Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan (Atlanta Justice #1)

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About the Book

Book title: Deadly Proof

Author: Rachel Dylan

Release date: September 5, 2017

Genre: Legal Romantic Suspense

Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company’s dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He’s still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything–even commit murder–to keep the case from going to trial.

As danger closes in, Landon can’t help but admire Kate’s courage and resolve–but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk? 

My Review:

Kate is a strong woman, a really awesome leading lady/heroine. She's a lawyer, smart and driven. This book is a thriller and suspense as well as legal story.  The Atlanta Justice series is off to an amazing start. I like that it has Atlanta, because I am familiar with the area. This book has a fast pace with a story that didn't let up. I read it much faster than I expected to. It didn't bog down in the legal parts, but instead, pulled me in rooting for Kate and James and for justice to be served. I enjoyed the strong Christian faith elements woven into this book as well. I would read another book in this series, with anticipation. 

About the Author 

Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of the nation’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband. She is active on social media, and you can visit her website at www.racheldylan.com.

Q & A with Rachel Dylan

1. 1) The Atlanta Justice series is centered around strong, female lawyers who take on high-stakes cases. What made you want to write their stories?I’d have to say it’s personal! Having been an attorney for eleven years now, I love being able to pour parts of myself into the books. My everyday life as a lawyer isn’t that exciting and is definitely not as dangerous! But I’m able to draw on what I’ve lived through to bring life and authenticity to these characters.

2. 2) What type of research did you do for Deadly Proof?One of the great things about writing books related to my career is that I know lawyers who practice all different types of law. Deadly Proof focuses on Kate Sullivan, who is a plaintiff’s attorney taking on a big pharmaceutical company. I don’t do this specific type of plaintiff’s work, but I know lawyers who do, and I was able to talk with them. Also, I was able to relate to my characters on the defense side because I’ve done that work for years. It was really fun to write the perspectives of characters on both sides of the case.

3. 3) Is there a reason you chose Atlanta for this series?Yes! I’m from Georgia and lived in Atlanta, practicing law at a large law firm, for eight years. I wanted to pick a setting I was intimately familiar with to give readers an authentic Atlanta experience—sweet tea and all.

4. 4) Where do you think Kate’s passion for her work comes from?Kate truly believes that her life’s work is to help those who have been wronged. I believe a lot of her passion stems from her strong faith that has developed over the years. She’s not a lawyer to make big bucks but to change people’s lives for the better.

5. 5) What is the next book in the Atlanta Justice series about?Book two is about Kate’s friend Sophie Dawson, who we meet in Deadly Proof. Sophie is an Atlanta prosecutor. This story is exciting because it involves a completely different type of legal case than Deadly Proof. But I promise things get just as dangerous!

Blog Stops

September 26: A Baker’s Perspective

September 26: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

September 26: Faithfully Bookish

September 27: Reading Is My SuperPower

September 27: Fizzy Pop Collection

September 27: Blogging With Carol 

September 28: Fiction Aficionado

September 28: Moments Dipped in Ink

September 28: Genesis 5020

September 29: Just Commonly

September 29: Bukwurmzzz

September 29: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

September 30: 100 Pages per Hour

September 30: Just Jo’Anne

September 30: Smiling Book Reviews

October 1: A Reader’s Brain

October 1: Bigreadersite 

October 1: Carpe Diem

October 1: Christian Bookaholic

October 2: Karen Sue Hadley

October 2: History, Mystery & Faith

October 2: Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot

October 3: A Simply Enchanted Life 

October 3: Avid Reader Book Reviews 

October 3: Just the Write Escape

October 4: Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting

October 4: Mary Hake

October 4: Through the Open Window

October 5: The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate

October 5: Inklings and notions 

October 5: Ashley’s Bookshelf 

October 6: Pause for Tales

October 6: Have A Wonderful Day

October 6: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

October 7: Redeemed Hope Dweller

October 7: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses

October 8: Neverending Stories

October 8: Rockin’ My Mom Jeans

October 8: Cafinated Reads

October 9: Blossoms and Blessings 

October 9: His Grace is Sufficient

October 9: Raining Butterfly Kisses

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Bethany House is giving away four Suspense Novels and a $25 Starbucks Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4664b04912/

Waiting for Butterflies by Karen Sargent

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About the Book

Book title: Waiting for Butterflies

Author: Karen Sargent

Release date: April 4, 2017

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction 

When tragedy strikes, Maggie discovers a mother’s love never ends—not even when her life does. Longing for her family after her death, she returns home where she helplessly witnesses her family’s downward spiral in the aftermath of her passing.

Her husband is haunted by past mistakes and struggles to redeem himself. Her teenage daughter silently drowns in her own guilt, secretly believing she is responsible for her mother’s death. Only her five-year-old, full of innocence, can sense her presence.

Although limited by her family’s grief and lack of faith, Maggie is determined to keep a sacred promise and salvage her family before her second chance runs out.

A tender portrait of a mother whose love reaches beyond possible, Waiting for Butterflies will embrace your heart and not let go. 

My Review:

Here is a book that I was able to sink into and read almost breathlessly! As a photographer who really her misses her darkroom, I instantly connected to Maggie and Rachel in those areas. With Maggie's sudden passing, I felt for her family. I've known so many families to go through such tragic events. Sargent then adds in that Maggie is still allowed to be present, angelic like, but not an angel,  spirit is fully intact. Maggie is working to help her family heal from her loss in the physical realm. This very well written book never lets up on faith in God. Never drops praying or anything else important. I throughly loved the take that I have considered myself at times with what some call "ghosts", only Maggie isn't a ghost. She just has some things to do before going where God calls her next. If this book challenges your theology, then I'm glad. Why? Because as the Bible says, "We know in part, and we see in part" and there are things that we can't explain, and our God is so big that there isn't a "box" you can put Him into and say, God can't do this. This book covers one of those areas and covers it incredibly well. It's superb on handling grief, loss, heartache and following God, forgiveness and healing. Defiantly a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(5 star) read that leaves you uplifted and inspired. 

About the Author 

Karen Sargent creates characters whose imperfect faith collides with real-life conflicts, taking readers on a journey through grace and redemption to discover enduring hope. A romantic element is woven within each story. In addition to writing inspirational novels, she blogs at The MOM Journey…where moms aren’t perfect and that’s perfectly okay. Her writing has been featured in Guidepost’s Angels on Earth magazine and on ForEveryMom.com. When she is not writing, she teaches high school and college English in the beautiful Arcadia Valley where she resides with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at KarenSargentBooks.com.

Guest Post from Karen Sargent

Waiting for Butterflies: The Accidental Controversy

I didn’t intend to write myself into controversy when I wrote Waiting for Butterflies. Yes, it is Christian fiction. Yes, the main character is a “lingering spirit.” And no, ghosts aren’t biblical. Thus the controversy.

As the story idea began to stir my imagination after my mother-in-law’s unexpected death, I wondered how ghosts fit into the Christian view of the afterlife, especially since I too believe our souls go to Heaven once we die. So I asked my pastor. He referred to Hebrews 11, the “Faith Hall of Fame” that lists Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and many spiritual giants who lived by faith. That list is followed by Hebrews 12:1 which states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” My pastor explained witnesses is translated by some to mean spectators. So maybe, maybe, this suggests those who have died can somehow still be present—emphasis on maybe.

But…this gave me just enough permission to play with the idea of a mother’s love being so strong that she could remain after her death until she was certain her family would heal. I was writing fiction after all.

When my manuscript was complete and I began submitting to agents, the response was mixed. Some replied with a simple, “This story isn’t for me.” Some warned, “This will be a hard sell to Christian publishers.” Yet others were more encouraging. Finally my story made it to the desk of an acquisition editor who emailed, “This is the one.” Waiting for Butterflies found a publishing home.

Now that my book is in the hands of readers, most are surprised to hear my topic is controversial. Like me, many believers haven’t really considered ghosts in a biblical context. But a few are adamant that the storyline contradicts their beliefs.

I know my story—just like every story—will not appeal to everyone. But I certainly didn’t set out to offend my fellow believers, and I sincerely apologize if anyone finds it offensive. However, I appreciate this perspective one skeptical reader shared in her review:

“While I was initially put off by the idea that a spirit can remain and interact, in a sense, with those still living, the author handled it with sensitivity and grace. We all have ideas about the unknown, but it is just that, unknown, and I could relate strongly to the thought of wanting to continue to influence and connect with loved ones after death in order to help them.”

I appreciate that in spite of the controversy, this reader gave Waiting for Butterflies a chance—and five stars.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 21

Avid Reader Book Reviews, September 21

Blogging With Carol, September 22

The Power of Words, September 22

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 23

Carpe Diem, September 23

A Baker’s Perspective, September 24

Christian Bookaholic, September 24

Reading Is My SuperPower, September 25

Smiling Book Reviews, September 25

Bigreadersite, September 26

Cultivating Us, September 27

The Fizzy Pop Collection, September 28

Pause for Tales, September 29

Remebrancy, September 30

Janices book reviews, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Margaret Kazmierczak, October 2

Reader’s cozy corner, October 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 3

A Readers Brain, October 3

His Grace is Sufficient, October 4

Cafinated Reads, October 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a grand prize that includes a few of Karen’s favorite things – one of which is a Hobby Lobby gift card!!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bef1

To Gain a Mommy by Tayna Eavenson

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About the Book

Click to purchase

Name of book: To Gain a Mommy

Author: Tanya Eavenson

Genre: Christian Romance

Release Date: December 10, 2016

They had a plan, but will it work?

Thirteen years ago, pediatrician Hope Michaels was the fool-hearted girl who came home from college to learn the man she loved was engaged to her twin. But now to move on with her life and accept a proposal of marriage, she must confront the one man who holds the key to the wounds of her past. Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him. As she stirs up his life and heart, Carl knows some things never change. Even a past he’d rather keep hidden.

When a new neighbor moves in across the street who would be a perfect fit for their family, Mary and Brody form a plan to bring their dad and Hope together. But how will it work if Hope keeps pushing him away?

My Review

Hope feels like God has had her move back home. She left a good while back under far less than ideal circumstances. To her shock and mixed emotions, her new neighbors across the street is  her ex's fiancée, her  niece and nephew. Mary and Brody want a new Mom, and a dog. Aunt Hope is simply ideal! She even has a lovely golden retriever named Goldie. Will their plans succeed? Can Hope forgive Carl for his past indiscretions, especially when she finds out just how deep they really were, or will she chose Patrick? 

To me this book is reminiscent of the old movie The Parent Trap. It's a cute, sweet, fast read that still dealt with a huge issue, all while still covering topics such as death, cancer, betrayal, healing, forgiving, love, and trust. It has a quite satisfying HEA ending, which left me smiling. 

About the Author 

Tanya Eavenson is a bestselling and an award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book.

Guest Post from Tanya Eavenson

I’d like to thank Celebrate Lit for featuring my first novella in my Gaining Love Series, To Gain a Mommy, for this tour. I’m looking forward to visiting with you along the way!

Recently I was asked to share what inspired me to write To Gain a Mommy. Believe it or not, my inspiration came from a prayer.

Last year my employer offered me a great promotion, but the catch was I’d have little time to spend with my family. So I prayed, asking God for direction for my family, my job, and my writing.

God knows us so well. He knew I had a desire to work with other authors and to write my first novella. He also knew that without a push, I wouldn’t do it.

It all began with a simple post on my Facebook timeline. Another writer posted that she had messaged me but wanted to let me know since FB has a couple of message boxes (I had no idea!). I clicked on my messages, and there it was—the extra message box, filled. As I read through the messages, I found one asking if I’d be interested in joining a novella boxed set. Right away I knew God had answered my prayer.

Needless to say, I didn’t take the position at work and joined the boxed set. Since then, To Gain a Mommy has become an international bestseller and has been a finalist in two contests. My Gaining Love series continues to grow, with the third novella, To Gain a Bodyguard, releasing in time for Christmas. Isn’t God good!

The Lord tells us to trust in Him and that if we do, He will direct our paths. It still amazes me how the Lord works behind the scenes in our lives to give us hope and a future.

