Synopsis

 

Celeste Donovan, a high-powered finance executive, seems to have it all–the penthouse apartment, the supermodel physique with a mathematician mind, and a trail of beautiful men she has loved and left behind.

But when her boyfriend Theodore is killed in a mysterious accident, she discovers Omar, her abusive ex she had hoped would never resurface, is behind his death.

Now she’s caught in a game of cat and mouse, trying to anticipate Omar’s next move, as she realizes he will stop at nothing to get to her. She sets out alone on a whirlwind journey to entrap him, determined to put an end to Omar’s destruction.

Soon Celeste is thrust in the middle of the largest financial scandal in decades. This time, however, powerful government officials are in bed with some of the world’s most dangerous men.

When she discovers that those she thought she knew best are involved in a secret society warring with Omar and his coconspirators, she must decide how far she will go to avenge Theodore’s death and whether she is willing to risk her own life to save everyone she loves.

 

 

Amazon * B&N

 

Praise

 

“Eckles engages readers from beginning to end with this tale of betrayal, love, and international intrigue…” – The US Review

“Reminiscent of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Eckles’s complex thriller grips the reader from the opening prologue. A tale of high-stakes Wall Street espionage and manipulation, the hunt for the ultimate evil opponent, an around-the-world, whirlwind adventure and a journey into the heart and soul of an extraordinary woman. Trading Secrets is, at once, a spellbinding, heart-stopping thriller and an exploration of the complex nature and vulnerability of the human heart.” -Traci Medford-Rosow, USAToday bestselling author of Unblinded and Inflection Point.

 

Review

 

Who knew the financial world could be so mercenary and dangerous?

Celeste is the Ice Queen of New York. Rising to the top with a friend, they have created a top-notch investment firm through hard work and a little bit of manipulation. This group of friends has lived hard and fast but as they have gotten older, they are starting to mellow and settle down. However, forces beyond their control are coming fast and furious, and will they be able to survive?

This book took me on a fast and furious ride through the financial world of New York. Having worked in this field, I was familiar with some of the actions and attitudes of the characters, but some surprised me. The language in the book is rough (a lot of f* bombs), there is drug use, heavy drinking, and little concern for what might come next. But that changes for Celeste after a disastrous trip with her man of the moment, Omar. Fair warning, there is rape and abuse and it is amazing Celeste comes out of this alive. She is scarred emotionally but meeting Theodore changes everything for her. Until he is killed by Omar. That event sends Celeste spiraling and she is now a woman on a mission to take Omar down once and for all.

I have to admit, while Celeste was with Theodore, I honestly thought he was behind some things that were happening in her world. I didn’t read the synopsis to know what was going to happen. It is amazing what money can buy and that includes loyalties and can turn even the most loyal friend against you.

The book does start off slow but builds steam as events unfold and while Celeste is not a very likable character, at least in the beginning, I came to admire her spirit and her pluck. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it, even at the risk of her own life. Many times she was reckless in her pursuits and she was lucky to be alive at the end of the book.

Overall, this book kept me engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next. I also marveled at the various locations and can only dream of visiting some of them since I am not part of the super elite.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

Trigger warnings – explicit sex, rape, abuse, foul language

 

About the Author

 

Rachael Eckles grew up in the Midwest. After graduating from law school, she followed her heart and moved to the east coast. Trading Secrets is her first novel. She currently lives in Manhattan with her puppy, where she is working on her next novel.

 

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The Disappearance of Emily (Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Independently Published (March 15, 2021)
Number of Pages 250

 

Synopsis

 

Hayden has settled into her alternate, magical new home of Destiny Falls. She’s learning about the people here and the enchanted place, but something is amiss. When too many things occur to call them coincidences, all signs point to the mysterious disappearance of her mother – way back when Hayden was just two days old. Could it be connected to the mysterious ferry? Can she identify and eliminate the threat before another person in her life is stolen away?

 

 

 

 

Review

 

Welcome back to Destiny Falls. A magical town that you won’t find on any map, at least not one in the non-magical realm.

Hayden and Latifa are back, along with the rest of the gang and some new friends including a new 4 legged friend. The town is the same, ever-changing as the needs of the citizens change. We meet several new townsfolk and they are quite a motley crew. But this isn’t a bad thing because Hayden is now the editor of the town newspaper and can use the contacts. It wasn’t really a request by her grandmother since she doesn’t really ask but rather “orders” people to do things.

There is a murder in town and the details as to why are sketchy until Hayden uncovers some information that points the police in the right direction. Who killed this person isn’t too much of a mystery because there aren’t a lot of options, unlike the first book. But there are other mysteries just waiting to be solved – what happened to Hayden’s mom Emily? What is Gladstone? Where does the ferry go when it leaves? Will Hayden ever see her grandparents and friend Luna? Who is the witch in the cave and who is her sister (I have my suspicions so I can’t wait to see if I’m right)?

