Contemporary Fiction | Daysong Reflections

Texas Christmas Revenge by Connie Queen

by admin | Nov 22, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Texas Christmas Revenge by Connie Queen hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Texas Christmas Revenge is an action packed mystery suspense with a strong romantic element added for good measure. Another second chance romance novel, emergency dispatcher Brandi Callahan must turn to her ex-fiance Texas Ranger Rhett Kincaid for help after receiving a cryptic message from a person who seems to be her missing and assumed dead sister.

The fast paced plot moves from one dangerous scene to another from the very start as Brandi and Rhett do everything they can to protect the toddler Brandi believes to be her nephew, even as the threat to their own lives continues to escalate.

Another suspense filled offering from Love Inspired Suspense, Texas Christmas Revenge kept me turning the pages on my tablet as quickly as I could read them. I enjoyed the many twists and turns as well as surprises along the way and was quite satisfied with the resolution to the mystery.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

An abandoned little boy is the only clue to a killer’s dangerous holiday plot…

Certain a desperate 911 caller is her presumed-dead sister, emergency dispatcher Brandi Callahan follows the cryptic message to a terrified toddler…and an armed assailant. Now Brandi will do anything to protect the boy—even if it means asking her ex-fiancé, Texas Ranger Rhett Kincaid, for help. But can Brandi and Rhett stop this killer before he exacts his terrible Christmas vengeance?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Connie Queen spent her life in Texas where she met and married her high-school sweetheart. Together they’ve raised eight children and are enjoying their grandchildren. As a child, Connie remembers her mom and sisters reading, but she preferred to be outside. It wasn’t until later, she found the joy of being whisked away into another world. Today she resides in Texas with her husband, and Nash, her Great Dane, where she’s working on her next suspense.

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Unintended Detour by D. L. Wood

by admin | Nov 18, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Sometimes the nicest people in a book turn out to be villains and there are plenty of very nice people in Unintended Detour. In fact they are all quite likeable and no one would ever suspect them. Or would they?

And sometimes God fulfills the desires of the heart in very unexpected ways. While Chloe tries to fill her waiting hours while on a planned relaxation visit to the grand opening of her husband’s family’s new resort hotel, she jumps in and makes herself useful. Their visit is marred by multiple destructive events as well as a mysterious death and unexplained accidents. As Chloe works to put together an historical exhibit for the grand opening, she begins to find a few clues to an unsolved mystery from the mansion’s past. With the lives of herself and others she loves in danger, Chloe presses on bravely.

Although Unintended Detour is not quite as suspenseful as earlier books by this author, I thoroughly enjoyed following Chloe and Jack through their multiple adventures. The plot was tightly woven with hints dropped along the way but never enough to give anything away too soon. I really love being surprised by the true culprits and this book was full of surprises. Just when I thought everything had been revealed, up popped another suspect!

Lovers of Mystery/Suspense will definitely want to pick up a copy of Unintended Detour. I for one cannot wait to read the next installment.

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: Unintended Detour

Author: D.L. Wood

Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 21, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

A hundred-year-old secret might be the cause of and the key to solving a murder.

Jack and Chloe Bartholomew just wanted a romantic second honeymoon in the beautiful Hudson River Valley at the legendary hotel his family recently acquired. However, instead of spa treatments and horseback rides through the snow, things are all wrong at the Stonehall Estate Resort.

First, she learns of months of unexplained mishaps.

And now murder.

It soon becomes clear someone wants the resort to fail and will stop at nothing to make that happen. The question is…why?

In an effort to help the family business, Chloe picks up where the hotel’s last historical curator left off. But things quickly grow dangerous as her research uncovers truths hidden for decades—clues related not only to the mysteries sparked by a young girl’s death in 1931, but also those haunting the estate today. Soon Chloe is caught in a deadly race to expose the mansion’s secrets before more innocents become victims of the malevolent force behind it all.

Will Chloe bring the long-lost truth to light in time, or will she be the next to fall prey to the dark scheme, costing her everything, including her life?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards (2016 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best Christian Fiction Ebook; 2019 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best General Christian Fiction) and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. She is an Amazon bestselling author of Christian Mystery & Suspense and millions of pages of her books have been read through Kindle Unlimited.

