MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Dani Pettrey’s books since I read the first one. Her development of a plot is inspired and I love how realistic her characters are portrayed – flaws and all.
Speaking of flaws, heroine Gabby was a bit difficult to like but that may have been the author’s intention. Having returned home for safety’s sake after an attempt on her life, instead of keeping her head down and allowing others to help protect her, Gabby was constantly going off on her own to investigate a crime, sometimes taking others with her. Hard-headed for certain, Gabby often seemed a bit selfish as she ignored advice from others. And how she tortured poor Finn – knowing she loved him but so determined to follow her career instead of love.
If one wants a book filled with action, mystery, and suspense, The Killing Tide would be a good choice with its details about the Coast Guard investigative team. I enjoyed the scenes where I felt like I was observing the team at work. It is a fun to read book with more than enough murder and mayhem for even the most picky suspense fan.
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: The Killing Tide
Author: Dani Pettrey Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense Release Date: August 2019 Click here to get your copy! |
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When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.
When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.
Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.
Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information visit www.danipettrey.com
MORE FROM DANI:
Pettrey kicks off her new Coastal Guardians series with an intense blend of suspense, love, and faith. The Killing Tide features romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.
— Kate Campos BookList
The Killing Tide is the first book in my Coastal Guardian series. My husband was Navy, so why am I writing about the Coast Guard? Because I think their mission to keep our waters and our country safe should be highlighted more. Before I started writing The Killing Tide, I’ll admit I knew little about the Coast Guard. I had a friend in high school who joined the Guard right after graduation, but that’s about the depth of my experience with them. Then, my husband and I watched a movie called The Finest Hour.
If you haven’t seen it, I highly urge you to. It’s the true story of one of the most dangerous and daring rescue attempts in Coast Guard history. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Bernie Webber takes a small team to rescue the crew of the Pendleton T2 oil tanker, which split in half off the coast of Cape Cod during a brutal nor’easter in 1952. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but let’s just say it’s a wonderful testament to courage in adversity. After watching it, I knew I had to write a series about the Coast Guard. I began researching and came across the Coast Guard Investigative Service and my interest was highly peaked. After talking with Coast Guardsmen, both newly in the service and those long retired, I began to see the story weaving together like a movie in my mind. I hope you enjoy reading the CGIS Wilmington teams’ adventures, cases and…of course, romances.
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle, $20 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of The Crushing Depths!!
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/fcce/the-killing-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
When I began the first book of The Leeward Islands series, Lorri Dudley was an unknown author to me. I immediately became a fan and with each subsequent addition to the series have become even more enthralled with her books. She has definitely earned a permanent place on my must read authors list.
The Sugar Baron’s Ring could possibly be my favorite of the series simply because of the witty dialogue between hero Bradlee and his friend Colin. I loved their sense of humor and the way that Hannah found it difficult to suppress her giggles around them. All three characters were wonderful! Hannah was brave, helpful, caring, and forgiving despite her unfortunate circumstances. Bradlee was an honorable man who also learned to overcome his own weaknesses and become the man God created him to be.
I loved how the entire plot played out and the parallels of a father’s love for his children to the love of God for His own. The Sugar Baron’s Ring is a wonderful story that I highly recommend. I look forward to more books by Lorri Dudley and hope for more about the Leeward Islands.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Wild Heart Books and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: The Sugar Baron’s Ring
Author: Lorri Dudley Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release Date: June 23, 2020 Click here to get your copy! |
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A ring is her only tie to a distant homeland, until a marooned Englishman anchors her heart.
Hannah Rose Barrington is the island misfit. Orphaned at a young age, Hannah struggles to provide for her future, while her guardian, a weak-hearted island drunk, bleeds Hannah of her father’s inheritance. Caught between the classes of elite planters and white beggars, Hannah yearns to find a place to belong.
University life has never been Bradlee Granville’s forte. His only hope to graduate is to impress his professors by documenting his travels. After claiming unforeseeable circumstances, he delays his final exams and sets out early on his Grand Tour. However, when his ship wrecks off the coast of the Leeward Islands, Bradlee is left without means to return to England, a mounting deadline, and ruined journals.
When Hannah rescues passengers from a ship breaking apart in the bay, she’s unexpectedly drawn to the witty charm of one of the men. Helping him settle into island life will be a pleasure. However, as creditors, like sharks, begin to circle and her guardian’s desperation becomes life threatening, Hannah finds herself in need of rescue. Will Bradlee look past her pitiful situation to see who she truly is—the sugar baron’s daughter?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.
MORE FROM LORRI:
The Sugar Baron’s Ring is the third book in the Leeward Island series. My heroine is caught between social classes as the daughter of a sugar baron and an impoverished white beggar since her guardian sold her inheritance to pay his debts. To generate the feeling of being a misfit, I delved back to those awkward years of middle and high school, where we often struggle to discover where we belong. Before my senior year, my family and I moved to New England for a job change. I’d had a great group of friends at my old school, but at my new school, I was a stranger—an outsider—trying to find acceptance, much like Hannah.
Bradlee, the hero, on the other hand, was fashioned in a completely different manner. At my house, the slang terms “bruh” and “noob” are tossed around by my three boys, along with constant fraternal teasing. A lot of their sarcastic wit and camaraderie are portrayed through Bradlee and his grand tour companion, Colin. Their light-hearted banter depicts the tight bonds of a deep relationship where faults may be mocked, but offenses are overlooked, and if ever in trouble, they have each other’s backs. Hannah is drawn to Bradlee, craving a similar connection but loses her heart to him in the process.
The first opening scene came about because my family loves Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. After binge-watching practically every episode, I knew my hero and heroine would meet under the duress of a shiny, steel-gray fin plowing through the water. (Queue the Jaws theme song.) However, our resourceful heroine contains the strength to rescue the hero as opposed to the other way around.
All these things, being a misfit, teasing, and shark attacks, playout in a grander scheme to show how God never leaves us nor forsakes us. He’s laying out the pieces of our happily-ever-after while developing our character and purpose. The Sugar Baron’s Ring demonstrates how God’s light shines bright even in the darkness.
To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or click here to watch The Sugar Baron’s Ring book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWRQr3drZY8&feature=youtu.be
BLOG STOPS:
| Through the Fire Blogs, June 23
A Baker’s Perspective, June 23 For Him and My Family, June 24 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 24 Texas Book-aholic, June 25 Genesis 5020, June 25 Daysong Reflections, June 25 Inklings and notions, June 26 Rebecca Tews, June 26 Betti Mace, June 27 Remembrancy, June 27 Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 28 deb’s Book Review, June 28 For the Love of Literature, June 29 Britt Reads Fiction, June 29 Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29
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Kat’s Corner Books, June 30
She Lives To Read, June 30 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1 D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 1 Reading Is My SuperPower, July 2 Emily Yager, July 2 Pause for Tales, July 2 KarenSueHadley, July 3 Books, Life, and Christ, July 3 Blossoms and Blessings, July 4 Read Review Rejoice, July 4 Artistic Nobody, July 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline) Batya’s Bits, July 5 Adventures of a Travelers Wife, July 6 Hallie Reads, July 6 Life of Literature, July 6 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/fcd4/the-sugar-baron-s-ring-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
I don’t remember ever having read a novel by Cindy K. Sproles but after reading What Momma Left Behind I will be sure to read more. Worie Dressar’s story begins shortly after tragedy has struck her young life. From that point on Worie faces one difficult situation after another but is supported by several characters who play a major role in her life and spiritual development.
This novel was both touching and encouraging as Worie learned how to trust others and grew to trust the Lord also. I loved seeing how she matured as she followed her compassionate heart for all the orphaned children her mother had been caring for. A touch of mystery and a bit of action added depth to this engaging tale that offered more than one surprise along the way. The narrative is jam-packed with so many quotable passages that it would be difficult to choose a favorite.
Readers who love a story that pulls at their heart strings will love this latest novel by Cindy K. Sproles.
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:
In the face of overwhelming obstacles, she’ll need courage, grit, and a tender heart
Worie Dressar is seventeen years old when influenza and typhoid ravage her Appalachian Mountain community in 1877, leaving behind a growing number of orphaned children with no way to care for themselves. Worie’s mother has been secretly feeding several of these little ones on Sourwood Mountain. But when tragedy strikes, Worie is left to figure out why and how she was caring for them.
