I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
This summer, three friends find the courage to step into the next chapter of their lives…
The rules of summer book club are simple:
No sad books
No pressure
Yessssss, wine!
Besties Laurel and Paris are excited to welcome Cassie to the group. This year, the book club is all about fill-your-heart reads, an escape from the chaos of the everyday—running a business, raising a family, juggling a hundred to-dos. Even the dog is demanding (but the bestest boy).
Since Laurel’s divorce, she feels like the Worst Mom Ever. Her skepticism of men may have scarred her vulnerable daughters. Cassie has an unfortunate habit of falling for ridiculous man-boys who dump her once she fixes them. Paris knows good men exist. She’s still reeling after chasing off the only one brave enough—and foolish enough—to marry her.
Inspired by the heroines who risk everything for fulfillment, Laurel, Paris and Cassie begin to take chances—big chances—in life, in love. Facing an unwritten chapter can be terrifying. But it can be exhilarating, too, if only they can find the courage to change.
Ahhh! That is the sigh of total happiness and contentment I feel after finishing a new Susan Mallery book. This novel is friendships, relationships with men and life lessons all rolled into a very satisfying bundle. The story of three women with different challenges in their lives dovetails together beautifully under the hand of an author who knows her craft well and writes with humor and heart. The weaving together of their lives was a wonderful tapestry, and quite a work to behold when it was all finished at the end. The stories of Cassie, a homesick young woman from Maine, Laurel, a divorced single mom, and Paris, a woman who doesn’t trust her own emotional stability, are all focused in the idyllic setting of a small town in California named Los Lobos. Cassie has to learn how to live on her own without feeling as though she is disappointing her family or not needed. Laurel has to understand that she is lovable and not everyone runs away, and Paris has to learn the lesson that one can change in life and be better for it. I loved the story and the fast pace as the POV seamlessly switched between the three main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each one, complete with realistic flaws and real-life problems. Laurel’s children were portrayed in such a way that my heart went out to them and their dilemma with loving an absentee father. I enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters, too, and think that each one added to the depth of the story. This is one of my favorite books by the very talented Susan Mallery because of its exploration of difficult topics like facing your fears and accepting changes. I am sorry to finish the story of these three brave woman who face obstacles and have to work hard to overcome them and be their best selves. Wonderful story! Great romance! Fantastic life lessons, too! This book is the real deal, a book that gave me all of the right feels and kept me reading until I finished it. Then I sighed because I didn’t want it to end! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the ragdoll cat and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.
Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.
As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.
But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
My Thoughts
I literally could not put this book down and then when I forced myself to go to bed, scenes from the book continued to run through my mind. This is a realistically told and emotional novel about the Vietnam War era and how the lives of people were changed because of their involvement in the war, specifically the lives of the women who volunteered to serve. Frankie McGrath is a sympathetic character who wants nothing more than her beloved father’s approval, so when she volunteers to be a nurse in the war zone, she had no idea what she was getting into. Young, innocent and patriotic, Frankie quickly has her eyes opened to the brutality of war and I got to travel back in time to when my friends were being drafted or volunteering and the news reports that were given nightly about how we were “winning the war.” The research in the book is impeccable, transporting my mind completely to that troubled time and the years afterwards when the veterans of the war were ridiculed rather than welcomed. I thoroughly enjoyed the point of view of Frankie and all she suffered as a result of her choice and also how she was ultimately able to overcome and move on in her life. The characters were all dynamic and realistically flawed. The plot moved along quickly, keeping pace with the action on the front lines. This is a remarkable story that needs to be read and is written in such a brilliant way that it held my attention and caused me to cry, cheer and get outraged, sometimes all within the same chapter. With a tight plot and the signature style of a master of historical fiction, this book deserves many kudos for embracing a topic that is thought-provoking and complex. I highly recommend this book for all who want to know what the late 60’s and 70’s were like and how the women who served were treated, both on the battlefield and afterwards. There is so much to love about this book, but I must warn readers that it can be disturbing with the realistic details of war and the wounded and dying. I used to say that my all-time favorite book was “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. I have a new favorite, more timely and suited for my generation. Captivating, insightful and well-crafted, this is one that I definitely want to own and read again. An epic novel worth reading and remembering! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated M for mature audiences. This book deals with war, violence and has some graphic descriptions of the events in Vietnam. It also has sexual scenes and some harsh language.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than 20 novels including the international blockbuster, TheNightingale, which was named Goodreads Best Historical fiction novel for 2015 and won the coveted People’s Choice award for best fiction in the same year. Additionally, it was a selection of the Reese Witherspoon Book Club in 2023. It was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, iTunes, Buzzfeed, the Wall Street Journal, Paste, and The Week. In 2018, The Great Alone became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and was named the Best Historical Novel of the Year by Goodreads. The Four Winds was published in February of 2021 and immediately hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Indie bookstores’ bestseller lists. Additionally, it was selected as a book club pick by the both Today Show and the Book Of the Month club, which named it the best book of 2021. The Nightingale is currently in production at Tri Star, with Dakota and Elle Fanning set to star. Tri Star has also optioned The Great Aloneand it is in development. Firefly Lane, her beloved novel about two best friends, was the #1 Netflix series around the world, in the week it came out. The popular tv show stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke and Season Two is currently set to conclude the series on April 27, 2023. A former attorney, Kristin lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Shaken by her parents’ divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle’s farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She’ll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.
Among her late grandmother’s belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town’s history, her ancestors—and her estranged father.
What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured—with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.
My Thoughts
This book is like a primer on establishing relationships with the past and improving current ones. Nikki Werner flees to her Uncle Wes’s property in rural Missouri when her father’s leaving her mom breaks her heart, followed by a her boyfriend not being someone she can count on right now. At Uncle Wes’s farm, Nikki finds an old notebook that belonged to her grandmother and that contains handwritten recipes along with proverbs. As Nikki lovingly prepares the old recipes, she learns to put heart into her cooking as she thinks about all of the challenges in life that she is now facing. She meets new people, makes new friends and gets insight into what she is facing and how to face it. During the reading of this book, I was challenged to think about my own past and its effect on my present and apply God’s truth to what has happened and is happening. This is a book that teaches lessons about redemption, forgiveness, looking for the path God wants for you and not accepting less than God’s peace and His best in your life. I loved all of the characters, especially Aunt Emma who dispensed wisdom as well as unconditional love. The plot was well-paced and totally engrossing as Nikki invites one person after another and learns a lot about her past from each of them, all while pondering in her mind about what to do about her father and her boyfriend. The recipes are fascinating, too, making me want to try a few of them like the pancakes and the streusel. I am impressed with the author’s story within a story and the depth of her research. All in all, this is a wonderful book with a story clamoring to be read again and again and enjoyed by book clubs as they discuss the recipes, the importance of connection to the past and forgiving even when it’s hard. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertisng.”
Rated G: clean Christian fiction
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find His fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family in Kansas City, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library.
When Eliza’s life is threatened, she turns to a handsome veteran for help. I left everything I’d ever known behind. And that decision may cost me my life. The moving truck hadn’t even been unpacked when my fresh start went up in flames. A frightening letter left in my mailbox and signed Always Yours sends me running to the only man in town who can help me. Driven by his protective nature and a mission he believes comes from God, ex-Army Ranger Lance Knight agrees, despite the fact that I’ve made it no secret I want nothing to do with him–or anyone for that matter.
The longer we’re together, the more I begin to realize that Lance is more than I gave him credit for. Something that troubles me nearly as much as the fact that an unknown man seems to have already claimed me as his. Trouble is, my admirer has a jealous side, and it’s not long before Lance is pulled into the crosshairs right alongside me… Get your copy now and be ready to stay up all night! Pages of Promise is a swoon-worthy, faith-based, suspenseful romance between a jaded woman and the hero determined to protect not just her body…but her heart.
