Monday, October 28, 2019

The Dark Path by Kevin McManus (A John Morrigan Thriller)

Here comes another Bloodhound book! 



About the Book: 

John Morrigan, a New York Detective, arrives on the scene of what at first appears to be a routine homicide in a botched armed robbery. However, as a key witness to the murder is herself violently killed less than 24 hours later, Morrigan discovers that a professional assassin is at work. 

As the Detective follows his trail, it leads him into a tangled web of duplicity stretching from the heart of his police department all the way to the upper echelons of political power.

But as Morrigan is about to spring a trap to catch the killer, his own dark past emerges, and he is faced with the dilemma of dropping the case or face a prison sentence.

Will Morrigan make the right choice?
And can he solve the case before it’s too late?


Here is the book trailer I found and liked:




My Review:

It starts with an interesting premise. John Morrigan is working a case, only the key witness is now dead. I suspect this happens in real life on occasion too. However, now things get complicated. The killer is someone who has to know John, because what should have become a cold case without leads is now quite a mess. There are blackmail issues, career ending choices, mega corruption and a bit more. What is John's secrete and would prison be better than trying to bring the killer, and potentially himself to light? 

The writing is easy to read and includes a huge amount of action. The police procedures appear sound or plausible for the most part. While this is my first book by this author, I have to decide if I will read others. The ending upset me, as it is a cliff hanger. I rather despise those. They leave me feeling high and dry and not satisfied, which is what happened with this book. The loose ends are not tied up, my questions aren't answered and I really don't care for that at all. 

3.5 Stars
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the opportunity to read and review this book. 

About The Author:



Kevin McManus is an award winning crime fiction writer from Western Ireland. He is an active member of the CWA (The international Crime Writers Association).

In 2016 the author was awarded the Leonard Trophy for his writing and in 2017 and 2018 his novels Under the Red Winter Sky and New Blood were voted the best Crime Novels of the year out of 2000 nominated books.

He lives with his wife Mary and their dog Jack in rural County Leitrim. He graduated from University in 1998 with a Master’s Degree in History and a Higher Diploma in Education. For the last twenty years he has worked as a secondary school teacher.

Apart from writing, during his free time he enjoys listening to and playing music. He played in a number of bands since his teenage years and began writing song lyrics before progressing to prose. He is also a passionate supporter of Aston Villa FC.




Friday, October 25, 2019

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden (Hope and Glory Book #1)




About The Book:   

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world. 

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience. 

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

"Camden launches her Hope and Glory series with this enthralling tale that weds a surprising romance with the real-life political intrigue surrounding the early 20th-century American spice trade. . . . Camden spices up the story with historical details of the era and of the race to provide convenient food for the masses."--Publishers Weekly

"Gray and Annabella are archetypal . . . Their thoughtful arcs see them evolve into surer versions of themselves. The Spice King is an adventuresome, entertaining romance that blends themes of betrayal and forgiveness."--Foreword Reviews"Librarian and Christy Award winner Camden presents another fabulous love story wrapped around compelling historical events in this unique exploration of early efforts to regulate the food industry."--Booklist"Gray and Annabelle's early courtship was a complete delight to read. . . . Camden is an expert at weaving absolutely fascinating history into her stories. . . . The prose here is smooth, the plot intriguing, the hero thoroughly lovable, and the mystery absorbing."--All About Romance

My Review:

It might sound silly, but I was hesitant about this book. The title isn't one that would normally draw me. However, since it was this author, I tried it. What I found is a story that could be a made for TV movie. I love things about the Smithsonian, so that aspect was a good fit for me. The historical detail was enthralling and I found the characters to be very likable. As always, it's clean and has faith elements here and there. The romance was not over the top and the conversations were fun ones! This couple overcame. It left me with a happy ending, a warm fuzzy one. 

5 Stars

About The Author:



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.

Fatal Memories by Tanya Stowe


Fatal Memories FB Banner


About the Book

Book: Fatal Memories
Author: Tanya Stowe
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: September 1, 2019
Fatal Memories CoverShe was framed! Or was she?
If only she could remember…
Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects— her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape?

Get your copy Here!

My Review:

This book is full of action and lots of suspense. Jocelyn has lost her memory, and possibly been framed. However, when you can't remember what happened to you, it's not going to be easy. The pace of the book never let's up, so it makes it a very fast read with a "holding your breath" type drive to it. So many questions to be answered! The who, what, when, why, who to trust, who not to trust and you know that is just getting things started. The brother issues hit me hard and heavy. Dylan is super as a male lead, I really liked him a great deal. Themes are trust, determination, and sacrifice with a few other really nice points as well. I loved how well written it was, easy to connect to each of the characters, and God and faith are in full force as well. I don't recall having read this author before, but I would read another book with her name on it a heartbeat. 

