Just Read Publicity Tour: Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Midnight Offensive
Series: Toxic Truths #1
Author: Elle E. Kay
Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense / Thriller

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line.

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack.

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

My Thoughts

This is my first book by Elle E. Kay and I am a definite new fan, hooked by her sharp writing, constant action and satisfying romance that was enchanting and believable. Sadie is an ER nurse caught in the crossfire with a bio-weapon at stake. Her former neighbor is the Homeland Security agent in charge of safeguarding the nation from the bio-weapon and protecting the man who is developing the antidote. Craig and Sadie together make a formidable team to take on the saboteurs, but the head-spinning twists keep coming at them fast and furiously. From one place to another, Sadie and Craig seem to be chasing down leads while danger is chasing them and is right behind them at all times, sometimes catching up with them at unexpected times. This is a gripping story that is addictive and fun to read and try to piece the clues together. Infused with spiritual truth and romance simmering under the surface, this book grabbed hold of my imagination and would not let go. I was captivated by the courage of the characters who were the good guys and thought that all of the characters were realistic, original and dynamic. The plot flowed well from beginning to end in this edgy, page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat and fascinated with the twists. It is a well-crafted book that hit all of the high notes for me in suspense, drama and romance.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positives review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Also Available

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About the Author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania near Red Rock Mountain with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is active in her church’s youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Since her debut novel Shadowing Stella released in 2016, Elle has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children’s literature. Her award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes. She’s also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections.

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail.

Connect with Elle by visiting elleekay.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Romantic Suspense Prize Pack which features 5 of Elle’s most recent romantic suspense releases, including Midnight Offensive, along with a tote bag and swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2025. 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!

Review: WHERE SECRETS LIE by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400345694

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:06/03/2025

Series:A Tupelo Grove Novel , #2

Pages:352

College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he’s finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez’s old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they’ve built begins to crumble. And it’s not just their relationship that hanging in the balance—the survival of the university Savannah’s family poured their lives into is also under threat.

Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University’s legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.

The twists continue until the final page as a dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complex dynamics of legacy and family.

My Thoughts

In this second book in the Tupelo Grove series, the authors captivated me immediately with the romance between Hez and Savannah, Jess’s duplicity and precocious young Simon. The action is non-stop as Savannah tries to save her beloved university and Jess works behind the scenes to thwart her. Hex, a lawyer with a plan and a purpose, begins his Justice Chamber project, investigating corruption and cases that involve the university. In all of their interactions, there are a lot of secretes and twists along with red herrings. The action is riveting as there are more murders and subterfuge, along with the stolen artifacts that are tied to the university. Danger runs rampant through the pages and it was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed learning more of the back story about the characters and the reason they behave the way they do, especially Jess. I found the characters to be mostly likable and totally dynamic, with realistic flaws that made me like them even more. I especially enjoyed how well the threads of the complicated plot were all interwoven and came together perfectly at the conclusion. This book may be read as a standalone, but I think readers would find it more enjoyable if they read the series in order as characters introduced in the first book are the same ones in this one, only with additional details and a few new characters added to the mix. The mystery drew me into the story and kept me reading to try to solve the murders and understand the dynamics of the families involved in the legacy of the university. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series since the setting, the characters and the plot have captured my imagination and my desire to know all of the secrets.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG

About Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Other Book in the Series

Purchase Links for Where Secrets Lie

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Baker Book House

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Review: Unshaken by Shelley Shepard Gray

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800746049

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:06/03/2025

Pages:304

When Stephanie Miller planned her visit to a dollar store in southern Ohio, she was expecting to pick up a few items she couldn’t find in her Amish community. She was not expecting to find herself an innocent bystander as a drug deal went horribly wrong. The sole witness to a murder, now Stephanie is targeted by the gunman.

Hardy Anderson is always ready to help his social worker sister, Bev—which now includes hiding an Amish woman until a killer can be brought to justice. Surely if they dress her in English clothing, Hardy can hide her at the sprawling ranch where he works. But the killer is desperate—and there’s no telling what lengths he will go.

