by admin | Dec 14, 2018 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time reader of Terri Blackstock novels, I was expecting a holiday themed romantic suspense. Surprise! No murder mystery or other suspense filled mysteries to solve. What I did discover is that the author also has a wonderful talent for writing a story that is both humorous and poignant with a message of faith and hope that is perfect for the Christmas season.
I loved the characters! Finn went above and beyond the requirements of his job as taxi driver to help Miss Callie despite major inconvenience and expense to himself. Somewhat grumpy, Finn nevertheless had a soft and caring heart that endeared him to me quickly. It was easy to sympathize with Sydney who was caught between a rock and a hard place – spending time taking care of her grandmother or bowing to pressures of her job in order to keep it. And that Miss Callie was a pure joy at times. She managed to keep me laughing even when I suspected that the outlook was grim.
Catching Christmas was a short but mostly sweet novel that I pretty much read in one sitting. It is perfect for a relaxing holiday evening after the gifts are wrapped and the cookies are baked or even for a few stolen moments when a break from the activities of the season is needed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would not mind seeing more books of this type from Ms. Blackstock.
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: Catching Christmas
Author: Terri Blackstock
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas
Release Date: October 9, 2018 |
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This Year, Christmas Comes Just in Time
As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.
The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.
When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas romance.
Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com
Facebook: tblackstock
Twitter: @terriblackstock
FROM TERRI BLACKSTOCK:
Enjoy this premium excerpt from Catching Christmas
https://aerbook.com/books/-128993.html?utm_source=pubpage
To get you in the Christmas mood, here’s an early holiday playlist:
“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby
“I Heard the Bells” sung by MercyMe
“Light of the World” sung by Lauren Daigle
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Amy Grant
“Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day” sung by Avalon
“Till the Season Comes ‘Round Again” sung by the Katinas
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 15
Daysong Reflections, December 15
Genesis 5020, December 15
Back Porch Reads, December 15
The Power of Words, December 16
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16
Quiet Quilter, December 16
Among the Reads, December 17
Kathleen Denly, December 17
By The Book, December 17
Lighthouse Academy, December 17
Cultivating Us, December 18
Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 18
Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, December 19
Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 19
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 20
amandainpa, December 20
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 20
Multifarious, December 21
Cathe Swanson, December 21
Stories By Gina, December 21
Connect in Fiction, December 22
Have A Wonderful Day, December 22
Splashes of Joy, December 22 |
Bibliophile Reviews, December 22
Connect in Fiction, December 22
Have A Wonderful Day, December 22
Splashes of Joy, December 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23
Lis Loves Reading, December 23
Mary Hake, December 23
Bigreadersite, December 23
Book by Book, December 24
Pause for Tales, December 24
To Everything A Season, December 24
Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 25
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 25
Vicky Sluiter, December 25
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26
Inklings and notions, December 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 26
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 27
Captive Dreams Window, December 27
Texas Book-aholic, December 27
A Baker’s Perspective, December 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28
Older & Smarter?, December 28
Janices book reviews, December 28
Carpe Diem, December 28 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a grand prize of a finished copy of Catching Christmas and a Christmas Tree Ornament!!
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/d776/catching-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Ashley Dawn’s Shadow series is a suspense-filled series that grew on me as I read it. Romantic suspense that offers the reader plenty of twists and turns with surprises around every corner, the entire series will hold the reader in its grip until the very last sentence.
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:
Revenge is sweet…unless you are on the receiving end of it.
“Do you know of anyone who would want…you dead?”
Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he wasn’t sure there were any rules…
“…I need you.”
Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light.
As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom?
Only God can save them from this unknown killer…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent’s office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.
Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has four published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.
Social Media:
www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn
www.ashleydawn-author.com
https://twitter.com/authoradawn
by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Dana Mentink’s novels are always such fun reads. Her Love Inspired books contain a high level of suspense interspersed with a touch of humor and always a great romance. Lost Christmas Memories is the final offering in her Gold Country Cowboys series and I hate to see it end. Each one of the Thorn brothers has had his own story and I have loved each one. Keegan’s story has been long anticipated by many of this author’s readers and I can see why.
Keegen rescues Tracy Wilson after she is injured after witnessing a murder but her head injury prevents her from remembering everything she saw. It doesn’t help that there is no sign that a murder has been committed. Lost Christmas Memories is a breath-holding, action-packed story that left me wondering just how everything would work out. Strong characters, some of whom have back stories developed over the course of the series make the story come to life.