5 Stars 

About the Author 

Tanya StoweTanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

More from Tanya

It has long been my husband’s desire to travel the country in a motorhome. So when he retired three years ago, we sold our home and hit the road. We lived in the high desert region of Southern California for almost 37 years. I thought it was going to be a rough transition, but it wasn’t…especially since I came to love one of our new locations.
We spend the winter months in southern Arizona where Fatal Memories is set. I love everything about this unique place. We are surrounded by incredible ecosystems…the Sonoran and Chihuahua deserts collide there, so a different environment is around every corner. The beauty of the mountains, streams and lakes (yes, there’s water in southern Arizona—monsoons come up from Baja every summer) and the wildlife is amazing. I’ve been told black panthers have been known to cross the border from Mexico and roam the countryside. My husband and I bought a Jeep so we could go off-roading to see these sites up close and personal.
In addition to all these amazing natural wonders, history jumps out and grabs me. I’m just twenty minutes from Tombstone. Fort Huachuca and Fort Bowie are forty miles away in different directions. Every time I turn around, there’s a history making site or event to grab my interest. I hope you can see why I fell in love with my new home. I hope you will too when you read Fatal Memories.
By the way…if you interested, I write about our travels in my monthly newsletter. Be sure to check it out!

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite , October 16
Genesis 5020, October 17
The Avid Reader, October 17
Emily Yager, October 18
Batya’s Bits, October 19
Andy Carmichael, October 20
EmpowerMoms, October 22
Betti Mace, October 23
Daysong Reflections, October 24
Mary Hake,October 24
Older & Smarter?, October 25
Blogging With Carol, October 25
Texas Book-aholic, October 27
janicesbookreviews, October 28
Gail Hollingsworth, October 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Practically Married by Karin Beery


About the Book

Book: Practically Married
Author: Karin Beery
Genre: General Market, clean fiction, women’s fiction, contemporary romance
Release Date: October 22, 2019
PracticallyMarried 1400x2100She moved to a new town to marry her fiancé. Instead, she’s burying him.
Ashley Johnson moved to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrived in time to attend his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed her the family farm house. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’ problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend.

Click here to get your copy.
My Review:
This is a cute, sweet story. It's a bit far fetched in a few areas, but still I liked it. Ashely is off to marry Tom. She's a modern mail order bride for the most part. I really felt for Ashely when she has to deal with the family and their emotions, Tom's will that she is including in, even though he kept her a secret, and her growing relationship with Russ. This isn't just an easy thing for any of the characters in this book. I like the journey for Ashely and Russ as they decide what they really want from a marriage, and life. It has the desired ending, so if your looking for a sweet good read with light faith threads a happy ending, this one does that. 

4 Stars
About the Author
Beery, Karin_417x625Karin Beery grew up in a rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today, she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she enjoys being at home with her husband and fur babies watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies.

More from Karin

Why would two contemporary American’s agree to a marriage of convenience?
That’s what I asked myself when I sat down to write Practically Married. I love reading historical books about mail order brides and other arranged marriages, but I wanted to see if I could make that historical theme more modern (and still be believable).
That’s how Ashley and Russ came to be, and—after several revisions—I think I did it! It takes two to get married, but this is really Ashley’s story—it’s her past that inspires her future, and it’s up to her to decide where that inspiration with lead her.
The story couldn’t just be about their relationship, though. I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a big brother, so I gave Russ little sisters. And nieces and nephews. And a pie-baking mom who doesn’t like his beard (which may have been inspired my mother-in-law, who tried desperately to get my husband to shave his beard before our wedding). I also threw in some real buildings and places in northern Michigan (even though Boyne Falls is fictional). And it’s possible that some of my character names came directly from friends and other local inspirations. Practically Married isn’t only set in northern Michigan, it’s inspired by it.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 22
Blogging With Carol, October 22
Texas Book-aholic, October 24
CarpeDiem, October 24
Maureen’s Musings, October 24
Emily Yager, October 25
Rebecca Tews, October 25
Older & Smarter?, October 26
janicesbookreviews, October 27
Quiet Quilter, October 27
Cultivating Us, October 28
SusanLovesBooks, October 29
Vicky Sluiter, October 30
A Reader’s Brain, October 31
Moments, November 1
EmpowerMoms, November 2
Remembrancy, November 3
Godly Book Reviews, November 4
Pause for Tales, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karin is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Friday, October 18, 2019

