Books | Daysong Reflections

Night Watch by Susan Sleeman

by admin | Aug 25, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Night Watch by Susan Sleeman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Although I have not read the previous books in the Nighthawk Security series, Night Watch easily stood on its own. Now that I have read it, I am determined to make the time to read the rest of the series and learn more about the courageous Byrd brothers.

As the baby of the family, Erik Byrd takes a lot of flak from his brothers and endures plenty of match-making from his mother. When Kennedy Walker shows back up in town and in danger, he finds himself determined to protect her at all costs – even if she was the one to break his heart years earlier.

With its fast-moving plot, family secrets, and enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages, Night Watch was a riveting suspense that kept me engaged until the end. The interaction between characters was natural and I loved how the Byrd family jumped in to support Kennedy as she endeavored to prove that her mother had been murdered. Her loyalty to her sister was admirable and I was relieved when some difficult choices were resolved. Another second chance romance story, Night Watch has a strong faith message woven throughout its plot.

Night Watch is an excellent suspense novel and all fans of Christian suspense should add it to their reading list.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Night Watch

Series: Night Hawk Security #5

Author: Susan Sleeman

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: August 2021

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Everything points to suicide or accidental death…

Underwater crime scene investigator, Kennedy Walker is shocked when her mother dies and the police rule her death a suicide or an accidental overdose. Her scientist-mother was on the verge of a scientific breakthrough, and Kennedy knows her mother would never end her life, but the detective won’t listen. Kennedy moves back to her hometown and commits to finding her mother’s killer and finishing her work.

And she must prove them wrong.

Kennedy digs deeper, garnering the killer’s focus, and he puts her in his cross-hairs. She can’t give up on such an important project, so she swallows down her unease over the tumultuous breakup with Erik Byrd in college and hires Nighthawk Security, not only to protect her, but to help find her mother’s killer. It takes only one look for both of them to know their feelings for each other haven’t gone away. With so many people counting on her to complete the project, giving in to old feelings is a distraction neither she or Erik can afford, and they both need to keep watch. Especially in the darkest hours of the night, when the killer comes out to play.

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan Sleeman is the bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than one million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith . Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.

In addition to writing, Susan also hosts TheSuspenseZone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two terrific sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons.

To learn more about Susan’s books sign up for her monthly email that includes exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and other goodies.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive the first four ebooks in the Nighthawk Security series!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 24, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 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.

Cold Case Double Cross By Jessica Patch

by admin | Aug 24, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Cold Case Double Cross is another page-turner from Jessica L. Patch. Its pages are filled with enough action and suspense to hold the attention of most readers until the very end.

Cash Ryland has convinced cold case investigator Mae Vogel to help him prove his brother’s innocence in a murder case. He believes his brother was wrongly convicted and hopes Mae can overlook their own past long enough to find the real killer. It doesn’t take very long for them to discover that someone does not want them to find the answers and their very lives are in danger.

As always, I enjoyed this latest offering from Patch that included a second chance romance blended into a riveting suspense along with a strong message of faith and forgiveness. I don’t remember ever reading a book that featured a character with dyslexia and I found his struggles with self-esteem due to his handicap to be enlightening. I love how this author manages to cram so much content into a limited number of pages.

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:

They’re on a cold trail
and running out of time.

Convinced his brother was wrongly convicted of murder years ago, detective Cash Ryland’s determined to find the real killer—even if it puts him in the crosshairs. But he needs help from cold case investigator Mae Vogel, whom he mistreated in high school. Can they put their past aside to solve the murder…before the killer succeeds in silencing them for good?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cold Case Investigators

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists. When she’s not hunched over her laptop, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com.

Lethal Cover Up by Darlene L. Turner

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

MY REVIEW:

I read so very many books that I am uncertain whether I have read any by Darlene Turner in the past. After reading Lethal Cover-Up, this author is now on my radar and I will be keeping my eyes open for more of her books in the future.

Lethal Cover-Up was a wild ride from cover to cover with its pages filled with lots of action, danger, and suspense plus a few good and bad surprises along the way. How Madison and Tucker managed to work in a bit of romance is a mystery in itself.

