by admin | Dec 28, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Mystery, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Abigail Wilson is another debut author I plan to keep my eyes on. Her first novel In the Shadow of Croft Towers is an excellent and promising start to a possible long career as author.
Vivid imagery, intriguing characters, and ample mystery and plot twists kept me turning the pages until the end. The brooding atmosphere is the perfect setting for this novel filled with secrets, spies, smugglers, and murder where no one is quite whom they seem. A touch of romance is welcome but even that is wrought with mystery. Surprising revelations and a dramatic climax brought the book to a satisfying conclusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its Gothic tone and look forward to more offerings from this talented new author.
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: In the Shadow of Croft Towers
Author: Abigail Wilson
Genre: Historical fiction, romantic suspense
Release Date: January 15, 2019
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From debut author Abigail Wilson comes a mysterious Regency tale of secrets and spies, love and treachery.
Orphaned Sybil Delafield jumps at the opportunity for a position at the mysterious Croft Towers. She believes she was hired to act as companion to a dying woman, but a highway robbery and a hostile welcome from the Chalcroft family cause her to wonder if she was actually hired to help someone spy for France.
An unsolved murder adds intrigue to this already secretive family, and Sybil recognizes Mrs. Chalcroft’s handsome grandson as one of the infamous highwaymen who robbed her. Sybil must determine if this man’s charming smile and earnest eyes speak the truth or if he is simply using her like others in the house. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and Sybil must decide who to trust while also coming to terms with the truth about her own past.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.
Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com
EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:
1813
THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE
I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had never learned the truth. I wouldn’t have set off as I did for Croft Towers. I never would have met him.
It’s strange what I remember about the day I left London. The mail coach was late; the weather wretched. The clock had struck midnight long before two strangers and I ducked beneath the postmaster’s outstretched umbrella to board the Royal Mail and rumble across the North Downs.
That difficult journey east marked the beginning of an unseasonably cold autumn. Frigid rain pelted the coach windows. The undercarriage squealed beneath the seats as a metallic scent wound its way between the drafty boards. I gripped the windowsill, wondering if the coachman intended to hit every bump in the road.
“Far to go, miss?”
The woman’s voice startled me. Dressed head to toe in red
satin, she’d endured the last few darkened hours with a handful of smelling salts and a tongue hot for complaints, but she hadn’t spoken to me until now. Not until the first hint of rain-soaked daylight peeked over the horizon.
I lowered my gaze and fiddled with my bonnet ribbons. “Yes, ma’am . . . well, not too much farther, I hope.”
Taken from “In the Shadow of Croft Towers” by Abigail Wilson. Copyright © 2018 by Abigail Wilson. Used by permission of http://www.thomasnelson.com/.
| Just the Write Escape, December 20Faery Tales Are Real, December 20
The Avid Reader, December 20
Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 21
seasons of opportunities, December 21
Mary Hake, December 22
Carpe Diem, December 22
Inklings and notions, December 23
Blogging With Carol, December 23
A Baker’s Perspective, December 23
Stories By Gina, December 24
Remembrancy, December 24
Madeline Clark, December 25
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 25
For the Love of Literature, December 26
Blossoms and Blessings, December 26
Janices book reviews, December 26
Back Porch Reads, December 27 |
Book by Book, December 27Daysong Reflections, December 28
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28
Godly Book Reviews, December 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 29
Bigreadersite, December 29
Inspiration Clothesline, December 30
A Rup Life, December 30
Bibliophile Reviews, December 30
A Reader’s Brain, December 31
Texas Book-aholic, December 31
Just Your Average reviews, January 1
Bookworld Reviews, January 1
Pause for Tales, January 1
Reading Is My SuperPower, January 2
Simple Harvest Reads, January 2 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Abigail is giving away a grand prize of one finished 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/d777/in-the-shadow-of-croft-towers-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Dec 14, 2018 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time reader of Terri Blackstock novels, I was expecting a holiday themed romantic suspense. Surprise! No murder mystery or other suspense filled mysteries to solve. What I did discover is that the author also has a wonderful talent for writing a story that is both humorous and poignant with a message of faith and hope that is perfect for the Christmas season.