The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron (A Lost Castle Novel #3)


The Painted Castle FB Banner


About the Book

Book: The Painted Castle
Author: Kristy Cambron
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 15, 2019
cover Painted CastleBestselling author Kristy Cambron concludes the Lost Castle novels with this sweeping tale of art and secrets long buried in England.
It was supposed to be a one-week job: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mysteries surrounding the old English manor and the enigmatic art thief who’s employed her stir more questions than answers. Then, Kiera finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin-a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria.
Set in three time periods-the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day-The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith, family, and stories that are generations in the making.
Click here to grab your copy.
My Review:

First, let me say, this stands alone, but I do love a good series. I'm now addicted. From the time frames to the art, I did not want to miss a single word. I adore the multiple points of view. When a book is good enough, even the WWII setting becomes fascinating. Cambron pulled that off for me with this novel. Romance, history, mystery, and subtle faith make this book strong. I didn't lose interest in any of the three-time lines and I am now looking forward to more books by this author. 

5 Stars


About the Author
Cambron headshotKRISTY CAMBRON is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping series. She’s a Women’s Ministry Leader at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10Library Journal Reviews’ Best BooksRT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

More from Kristy


About The Painted Castle
A war-torn estate holding its secrets close. A lost library bricked off from the world. And a portrait-maker’s unknown masterpiece of a Queen named Victoria… What stories do they long to tell?
It was supposed to be a one-week snatch-and-grab: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mystery of an old English manor, a crumbling beekeeper’s cottage, and a library that had long ago been sealed off brick by brick, all stir more questions than answers. What begins as a novice assignment instead peels back layers, lulling Keira into the depths of the estate’s long-forgotten history.
Despite questions swirling around the enigmatic, rumored art thief who’s employed her, Keira finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria…
1842— In order to salvage what’s left of her family’s shaky circumstances, artist Elizabeth Meade knows her duty must be to marry well. But she hopes looks can be deceiving enough to hide her true motives behind a congenial smile and gain entry into the ballrooms of England’s noble elite. Instead of husband-hunting, Elizabeth searches for the one thing that’s seared to her memory—the eyes of her father’s killer, whom she unwittingly sketched one snowy night in Piccadilly ten years before. She never expects to find answers tucked away in the countryside at Parham Hill, in the form of a portrait-maker who could help her artist dreams come true, if only she could forget the highwayman she’s hunted for the last decade—the estate-owner who unwittingly selects her as his betrothed…
1942—When the 390th Bomb Group arrives at Amelia Woods’ Parham Hill Estate, the American flyboys bring playing cards, B-17 “flying fortresses”, and enough bravado to believe they can triumph over Hitler just by staring him down. Amelia isn’t certain, and she’s unwilling to compromise the safety and security in a carefully-crafted world she’s built for the dozens of London-evacuated children left in her charge. But with Anderson shelters buried in the gardens and an Allied airfield a stone’s throw away, Amelia may have no choice but to wait out the war under blackouts and bombs, and accept help from the captain who offers it—even if it means risking all she has left of her late husband’s memory…
From the streets of Piccadilly and the lavish halls of Buckingham Palace to the countryside surrounding Framlingham Castle, a warn-torn estate, a hidden library, and the lost portrait of a queen come together to write the final chapter in the Lost Castle series. Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith and the family we fight for, of risk and reward, and the artful crafting of a story that can be generations in the making… yet still change everything about a single life.

Blog Stops

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15
The Power of Words, October 15
The Avid Reader, October 16
Betti Mace, October 16
Fiction Aficionado, October 17
AndreaChristenson, October 18
She Lives to Read, October 18
Bloging With Carol, October 18
Back Porch Reads , October 19
KarenSueHadley, October 20
Livin’ Lit, October 20
A Reader’s Brain, October 20
Genesis 5020, October 21
Worthy2Read, October 21
Life of Literature, October 21
janicesbookreviews, October 22
Older & Smarter?, October 23
Mia Reads Blog, October 23
The Becca Files, October 23
Daysong Reflections, October 24
Connect in Fiction, October 24
Texas Book-aholic, October 24
Moments, October 25
Pause for Tales, October 26
Lis Loves Reading, October 26
Hallie Reads, October 26
Remembrancy, October 28
Batya’s Bits, October 28
Leona J. Atkinson, October 28