Posted in Book Blast, Christian, Giveaway, romance on May 6, 2022

 

 

TURN TO ME

 

A Misty River Romance

 

by

 

BECKY WADE

 

Contemporary Romance / Christian Fiction / Clean & Wholesome
Series: A Misty River Romance

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Date of Publication: May 3, 2022

Number of Pages: 416 pages

 

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His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

 

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey’s life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke’s release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he’s hidden. Worried that she won’t be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke’s promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke’s help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return–by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he’s long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He’ll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who’s going to shield him from losing his heart?

 

 

 

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Becky Wade is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. Her humorous, heart-pounding contemporary romance novels have won three Christy Awards, the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award for Romance. Becky lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children.

 

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Christian, excerpt, Giveaway, mystery, Review, suspense on April 17, 2022

 

 

THE CATCH

 

The U.S. Marshals Series, #3

 

by

 

LISA HARRIS

 

 

Fiction / Christian / Mystery / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: April 5, 2022

Number of Pages: 352 pages

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Everything hidden is eventually found

After a harrowing attempt on a judge’s life at the courthouse, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding a missing woman and an endangered child in connection to the murder of the judge’s wife. What seems like a fairly straightforward case becomes hopelessly tangled when the marshals discover that the woman they are searching for is not who they think she is.

Madison and Jonas are forced into a race to find the woman and the child before the people who want her dead discover her location. And in a final showdown that could cost her everything, Madison will come face-to-face with the person who murdered her husband.

 

 

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CHAPTER ONE, PART TWO

FROM THE CATCH

(Click to read Chapter One, Part One on LSBBT Tour)

 

 

There was nothing she could do to change their understanding. He promised to pay the bills as long as she promised to be quiet. His wife was never to find out. None of his associates could be confided in either. No one could know he was the father of her baby.

Becca shook her head. “I need to leave—”

“I wouldn’t if I were you. I know everything about you and Robert, including the fact that you had his son.”

Becca’s mouth went dry. “Robert told you that?”

Myra motioned her inside. “It didn’t take much detective work to find out where he really spends his time away from me.”

“I made mistakes,” Becca said, stepping through the imposing entryway to a boldly decorated living room that was far too gaudy for her taste, though the red-­and-­coral theme seemed to fit Myra perfectly. “But you have to understand that I didn’t know he was married when I first started seeing him.” By the time she found out the truth about Robert’s marital status, she’d already lost her heart.

Guilt pressed against her chest. How many times had she told herself she needed to walk away? How many times had she chastised herself for not taking her own advice?

Myra’s smile disappeared as she turned around in the middle of the room. “Don’t play innocent with me.”

“I’m not,” Becca started to argue, then stopped. She had no idea what this woman wanted from her, but clearly Myra wasn’t interested in a string of apologies.

Myra narrowed her gaze. “You need to know that I have the ability to make your life extremely miserable, but . . . I’m going to offer you a one-time deal.”

Becca’s fingers clenched her purse strap. “What do you mean?”

“I will give you enough money to leave Seattle and start over. I don’t care where or how, as long as it’s far away from here.”

Becca forced herself to relax her hands, but she couldn’t absorb what she was hearing. “You want to pay me off?”

“You make it sound so . . . so illicit.”

“Isn’t it?”

Myra’s glare seemed to pierce through her. “No more illicit than sleeping with someone else’s husband.”

Becca’s gaze dropped to the expensive rug on the wooden floor, then followed the dark-­orange squiggly pattern along the edge. Nausea swept through her, making her feel like she would vomit. She should have known this day would come. Nothing good ever came from keeping secrets.

“You’re going to walk away and never contact Robert again. And”—­she tapped her manicured fingers together—“you will sign over parental rights of the baby to Robert.”

Becca’s head shot up. “I won’t do that.”

Myra’s brows rose. “Then you don’t understand how things work. Without money and power, you’re nothing but a waitress working overtime for tips. If you try to fight me, you’ll lose.”

“No.” Becca straightened her shoulders, determined to dig up enough courage to fight back. “You can’t buy me off.”