I felt like this book expanded my knowledge about Destiny Falls and the Caldwell family but it also left me with a few more questions than answers so I can’t wait for the third book to discover more about this little town.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book and we give it 4 paws up.  If you like magic and mystery, this is a series you will want to check out.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives near Seattle and is the mother of four and nana to one.

 

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Giveaway

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

The world is splintered, and so are the survivors.

Adrift at sea for weeks, a rescue party finally offers safe haven to the four survivors who escaped the island. But the civilized society they’ve always known has fallen… and a fractured, dangerous anarchy has taken its place.

Gunner. Charging into the chaos of the mainland, Gunner is determined to find his wife and daughter. But he has a new hell to deal with—desperate people with cutthroat motives.

Zon. Returning home forces Zon to face his worst nightmare—losing Jessie, the only woman he’s ever loved, in order to save her family.

Gabby. Still trapped on the island with the other desperate survivors, Gabby and Madeline fear they’ve been forgotten. But nothing could prepare them for the danger that washes up on the shore.

America is gone. Hope is all they have left. In a world of disorder, will the remaining passengers from Rose of the Sea ever make it home? Or will the darkness of human nature destroy what little is left?

Find out in this gripping post-apocalyptic EMP survival thriller.

FINAL FATE is the third book in the Waves of Fate series.

This dystopian, disaster/survival series follows ordinary people in a desperate fight to stay alive and is perfect for fans of Mike Kraus, Ryan Schow, Grace Hamilton, Harley Tate, JJ Pike, Jack Hunt, JJ Holden, and Kyla Stone.

 

 

 

Read for free on Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This series is heart-pounding and just a little too real because it could happen and are we prepared?

The final book in this trilogy brings a conclusion to the life that these survivors have had over the last 6 months. Having to fend for themselves using skills they may or may not have had, interpersonal relationships, and perhaps an introspective look into their own life and changes they could or should make to be better people.

Gunner, Zon, Jessica, and Pauline have made it to the United States but are not prepared for what they discover. They have been told that it isn’t pretty but with an EMP knocking out all communications, it is hard to know who is in charge and what is being done. It is every man for themself and watch out for those that will take from you what they want.

The action doesn’t stop in this book as the crew makes their way to find their families. It is pure luck that Gunner finds his wife and daughter but it wasn’t easy to get to them or find them. Jessica’s family (the preppers) had their own issues and you could say the stress of hiding out or staying inside could be stressful.

I’m still not a huge Zon fan, but he continues to redeem himself, and while still brash and crude, he is softening a little bit and isn’t afraid to step in and protect those around him despite his better judgment sometimes.

While these four are trying to get help for the rest on the island, those are the island are not left out of this book. They have their own issues to deal with including unwanted intruders.

I don’t want to spoil any of the revelations in the book, but I thought their decisions were interesting and I can see why they would have made the choices they did in the end. There is something of a happy ending but it just leaves more questions for me as to what life might be like for those affected by the EMP and if the world can come together and put back together what is broken.

This is a fantastic series and I loved every moment. It was hard for me to put any of them down. So far this is one of my favorites of 2021.

We of course give it 5 paws up and highly recommend the series.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kendall Talbot is a thrill seeker, hopeless romantic, and award-winning author. She’s sought thrills in all 46 countries she’s visited. She’s abseiled down freezing waterfalls, fought the white-water in a rubber raft, jumped off a mountain with a man who spoke little English, and got way too close to a sixteen-foot shark. When she isn’t writing, she’s enjoying wine and cheese with her crazy friends, and planning her next thrilling international escape.

She lives in Brisbane, Australia with her very own hero and a fluffy little dog who specializes in hijacking her writing time.

 

Website * Email * Facebook * Twitter

 

 

Synopsis

 

Among fake Instagram pages, long-buried family secrets, and the horrors of middle school, one suburban mom searches to find herself.

Alice Sullivan feels like she’s finally found her groove in middle age, but it only takes one moment for her perfectly curated life to unravel. On the same day she learns her daughter is struggling in second grade, a call from her son’s school accusing him of bullying throws Alice into a tailspin.

When it comes to light that the incident is part of a new behavior pattern for her son, one complete with fake social media profiles with a lot of questionable content, Alice’s social standing is quickly eroded to one of “those moms” who can’t control her kids. Soon she’s facing the very judgement she was all too happy to dole out when she thought no one was looking (or when she thought her house wasn’t made of glass).

Then her mother unloads a family secret she’s kept for more than thirty years, and Alice’s entire perception of herself is shattered.

As her son’s new reputation polarizes her friendships and her family buzzes with the ramification of her mother’s choices, Alice realizes that she’s been too focused on measuring her success and happiness by everyone else’s standards. Now, with all her shortcomings laid bare, she’ll have to figure out to whom to turn for help and decide who she really wants to be.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Indiebound

 

 

Review

 

If you were ever worried about the effect of phones and apps on kids, then look no further than this book. We get a look into the lives of three women that forged a friendship when their children were in kindergarten, but now they have hit junior high and things aren’t quite the same for any of them especially where the children are concerned. This book includes bullying, the influence of social media, hormones in teenage boys and girls, and just life in today’s world.