In this highly charged suspense there are suspects aplenty and I confess to being only partially correct about the guilty parties. In my opinion, that is a mark of a great author because I have read so many suspense/mystery novels, that it is common for me to guess correctly early in the narrative.

Lethal Cover-Up is a great book with the perfect blend of suspense, romance, and faith. I highly recommend it.

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: Lethal Cover-Up

Author: Darlene L. Turner

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 27, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Some secrets are dangerous…

But uncovering the truth could be deadly.

Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

MORE FROM DARLENE:

The Hidden Staircase, The Secret of the Old Clock, The Sign of the Twisted Candles—these were just some of my favorite Nancy Drew books. I couldn’t get enough of them growing up! My family often saw me with my nose stuck in one of Nancy’s many tales. When I was finished with those, I’d sneak my brother’s Hardy Boy books and devour them too. This is where my love of writing and of a good mystery/suspense began.

Creating stories in the romantic suspense genre was a natural journey for me. I had always wanted to be a policewoman after watching Charlie’s Angels (they even kicked butt while wearing high heels…what could be better than that?!), Cagney and Lacey, Police woman, Murder She Wrote, etc. My love for all-things-mystery carried into my adult life. Who doesn’t love Sydney Bristow and Kate Beckett?

I enjoy creating strong female characters in a law enforcement role. Madison Steele fits the bill head on as she works to bring down a ruthless pharmaceutical company. While she has nerves of steel, I also wanted to make her vulnerable. In the beginning Madison loses her long-lost sister in a heart-wrenching crash. One she knows was not an accident. This thrusts her into a deadly pursuit of the perpetrators with her estranged high school sweetheart, Tucker Reed, by her side.

I wrote this book during the tough year our world faced living in the unknown. Madison and Tucker are stuck in their own fears but eventually find hope. Hope in the unknown and hope in knowing God is in control and with us—no matter the circumstances. We just need to know where to look.

I hope you enjoy reading Madison and Tucker’s story as much as I loved crafting it. I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through my website www.darlenelturner.com and also sign up for Darlene’s Diary newsletter to receive exclusive subscriber giveaways.

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 18

Lighthouse-Academy, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Genesis 5020, August 19

Simply Susan, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Bizwings Blog, August 20

She Lives To Read, August 21

HookMeInABook, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Betti Mace, August 23

Daysong Reflections, August 23

For the Love of Literature, August 24

deb’s Book Review, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 26

Pause for Tales, August 26

Blogging With Carol, August 26

For Him and My Family, August 27

Simple Harvest Reads, August 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 28

Batya’s Bits, August 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 29

Kayem Reads, August 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , August 30

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 30

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of Lethal Cover-Up!!

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/1141b/lethal-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

Rhapsody in Red by Donn Taylor

by admin | Aug 20, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery

MY REVIEW:

I sincerely hope that I can do justice to my review of Rhapsody in Red due to the fact that I struggled to stay awake while reading it. I do not blame the book because when I could actually stay awake I found it to be mostly engaging.

Once again Professor Preston Barclay finds himself involved in yet another mystery and this time he is the primary suspect. As he and another professor strive to find the real killer and prove themselves innocent, the evidence points to several suspects and Press is threatened multiple times.

The constant musical soundtrack that plays in the professor’s mind is still present. I do wish I was more educated on the many songs mentioned because I think that would have rendered the book even more entertaining. I also enjoyed the frequent puns and humor interspersed throughout the story. A bit of action and danger kept things moving along but putting together all the clues proved to be daunting. Any of the suspects could have been guilty and the big reveal was a surprise to me.

If you enjoy a mystery that makes you think, Rhapsody in Red as well as Taylor’s previous novels may be for you.

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: Rhapsody in Red

Author: Donn Taylor

Genre: Mystery

Release date: September 2018

Click here to get your copy!

“IT WAS A BAD DAY TO FIND A CORPSE ON CAMPUS.”

