by admin | Apr 27, 2018 | Blog Hop, Books, Giveaways, Just Read
Visit Just Reads for a list of the Blog Stops as well as other info.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
- Title: Beneath the Surface
- Series: Dive Team Investigations, Book 1
- Author: Lynn Blackburn
- Publisher: Revell
- Release Date: March 6, 2018
- Genre: Romantic Suspense
After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she’d left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.
Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff’s Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer — one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.
Dive into the depths of fear with an exciting new voice in romantic suspense. Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final heart-pounding page.
ABOUT LYNN:
Lynn H. Blackburn is the author of Hidden Legacy (Love Inspired, June 2017) and Covert Justice, winner of the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She ’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
HOW DOES BEING UNDERWATER CHANGE THE WAY YOU INVESTIGATE/AFFECT THE EVIDENCE?
Investigating an underwater crime scene would add multiple challenges not experienced while investigating on dry land. One of the first considerations is that such a scene requires experienced divers who are also trained in criminal investigation. In addition special equipment is also required, especially that needed by the divers in order to survive underwater. Other equipment needed would be underwater cameras to record details from the scene.
Securing the scene can also be difficult. After all, it is not that easy to just mark it with yellow barrier tape. Collecting evidence can also prevent a challenge and investigators knowledgeable in underwater investigations are essential. It can be helpful for the investigator to collect both water and soil in the vicinity of the crime.
In the case of homicide, the body is affected not only by long exposure to water but also by marine life that can not only damage the body but can destroy pertinent evidence. It is often difficult to judge how long the victim has been deceased unless a witness actually saw the body enter the water. Not only is scientific expertise helpful with dry land cases but can also be very necessary when investigating the causes of death, etc. of a body found in water. Modern technology is obviously also helpful.
These are just a few of the many considerations in investigating an underwater crime. Be sure to read Beneath the Surface to see how the Dive Team handles their investigation.
GIVEAWAY
Winners will win:
1. Print copy of Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn
2. Surprised Bookish Treat
Goodreads
Amazon
ChristianBook
Book Depository
iTunes
by admin | Apr 24, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Dangerous Waters”, the fourth installment in Christy Barritt’s exciting Lantern Beach Mysteries series, takes a sharp turn towards even more danger for Cassidy and Ty. When Cassidy spots someone who looks very much like a dangerous man from her past, his appearance is different enough that she is not certain it is who she thinks it is. But as strange things begin to occur around her and a good friend disappears , Cassidy is convinced it is him.
This book is a definite page-turning, nail-biter. The stakes are high and danger lurks around every corner. A few twists and surprises are in store and all’s well that ends well – isn’t it? I have an idea or two of my own about who the person is who has leaked information about Cassidy’s location. I am looking forward to future installments to find out if I’m correct.
This is a great series. Hope you will check it out.
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:
Danger lurks on the horizon, leaving only two choices: find shelter or flee. Cassidy Livingston’s new identity has begun to feel as comfortable as her favorite sweater. She’s been tucked away on Lantern Beach for weeks, waiting to testify against a deadly gang, and is settling in to a new life she wants to last forever. When she thinks she spots someone malevolent from her past, panic swells inside her. If an enemy has found her, Cassidy won’t be the only one who’s a target. Everyone she’s come to love will also be at risk. Dangerous waters threaten to pull her into an overpowering chasm she may never escape. Can Cassidy survive what lies ahead? Or has the tide fatally turned against her?
Purchase a copy of Dangerous Waters HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a frequent speaker at various writers groups, women’s luncheons and church events. She’s married to Scott, a teacher. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
by admin | Apr 24, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
In “Storm Surge”, the third volume of Christy Barritt’s Lantern Beach Mysteries series, heroine Cassidy Livingston is still hiding out, hoping to keep her identity secret until she can testify in an important trial. It’s not as easy as it seems because things keep happening in the quiet little island town and Cassidy just cannot keep herself from getting involved. She has also found herself more than attracted to her next door neighbor Ty Chambers and although she feels guilty about not revealing her secrets, she fears for his safety if she does. Brief glimpses of Cassidy’s history reveal just how dangerous the people looking for her can be.