A wonderful, faith-filled tale with long awaited reconciliation and restoration, Lost Christmas Memories is a must read for this Christmas season.
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: Lost Christmas Memories
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense/Christmas
Release Date: November 1, 2018 |
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A witness with amnesia
Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life?
Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.
Click here to purchase your copy!
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 thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. 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, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com.
GUEST POST FROM DANA:
Writing this book was bittersweet for me. It was lovely to finally be able to tell youngest Thorn brother Keegan’s story, but I sure am sorry to say goodbye to this series! It was such fun to write about these four kinsmen and the family bonds that held them together through all manner of murder and mayhem! Here at Mentink Manor, we have recently sent a bear cub away to college for the first time. It feels like I have lost a limb now that my Boo Boo is gone! Fortunately, we will enjoy having her home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Though it won’t be a cozy country Christmas like it is for Keegan (we live in a city of 80,000 here in Northern, CA) we will be thrilled to have all our family home to celebrate together (Mama Bear, Papa Bear, two cubs, a naughty terrier, and a senior citizen box turtle!) I hope you enjoy this last installment in the Gold Country Cowboy series. I am sending along our best wishes for a blessed holiday season, from our Mentink household to yours!
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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 22
Christian Bookaholic, November 22
Among the Reads, November 22
Inklings and Notions, November 23
Just Your Average reviews, November 23
Blogging With Carol, November 23
Because I said so -adventures in parenting, November 24
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 24
Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, November 24
Moments, November 25
Simple Harvest Reads, November 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25
Genesis 5020, November 26
SusanLovesBooks, November 26
Remembrancy, November 26
Kat’s Corner Books, November 27
Pause for Tales, November 27
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 27
Quiet quilter, November 28
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Reading Is My SuperPower, November 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 28
Book by Book, November 29
A Rup Life, November 29
To Everything A Season, November 29
Older & Smarter?, November 30
Have A Wonderful Day, November 30
Cafinated Reads, November 30
KarenSueHadley, December 1
Lighthouse Academy, December 1
Daysong Reflections, December 1
Bibliophile Reviews, December 2
A Baker’s Perspective, December 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2
Janices book reviews, December 3
Bigreadersite, December 3
Texas Book-aholic, December 4
Carpe Diem, December 4
Godly Book Reviews, December 5
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 5
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Lost Christmas Memories, a $50 Amazon gift card and this cute reading charms necklace!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Click the link below to enter.
by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed the previous books in Carol Post’s Murphy series and was delighted to receive a review copy of Bodyguard for Christmas. Not only is this book a suspense filled romance but the Christmas theme makes it even more fun to read this time of year. As I can usually expect, the author has spun a twisted tale filled with unexpected turns and surprises. Her characters are vividly described and I felt I knew them well by the end of the story. Children always seem to add a special touch to any story so Liam was an important addition to this one.
It was fun seeing how Jasmine overcame Colton’s doubts about her again and again until he admitted she was indeed the right choice for a bodyguard. The growing relationship between Jasmine and Liam was endearing and contributed to Colton’s attraction to her as well. Of course we all know that was inevitable but so entertaining to watch it happen.
What more could I ask but a sweet romance filled with bad guys, suspense, lots of action and danger, a cute little boy, and a strong faith-filled message? Looking forward to the next novel by this excellent author!
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:
Someone’s after his little boy.
She has one chance to save them both.
When his young son is nearly kidnapped, assistant district attorney Colton Gale needs a Christmas refuge—and a live-in bodyguard. Though former military police officer Jasmine McNeal fights to shield them 24/7, she refuses to get attached. But growing close to the little boy and his father might be her only shot at keeping them alive—and becoming a family beyond the holidays.
Amazon Barnes and Noble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog.
by admin | Nov 27, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, New Orleans, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Robin Caroll’s books since I first discovered her early Love Inspired Suspense novels. I have since then made it a point to at least try to read her latest as soon as it was released. I have been fortunate to receive review copies of many of them. Stratagem was not a disappointment. In fact the author seems to have upped her game. This one left me in suspense and guessing the murderer until the very end.
Readers who are also fans of the popular escape rooms that seem to be springing up everywhere should particularly enjoy this book. A similar concept is used by a business that develops adventure games to help companies in their team-building efforts but this time things go terribly wrong and one of the team members is found dead. She just happens to be the ex-wife of Grayson Thibodeaux, one of the partners in the game development business. When investigators decide that her death was murder, Grayson becomes the primary suspect and even his detective friend cannot help him.