Preston Barclay is a reclusive history professor with musical hallucinations. The feisty Mara Thorn is a newly arrived professor with a strong desire to be left alone. But finding the body of a murdered colleague shakes them out of their quiet lives. Worse yet, police accuse them of her murder, forcing the ill-matched pair into an uneasy alliance for their defense. However, that proves more perilous than they’d thought. To succeed, they have to outwit the police, avoid discipline by the college’s incompetent administration, and escape threats and attacks by the unseen and ruthless forces behind the murder. It’s a one-in-a-hundred chance, and if they fail, they’ll end up unemployed, behind bars, or worse . . .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterward, he earned a PhD in Renaissance literature and taught literature at two liberal arts colleges. His published works include six suspense novels and a book of poetry. He is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. He lives in the woods near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.

MORE FROM DONN:

About Rhapsody in Red: From teaching eighteen years in small denominational colleges, I knew that part of the academic world well. So when I came to write the Preston Barclay Mystery Series, that’s where I turned. What would happen if someone dropped a murder into that placid environment?

That was the basic question. But that part of the college world also has internal conflicts and tensions that even the best-intentioned people can’t avoid. That leads most faculty into being discreet. But what would happen if one professor kept saying openly what the rest of the faculty were only thinking? That’s why the series protagonist, Professor Preston Barclay, is always in trouble.

In writing the series I wanted to mainly to give readers an interesting story about a murder and the complications leading to its solution. But I also wanted them to enjoy the story’s interplay of strong and often quirky personalities navigating the varied conflicts of the small-college world.

Whether I’ve achieved those objectives will be decided by each individual reader. But CBA Retailers and Resources Magazine wrote that Rhapsody in Red is “peopled with academia’s most intriguing eccentrics and snobs,” and Christian Review of Books wrote that it’s “a delightful change from the clichés of most novels.”

Readers who enjoy Rhapsody in Red may want to look at its two sequels, Murder Mezzo Forte and Murder in Disguise.

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 20 (Author Interview)

Daysong Reflections, August 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21

For Him and My Family, August 22

deb’s Book Review, August 23

Inklings and notions, August 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 26

Texas Book-aholic, August 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 1 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, September 1

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate his tour, Donn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card plus one paperback copy of Rhapsody in Red!!

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/1141d/rhapsody-in-red-celebration-tour-giveaway

Girls of Summer by C. E. Hilbert

by admin | Aug 13, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

C.E. Hilbert is a new author to me but after reading Girls of Summer, I will certainly be checking out more of her books. She managed to hold my attention until the very end with her riveting romantic suspense centered around organized crime.

This highly emotional book began with a bang and the danger and action continued to escalate from that point with a surprise or two along the way. Strained family relationships and an FBI investigation added to the tension. Characters were well rounded and relatable. Vivid descriptions brought me right into the center of the story and all the talk of southern food made me just a bit hungry. More than one developing romance was a bonus.

I loved the way the author gradually worked in Charlie’s journey to Christ as she described all the factors that led her to see the truth. Girls of Summer is a wonderful story of redemption and forgiveness. This is definitely a must read if you love happy endings.

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: Girls of Summer

Author: C.E. Hilbert

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 19, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

When Charlotte receives the news that her estranged father has passed away, she finds herself in small-town South Carolina, forced to partner with her half-sister in running the baseball team and family business. If she can make it through 365 long days of running her daddy’s business, she’ll inherit half his multi-million dollar fortune—money she desperately needs to rectify the sins of her mother.

But can a big city girl overcome small-town sass and the unwelcome guidance of too-handsome-for-his-own-good general counsel Mac Taylor, or will this uptown girl discover she is truly a southern girl of summer at heart?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

C.E. Hilbert lives in sleepy town outside Columbus, OH in a 120-year-old fixer-upper with her Golden Retriever, Georgie. She believes that life goes best with Jesus, cookies made with real butter, summers watching baseball and winters filled with hockey.

MORE FROM C. E. HILBERT:

Did you ever have a fascination with an organization or an event? Maybe you are a World War II buff like my friend Nick or you have a deep appreciation (or obsession) for all things Star Wars like my nephew Alex? Maybe you were entranced with a book series or a television series? For me, I had a deep curiosity about organized crime in high school and college. I know, odd choice of interest, but my fascination was so deep I spent a semester being advised and mentored by a sitting federal judge and the head of our local FBI office on a school project about the impact of the Cosa Nostra in Ohio.