This is Christian fiction at its best with faith woven throughout the story. The main characters are Lance Knight, the owner of a protection and security agency and Eliza who needs protection in the worst way. Eliza has fled to Hope Springs after divorcing her abusive and philandering husband Erik and is planning on a completely fresh start on the east coast. Unfortunately, she has a stalker who is determined to terrorize her and get rid of anyone who stands in the way of his having her for his own. The pace is fast with action that doesn’t let up. There are a few clues as to the identity of the stalker but not enough to spoil the story, and I was not able to guess the truth and its ramifications for Eliza and Lance. The characters are well-rounded, with flaws that make them more relatable. All of the town’s characters are lovable and make the small town a place that seems hospitable and welcoming, even to a total stranger like Eliza. I enjoyed how the town came together to help Eliza and support her when she needed it. The secondary characters like Doc were important to the tale and the setting made the story seem more realistic, adding a well described and inviting location in the midst of the danger that was ever present. This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it so much that I plan to read the other books in the series when they are released. This book can be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone as that is how I read it.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Christian Fiction
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
After spending seven years in the Army, Jessica Ashley set out to write novels that would transport readers to new worlds and help them escape reality with messages of underdogs and swoon-worthy romance. After eight years of a successful writing career underneath two pen names, she felt her faith pulling her in a new direction. Now, she writes sweet romance with messages of faith, hope, and the importance of trusting our hearts and the word of God. Her debut novel, Pages of Promise, is set to release in February 2024.
She resides in Texas with her husband of twelve years, their three kids, a flock of chickens, an orange cat who thinks he runs the house, and three dogs who don’t realize just how big they are. Connect with Jessica by visiting authorjessicaashley.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 29, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 5, 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.
A humorous, heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the power of community Fair Meadows Retirement Community might as well be a country club for most of the retirees enjoying the pool, golf course, and book clubs. But for the caregivers whose family members reside upstairs in the special Memory Care Unit, vacation is over. Comforting these caregivers is exactly why the Woolgatherers group has formed. They make prayer shawls to support those affected by the heartbreaking reality of not being recognized by a loved one-people like Sam Talbot, who has been barely existing since his wife moved into Memory Care. He finds that his life has lost all color and meaning without her. That’s something the Woolgatherers can’t bear to see. Flirtatious Jenny Alderman, cranky crocheter Edna O’Brian, kind Rose Harker, and the rest of the prayer shawl group weave him into the circle. Sam has no idea how he got tangled up with them, and he’s no good at knitting. But when one member talks him into taking up his wife’s old crochet hooks, he discovers that this one small gesture might just have the power to heal his life—or even save it. Full of Sharon Mondragon’s characteristic humor and heart, this book wrestles with the loneliness of being the forgotten spouse of a dementia patient, moving past the fear that the spouses often face into the love and compassion that can make all the difference.
This novel is so much more than a great and entertaining story! It is a primer on how to really see people and how to touch the lives of others with prayer and prayer shawls. The plot is about the Woolgathering Castoffs who meet twice a week at their nursing home in order to knit or crochet their projects together. Each project is a prayer shawl for a person whose live has been affected by “Old-Timer’s Disease.” As the ladies and one gentleman gather together, they share their expertise with the craft and their life experiences with one another as well as with visitors who come to see their loved ones. The story was heartbreaking at times as some of the characters were rebuffed by their loved ones who had no memory of them at all. But is was also filled with hope as the group joined forces to help those feeling rejected and invisible. I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought possible since I had never read a book by this author before. This is an extraordinary look at the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s and the special love it takes to be committed to the person suffering from this disease. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, all of whom were portrayed realistically with flaws and many of whom needed to get in touch with God again. Although it is hard to choose just one, I think my favorite character was Edna, a woman who is a resident with a heart full of hurt who holds her wounds tightly tucked inside but who faithfully attends the meetings and teaches others to crochet. The plot moved along at the perfect pace for the story being told, one of redemption and God’s love as well as the love and forgiveness of others, but especially one of hope in what seems like hopeless circumstances. This novel rates as one of the best and most faith-filled books I have ever read and its simple truths and lovingkindness of the characters will long stay with me as a practice we could all exhibit more often. The author will be added to my list of “must read” authors as the lessons I learned from this book are priceless and the memories of the wonderful character development amazed me. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this boo from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Christian Fiction, Highly Recommend for All Readers
This is the second book in the Purls and Prayers Series. The first book, if you like to read books in order, is pictured below along with the purchase link. Enjoy!