“Then you’re more foolish than I thought,” she said, her voice cold. “Robert doesn’t love you, Becca. He never did. Not really. You’ve been nothing more than a temporary distraction.”

“I’m not taking your money.”

“Then I’ll need to find something to persuade you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you left your son with his sitter this morning,” Myra said.

Becca’s heart pounded in her chest. If Myra did anything to hurt her son, or Ava . . .

“What did you do?” Becca asked.

“It’s not what I’ve done, it’s what I will do if you don’t cooperate. You will sign the papers I’ve had drawn up, giving Robert full custody of the child, and walk away with the money.”

“No—”

“You seem to think you can fight this, but you can’t. Robert will hire the best lawyers in the city, and in the end, you will still give up your rights to your son. Now it’s just up to you to decide if you take the money or end up losing everything.”

Becca stumbled backward. “No. I’ll never give up my baby.”

She grabbed her handgun out of her purse—­ironically, the gun that Robert had bought her. There wasn’t time to think through the consequences. All she knew was that she wasn’t going to lose her son.

 

Click to start reading chapter two on the 4/18/22 LSBBT tour stop.

 

 

 

 

Much like the other books in this series, this moves at warp speed and it will keep you guessing until the end.

I really enjoyed seeing Madison’s story continue with the search for her husband’s killer and who shot her. She has amnesia about that night when she was shot but she will find out who and why in this book, but even then there are some twists that I didn’t see coming. But at least she gets closure on this event and can move forward in her relationship with Jonas. I think this was holding her back from allowing the relationship to blossom.

The action/mystery/suspense aspect kept me guessing and wondering how each piece would unravel to reveal the truth. Not everyone is who you think they are and perhaps those you thought untrustworthy will give you a second chance.

I love the setting of this series. Seattle is a beautiful area and there is so much to do. It is a great spot for those that love the outdoors as we can see in a few scenes as they tromp through various wooded areas, trails, and parks.

This is the last book in this series featuring US Marshals. However, it gave me good insight into what they actually do compared to other government agencies. It is not a light job and there is just as much danger as any other entity.

This is a fantastic trilogy and well worth the read. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than forty books, including The Escape, The Chase, The Traitor’s Pawn, Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, as well as The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent over 17 years living as missionaries in southern Africa and currently reside there.

 

 

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Posted in 4 paws, Book Release, Christian, Historical, Review, suspense on March 22, 2022

 

 

Synopsis

 

Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves—or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he’s been sent to track down?

After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name–and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors’ threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn’t all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home–and the truth.

After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiancé is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career–but that’s better than failing her twice in one lifetime.

They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there’s no question they’re both still keeping secrets–and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.

Combining rich history, danger, suspense, and romance, Crystal Caudill’s debut novel launches this new historical series with a bang. Fans of Elizabeth Camden, Michelle Griep, and Joanna Davidson Politano will be thrilled to find another author to follow!

 

 

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To read an excerpt of Counterfeit Love click here.

 

 

Review

 

This novel encompasses several genres that I enjoy reading: mystery, historical, romance, and Christian. All of these facets are wound together to create this enticing tale of a strong woman that isn’t afraid to go after what she wants no matter who stands in her way.

Theresa is a plucky young woman and I admire her courage and strength to continue with her life despite those that hold her back. She senses that her fiance, Edward, isn’t the right man for her and she is right for so many reasons. I won’t share those because it would give away too much of the plot. She also still loves Broderick despite his pigheadedness but he just might be the right man for her.

I loved the time period and the mystery of who is counterfeiting currency. There are so many possibilities and one of my suspicions held true. I love how the Secret Service is investigating this crime and has several people undercover to infiltrate the ring. However, there is one agent, Darlington, that is sent in to help speed things along that nearly blows it for everyone. It doesn’t help that he is abrupt, rude, and suspects Theresa of being the engraver.

Theresa and Broderick struggle with many things throughout this book from faith, trust, respect, and finding the truth. They are both given nudges along the way to find their way back to each other and to God.

