Cloaked in Beauty

 

About the Book: In the heart of the Piney Woods of Texas, Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit. Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to Letty grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping her out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

My Review: 

I think it would difficult to write a modern day retelling of a fairy tale that is set in Texas, but Karen Witemeyer makes it seem so easy! With a young lady hiding in the woods with her pet wolf, and aspects of not one, not two, but three fairy tale stories come to life. I loved Letty, her grandmother Iris, Rusty the wolf, and Philip Carmichael, the man who must find and protect her.

Letty was quite the young woman as she goes on an arduous journey with Philip to be reunited with her mother. There were many times that many people would have quit, but she was brave and resourceful and never gave up. While living in seclusion may have seemed drastic in order to remain hidden from her foe, it actually helped Letty develop her strong, confident, and independent spirit. Philip was a great leading man as he showed time and again that he would risk his life to protect Letty and those who depended upon him for their safety.

Things to love:
danger
kind strangers
faith thread
the dragon and the wolf tale
love of books
penetrating the lair
the kiss

Favorite quote:
“At your side, wherever the road leads.”

This is the third book in the Texas Ever After series, but can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Dead Weight

 

About the Book

Book: Dead Weight: An Abbi Kincaid Suspense Novel

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: Suspense

Release date: August 29, 2023

When Florida Panhandle police officer Abbi Kincaid obtains a coveted position on the Bay County dive team, she has no inkling her first mission will be anything but routine. Recovering a murder weapon eighty feet below the ocean surface is a simple assignment until Abbi finds herself face-to-face with a mutilated body.

Then a fisherman pulls up a second body, and the similarities set off a search for a connection between the two murder victims. The quest leads to the murky world of high-stakes underwater salvage and treasure-hunting. But what instigated this killing spree, and why now?

A horrific new trail of evidence is uncovered, and Abbi begins to wonder if her beloved brother Brad’s recent death is unrelated or whether he is yet another victim of this predator, even as she wrestles with age-old questions of why God allows good people to die.

When one more salvage diver goes missing, Abbi is pulled into a dangerous mission to rescue him. Trapped by the killer in an underwater cave, Abbi can no longer keep running but must face her worst fears head-on. With time and air running out, can she find a way to save not just herself but the others trapped with her? Does she have the strength, courage, and faith to do so before time runs out?

 My Review: 

Investigator Abbi Kincaid is a new member of the Bay County underwater crime scene team and right away discovers a body when on a different assignment. Upon further investigating. Abbi puts the pieces together for several other murders that had happened in the area. She is a great asset to the team and the case was an interesting one. 

I liked the underwater police procedure novel, which was quite different than one on the land. If you enjoy crime stories in which you are given clues to see if you can figure out motive and perpetrator, you will like this book. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Kathy Cassel is the author of more than a dozen fiction and non-fiction titles for preteens and teens, including 2021 Selah Award finalist Freerunner, Catching Hope, and 2023 Selah Award finalist and Christian Indie Award finalist, A Thousand Lies. Dead Weight is her first adult suspense novel and the first book in the Abbi Kincaid Suspense series.

Kathy has lived on three continents with her USAF husband, has eight children, five adopted of them adopted, three from Haiti, and six grandchildren. To better relate to her characters, she enjoys learning their skills such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and riding a motorcycle, but draws the line at sky diving.

More from Kathy

In 2015, my daughter Jessica and I had the idea to write an underwater crime scene series. She was in the FSUPC’s underwater crime scene program, but I had never dived. I kept asking her questions about scuba techniques to make the scenes authentic, but I didn’t have a feel for it. So I took the four-hour intro to scuba class. I did not expect to like it because I am a bit claustrophobic and also didn’t think I had enough air to clear my mask. But in reality, I did fine. In fact, I liked it enough that I signed up for Padi Basic on the spot.

Jessica and I worked on the book, and I continued learning to dive, ending up with my SDI open water advanced with some specialties. But it turns out we didn’t know what we were doing when it came to writing a fiction novel. So I enlisted the help of a fiction coach. We basically started the whole book over.

But by this time, my daughter and her husband were starting a family, and she decided to go to nursing school instead of going into law enforcement. Meanwhile, I pressed on alone with the book.

I decided that since my main character rode a motorcycle, it might be helpful to try that, too, so that the scenes where she rides would sound realistic. That was not without its own challenges, but I eventually got my certification, bought a cycle, and also learned to shoot a gun.

So, because of Abbi, I learned to dive, ride, and shoot!

The plot had changed drastically by now. I became so overwhelmed that I quit three times! During those times, I wrote three YA novels (Freerunner, Catching Hope, and A Thousand Lies). But I always knew I’d return to the underwater crime scene story. And I did. I kept pushing, and finally, with the help of my fiction coach, I finished the book. I hope you enjoy it.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 16

Bizwings Blog, December 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 18

Stories By Gina, December 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 19

Betti Mace, December 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 21

Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, December 23

Artistic Nobody, December 24 (Author Interview)

Book Looks by Lisa, December 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Fiction Book Lover, December 27 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28

Blogging With Carol, December 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book and a $40 Books a Million gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54121/

One Last Stand

Book Description: 

As a member of the Air One Rescue team, pilot London Brooks has built a new life—one far away from her clandestine past as an operative tasked to take down a branch of Russian terrorists. She has no desire to reenter that world or endure the grief of losing everyone she loved, including her fiancé. But the past won’t stay past. When she finds herself falsely accused, her reputation tarnished, and her life in danger, she has no choice but to plunge back into the treacherous world she left behind. Even if she must surrender everything—and everyone—she loves in her new life.Shep Watson will never forget the day he saved London Brooks from the avalanche that nearly killed her. He knew there was more to her story, but he’s intent on keeping her secrets. Just when it seems she’s finally ready to let him into her heart, her past comes knocking. But he can’t bear to lose her again. Which means, somehow, he’ll have to enter her world, keep up with her, and figure out a way to bring her home. But when the danger comes home to Alaska, what will it cost the Air One Rescue team?

My Review:

London Books has secrets that she hasn’t shared with anyone that just might get her killed. She has started a new life with the Air One Rescue team, but the past has a way of catching up with you. Shep Watson has secrets too, as he has been tasked with watching over her and protecting her. When London’s life spins out of control, I loved that Shep was her steadying force. He had such strength of character and determination to protect her that I was completely drawn into the story. I loved the danger, the plot twists, and the revelations of both London’s and Shep’s pasts.  

Things to Love:

a castle

secret passages

spies

Air One rescue team

faith thread

second chances

I have loved every story in the Alaska Air One Rescue series. I was so sad to see it end and wish there were more books to read. If you are looking for action-packed, suspenseful plots with romance and a faith thread, you will want to be sure and read these books. 

There Comes a Midnight Hour

Description: 

Cloaked in the shadows at a midnight masquerade, a killer lies in wait. Dancers waltz to and fro—completely unaware of the danger lurking in their midst.

Paris 1888

Mira Blayse had always dreamed of going to Paris, but she never imagined a murderer would lead her to the City of Light. Reunited with Byron, the two of them delve into the heart of Parisian society, determined to ensure that justice is served, no matter the cost.

Yet, as they uncover the intricate web of deception woven by the Order of Circe and their operatives, Mira finds herself ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With tensions mounting and secrets unraveling on every side, the key to unlocking the truth lies in the identity of one of Circe’s leaders—the enigmatic Number Three. But in a world of false faces and hidden agendas, can Mira uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Review: 

I love the dynamic sleuthing duo of Mira Blayse and Byron Constantine! As the two continue their search for an unstable killer and member of the secret criminal organization, Circe, I was totally a part of their investigation. I loved the search for clues and the people and places they encounter. Pages were turning at a high rate of speed for me. 

Things to love: 

the masquerade ball

the catacombs

danger 

correspondence

continued courtship

plot twists

I highly recommend reading this third book in the series but do so in order. There is a lot of backstory you will need to know in order to follow the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! This is a book that lovers of Sherlock Holmes or historical mysteries will want to add to their collection. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book through BookSirens. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Journey to Unshakable Faith

  

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: A Journey to Unshakable Faith
Series: Journeys of Faith #1
Author: Sydney Witbeck

Left with no other option, fourteen-year-old Esther is forced to leave the castle for her own safety, not knowing if she will ever see her mother and father again. With only a pack of food and her faithful horse Onyx, Esther sets off on an adventure to find her mother’s people. But the enemy is never far behind, closing in on the princess who eludes them. Will she be able to make it to safety? And will she ever see her parents again?

When all hope seems lost, Esther soon finds that God never leaves His children on their own. At every turn, Esther meets friendly faces willing to help her as she strives to find a way to get back to her parents. With only her faith in God as her weapon, Esther turns back to home, determined to have the victory once and for all. But will that be enough? It seems that Esther will never see her parents in this world again. And all hope seems lost when Esther is finally captured and hidden away. It’s time for the villagers to take up arms and fight for their freedom. Will they prevail? Or will evil finally win? The true victory lies in finding a faith that is unshakable.

My Review:

When Princess Esther is forced to flee her kingdom and seek refuge with her mother’s family, she has to trust God that he’ll protect her. The trip is not without its difficulties and dangers, but thanks to those who help her, she arrives safely. She is befriended by the kind and fiercely loyal, Reia, who not only helps her find her family’s village but also chooses to make the long and arduous trip of returning to the castle. 

This Medieval tale reminded me of the Biblical story of Esther, but with a couple of twists. I enjoyed how Taren plays a role in aiding Esther and confronting the dastardly Malon. Esther is going to make a great queen when the time comes having been through trials and hardships. She understands those in need and has lived among the villagers for an extended period of time. 

Things to enjoy: 

good vs. evil

strong FMC

lovable side characters

Biblical references

canine companion

I enjoyed the plot and look forward to seeing what will happen to Esther. This is a terrific book for teens through adults and one that I recommend reading.  

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Just Read Tours. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author

More Books in This Series

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About the Author

Sydney Witbeck is a Christian self-published author. She has a strong love for the Lord, her family, church, and friends. She has been blessed with supportive parents and two sisters and often helps out at the family business, Learning Cycle Homeschool Store. An avid bookworm, Sydney is happiest curled up with a good book. She has always enjoyed reading and rereading her favorite stories – a passion that soon transferred to writing books of her own. Her writing journey began when she heard how many moms were looking for fiction novels for girls that were both clean and Christian. In her free time, she likes drawing, spending time with her dog, and caring for her miniature horse and her three goats.

Connect with Sydney by visiting storiesoffaithfulness.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and signed paperback copies of A Journey to Unshakable Faith and the sequel, A Journey to Abiding Forgiveness.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Prelude for a Lord

An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart?

Bath, England—1810

At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician.

In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal.

But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick.

Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul.

Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .

My Review: 

Lady Alethea Sutherton is considered an oddball and social outcast because she is a spinster and a violinist. I admired her determination to continue to play the instrument that she had fallen in love with. It took a lot of courage and an amount of standing up for herself in order to continue. I loved that about her and that she didn’t put that love aside in order to fit in with the Ton.

There are several mysteries involving Lady Alethea’s violin and things get very interesting when there is a break-in, a mysterious man watching her, and a series of mishaps. I loved trying to figure out the importance of the violin. Other things to love include:

Second chances
Danger
The Quartet
The Mad Baron
Alethea’s aunt and cousin
Trusting someone with your heart
Faith thread

Brayard Tarrelton was certainly the right man for Alethea. He understood her passion for music and her violin since he himself was a violinist. When tasked with finding out the origin of the violin, he didn’t give up until he found the answers for Alethea. I was happy to see that Bray and Alethea became a couple in detection as well as in love.

I recommend reading this Regency era romantic mystery. Readers of all ages will enjoy this story.

Beyond the Horizon

 

About the Book

Book: Beyond the Horizon

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

She’s desperate to keep her job.
He’s desperate for solitude.
What is God’s plan in this complicated situation?

Ruby Shepherdson has worked hard to secure her job as a reporter for The Horizon Herald. After a costly mistake, Ruby’s unforgiving boss gives her an ultimatum to either interview the handsome and reclusive Jake Lynton—or lose her job. But each time Ruby has attempted to obtain an interview, Mr. Lynton has refused. Why would anyone who has saved the lives of four people deny recognition? And why does she find herself drawn to the man?

Jake Lynton just wants to be left alone. Haunted by the past, he runs from both guilt and God by leaving home and somehow finding himself in Horizon, Idaho. His hopes of living as a recluse are foiled when a pesky, but beautiful reporter insists he allow her to interview him about a good deed gone awry. Despite Jake’s efforts, Ruby Shepherdson persists, soon endearing herself to him while somehow remaining endlessly annoying.