My Thoughts

When a young Amish woman witnesses a murder, she is quickly whisked away from her everyday life to live under protection on a ranch far from her home. Bev, a social worker, sees what happened and decides immediately to send young Stephanie to her brother who lives and works on a ranch with a gate guard and ranch hands to protect her. Bev’s brother Hardy works for the wealthy ranch owner Carter and both men served in the military together. While Stephanie is on the ranch, she has to be on her guard, watching for possible danger, but she is also relaxed for the first time since her parents died and left her to live with her demanding aunt and uncle. I really enjoyed Stephanie’s dynamic growth of self-discovery in this novel as well as her growing independence and enjoyment of many things that most individuals take for granted, like snacks and TV shows. I especially liked the way the relationship between Hardy and Stephanie developed. He is a hero but not a particularly handsome one, just one who is willing and capable. The second developing romance was a pleasant and additional surprise. The danger is real as there is a gang of killers who want Stephanie dead, but Hardy is devoted to safeguarding her. I liked the way the action intensified and the drama increased at the same time. I also liked the way the author brought all of the threads of the plot together and concluded it all in a satisfactory way that made me glad that I read the story. This is a book not to be missed by fans of Amish fiction combined with romantic suspense.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review of the book, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean Christian Fiction, Rated G

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and KensingtonHarlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists

Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia EnquirerWashington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weekly calls her Walnut Creek serie“A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.” 

Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow This episode on the popularity of Amish fiction.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time. 

Purchase Links

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Baker Book House

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Review: TARGETED MONTANA WITNESS by Sharon Dunn

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980656

Publisher:Harlequin.

Publication date:05/27/2025

Pages:208

After being attacked in her workplace, Jillian Welch fears the worst—the mobsters behind her fiancé’s murder have found her. Uncertain of her safety in witness protection, she turns to Sheriff Luke Mayfair for help. But clues point to an obsessed fan of Jillian’s anonymous nightly podcast as her assailant. Now with potential threats all around, Jillian and Luke must seek refuge at Luke’s family farm. But when the continued ambushes escalate to attempted murder, they must expose the culprits before they get to Jillian first.

My Thoughts

Jillian Welch is in witness protection and has to call on the local sheriff, Luke Mayfair, when she starts receiving threats and overt attacks. She thinks her cover is blown, but she is not ready to give up her quiet life to start fresh in a new place with a new identity. When the danger ramps us and seems to come from all directions, she may not have a choice because even the self-sacrificing Luke may not be able to keep her safe from the multiple threats. This book makes a complicated plot into a satisfying and edgy page-turner that was hard to put down. With some head-spinning twists and escalating tension, this book kept me reading and guessing who was coming after Jillian and how would Luke be able to safeguard her in the face of the onslaught of attacks and danger. The marshal in charge of her case is a secondary character but extremely important to the story as he gave wise advice and really wanted to take care of Jillian but he depended on Luke’s help until he could get there. Luke is a swoon-worthy hero who puts himself and other family members in the line of fire in order to fulfill his mission to keep Jillian out of the hands of those who want to kill her. The plot is brilliant and fast-paced and the characters are relatable and realistic, with good chemistry between them as they face unknown and relentless danger. The setting was perfect for the story, with a small town with charm and characters who lent themselves to helping each other if there was a need. I enjoyed everything about this book and was emotionally invested in a good outcome.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Clean romantic suspense, Love Inspired Suspense

About the Author

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn’t writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. You can sign up for her newsletter and find out more about her at her website: Sharon Dunn

Purchase Links

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Christian Book

Harlequin

Target

Apple Books

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Review of NO TIME TO DIE by Taylor S. Newport

About the Book

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DQ9QVR1B
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whitewater River Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 15, 2025
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 636 pages 
  • Book 2 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Dauntless Defenders

The enemy believes the battle is nearly over, but he’s just getting started. 

Sector 17 has tried to silence the Ghost of Oz, but he doesn’t back down. Back on the hunt, Tyler Reid uncovers chilling truths that challenge everything he knows about his enemy and the woman who works for them. Caught between protecting a Russian heiress and the job she has to do, Tyler starts to question who he can rely on.

Alexandra “Alex” Romanova has been told who she is, but fragmented memories hint at a past she’s reluctant to reclaim—a past far darker than what she remembers. When Tyler offers her a chance to escape her cruel boss at Sector 17, the plight of young recruits being turned into killers weighs heavily on her conscience. She’s determined to give them the same freedom she’s found, but doesn’t realize that in doing so she has put them all at risk.

As the head of Sector 17 clings to power, Tyler and Alex are caught in the middle of a deadly war for lives, freedom, and revenge. With enemies closing in on all sides, they can’t save everyone. The stakes are higher than ever—there is no time to die.

