by admin | Apr 12, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Treacherous Trails” is one of those nonstop page turners that you just don’t want to put down. It seemed pretty obvious from the very beginning who the guilty person was but the author certainly kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next.
I loved the interaction between the characters, especially Owen and Ella and it was fun learning about their lifelong friendship as well as other background pertinent to their story. The loyalty and support of the Thorn family for each other and those they cared about was touching and inspiring.
The action filled plot is filled with lots of danger and suspense as well as multiple twists and surprises. A little romance in the midst of life-threatening situations didn’t hurt either. The ending was perfect in my opinion. Can’t wait for the next book in 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:
Click to purchase
Falsely accused…
Can she escape the real killer?
In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?
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, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:
Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!
BLOG STOPS:
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 12
Lighthouse Academy, April 12
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 12
Daysong Reflections, April 13
Karen Sue Hadley, April 13
Janices book reviews, April 13
Book by Book, April 14
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 14
History, Mystery & Faith, April 15
C Jane Read, April 15
The Power of Words, April 15
To Everything a Season, April 16
Among the Reads, April 16
Genesis 5020, April 16
A Baker’s Perspective, April 17
Two Points of Interest, April 17
Carpe Diem, April 18
Cafinated Reads, April 18
Maureen’s Musings, April 19
Simple Harvest Reads, April 19 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, April 20
Have A Wonderful Day, April 20
Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting, April 21
proud to be an autism mom, April 21
Bibliophile Reviews, April 22
A Greater Yes, April 22
Texas Book-aholic, April 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23
Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)
Kat’s Corner Books, April 24
Red Headed Book Lady, April 24
Bigreadersite, April 24
margaret kazmierczak, April 25 (Interview)
Raining Butterfly Kisses, April 25
Remembrancy, April 25
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46
by admin | Mar 27, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Everyone’s family has reunions – don’t they? I grew up in a family that got together at least once a year, usually at Christmas but often for summer BBQs or other occasions that called for getting together and eating, much like the Bucklin family. As I read “High Cotton” I found quite a bit of familiar ground that brought back good memories. But on the other hand, that Bucklin family was just a tad over the top, weren’t they?
This first book of the Bucklin Family Reunion series seems to feature Shay, the family old maid, but several other members of the family share a good bit of page space with her, especially her twin cousins and her sister-in-law Puddin. Y’all, this is a Southern novel after all! Well, before this story is done, Shay finds herself with two contenders as potential love interests and changes her mind about them a time or two. Plenty of other shenanigans pop up in due course including an elopement, a move, and even an explosion.
I really liked how the author took all the different elements of this story and wove it all together into one special novel. Despite plenty of humor and hijinks, Shay managed to speak her wisdom and faith into the lives of several of her relatives as she gave generously of her time and heart. You really don’t want to miss reading “High Cotton” and I look forward to the next installment. I hope the wait isn’t too long!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Gilead Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Some families are filled with so much love they can’t help but drive each other crazy.
Shay Henke has mixed feelings about going to her family’s next reunion. On the one hand, she’ll get to see everyone in her mama’s family–folks she loves unconditionally. On the other hand, she knows there’ll be more drama than you can shake a stick at.
The days leading up to the event bring one surprise after another. First Shay must deal with her sister-in-law’s deep, dark secret. Then she has to contend with the childish ways of her business-mogul twin cousins. And when her high school crush wants to be her date to the reunions . . . well, it may have been a dream come true for Shay’s teen self, but the woman she’s become doesn’t know what to make of this.
Shay’s contentment is challenged, and she’s determined to shake things up a bit. But will she find the excitement she’s looking for, or will Shay realize she prefers her quiet predictable life? One thing is certain: Life in the Bucklin family is never boring.
Purchase a copy of “High Cotton” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debby Mayne is the author of more than 40 novels and novellas that have received the “Top Pick” award from Romantic Times Magazine and been among the “Top 10 Favorites” in the Heartsong Presents book club. She writes family and faith-based romances, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction. She has also written more than 1,000 short stories and articles as well as dozens of devotions for busy women. She has worked as managing editor of a national health publication, product information writer for a TV retailer, creative writing instructor, and copy editor and proofreader for several book publishers. She is currently an etiquette writer for The Spruce, one of the DotDash (formerly About.com) companies.
Debby grew up in a military family, which meant moving every few years throughout her childhood. Debby was born in Alaska, and she has lived in Mississippi, Tennessee, Oregon, Florida, Hawaii, and Japan. Her parents were both from the Deep South, so she enjoys featuring characters with southern drawls, plenty of down-home cooking, and folks with quirky mannerisms.
She and her husband currently live in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. To learn more about Debby:
Website – debbymayne.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/DebbyMayneAuthor
Twitter – www.twitter.com/@debbymayne
by admin | Mar 26, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Storms In Serenity” is set in Serenity Key, Florida, a small island town sitting directly in the path of a brewing storm. This time nature may take a back seat to the storm of secrets and emotional turmoil waiting for release just under the surface of the otherwise peaceful retreat.