This book is gritty and gets right into the trenches with the criminals, brothels, saloons, and so much more. But it adds to the richness of the background, characters, and storyline. I wouldn’t expect anything less and was glad to see that the author wasn’t afraid to show the seedy side of the times.

There were times when I read this book when I wondered if this was the 2nd book in a series because of the discussions about Theresa and Broderick’s past. It felt like this should have been a second book but it is not. However, it did not detract from the story and the author does a good job of explaining their past with each other.

Overall, we give this 4 paws up and look forward to reading more from this debut author.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. Counterfeit Love is her debut published novel.

Caudill says that reading and writing are part of her soul and have been since she first held a crayon. While she considered writing to be an escape from challenges and struggles and a way to keep her sanity, Caudill would come to recognize that God used it as a teaching tool. “The stories came through my fingertips, but they were marked with His fingerprints,” she shares.

As she delved into history and crafted her own stories of hope through danger, Caudill would answer the call to pursue writing as a career after her first writer’s conference. “My stories are still filled with danger, struggle, and history, but they are also permeated with the hope and love of Christ. I hope they are dangerously good. Good for the heart and for the soul.”

She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

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Posted in Christian, fiction, Giveaway, suspense on February 27, 2022

 

 

TRUST ME

 

by

 

Kelly Irvin

 

Genre: Romantic Suspense / Christian Fiction

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Date of Publication: February 8, 2022

Number of Pages: 384 pages

 

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When her best friend is murdered the same way her brother was, who can she possibly trust?

 

A decade ago, Delaney Broward discovered her brother’s murdered body at the San Antonio art co-op he founded with friends. Her artist boyfriend, Hunter Nash, went to prison for the murder, despite his not-guilty plea.

This morning, Hunter walks out of prison a free man, having served his sentence.

This afternoon, Delaney finds her best friend dead, murdered in the same fashion as her brother.

Stay out of it or you’re next, the killer warns.

Hunter never stopped loving Delaney, though he can’t blame her for not forgiving her. He knows he’ll get his life back one day at a time, one step at a time. But he’s blindsided to realize he’s a murder suspect. Again.

When Hunter shows up on her doorstep, asking her to help him find the real killer, Delaney’s head says to run away, yet her heart tells her there’s more to his story than what came out in the trial. An uneasy truce leads to their probe into a dark past that shatters Delaney’s image of her brother. She can’t stop and neither can Hunter—which lands them both in the crosshairs of a murderer growing more desperate by the day (hour?).

In this gripping romantic suspense, Kelly Irvin plumbs the complexity of broken trust in the people we love—and in God—and whether either can be mended.

 

 

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PRAISE FOR TRUST ME

 

“Irvin follows the characters through twists and turns, writing through the lens of faith and broken faith, while illuminating a bridge across shattered relationships to second chances. This one’s an emotional roller-coaster.” — Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency in Publishers Weekly Review

“Trust Me is an apt title for Irvin’s new suspense novel. Kelly Irvin is a master at spinning a complex story web with surprising twists and relatable characters. Highly recommended!” —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author of A Stranger’s Game and the Pelican Harbor series

“I found I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in Kelly Irvin’s latest novel, Trust Me. I promised myself just one more page and I’d stop reading for the night…just one more…just one more. At times I could barely breathe. What a fabulous story! I loved it!” –Carrie Stuart Parks, award-winning author of the Gwen Marcey series

 

 

 

 

From Trust Me

 

By Kelly Irvin

 

 

As much as she didn’t want to believe Hunter stabbed Corey to death, the justice system said otherwise. She had no choice but to accept the verdict and move on with her life. Erasing Hunter from her life had been like amputating an arm and a leg. Like she needed a heart transplant. It had taken years to recover.

 

= = = =

 

“This isn’t some stand-by-your-man country song.” Delaney stilled the bag. Macho Man’s leer taunted her. She leaned her head against it and closed her eyes. “They had evidence—enough evidence to convict. The police arrested you in this house. I couldn’t let my heart stand in the way of the truth. I had to accept it. I had no choice, even if it meant losing everything. Everything.”

 

= = = =

 

The killer’s fingers wrapped around her bicep in a cruel, unwavering grip. He jerked her up. His dark face came within inches of hers. His other hand was empty. He pointed at her and then made a cut-throat gesture. “Stay out of it or you’re next.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bestseller Kelly Irvin is the author of almost 30 books and novellas, in romantic suspense and Amish romance genres. The two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist worked as a newspaper reporter for six years on the Texas-Mexico border. Those experiences fuel her romantic suspense novels set in Texas. A retired public relations professional, Kelly now writes fiction full-time. She lives with her husband professional photographer Tim Irvin in San Antonio. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two ornery cats.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Christian, Giveaway, Review, Romantic Suspense, suspense on November 17, 2021

 

 

CROSSHAIRS:

 

Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #3

 

by

 

Patricia Bradley

 

 

Genre: Christian / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: November 2, 2021

Number of Pages: 384 pages

 

 

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When evil just won’t quit, good must prevail

Investigative Services Branch ranger Ainsley Beaumont wishes the visit to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, was under better circumstances. When she arrived to investigate the murder of a pregnant teenager, she never imagined that she would become the killer’s next target–or that she’d have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn’t bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her.

The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

 

 

 

 

Patricia BradleyAmazon

 

Christianbooks.com │ Revell Affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series Spotlight on

 

Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series

 

By Patricia Bradley

 

 

 

Standoff by Patricia Bradley

Brooke Danvers wants to learn the truth about her father’s suspicious death, but she’ll need the help of Luke Fereday, a National Park Ranger and her ex-boyfriend. Keeping Brooke safe will take all of Luke’s skills, and falling in love with her will only complicate matters.

ISBN 9780800735739; Ebook ISBN 9781493423170; May 2020; Paper; $15.99

 

 

 

 

Obsession by Patricia Bradley

ISBN 9780800735746; Ebook ISBN 9781493428557; February 2, 2021; Paper; $15.99, Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, Book #2

A ten-year-old murder case. An obsessed stalker. Can Natchez Trace Ranger Samuel Ryker keep his colleague and one-time love Emma Winters from the clutches of a man determined to make her his own?

 

 

 

Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

ISBN 9780800735753; Ebook ISBN 9781493431762; November 2, 2021; Paper; $15.99, Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #3 of 4

When ISB Ranger Ainsley Beaumont returns to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a teenage girl, she doesn’t suspect she’ll become the murderer’s next target. Can former a FBI sniper—and Ainsley’s former flame—overcome his past mistakes on the job in order to protect her?

 

 

 

The 4th and final book in the series is scheduled to release in 2022!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This action-packed romantic suspense novel kept me engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next for Ainsley and Lincoln (Linc). This is also a second chance romance due to their romantic past, but will it be enough?

I love when authors create a strong female lead that isn’t simpering in the corner waiting on someone else to rescue her. Ainsley is just such a character especially since she works for the Park Rangers and totes a gun. I am pretty sure she can handle just about anything that comes her way. If not, then she does have a gun that might come in handy should the situation arise.

Normally when I start reading a series, I prefer to start with the first book. I was pleased to note that the first two books in this series are about different characters and this book can be read on its own. You might have an introduction to Ainsley from a previous book, but I don’t think that will detract from reading this series out of order or even this book as a standalone novel.

There are so many storylines that intersect in this novel. There are the diaries and the secrets that they hold and why some people do not want them to come out, someone is after Ainsley but we don’t know why (at first), Linc has his own demons to battle regarding the death of a friend. We even see Ainsley and Linc work on their relationship and get through past events that caused the friction between them.

There are many lovable characters including Gran and Cora, but there are also characters that you may not like such as Sarah and J.P. Sarah is a wannabe reporter trying to make her mark, and like many journalists, doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut to not impede an investigation. J.P. is Ainsley’s father and on the road to becoming governor and tends to think anything negative will impact his gubernatorial race. Maybe it would, but sometimes the truth shouldn’t be hidden. While I didn’t love these characters, they did add depth to the story.

This book kept me up way too late but it was worth the loss of sleep! There were some twists I didn’t expect that made the book hard to put down until I knew the truth. I will be looking to check out the first two books and can’t wait to see what is in store for the final book due out in 2022.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff and Obsession, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi.

 

 

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11/10/21 Review It’s Not All Gravy
11/10/21 BONUS Promo LSBBT Blog
11/11/21 Guest Post Forgotten Winds
11/12/21 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
11/13/21 Deleted Scene All the Ups and Downs
11/14/21 Author Interview The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
11/15/21 Review The Clueless Gent
11/16/21 Review Jennie Reads
11/17/21 Series Spotlight StoreyBook Reviews
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Posted in 4 paws, Christian, Review, Romantic Suspense on November 3, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

He knew there was a cost. He just didn’t know how great it’d be.

Gabriel Kelly returned to Russia for one reason—to bury his parents. After ten years in the United States, he hadn’t expected to return to his childhood home in the face of tragedy. However, after short days in Moscow, he begins to consider if the same call that cost his parents’ lives is now upon him.

Sofia Rykova’s dreams finally came true when she became a principal soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet. One night, though, an old crush walks back into her life, making her wonder if there is more to life than ballet. Gabe Kelly is just as she remembered, just as she longed for—yet religion stands between them.

Unknown to Gabe and Sofia, danger lurks closer than either would have guessed. The deaths of Gabe’s parents grow more suspicious by the day, and Gabe and Sofia are drawn into the midst of a plot neither can escape. Will obedience to God’s call—in spite of their fears and desires—result in a price too steep to bear?

 

 

Amazon * Other Retailers

 

 

Review

 

I didn’t read the synopsis when I started reading this book (I had before but that was months ago!). What I found when I delved into this book was intrigue, ballet, hardened criminals, light romance, and a belief in God and the mission to share it with others.

I will be honest, I never thought about a Baptist church in Russia. I don’t know why and of course I had to look, and yes you can find a Baptist church in Russia. I love when I learn something new. Anyway, this story follows Gabe who had left his missionary parents in Russia to pursue a life back in the USA. However, when his parents were killed, he came back to wrap things up and discovered that maybe that is where he belonged, continuing what his parent’s started. Gabe is strong in faith but weak at the same time. This is a reflection that we all struggle with our beliefs and hold true to them no matter the situation.

Sofia knew Gabe from their teen years and his parents welcomed her with open arms. She is doing the one thing that she loves the most, ballet, and has become a soloist with the ballet company. As it is with most athletes, they tend to perform even when not 100%, and I could feel Sofia’s pain while dancing on injured ankles and more. It didn’t help that another dancer was out to get her and do whatever she could to take over her role in the ballet company. Then there is her brother…oh my! He is not one I would want to tangle with in a dark alley. He hides his true self from Sofia quite well and I’m surprised no one has told her what he is really like when not around her.

The story is suspenseful as Gabe tries to figure out who killed his parents and why. The pace is consistent but really ramps up near the end as the story is drawing to a conclusion. Gabe has a forgiving heart and a strong faith which he shares with Sofia and encourages her to have a stronger faith in God and Jesus. He shares it by his convictions and scriptures that are a roadmap for what we should do in this life as Christians.

The book has a great cast of supporting characters and each plays an important part in moving the storyline forward and supporting Gabe and Sofia.

We give this book 4 paws up and if you enjoy Christian Romantic Suspense novels then this might be the book you are looking for as your next read.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. Unknown is her debut novel. Above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Christian, Giveaway, Review, romance on October 18, 2021

 

 

SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE

 

Restoring Heritage Series #3

 

by

 

TARI FARIS

 

 

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: September 7, 2021

Number of Pages: 336 pages

 

Scroll down for giveaway!

 

 

 

 

With her vision and his know-how, this thing just might work . . .

Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah’s past difficult, but he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

In order to avoid forcing a buyout of Leah’s building, Jon will have to strike a compromise. Can the two of them work together? Or will their troubled past set the tone for their future?

