Kiss and Tell

About the Book:

Her ex is back to hold her to a marriage pact they made ten years ago . . .

Tabitha Winters, glamorous celebrity chef, loves her life and growing empire in New York. But when her best friends buy the old summer camp where they worked as counselors, she can't turn down their invitation to appear at the opening week fundraising gala . . . even if it means confronting the memories of her first love and its disastrous ending.

She never imagines she’ll run into Sawyer Reed again—her old flame has no business being at Oak Crest. And worse? He’s there to collect on a marriage pact they made ten years ago when they were clueless college kids.

But Tabitha never could resist a dare, and when Sawyer double dares her to give him a week to show her they still have their old magic, she's all in to prove he's wrong.

Only she doesn’t count on him knowing her better than he has a right to. Or having the perfect dates to charm her. And she definitely didn't plan on their attraction still burning hotter than the end-of-season bonfire. But summer camp isn’t real life, and Tabitha won’t let the spell he’s weaving derail her well-planned future. Except no other guy has ever gotten to her the way Sawyer does, and as his knee-buckling kisses work their magic, Tabitha wonders: can she risk her heart again on the only man who ever broke it?

My Review:

The setting of Camp Oak Crest of the campfire, cabins, trails, and the activities brought back fond memories of the years that I attended church camp. Ms. Jacobson artfully describes the revitalized camp that I could easily see myself being there. This was such a fun and sweet romance of two camp counselors who haven’t seen each other in nine years and are reunited to have their second chance at love.

Bravo to Sawyer for admitting his mistakes and setting about winning Tabitha’s heart once again. He was patient and understanding with her as she works through the pain of his past rejection. The camp activities were a really special and creative way to show Tabitha how much he cared for her. The dual timeline worked so well in seeing what Tabitha experienced in falling in love as a teenager. The pace of the book was just right, not too fast, and not too slow as Tabitha has to decide if she is going to let go of the past and make a leap of faith to trust her heart. 

I received a copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

(Book Two of Creekville Kisses)

The Physician's Dilemma

 

About the Book:

A female surgeon must navigate society’s restrictions in this fun and courageous tale about finding love where you least expect it.

A physician seeking love
Julian Grey has led a charmed life. His every endeavor has been easily achieved, and he doesn’t want for much. Freedom from the females in his family. A man-sized scone. A bride so he might join his friends in wedded bliss. He’s even found the perfect lady to court. But first, he needs to hire a surgeon for Heloise Manor, London’s newest foundling home.

If only it weren’t for the annoying Miss Grace, whose brash manner and freakishly accurate memory irritate him like a pebble in his boot.

A surgeon seeking employment
Charlotte Grace wants nothing more than to be a surgeon, but she’ll be content helping her father treat his patients. Until he retires, that is.

Set adrift, Charlie goes to London to further her studies and seek like-minded doctors for intelligent discourse. Instead she encounters small minds and Dr. Julian Grey, a physician who studied with her father years ago. Life is too easy for Dr. Grey—even London’s stubborn traffic parts for him. With little effort he’s gained the entrée into the medical world that she desperately longs for. But she’s willing to overlook his failings if he’ll hire her on as surgeon at Heloise Manor.

When an impossible choice demands courage, will Julian and Charlie find their way to love?

My Review:

Charlotte (Charlie) Grace wants one thing in life and that is to be a surgeon. She has studied for years, has gone with her doctor father on calls, and is progressive in her treatment plans. She is an excellent physician, but there is only one problem, she is a woman living in 1819. 

Brash and outspoken, Charlie hides behind her gruff exterior in order to guard her heart and hide her disappointment in not being accepted in the medical field. Her tenacity and perseverance made me root for her and want to see her succeed. I loved seeing her go from being brusque and somewhat of a know-it-all, to transforming into a surgeon with compassion for the children at the orphanage. 

Julian Gray and Charlie were a perfect fit. As both of them let down their defenses, they could see the possibility of a lifetime of love. When Julian allowed Charlie to try some innovative medical treatments and pursue her dream of being a surgeon, I couldn’t wait for them to discover that two are better than one. Hats off to Julian when he gave Charlie credit and recognition for her medical practices in front of a room full of male physicians.

If you love historical fiction, this is a book you will want to read. I learned so many interesting things about the medical practices of that time. Ms. Smith has written a story with such detail that I really felt I was there with Charlie and Julian and the children at the foundling home. This is part of the Something Wonderful series, but can be read as a standalone. 

I was given a copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Scarlet Bergamot pictured here on the left is an herb that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. 

The Last Way Home

 About the Book: 

"A disgraced former NHL player and a local artist are thrown together when her pottery studio burns to the ground on the day he returns to Prince Edward Island. But as they work together to rebuild, their secrets will come out, putting even their hearts on the line".

My Review: 

Eli Ross has made a huuuge mess of his life and professional hockey career and the only option left to him is to return home after a stormy departure years ago. Violet Donaghy fled from her guilt and pain to the place and very family that Eli had left behind. 

I loved the way that Ms. Johnson wove the lives of Eli and Violet’s brokenness, pain, and their healing together. The story of the prodigal child was masterfully crafted and was a reminder of how much love can transform us. 

The Ross men and their mother are such a wonderful family that you just want to be a part of their family. The townspeople are fun and I can see myself going to the hockey games and rooting for Eli's team. I loved how the town all rallied around Eli to help him. This can be read as a standalone, but I am looking forward to reading more stories in this series. 

Thank you to the Revell Reads program and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. 

Deception

About the Book: 

When ISB Ranger Madison Thorn arrives in Natchez to investigate a white-collar scheme, she has no idea she will be thrown back into the violent crimes division--or that it will get so personal. She'll have to work with her childhood-enemy-turned-handsome-charmer to unravel the clues before it's too late.

My Review: 

You know how your English teacher says the way to read your story is to have a good hook.  Well, how about this one? “Today was not a good day to die.” This sure had my attention and the opening scene was not only exciting, but also surprising and wanting to read more. 

Secrets, corruption, murder, and action had Madison, Clayton, and me all trying to untangle the web of deceit that Madison had been completely unaware of even existed. That is, until someone totally unexpected comes crashing into her life and turns everything upside down. With twists and turns and several false leads, you are sure to want to read this book. It is this fourth book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, but can be read as a standalone. I have read the other three books, but there are only cameo appearances from other characters in the series and they are only there to provide assistance and support to Madison and Clayton. 

I received this book through Net Galley and the publisher, Revell, and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

The Heart of the Mountains Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Heart of the Mountains

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance

Release date: July 1, 2022

Can their hearts overcome the darkness of the mountains?

To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.

Returning from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before Cora Taylor arrived. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her modern ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her.

Bound by their shared war history, the pair develop an unlikely friendship, which unexpectedly hints to something more. But when Cora’s desire to help the women of the mountains crosses an unspoken line, will Jeb be able to protect this feisty flatlander from the wrath of the mountain men or will he end up losing much more than his heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter.

 More from Pepper

It’s so interesting how one idea can influence an entire series, or…how one person’s story can.

The idea for The Heart of the Mountains started in Laurel’s Dream with a hint of a family history story about a girl named Kizzie. (Someday, I hope to bring Kizzie’s story to the pages of a book). From there, the idea began to grow out of a love for my Appalachian culture into a series of books which highlighted (and fictionalized) stories from my family history.

 The main story in The Heart of the Mountains is about Jeb and Cora, two different people with similar servant hearts, but the secondary story that touched me so much was the one based on my great grandfather’s life. I write about it in the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, so I won’t go into detail about it. However, what I loved getting to do is bring the truth of God’s redemption in my great grandfather’s life…to life again.

 I never knew “Papa Rat”. I only knew the stories handed down to me by my granny and my mama, but in writing this story, I feel as though I had a tiny opportunity to “meet” him in these pages. He was a gruff mountain man with a broken past which led him to make a whole lot of broken choices, but his story is incredibly encouraging, because it points to the God of broken people. My great grandpa wasn’t left in his brokenness, but, after years of running away from God, he would later recount that God pursued him. The beauty of Sam McAdams’ journey in The Heart of the Mountains is only a little glimpse into what I imagine my great grandpa’s redemption story looked like.

 Because my great grandpa was forever changed when Jesus saved him (as any of us should be).

I think that’s what my granny and her siblings (and even “Papa Rat” himself) would want most -that his story would point to Jesus. I hope that’s what you see when you read about Sam McAdams in The Heart of the Mountains.

 Have you ever read a book based on family history? One of my favorites is Catherine Marshall’s Christy.

My Review: 

What caused Cora to flee to the Appalachian mountains was desperation; what caused her to stay was determination. Pepper Basham’s familiarity with the Appalachian culture and her family’s roots in the area the story is set brings richness to the characters and depth to their way of life.  

Cora Taylor was an outsider (flatlander) and at first didn’t understand the ways of the mountain folk.  But, she fell in love with the people, their fortitude, and their loyalty to each other. I admired her courage as she put aside her fears to help when she was needed. The opening scene of Cora riding a mule into the wilderness to find her uncle and her brother was both hilarious and hair-raising. I would have been tempted right then to go back to town, but I quickly realized that Cora doesn’t give up easily.  She was one of my favorite characters for not only this reason, but her heart of compassion as she serves the people of Maple Springs and wins the hearts of many of them. 

Jeb McAdams was a big-hearted man who ends up coming to Cora’s rescue again and again. Helping Cora tend the medical needs of the community comes at a great price to himself, but he puts aside his misgivings to do whatever she needs. He was a true treasure that I’d definitely want to be my friend. 

Some favorite quotes of mine are:

“Adventure and danger are often thrust on a person here.”

“There is no fast thaw with these people. Slow and steady faithfulness and authenticity reach them.”

“Love’s worth being brave, Ain’t it? Brave again and again and again.”

I highly recommend this book. I would add it to your library as I am sure you will read it often.  

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

Blog Stops

Bizwings Blog, July 28

Rachael’s Inkwell, July 28

Bigreadersite, July 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 29

Inklings and notions, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Boondock Ramblings, July 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Reading With Emily, July 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 31 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, August 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1

Daysong Reflections, August 2

deb’s Book Review, August 2

Live. Love. Read., August 2

Betti Mace, August 3

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Remembrancy, August 4

For Him and My Family, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, August 5

By the Book, August 5

Wishful Endings, August 5

For the Love of Literature, August 6

Books, Books and More Books, August 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 6

Connie’s History Classroom, August 7

SodbusterLiving, August 7

Splashes of Joy, August 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8

Back Porch Reads, August 9

Through the Fire Blogs, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Labor Not in Vain, August 10

Miriam Jacob, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e- gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/20389/the-heart-of-the-mountains-celebration-tour-giveaway

Crossfire

 About the Book: 

FBI special agent Julianna Jameson is a top-notch negotiator who has never lost a hostage. Surely she can manage to take care of her much younger sister, Dottie, who showed up unannounced to live with Julianna while she finished her senior year of high school.

A former sniper with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Clay Fox left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Now he's working as a high school resource officer until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life.

Their paths cross when Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister. Impressed and a bit intimidated by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, Clay invites her to speak at his school. Dottie's school.

But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Dottie is next in line.

This intense story of revenge and redemption from bestselling author and master of suspense Lynette Eason will have you up all night as you race toward the explosive finish.

My Review: 

Getting to see the story of Julianna Jameson and how her mistakes as a teen were turned from tragedy to triumph made this such a great book. The subplots were well done, giving an air of mystery and suspense, and the masterful telling of the story had all of the pieces fit together with a satisfying conclusion. I was happily surprised by some and saddened and surprised by other parts of the story. 

I really enjoyed the characters of courageous Julianna, her love interest Clay Fox, and her tough yet compassionate little sister, Dottie. Julianna had what it took to be a hostage negotiator: calm, clear-thinking, and cool under pressure when things were tense. Clay is a steadying force in the lives of Julianna and his students. He was a wonderful influence on the students who needed someone to care. Dottie had faced a great number of difficulties growing up, but she chose not to let them embitter her. She was one of my favorites and hopefully she will be in future stories. 

This is the second book in the Extreme Measures series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, you would enjoy the first book too! If you like suspense with some mystery and romance, and a faith element, this is one to read. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Sabotaged Mission

 

About the Book: 

Framed and on the run…

With nowhere left to hide

When a failed mission leaves CIA operative MacKenzie “Mac” Sharp injured and her partner presumed dead, going off-grid is the only way to survive. But her old flame, CIA officer Gabe Denton, has tracked her down and led a well-connected enemy right to her door. Now with someone trying to frame and kill her, working with Gabe is the only way to clear her name…and stay alive.

My Review:

From the cover of the book to its last page, Tina Radcliffe’s story had me turning pages in this romantic suspense.  There is lots of action, beginning as soon as Gabe Denton convinces Mackenzie (Mac) Sharp to accompany him to Denver to discuss the failed mission that left her seriously injured. “Back!Get back in the house!” Gabe glanced over his shoulder in the same second that the vehicle exploded. 

There are also funny comments like this one to break the tension so you can relax some before the next thing happens to try and stop Mac from reaching Denver. “Are you okay?” Mac repeated. “Your house hit me.”

I always like when I can figure out who the mastermind in a crime and I was happy that I figured out what was happening before a couple of CIA agents! Courage. Danger. Faith. is the motto for the Love Inspired stories and this had them all.  I recommend making this your next read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.