Yes, God gives us hope. He gives us a future. This is why I named my heroine in To Gain a Mommy Hope. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (NKJV). Although my heroine can’t see her future or what it might hold, she is reminded that God will not disappoint.

The Lord reminds us of the same in our own lives.

Blog Stops

September 19: Blogging With Carol 

September 20: autism mom

September 21: Avid Reader Book Reviews

September 22: A Greater Yes

September 23: A Baker’s Perspective

September 24: Christian Bookaholic

September 25: Karen Sue Hadley

September 26: Singing Librarian Books

September 27: His Grace is Sufficient

September 28: Remebrancy

September 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 30: Reading Is My SuperPower (interview)

October 1: Bibliophile Reviews

October 2: Quiet Quilter

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Tanya is giving away a grand prize package consisting of a $5 Amazon Card and pillow cover from Redbubble! Click the link below to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c141

Under Fire by Linda Shenton Matchett

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About the Book

Click to Purchase

Book title: Under Fire

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Release date: July 25, 2017

Genre: Mystery

Journalist Ruth Brown’s sister Jane is pronounced dead after a boating accident in April 1942. Because Jane’s body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. During her investigation, Ruth becomes suspicious about Jane’s job. Eventually Ruth follows clues to war-torn London. By the time she uncovers the truth about Jane’s disappearance, she has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters and the IRA – all of whom may want her dead.

 My Review:

Ruth's sister is dead and it just doesn't add up. How could her skilled at swimming sister and her friend, just drown in a boating accident? Ruth is a reporter, she starts digging. That starts with finding things in her sister's room that only add to the mystery and cause her to take a new route to find answers. Between the empty coffin they buried and the nagging questions that lead all over the place, this book was quite fascinating. Where was God when her sister Jane's life was at stake? Ruth is more than worked up, and the way it's written makes me really involved with Ruth's story, her issues, and her plight. How will this work out in the end?  

About the Author 

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, and author. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader. She is author of several romance novellas and novelettes. Under Fire, the first in her trilogy about amateur sleuth/war correspondent Ruth Brown, has just been released by eLectio Publishing (electiopublishing.com). 

Guest Post from Linda Shenton Matchett

Writers are often asked where they get ideas for their stories. Many authors start with a “what if” scenario (e.g. what if the fate of a world lies in the hands of a young man who must return a ring of great power to its place of origin: The Lord of the Rings).Other authors find inspiration in news articles (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express). I begin my stories by creating the main character.

As a former Human Resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women’s employment and enjoy reading about those who trail blazed in industries and positions formerly dominated by men. When I was trying to decide what my protagonist should do for a living, I knew she needed a job that allowed her freedom of movement, but nothing seemed to fit until I saw a museum exhibit about women war correspondents. Of the 1,600 journalists who received government accreditation, only 127 were female.

In order to get a sense of what these women experienced (derision, hostility, sexual harassment, and more) I read their memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and articles. As an accredited correspondent they were supposed to received meals, transport to the front, and transmission of their articles. Many military officers refused to take the women into combat zones, so they had to get there any way they could, such as Martha Gellhorn who stowed away on a hospital ship and hid in the head to reach Normandy and cover D-day. It is my hope that Under Fire honors these brave and tenacious women in some small way.

Blog Spots

It’s Storytime with Van Daniker, September 14

Blogging With Carol, September 14

Avid Reader Book Reviews September 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16

cherylbbookblog, September 17

Carpe Diem, September 17

A Reader’s Brain, September 18

Bigreadersite, September 18

Blossoms and Blessings, September 19

The Fizzy Pop Collection, September 19

Janices book reviews, September 20

Back Porch Reads, September 20

A Baker’s Perspective, September 21

Just the Write Escape, September 21

Pause for Tales , September 22

Have A Wonderful Day, September 22

Lights in a Dark World , September 23

Connie’s History Classroom , September 23

Karen Sue Hadley, September 24

Vicky Sluiter, September 25

Daysong Reflections , September 25

Mary Hake, September 26

Ashley’s Bookshelf September 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize consisting of:
copy of the book, Box of English Tea, Typewriter notepad, and Rosie the Riveter socks!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c221