Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Fatal Forensic Investigation

About the Book:

Remembering a serial killer’s face…could be deadly

While interviewing the Coastline Strangler’s only surviving victim, forensic artist Scarlet Wells is attacked and left with amnesia. Now she’s his next mark and has no choice but to work with constable Jace Allen to unlock the criminal’s true identity trapped in her mind. Will they be able to recover the hidden memory and hunt down the killer before he strikes again?

My Review: The Coastline Strangler has an agenda in mind and he seems unstoppable. This was one creepy serial killer! How could he be everywhere? His killings are escalating and he has his sights set on Scarlet Wells, a forensic sketch artist. The scary thing is that she is injured and cannot remember a lot of details, especially anything that would help catch the killer.

This was very suspenseful with nonstop action as not only is Scarlet a target, but also is Officer Jace Allen. He's a man from her past and now a part of the investigation. It seemed like I could hardly catch my breath before something else happened! But, evil men do not win and Scarlet is one clever young lady who outsmarts the horribly vile and deranged man.

Watching the faith in God, that Scarlet had just about given up, be restored was so encouraging. Through all of the difficulties she faced, she realized that God “used her amnesia to cleanse me. Renew the old Scarlet and shape her into a stronger woman.”

I recommend reading this if you like Christian suspense story with romance and mystery. I received a copy of this book with no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Monday, June 27, 2022

In Honor's Defense Giveaway

About the Book

Book: In Honor’s Defense

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 7, 2022

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life–for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Karen Witemeyer is a great story teller, bringing to life the characters, plot, and intertwining a message of faith. Luke Davenport was a man of integrity who had a sense of justice, and one who would protect those who were in his care, no matter how high the cost to himself. I know he saw himself as, “discontent, dangerous, and a bit deranged, but I agree with Damaris, the woman he is protecting when she says, “I prefer driven, devoted, and dependable.”

Luke “Preach” has things from his past that he must deal with, but his willingness to be teachable and allow God to help him shows the kind of person many others would like to be. His faith was unshakeable and inspirational. He was just the kind of man Damaris and Nathaniel needed as they met with obstacles and unscrupulous men. I loved seeing that three people who were at first not always in one accord became a cord of three that could not be easily broken.

Have you ever read a book that you can see the scene playing out before you? This is how the ending was as Damaris finds herself in danger and the villains have the upper hand. I was extremely happy how things turned out and highly recommend this book. It is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone. I had not read the other books, but as other Horsemen are part of the story, I need to read their stories too!

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

About the Author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

Meet Luke and Damaris

As the Hanger’s Horsemen series comes to a close, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, don’t worry. This one stands on its own just fine.

Luke

Luke Davenport is a former cavalry officer who is part of an elite squad of men known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Haunted by the horrors of war, this group of Texas legends has spent the last few years fighting for justice on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. Luke is Matthew Hanger’s right-hand man, but when Matt retires the Horsemen in favor of a more settled life with his new wife, Luke is left feeling adrift. So when a solo job comes his way to track down rustled cattle, he jumps at the opportunity.

Known for his strength, his size, and his skill with his fists, I modeled Luke after a pair of football players, Howie Long and JJ Watt. He’s a man of action with a bit of wildness inside, yet his ability to memorize Scripture earned him the nickname Preach. He’s a godly man with scars, seeking to find his place as his Horsemen brothers move on to new phases of life.

Damaris

Damaris Baxter has been invisible her entire life. Plain of face and quiet of manner, she it’s the epitome of unremarkable. While she dares heroic feats and grand adventures between the covers of her favorite books, life outside the pages consists of little more than needlework and dull conversation with her great aunt. Until her brother dies under suspicious circumstances and she travels to Texas to care for her nephew. Determined that the “Texas Damaris” will be bolder and braver than her former self, she sets out to win the heart of a grieving boy and ends up mixed up in a dangerous murder plot with a handsome cowboy who actually sees her.

When creating Damaris’s character, I gave her two of my favorite hobbies—reading and cross-stitching. She shares other similarities with me as well. She’s a quiet person who dislikes making waves, but when family needs her, there’s nothing she won’t do to help. Her questionable baking skills might also have found some inspiration in my personal experience. Just ask my husband about my famous transparent chocolate chip cookies.

Opposites Attract?

I love to explore what brings people together, and while it’s a common idea that opposites attract, I’ve always believed that there must be some core commonalities beneath the differences to bind a couple together for a lifetime. So, while Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—they actually have several core commonalities. They both crave belonging and family, they both value God’s Word, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.

Now that you’ve been introduced to Luke and Damaris, I hope you’ll join them on the adventure that leads them to love.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 27

Book Looks by Lisa, June 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, June 28

Daysong Reflections, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30

Pause for Tales, June 30

lakesidelivingsite, June 30

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 1

deb’s Book Review, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 2

Babbling BeckyL’s Book Impressions, July 3

Bizwings Blog, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Inklings and notions, July 5

Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Connie’s History Classroom, July 6

SodbusterLiving, July 6

Texas Book-aholic, July 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Through the Fire Blogs, July 7

Splashes of Joy, July 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a Hanger’s Horsemen prize bundle consisting of autographed copies of all three books in the series, a custom mug, and Horsemen swag!! (U.S. Only)

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/1f45c/in-honor-s-defense-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Hair Calamities and Hot Cash Giveaway

Book: Hair Calamities and Hot Cash

Author: Gail Pallotta

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: 2018

What happens when a New York stockbroker crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s North Carolina beauty shop … on the same day the young widow’s defective hair products are causing wild hairdos? Soon, Eve finds herself helping the handsome stranger hunt the thieves who stole his clients cash…and hot on the trail of two of the FBI’s most-wanted criminals!

Romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back the money.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author:

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner and a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist. She’s published six books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.

More from Gail:

Even mysterious events and robbery can’t stop the fun, laughs and romance that follow after New York stock broker Philip Wells crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s beauty shop.

Hair Calamities and Hot Cash is a contemporary romance with mystery and comical scenes about a New Yorker and a lonely, young widow in the North Carolina Mountains who fall for each other amid a crisis, danger and suspense.

The story behind Hair Calamities and Hot Cash began many years ago in a small town at the foothills of the North Carolina Mountains, where my mother ran a beauty shop.

Her salon doubled as a meeting place where customers who knew each other discussed how to make the latest recipe, what to do about world affairs and everything in between, including family relations, births, deaths and weddings. Clients planned showers, graduation parties and get-togethers for new neighbors while hair flew.

Mostly townspeople showed up, and the spirit of the community overflowed. The residents had disagreements, but they didn’t abhor those who thought differently from them. They had close friends, acquaintances, people they tolerated and those they kept at a distance. As in most small environments, they gossiped and could be nosey. However, when someone grieved for a loved one, suffered from an illness or any other crisis, prayers went up and casseroles went out no matter whether the person was a best friend or someone held at a distance. They all were God’s children.

The walls of Mother’s beauty shop echoed the spirit of the community, and I wanted to bring it back. I set the mystery, romance and shenanigans in the Western North Carolina Mountains. Many years ago, a friend my father knew in college came to visit us, and we drove him to the mountains. He said, “I’ve traveled the world over, and I’ve never seen a place any prettier than these hills.” I wanted to share the awe-inspiring scenery. I believe we need those peaceful surroundings and the sense of community now more than when I wrote the book.

My Review:

In the small town of Triville, North Carolina, everyone knows everybody’s business. So, when a new man literally crashes his way into the young widow’s hair salon, people are anxious to see what’s going to happen. Will Eve let Philip into her life and take a chance on love again or will he return to New York City without her?

Besides handsome strangers crashing into her shop, unusual things are happening at Eve’s Clips. Hair products are missing, perms and hair dyes bring disastrous results, and… who is leaving threatening notes? I thought Eve took things in stride and was not as worried about what was happening as I would have been.

Hair products aren’t the only thing that are missing as Philip has 1 million dollars of investments stolen from his motel room. He and Eve team up to try and locate the cash. What they find is an even bigger situation than either of them would have imagined.

I liked the small town and the investigating that Philip and Eve did, but I felt that their relationship was rushed. I also thought the conclusion of the mysteries was quickly wrapped up and I was expecting a bit more time to be spent on developing the reasons things happened.

This was a quick, fun read and a great book to read in an evening. Thank you to Celebrate Lit for a copy of the book. I was not expected to give a positive review. My opinions are my own.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 22

Book Looks by Lisa, June 22

For Him and My Family, June 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 25

Texas Book-aholic, June 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 27

Inklings and notions, June 28

deb’s Book Review, June 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 1 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Guild Master, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

A Baker’s Perspective, July 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gail is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/1f459/hair-calamities-and-hot-cash-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

To Kiss A Wallflower

It’s wonderful when you can recommend a book like this one to young and mature readers. Each of the stories were really fun and unique featuring the oft forgotten wallflowers.

The Wallflower’s Dance by Jen Geigle Johnson

The opening paragraph drew me in right away and had me smiling as it summed up how Lottie felt about life in general. She was “still of the opinion that few people were required for happiness. Three things were needed: her closest friends, a good book, and lovely walk in the park. And perhaps a husband. Someday.” The chemistry and the “aha!” moment that Lottie realized who she loved was perfect.

Letters to a Wallflower by Heather Moore

Ellen Young doesn’t look forward to the Season and in fact, wants nothing more than to be allowed to tend roses in the country. “Not all men of the ton are desirable, Mother. In fact, most of them are rakes— is that what you wish for my future?” How Ellen finds herself falling in love with nobility, and Lord Ravenshire at that, makes this a fantastic story.

To Marry a Wallflower by Anneka Walker was a story that was sweet and touching. Lord Luke Templeton has such a kind and generous heart that he finds himself in a most unusual position. “Luke had never intended to go to a gentleman’s club and leave with a note of betrothal.” The charade that both Luke and Charlotte Winters, his betrothed, allow you to see each of their points of view. Add in a mistaken identity and untangling the mess made this a delightful story.

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

Monday, June 20, 2022

Stars in the Night Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Stars in the Night

Author: Cara Putman

Genre: WWII Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 1, 2022

Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer’s sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her but instead must identify her body. Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan. Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister. Could the killer be the man with whom she’s falling in love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing award-winning books with the count currently at 35 published and more in the works.

In addition to writing, I am a mom of four, attorney, clinical professor at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University’s MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you’d like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/), and I’ll send you the link.