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Sunday, March 21, 2021

 

Framed in Death Valley

About the Book

Book:  Framed in Death Valley

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

framed in death valleFramed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

danaDana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle.

 

More from Dana

What’s up in Death Valley?

 

As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a  suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.

 

I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!

 

It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?

MY REVIEW 

I will boldly state that this book is the best in suspense, danger, faith and redemption I have ever read. From the beginning I was rooting for Beckett. He was wrongly accused of a death but is determined to prove his innocence. I loved how he always thought of his wife and her safety first. Unconditional love is powerful and it continues to amaze me as I read this story.

I absolutely loved the setting and was in awe of how accurate the author described it. She does mention that she visited Death Valley  for research and it shows in the details of the story. I don’t have to wonder what it is like there because I can vividly picture it with her poetic words. The author hits it out of the park, or should I say  desert with this exciting story. There is no time to breathe  as Beckett is in a race to save his wife Laney from death. 

I won’t go into  details of the story but I will say how intense it is at times. I held my breath as Laney and her unborn child are targets in an eye for an eye battle. Revenge is in the heart of someone who blames Beckett for a death and wants to kill the one person close to him. There are a few very tender moments that can’t be overlooked in the story. Beckett has always thought of himself as a “monster” and that stigma has followed him since high school. 

The best part of the book for me was two things. First I loved the redemption and second chance theme in the story. Laney and Beckett have a lot to deal with and the faith between  them helps open up communication. It was nice to see how much Beckett loved his wife and wanted to reconcile with her. It was an emotional journey for both. The next thing I liked was how the author fooled me with who the killer was. Oh I was so  sure I knew who it was that  I was patting myself on the back. To my surprise and shock I was so so wrong. The brilliance of how the author took this character from in the shadows to front and center was nothing  short of  excellent and skilled writing. In the end I was very pleased with the ending. Great job. 

“Love is when someone is ready to stand by you in the worst moments of your life.”

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

Blog Stops

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 16

Among the Reads, March 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 17 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 18

Genesis 5020, March 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19

Betti Mace, March 19

Lighthouse Academy, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Bizwings Blog, March 20

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21

Inklings and notions, March 22

Remembrancy, March 22

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

For Him and My Family, March 23

Blogging With Carol, March 23

Older & Smarter?, March 24

Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

KarenSueHadley, March 24

She Lives To Read, March 25

deb’s Book Review, March 25

Through the Fire Blogs, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27

Labor Not in Vain, March 27

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 28

Pause for Tales, March 28

Blossoms and Blessings, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29

Daysong Reflections, March 29

Hallie Reads, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away  the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card, a set of six mini cactus candles, and a signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1093d/framed-in-death-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

4 comments:

  1. This book sounds like a great page-turner.

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  2. I like when an author can surprise me!

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  3. This sounds like my kind of read! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. The villain took me by surprise too, Deana.

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