Into the Fire

 About the Book: 

As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers.

When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance—and maybe even their lives—go up in flames?

The bestselling and award-winning queen of romantic suspense is back with a brand-new series that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you burn through the pages to discover the truth.

My Review:

What at first seemed to be unrelated house fires, soon become suspicious as a well known fire investigator is found dead in his home. Arson investigator, Bri Tucker is given the case to see if she can discover how he died and if the past fires are related to one another. 

Bri is one independent, capable young lady who has a difficult time trusting men, So, when ATF Agent Marc Davis is assigned to work with her, things are a bit awkward and uncomfortable. But, Marc was extremely patient and gave her the space she needed. The relationship that developed between Bri and Marc was set at just the right pace, not too fast to make it seem rushed, and not too slow that you wonder if they will ever go on a date. 

Irene Hannon always creates a suspenseful story and one that I look forward to reading. With dual points of view, including the killer, you are drawn into the story and enjoying every nail biting scene. The next book in the series is sure to be just as great as this one. 

I was given a copy of the book through the Revell Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Shadows at Dusk

 

About the Book: 

Detective Trevor West is determined to find the sister who went missing in Alaska over a year ago. Bush pilot Carries James is determined to track down the person who murdered her closest friend. When the two join forces and skill sets to solve these mysteries, they'll discover they are connected in ways they never imagined.

My Review: 

The opening scene of the book was quite scary as Carrie James is pushed out of a plane— with no parachute! The rest of the story unfolds to fit in the details of what happened to Carrie and why she ended up in Alaska. 

This story, like all of Ms. Goddard’s books, is well written and has many threads that connect to make a fantastic book. The combination of suspense, villains, a faith thread, and romance are what I love when I read Christian suspense stories. I highly recommend reading this second book in the Missing in Alaska series. It can be read as a standalone, but you will really enjoy reading the first book, Cold Light of Day too. 

I received this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

Codes of Courage

About the Book:

1940: Austrian refugee Karl Lang has lost everything―his country, his home, and his family. All that is left to him is a burning ambition to see the Nazis defeated. Desperate for work and a way to help the war effort, he finds the one place that will take a refugee like him: a supply steamer traversing a deadly path past enemy U-boats.

Since their first meeting, Millie Stevens has felt an undeniable connection to Karl. As the war rages, she shares his determination to oppose the Nazis and finds work at the British codebreaking center at Bletchley Park. There she uses all her intellect and determination to break German codes and read U-boat transmissions―or risk losing the man she loves.

Rolf Denhart will do anything to defend the Fatherland, including long patrols in a cramped U-boat. But rumors from Germany leave him uneasy, forcing a choice between loyalty to his homeland, the safety of his family, and his peace of conscience.

In the midst of war, three lives are woven together to create an epic tapestry of love and loss, joy and pain, sacrifice and courage.

My Review: 

I’m not a huge fan of WWII stories due in part to the aspect of the havoc they wreak on people’s lives. Because, let’s face it, many people died and lives were forever changed. But… author A.L. Sowards is a phenomenal writer and is able to portray this moving narrative through the eyes of three characters, a couple on the Allies side, Millie and Karl, and one on the Axis side, Rolf. I loved how the lives of these three individuals are intertwined through love and self sacrifice. 

If you are interested in a story that has depth and stays with you long after you have read it, then this is just the book for you. It would be a perfect selection for a book club or a friend read. It is too good to keep to yourself and is one of those types of books you’ll want to hear what someone else experienced.

Karl and his family are introduced in Heirs of Falcon Point, but you do not need to read it in order to enjoy this book. Although, you will thoroughly enjoy that story too. :)

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

By the Light of the Setting Sun

About the Book: 

Alex Drake, Earl of Linsfield, has spent years ensuring his brothers’ futures. But an uneasy feeling tugs at him. His young step-sister, neglected by her father, is in need of his care and protection. After traveling to Bath, he finds her unhappy and her father resistant to his help.

Lady Elizabeth Vaughn faces a dire choice: support her family, or risk losing everything they hold dear. Time ticks relentlessly on as her father’s health declines, despite the efforts of Bath’s finest physicians. After four failed London Seasons, marriage remains an elusive salvation. The family curse is to blame, according to her aunt—it states no lady from their lineage shall marry for love. But if Elizabeth doesn’t marry, what other options are there?

An unconventional meeting between Alex and Elizabeth sparks an instant friendship. As they help each other find solutions, their hearts soon become entwined as well. Yet, when Alex is faced with the choice of saving either his step-sister or Lady Elizabeth, will their love endure this ultimate test?

Set in Regency England, By The Light Of The Setting Sun is a clean and wholesome romance and the first in a new series by author Laura Rollins. Filled with witty characters, humerous escapades, and swoony moments, this book is sure to delight.

My Review: 

 “ Blackwell Manor was properly haunted. The neighborhood had expected it to happen well before now, seeing as the house had been most perfectly suited for a ghost these two decades at least.” 

Author Laura Rollins is a new to me author and this was a fantastic introduction to her writing. She has characters who draw you into the story, not only the main characters (Elizabeth and  Alex), but also those that are secondary to create a world I didn’t want to stop reading. If this had been a mini series on TV, I would’ve binge watched all of it! 

The theme of hope was so interesting because of the way that everyone saw it in their lives. Some saw hope as something that could never be achieved, while Elizabeth said, “…you once called hope a ‘painful kind of beauty. No matter how painful gets, I am determined never to give up. This is who I am. Despite disappointment, evidence to the contrary, or even a family curse, I will always give hope a fighting chance.” This really resonated with me! 

Here are just some of the many things I loved about this story: 

the family curse and measures to end it

humor

the extended family 

a creepy, greedy character

love of family

the ghost of Blackwell Manor

the ending <3

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. There were so many amazing characters that I am hoping we will get to see a HEA for Aunt Margaret. I’d also love to see more of Alex’s brothers. They were perfect in helping thwart the plans of a horrible man, 

I received a copy of this book. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Seeking Persephone

 

About the Book: 

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses— and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he’s offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke’s castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke’s steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke’s armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

My Review: 

What a beautiful story of a very wounded and bitter man whose transformation is remarkable due to the love of a friend and a persistent woman who refuses to give up on him. I loved how author Sarah Eden used the story of the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades to create her story. Love truly conquers all! 

I highly recommend reading this first book in the Lancaster family series. Readers of all ages will love the humor, the people, and the love story of Adam and Persephone.

Good news! Seeking Persephone is going to be made into a movie! I am very excited to see it come to life. There is a Kickstarter program that is occurring now to raise funds for it. 

The Secrets Beneath

 

About the Book: 

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they're swiftly caught up in the era known as the Bone Wars. But when her father becomes sick and an old beau, Joshua Ziegler, returns for the summer, Anna's world is upended and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.

Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt--Anna Lakeman. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. When Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unburied. How can they keep the perils of the past from threatening their renewed affection?

My Review:

Wow, I wasn’t expecting this story to be suspenseful, but it was! Anna Lakeman has worked with her father for years on his dinosaur digs, always hoping to be a paleontologist. Her determination, grit, and love for the profession keeps her going despite everyone prejudice.

Joshua Ziegler and Anna were at one time going to get married, but when an unresolved argument occurs and years go by, Anna has given up hope that they will ever reconcile. Their rocky relationship at times wanted me to say, “Stop and listen to what they are saying instead of making assumptions.” I was very happy when they began to do that, which helped them work through their difficulties. 

Julian Walker who was a classmate and neighbor on whose property the dinosaur site was located, was a complex man. He was mysterious, lonely, and I felt sorry for him at times. I love the twist that he provides to the story!

If you enjoy books from the romantic suspense genre and authors such as Jaime Jo Wright, you will want to read this book. This is the first in the Treasures of the Earth Book and I am looking forward to reading the other two that are to come. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Austenprose Book Tours and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.  

The River Queen

 

Book Description: 

 

River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure.

When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance—The River Queen’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird.

Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen, is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat.

Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River.

My Review: 

 

It just wasn’t Emmett Carter’s day. How did an accountant find himself being thrown overboard and his riverboat stolen? How would he ever tell his brother who is part owner what happened? As Emmett  escapes the dangerous water, he finds himself aboard another vessel, The River Queen. Here he meets the unusual and captivating, Anola Flynn living on it and performing along with her family. 

Mystery, deceit, murder, nefarious gang activity, and love are all a part of the story that Stephen McGee has written to make an interesting story. Anola’s family are a great addition and are quite resourceful and wise in routing the bad guys and trusting Emmett even when it seems he’s guilty. Readers of all ages will enjoy the escapades on the Mississippi.

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

Author Bio:

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

 

Buy Links:

Please note that ebooks preordered directly through the author can be read on Sept. 26 and paperbaccks can be ordered from the author’s bookshop on Sept 19. Audiobooks will also be available!

Direct from Author (plus read early Sept 26 when you buy direct): https://shop.stepheniamcgee.com/products/ebook-the-river-queen

Amazon (Available Oct. 10): https://www.amazon.com/River-Queen-Christian-Historical-Romances-ebook/dp/B0C8L8DXPN

Barnes and Noble (Available Oct 10): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-river-queen-stephenia-h-mcgee/1143824046

Kobo(Available Oct. 10): https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-river-queen-1

There is a Giveaway! Here is your chance to win an amazing bundle of these goodies. 

https://kingsumo.com/g/bynmp1/the-river-queen-release-giveaway