The story is told from several points of view that had me a bit confused at the beginning. As I kept reading my growing interest in the characters themselves and the connections between them all kept me quickly flipping the pages on my ereader. I finally turned it off in the wee hours of the morning. There is enough drama, conflict, suspense, and potential romance for several novels within the pages of this often gritty and realistic look at life. Subjects such as infidelity and rape are front and center but are handled tastefully and truthfully. Some characters have a strong reliance on God but others want no part of Him, usually due to events from their lives.
“Storms In Serenity” is a somewhat lengthy novel but it covered a lot of territory. By its end, most of the many situations in the book had been at least somewhat resolved with steps in the right direction for those that were not. I predict readers may find that in a future sequel. I liked the way several of the characters were gently nudged toward God in the midst of their storms. I also appreciated that pastor Noah had issues of his own to resolve. An excellent book of the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, “Storms in Serenity” should leave most readers with more than enough to think about for awhile.
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:
Click to purchase
How can one man save the town he loves when he’s the reason for the destruction?
Serenity Key, Florida, has seen its share of hurricanes, but this time, one foul weather system is about to collide with another storm, and this one has nothing to do with atmospheric pressure.
David New has guarded his secrets for years, but when two brothers, John and Andy Ryan, arrive in town and he gets news that the daughter he’s never told anyone about has disappeared, possibly the victim of a heinous crime, and the lives of many of the town residents begin to unravel in the gale force consequences of Jake’s past, he has nowhere else to turn.
God is the only one Who can calm the storms, but can David and the good folks of Serenity Key survive until He does?
A tempest has been brewing for thirty years, with only one island town in its path.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Fay Lamb writes emotionally charged stories with a Romans 8:28 attitude, reminding readers that God is always in the details. Fay donates 100% of her royalties to Christian charities.
Storms in Serenity is the first book in Fay’s Serenity Key series. Fay’s other series include, Amazing Grace and her novels, Stalking Willow, Better than Revenge, Everybody’s Broken, and Frozen Notes. The Ties that Bind Series includes Charisse, Libby, and Hope. Delilah, is coming soon.
Fay’s is also the author of The Art of Characterization: How to Use the Elements of Storytelling to Connect Readers to an Unforgettable Cast.
GUEST POST FROM FAY LAMB:
ONCE UPON A STORM
I’m one of those people who love storms. I revel in the lightning that streaks across the sky, the rumble of thunder as it rolls over the air, and I dance to the eerie sound of the wind coming through a crack in the window. Storms don’t frighten me. I’m an East Coast Floridian. I’ve lived through many a tempest.
However, so that you won’t think me completely insane, I have also fled a few hurricanes. In our house, a Cat III storm is something to debate as we watch to see how low the millibars fall at the storm’s center. A Cat IV means gather the important documents, place them into plastic bags and tuck them into plastic tubs, batten down the hatches, and depending upon its projected proximity, hunker down or flee. A Cat V is a no-brainer. Run!
If only the storms in our lives had categories so that we know when to stand and face the winds of life or to debate the direction, or to decide when to flee. Sometimes, the storms of life come at us without warning, with no stirring up of the waters by our own hands. Other times, the storms can be abated by the stance we take, the decisions we make, and by failing to move out of harm’s way, perhaps in an opposite direction.
That’s what my first novel in The Serenity Key series is about: one man stirred up a storm many years prior. The destructive force of that storm amassed because he didn’t take a stand, he failed to make crucial decisions, and he choose to run from a situation that God would not allow him to outrun. Storms in Serenity is a modern-day retelling of the Biblical truths of the aftermath of David’s sin with Bathsheba and the destruction the storms of life that blew apart not only David’s family but also those he called friends.
Mostly, though, Storms in Serenity, is a novel that proves that when it comes to sin, truly, no man is an island.
BLOG STOPS:
Bibliophile Reviews, March 13
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 13
A Greater Yes, March 14
Bigreadersite, March 14
proud to be an autism mom, March 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15
Multifarious, March 16
Christian Author, J.E.Grace, March 17
History, Mystery & Faith, March 18
A Baker’s Perspective, March 19
Simple Harvest Reads, March 20
MargaretKazmierczak, March 21
Texas Book-aholic, March 22
Carpe Diem, March 23
Pursuing Stacie, March 24
Janices book reviews, March 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 25
Red Headed Book Lady, March 25
Daysong Reflections, March 26
Among the Reads, March 26
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Fay is giving away a grand prize of an Echo Spot!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/ca75
by admin | Mar 16, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I know when I open a book by DiAnn Mills that I will probably be up way past my bedtime reading it. There never seems to be a good spot to stop for the night because I NEED to know what happens next. “High Treason” pretty much met all my expectations and more.
One thing I liked about “High Treason” was that a female CIA operative was placed on a predominately male FBI task force in order to help protect a Saudi Prince and his family after an assassination attempt. Monica Alden certainly had her work cut out for her between her gender, agency differences, and trying to do her job without offending the Saudis because of culture differences. It was gratifying to see such a strong female character who eventually gained the respect of the men she worked with, even one particularly negative Saudi bodyguard.
