Thursday, August 13, 2020

Crushing Depths FB banner

About the Book

Book: The Crushing Depths
Author: Dani Pettrey
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Crushing depthsThey know the power and peril of the ocean.
But as they get closer to the deadly truth…
An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer
wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
 MY REVIEW 
Oh my was this an exciting read. The author gets right into the adventure as soon as you start the book. I really enjoyed reading about the Coast Guards like in the first book of the series. This time we go along as Rissi and Mason are front and center in this thriller. I kept thinking as I read the book that it was a cross between NCIS and Criminal Minds. 
Being out at sea for a long period of time does not sound very fun for me. There are many that do it though for the thrill  and money. I just wonder how hard it would be to be stuck there without seeing your family. The story revolves around a mysterious death on an oil rig. What I really liked was the “curse” that many believed that caused accidents and deaths to happen. The background on the  curse was very intense and it added a bit of mystery to the story. 
Rissi and Mason go to investigate and find themselves in danger. I loved how the author stacked unexplained accidents on top of another that delivers a real  puzzle to solve. I was so sure I knew who was behind everything, but I was very wrong. There are many twists in the story which kept me digging  more into several suspects. There is romance in the  book but for me it was not distracting from the story. The faith element is good and just the right amount to know that a few of the  characters prayed for wisdom and safety. 
With an activist group wanting to stop the completion of the structure, bodies turning up and unexplained accidents, the author delivers a well written story that had me reading as fast as I could. I really liked the characters and how they were up against weather, danger aboard the rig and threats without giving up. Rissi and Mason are a good combination and compliment each other at work . Their ability to untangle a very complicated case was nothing short of brilliance. I love the authors’ way that she tells a story with details, intrigue and non stop action. Get ready for an adventure where nothing is as it seems. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 
Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dani PettreyPraised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a 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). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com

More from Dani








Enjoy this special recipe for a Lavender and Honey Latte that makes a special appearance in my book!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 13
Artistic Nobody, August 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Mia Reads, August 15
Emily Yager, August 15
Stories By Gina, August 16
CarpeDiem, August 16
Betti Mace, August 17
Lighthouse Academy, August 17
KarenSueHadley, August 17
Livin’ Lit, August 18
Life of Literature, August 19
Older & Smarter?, August 20
Mary Hake, August 20
Empowermoms, August 21
Amanda Tero, August 22
Splashes of Joy, August 22
Simple Harvest Reads, August 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, August 22
Worthy2Read, August 23
Hallie Reads, August 23
Live. Love. Read., August 25
Remembrancy, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a necklace, tumbler and a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Posted by at 3 comments:

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

A Nurse for Jacob FB Banner

About the Book

Book:  A Nurse for Jacob
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre:  Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: July 2, 2020
A Nurse for JacobPhysician heal thyself
While physical wounds heal with time, a special balm is needed to heal those sick of soul. In the Civil War aftermath, two such people’s paths cross. Recent graduate of the Harrow School of Nursing first class in May 1868, Lydia Andrews arrives at the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, hired on Clara Barton’s endorsement. There she meets Doctor Jacob Johnston, and both soon learn that love is the salve to soothe wounded souls.

Click here to get your copy!
MY REVIEW 

 Attention readers of historical fiction.  If you are looking for a clean and fun book , look no further. This story is rich in history and I loved how the author includes a bit of history about nurses. Clara Barton has always been a person of interest for me. Having her mentioned in this story was exciting. It is not a long story but is packed with wonderful characters and a faith element that clearly resonates that God is first in the author’s life. 

 Lydia was a sweet character who is very skilled in nursing. I liked how she jumped in when needed and never let any doubts get in the way. It was nice to see how she interacted with patients and how caring she was. Lydia must have been on cloud nine knowing that Clara Barton had recommended her for the job. What a great privilege it would be to have someone like Clara sing your praises. There were a few nurses that were a bit envious of Lydia but I find that to be typical of women. Why can’t we be joyful for  each other instead of allowing the enemy to become bitter over another’s accomplishments?

 I’m not really sure I liked Jacob for most of the story. He was a little arrogant at times and took to Lydia much sooner than I liked. Maybe he was attracted to her faith and God was allowing Lydia to show him that  God never stopped loving him? Whatever the reason,  the author gives readers a story that will test Lydia as she begins to spend more time with Jacob.

 This book is in a series but I feel like it could be read as a stand alone. I will say that you should read the entire series because the author is so gifted in writing stories that are faith filled and I always grow closer to God after finishing any book she writes.

 I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 



About the  Author

Caryl McAdooAward-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over fifty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and nineteen grandsugars with Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of over fifty years, she lives in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.



More from Caryl

From the get-go, the idea about writing a story with a nurse heroine intrigued me; I haven’t had one before. My niece is a nurse and I have several friends and readers who serve. I believe nursing is a divine calling and admire the many who choose to be a medical servant.
The connection in the multi-author Nursing the Heart Collection is that the first class of nurses recently graduated from the Harrows’s School of Nursing are placed across the country through the friends and acquaintances of Clara Barton, who teaches at the school.
So I joined the project and started my research of medical practices in the post-Civil War years. It was a time where many medical breakthroughs occurred, and older instruments were greatly improved. I so enjoyed learning how healthcare practices have changed.
I think you’ll enjoy all that to as an integral part of this historical romance. This Texas author hopes readers will love my two medical servants, Lydia Andrews and the older Doctor Jacob Johnston, and I’m always “Praying my story gives God glory!”

Blog Stops

Splashes of Joy, August 11
Texas Book-aholic, August 12
Betti Mace, August 15
Older & Smarter?, August 17
Artistic Nobody, August 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Pause for Tales, August 20
KarenSueHadley, August 22
Simple Harvest Reads, August 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Posted by at 8 comments:

Sunday, August 9, 2020

About the Book

Book:  Rahab
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Genre:  Biblical Fiction
Some biblical scholars maintain that the woman in Jericho who hid Joshua’s two spies was a harlot or a prostitute. But if that was the case, how did this woman, Rahab, become one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ? Wouldn’t the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son?
In this historical fiction, author Diana Wallis Taylor offers a beautiful story of intrigue that explains how Rahab came to be the mother of Boaz, grandmother of Obed, and great-grandmother of Jesse, the father of King David.
In Rahab, Woman of Jericho, readers discover a Rahab who is a descendent of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. Her clan left Egypt and settled in Canaan before the Hebrews were enslaved. Although they did not wander in the desert with Moses for forty years, nor did they hear the laws that the Lord gave to His people, they still worshipped the one true God.
Rahab marries Radames, a young Egyptian officer, who is to become the new governor of Jericho. They live in the Egyptian embassy set in the city wall.When the Israelites approach Canaan with their army, pharaoh sends word that he is withdrawing his troops. Radames fabricates a story to tell Jericho’s king, but Hammurabi doesn’t believe it…and he has his eye on the beautiful Rahab.
What will happen to Rahab after the lecherous king poisons her husband? How can she save her family from the invading Israelites? God parted the waters of the Jordan River for them—will He likewise provide miracles and blessings to her Ephraimite clan if they can rejoin their people?

Click here to get your copy!
 MY REVIEW 
When I have a Biblical fiction book to read, I always go to the Bible and reread the story. I understand that a fiction book recounting a story from the Bible takes a few liberties. In this case the author changed up very vital information. The lesson about Rahab being used by God even though she was a harlot was an example that He uses the sinner as well as Christians. 
I did think that the author did a decent job of telling Rahab’s story in a way that vaguely showed how God can use us. It was interesting to think how she could have been married and the danger she faced in that marriage. She was not well liked in the town because of her heritage. It still talks about the spies and how she helped them. Overall I have to say that even though the story is off course from the Bible it still was a nice look at what ifs? I do like the descriptions the author uses and how it felt like being there watching the story unfold. Did the author take away from the story by changing it up? I leave that to the readers to decide. I prefer Biblical fiction books to be close to the original  and not take away the point God was using . I’m conflicted on how to rate the book because it was written well , although I think the lesson of the story was downsized a bit more than I liked. 
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

About the Author

Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels as Hadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi; Mary, Chosen of God; Ruth, Mother of Kings; Mary Magdalene; and Journey to the Well. She is also the author of Halloween: Harmless Fun or Risky Business?
Diana’s additional published works include a collection of poetry, Wings of the Wind; an Easter cantata, “Glorious,” written with a musical collaborator and available on Sheet Music Plus; and contributions to various magazines and compilations.
She received her B.A. in Elementary Education at San Diego State University and was an elementary school teacher for twenty-two years. She operated two coffeehouse/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services.
Diana makes her home in San Diego, California. Readers are welcome to reach out to her and read her blog at www.dianawallistaylor.com.

Read an Excerpt

At one large, ornate building that was obviously a temple, young women wearing flimsy garments, much jewelry, and elaborate make-up were lounging on the steps.
“Who are they, Radames?”
“Temple priestesses.”
“Women priests? They do not look like priests.”
He took a deep breath. “They are temple prostitutes who serve their god. By laying with a worshipper, they believe they assist him or her to honor their god.”
She put her hand on his arm. “I cannot judge others, but my people worship one God, Jehovah, who does not require that sort of worship.”
Radames seemed thoughtful and made no reply.
Her family had lived among the Canaanites for years, but she had never seen such a temple before. Beth-horon was so small—wouldn’t she have seen one if it was there? Perhaps her parents and their parents had endeavored to shield their children from the worst pagan practices.
Just before they returned home, she looked back at the palace, looming over the city like some evil monster. It sent a chill through her.
When they were safely in the embassy again, they sat in the dining hall and ate their mid-day meal: fresh bread, goat cheese, figs, and pomegranates, with a cup of beer for Radames and wine for Rahab.
Rahab turned to Radames. “My lord, the Canaanites have so many gods. You said you worshipped a fewer number. I am not familiar with Egyptian gods and would like to hear about them.”
He looked at her thoughtfully and took her hand in his. “Amon is the main one; he is considered the king of the gods and goddesses, and we believe he is father to the Pharaohs. His female counterpart is Amunet, called the Female Hidden One. They had a son, Khonsu, the moon god. Mut, which means ‘mother’ in Egyptian, is a deity who wears two crowns on her head. Osiris is considered the oldest child of the earth god, Zeb, and the sky goddess, Nut. He is the god of the afterlife. That is why many things are buried with the body when an Egyptian dies, so that he has what he needs in the life after death.”
She remained silent, listening, her thoughts twirling round about. She had married Radames out of love and her father had assured her that marrying an Egyptian was not forbidden because of their family heritage. But how was she to deal with a husband who worshipped idols? She smiled at him. “Tell me more.”
He sliced a piece of cheese and playfully fed it to her before continuing.
“Anubis is the divine embalmer. Before Osiris, Anubis patrolled the underworld. He is known for mummifying the dead and guiding their souls toward the afterlife. Horus is the god of vengeance and is the child of Osiris and Isis. He avenged his father’s death and ruled Egypt. Thoth is the god of knowledge and wisdom, who settles disputes between good and evil. He maintains the universe by his mastery of calculations. We believe him to be the author of science, philosophy, and magic. He is also the one who created our calendar. Sekhmet is the goddess of war and healing. She can destroy the enemies of her allies. Geb is the god of earth, who represents crops and healing. We believe he retains the souls of the wicked.”
It was a lot to digest. “Those are all your gods?”
He shook his head. “Only some of them, the most important ones.”
“And you worship all these gods?”
“When I am home with my family or with my soldiers, I profess to worship them. My father would be insulted and perhaps disown me if I even hinted that I did not.”
She stared at him, realizing what he had just revealed. Hope rose in her heart. “You say that as if there is something else you believe.”
Radames hesitated, as if uncertain how to proceed. “I don’t know,” he said finally. “I have grown up with all our gods, but prayers to them are not answered. I have not mentioned this before, beloved, but I was married years ago, at the age of eighteen. My wife was only fifteen. Both she and our infant son died in childbirth a year later. I made offering after offering to the gods, praying for her to live, but there was no answer—and no comfort. So I do not put my faith in any god.”
Rahab reached out to touch his arm. “Oh, Radames. I am so sorry about your wife and child. That must have been so hard to bear. Did my father know of this?”
“I told him that first night I came.”
“And what did he say?”
“He said that I may someday wish to speak to you about your God…when I am ready to do so.”

Blog Stops

Novels Corner, August 8
Texas Book-aholic, August 10
lakesidelivingsite, August 11
Betti Mace, August 14
Splashes of Joy, August 15
CarpeDiem, August 17
Connect in Fiction, August 19
She Lives To Read, August 20
Mary Hake, August 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Diana is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Starbucks gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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