D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline.

D.L. lives in North Alabama, where, if she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies – Frodo and Dobby – bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.’s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.

MORE FROM D.L. WOOD:

I love stories. I’ve always loved them. Stories carry you away, make you think, take you on suspense-filled rides and introduce you to characters that you love so much you want to meet them in real life. I’m such a voracious reader that at the age of nine, my eye doctor told me if I didn’t start reading with more light, I’d need glasses way too early. Can you relate?

I guess that’s why I became a writer—to be part of the amazing adventure that is storytelling.

And let’s face it. Right now, most of us wouldn’t mind an amazing adventure.

In my Unintended Series of suspense novels, you’ll visit sizzling Caribbean beaches, Tennessee in golden autumn, and a snow-blanketed Hudson River Valley with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. You’ll go with characters that are believable—flawed, brave and hopeful—in the face of danger. Of course, there’s always romance in the mix and touches of faith, leaving you encouraged as well as entertained.

It’s what I’d want to read, so I wrote it for you.

I’m beyond thrilled that the third book in the series is releasing. Frankly, I wanted to see what happened to Chloe, Jack, and Riley as much as my readers did!

I hope you enjoy reading Unintended Detour as much as I enjoyed writing it—and that you have an amazing adventure along the way.

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

lakesidelivingsite, November 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 14

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

An Author’s Take, November 15

Inklings and notions, November 16

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

For Him and My Family, November 17

deb’s Book Review, November 18

Daysong Reflections, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Blogging With Carol, November 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 23

Mary Hake, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Pause for Tales, November 25

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, D.L. is giving away a $40 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/133ab/unintended-detour-celebration-tour-giveaway

Hooper Safe Haven by Rachel Skatvold

by admin | Nov 16, 2021 | Beach Read, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Hooper Island Safe Haven is the latest book in the Independence Islands series with a Hooper Island setting. Having read many of the books in the series, it has been fun to touch base with the familiar characters from previous installments as well as getting to know new characters from the islands.

Alicia Roberts, new veterinary assistant to Kendall Roberts has just arrived on Hooper Island, hoping that it will be a safe home where she can relax her guard just a bit. It is obvious that she carries a heavy burden of worry and secrets around with her but details are revealed a bit at a time as her story progresses.

Jace Young helps his father run the apartment complex where Alicia settles. He and Alicia quickly develop a strong friendship and he feels more comfortable with her than expected, especially after her positive and helpful reaction to his medical issues that require a service dog.

I thoroughly enjoyed Hooper Island Safe Haven with its steady plot, excellent characterizations, secrets, and a positive surprise or two along the way. A strong message of faith and salvation was also quite encouraging. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy faith based contemporary fiction and would also recommend previous books from the series.

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: Hooper Safe Haven

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: October 26, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Harbors should be safe havens, but what if you’re harboring secrets?

When Alicia Roberts accepts a job with mobile veterinarian, Kendall Mulligan, she hopes the Independence Islands will give her a safe place to start over. And as much as she appreciates the Mulligan girls’ offer to stay with them while she gets settled, Alicia knows she needs her own place. ASAP.

Hooper Ear Cove Apartments on Hooper Island offers a beautiful ocean view as well as one of the landlord’s hunky son—all at an affordable price. Just what she needs to start a new life. Isn’t it?

When life knocked Jace Young in the head with a literal curveball that ruined his major league chances, he was forced to return to Hooper Island and a job as the maintenance guy at his father’s apartment complex. On the side, he leads the contemporary song service at church as his heart heals.

When Alicia moves to Hooper Island, Jace is drawn in by her sweet personality. However, something hides deep beneath the surface, and Alicia resists any discussion of God. What will it take to convince her to anchor her heart to God and to confide the secrets she harbors?

Hooper Safe Haven continues the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

READ AN EXCERPT:

Alicia Roberts leaned against the railing, watching the seagulls hovering above the ferry as it prepared to dock at the Merriweather slip. They were always waiting for something—tiny fish in the surf or tiny scraps the passengers left behind. In a way, she knew how they felt. Until now, she’d been waiting, too—although it was for something entirely different. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of the wind whipping through her long brown hair. In deciding to work on the Independence Islands, had she finally found what she was waiting for? A new purpose? There was no turning back now. After graduating and moving out of her college dorm she had nowhere else to go.

