Saturday, November 2, 2019

Deadly Christmas Pretense by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Deadly Christmas Pretense

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Suspense, Mystery, Romance

Release Date: November 4, 2019

A cowboy to her rescue…but she’s not who he thinks she is.

Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in

Book #2 in the Roughwater Ranch Cowboys series

Click here to get your copy.

My Review:

This is a very satisfying read. Liam thinks that Maggie is her twin sister. So what, exactly, has her twin gotten into that could get Maggie killed?

Liam is a hero in every way, and I loved Maggie. While this is the second book in the series, it held up on its own just fine. I like the suspense, the twists, faith, fast pace and amazing ending to this book. Holding onto your faith is a strong theme and one we all need to be reminded of time to time. This was an excellent read.

5 Stars

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 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, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

I just love Christmas, don’t you? In our area we have a lovely holiday train. It’s an old steam type train which is decked out in lights for festive holiday tours. I was so thrilled that this cover features just such a train. Of course, in the novel the train is the scene of hair raising danger! Maggie, our heroine in this novel, is a cook. She serves up some mouth watering dishes (when she’s not dodging a killer.) I thought perhaps you might enjoy a Mentink holiday family recipe! God bless you as we enter this holiday season!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 1

Among the Reads, November 1

Emily Yager, November 1

KarenSueHadley , November 2

Blogging With Carol, November 2

Batya’s Bits, November 2

Bigreadersite, November 3

My Devotional Thoughts , November 3

She Lives to Read, November 3

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 4

Genesis 5020, November 4

mpbooks, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 5

Betti Mace, November 5

Quiet Workings, November 5

Blossoms and Blessings, November 6

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , November 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 6

Older & Smarter?, November 7

Maureen’s Musings, November 7

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 7

Splashes of Joy , November 8

For Him and My Family, November 8

Moments, November 8

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, November 9

Simple Harvest Reads, November 9

EmpowerMoms, November 9

Through the Fire Blogs, November 10

Remembrancy, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 10

For the Love of Books, November 11

Hallie Reads, November 11

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 12

To Everything There Is A Season, November 12

Daysong Reflections, November 12

Texas Book-aholic, November 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13

janicesbookreviews, November 14

Inklings and notions, November 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a a book necklace, Amazon gift card, and a paperback 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/ed7d/deadly-christmas-pretense-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

About the Book

Book: Fatal Memories

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 1, 2019

She 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 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

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 16

Bigreadersite , October 16

Genesis 5020, October 17

The Avid Reader, October 17

Hebrews 12 Endurance, October 17

Emily Yager, October 18

Sara Jane Jacobs Blog, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

Batya’s Bits, October 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 20

Andy Carmichael, October 20

For Him and My Family, October 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 21

Kat’s Corner Books, October 22

EmpowerMoms, October 22

Through the Fire Blogs, October 23

Betti Mace, October 23

Daysong Reflections, October 24

Mary Hake,October 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 24

Older & Smarter?, October 25

Blogging With Carol, October 25

Inklings and notions , October 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Christian Bookshelf Reviews , October 26

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

Just Your Average reviews, 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed13/fatal-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

She 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

Karin 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.