 

 

 

Amazon ~ ChristianBook.com

 

Other Revell Affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for a sweet, Hallmark-style romance? Then look no further than this series. While this is the third in the series, I am now intrigued and will have to go back and read the first two books. This book totally stands on its own, you would just learn more about some of the other characters that play a minor role.

We meet two couples in this book (or soon to be coupled) Jon and Leah and Colby and Madison. All but Colby grew up in this area and knew each other in school. That doesn’t mean that they liked each other, you know how petty high school can get. But that is the great thing about time, we all mature and that includes these characters. They also become better versions of themselves due to more life experience and the realization that maybe life isn’t so bad as they remember it from years gone by.

I loved the wit, sarcasm, and friendships that emerged from this story. Leah is one tough nut to crack and is very determined (perhaps rigid) when it comes to revitalizing the WiFi shop her grandparents owned. She has a great idea but being stuck in the past is not the way to move forward and create a successful venture. Jon only wants to help, but sometimes his pride, or maybe it is his love for Leah, gets in the way. Not that he doesn’t have a lot on his own plate including a sister that is acting out after the loss of their parents, and an Uncle that might be undermining the business he inherited from his father. He definitely has a lot of plates up in the air and it would only take one to bring them all down. However, that is where friends come in and help balance the load.

Madison was a troubled youth and while she is back in town to clean up her father’s estate, she is ready to leave at the first opportunity. That is until she meets Colby, a disgraced singer looking for refuge in Heritage for the time being. Madison is a prime example of someone that has changed and needs understanding and guidance so that she can realize that maybe if she opens herself up to others that she might find acceptance.

There is even a little bit of a mystery with Otis the hippo statue that moves and then disappears. I loved the story that emerged from the history of that statue and how and why it disappeared. It definitely kept the town guessing.

I enjoyed all of the characters and the interactions that expanded the story and brought dimension and depth. There is an underlying theme that faith will make all things possible if you only trust in a higher power. The story flows well between the two interconnected love stories and those that surround them. This is a perfect book for those that are looking for a book that is sweet, Christian, and romantic.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tari Faris is the author of You Belong with Me and Until I Met You. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she is the projects manager for My Book Therapy, writes for learnhowtowriteanovel.com, and is a 2017 Genesis Award winner. She has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and lives in the Phoenix, Arizona, area with her husband and their three children. Although she lives in the Southwest now, she lived in a small town in Michigan for 25 years.

 

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ONE WINNER:

A copy of the whole Restoring Heritage series,

a $10 Starbucks gift card,

and a bookish sticker pack!

(US only. Ends 10/22/21.)

 

 

 

 

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Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

or visit the blogs directly:

 

10/13/21 Author Video Missus Gonzo
10/13/21 BONUS Promo Hall Ways Blog
10/14/21 Review Bibliotica
10/14/21 BONUS Promo LSBBT Blog
10/15/21 Character Spotlight Book Bustle
10/16/21 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
10/17/21 Author Interview Forgotten Winds
10/18/21 Review StoreyBook Reviews
10/19/21 Top 5 List All the Ups and Downs
10/20/21 Deleted Scene It’s Not All Gravy
10/21/21 Review Reading by Moonlight
10/22/21 Review Carpe Diem Chronicles

 

 

 

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Christian, Craft, fiction, Giveaway, women on October 4, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

A knitting group’s change of scenery changes lives in unexpected ways

Margaret, Rose, Jane, and Fran had a good thing going: meet every week in the quiet of their peaceful chapel and knit prayer shawls. No muss, just ministry. That is, until their pastor boots them out of the church in his last-ditch effort to revive the dwindling congregation.

Uptight Margaret isn’t having it. Knitting prayer shawls where people can watch is the most ridiculous idea she’s ever heard of, and she’s heard plenty. Prayer belongs in the church, not out among the heathen masses. How are they supposed to knit holiness into these shawls if they’re constantly distracted by the public? But with no choice, the others embrace the challenge. They pack their knitting bags and drag Margaret—grumbling the whole way—to the mall with them. She can’t wait to prove them all wrong when it fails miserably, and show the pastor that she always knows best.