The sound of the apron dropping to allow the cars and people off the ferry drew Alicia out of her ponderings. She approached her blue compact car, packed to the gills with all the belongings she owned and slipped into the driver’s seat as quickly as possible to avoid holding up the other passengers parked behind her. Within a few minutes, she drove up Captains Walk, spying a large RV parked in one of the lots. Kendall Mulligan greeted her the moment she parked and stepped out.

“Welcome back!” her auburn-haired friend exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I’m so glad you decided to take the job.”

Alicia pulled back and offered a shy smile. “Me too. How could I turn down such a great opportunity right out of vet school?”

Kendall took her hand, pulling her along. “Here, come inside. There are breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee from Granny’s inside. If we hurry, we’ll have a few minutes to enjoy them before patients start arriving.”

Her stomach rumbled as she followed Kendall up the steps to the mobile clinic. “That sounds wonderful. I forgot to eat this morning.”

“Now you sound like Carly. I always have to remind her to eat breakfast. She calls me a nag, but she’s hypoglycemic, so if I don’t keep on her, she can’t function very well in the morning.”

Alicia chuckled. “No one usually has to remind me. I can’t function without a bowl of oatmeal or some kind of protein first thing in the morning. I think my routine is just off with this new job and all, but I’ll adjust soon enough.” She paused, remembering something. “Speaking of Carly, I heard about her engagement to that billionaire. When’s the big day?”

Kendall shook her head with a slight roll of her blue eyes. “Next month, believe it or not.”

“Well, that was quick!”

“Yeah, tell me about it.” Her redheaded friend shrugged with a sigh. “I suppose when money is no object, a wedding can be whipped up pretty quickly, though. I never thought my little sister would get married before me. She’s always been so opposed to that kind of thing, but I guess when you meet the right one, why wait? I’m happy for them.”

“Me too. So, is that why she’s gone today? Wedding planning stuff?”

“Yeah, it’s going to be pretty crazy around here for the next month. She’ll be in and out of here a lot, but after the wedding she’s going to launch her new mobile art business with Luc. That’s why I’m so glad you could come and work with us.”

BLOG STOPS:

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 12

Texas Book-aholic, November 12

Inklings and notions, November 13

lakesidelivingsite, November 14

She Lives To Read, November 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 15

Connect in Fiction, November 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 16

Blossoms and Blessings, November 16

Aryn the Libraryan, November 17

Daysong Reflections, November 17

For Him and My Family, November 18

Blogging With Carol, November 18

deb’s Book Review, November 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, November 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 23

Kayem Reads, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Splashes of Joy, November 24

Simple Harvest Reads, November 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize 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/133ba/hooper-safe-haven-celebration-tour-giveaway

Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle

by admin | Nov 14, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Never Too Late is an emotionally charged story that deals with issues in the lives of both primary characters Rachel and Evan. Best friends from almost the day they met, their relationship is one treasured by both. The question is, are things about to change for them?

Widowed Rachel has seen more than enough tragedy in her life and has done an excellent job raising her son alone. Now that he has entered college, she cannot face her empty house with no one to care for so she decides to spend the next month or two in her brother’s vacation cottage in order to help care for Evan as he recovers from a work related injury.

I enjoyed watching as they avoided the obvious attraction, especially Rachel whose fear of losing another person in her life stopped her from living life to the fullest. I loved all the references to floriography and the meanings behind each flower. It was fun seeing how Evan used what he learned to communicate his feelings to Rachel.

Never Too Late is a special book that deals with a number of personal and societal issues. It was encouraging to see how everything worked together to bring about healing in the lives of several people. I do warn you that it might be a good idea to keep a box of tissues handy.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Never Too Late

Series: Along Came Love #3

Author: Susan L. Tuttle

Publisher: Iron Stream Media

Release Date: November 2, 2021

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

Once, her art brought her fame. This time will it bring her love?

Widowed homemaker Rachael Stark isn’t quite sure what comes after her only child leaves for college. To fill her suddenly quiet hours and scrawny bank account, she needs a job. But painful memories prevent her from resurrecting her former art career, and motherhood isn’t much of a résumé. When her best friend needs help recovering from a gunshot wound that occurred in the line of duty, she is there. Finally, someone to take care of.