I loved the characters! Finn went above and beyond the requirements of his job as taxi driver to help Miss Callie despite major inconvenience and expense to himself. Somewhat grumpy, Finn nevertheless had a soft and caring heart that endeared him to me quickly. It was easy to sympathize with Sydney who was caught between a rock and a hard place – spending time taking care of her grandmother or bowing to pressures of her job in order to keep it. And that Miss Callie was a pure joy at times. She managed to keep me laughing even when I suspected that the outlook was grim.
Catching Christmas was a short but mostly sweet novel that I pretty much read in one sitting. It is perfect for a relaxing holiday evening after the gifts are wrapped and the cookies are baked or even for a few stolen moments when a break from the activities of the season is needed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would not mind seeing more books of this type from Ms. Blackstock.
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: Catching Christmas
Author: Terri Blackstock
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas
Release Date: October 9, 2018 |
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This Year, Christmas Comes Just in Time
As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.
The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.
When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas romance.
Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com
Facebook: tblackstock
Twitter: @terriblackstock
FROM TERRI BLACKSTOCK:
Enjoy this premium excerpt from Catching Christmas
https://aerbook.com/books/-128993.html?utm_source=pubpage
To get you in the Christmas mood, here’s an early holiday playlist:
“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby
“I Heard the Bells” sung by MercyMe
“Light of the World” sung by Lauren Daigle
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Amy Grant
“Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day” sung by Avalon
“Till the Season Comes ‘Round Again” sung by the Katinas
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 15
Daysong Reflections, December 15
Genesis 5020, December 15
Back Porch Reads, December 15
The Power of Words, December 16
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16
Quiet Quilter, December 16
Among the Reads, December 17
Kathleen Denly, December 17
By The Book, December 17
Lighthouse Academy, December 17
Cultivating Us, December 18
Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 18
Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, December 19
Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 19
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 20
amandainpa, December 20
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 20
Multifarious, December 21
Cathe Swanson, December 21
Stories By Gina, December 21
Connect in Fiction, December 22
Have A Wonderful Day, December 22
Splashes of Joy, December 22 |
Bibliophile Reviews, December 22
Connect in Fiction, December 22
Have A Wonderful Day, December 22
Splashes of Joy, December 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23
Lis Loves Reading, December 23
Mary Hake, December 23
Bigreadersite, December 23
Book by Book, December 24
Pause for Tales, December 24
To Everything A Season, December 24
Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 25
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 25
Vicky Sluiter, December 25
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26
Inklings and notions, December 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 26
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 27
Captive Dreams Window, December 27
Texas Book-aholic, December 27
A Baker’s Perspective, December 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28
Older & Smarter?, December 28
Janices book reviews, December 28
Carpe Diem, December 28 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a grand prize of a finished copy of Catching Christmas and a Christmas Tree Ornament!!
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/d776/catching-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
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
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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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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11
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
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Godly Book Reviews, December 17
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 18
Just the Write Escape, December 18
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
Book by Book, December 22
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
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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
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
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 |
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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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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 22
Christian Bookaholic, November 22
Among the Reads, November 22
Inklings and Notions, November 23
Just Your Average reviews, November 23
Blogging With Carol, November 23
Because I said so -adventures in parenting, November 24
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 24
Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, November 24
Moments, November 25
Simple Harvest Reads, November 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25
Genesis 5020, November 26
SusanLovesBooks, November 26
Remembrancy, November 26
Kat’s Corner Books, November 27
Pause for Tales, November 27
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 27
Quiet quilter, November 28
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Reading Is My SuperPower, November 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 28
Book by Book, November 29
A Rup Life, November 29
To Everything A Season, November 29
Older & Smarter?, November 30
Have A Wonderful Day, November 30
Cafinated Reads, November 30
KarenSueHadley, December 1
Lighthouse Academy, December 1
Daysong Reflections, December 1
Bibliophile Reviews, December 2
A Baker’s Perspective, December 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2
Janices book reviews, December 3
Bigreadersite, December 3
Texas Book-aholic, December 4
Carpe Diem, December 4
Godly Book Reviews, December 5
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 5
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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.
