MY REVIEW:

An installment of the Texas Ever After series by Karen Witemeyer, If the Boot Fits is a western version of the classic Cinderella story. However, readers will find more than one role reversal in the tale and what fun it is! I can always count on this author for a romantic drama laced with humor and often a bit of mystery and suspense. This one has it all.

Samantha Dearing is the daughter of a wealthy rancher. Their relationship has been filled with misunderstanding since the death of her mother and Sam feels unloved and unwanted. When her father plans a ball in her honor and invites all the eligible bachelors in the area, she is convinced he wants to be rid of her.

Asher Ellis is convinced that Eli Dearing has wrongfully evicted his mother and is determined to find evidence while the household is preoccupied with the ball. As luck would have it he is discovered and manages to make a quick getaway. Unfortunately Samantha’s younger brother chases him and falls into the pond. During the rescue, Asher loses one of his distinctive boots and of course Samantha finds it. So thus begins the retelling of Cinderella.

Be ready to put all your preconceived notions of the Cinderella story to rest because Witemeyer has managed to upend them all. Few of the characters are what you expect and their interactions are both heartwarming and fun. Faith plays a strong role also with prayers and scripture featured often. Danger and mystery, forgiveness and reconciliation are all deftly woven together in a delightful tale that will brighten the reader’s day.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. (I also purchased my own copy) A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .

Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.

MY REVIEW:

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue had me captivated with its very first line “I CAN HEAR THE DARKNESS.” The author’s ability to create a dark and haunting atmosphere through her poetic writing style is truly remarkable. I found myself turning the pages eagerly, unable to put the book down. This spine-tingling narrative is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping and suspenseful story.

The focus of this dual time novel is the house at 322 Predicament Avenue. In 1910 the abandoned house is rumored to be haunted and is the source of frequent dares by the town’s teens. Effie James and her younger sister have finally worked up enough nerve to visit the house where Effie’s sister witnesses a horrifying possible murder scene that renders her speechless. But where is the victim’s body? A century later, Norah Richman reluctantly operates a bed and breakfast in the house that is still believed to be haunted. The death of a guest raises new speculation and a popular podcaster who is also a guest attempts to help Norah learn the truth about the house.

The past and present collide in this haunting tale that is another fine example of the author’s gift of offering light and hope in the midst of overwhelming darkness. Night Falls on Predicament Avenue is a must read that you do not want to miss.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women–generations apart–discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer’s retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie’s quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn’t imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.

A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister’s dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house’s claim to fame–the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle’s murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jaime Jo Wright (JaimeWrightBooks.com) is the author of ten novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She’s also a two-time Christy Award finalist, as well as the ECPA bestselling author of The Vanishing at Castle Moreau and two Publishers Weekly bestselling novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her family and felines.

MY REVIEW:

My first exposure to books by Dana Mentink was with what I’d describe as cozy mysteries that featured dogs. Those tales showcased the author’s sometimes wacky sense of humor and I thoroughly enjoyed them. Later I read quite a few of her Love Inspired Suspense novels which had more focus on the suspense and I also loved reading them. Needless to say I was excited to have the opportunity to review Mentink’s latest trade suspense published by Harlequin. What could be better than a full-length novel by one of my favorite suspense authors? Trapped in Yosemite was all I expected and more and proved to be a fine example of just how multi-talented Dana Mentink is.

Imagine if you will, a young woman so determined to prove her qualifications at her job that she agreed to meet a client in a remote area near Yosemite where she witnessed his murder and was forced to flee for her own life on icy back roads. She is rescued by her former fiancé but rather than a happy ending, their problems have just begun when a massive earthquake hits the park. Trapped in Yosemite park during the winter with no way out, at least one murderer on the loose, and one weather or earthquake mitigated disaster after another, Von Sharpe and Stella Rivers are forced to work together to save themselves and the others stranded with them. Did I mention secrets?

Trapped in Yosemite was an intense, high-voltage suspense. Just when I thought everything had settled down a bit, something else would happen to increase the suspense. All characters were well developed and of course readers can expect at least one dog featured by this author. The plot moved at a rapid pace and vivid descriptions of the setting made me feel like I was there. Not sure I want to go back after that experience!