Evan Wayne won’t let his injury keep him from being a police officer. His dedication to protect the innocent stems from the guilt he carries over having failed his childhood friend. What he needs now is to recover and get back on the streets. Instead, he’s handed a myriad of light-duty tasks by his captain?one of which involves heading up the department’s entry into the town’s annual mural contest. He’s not an artist, but he definitely knows one. And he’ll take any excuse to spend more time with her.

When Rachael agrees to paint for Evan, she never expects to also be drawn into finding answers for the mother of a missing child. As the two friends work side by side on the mural and the case, their feelings move beyond friendship. But with Evan unwilling to leave his dangerous job, and Rachael unwilling to risk another loss of a loved one, their fears may paint over the promise of a beautiful future together.

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ACFW Carol Award finalist Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State of Michigan where she’s a mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between still homeschooling her youngest and leading the women’s ministry at church, she finds time to write stories filled with inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Connect with Susan at susanltuttle.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a book on Floriography, a rose candle from Wick and Sarcasm, and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 15, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 22, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Inn on Hanging Hill by Christy Barritt

by admin | Nov 13, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

Welcome to the Review Tour for The Inn on Hanging Hill by Christy Barritt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

The Inn on Hanging Hill is one of the novels that illustrates the diversity of styles author Christy Barritt is capable of writing. It is one that falls into the seriously spooky category and lacks the trademark humor that is present in so many of her novels. I personally love them all.

This book takes place at the seaside inn run by her parents and where Lindsey Waters grew up. Not very excited about it but Lindsey has returned to restore the Inn that has too many unpleasant memories attached to it. Coincidentally, her childhood best friend Ben shows up looking for work and she hires him to help with the needed work. Only something is not quite right about Ben and when a number of suspicious and dangerous incidents occur, Lindsey has to wonder if he might be responsible.

A bit of mystery, lots of secrets, increasing danger, unexpected twists, and a touch of romance make The Inn on Hanging Hill a page turner that will capture the attention of most readers.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lindsey Waters never wanted to return to the seaside inn where she grew up. Too many traumatic memories haunt the place, both from her childhood and from days gone by. But with guilt relentlessly chasing her after a tragic choice, she’s desperate for a fresh start.

Mysterious incidents begin plaguing the inn—dangerous incidents—that make it clear someone wants to scare Lindsey away. But why? Does it have anything to do with the two weeks missing from her memory when she was abducted at age twelve?

Childhood friend Benjamin Newsom seems like an answer to prayer when he shows up to work as a handyman. But something is different about him, something Lindsey can’t put her finger on. She’s certain Benjamin harbors secrets.

As peril continues to close in, Lindsey must decide if she wants to face her past or run. She doesn’t know whom she can trust, and whatever choices she makes will determine if she lives or if she becomes part of the inn’s tragic legacy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”

A USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold more than three million copies, one has been made into a TV movie, and another is being developed for a TV series.

Christy’s books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.

She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.

Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs.

For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Lights Out by Natalie Walters

by admin | Nov 13, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Lights Out is truly a page-turner as CIA agent Brynn Taylor is assigned to work with the SNAP team to locate a missing spy from her new program designed to combat terrorism. Neither she nor ex-boyfriend Jack Hudson are thrilled to find themselves working closely together on the assignment but both are professionals and the future of the U.S. is at stake.

The exciting plot seemed to move along at warp speed with greater danger around every corner. Each clue took the team deeper into a sinister plot against the country through its power grid that could possibly lead to world-wide disaster. Spies, murders, kidnappings, poison, and explosions are just a taste of what Natalie Walters has in store for her readers. The story is so realistic that it left me wondering how close our nation could be to such a scenario and if there is a dedicated team similar to SNAP that will work night and day to stop it.

Lights Out is an exciting suspense filled tale that should delight readers who enjoy intense suspense novels. Natalie Walters is an expert when it comes to writing them.

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:

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn’t at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It’s hard to trust a woman who’s already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning–the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn’t trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world–and their hearts–hangs in the balance.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.