Without the familiar mold, the group has been stuck in, their own losses, pain, and struggles rise to the surface. And the people and situations they encounter every time they try to sit quietly and knit are taking them a lot further out of their comfort zone than they ever imagined. Can they find the courage to tackle the increasing number of knotty issues they learn about in the community–or will the tangle be too much to unravel?

Sharon J. Mondragon’s debut is warm and delightful, full of real laughter, grief, and personality. It beautifully illustrates the power of women across generations to reach people for Christ.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * IndieBound

 

Praise

 

The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady is a delight! With scenes as vivid and lively as a cozy PBS drama and characters so real they feel more like neighbors than anything else, this book was a joy every moment I spent with it. More than once, I found myself so absorbed in the story that I completely forgot I was reading. Laced with mercy, encouragement, and hope, this novel is a brilliant and lovingly written debut.”  ~ Susie Finkbeiner, author of The Nature of Small Birds and the Pearl Spence novels

 

“I love this book. Extraordinary things happen when ordinary knitters reluctantly move a congregation’s prayer shawl ministry from a quiet chapel to a busy mall. Their encounters with people they would not normally meet made me chuckle, occasionally weep, and finish the story feeling a gentle nudge from the author to ‘go and do likewise.’”  ~ Patricia Sprinkle, author of Hold Up the Sky

 

 

Review

 

I loved this book and devoured it pretty quickly. Sometimes a book just hits you at the right time and that was this book for me.

Four women make up the prayer shawl ministry at a local church and their pastor has set them out into the community to knit their shawls while the chapel is being repainted. Needless to say, Margaret is not pleased with this change. Margaret is something of a control freak and this upsets her strict routine and feels that knitting in public will not allow them to pray over these shawls for those that will eventually receive them. I think we all know a Margaret in our lives and sometimes change is good. The other ladies are more flexible and they don’t let Margaret try and run roughshod over them and change the date or make it a more private location.

While Margaret is the driving force, the other ladies, Fran, Rose, and Jane, are a solid contribution to the group and the story. All four of these women have their own demons to battle and those play into the story and how it brings people to them and how they can all make a difference one person at a time.

I loved how these ladies end up at the mall doing their knitting and that while they may think that they do not bring attention to themselves, they really do and others are curious about what they are doing and why. What these ladies don’t realize is that they did bring their ministry to the people and they were receptive to prayers and even being brought into the prayer shawl ministry circle.  I was encouraged at how they were accepted by the number of prayer requests they received from employees at the mall and it reminds us that even a small change can bring bigger changes to our lives.

The story flows and while there are some “tense” moments between characters, it also shows us grace and mercy, that forgiveness is powerful, and that we all need someone in our lives to be in our corner and root for us whether we know it or not. There are some sparks of love, protectiveness of parents, and getting through to one Dragon Lady that life is too short to hold onto anger and fear and that feelings need to be shared now and not later when it is too late.

This is a feel-good book that will be enjoyed by many. And if you are a knitter, there is even a pattern at the end if you want to give it a whirl. I have to say, this book made me want to try my hand at knitting!

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Sharon J. Mondragón writes about the place where kindness and courage meet. Her debut novel, The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady (originally titled The Heavenly Hugs Prayer Shawl Ministry) was the 2017 winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis award in the Short Novel Category, and she has also been recognized by The Saturday Evening Post where her short story, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” was an Honorable Mention Awardee in the 2014 their Great American Fiction Contest.

Mondragón has been active in prayer shawl ministry since 2008 and currently serves as facilitator for the prayer shawl ministry at her church, St. Paul Episcopal in Waxahachie, TX. She also knits with the Circle of Healing at Red Oak United Methodist Church. She is a Level 2 Certified Knitting Instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and teaches beginning knitting at a local yarn store.

Mondragón is the mother of five grown children and has four grandchildren. After 26 years as an Army wife, she has settled in Midlothian, TX with her hero/husband, her laptop, and her yarn stash.