My Thoughts

The second book in the Dauntless Defenders series answered a lot of questions that I had about the backstory of Tyler and Alex and created an entire new web of intricate relationships and subterfuge. Alex is determined to save the kids who were forced to work for Sector 17 while Tyler is equally determined to safely return Alex to her grandfather in Russia. Neither goal is easy to accomplish and the book is woven around their efforts as well as the conflict between the CIA and Sector 17 which keeps Tyler and Alex somewhat floundering in the middle between two entities that seem to be willing to self-destruct rather than let the other side win. The foundation of faith is evident, but there are some triggers in the story, including human trafficking and child abuse. Details of both are not such that they are stomach-turning, and they are presented in a way to seamlessly fit into the story without becoming the central focus. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better in this second book. Although the book is lengthy, once I got into the story, I was not even aware of how long I was reading because I lost myself in the lives of the characters and in the challenges that they faced. The plot was moderately paced at first as the author introduced the characters and the conflicts and picked up to a quick pace once I knew all of the players and their goals in the story. Told from various points of view and also including a dual timeline, this was a book that kept me thinking and wondering what could possibly happen next to thwart the main characters from fulfilling their missions. There were some head-spinning surprises that I really didn’t expect and thoroughly enjoyed. Best of all, this book ends in a way that I wanted the series to definitely continue so that I could see more of the romantic relationship develop between some of the characters. All of the conflict within the boundaries of this novel were resolved in a satisfying way that made me happy that I read the book and thrilled that the saga will continue. This book is a military/spy thriller comparable to Tom Clancy but with a strong and clear faith element.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction with Intense Thrills, Rated PG-15

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she travels the United States with her family and GSD mix, Bella, probably writing her next novel.

Words from the author: “As an author, my mission is to provide readers with thrilling and engaging novels that maintain a high standard of integrity. I believe that a compelling story can captivate and entertain without relying on explicit language or inappropriate content. My books are designed to deliver exhilarating, action-packed narratives that will keep you engrossed from start to finish.”

Website: https://www.taylorsnewport.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsnewport_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.s.newport.2025/

X:  https://x.com/TaylorSNewport

Purchase Link

Amazon

Don’t miss the first book in the Dauntless Defenders series!

Amazon

Review of STEALING MAGNOLIAS by Leslie Kirby DeVooght

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781967524006 Publisher:Lanier Price Publishing Publication date:05/20/2025 Series:Magnolia Bluff #1 Pages:304

When Wren Frazier heads south to honor her grandmother’s final wish, she finds five unexpected challenges, one grumpy (but handsome) neighbor, and maybe-herself.

Although an artist, Wren packed away her brushes and paints and sought a practical career as an interior designer in Chicago. She’s always put herself last, happy to please everyone around her. But with a team of dedicated co-workers and a small town of quirky characters supporting her, she’s forced to give herself a little attention. As her artistic heart starts to awaken, Wren finds herself rediscovering the joy of creation and living authentically.

But while she’s exploring the enchanting Georgia Low Country, creating beautiful paintings, and taking a chance on love, she uncovers a secret that shakes the foundation of her newfound happiness. With the revelation threatening to ruin the delicate balance Wren has only begun to realize, will she give up her fairytale and return to her reality?

My Thoughts

I love reading books from debut authors who write a book that touches all of my feelings and my soul, too. The story of Wren, a young woman who has lost her grandmother and is floundering with choices about her future, is inspiring and thought-provoking as well as realistic and compelling. The setting of Haslemere was perfect for the story as this small town and all of its people filled the book with authenticity about the south and its friendliness and talent for making newcomers feel at home. I especially loved that this book offered a kind of story within a story. There is Wren’s story of self-discovery and there is also Nathaniel’s story of learning to trust as well as how to truly love. There is a sub-plot too with Wren’s assistant Zoe and the contractor Brad that led to more than a few chuckles from me, especially the text messages between Wren and Zoe. This is a wonderfully written romance with a southern flair and a foundation of faith that was charming and an integral part of the story. I loved the entire book and look forward to future books from this talented storyteller who puts heart and hope into her work.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated G

About the Author

Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

Q & A with the Author

1. What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting things you found out in your research, if you completed any? 

• I did a lot of research on painting with watercolors. I’m not an artist at all. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of pencils and brushes involved in the medium.

• I also researched the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Years ago, I visited and rode on the famous ride, but I wanted to be sure I remembered the details. The VIP pod was a perfect romantic place for a scene in my story. I watched a whole youtube video of a person in the VIP pod, so I could really get the experience.

2.What was your favorite part of writing this book?

• I loved getting to write the descriptions of the places that are a part of my world and getting to share them with others.

3.Did anything in the story end up surprising you? 

• When I started the story, I never expected it to become a series, but I fell in love with the setting and the side characters. I wasn’t ready to leave Magnolia Bluff, so I wrote two novellas and a book with plans for one more novella and one more book.

4. When did you know that you wanted to be an author? 

• I’ve always loved writing and reading. In high school and college, I started more than one book but never finished. However, I did earn a minor in English in college, and an advanced writing certificate in law school. For many years, I wrote legal briefs as the appellate lawyer for Brunswick Judicial Circuit’s DA’s office. When I left that job to become a judge, I began writing fiction.

5. What is your writing process like? Do you know the ending when you start writing?

• I usually come with a premise and a couple of characters, and then I brainstorm with my writing group. After that I really delve into the main characters personalities and back stories. I also use this prep time to research important parts of the book. Accuracy is very important to me. Then I plan the pivotal scenes and get started writing. While I may know how I want the story to end, the ending isn’t always planned out.

6.  What would be your advice to new authors? 

• Never stop learning and practicing your craft.

7.  If you could have a luncheon with a group of authors, whom would you invite and why?

• Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Eugenia Price, and Catherine Marshall. They have all written books that have impacted my life and writing. I’d want to know what inspired them to write some of my favorite books.

8.  What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book? 

• Spending time with my children and my husband. It really doesn’t matter what we’re doing. My daughter goes to college in Virginia, and when she calls, I go outside and walk around the yard while we talk. It doesn’t sound like much, but if I can’t be walking with her in person, it’s the next best thing. My husband and I have date nights at fantastic restaurants and travel to historic hotels, but it wouldn’t be my favorite thing to do if he weren’t with me.Honestly, I even love long drives with my family. My son and I have bonded over the hours we’ve spent driving to soccer.

10. This question is because I am a retired teacher. Did you have a favorite teacher in school? Can you share a memory about him/her? 

• I loved all of my teachers. I actually am friends with most of them on Facebook, and they are so supportive of my writing career. I do mention my sixth grade English teacher, Susan Lee, in the acknowledgments for Stealing Magnolias. She taught my how to write and to love doing it. She never accepts the credit when I thank her, but it is the truth. I would not be the writer I am today if hadn’t been for her.

Purchase Links

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Review: Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright

About the Book

ISBN-139781335937193 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:04/29/2025 Pages:208

Could her safe haven in a storm

Be a path back to her faith?

Caught in a blizzard pregnant and alone, former Amish woman Florene Schroder stumbles upon an unexpected sanctuary on an Amish farm. She never expects her rescuer to be Gil Kestler, a gentle giant from the community she left behind years ago. Forced together as they brave the storm, their wounded hearts slowly begin to warm toward one another. But as the snow starts to melt, can they conquer their fears to embrace love…or will the secrets they harbor keep them apart?

My Thoughts

What an uplifting story of hope and faith as Florene meets her destiny in her search for refuge from her abusive partner and from a blizzard! This story captured my heart and my imagination from the first page and kept me engrossed in it until the end. When Florene was tossed out of the car during a blizzard, she had no way of knowing that her rescuer would be a gentle giant named Gil. Taking shelter with his family, Florene learns the meaning of true faith and being willing to reach out to help others. I liked the dynamics between the characters and how realistically they were portrayed, with their raw edges exposed. I really enjoyed the story that had a hint of mystery to it involving the brother Eli’s shenanigans and desire to be free of his family’s homestead. The faith foundation was an integral part of the story as Florene needs to find her way back to God before she can be whole again and gentle Gil gives her the example she needs to do just that. This is a book that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys Christian romance with a hint of danger and a lot of family love and romance.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Love Inspired Romance, Clean Read, Rated G

About the Author

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. From the time she learned to read, books have been her passion. Beginning with Dick and Jane, progressing through Nancy Drew and then on to romances of all genres, Pamela devoured stories by popular authors such as Barbara Cartland, Jackie Collins, Rosemary Rogers, Shirley Conrad and many, many others. At one time Pamela was the proud owner of 5 library cards.

A veteran of the e-book revolution of the late ’90’s, Pamela moved into traditional print publishing, writing in the paranormal and adult romance genres for Kensington and NAL/Penguin. Nominated 2 times, she won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award in 2010. Pamela was also a founder of the scam publishers and agents website, The Write Connection, which was transferred to the SFWA through (then) vice-president A.C. Crispin to become Writer Beware. Her experiences with scam agents and publishers was documented in Professor Jim Fisher’s book, Ten Percent of Nothing: The Case of the Literary Agent From Hell.

In 2013, Pam took a break from writing to reassess her career choices. Unable to shake the story bug, she came back in 2019 with a new focus and vision, fulfilling a promise to write inspirational and wholesome books her entire family could enjoy. Though her characters are often handed difficult challenges in life, they always persevere over the darker times through the power of faith and love.

After signing with Tamela H. Murray of The Steve Laube Agency, Pamela sold her first Amish Romance to Harlequin for the Love Inspired imprint. Released in September 2021, The Cowboy’s Amish Haven debuted on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller ListSince that time, her Love Inspired titles have consistently made the top 25. In late 2022, she signed a new deal with Harlequin Love Inspired for 6 more Amish titles.

Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of  the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at the cabin owned by her grandparents. She also loves needlepoint and has dozens of projects to work on! Website: Pamela Desmond Wright

Purchase Links

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Review: TWO SECONDS TOO LATE by Dani Pettrey

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780764238499 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:04/29/2025 Series:Jeopardy Falls , #2 Pages:320

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted. 

As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival.

My Thoughts

The latest book in the Jeopardy Falls series is absolutely compelling and breathtakingly complex. With settings that include a retreat, a reservation and Las Vegas, the action continues nonstop from beginning to end. Once skip tracer Riley finds out that a friend of hers is missing from a nearby spa and retreat, she and teammate Grayson go undercover to try to find out what happened to Kelly. What they find was not what they expected and so much worse than they imagined. The suspense in the story is woven in with the romance that is developing between the two main characters and is carefully plotted to be a crucial part of the story. There are some head-spinning twists that were brilliantly included and a strong message of hope for the future. The complicated plot included dual storylines that were edgy and that dovetailed fabulously in the satisfying conclusion. The characters were believable, working hard to overcome difficulties from their pasts and with personalities that were realistically flawed and lovable. The tension in the plot is relentless as Grayson and Riley race to find Kelly and the truth about her disappearance. This book presents Christian romantic suspense at its best, with family dynamics, developing romance and a mystery to be solved on a ticking clock timeline. Although part of a series, this book can be enjoyed all by itself, but I do highly recommend reading the first book, too, even if you read them out of order. The series is fantastic fiction!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily 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.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG

Other Book in the Series

About the Author

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani loves to mentor aspiring and newly-published authors. Seeing them grow and spread their wings is so rewarding. She recently was awarded ACFW’s Mentor of the Year. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband. Website: http://www.danipettrey.com

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Review of TO LIGHT THE WAY FORWARD by Nancy Naigle

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780593601044 Publisher:PRH Christian Publishing Publication date:04/29/2025 Series:A Shell Collector Novel Pages:368

Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug.

But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild.

As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

My Thoughts

Rosemary is a widow who is searching for a new purpose in life, but she doesn’t know where to begin to find it. She is just fairly certain that living with her newly divorced daughter Nina is not going to fulfill her, so she sets out on a trip to visit Whelk Island, a little town in the Outer Banks where she can visit her high school friend Kathleen and have some time on the beach to reflect on her past and her future. Having spent almost fifty years with her husband in Hawaii, Rosemary hears the call of the ocean and really thinks that time there will ground her and show her what she should do to continue her life without her beloved husband Kai. Once there, she meets Tug, the owner of a renowned diner and an all-around good guy and friend to everyone. The two hit it off immediately, and their friendship is encouraged when a hurricane comes through and forces people to work together to prepare and then to clean up. I really enjoyed the realistic setting of the beach town facing a natural disaster and the fact that the characters all pulled together and watched out for each other. I also liked the dual romances in the story and the way the author seamlessly wove the two stories together in an engaging and moderately paced plot. My favorite parts were the humor and the ones where the characters just enjoyed being together, enjoying a meal and dancing or strolling on the beach. I also liked the themes of a hopeful future and living in the present instead of dwelling in the past. Forward together is a good and memorable theme for this novel and I enjoyed how this happened for the youngest to the oldest characters. This book is a sequel to the first novel set on Whelk Island, The Shell Collector, but this one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone as new characters and a whole new story is told here.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily 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.

Contemporary Christian Fiction, Clean Read, Rated G

About the Author

 USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. She began her contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career as an SVP for Bank of America and life on a seventy-six-acre goat farm.

Now enjoying an early retirement from the financial industry, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and the occasional spa day with friends. A native of Virginia Beach, she now calls the small town of Franklin, Virginia home. 

Download a printable list of Nancy’s publications here

Nancy’s 2021 release of The Shell Collector debuted in the top #20 on the ECPA Bestseller list and was optioned in a book-to-movie deal as the first Fox Original movie. The Shell Collector can be watched on FOXNation.

Several of Nancy’s books have inspired made-for-television movies. Watch  Christmas Joy, Sand Dollar Cove and The Secret Ingredient on the Hallmark Channel and Hope at Christmas on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Nancy also wrote the novelization for the first three Hallmark Original Movies in the popularChristmas in Evergreen series.

Sign up for Nancy’s newsletter to stay up-to-date on everything going on with her story worlds. Nancy Naigle

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With appreciation to WaterBrook and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review!