by admin | Nov 11, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The second book in the Code of Honor series, Hidden Peril can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. In true Irene Hannon fashion, the story quickly jumps into action and takes its reader on a breath-taking and suspense-filled adventure. Kristin Dane finds herself and her fair trade shop at the center of more than one murder and has no idea why. Detective Luke Carter becomes involved in the case and is not only attracted to Kristin but determined to solve the case before more people die.
Once again I found myself immersed in Hannon’s brilliant plot as I attempted to discern the perpetrator behind the fatal plans. I had my suspicions which later proved to be correct but the many twists and turns of the plot had me second-guessing myself more than once. Hidden Peril lived up to my expectations and reaffirmed my love for this author’s novels. I look forward to 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:
The most dangerous enemy is the one who has nothing to lose
As teenagers, Kristin Dane and her two best friends took a vow to make the world a better place. Twenty years later, she’s fulfilling that pledge through her fair trade shop that features products from around the world. All is well until, one by one, people connected to the shop begin dying.
Detective Luke Carter, new to the St. Louis PD, wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue–and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die . . . including Kristin?
Three-time RITA Award-winner and “queen of inspirational romantic suspense” (Library Journal) Irene Hannon doesn’t disappoint in this edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you up late as you rush toward the explosive conclusion.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, including Dangerous Illusions, as well as the Men of Valor, Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. All of her suspense novels have been ECPA/CBA bestsellers. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Nov 7, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for At First Glance by Susan L. Tuttle,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
I was not certain what to expect when I agreed to read and review At First Glance by Susan L. Tuttle. I was actually a bit hesitant to add it to my already too full review list but I am always in favor of helping along new authors and have found many new favorites that way. I was not in the least bit sorry that I agreed to read this one! For a first novel, this book was excellent. Of course there was a small problem here and there but I did not find any that distracted me from the story itself.
The heroine of At First Glance is not the usual slim, beautiful, and talented young woman found in most romance novels. Penelope (her favored name) is actually very talented and working hard to achieve her dreams. Although she might need to lose a little weight, she is much more attractive than her low self image allows her to believe. When she meets Johan Black, they instantly connect but she manages to judge him by the same standards she herself has been judged and compares him unfairly to her personal trainer.
At First Glance is a wonderful story filled with laughter and tears, soul-searching and romance. I thought Jonah was a wonderful hero and was in his corner from the beginning. I also loved the twists the author incorporated into the story that turned one character I disliked through most of the book into one who had my sympathy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its strong message about the damage a parent can inflict by comparing their children and/or favoring one over the other. I look forward to reading more books by this new author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: At First Glance
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Bling! Romance (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Release Date: November 1, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
When it comes to love and matters of the heart, she’s got a lot to learn.
Estate planner Penny Thornton loves dusting off items others gloss over, especially since she relates to feeling tossed aside for the “bright and shiny”. When her younger sister’s approaching wedding launches Penny back into the throes of her dysfunctional family, she decides to use the festivities to close the gap in their relationships—even if it means appeasing them and finally losing the few pounds they’ve hounded her about for years.
But she doesn’t expect to meet two very different men in the process. East Fisher, the personal trainer who personifies everything she believes she could never attain, and Jonah Black, a man who reminds her so much of herself. Both men are more than they appear at first glance, and both seem interested in her romantically.
As Penny uncovers their hidden layers, she discovers when it comes to love and matters of the heart, she’s got a lot to learn about estimating value.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State where she’s a homeschooling mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between raising her teens and leading the women’s ministry at church, she finds time to write. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire and encourage. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. Connect with Susan at http://www.susanltuttle.com.
CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY:
(1) winner will receive (US only)
- an ARC copy of At First Glance
- $10 Amazon gift card
- book cozy from The Cozy Life
- cute bookmark
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 5, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 12, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
by admin | Oct 30, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Every time I finish a book by Susan May Warren I am convinced that it is the best one she has ever written and somehow or another, she surpasses it with the next one. Surely it was not humanly possible to write a novel better than Storm Front or Troubled Waters… but she did it again! Wait For Me took the suspense and action up more than one notch as far as I was concerned. If I was not sympathizing with Jess and Pete or feeling their pain, I was holding my breath as they entered one death defying situation after another.
The Montana Rescue series could not have been wrapped up in a more satisfying way. All the loose ends from the previous books were tied up into a neat bow and everyone who belonged together ended up that way. I will definitely miss all the PEAK team and their friends and associates but I rest assured that the author is already at work on another series just as awesome as this one. Not to say that I will be especially patient as I wait for the next book. Hope it won’t bee too long!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With Jess and Pete, every day is lived at full throttle.
Now if they can only stay alive to enjoy it.