Plagued with two good-for-nothing brothers–one greedy and the other a drunkard–Worie must fight to save her home and the children now in her begrudging care. Along the way, she discovers the beauty of unconditional love and the power of forgiveness as she cares for all of Momma’s children.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR;
Cindy K. Sproles is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. An author, storyteller, and popular speaker, Cindy teaches at writers conferences across the country and directs the Asheville Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina. Editor of ChristianDevotions.us and managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, Cindy has a BA in business and journalism and lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her family.
MY REVIEW:
Secrets Resurfaced wraps up Dana Mentink’s Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series with lots of action and a few surprises. With the requisite romance, personal conflict, a lovable dog or two, and cowboys, this Love Inspired Suspense has everything required for a satisfying evening escape.
When Dory Winslow returns to the area on an investigation, it is inevitable that she will meet up with her ex-boyfriend Chad. Their relationship did not end well and Chad has unresolved resentment against her related to a past tragedy. Despite his distrust of Dory, Chad cannot stop himself from running to her rescue and making himself her protector every time danger rears its head – and that seems to happen quite frequently.
The story takes several unexpected twists and turns along the way as what seems to be obvious changes a time or two. It was fun attempting to discover the guilty parties along with Chad and Dory as well as observe the renewal of their relationship as the conflicts were resolved. I always enjoy Dana Mentink’s books and love the way she includes animals as an important plot element. She manages to tell the story without revealing too many pertinent details until just the right point.
Although Secrets Resurfaced is the final book of a series, it easily stands on its own merits. That being said, readers will probably want to also read the previous books in the series to learn the stories of Chad’s older brothers. It is definitely worthwhile.
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: Secrets Resurfaced
Author: Dana Mentink Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: June 2, 2020 Click here to get your copy! |
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When new evidence surfaces about a tragic boating accident that put her ex-boyfriend’s father in prison, private investigator Dory Winslow’s determined to look into it. But now someone’s dead set on silencing her. And working with Chad Jaggert—the father of her secret child—may be the only way to survive the treacherous truth about the tragedy that once tore them apart.
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 forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Sourcebooks. 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, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
MORE FROM DANA:
Well, it’s been a wild ride through the Roughwater Cowboy series! Here we are at the end, with youngest brother Chad’s story. Fortunately, the rest of the clan (Mitch, Liam and Helen) are here to lend a hand when the man Chad’s father was jailed for killing comes back to life. Helping out also is Jingles the hapless dog, and a new member of the canine family, three legged Meatball. Throw in a killer on the loose and a secret child, and we’ll have a ‘hold onto your hat’ finish to this series. Thanks for coming along with me! God bless you!
BLOG STOPS:
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $50 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/fc1a/secrets-resurfaced-celebration-tour-giveaway
MY REVIEW:
I love Elizabeth Camden’s novels with their unique and often personal glimpse of history. The Spice King, first book in her Hope of Glory series left me hungry for the next book and A Gilded Lady certainly did not disappoint. It is such a treat for each of the Delacroix siblings to be featured in a book of their own.
Sister Caroline is the featured sibling in A Gilded Lady. I will admit that I did not like her very much at first but like Nathaniel Trask, I was soon able to see past her outer façade to the loyal and caring person she often kept hidden from the public. Nathaniel was also a bit of a cold fish at first with his stiff, serious demeanor and his dedication to duty. What fun it was to observe the changes in each of them over the course of their relationship. Of course it was inevitable that the two would be thrown together and for some inexplicable reason find the love of their life in each other.
Along with a developing romance, readers are served a wonderful behind the scenes peek into life in the White House during the McKinley Presidency, especially how hard the staff works in order to keep things running smoothly and the difficulties involved in protecting the President and his family. The contrast between security during the McKinley era and the present day was amazing. Of course any book by Camden would not be complete without a bit of danger and/or intrigue to round it out. A Gilded Lady definitely met the criteria with several surprises along the way.
I am an admitted lover of book covers, especially those that are creative and well done. I was particularly impressed by the way the cover designer created the covers to fit together so well. You can get an idea by looking at the covers side by side at http://elizabethcamden.com/books-by-elizabeth-camden/. Then be sure to pick up copies of both books if you can. You will not be disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the First Lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she’s hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.
Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president’s Secret Service team. He is immediately attracted to Caroline’s quick wit and undeniable charm, but his job leaves no room for distractions. Anarchist plots have led to mounting threats against the president, forcing him to put duty before his growing love for Caroline.
Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel face danger and heartbreak that shakes them to their core and tests all they know about love and sacrifice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. 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 the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