Jake’s story isn’t the only one Ruby seeks to publish. When rumors of ill dealings come to her attention, she sets forth to uncover the truth—truth someone does not want revealed. As danger emerges and an unanticipated enemy determines to keep Ruby silent, will Jake fit the pieces together in time to rescue her? Or will he lose the woman who has found a place in his heart?

My Review:

When Princess Esther is forced to flee her kingdom and seek refuge with her mother’s family, she has to trust God that he’ll protect her. The trip is not without its difficulties and dangers, but thanks to those who help her, she arrives safely. She is befriended by the kind and fiercely loyal, Reia, who not only helps her find her family’s village but also chooses to make the long and arduous trip of returning to the castle.

This Medieval tale reminded me of the Biblical story of Esther, but with a couple of twists. I enjoyed how Taren plays a role in aiding Esther and confronting the dastardly Malon. Esther is going to make a great queen when the time comes having been through trials and hardships. She understands those in need and has lived among the villagers for an extended period of time.

Things to enjoy:

good vs. evil

strong FMC

lovable side characters

Biblical references

canine companion

I enjoyed the plot and look forward to seeing what will happen to Esther. This is a terrific book for teens through adults and one that I recommend reading.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Just Read Tours. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Thank you so much for joining me for the Beyond the Horizon blog tour. I am super excited to share Ruby Shepherdson’s story with you and can’t wait for you to meet newcomer Jake Lynton. Below is an excerpt from the first chapter. Happy reading!

 Horizon, Idaho, 1895

 For a moment, she was the world-famous reporter, Ruby Shepherdson, author of the latest award-winning article.

Ruby closed her eyes and imagined seeing her name below the numerous articles and stories she submitted to Mr. O’Kane, the editor of The Horizon Herald. The editor from the prestigious Boise City Chronicle, who was just happening to visit his mother in Horizon, would peruse the pages of The Horizon Herald and become engrossed in one of Ruby’s engaging articles. He would then invite her to submit a monthly story to his well-read publication.

But alas, such a fanciful dream would have to wait.

Ruby resumed scrubbing one of Papa’s shirts on the washboard. There was no fictional editor from The Boise City Chronicle visiting his mother in Horizon. And until Ruby’s shipment of her Smith Premier typewriter arrived from the R. Altman & Company in St. Louis, Missouri, she would continue to dip her pen in ink and handwrite each and every composition she submitted to the cantankerous man who’d become her boss just one year ago last week.

Not that she minded tending to everyday chores, including laundry on Mondays, for she didn’t. As a matter of fact, Ruby’s highest aspirations were to marry someday and be a wife and mother. But until the Lord saw fit to allow a suitable gent into her life, she would continue on the path of writing.

Ruby hung the shirt on the line and proceeded with washing the next item when she noticed a buggy rounding the curve to their farm. She stood tall and placed her hands on her lower back to stretch the tightness from hunching over the washboard. A closer perusal indicated Wilhelmina, one of Mama’s best friends, was paying them a visit.

Wilhelmina, a permanent smile on her round face, folded Ruby into a hug. “It’s so nice to see you. Your ma and I are planning some new recipe ideas, but first, I was asked to deliver a message.”

It didn’t surprise Ruby that Mama and Wilhelmina would be experimenting with recipes. After the Bible, Mama’s favorite book was Recipes from Augusta’s Kitchen, a book she’d purchased when she and Papa first married. “A message?”

“Yes. Tabitha said to tell you that your special purchase has arrived.”

The air caught in Ruby’s lungs. “My special purchase? It has arrived?”

“That’s what she said.”

Not caring how unladylike it might be, Ruby let out an enthusiastic squeal, threw up her hands in excitement, and danced a little jig.

“Might be that you are thrilled to hear this news,” teased Wilhelmina.

“Oh, yes. Not only thrilled but exhilarated. I’ve waited forever for this momentous occasion.”

Blog Stops

Madi’s Musings, December 10

lakesidelivingsite, December 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Pens Pages & Pulses, December 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Pause for Tales, December 16

Book Looks by Lisa, December 17

Cover Lover Book Review, December 18

She Lives To Read, December 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 21

Mary Hake, December 21

For Him and My Family, December 22

Holly’s Book Corner, December 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54115