Pete Brooks can’t believe he’s waited an entire year for EMT Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job has cost lives, and Pete isn’t sure he wants to continue to work in search and rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.
When a terrible fight between Jess and Pete sparks an impulsive decision, Jess finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with two others. Just when Jess thinks things couldn’t get any worse, they are taken captive and dragged into the untamed Montana wilderness–with murderous intent.
Now Pete will have to call on everything he’s learned to find them–and pray that his past mistakes don’t cost him the life of the woman he can’t stop loving.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than 1 million books sold, including Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me, A Matter of Trust, Troubled Waters, and Storm Front. 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.
by admin | Oct 30, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When revenge turns into obsession, things tend to get dicey and Kerry finds herself in the middle of it. After her brother sends a friend to rescue her, then asks him to be her bodyguard until the danger is over, Kerry fights him every step of the way. She only wants her life back and is determined that she can take care of herself. Naturally Kerry finds herself growing more dependent on Luke and could she even be falling for him?
Shadows of Suspicion has a fairly fast-moving plot populated with some interesting characters. Readers will find plenty of suspense and unexpected twists before the end of the story. Faith plays a prominent role in Kerry’s life and helped keep her strong throughout the ordeal. I enjoyed meeting up again with members of Kerry’s family and look forward to seeing what happens to some of them in future books of this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Revenge is the agenda…
“Find my sister.”
Rick Reiley’s words were what drove Luke to search mercilessly for Kerry. He is in a race against time to find her and will have to face more than a criminal mastermind to get close to her. He is prepared to give his life for her, but what about his heart?
“…I would like you to meet….My wife.”
Those words from her enigmatic rescuer threw Kerry more than anything else that had happened to her in the last few days…and that was saying a lot! Kerry’s simple life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and dragged to the middle of nowhere by a madman. She trusts Luke with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?
As Luke fights to keep Kerry safe, the chemistry ignites and the danger gets closer.
Will God protect them while Luke tries to sort out his heart….and capture Kerry’s?
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 | Oct 30, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always expect a riveting, suspense filled story when I pick up a book by Janice Cantore and Lethal Target did not disappoint. I particularly found the setting of interest because my daughter and her husband moved across the country to Oregon as traveling physical therapy assistants and their first assignment was in Grants Pass, right on the Rogue river. All I can say is that I’m thankful that the books in Cantore’s Line of Duty series are fiction!
With vivid descriptions, genuine characters, plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of romance, Lethal Target held my interest until the very end. I appreciated the fact that due to her father’s death Tess had major issues with accepting the Lord but loved that the author showed her journey toward faith in small steps that gave me hope for her eventual salvation.
There is a lot going on in Lethal Target with multiple twists, turns, and surprises in store. Of course there is at least one more book in this series so I will have to be content to wait along with other readers to find out how everything works out, especially which man Tess will choose. If you have not read any of this author’s books and are a fan of suspense novels featuring law enforcement, be sure to give Lethal Target a chance; however you might want to begin with Crisis Shot, book one of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke thought she’d taken care of her small town’s drug problem last year. But now Rogue’s Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town’s support.
With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.
Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. She now lives in a small town in southern Oregon, where she enjoys exploring the forests, rivers, and lakes with her Labrador retrievers, Abbie and Tilly.
Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Crisis Shot is the first title in her latest series. Janice also authored the Cold Case Justice series—Drawing Fire, Burning Proof, and Catching Heat—the Pacific Coast Justice series—Accused, Abducted, and Avenged—and the Brinna Caruso novels, Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore.
by admin | Oct 23, 2018 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have never met a book by Cindy Woodsmall that I did not enjoy and that includes those for which she has recently joined forces with her daughter-in-law Erin. The two of them make a great team and the story flows so flawlessly that I couldn’t determine that more than one person was involved in its creation.
The Christmas Remedy features an unexpected Amish character, a young woman so vested in the health of her community that she is willing to forego a husband and family in order to become a pharmacy technician. If only she were not so tempted by Joshua Smucker who always makes her think of a home of her own with him.
This wonderful book is populated by wonderful characters – some good ones and perhaps one or two who are not so good. Holly’s giving spirit and focus on helping others made her a favorite of mine. Joshua’s understanding support of Holly and his willingness to help her succeed made him the perfect hero. The story was spun against an idyllic small town backdrop and an unexpected mystery added the perfect counterpoint to the sweet romance developing between Joshua and Holly.
The Christmas Remedy is the perfect read for a long winter evening by the fire. I enjoyed it very much and am sure others will also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Waterbrook Multnomah. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.
Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.
As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written twenty-two (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.
She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.
Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them–afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.
As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities–from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.
Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.
If you’d like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall
