The Sound of Falling Leaves by Lisa Carter

by | Nov 12, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I always look forward to Lisa Carter’s suspense novels and she always hits the mark as far as I’m concerned. The Sound of Falling Leaves was no exception. I feel that I must warn others that this one may be a bit edgy for some readers. With some pretty evil people involved who will stop at absolutely nothing to achieve their goals, the reader will encounter several murders, at least one of which is fairly gruesome. I personally appreciate the fact that the author did not describe the scene in detail because my imagination took me quite far enough, thank you.

I did enjoy learning more about mountain culture, if you could call it that. Some of those mountain folk seem to be mostly uncultured if you ask me. The mountain setting was so vividly described that I could almost see the turning leaves and smell the smoke from area chimneys. Both protagonists took some time to grow on me. Both Tessa and Zeke carried multiple secrets and held them close so it was difficult to get to know either of them quickly. It was fun observing their growing relationship as they worked together to uncover the buried secrets of the isolated community. Multiple twists and surprises kept me reading and a developing romance and journey to faith were added bonuses.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Sound of Falling Leaves and look forward to the next suspense novel by this author.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After aspiring opera singer Tessa loses her voice in a fire, she needs both a place to heal and a way to keep music in her life. She retreats to her aunt’s apple orchard in rural North Carolina to collect folk ballads. But amid the autumn splendor of this isolated Appalachian community, she uncovers an unnerving connection between a murder case and a long-ago disappearance. Tessa gets a glimpse into an almost-forgotten world, encounters a corrupt, small-town political dynasty, and finds superstition and prejudice at every turn.

She’s also drawn to Zeke, the handsome but enigmatic orchard caretaker, who shows her that mountain justice is neither impartial nor just. But battling a conspiracy of silence, Tessa isn’t sure if she can trust him. Yet somewhere in the mists of the Blue Ridge Mountains, evil lurks, and a killer is determined to keep the past where it belongs–dead and buried.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Carter is the best-selling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Her book Under a Turquoise Sky won the 2015 Carol Award for Romantic Suspense. Blending Southern and Native American fiction, she likes to describe her suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and teaching writing workshops. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. Visit her online at lisacarterauthor.com.

Deadly Connection by Jennifer Pierce

by | Nov 12, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Deadly Connection is one of those books that jumps right into the action and barely gives the reader a chance to catch a breath or two before it’s off again. The narrative is filled with danger, suspense, more danger, and mysteries to be solved, all blended well with a strong helping of faith and a touch of romance,

Strong characters carry the story to its gripping conclusion. Reid Lucas, private investigator finds himself responsible to protect Quinn Matthews and her young son. None of them has a clue why she is suddenly required to run for her very life and Reid is risking his life for them also. The plot is filled with enough twists and surprises to keep even the most dedicated suspense fan happy and the spontaneous romance adds a welcome break from the danger and suspense.

I like the fact that all the characters were true-to-life. Reid and Quinn did not magically escape injury and the men after her were especially shrewd. The story flowed naturally and I was held captive by it to the very end.

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:

Private Investigator, Reid Lucas, and his mentor, Joe Lockhart, haven’t spoken in years, but when Joe wants to meet in a small-town diner, Reid’s interest is piqued. Without explanation, Joe calls and tells Reid he has five minutes to get waitress, Quinn Matthews, and her son out of the diner before they’re kidnapped by the group of thugs about to walk through the diner’s front door. Quinn Matthews’ life is simple and safe, exactly how she likes it—until Reid Lucas walks into the diner. Now, she and her son are running for their lives, and she has no idea why. But when the father of her son shows up and dies saving them, she realizes they all have one deadly connection: Joe Lockhart. Now, she’ll have to trust the mysterious private investigator to not only save their lives but connect her past to her present so they can figure out who is after them. And why. As the danger escalates, unexpected feelings arise. Reid doesn’t believe he’s worthy of Quinn’s love–or God’s. And Quinn is too worried about having her heart broken again and the effect of having a new man in her son’s life. Can they let go of their preconceived notions of love and relationships, or are they doomed to just let go of each other?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Pierce currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and two children. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and River Valley Writers, where she serves as secretary.

Website: lovereadwriterepeat.wordpress.com

 

Her Secret Song by Mary Connealy

by | Nov 10, 2020 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Rocky Mountains, Romance, Western

MY REVIEW:

Her Secret Song is another great read from Mary Connealy that wraps up her Brides of Hope Mountain series. Between its covers I once again found a wonderful tale filled with vivid descriptions, interesting characters, and more of Connealy’s trademark humor.

Set against the backdrop of Colorado mountains, Her Secret Song is a story of hope, redemption, and overcoming fear. The conclusion of the series features Ursula Nordegren who has yet to overcome her fears of the unknown world below the mountain where she has spent her entire life. After spending the entire winter alone, Ursula finally summons enough courage to venture down the mountain but midway down she encounters badly injured outlaw Wax Mosby. With no choice but to help him up the mountain, Ursula takes him to her winter home and nurses him back to health.

A wonderful tale with an unexpected love story, Her Secret Song may have been my favorite of the series. It was a fitting conclusion with answers to a mystery or two revealed and major problems overcome. I loved all three of the Nordegren sisters as well as the members of the Warden family. I also found inspiration in the major life changes in Wax Mosby. I particularly enjoy how this author manages to teach important messages of life and faith while keeping me delightfully entertained the entire time.

If you are not familiar with Mary Connealy’s books, please do yourself a favor and pick up all three books of this series. Her Secret Song could easily stand on its own but would be much more enjoyable after reading the previous two books.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

He hunts down outlaws.
She hides away from everyone.
When a long winter alone has each rethinking their lives,
Will they be ready to spring for unexpected second chances?

With both her sisters gone and married, Ursula Nordegren is the only one left clinging to their grandma’s fears about the outside world. But after a winter spent in isolation, even she is rethinking those warnings. She bravely starts to venture down Hope Mountain, only to stumble upon a badly wounded stranger and realize God may have had an extra special purpose behind sending her out.

Wax Mosby thought he was a skilled hired gun with principles. But that identity was upended the day he realized he’d been duped into wrongfully driving out the Wardens. He’s spent the winter planning to climb Hope Mountain to find the family and atone for his deeds. But when he’s wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel.

As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of leading new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they’re joined by Ursula’s sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the Wardens’ ranch looms with the coming of spring.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Secret Beach Boyfriend by kari trumbo

by | Nov 1, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I have somewhat mixed feelings about Secret Beach Boyfriend. On one hand I enjoyed reading it but on the other hand I found myself getting a bit aggravated with both the hero and heroine much too often. Overall I liked both Annie and Rafe but they each had some major issues. Annie’s father had left the island when she was five and she never saw him again. She was left with deep-seated feelings of abandonment and low self esteem and felt unworthy of marriage and was essentially afraid to leave the island. Rafe had grown up with a mother who had minor OCD and her fear had severely limited his childhood experiences. Rafe was a great guy who cared about others and was not afraid to show it. Unfortunately there were moments that he seemed very needy to me but perhaps that is a natural result of growing up as he did. Annie’s fear of leaving the island also seemed extreme to me.

The book is well written with vivid descriptions of its setting. The mostly serious content was relieved at times by a touch of humor and of course romance. Secrets are revealed that explained events that had a major impact on Annie’s life. It was fun spending time with the pair as they got to know each other and renewed a one day childhood friendship that neither had ever forgotten. Their plans to save the marriage of Rafe’s parents was entertaining at times and also served an unexpected purpose.  I was happy to see that both Rafe, Annie and his parents were able to overcome things that were holding them back. I enjoyed meeting some of Annie’s friends. I am hoping that they have their own stories in other books of this series. There are lessons to be learned in Secret Beach Boyfriend and what better place than the beach to learn them.

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: Secret Beach Boyfriend

Author: Kari Trumbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 29 , 2020

Click here to get your copy!

She met Rafe on the beach when she was just five and it seemed like fate tied them together. When a chance encounter returns him to the islands twenty years later, Annie finds her beach friend has grown up and now needs her help.

Damaged and scarred from a past that still hasn’t healed, Annie needs help of her own. True to character, Rafe comes up with a perfect solution, but a temporary island romance does not fit into his agenda at all.

Will an offer to be her secret boyfriend give her heart a second chance? How can it turn into something more and prove there’s power in prayer and that love can triumph over a painful past?

He was Annie’s hero long ago, but can the man he has become save her now?

Secret Beach Boyfriend is the third “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kari Trumbo is a bestselling author of Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. Her books are known for characters who feel real, settings you could move to, and faith woven between the pages. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, and never enough time.

MORE FROM KARI:

Have you ever hunted for seashells on the beach?

This sweet story actually starts twenty years before the moment you open the front cover. Years before, on a solitary beach, a little boy comforts a girl he finds crying by offering to help her find seashells. He doesn’t know why she’s crying, just that he can help. Even though he knows his mother will be angry with him.

You see, Rafe (that’s the little boy) has a mother who has minor OCD and doesn’t let him go on the beach. But when Annie (that’s the little girl) is obviously heartbroken, he can’t leave her sitting there and not do anything. At that moment, a hero is born.

It’s the little things that make a hero. That moment in time when he made a choice to put Annie above his own discomfort created a past for them both, an anchor they could both look back on. It was pivotal enough for them both that they remembered it years later. Rafe, because he hid the shells and cherished the one time he got to collect them. Annie, because she was going through something no child of five should have to. His kindness was a glimmer of hope.

Fast forward twenty years and these two meet again, but don’t realize right away they are the people they’ve been thinking about on-and-off for most of their lives. Interestingly enough, that part of my story is true. I had a friend I met at a local beach when I was too young to recall names or anything else of great significance other than the feeling that it was the best day ever. She made me her best buddy for the day, and that stuck with me.