Outside of the mess the children get into, there is friction between these three women because of their children. Alice is very high-strung and a bit of a perfectionist. This trait does not bode well for her when her mother springs a surprise on her that is hard to digest. I did not like her mother, Evelyn, because while I understood how she felt about this situation, Evelyn was very selfish and only wanted what she wanted and didn’t take Alice’s feelings into consideration. This was actually surprising since Evelyn is a therapist. But Alice does learn something about herself and what she is willing to put up with from her family and even her job.

The kids are out of control in this book – finsta accounts (fake Instagram), bullying, sexting, and so much more. There is a lot that children have to deal with today and this book cuts to the core of those issues. While everything is resolved, it is based on reality and situations are not swept under the rug or “prettied” for the benefit of the reader.

I enjoyed the book and liked how the chapters were from different character’s points of view. I felt like we got the full picture versus just part of the story from one perspective.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kathleen West is the author of Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes, which was a best book pick by Real Simple, Newsweek, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and the New York Post. A teacher for 20 years before she published her first novel, Kathleen is particularly interested in the topics of motherhood, ambition, competitive parenting, and the elusiveness of work-life balance. Her sophomore effort, Are We There Yet?, publishes in March 2021. She is a life-long Minnesotan and lives in Minneapolis with her family.

 

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Synopsis

 

Bestselling author Laurie Faria Stolarz returns with a thrilling novel where an eighteen-year-old girl’s search for answers lands her in one of the most terrifying situations imaginable.

Four days…
Trapped in a well, surrounded by dirt, scratching at the walls trying to find a way out.
Four days of a thirst so strong, that when it finally rains, I drink as much as possible from the dripping walls, not even caring how much dirt comes with it.

Six months…
Since my escape. Since no one believed I was taken to begin with – from my own bed, after a party, when no one else was home…
Six months of trying to find answers and being told instead that I made the whole incident up.

One month…
Since I logged on to the Jane Anonymous site for the first time and found a community of survivors who listen without judgment, provide advice, and console each other when needed.
A month of chatting with a survivor whose story eerily mirrors my own: a girl who’s been receiving triggering clues, just like me, and who could help me find the answers I’m searching for.

Three days…
Since she mysteriously disappears, and since I’m forced to ask the questions: will my chance to find out what happened to me vanish with her? And will I be next?

 

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Indiebound

 

 

Book releases March 16, 2021

 

 

Review

 

This book took me on a wild ride, one I wasn’t sure how it was going to end.

It starts with a very unreliable narrator, Terra. She was kidnapped but all of the evidence points otherwise and this causes a lot of grief and anxiety for Terra. Luckily, she finds an online support group to share her fears and story. But we all know that people may not be who they appear to be online, is that the case here?

Besides her own life, she has become attached to one of the other survivors on the board, Peyton. There are other characters in the chat and it is interesting how they interact with each other and show concern for the others. I had to wonder why Terra was so honest with all of the details. I think her age and naivete played a part in her actions, she is 18 after all.

I felt for Terra and thought her character might be able to move forward. That is until nearly everyone seemed to believe that her story wasn’t true. It is hard to prove when there is no physical evidence that proves she was kidnapped and her aunt doesn’t seem to miss her for the four days she was gone. The stress of the event has Terra on edge and acting erratically. I can’t blame her, I can’t imagine the stress of surviving the kidnapping can take on a person.

This book had my thoughts and beliefs all over the board. I wanted to believe Terra, but here was all this evidence (or lack of evidence) that said otherwise. Thankfully, she has a new friend, Garrett, that believes her. He seems like a good guy, but in the back of my mind, I wondered if he was involved in the situation. The story picks up steam near the end as everything comes to a head. The truth was quite surprising and not one I expected.

Overall, we enjoyed this book and give it 3 1/2 paws

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Laurie Faria Stolarz grew up in Salem, MA, attended Merrimack College, and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston.

Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.

Stolarz found sales success with her first novel, Blue is for Nightmares, and followed it up with three more titles in the series, White is for Magic, Silver is for Secrets, and Red is for Remembrance, as well as a companion graphic novel, Black is for Beginnings. Stolarz is also the author of the Touch series (Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Deadly Little Games, Deadly Little Voices, and Deadly Little Lessons), as well as Bleed and Project 17. With more than two million books sold worldwide, Stolarz’s titles have been named on various awards lists.

 

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DREAMS REKINDLED

 

Mesquite Spring, Book 2

 

By Amanda Cabot

 

Categories: Christian Historical Fiction/ Romance/ Stand-Alone

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: March 2, 2021

 

Pages: 352

 

 

Scroll Down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

He’s bound and determined to find peace . . . but she’s about to stir things up.

Dorothy Clark dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers–until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.

Brandon Holloway has seen firsthand the disastrous effects of challenging others. He has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he’s committed to making a new–and completely uncontroversial–start in the Hill Country.

As Dorothy’s involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon’s heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who’s determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon’s livelihood.

 

 

 

Baker Books (Revell) | Amazon | BN | Christianbook.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a trip back to the Hill Country and Mesquite Springs.

This is the follow-up book to Out of the Embers with the focus on Dorothy Clark and her dreams of becoming a serious writer. She has been influenced by many authors and we saw a little of what she could do in the previous book. She doesn’t realize it, but her words inspired Brandon Holloway to set up a newspaper in Mesquite Springs after leaving Xavier. Brandon arrives in town with his own baggage from recent events in Xavier including the death of his father. It will take him time to comes to grips with the events that happened were not his fault.

Mesquite Springs is mostly a congenial town until a mysterious Mr. K decides that he wants to build a hotel and own land in this sleepy little town. For some reason, he doesn’t want a town with a newspaper or possibly even a church/minister. Possibly because it would be easier to manipulate people into doing what he wants instead of what is best for them or the town.  Mr. K sends a man to town, Phil Blakeslee, to create friction among the citizens. Mr. K is determined to upset the town and pull them in multiple directions to his benefit. Phil does a bang-up job of causing dissent but hopefully, the town will realize this and come together.

The relationship between Dorothy and Brandon is slow to mature, but I think this is a good thing because they have the opportunity to work together and learn more about each other. There are some miscommunications that hinder their relationship from growing at times. It is obvious to everyone but these two that they belong together, at least in the beginning.

The character that steals the show (in my opinion) is Nutmeg. Nutmeg is a pregnant mutt that is very clever until discovered by Dorothy. But this bond they have will save Dorothy in the end (you will have to read the book to find out how!)

“…if a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. Mesquite Springs isn’t a kingdom, but I’m afraid this division will destroy it.”

The issues we see in today’s world are not unique to our times. I appreciated how the author brought to light multiple issues that affected people even in the 1800s from slavery/racial issues to mental issues such as depression. It was amazing how fast a few false rumors could affect a person’s wellbeing and is no different than life today with the advent of social media and the internet.

The book does leave you hanging regarding Mr. K but the author addresses this in the Author’s Notes and what we can expect in the last book in this trilogy. I’m curious how this issue will be resolved and look forward to reading this installment.

My favorite line from the book is this one because it says so much:

“You can choose happiness or fear.” 

Overall, this is a fun read and while you don’t have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one, you might want to pick it up first to get a feel for the town and the residents.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of Out of the Embers, as well as the Cimarron Creek Trilogy and the Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds series. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming.

 

 

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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

 

 

ONE WINNER receives both books in the Mesquite Springs Series

 

+ Bluebonnet Ornament + $25 B&N Gift Card.

 

US only.

 

Ends midnight, CST, 3/12/2021

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

 

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

 

or visit the blogs directly:

 

 

3/2/21	Character Interview	Book Bustle
3/2/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
3/3/21	Review	Reading by Moonlight
3/3/21	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
3/4/21	Author Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
3/5/21	Review	Jennifer Silverwood
3/6/21	Excerpt	That’s What She’s Reading
3/7/21	Excerpt	Forgotten Winds
3/8/21	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
3/9/21	Deleted Scene	All the Ups and Downs
3/10/21	Review	The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
3/11/21	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
3/11/21	BONUS Review	Missus Gonzo

 

 

 

 

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Somebody to Love

 

by Sharon Sala

 

Publication Date: 2/23/2021

 

 

Synopsis

 

Welcome to Blessings, Georgia! Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, you’re returning after years of being away, or you’re new in town, you’re sure to find the happy ending you’ve always been looking for.

 

Fifteen years ago, a family member stole the money Hunt Knox had saved for college, while three of his siblings and his father hid the truth and told him to get over it. Betrayed by their lies and thievery, Hunt joined the army and wound up flying Apache helicopters in Iraq. Now, he’s a chopper pilot for an oil company in Houston, Texas, his father has been dead for six years, and he’s finally returning home to Blessings at his mother’s dying request.

Ava Ridley, the little girl his mother used to babysit, has grown up and is a nurse at his mother’s bedside when he arrives. Ava is overjoyed to see him. She had a huge crush on him when she was young. And as the two spend more time together, Ava’s crush grows to be even more.

Through secrets, lies, family betrayal, and difficult choices, Hunt’s not sure he and Ava can ever make a home together in Blessings. Or if life will once again lead them onto different paths…?

 

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Apple * Kobo

 

Bookshop * BAM * Books2Read

 

 

Review

 

When I think of where I would like to be, it is a small community like the one in Blessings, GA. A community, while not without its challenges, comes together to support its fellow citizen and help improve everyone’s life. This book is no different.

The romance between Hunt and Ava is revived from their childhood, at least on Ava’s part. Hunt is several years older and while he watched out for her, he never saw her in a romantic light until now. Their romance seems quick, but they have a lot of history together and sometimes that is all you need to create a forever relationship.

While the romance is the main focus of the story, there are several subplots including Hunt’s relationship with his family, some troubled youth and their family, and the normal town happenings.

I enjoy this series and this book was no different. I did feel like something was a little off with the writing in this particular book but nothing I can put my finger on. Perhaps part of it was due to repetitive text, some of the characters seemed a little flat, and the development of the relationship between Hunt and Ava seemed just a little too quick despite their history.

The sense of community is what keeps bringing me back to this series. They don’t hesitate to look out for each other and help wherever possible.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

Hunt rode across town, past the park, and then west down Peach Street to the little house at the end of the block. He’d seen this house a million times in his dreams, but it hadn’t looked sad and run-down like this.

A black pickup was parked beneath the carport, so he rolled up and parked beside it. He got the house key out of his pocket, but as he headed toward the back door, the hair stood up on the back of his neck. He didn’t believe in ghosts, but this house didn’t feel like it wanted him there. That was fair.

He didn’t want to be here, either, but a promise was a promise.

He unlocked the door and walked into the utility room just off the kitchen, turning on lights as he went. All of the furnishings were here. If it hadn’t been for the faint layer of dust all over everything, he could imagine his mom had just stepped out to run an errand and would be back soon.

There was a low spot in the middle of the kitchen floor—probably floor joist issues. The old hardwood flooring was scarred and worn, and the furniture was threadbare. The sight of this neglect made Hunt angry. How could his brothers and sisters let this happen? They were all right here in the same town together.

The year Hunt began high school, they’d remodeled the attic enough to call it a bedroom, and for the first time in his life, he’d had a room of his own. Curious to see what it looked like now, he went straight up the narrow stairwell at the end of the hall and opened the attic door. The single window was bare of curtains or shades, and the dust motes in the air stirred as he moved through the space now filled with boxes of old memories that should have been laid to rest years ago.

The bed he’d slept in was gone. The closet door was missing, the closet empty. Even the rod where his clothes used to hang was gone. It was as if they’d wiped away all memories of him. If only he’d been able to do the same.

He went back downstairs, glancing in his mother’s room and accepting it was the only one decent enough to sleep in, then began eyeing all of the things that needed repair.

He went back to the kitchen to check out the appliances. The burners on the gas stove lit, the oven came on. The dishwasher was clean, and the single glass in the top rack told him it had recently been in use and was likely in working condition—something he’d find out later.

The water pressure was good, and the washer and dryer appeared to be in working condition. The refrigerator was the newest appliance in the house, but nearly everything inside it needed to be thrown away. He didn’t know for sure how long his mother had been in the hospital, but the carton of milk was over a month out of date, and the single container of peach yogurt had long since expired.

The ice in the bin beneath the icemaker had all frozen together, which meant the electricity must have been off at one time long enough to melt it. Then when the power returned, it froze back. So he took the bin out and dumped the ice in the sink, then put it back beneath the icemaker to start making fresh ice, then dumped everything that was in the freezer and refrigerator into the garbage.

The central heat and air were still working, and they looked newer than he remembered, which was good. There was a big job ahead of him to do this right, but in the long run, it would make a huge difference in the sale of the house. However, this task was going to take tools as well as supplies, so he went out back to the toolshed to see what, if anything, was left.

The light bulb was burned out in the shed, so he left the door open as he went in to look around, and it was just as he feared. There was nothing left in it but a couple of old hammers, a hand saw, and an old sack of roofing nails. Seeing the nails reminded him he needed to check on the condition of the roof as well. He could rent tools and hire help. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it was going to be a pain in the ass coping with his family while it happened.

He found a set of car keys hanging on a hook in the kitchen and guessed it was to the truck. If it ran, it would be handy to use while he was hauling stuff to the house to make repairs, so he went out to check. The insurance verification in the glove box was in Marjorie’s name. He turned the key to see if it would start, and the engine turned over immediately. So he locked the house and drove to the bed-and-breakfast to pack up his things and check out.

Bud was scanning Hunt’s card to pay for his room when Hunt thought about the locks he needed to change.

“Hey, Bud, is there still a locksmith here in town?”

“Yes, there sure is. Mills Locks, next door to Bloomer’s Hardware on Main Street. The owner’s name is Cecil, but everything is probably closed today.”

“Okay…I remember him,” Hunt said. “Thanks, and thank you for your hospitality,” he said, then carried his bag out to the truck. Out of curiosity, he drove straight to the locksmith, saw the Open sign on the door, and went inside.

The man at the counter looked up.

“Welcome to Mills Locks. I’m Cecil Mills. How can I help you?”

“I need a couple of new locks put on a house I’ll be remodeling. Would you be available to do that today?”

“Yeah, sure. Here in town?” Cecil asked.

“Yes, where Marjorie Knox lived. I’m her oldest son, Hunt. I’m going to fix it up some before it’s put up for sale.”

“Lived?”

Hunt nodded. “She passed away early this morning.”

Cecil frowned. “I hadn’t heard. I’m real sorry about that. I’m waiting on a customer who’s on the way in from his farm, but I can get away around noon, if you don’t mind me coming at your lunch hour.”

“I’m not on any schedule. You sure you’re okay working on New Year’s Day? It could wait until tomorrow,” Hunt said.

Cecil shrugged. “I’ve already been called out twice today for emergencies, and my wife is home and sick with the flu. I’d just as soon be here.”

“Then noon is fine. Do you know the address?” Hunt asked.

“It’s the last house on the right at the end of Peach Street, right?”

Hunt nodded. “Yeah. My Harley and her black pickup will be under the carport.”

“Then I’ll see you at noon.”

“Right,” Hunt said, and left the shop, then stopped by the grocery store. He was surprised to see that it was no longer a Piggly Wiggly, and had a new facade and a new name to go with it. The Crown.

Nobody recognized him, which made shopping easy, until he got up front to pay. The cashier who was checking him out kept looking at him, and when he put his credit card in the reader, she finally spoke.

“You sure do look familiar. Are you from around here?” she asked.

Hunt nodded as he put his card back in his wallet. “I’m Hunt Knox. I used to sack groceries here back when it was still the Piggly Wiggly. You’re Millie, aren’t you?”

“Yes! I’m Millie Garner! I knew you looked familiar. I just heard about your mother’s passing. My sympathies to the family,” she said.

“Thanks,” he said, and began putting his bags back in the shopping cart.

“Do you plan on staying here?” she asked.

“Only long enough to fix up the family house so it can be sold at auction. I promised her I’d do that,” Hunt said, then walked out pushing the shopping cart.

By the time he got back to the house and unloaded the groceries, it was getting close to noon. He took off his jacket, then began emptying the sacks and putting up the things he’d just bought.

By the time he was through, Cecil Mills was knocking on his door. He let Cecil in, and then pointed out the locations where new locks were needed.

“There’s just the front door, and then a back door in the kitchen.”

Cecil nodded. “I’ll get those switched out for you and get both locks synced to open with one key. How many keys are you going to want? It comes two keys to a set, so you’ll have four.”

“That’s plenty. I’ll be the only one using one here, but when it sells, then that will be handy for the new owners.”

“Then I’ll get right to work,” Cecil said.

“Call out if you need me,” Hunt said, then took a notepad and a pen and started in the kitchen, making a list of the things that needed to be fixed.

 

***

Excerpted from Somebody to Love by Sharon Sala. © 2021 by Sharon Sala. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

 

About the Author

 

Sharon Sala has 127 books and novellas in print. First published in 1991, she’s a RITA finalist, winner of the Janet Dailey Award, RT Career Achievement winner, National Reader’s Choice Award, Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence, Heart of Excellence Award, the Booksellers Best Award, RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the Centennial Award for recognition of her 100th published novel. Her books are New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestsellers. She lives in Oklahoma.

 

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Giveaway

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All the Cowboys Ain’t Gone

 

by John J. Jacobson

 

 

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Pages: 352

Date of Publication: February 23, 2021

Categories: Historical Fiction / Action Adventure / Western

 

 

 

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All the Cowboys Ain’t Gone is the rollicking adventure story of Lincoln Smith, a young Texan living at the beginning of the twentieth century, who thinks of himself as the last true cowboy. He longs for the days of the Old West, when men like his father, a famous Texas Ranger, lived by the chivalric code. Lincoln finds himself hopelessly out of time and place in the fast-changing United States of the new century. When he gets his heart broken by a sweetheart who doesn’t appreciate his anachronistic tendencies, he does what any sensible young romantic would do: he joins the French Foreign Legion. On his way to an ancient and exotic country at the edge of the Sahara, Lincoln encounters a number of curious characters and strange adventures, from a desert hermit who can slow up time to a battle with a crocodile cult that worships the god of death. He meets them all with his own charming brand of courage and resourcefulness.

 

 

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Want to be taken on a wild adventure? Imagine a cross between James Bond and Macgyver, throw in the Wild West and North Africa, and the result will be this book.

“I like gettin’ out and see what’s stirring with the new day, while it’s still fresh and wild, before others get a chance to mar it’s newness.”

I started reading this book and wasn’t sure what to expect. We meet Lincoln Smith, a young man that loses his father to some outlaws in the wild west of Texas in the late 1800s. His father was a role model for Lincoln and he did his best to emulate his father all his life. I have to admit I could relate a little bit to Lincoln and how he did not like things to change. He didn’t like the trains coming through his town and definitely did not like the horseless carriages he encountered as a young man. He even says he was born too late and should have been born about 50 years earlier.

Lincoln decides after a Wild West show closes that he is going to join the French Foreign Legion to see places he has only heard of and places he hasn’t. We have all heard of this outfit and I have to admit, I really don’t know much about them other than they are a military organization. Apparently, this organization still exists and I could find myself going down a rabbit hole reading about the group but stopped myself. Anyway, Lincoln makes his way to France to join up in the early 1900s and meets Jake and Johnny, two men that will have his back more times than he can count. What follows is their adventure.

Lincoln has some crazy good luck throughout the book. He manages to wriggle his way out of tough situations and while it may seem impossible, it is what made this book so fascinating to me. I think Lincoln is a bit naive and could have easily been taken advantage of (and probably was a few times) but luckily he met various characters that took him under their wing and watched out for him.

There is one character that I didn’t like at first but came to admire and that is Amanda. She is the daughter of an Ambassador and she is very hard-headed and insists on doing what she wants despite the potential danger. But I think that is what attracts Lincoln to her and there could be a romance brewing but only time will tell.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and once the action really picked up about halfway through the book, I had a hard time putting it down. Sure, some of it may seem impossible but that is the great thing about books, they make the impossible possible and let us imagine a world other than our own.

We give this 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though John J. Jacobson didn’t join the French Foreign Legion after being jilted by a girlfriend, or over his displeasure of missing the last great cattle drive, he has, borrowing Churchill’s phrase, lived a rather variegated life. He was born in Nevada, grew up in the West, surfed big waves in Hawaii, circled the world thrice, survived the sixties and seventies, corporate America, and grad school. Among other degrees he has an MA in Renaissance literature from Claremont Graduate University.

 

 

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All the Cowboys Ain’t Gone.

(US Only. Ends midnight, CDT, March 19, 2021.)

 

 

 

 

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3/9/21	Review	Book Bustle
3/9/21	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
3/9/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
3/10/21	Review	The Clueless Gent
3/10/21	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
3/11/21	Review	Reading by Moonlight
3/11/21	Review	Julia Picks 1
3/12/21	Review	Bibliotica
3/12/21	Review	Book Fidelity
3/13/21	Review	The Plain-Spoken Pen
3/14/21	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
3/15/21	Review	It’s Not All Gravy
3/15/21	BONUS Promo	All the Ups and Downs
3/16/21	Audio Review	KayBee’s Book Shelf
3/16/21	Review	Forgotten Winds
3/17/21	Review	Jennifer Silverwood
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3/18/21	Review	Tangled in Text

 

 

 

 

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Synopsis

 

When her elderly patients start dying at home days after minor surgery, anesthesiologist Dr. Kate Downey wants to know why. The surgeon, not so much. When Kate presses, surgeon Charles Ricken places the blame squarely on her shoulders. Kate is currently on probation and the chief of staff sides with Charles, leaving Kate to prove her innocence and save her own career.

Aided by her eccentric aunt, a precocious medical student, and the lawyer son of a victim, Kate launches her own unorthodox investigation of these unexpected deaths. As she comes closer to exposing the culprit’s identity, she faces professional intimidation, threats to her life and, tragically, the suspicious death of someone close to her. The stakes escalate to the breaking point when Kate, under violent duress, is forced to choose which of her loved ones to save—and which must be sacrificed.

 

 

 

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Praise

 

“Medical suspense as sharp as it gets. Euliano is off to a good, no, a brilliant start.” — Kathy Reichs, New York Times bestselling author of the Temperance Brennan Bones series

“This is terrific—delicious suspense, done-that authenticity, and a great main character in Dr. Kate Downey … we want to see more of her.” — Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author of The Sentinel

“Fatal Intent rings with thrilling authenticity. Tammy Euliano writes with convincing authority, immersing us in a world only a doctor truly knows.” — Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Call After Midnight

“Tense and fulfilling, there’s plenty of sizzle and emotional clout in this stirring debut.  And, even better, it’s all written by someone who knows what she’s talking about.  A wonderful beginning and I’m looking forward to more.”  — Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Kaiser’s Web

“[Fatal Intent has] an intriguing plot with wonderful twists and turns and all kinds of dangers—devious and frightening! A wonderful debut for this talented author!” — Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author of Danger in Numbers

“A tale of high stakes and shocking manipulations, the tension will keep you holding your breath until the very last page.” — Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of The First To Lie

 

 

Review

 

The topic of this book is a great one for book clubs or discussion in general. How do you feel about end-of-life issues especially when one is terminal or in a vegetative state? Why are they forced to suffer? This book will possibly have you thinking twice about how you feel on this subject.

Dr. Kate Downey is a strong protagonist but not without her own flaws. Her husband is in a vegetative state which weighs heavily on her emotions. Is she doing the right thing? This becomes very important as the book progresses as Dr. Downey works to uncover the mystery of why patients are dying after simple surgeries.

I was pulled into the story right from the start. I found the mystery intriguing and wondered if I would be able to decipher the clues and figure out how this was happening. Of course, I didn’t. But the journey was a roller coaster that kept me engaged. From Kate’s life as an anesthesiologist, teaching future doctors in anesthesia, a complicated situation with her husband and his family, and battling the Chief of Staff at the hospital. I felt a range of emotions, much like Kate. Sorrow for her family situation, curiosity about the recent deaths, compassion for her patients and students, and relating to the love she felt for her husband despite his situation.

There are many likable characters including her eccentric Aunt Irm, her student Jenn, a deceased patient’s son Christian. These characters helped round out the story and added an additional dimension to the various situations. I really liked Aunt Irm and her love for Kate and wanted to assist with solving this puzzle.

This book had the perfect blend of characters and situations to keep a reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. There will be some revelations at the end that might surprise you, I know I was not expecting them and it took the book in a new direction.

We give this book 5 paws up!

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Tammy Euliano, MD, is a practicing anesthesiologist and tenured professor of anesthesiology at the University of Florida. In addition to a prolific list of academic publications, YouTube teaching videos, and numerous teaching awards, she has also written award-winning short fiction. Fatal Intent is her debut novel. Tammy lives in Gainesville, FL, with her husband.

 

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Synopsis

 

Regency London

Caroline Gray’s third season in London society ends as badly as her first two—no marriage proposal, no suitor, not even a glimmer of an interested prospect. She suspects it’s because she is far too quick to speak her mind to men who are put off by her forthright opinions, her eager intellect backed by a formal education, and her unconventional ideas about the future. She is far more daring than demure to suit the taste of her class. Besides, Caroline thinks there will always be next season to find a husband.

However, her family’s dwindling income leaves Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: a one-way ticket to sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend waits. If the match doesn’t work, Caroline cannot return home.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the thrill of the open sea, and as commander of one of the ships of the Fishing Fleet, he ferries scores of young English girls to the shores of India to find husbands. The voyages pay well, but he struggles to understand why families would allow young women to be matched with total strangers so far away.

The trips have always been routine and uneventful—until this trip’s first night’s dinner with one Miss Caroline Gray. She engages in a lively political conversation, presenting opposing viewpoints to the conventionally opinionated gentlemen at her table. Captain Scott is secretly amused and delighted at her boldness, not to mention quite drawn to her beauty.

The rest of the passengers are shocked by her behavior and Caroline finds herself an outcast, suffering harsh judgments from the other passengers. However, she finds an unlikely ally in Captain Scott which quickly draws them closer.

Both know an arranged marriage awaits Caroline at the end of their voyage, yet the attraction between them is undeniable. Caroline will have to decide if she will honor her mother’s wishes and marry a man in India whom she has never met, thus securing a future for her and her mother, or be brave enough to throw convention to the wind and commit to love a sea captain. He may be enchanted by her bold and unconventional ways, but will his love and admiration last?

 

 

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Advance Praise

 

“A charming historical romance in which smarts and sass are vindicated.”— Foreword Reviews

“…a delightful, not exactly traditional Regency romance. Teen readers will enjoy this adventurous journey with its proactive heroine and exotic settings.”— Booklist, starred review

“An unconventional woman finds herself at home at sea in this stirring Regency from Julie Wright…This adventure is sure to entice fans of historical romance.”— Publishers Weekly

 

 

Review

 

Sometimes you just need a romance for that feel-good feeling and this one was a perfect fit for my reading mood.

It is fascinating to read how marriages and lives were in the Regency period. I feel bad for the women that lost pretty much everything when their husband died because they didn’t inherit the estate. This forces them to find other accommodations and they hope that they do not wear out their welcome with whomever they live with at this stage in their life.

Caroline is not like the other ladies seeking a husband. She is inquisitive and seeks knowledge and wants to be appreciated for her mind and not just be a wife that does not contribute to intellectual conversations and the like. She is most likely considered a bluestocking for that time. So far she hasn’t found that with any of the gentleman in England and possibly her last hope is to discover love with the son of a family friend that is living in India. She doesn’t expect to fall in love on the way to India with Thomas, the captain of the ship. I enjoyed the banter between the two and they both learning how to interact without jumping to the wrong conclusions as was wont to happen.

There is a bit of an adventure throughout the book. There is the three month journey to India from England, the storms they encountered, the pettiness of some of the ladies on the ship, and exploring and enjoying India once they arrived. We also find Caroline standing up for a young boy on the ship and endearing nearly all of the crew to her as she talks to them, asks questions, and is able to sketch a likeness of them to send home to mothers and wives.

I do think that there needed to be an epilogue…what happened with Caroline and Thomas? There is the indication of a happily ever after, but what exactly happened?

An enjoyable book and we give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Julie Wright started her first book when she was fifteen. She’s written over a dozen books since then, is a Whitney Award winner, and feels she’s finally getting the hang of this writing gig. She enjoys speaking to writing groups, youth groups, and schools. She loves reading, eating writing, hiking, playing on the beach with her kids, and snuggling with her husband to watch movies. Julie’s favorite thing to do is watch her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise but has a healthy respect for ice cream.

 

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