MY REVIEW:

All That It Takes is one of those novels that a reader can savor. The plot develops slowly and touches on multiple tough subjects. Its characters are perfectly flawed, each with wonderful attributes alongside their less admirable traits. I loved that about them. Most of us can easily relate.

How often does one read a novel about a young woman with a disability? It seems that most heroines are slim, beautiful, and well nigh perfect. Val not only has a disability but is also not at her best socially and her insecurities try to rule her life. She is stronger than she thinks and has more to offer others than she can even imagine. Miles has great expectations for his ministry, probably for all the wrong reasons and has a few things to learn about serving God. Miles and Val make a powerful team but each of them has some growing to do in their faith.

With both humorous and deadly serious parts, All That It Takes was a perfectly satisfying read that left me wanting more. I look forward to future books by this amazing 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:

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she’d planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend’s brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers’ mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val’s community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he’s also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects–not the least of which is pursuing Val–without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they’ll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nicole Deese’s (www.nicoledeese.com) eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she’s not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

MY REVIEW:

Once again Mary Connealy has written an exciting yet endearing tale set in the west. Book one of The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series, The Element of Love was the first of a trilogy featuring the Stiles sisters who were forced to leave their beloved home to escape unwanted marriages arranged by their wicked stepfather. Their exciting escape set the pace for the rest of the series and left a lot to live up to. In my opinion, book two of the series Inventions of the Heart continues the standards set by the first.

In book one, most readers will suspect that there is an attraction between Zane the rancher and sister Michelle. Their story takes precedence in Inventions of the Heart as she continues to hide out from her stepfather at Two Harts Ranch. As expected, even more action, danger, and romance are in store along with glimpses into the lives of Michelle’s sisters and other characters introduced in the first book. A few surprises are in store as well as events that most readers expect.

Needless to say, Inventions of the Heart was a fun and satisfying read and I look forward to reading the final installment soon.

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:

Her heart seeks safety. But will trouble find her even here?

After her sister’s marriage, Michelle Stiles is left hiding at Two Harts Ranch with the handsome but stubborn Zane Hart. She’s managed to stay one step ahead of her stepfather and his devious plans, but if he finds her, she will no longer be safe.

Zane has problems of his own. Having discovered a gold mine on his property, he must figure out how to harvest it without kicking off a gold rush. Michelle, educated and trained to run her father’s business, wants to manage all aspects of the mine, but Zane thinks for a person so smart she can have some misguided ideas. Running the mining operation will be a dangerous job, and he can’t risk putting her in harm’s way.

But danger finds Michelle anyway when she’s suddenly attacked. If they go to the sheriff, they’ll reveal her location, but if they do nothing . . . their troubles have only just begun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than one and a half million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Cold Dead Night by Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Cold Dead Night is one of those emotionally charged suspense novels that keep me awake much too late into the night then also manages to intrude into my dreams also. Filled with complex characters and a plot so filled with unexpected twists and surprises, this book was one I had to finish in one sitting.

Private investigator Kenna Banbury had lost her position with the FBI two years earlier but while back in town on a case, she found herself drawn into a new case working with her former team, most of whom think the worst of her. Trust is not exactly very high on their list. As the story progressed I gradually learned Kenna’s backstory and began to understand the tension between her and those she had originally worked with.

More than enough action, danger, drama, and romance fills the pages of this suspense filled tale to satisfy even the most discriminating fan. I can’t wait to read the next installment!

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Cold Dead Night Series: Brand of Justice #1 Author: Lisa Phillips Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing Release Date: August 25, 2022 Genre: Christian Suspense

The FBI betrayed her. Now they need her.

Private Investigator Kenna Banbury lost everything two years ago at the hands of a serial killer. From the ashes of that encounter, she’s built a life she believes in, searching for the lost and forgotten all over the western US.

Bringing her own brand of justice.

When a series of murders drags her into an FBI investigation, Kenna finds herself back in the place where it all went wrong. Struggling to make sense of the case, Kenna’s past and present collide in a deadly plot that risks another betrayal and threatens to shatter everything she’s built.

Kenna faces the ultimate test in this first book of a brand-new series from Lisa Phillips.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a signed hardcover copy of Cold Dead Night and merch including a custom pen and chapstick.

(3) additional winners will receive an ebook copy of Cold Dead Night.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 5, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 12, 2022. 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 except books available internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

MY REVIEW:

Although I am a bit sad to see The Epic Story of RJ and York come to an end in the final book No Matter the Cost, I was left with a feeling of satisfaction when I finished it. As I can always expect, the story was a definite page turner with ample danger, drama, and romance that complemented each other throughout.  It may be difficult to part with RJ and York right now but knowing this author, I may just run across them in another book sooner or later.

What can I say without revealing too much? If you are a reader who loves a well crafted book, spies and international intrigue, a love for the ages, and a faith based foundation, this series as well as any other book by this author is well worth checking out. Like me, you may find a new author for your keeper shelf. Susan May Warren is a master of the written word and has retained her place at the top of my must read authors for quite a few years.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced digital copy of this book provided for the author’s launch team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She put her hand to her chest, still unable to breathe.
He had dark hair and a beard, ripped pants, a dirty suit coat and wore such an intense expression of pursuit on his face, she just knew—
He was going after Alan Martin.
And she might never see him again.
No. Not again.
Not ever again.
He passed her, didn’t even look at her, his gaze pinned on Martin, who’d vanished down the stairs.
And that’s when she found her voice. With everything inside her, she let it out, praying he heard it through his haze of fury.
“York!”

Her worst nightmare has happened….

RJ refuses to believe it, and until she has proof, she’s going to keep searching for answers. And most of all, for the man she loves, even if it means diving into the past he always wanted to keep secret.

The kind of secrets that could have set York free. It’ll take a trip back to Russia, to the sketchy and dark history of York’s life to find the clues to the sinister plans of a global terrorist. And the answers that might lead her to a happy ending.

Or has it? What if her happy ending is more than a dream?

If RJ hopes to save her country—and find out the truth about York—she’ll have to become the high-action, Sydney Bristow spy that she always dreamed of being. But really, does RJ really have what it takes—with, or without the man she loves—to save the world?

And if she does…what will be the cost?

The riveting conclusion to the Epic Story of RJ and York!

Continue the adventure!
Book 1: Out of the Night
Book 2: I Will Find You
Book 3: No Matter the Cost

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 85 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.