 

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Posted in 4 paws, Christian, fiction, Historical, suspense on October 3, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

How much will she risk to save her sister?

Mae Ashton has every reason to stay in Georgia and marry the man she loves, save one—the disappearance of her sister. Although all evidence points to Hazel’s death, Mae’s discovery of a single picture changes everything. If Hazel is alive, Mae will find her. And she’s left everything to do so.

Davis Everleigh isn’t about to let Mae, his fiancée, go just because of a note that hardly explains her departure to New York City. Instead, he follows her to the city and gains employment with the man Mae believes is somehow connected to Hazel.

As Davis and Mae become further entrenched in their effort to locate Hazel, they find themselves facing a corrupt businessman and his ruthless henchman, Alberto Moretti. In a world of lies, will the truth prevail—both about Hazel and in their own lives?

 

 

Amazon

 

Review

 

They don’t call it the Roaring 20s for nothing! This is a time of speakeasies, mobsters, flappers, and the Charleston.

Mae is absolutely positive that her sister is not the one they found dead in the river and only a photo gives her a clue where to start looking. However, Mae does not know who she is dealing with because this is a fast-talking town compared to her home in Georgia. However, her love for her sister, Hazel, allows her to persevere and continue her search. What she doesn’t expect is for her ex-fiance, Davis, to follow her and want to help her find Hazel. Is that love or what?!

I appreciated Mae’s determination but I didn’t understand why she was insistent on taking her sister home to the family. Her sister was happy and knew what she had gotten herself into, but Mae did not accept that decision. Yes, her husband was a gangster and involved in shady business, but did that warrant Mae trying to take her sister away from a situation that she wanted to belong? But Mae is plucky especially when she finds herself in situations that could have not ended well.

Davis is a gem. His love for Mae throws him into the middle of the whole situation and he ends up with a price on his head. However, the one thing that Davis and Mae have going for them is their faith and they are not afraid to share their beliefs with anyone they run across, even a reluctant gangster.

There is a character that might surprise you, Alberto. He is rough and tough, but I think deep down there is a part of him that does not enjoy this life and wonders if there is more out there for him. It doesn’t help that he is secretly in love with Mae’s sister, who is married to his boss.

I can’t forget to mention Scranton, the preacher that totes a gun (seems like all of the characters toted guns) and isn’t shy in helping Mae and Davis in their cause, even if it might mean death for him. And that is highly possible considering the characters they are dealing with in this book.

The book is full of scripture which fits the situations that Mae and Davis find themselves mixed up. I appreciated their strong faith beliefs and that they didn’t back down no matter what anyone said about their faith and beliefs.

The book has a nice even fast pace to it and there was little downtime to wonder what might pop up and surprise us next. There are many nuances to this book that made it an entertaining read but too much would be given away by sharing those here.

We give this book 4 paws up and look forward to the next book in this trilogy that will feature Alberto and Lillian (Hazel).

 

 

 

About the Author

 

A little bit about me—I’m a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with my words. I’m also a homeschool graduate who holds a degree in accounting. Promises Unbroken is my fifth published novel.

 

Website

Posted in Christian, Spotlight, suspense on September 5, 2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

He knew there was a cost. He just didn’t know how great it’d be.

Gabriel Kelly returned to Russia for one reason—to bury his parents. After ten years in the United States, he hadn’t expected to return to his childhood home in the face of tragedy. However, after short days in Moscow, he begins to consider if the same call that cost his parents’ lives is now upon him.

Sofia Rykova’s dreams finally came true when she became a principal soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet. One night, though, an old crush walks back into her life, making her wonder if there is more to life than ballet. Gabe Kelly is just as she remembered, just as she longed for—yet religion stands between them.

Unknown to Gabe and Sofia, danger lurks closer than either would have guessed. The deaths of Gabe’s parents grow more suspicious by the day, and Gabe and Sofia are drawn into the midst of a plot neither can escape. Will obedience to God’s call—in spite of their fears and desires—result in a price too steep to bear?

 

 

 

Amazon * Other Retailers

 

 

About the Author

 

Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. Unknown is her debut novel. Above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.

 

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