives with his wife in rural Tennessee.
by admin | Feb 2, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, International Intrigue, Middle East
MY REVIEW:
Although Promised Land follows Chosen People, the first book in Whitlow’s Chosen People series that I somehow missed, I had absolutely no problem following the story line. This book can easily stand on its own but after reading it I am already thinking about how I can fit it into my reading schedule.
With its vivid settings in both Atlanta and Israel, wonderfully complex characters, and a plot filled with international intrigue and Whitlow’s trademark legal scenes, this book held me captive for several hours. There was enough danger and suspense to make me hold my breath a few times but it was relieved by touches of humor and love along the way. I was captivated by Hana’s songs in the night as she poured out her love for the Lord and interceded for her husband and others she loved in an amazing way.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and loved its message of hope in the midst of dangerous times.
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: Promised Land
Author: Robert Whitlow
Genre: Christian Fiction, Suspense, Legal Drama
Release Date: January 14, 2020
Click here to get your copy. |
 |
With historical mysteries, religious intrigue, and political danger, Promised Land asks one momentous question: what if your calling puts you—and your family—in the crosshairs?
Despite their Israeli citizenship, Hana and Daud cannot safely return to their homeland because a dangerous terrorist ring is threatening Daud. Hana is perfectly fine remaining in the United States, working for a law firm in Atlanta, especially when she learns she’s pregnant. But Daud can’t shake the draw to return home to Israel, even if it makes him a walking target.
Hana is helping her boss plan a huge Middle East summit in Atlanta when Jakob Brodsky, her old friend and former co-litigator, asks for her help with a current case. His client is attempting to recover ancient artifacts stolen from his Jewish great-grandfather by a Soviet colonel at the end of World War II. Because the case crosses several national borders, he knows he needs Hana’s knowledge and skill to get to the bottom of what happened to these precious artifacts.
Meanwhile, Daud is called in to help a US intelligence agency extract a Ukrainian doctor from a dangerous situation in Egypt. While overseas, he can’t resist the call of Jerusalem and thus sets off a series of events that puts thousands of people in danger, including his wife and unborn child.
Bestselling author Robert Whitlow explores the meaning of family and home—and how faith forms the identity of both—in this breathtaking follow-up to Chosen People.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. Website: www.robertwhitlow.com; Twitter: @whitlowwriter; Facebook: robertwhitlowbooks
READ AN EXCERPT:
Click here to read an excerpt of the book.
BLOG STOPS:
| Genesis 5020, January 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27
Inklings and notions, January 28
deb’s Book Review, January 28
Texas Book-aholic, January 29
For Him and My Family, January 30
CarpeDiem, January 30
Christian bookaholic, January 31
Mary Hake, January 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2
Blogging With Carol, February 2 |
Daysong Reflections, February 3
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 3
For the Love of Literature, February 4
Betti Mace, February 5
Hallie Reads, February 5
By The Book, February 6
SPLASHES of Joy, February 7
Bigreadersite, February 7
Pause for Tales, February 8
Emily Yager, February 8
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 9 |
*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour
by admin | Jan 26, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Lynette Eason’s books have been on my must read list for several years for good reason. Each one seems to be even better than the last and Collateral Damage definitely ranks right there at the top. I was a bit confused by the two different story lines at first but I knew that eventually I would understand. Page by page and chapter by chapter I watched all the different threads come together perfectly to make perfect sense.
So many twists and turns and surprises made for a page-turning experience that made it difficult to stop and take care of my normal responsibilities. Character development was excellent – I enjoyed getting to know Brooke and Asher and watching their relationship develop as they also helped each other heal from their past trauma. Several secondary characters played major roles in the story and I am hoping some of them turn up in one of the sequels in this series. Like always, Eason kept me guessing until the true villain was revealed and I can truthfully say that I had a tiny suspicion but was still surprised. It is truly sad when a mind becomes so twisted that a person tries to justify their evil actions.
Difficult subjects such as PTSD and human trafficking are covered in this story that thankfully ends well due to characters who learn to depend on the Lord’s help. Collateral Damage is an awesome novel and I recommend it to all lovers of Christian suspense.
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:
They thought they left the fight behind on the battlefield.
But their greatest struggles are just beginning.
Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others, but her days of helping military personnel are over. She’s got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she’s not equipped to take on more.
Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.
Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor. When he arrives at her office, she isn’t there–but a dead body is. When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack–and that her secrets go even deeper than his own–Asher vows to protect her no matter what.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Mary Denman
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Protecting Tanner Hollow, as well as the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
by admin | Jan 25, 2020 | Adventure, Alaska, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Anyone who knows me well is aware that I have always had a major problem with heights so I was just a bit nervous about reading Susan May Warren’s latest novel The Way of the Brave. After all most of the story revolves around climbing Denali, in the winter no less! Because I love all books by this author and do not want to ever miss reading even one of them, I dove into this one fulling expecting nightmares. I can thankfully say that I survived the journey without even one nightmare but if this story ever becomes a movie, I don’t think I could handle it.
I am also happy to say that aside from Denali, winter storms, treacherous climbs, altitude sickness, and an accident or two, the author’s trademark focus on characterization was evident throughout. Orion Starr (don’t you love that name?) was indeed a worthy hero who despite his reconstructed knee and PTSD and no wish to join another rescue team, jumps into action when asked to help find and rescue three lost climbers. Jenny Calhoun’s past also keeps her running with ever more dangerous physical challenges to try to stop the memories. With a brief past connection, she holds a secret Orion is unaware of and fears his reaction when he learns the truth about her.
The Way of the Brave was an excellent tale filled with plenty of danger and suspense as well as hold-your-breath scenes. Each and every character was important to the story and I look forward to seeing some of the others featured in their own personal novel. Warren always has a strong and important message woven into her stories and this one is no different. I may not care for high places and would never think about climbing even a small mountain, much less Denali, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As always I recommend it as well as every other book this author has written. They just keep getting better and better!
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:
Haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong, former pararescue jumper Orion Starr has no desire to join Hamilton Jones’s elite rescue team. But he also can’t shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali in Alaska.
Jenny Calhoun’s yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from her guilt. The former CIA profiler and psychiatrist green-lighted an operation against the Taliban that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she’ll be forced to trust her life to the most dangerous of heroes–the man she nearly killed.
Orion and Jenny will have to put their wounds behind them to save their friends . . . and their hearts.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over 65 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at Susan May Warren Fiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.