The plot of Stratagem was filled with twists and surprises from beginning to end. Strong characters were well-developed and all essential to the story. I felt as though I was present at the investigative sessions which helped me learn more about each character. I was not overly fond of the female detective but as the story progressed I was better able to understand why she reacted so strongly to the situation. I was fascinated by the process developed for the adventure games but would personally not want to work for a company that invaded the privacy of its employees to such a degree. A strong theme of faith and forgiveness permeates this highly emotional book which I appreciated.
I look forward to this author’s next book and can’t wait to see what twisted plot she comes up with for her readers.
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: StratagemAuthor: Robin Caroll
Genre: Christian Suspense
Release Date: November, 2018 |
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A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.
Click here to purchase your copy!
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.
GUEST POST FROM ROBIN:
Behind the Scenes: Robin Caroll Shares Her Inspiration for Writing Stratagem
Dear Reader,
Thank you for journeying to New Orleans in a web of deceit and confusion with me. Sharing a place that has such connection for me was a pure joy. South Louisiana offers such a laid-back attitude that I often miss “home.” I hope you’ll enjoy sampling a taste of the flavor of Louisiana.
Years ago I watched the movie The Game with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn and was enthralled. There’s just something grabbing about messing with a person’s mind and life by using their own feelings and instincts against them. When this story of Stratagem first began forming, I wanted to use all that intrigue to mess up the game master’s life. The end result is quite the ride!
As the characters came alive to me, I found the theme of forgiveness and acceptance coming out in the story. Some of the emotions within this story are very personal to me, and I’m honored I was able to share them with you. It is my wish that you may be touched by Grayson’s faith journey as well.
Until next time. . .
-Robin
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 17Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17Midnight Bookaholic, November 17
Back Porch Reads, November 18
Rebekah’s Quill, November 18
Real World Bible Study, November 18
By The Book, November 19
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 19
Genesis 5020, November 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 19
Lighthouse Academy, November 20
Inklings and notions, November 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 21
Splashes of Joy, November 21
Moments, November 21
Just the Write Escape, November 22
Mary Hake, November 22
Simple Harvest Reads, November 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, November 22
Aryn The Libraryan , November 23
Multifarious, November 23 |
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23Bibliophile Reviews, November 24
Remembrancy, November 24
amandainpa, November 24
Margaret Kazmierczak, November 25
Pause for Tales, November 25
Book by Book, November 25
Livin Lit, November 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 26
Baker kella, November 26
Daysong Reflections, November 27
Texas Book-aholic, November 27
Painting with Words, November 28
Maureen’s Musings, November 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28
Janices book reviews, November 29
Carpe Diem, November 29
A Baker’s Perspective, November 29
Godly Book Reviews, November 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 30
Reader’s Cozy Corner, November 30 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Stratagem!!
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/d629/stratagem-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Nov 11, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Oh my, another author to add to my “must read” list! I suspected that after reading Lynn Blackburn’s first novel in this series Beneath the Surface but In Too Deep definitely confirmed it for me. The author combines compelling mystery and suspense with engaging characters, a touch of romance, and a splendid sense of humor to provide readers with an exceptional experience.
Like many recent novels, In Too Deep focuses on human trafficking but approaches it from a different angle than most that I have read. When murder is involved, the Dive Team is brought in to investigate and what they find takes them on a dangerous mission. I loved this story that features Adam from the Dive Team and Dr. Sabrina Fleming, a forensic computer analyst. The camaraderie and teasing among the team members added a natural element and helped to relieve the tension. The fast-paced plot was full of twists and surprises that kept me on edge until the very end.
I enjoyed In Too Deep very much and can’t wait to dive into the next book in this series.
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:
How do you choose between loyalty and the truth?
When the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team is called in to recover a body from a submerged car, they aren’t prepared to find an encrypted laptop–or an unsettling connection between investigator Adam Campbell and the dead accountant.
Adam turns to his friend Dr. Sabrina Fleming to recover the files from the laptop. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. When evidence implicates members of Adam’s own family, he and Sabrina will have to risk everything to solve the case.
The truth could set hundreds free–but someone is willing to do whatever it takes to silence anyone who threatens to reveal their secrets.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynn H. Blackburn is the author of Beneath the Surface, Hidden Legacy, and Covert Justice. Winner of the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel, Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