I have only hinted at a fraction of what was going on in this novel so you will need to pick up your own copy if you want to know more. It is a great book and I do not think you will be disappointed.

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: Trapped in Yosemite Author: Dana Mentink Genre: Christian Fiction Release Date: February 27, 2024 Click here to get your copy!

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake.

When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.

Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

MORE FROM DANA:

I won’t ever forget October 17^th, 1989. I was finished with my student teaching duties, chatting with my mother while we watched the World Series. It was an epic matchup of two Bay Area teams. As we watched, the floor lurched and the entire house began to rattle and pitch. We ran outside and watched the street undulate like ocean waves. We’d later come to learn it was a 6.9 earthquake on the Loma Prieta fault. The shaking only lasted 20 seconds but 63 people were killed, 3,757 were reported injured and 12,053 displaced. The damage estimates reached as high as $10 billion, with 18,306 houses leveled. Approximately 2,575 businesses were impacted and 147 were destroyed. The part I will remember most was the collapse of a section of the freeway in Oakland which trapped people in the pancaked structure. I remember watching the close space rescue teams work night and day to find survivors.

Little did I know that memorable event would someday lead to a book! This novel combines the iconic California setting of Yosemite and the big fear buried deep in every California’s mind…the big one, the massive earthquake we know will be coming someday. Of course you know there will be a happy ending in the novel, but I hope you will feel the edge of your seat suspense that keeps you turning pages. God bless you, dear readers!

BLOG STOPS:

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 28

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Tell Tale Book reviews, March 29

Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, March 30

Splashes of Joy, March 30

Blossoms and Blessings, March 31

To Everything There Is A Season , March 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31

Holly’s Book Corner, April 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 2

Labor Not in Vain , April 2

Lily’s Corner, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 3

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 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/2a8f5/trapped-in-yosemite-celebration-tour-giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Kimberly Woodhouse’s latest masterpiece, 8 Down! is a suspense-filled novel that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. As the temperature drops, the tension rises, keeping you hooked until the very last page. Join Carrie Kintz , a new agent with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage, and the brilliant security specialist Scott Patteson, as they race against time to prevent a catastrophic disaster.  It takes them awhile to realize that the key to the hints they are receiving are in the daily crossword puzzles in various publications. Will they be able to decipher the hints and stop the impending threat before it’s too late?

I have to admit, I’m not a fan of winter, even here in the ‘south’. But after reading 8 Down, I gained a whole new appreciation for the milder winters I experience. The chilling Alaskan setting described in this book really brought it to life and made me realize the terrifying impact of a widespread power outage. The author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail made me feel like I was right there with Carrie and Scott, experiencing every tense moment. The plot’s realism is what truly sets this book apart, as it feels like a gripping scenario that could happen in our society at any given time. I wish I could tell you more without giving away any spoilers, but trust me when I say, if you love suspense-filled reads, you absolutely need to get your hands on 8 Down.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: 8 Down Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters #2 Author: Kimberley Woodhouse Publisher: Kregel Publications Release Date: February 20, 2024 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

8 bodies down.

8 more lives at stake.

Investigator Carrie Kintz is new blood with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage. But with a serial killer on the loose, there’s no easing into the job. It’s sink or swim. The only clues to help law enforcement stop this madman are the taunts he drops into crossword puzzles across the country–always in the same 8 DOWN position.

Carrie is desperate to prove her worth to the force and the community by catching the killer. But when she discovers signs that these deaths are just the tip of the iceberg in a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack, it’s time to admit she needs help.

Calling in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise seems like the right move–until Carrie realizes that he may be a dangerous distraction for her heart. With her faith fading in the face of horror and uncertainty and her career in danger of ending, this is no time for flirtation.

But with a killer who is determined to prove that he’s smarter than everyone else, it may be impossible to fight both the madman and their feelings for each other…

Put on your parkas as we head into a cold world of cybercrime, and hang on for the ride! Kimberley Woodhouse once again takes us on a nail-biter of a ride, and you won’t want to quit until you’ve read the last page!” –Jaime Jo Wright, author of The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater

“An amazing, breath-stealing, knuckle-biting thrill of a ride!” –Lynette Eason, award-winning, best-selling suspense author

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub

OTHER BOOKS IN SERIES:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now lives and writes in Colorado where she’s traded in her hat of “Craziest Mom” for “Nana the Great.”

Connect with Kimberley by visiting kimberleywoodhouse.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive signed copies of 26 Below and 8 Down, bookmarks, and other book-related goodies!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 6, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 13, 2024. 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

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Relying on the Enemy by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

I have recently discovered the novels of Danielle Grandinetti and was excited to be able to participate in the blog tour for her latest, Relying on the Enemy. I can truthfully say that I was not disappointed.

It was fun to return to Crow’s Nest and get to know some of its residents a little better, especially widowed Marian Ward and her family. Facing a long winter with no job, an ailing mother-in-law, and limited resources, Marian desperately looks for answers to their problem. To make matters worse, she overhears a conversation that puts her life in danger and her family threatened. All seems hopeless when who should also appear is the son of the man who nearly destroyed the Ward family. He had come to attempt to make amends but could they trust him? The situation seemed to grow more dire by the minute and Marian was forced to make some difficult choices before it was too late.

Relying on the Enemy is one of those books that takes the reader on an emotional and satisfying adventure along with its characters. The absolute best and worst of people are illustrated within the pages as Marian and Gilbert work together to learn who is behind the malicious plot and decide who they can and cannot trust. At least one character proves to be more honorable than anyone expected.

If you have never read a book by this author, do yourself a favor and give one a try. I highly recommend Relying on the Enemy.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Relying on the Enemy Series: Harbored in Crow’s Nest #4 Author: Danielle Grandinetti Publisher: Hearth Spot Press Release Date: February 20, 2024 Genre: Historical Romance, with suspense

She’s protecting her children. He’s redeeming his past.
But there’s nothing convenient about saving their patchwork family.

Wisconsin, 1931—All widowed mother Marian Ward wants is to provide for her girls. However, she faces the dead of winter with no income and dwindling resources. Then she overhears a nefarious conversation, putting her life and that of her children in immediate danger.

Aiming to make amends to the Wards, Gilbert steps in when the threat to Marian escalates. It costs him dearly. Either lose his career or marry her, and be tied to his past until death do them part.

He leaves the decision to Marian, who will do anything to protect her girls, even marry the son of the man who ruined her family. How will their fledgling trust prove strong enough to fulfill their vows as winter tightens its grip and desperation stalks at the door?

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More Books in This Series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. A 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award, she has also won the UNW Distinguished Faith in Writing Award and the CROW National Excellence in Story Telling Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

GIVEAWAY:

(2) winners will win signed paperback copies of Refuge for the Archaeologist & Relying on the Enemy; a Crow’s Nest Canvas Tote & a Crow’s Nest paperback notebook!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February  26, 2024. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

MY REVIEW:

While the City Sleeps is an excellent example of why Elizabeth Camden is one of my must read authors. She is so adept at combining intriguing historical facts with a great story that almost always includes some mystery, danger, and suspense along with a compelling romance. Her characters are perfectly well-rounded and usually have interesting back stories.

In her latest novel, readers will see 1913 New York City through the eyes of a female dentist and a police officer, both who work the night shift. The nonsensical ramblings of a patient under the influence of nitrous oxide begin to make sense when Katherine hears about fires on a ship he mentioned. Reporting the incident to the police puts her life in danger and her friend Lieutenant Jonathan Birch is determined to both solve the case and keep Katherine safe. As their feelings for each other grow, Katherine is puzzled by Jonathan’s secretive nature. His past is something he wants left in the past.

While the City Sleeps is a story that kept me on edge as one dangerous situation after another developed and relationships between several characters changed from day to day. Vivid descriptions made the narrative compelling reading and I enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend not only this book but any other book by this excellent author.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider’s life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Camden (elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered story lines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won Christy, Carol, and RITA Awards and have appeared on the ECPA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.