I, like so many people who have read Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” or seen the movie adaptation, was infatuated with the romance the family drama told. I hadn’t really considered the destruction or lack of care for human life that actually existed within the American Mafia until I studied the organization. Although my curiosity continued, no longer did I see Michael Corleone’s story as a well-crafted work of fiction, but rather an overly romanticized view of a world of corruption and depravity. What I learned from those two mentors was simple – cut off the head of one organization and two more will rise in its place. The Cosa Nostra’s influence on America has waned in recent years, but organized crime is unfortunately alive and well.

In Girls of Summer, we see a glimpse of the impact of organized crime in America through the lens of one family so enmeshed in its web we are unsure if they will be able to survive to find freedom. Through telling this story, I not only wanted to share how the love of God can redeem even the most lost soul, but also give a window into the destruction that follows in the wake of those who do not value human life. Instead of romanticizing organized crime as books and movies have done for decades, my goal with integrating the Russian mafia into the fabric of Girls of Summer was to shine a light on the lack of decency and morality.

Girls of Summer is a suspenseful romance filled with the hope of redemption and reconciliation, but the story also gives a peek into a world most of us would prefer to believe lives only in fiction. Thankfully, we have dedicated men and women who are quietly fighting for justice with the hope of one day saying, organized crime is truly a thing of make believe.

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11

HappyWhenReading, August 11

For Him and My Family, August 12

Daysong Reflections, August 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 15

Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16

deb’s Book Review, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

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

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, C.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a tote that contains four books (Girls of Summer, From Scratch, Life on the Porcelain Edge & The Wooing of Jane Grey) and some “surprise items”!!

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/112dd/girls-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Missing in the Desert by Dana Mentink

by admin | Aug 10, 2021 | Books, California, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

From the very first chapter, Missing in the Desert grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go until I reached the final page. Of course that it exactly what I’ve come to expect when I pick up a new book by Dana Mentink. Vivid scenery, a compelling mystery, loads of action, true-to-life characters, a believable romance, a subtle dose of faith, and often a unique dog work together to place this author’s books on my must read list.

A missing and presumed dead sister plus a strange text and postcard bring Mara back to Death Valley where her family once lived. It becomes obvious that someone wants her dead and she suspects it is connected with her sister’s disappearance. Her brother’s best friend Levi soon becomes her protector and she begins to remember why she was attracted to him during their high school days.

Danger and secrets abound in this exciting tale but the antics of Levi’s dog Banjo offer a bit of comic relief. Missing in the Desert is another great novel from Mentink and is not to be missed.

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: Missing in the Desert

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspy suspense

Release date: July 27, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Five years ago, her sister disappeared…
Now someone is coming for her.

Who would believe that Mara Castillo’s sister—missing and presumed dead—suddenly sent a one-word text? Now Mara wants answers, even if it means stepping into a killer’s sights with her brother’s best friend, rancher Levi Duke, as her only protection. But with someone who has everything to lose after her, uncovering a long-buried secret could save her life…or claim it.

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 nationa and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

MORE FROM DANA:

Hello, readers! Boy am I excited! Since the virus-that-not-shall-be-named is being brought under control, I am cautiously venturing out again and our first vacation spot will be a return to Death Valley. Papa Bear and I love the amazing diversity of Death Valley, from the salt flats, to the sand dunes, mountains, and everything in between. Writing this book allowed me to relive the incredible topography, as well as let my mind run loose imagining a cold case that warms up to fiery levels in this ferocious climate. Part of this story revolves around “Camp Town Days” which was inspired by the Encampment Days, an event held in November by a volunteer group called the Death Valley 49ers that aims to capture the pioneer spirit with their wagon rides, parade, poetry readings, a vendor show, and historical talks. I hope you can feel the desert wind in your face and hear the distant howl of the coyote as you dive into the second book in the Death Valley Justice series.