The Missing Witness : A Quinn & Costa Novel Allison Brennan Series: A Quinn & Costa Thriller (#5) On Sale Date: January 23, 2024 9780778369653 Hardcover $30.00 USD Fiction / Thrillers / Crime 416 pages
When a key witness goes missing, Quinn & Costa must find her before a killer silences her for good… Detective Kara Quinn is back in Los Angeles to testify against a notorious human trafficker, finally moving past the case that upended her life. But when the accused is shot in broad daylight, the chaotic scene of the crime turns up few reliable bystanders. And one witness—a whistleblower who might be the key to everything—has disappeared. After another person close to the case is killed, it’s clear that anyone who knows too much is in danger, and tracking down the witness becomes a matter of life-and-death. But as explosive secrets surface within the LAPD and FBI, Kara questions everything she thought she knew about the case, her colleagues and the life she left behind months ago. Now with FBI special agent Matt Costa’s help, she must race to find the missing witness and get to the bottom of the avalanche of conspiracies that has rocked LA to its core…before it’s too late.
The impeccable and detailed research drew me into the story and the mesmerizing plot kept me there. The action was non-stop as the MRT returns to Kara Quinn’s old stomping grounds to finally get justice for Kara. They end up with more of a problem than they bargained for, with corruption rampant in city hall, the police department and the FBI. The plight of the homeless as presented by the author was heartbreaking and when she added to their sad situation with graft and the presence of drugs, it was made very realistic and created a compelling story. Kara thinks that she will be finally free of Chen and be able to return to LAPD but what she discovers about her city disturbs her deeply. Secrets have been kept from her from people she trusted and now she just wants to find the truth. Her team is there to support her and to help ferret out the dark and twisted truth of a city that has lost its moral compass as far as the homeless are concerned. With the murder of a DA and an FBI agent, the MRT has their hands full trying to follow the clues and find out who is responsible for the city’s corruption and the murders. This was a breathtakingly complex book, introducing new and relatable characters. I really liked getting to know FBI agent Sloan as well as computer geek Violet. Both were expertly crafted to fit into the story well and to add depth to a propulsive thriller. This is an incredibly powerful story with nail-biting suspense and explosive complications as Kara is suspected of the unthinkable and has to depend on her team’s support to find the truth. With a brilliantly written plot that unravels at just the right pace and characters that are intriguingly unique and dynamic, this book is a winner for me in every aspect. It hit just the right tone, with eye-opening details and an intense need to follow the clues and get the mysteries solved before someone else dies. Part thriller, part mystery and all edgy suspense, this is a book not to be missed by fans of Allison Brennan. Although it is part of a series, it can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone and I highly recommend this captivating and insightful novel. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
As the sun rises over North Carolina’s Outer Banks, eight sorority sisters gather on the docks, excited to start their reunion weekend with a diving excursion. But when only seven of them return to the boat alive, Detective Casey White is the first person to investigate.
Confused as to why she’s been called to what appears to be a tragic accident, her heart stops when she notices fresh hand-shaped bruises on the victim’s ankles. Karol Witney was murdered. But with a crime scene and any evidence thirty feet underwater, Casey knows this will be her most challenging case yet.
Determined to find the killer, Casey and her fiancé Jericho dive to the shipwreck where Karol was last seen exploring. But just as Casey discovers a piece of shocking evidence on the ocean floor, Jericho is attacked. The killer is still out there, and they’re watching Casey’s every move.
As Jericho fights for his life, and another body washes up on the beach, Casey knows she has to dive again. Because she’ll do anything to catch the killer, even if it means using herself as bait…
My Thoughts
When Detective Casey White is called to the scene of what she thinks is a drowning, she is as surprised as anyone that the death of Karol Witney is not an accident. Determined to find her killer, even if it means risking her own life, Casey gets tech support from the new office employee as well as help from her colleague Tracy and her husband Jericho. The pace is fast, with more clues being given as well as red herrings and false trails. There is a lot of family drama, too, as Jericho is gravely injured in his desire to help Casey solve the case. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better. Although this is the tenth book in the series, it is only the second one that I have read and although I felt at times that I was missing some information that had been in previous books, I did not think that it took away from my thorough enjoyment of this one. The characters are dynamic and relatable, the plot is realistically portrayed and written in a way that drew me into the story methodically and relentlessly. Part police procedural and part mystery, this book is not to be missed by fans who enjoy good detectives who put it all on the line to solve the crime. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This is a gritty crime procedural, so I would rate it PG.
About the Author
B.R. Spangler is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Mysteries and Crime Thrillers. A resident of Virginia with a wonderful family, including five cats, two birds and a lizard.
Many thanks to Bookouture for including me in the blog tour and my deepest apologies for posting late. I actually wrote the wrong date down in my calendar during the time I had an eye infection and couldn’t see well. So very sorry!
Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he’s rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.
Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it’s not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.
Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.
My Thoughts
The first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors is always exciting for me, and this new book by Lynette Eason exceeded all of my expectations. With a fast pace and heart-stopping action, this book held me captive from beginning to end. The story of Lainie Jackson and her doubts about whether she is hallucinating or not made me really want to know what was going on her life. Although she is certain that Adam died, why does she keep seeing him at various places around the hospital? And if Adam is not stalking her, then who is determined to harm her? Lainie enlists the help of an old friend James Cross, currently a police detective who is ready to do whatever he needs to do to keep Lainie safe. The pace of this book is like a bullet train rocketing out of the station and it never lets up. The plot is compellingly realistic and terrifying at times. I enjoyed getting to know the people in Lake City and how they were so willing to help and support each other. All of the characters were dynamic, original and believable. This is an intriguing and intense book, with a clever edginess that kept me glued to the pages. The multi-layered story that includes PTSD and some other well-researched topics was complex, crackling with tension and so well crafted tht I had no idea how long past my bedtime I was reading every night. The chemistry between the characters gave the book emotional depth and the suspense along with the red herrings made this book unforgettable and unputdownable. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this bok from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian Fiction
About the Author
Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awares including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.
Meet the Author
Lynette is going on tour for this book! Where is Lynette! Check out this website and find out more details:
Book Tour 2024 Jan 11 – Pawley’s Island, SC – Litchfield Books – 11:00-1:00 Jan 23 – Cumming GA – Heavenly Dove Book store – 11:00-12:30 Jan 23 – Claxton, GA – Evans County Public Library – 5:30PM Jan 24 – Brunswick, GA/Savannah, GA – TBD Jan 25 – Ocala, FL – Gabriel Christian Bookstore – 12:00-2:00 Jan 27 – Bay-Minette, AL – Bay Minette Public Library – 11:00 – 1:00 Jan – 28 – Baton Rouge, LA – Barnes & Noble (2590 Citiplace Ct, Baton Rouge, LA 70808) – 2:00-4:00 Jan 29 – Dallas, TX – Logos – 4:00-6:00 Jan 31 – Yukon, OK – Mardel Christian Bookstore (Garth Brooks Blvd) – 4:00-6:00 Feb 1 – Tulsa, OK – Mardel Christian Bookstore (3132 E. 51st St. S. Suite A Tulsa, OK 74105) – 6:00-8:00 Feb 2 – Springfield, MO – CPO Redeemed Bookstore – 11:00-1:00 – with Kate Angelo Feb 3 – Kansas City, MO – Mardel -7102 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213 – 12:00-2:00 Feb 5 – Farmington, MO – Farmington Public Library – 11:00-1:00 with Deborah Raney Feb 7 – Nashville, TN – Logos store – 11:00-1:00 Feb 8 – Somerset, KY – Heritage Christian Bookstore – 12:00-3:00 Feb 10 – Knoxville, TN – Cedar Springs Christian Store – 10:00-12:00 Feb 10 – Morristown, TN – Morristown Hamblen library – 2:00-3:30 Feb 12 – Charleston, SC – Christian Product Expo – Embassy Suites – 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418 – Time TBD Feb 16 – Spartanburg, SC – Barnes & Noble – 1489 W.O. Ezell Blvd. Spartanburg, SC 29301 – 4:00-6:00 – with Lynn Blackburn Feb 18 – Hillsborough, NC – Orange County Library – 12:00-3:00
With a million thanks to Revell for including me on this book tour and to Lynette Eason for allowing me to be on her launch team! This book is one of the best ever! Get it today!
There’s only one thing more dangerous than family secrets.
Since her police-officer husband Eric’s mysterious murder, Carly Harris has been struggling to support herself and their infant son. Her career as an antique dealer isn’t sustainable, nor is her dream of becoming a novelist. So when her grandmother proposes she and her two sisters restore the family’s large Beaufort home and turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she immediately gets to work clearing out the house. In the process, she uncovers a family secret that Eric kept hidden. And an heirloom that the wrong person wouldn’t hesitate to kill for.
Homicide detective Lucas Bennett isn’t his neighbor’s biggest fan, not since she broke his brother’s heart years ago. But when Carly turns to Lucas for help, believing she’s found a lost Fabergé egg that would be worth millions and that could put her family’s lives in danger, he can’t help but get involved. Soon, they’re entangled in a mystery with threads that lead all the way to the Russian mafia. Lucas has gotten in deep, and while he trusts his ability to keep Carly and her family safe, he begins to realize he’s vulnerable to an unexpected kind of danger. And he’s helpless to stop the freefall. As they continue working closely together, Carly and Lucas realize they may have found something more precious than gold. Yet it’s only a matter of time before Carly—or, worse, someone she loves—gets hurt.
My Thoughts
This book was amazing in every way! It’s a propulsive thriller along with a twisted mystery and a family drama that is expertly woven into the story of a missing Faberge egg. Carly’s husband was killed in a home invasion and she is left to raise their son Noah alone. Her grandmother has a plan to turn her large mansion into a bed and breakfast, something that will support Carly and Noah long after she is gone. In perusing the contents of the attic, Carly makes a remarkable discovery that will change the entire family’s life, if they can survive it, that is. I really enjoyed the characterization; all of the characters were well-rounded and dynamic. Even the bad guys were so well portrayed that I really hated them and their nefarious and deadly deeds. The plot is complicated with family issues, a missing twin and treasures that need to be discovered and protected. The complicated plot was written brilliantly with a sense of intense and edgy suspense that kept me totally engrossed in the story. I really enjoyed getting to know Carly and how giving and loving she was, in spite of how people took advantage of her. I also liked Lucas, the swoonworthy neighbor who doesn’t want to have any kind of relationship outside of protecting Carly and her family. Add to all of this the Russian mob, a swindling family member and so much more! This is a fast-moving book that is captivating, multi-layered and insightful into personalities of the characters and their motivations. I loved this book so much that I was sad when it ended…I just wanted more of the remarkable Tucker family and their head-spinning history. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian Fiction with intense suspense
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Best-selling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 5 million books in print and her books have been on the USAToday bestseller list, the ECPA, CBA, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon bestseller lists. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.
With heartfelt gratitude to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review. This is one of the best books that I have ever read! And definitely one of my top five books for the year!
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Marine’s Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Marine’s Deadly Reunion Series: The Protectors Author: Loretta Eidson Publisher: Inspirational The Protectors Collection (Love Inspired) Release Date: December 26, 2023 Genre: Christian romantic suspense
To keep a child safe
They must outrun a killer…
When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe…before the killer finds them?
The story is so real that my heart was pounding from the first scene in which the cute little toddler was endangered. Police Sergeant Daria Gordon and US Marine Jake Fisher have to combine forces to keep little Emma safe and to find out who is targeting them. From one threat to another, these two are kept busy trying to keep themselves and the baby safe. The entire story was like riding a toboggan downhill after a fresh snowfall. I didn’t know where I was going to end up, but I surely enjoyed the ride! The characters were an original breath of fresh air, with the heroic marine taking second chair to the leadership of determined and gritty Daria. She establishes early in the story that she is the one in authority so he has to follow her lead. Together, they manage to make an invincible and strong team of protectors for Emma. There is a lot of deceit and a complex yarn of a story to unravel in order to find out why Emma is being targeted, and the author does a masterful job of throwing out the line and reeling me in. I was engrossed in the story, the characters and the setting. Small town and big crimes? Count me in! This book has all of the elements that I love in romantic suspense: drama, mystery, family, faith and romance. The quick pace is a bonus, but I must say that I was sorry to see the story end because I fell in love with the characters and their bold defense of each other. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Clean Christian Fiction
About the Author
Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grands. Her love of reading began during the required library time in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels before she moved on to suspense author Frank Peretti. She left her eighteen-year administrative assistant position at her church to pursue the dream of writing inspirational romantic suspense. She has multiple short stories in anthologies, but her heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through. Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Questions and Answers with the Author
1) What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting (or most frightening) thing you learned in the research you did for this book?
While out of town on vacation earlier this year, I talked to a police officer in a small mountain town and asked about protocol within the department. He reassured me titles for officers are mostly the same for small police departments and big cities.
The most interesting part of this research was driving through the mountains, taking pictures of old barns, mountain roads, restaurant designs, etc.
2) What was your favorite part of writing this book/series?
My favorite part of writing this book was writing the dialogue between Jake and Daria. Since both come from places of authority, they butt heads multiple times before they finally come to an agreement.
Jake, being the tough marine and Daria, being the authority in town, must find common ground as they work together to save baby Emma. I loved writing about Jake’s interaction with the baby. He knows nothing about caring for a little one and must shift his ways of thinking as an adult to deciphering what Emma needs.
3) Did anything in the story end up surprising you or changing the trajectory?
The surprising part of this story was my villain. I’ll not disclose inside information, but the villain shows up several times throughout the story. At one point I used a red herring, but the more I wrote, the more the story took a shift, which surprised me, and worked out better than I’d imagined.
4) When and how did you know that you wanted to be an author?
About 12-13 years ago, I listened to multiple stories of hopelessness, sorrow, and doubts from those in my church. The desire to share Christ with others in a non-threatening way welled up within me. Writing inspirational storiesseemed the perfect direction to take. Of course, romantic suspense was my favorite genre, so that’s what I chose, inspirational romantic suspense.
5) What is your writing process like?
I love to get up in the mornings, have my coffee/breakfast, read my devotion for the day, and dive into writing. It doesn’t always work out the way I plan, but since I’m a morning person, that’s the time of day I prefer. Of course, I’m a little on the OCD side, so I like to have my house in order, laundry done, and dishes washed before I bury myself in writing. In that case, I will do what I can before going to bed at night and the next morning, promptly put things away as I’m preparing for my day.
6) What would be your advice to new authors?
My advice to new authors is to keep pursuing your dreams/calling. Though you spend countless hours preparing a proposal and a rejection comes after months of waiting, allow yourself a moment to process what just happened, then pick up and start again.
As far as for aspiring writers, don’t give up. It takes persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry, reading guidelines, researching, etc., to reach for your dreams.
7) If you could have a luncheon with a group of authors, whom would you invite and why?
Oh goodness! How many am I allowed to name here? I would invite DiAnn Mills, Jessica Patch, Patricia Bradley, Lynette Eason, Dana R Lynn, Virginia Vaughan, Darlene L Turner, Sami Abrams, Dana Mentink! Should I go on? All of these authors are fun to hang out with, laugh with, and talk about writing stuff.
8) What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?
I love to binge watch suspenseful series on Netflix or watch unsolved mysteries. Of course, I do like shopping, eating out, and hanging out with family and friends.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 25, 2023. 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.