“Storm Surge” is another fast-paced mystery with touches of Barritt’s trademark humor scattered throughout. An eclectic cast of characters interact with Cassidy and Ty which helps keep things quite interesting. I actually like the slow development of the relationship between Cassidy and Ty but also look forward to the day she can reveal everything to him. A mysterious boat washed onshore is another irresistible case for Cassidy and once again she finds herself in danger as she locates and attempts to help those who arrived on the boat.
Don’t let the romance and humor fool you for one minute. Barritt is a pro at writing nail-biting suspense and this series definitely has its hooks in me. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
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:
A storm is brewing hundreds of miles away, but its effects are devastating even from afar. Laid-back and light: that’s Cassidy Livingston’s new motto. But when a makeshift boat with a bloody cloth inside washes ashore near her oceanfront home, her detective instincts shift into gear . . . again. Seeking clues isn’t the only thing on her mind-romance is heating up with next-door neighbor and former Navy SEAL Ty Chambers as well. Her heart wants the love and stability she’s longed for her entire life. But her hidden identity only leads to a tidal wave of turbulence. As more answers emerge about the boat, the danger around her rises, creating a treacherous swell that threatens to reveal her past. Can Cassidy mind her own business, or will the storm surge of violence and corruption that has washed ashore on Lantern Beach leave her life in wreckage?
Purchase a copy of Storm Surge HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy Barritt loves stories and has been writing them for as long as she can remember. When she’s not working on books, Christy writes articles for various publications. She’s also a frequent speaker at various writers groups, women’s luncheons and church events. She’s married to Scott, a teacher. They have two sons, two dogs and a houseplant named Martha. For more information, visit her website at: www.christybarritt.com.
by admin | Apr 20, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Oregon, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Thus far I have loved all the novels in Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. It is so easy to picture the area in my mind and each of the characters seem to come to life within the pages of her books. My daughter and her husband have spent the past three or so years living in Oregon, part of that time in a small coastal town near where imaginary Hope Harbor would be. I am quite certain that if I were to visit them I would immediately begin searching for Hope Harbor and especially Charley’s taco stand.
As always, the plot not only contains a sweet, developing romance, but also has a life lesson or two for its readers. I enjoy seeing how characters’ lives are changed through the wisdom and caring actions of other characters. Charley (and the seagulls) would especially be missed if left out. As far as I’m concerned, Hannon could continue the Hope Harbor series indefinitely as long as she remembers that Charley is an essential character to each and every story.
I did like both primary characters Ben and Marci and enjoyed watching their relationship grow and seeing how God worked in their lives to help them overcome wounds from the past. It was also encouraging to witness the miraculous changes in the couple next door to Ben. Other than that, I will urge you to grab a copy of “Pelican Point” for yourself as soon as possible. I really don’t think you will regret your visit to the enchanting town of Hope Harbor.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the midst of life’s storms, unexpected love is a beacon of hope.
A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.
Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home–and she’s determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.
Sparks fly as the two go head-to-head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. Can Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?
Come home to Hope Harbor…
where hearts heal–and love blooms
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, including Dangerous Illusions, as well as the Men of Valor, Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. Each of her suspense novels have been ECPA/CBA bestsellers. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Michelle Griep quickly became one of my favorite authors after I read “Brentwood’s Ward”. Since that time, I have read several others and my admiration of her writing continues to grow. I am somewhat tardy in posting my review of “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” but it is not because of any deficiency in the book. My own life produced a few complications that for one reason or another prevented me from sitting down at my keyboard and recording my thoughts.
As much as I loved “Brentwood’s Ward” I may love “The Innkeeper’s Daughter” even more. This novel contains such an eclectic variety of characters that added to my reading enjoyment. I am not sure a single one of them could possibly be omitted without damaging the story. Somehow the author manages to write a story that is suspenseful yet also contains both humorous and romantic scenes, all of which are tied together with an inspirational thread of faith. Of course a strong hero and heroine are essential to a good story and both Alexander Moore and Johanna more than meet those requirements. The story is also filled with many wonderful quotes that I wish I had taken the time to write down.
There is little else I can say without giving away a spoiler or two. I do highly recommend this book and any other novel by Michelle Griep. They all hold space on my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown
Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.
All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com