“High Treason” is a mostly action filled novel with ample suspense to hold readers’ attention and a touch of romance that did not overwhelm the plot. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with the characters and loved having some surprises along the way. I am looking forward to more books by DiAnn Mills soon.
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:
When Saudi Prince Omar bin Talal visits Houston to seek cancer treatment for his mother, an attempt on his life puts all agencies on high alert. FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson is the lead on the prince’s protective detail because of their long-standing friendship, but he’s surprised—and none too happy—when the CIA brings one of their operatives, Monica Alden, in on the task force after the assassination attempt.
Kord and Monica must quickly put aside interagency squabbles, however, when they learn the prince has additional motives for his visit—plans to promote stronger ties with the US and encourage economic growth and westernization in his own country. Plans that could easily incite a number of suspects both in the US and in countries hostile to Saudi Arabia. Worse yet, the would-be assassin always seems to be one step ahead of them, implicating someone close to the prince—or the investigation. But who would be willing to commit high treason, and can Kord and Monica stop them in time?
Read an excerpt of “High Treason”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is codirector of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiAnnMills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills, or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
by admin | Mar 16, 2018 | Appalachia, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Under a Cloudless Sky” is another book by Chris Fabry that takes the reader places she never expected to go. I certainly never expected what seemed to be a simple story about an aging woman fighting for her independence to morph into such a revealing look at life in a small mining town in West Virginia. You would think that after reading several novels by this author I would know better. Chris Fabry always has a surprise or two in store for me in every one of his books.
Fabry’s writing never fails to impress me with his skilled plotting and depth of his characters. Although this novel moved between two time frames frequently, I never found it difficult to keep up with the story. With an independent mother close in age to Ruby, there were times I could relate all too well with her children and their fears for her. I have to hope that my own mom never takes it upon herself to do what Ruby did in her story.
So many twists and unexpected revelations not only held my attention but also touched my heart. Once again Chris Fabry has written a novel that grabs his readers’ attention and doesn’t let go. Prepare to be wowed and you might want a box of tissues handy.
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:
A charming and engrossing novel for fans of Southern fiction and the recent hit memoir Hillbilly Elegy about a lush and storied coal-mining town—and the good people who live there—in danger of being destroyed for the sake of profit. Will the truth about the town’s past be its final undoing or its saving grace?
1933. In the mining town of Beulah Mountain, West Virginia, two young girls form an unbreakable bond against the lush Appalachian landscape, coal dust and old hymns filling their lungs and hearts. Despite the polarizing forces of their fathers—one a mine owner, one a disgruntled miner —Ruby and Bean thrive under the tender care of Bean’s mama, blissfully unaware of the rising conflict in town and the coming tragedy that will tear them apart forever.
2004. Hollis Beasley is taking his last stand. Neighbors up and down the hollow have sold their land to Coleman Coal and Energy, but Hollis is determined to hold on to his family legacy on Beulah Mountain. Standing in his way is Buddy Coleman, an upstart mining executive who hopes to revitalize the dying town by increasing coal production and opening the Company Store Museum. He’ll pay homage to the past—even the massacre of 1933—while positioning the company for growth at all costs.
What surprises them all is how their stories will intersect with a feisty octogenarian living hundreds of miles away. When Ruby Handley Freeman’s grown children threaten her independence, she takes a stand of her own and disappears, propelling her on a journey to face a decades-old secret that will change everything for her and those she meets.
Read an excerpt from “Under a Cloudless Sky”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and a native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.
Chris’s novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, and Not in the Heart, have won two Christy Awards and an ECPA Christian Book Award, but it’s his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more. He has also published more than 65 other books, including nonfiction and novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and the Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR.
by admin | Mar 12, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Lynn Blackburn is a new author for me but I had heard some of the buzz about her new release and because I trust Revell I took a chance on reviewing it. I am so glad I did!
“Beneath the Surface” is one of those books that starts off running and takes the reader on a relentless race through an obstacle course of action, danger, and suspense with a few ventures off course for a touch or two of romance. The story begins with the discovery of a submerged body behind Leigh Weston’s home by the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team. As Ryan Parker and others on the team investigate the limited clues they have, it becomes evident that someone also has Leigh in their sites. Could it be related to the case or is it connected to something in her past?
What a great book! I loved how the characters interacted with each other and the way their friendships and their faith strengthened in the midst of danger. It was also a bit fun to see how the clues led to a certain point and then everything turned in a totally different direction – plenty of surprises in this one! Sometimes it’s enjoyable to be able to solve the mystery on my own before the end but it was great the way the author developed her plot and kept me guessing the entire time. Everything was brought together in a thoroughly satisfying conclusion. I absolutely cannot wait for the release of Blackburn’s next book “In Too Deep”.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she’d left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.
Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer–one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.
Dive into the depths of fear with an exciting new voice in romantic suspense. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final heart-pounding page.
Read an excerpt 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’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