When I think of this story beyond the printed page, where Annie and Rafe live on in my mind, I have to wonder if shells will continue to be a theme in their lives.

BLOG STOPS:

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

Stories By Gina, October 23

Captive Dreams Window, October 23

Inklings and notions, October 24

CarpeDiem, October 24

For Him and My Family, October 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 25

Older & Smarter?, October 26

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

deb’s Book Review, October 27

Connect in Fiction, October 28

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 3

Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

 

Splashes of Joy, November 4

lakesidelivingsite, October 28

Artistic Nobody, October 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Godly Book Reviews, October 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 30

Livin’ Lit, October 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 31

Life, love, writing, October 31

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 1

Batya’s Bits, November 1

Daysong Reflections, November 2

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 2

Blossoms and Blessings, November 3

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/102a8/secret-beach-boyfriend-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

Certain Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson

by | Oct 28, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Although Certain Threat was the third book of a series, it can certainly stand on its own. The story is not dependent on the previous installments yet it does include the same core group of characters with new ones added.

Once again the author takes her readers on an exciting adventure down multiple rabbit trails with a few red herrings along the way. There were enough distractions for me to begin to wonder exactly who was being targeted and who among various suspects was responsible. For once I really didn’t have a clue and didn’t have it all figured out before the actual revelation at the end. In my opinion it takes a skilled author to manage that.

The Protection Inc. series has been an enjoyable one and I hate to see it end. It has been fun getting to know all the characters, especially, Frank, Carissa, and Marc. I do look forward to seeing more along this line from Kimberly Rose Johnson in the future.

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: Certain Threat

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her.

Not long after Katrina overhears two people talking about robbing the bank where she works, her attached garage explodes. With the help of her neighbor, Frank Davis, she escapes the burning home after a storage shelf falls over, trapping her beneath it.

The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for, the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.

When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.

Join the team of Protection Inc. this Christmas where love is in the air even in the midst of danger.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

MORE FROM KIMBERLY:

Certain Threat was one of my favorite books to write. There are three point of view characters. Two have been in the series from book one and the third is a new addition in this book.

I adore Frank, the hero of this book. The man is tough, honest, and always does his best to do the right thing. He’s a good example for his younger business partners who like to do things their own way, especially Carissa.

For me the most fun part about writing this book was getting inside Frank’s head. He comes across as tough and sometime gruff, but he is a marshmallow on the inside when it comes to Katrina, his neighbor. Katrina brings out a side in Frank we haven’t yet witnessed and it was a blast to write—no pun intended. LOL you’ll understand when you read the book.

I look forward to writing future books in this series and going deeper with the rest of the Protection Inc. team and their friends.

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 19

Worthy2Read, October 20

21st Century Keeper at Home, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Inklings and notions, October 22

deb’s Book Review, October 22

Betti Mace, October 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 24

Mary Hake, October 24

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 25

April Hayman, Author, October 25

Splashes of Joy, October 26

Artistic Nobody, October 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 27

mypreciousbitsandmusings, October 27

Aryn the Libraryan, October 28

CarpeDiem, October 28

For Him and My Family, October 29

Daysong Reflections, October 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30

Bigreadersite, October 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 31

Blossoms and Blessings, October 31

Simple Harvest Reads, November 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Bizwings Blog, November 1

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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/10266/certain-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Backlash by Rachel Dylan

by | Oct 26, 2020 | Books

MY REVIEW:

Rachel Dylan’s latest novel Backlash literally explodes into nonstop action from the very beginning. Danger lurks just around every corner for CIA analyst Layla Karam and her team as well as for those close to her. Everything points to a cartel bent on revenge against the team members who participated in a DEA field operation against them and as a member of that team Layla has become one of their targets. To complicate matters, she learns that she is under an investigation by the CIA and needs to prove her innocence as she and her team work against time to solve the case before someone else dies.

Backlash is another of those keep-you-up-at-night page turners that was so hard to put down. Explosive action paired with multiple twists and turns kept me on edge as I anticipated what might happen next. Characters were well defined and it was fun getting to know them in the midst of such high pressure situations. I loved how Layla and her friends always had each other’s backs and the honest relationships within their group. Struggles related to their faith (or lack of) were transparent and I was encouraged to see a natural progression of spiritual growth. A second chance romance added a nice touch to the narrative.

Backlash is a welcome addition to my keeper shelf. I would highly recommend it to fans of Christian suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and her publisher. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

With a target on her back, she’s determined to find answers.
But can she escape the deadly backlash?

CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel, and after one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.

At the same time, the CIA opens an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.

Layla and Hunter soon discover that a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team’s identity to the cartel. She needs to clear her name with the Agency in order to protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter–the man who broke her heart–and hope they both come out of it alive.

For those who are content sensitive: this book contains non-graphic scenes and descriptions of physical and sexual assault.

Read an excerpt HERE.

Purchase a copy HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Dylan (www.racheldylan.com) is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade, including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. Her Atlanta Justice series has won the Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and the FHL Reader’s Choice Award. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats.