Books | Daysong Reflections

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl

by admin | Dec 11, 2018 | Books

MY REVIEW:

Mind Games is the amazing first book in Nancy Mehl’s new Kaely Quinn Profiler series. Kaely is an FBI behavior analyst whose somewhat unusual methods have earned her plenty of criticism and detractors. Another unwanted claim to fame is that she is also the daughter of an infamous serial killer. Although she has changed her name and moved to a different city, Kaely is still plagued by a reporter who is intent on convincing her to grant him an interview. When a poem detailing several future murders surfaces, it is evident that Kaely is the poet’s final target.

I have read and enjoyed several books by this author but she has outdone herself with Mind Games. The tension grows with each page and the plot definitely played games with my mind. Unexpected twists and a few surprises along the way built the suspense. More than one suspect seemed viable and the mystery grew as several were ruled out. Strong characters brought the story to life. I was particularly fascinated by Kaely and her profession as well as her unique methods. A bit of romance and a strong thread of faith added just the right touch.

I loved Mind Games and recommend it to all who love a good suspense novel. It will be difficult to wait until August for the next installment.

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: Mind Games

Author: Nancy Mehl

Genre: Suspense

Release Date: December, 2018

Publisher: Bethany House

FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn’s methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She’s done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she’s the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely’s, it seems her old life has followed her.

When a body is found that fits the poem’s morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.

With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.

Click here to purchase your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.

GUEST POST FROM NANCY:

Writing Mind Games is a dream come true. I’ve been interested in FBI profiling for years. I’ve read about it, studied it, and watched every TV special I could find on the subject. So when the chance finally came to write the book I’ve always wanted to write, I jumped at it. Thankfully, through the help of another writer, I was hooked up with a retired FBI profiler. I was so excited. Until I found out I had almost everything wrong. Yes, I had some understanding about profiling, but I knew nothing about the FBI and how it works.

First of all, the FBI doesn’t call the men and women who profile criminals, profilers. They’re called Behavioral Analysts. The plot for Mind Games had my analyst running around the country solving crimes while she was stationed in St. Louis. Uh, no. Behavioral analysts do travel, but they all work out of Quantico in Virginia. So…I rewrote.

There were ways around my conundrum, but one solution led to more and more problems. We finally worked through them. Then I spent the next few months learning acronyms. CIRG, CJIS, NCAVC, HRT, UNSUB, CNU, THU, ViCap, CODIS, SWAT, ERTU, OPU, THRU, ERT… Well, the list goes on and on. The FBI is made up of many specialized units. And a plethora of acronyms, it seems.

I rewrote Mind Games three times before my source said we were good to go.

If you assume I’m out of the woods now, you’d be wrong. I haven’t had the nerve to open up the manuscript I sent her for book two in my Kaely Quinn Profiler series. I figured I had Fire Storm right but… Well, I can tell from her email comments I’ll be doing more rewriting. Sigh.

So is it worth it? A resounding yes! I love learning, and as long as my analyst friend hangs in with me (she has the patience of Job), I’ll keep at it.

I hope you enjoy Mind Games. It’s edgy but fun. Kaely Quinn is a quirky character. She was thrown out of Quantico because her version of profiling is… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out!

BLOG STOPS:

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Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11

The Lit Addict, December 11

amandainpa, December 11

A Reader’s Brain, December 12

Daysong Reflections, December 12

Livin’ Lit, December 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 13

By The Book, December 13

Lighthouse Academy, December 13

Multifarious, December 14

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 14

Splashes of Joy, December 14

Back Porch Reads, December 15

Real World Bible Study, December 15

Robin is Bookish, December 15

Janices book reviews, December 15

C Jane Read, December 16

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 16

The Becca Files, December 16

Bigreadersite, December 16

Quiet Quilter, December 17

Margaret Kazmierczak, December 17

Godly Book Reviews, December 17

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18

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D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Mary Hake, December 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 19

For the Love of Literature, December 20

Remembrancy, December 20

Inklings and notions, December 20

Carpe Diem, December 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 21

Pause for Tales, December 21

A Baker’s Perspective, December 21

Have A Wonderful Day, December 22

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A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 22

Bibliophile Reviews, December 23

To Everything a Season, December 23

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 23

Cafinated Reads, December 24

Texas Book-aholic, December 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 24

GIVEAWAY:To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Mind Games and the three books in Nancy’s Defenders of Justice series, plus a $20 Starbucks gift card!

Two additional winners will also receive a copy of Mind Games!

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/d73b/mind-games-celebration-tour-giveaway

Shadows of Pain by Ashley Dawn – PROMO BLAST

by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Ashley Dawn’s Shadow series is a suspense-filled series that grew on me as I read it. Romantic suspense that offers the reader plenty of twists and turns with surprises around every corner, the entire series will hold the reader in its grip until the very last sentence.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Revenge is sweet…unless you are on the receiving end of it.

“Do you know of anyone who would want…you dead?”

Officer Daniel Jenkins was no stranger to the dangers his job posed but usually he knew who was trying to kill him. Being stalked was a completely different ball game, and he wasn’t sure there were any rules…

“…I need you.”

Terrified didn’t even begin to describe how Kami felt with the stalker targeting her. As an FBI agent you were trained to handle stressful situations, but being the victim put the whole process in a different light.

As the killer gets closer, so do Kami and Daniel, but will they live long enough to see their love bloom?

Only God can save them from this unknown killer…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent’s office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.

Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has four published books. Her Shadows Series include Shadows From The Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain, and Shadows of Deception. She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows in Black and White” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’. She and her family make their home in Texas.

Social Media:

www.facebook.com/authorashleydawn

www.ashleydawn-author.com

https://twitter.com/authoradawn

Lost Christmas Memories by Dana Mentink

by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

Dana Mentink’s novels are always such fun reads. Her Love Inspired books contain a high level of suspense interspersed with a touch of humor and always a great romance. Lost Christmas Memories is the final offering in her Gold Country Cowboys series and I hate to see it end. Each one of the Thorn brothers has had his own story and I have loved each one. Keegan’s story has been long anticipated by many of this author’s readers and I can see why.

Keegen rescues Tracy Wilson after she is injured after witnessing a murder but her head injury prevents her from remembering everything she saw. It doesn’t help that there is no sign that a murder has been committed. Lost Christmas Memories is a breath-holding, action-packed story that left me wondering just how everything would work out. Strong characters, some of whom have back stories developed over the course of the series make the story come to life.

A wonderful, faith-filled tale with long awaited reconciliation and restoration, Lost Christmas Memories is a must read for this Christmas season.

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: Lost Christmas Memories

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense/Christmas

Release Date: November 1, 2018

A witness with amnesia

Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life?

Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.

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.

GUEST POST FROM DANA:

Writing this book was bittersweet for me. It was lovely to finally be able to tell youngest Thorn brother Keegan’s story, but I sure am sorry to say goodbye to this series! It was such fun to write about these four kinsmen and the family bonds that held them together through all manner of murder and mayhem! Here at Mentink Manor, we have recently sent a bear cub away to college for the first time. It feels like I have lost a limb now that my Boo Boo is gone! Fortunately, we will enjoy having her home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Though it won’t be a cozy country Christmas like it is for Keegan (we live in a city of 80,000 here in Northern, CA) we will be thrilled to have all our family home to celebrate together (Mama Bear, Papa Bear, two cubs, a naughty terrier, and a senior citizen box turtle!) I hope you enjoy this last installment in the Gold Country Cowboy series. I am sending along our best wishes for a blessed holiday season, from our Mentink household to yours!

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Texas Book-aholic, December 4

Carpe Diem, December 4

Godly Book Reviews, December 5

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 5

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Lost Christmas Memories, a $50 Amazon gift card and this cute reading charms necklace!!

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/d626/lost-christmas-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Making of Mrs. Hale by Carolyn Miller

by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, England, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Making of Mrs. Hale is one of those books readers will either love or hate. It is a given that it will offend a number of Christian readers who want the characters in the books they read to be spit shined and perfect little Christians. I’m afraid these readers need to give this particular book a pass because it is a gritty tale filled with some of the unfortunate truths about real life and sometimes that isn’t very pretty. I personally believe that the author managed to convey her story amazingly well with tactfulness and grace and a wonderful read is in store for those willing to read it with an open mind.

This book was not at all what I expected and I loved being surprised by how Julia and Thomas Hale’s story worked its way out. Many twists and surprises helped keep me guessing and I loved seeing how Julia matured into a woman who stood up for herself rather than being dominated by her mother.

The Making of Mrs. Hale is a beautiful story of redemption and faith that will bless its readers as they watch the Lord at work in the Hale’s lives. Although I read it in digital galley form, I definitely plan to purchase a bound copy to add to the rest of the series on my bookshelf.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Marry in haste, repent in leisure—Mrs. Hale is about to find out how painful that repentance can truly be.

Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn’t turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn’t know where—or if he’s ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they’ll forgive her. Especially now that she might be carrying a baby from her brief marriage.

Carolyn Miller’s clean and wholesome Regency romances continue with The Making of Mrs. Hale, following familiar characters as they learn how restoration can occur by finding hope and healing through a deep relationship with God. Full of rich historical details and witty banter, this series continues to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

Bodyguard For Christmas by Carol J. Post

by admin | Dec 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have enjoyed the previous books in Carol Post’s Murphy series and was delighted to receive a review copy of Bodyguard for Christmas. Not only is this book a suspense filled romance but the Christmas theme makes it even more fun to read this time of year. As I can usually expect, the author has spun a twisted tale filled with unexpected turns and surprises. Her characters are vividly described and I felt I knew them well by the end of the story. Children always seem to add a special touch to any story so Liam was an important addition to this one.

It was fun seeing how Jasmine overcame Colton’s doubts about her again and again until he admitted she was indeed the right choice for a bodyguard. The growing relationship between Jasmine and Liam was endearing and contributed to Colton’s attraction to her as well. Of course we all know that was inevitable but so entertaining to watch it happen.

What more could I ask but a sweet romance filled with bad guys, suspense, lots of action and danger, a cute little boy, and a strong faith-filled message? Looking forward to the next novel by this excellent author!

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:

Someone’s after his little boy.
She has one chance to save them both.

When his young son is nearly kidnapped, assistant district attorney Colton Gale needs a Christmas refuge—and a live-in bodyguard. Though former military police officer Jasmine McNeal fights to shield them 24/7, she refuses to get attached. But growing close to the little boy and his father might be her only shot at keeping them alive—and becoming a family beyond the holidays.

Amazon Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog.

Stratagem by Robin Caroll

by admin | Nov 27, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, New Orleans, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have enjoyed Robin Caroll’s books since I first discovered her early Love Inspired Suspense novels. I have since then made it a point to at least try to read her latest as soon as it was released. I have been fortunate to receive review copies of many of them. Stratagem was not a disappointment. In fact the author seems to have upped her game. This one left me in suspense and guessing the murderer until the very end.

Readers who are also fans of the popular escape rooms that seem to be springing up everywhere should particularly enjoy this book. A similar concept is used by a business that develops adventure games to help companies in their team-building efforts but this time things go terribly wrong and one of the team members is found dead. She just happens to be the ex-wife of Grayson Thibodeaux, one of the partners in the game development business. When investigators decide that her death was murder, Grayson becomes the primary suspect and even his detective friend cannot help him.

The plot of Stratagem was filled with twists and surprises from beginning to end. Strong characters were well-developed and all essential to the story. I felt as though I was present at the investigative sessions which helped me learn more about each character. I was not overly fond of the female detective but as the story progressed I was better able to understand why she reacted so strongly to the situation. I was fascinated by the process developed for the adventure games but would personally not want to work for a company that invaded the privacy of its employees to such a degree. A strong theme of faith and forgiveness permeates this highly emotional book which I appreciated.

I look forward to this author’s next book and can’t wait to see what twisted plot she comes up with for her readers.

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: StratagemAuthor: Robin Caroll

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: November, 2018

A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder

Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.

Click here to purchase your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.

You can find out more about Robin by visiting www.robincaroll.com.

GUEST POST FROM ROBIN:

Behind the Scenes: Robin Caroll Shares Her Inspiration for Writing Stratagem

Dear Reader,

Thank you for journeying to New Orleans in a web of deceit and confusion with me. Sharing a place that has such connection for me was a pure joy. South Louisiana offers such a laid-back attitude that I often miss “home.” I hope you’ll enjoy sampling a taste of the flavor of Louisiana.

Years ago I watched the movie The Game with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn and was enthralled. There’s just something grabbing about messing with a person’s mind and life by using their own feelings and instincts against them. When this story of Stratagem first began forming, I wanted to use all that intrigue to mess up the game master’s life. The end result is quite the ride!

As the characters came alive to me, I found the theme of forgiveness and acceptance coming out in the story. Some of the emotions within this story are very personal to me, and I’m honored I was able to share them with you. It is my wish that you may be touched by Grayson’s faith journey as well.

Until next time. . .

-Robin