Don’t Believe It
by Charlie Donlea

About the Book 

Don’t Believe ItMystery/Crime/Suspense
Kensington (May 29, 2018)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496713803
Digital ASIN: B075CBLSDX
Audio ASIN: B079VRWSRY

From acclaimed author Charlie Donlea comes a twisting, impossible-to-put-down novel of suspense in which a filmmaker helps clear a woman convicted of murder—only to find she may be a puppet in a sinister game.

The Girl of Sugar Beach is the most watched documentary in television history—a riveting, true-life mystery that unfolds over twelve weeks and centers on a fascinating question: Did Grace Sebold murder her boyfriend, Julian, while on a Spring Break vacation, or is she a victim of circumstance and poor police work? Grace has spent the last ten years in a St. Lucian prison, and reaches out to filmmaker Sidney Ryan in a last, desperate attempt to prove her innocence.

As Sidney begins researching, she uncovers startling evidence, additional suspects, and timeline issues that were all overlooked during the original investigation. Before the series even finishes filming, public outcry leads officials to reopen the case. But as the show surges towards its final episodes, Sidney receives a letter saying that she got it badly, terribly wrong.

Sidney has just convinced the world that Grace is innocent. Now she wonders if she has helped to free a ruthless killer. Delving into Grace’s past, she peels away layer after layer of deception. But as Sidney edges closer to the real heart of the story, she must decide if finding the truth is worth risking her newfound fame, her career . . . even her life.

About the Author

Credit – Carrianne Photography

USA Today bestselling author Charlie Donlea was born and raised in Chicago. He now lives in the suburbs with his wife and two young children. Readers can find him online at http://charliedonlea.com

Author Links

Website http://charliedonlea.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/charliedonlea/?ref=hl

Twitter https://twitter.com/CharlieDonlea

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13922088.Charlie_Donlea

Purchase Links

Amazon  B&N   Kobo Google Play  BookBub 

As I started reading the first few pages of the book, I wanted to crawl under the covers and hide. The author grips readers with vivid details of  Julian's last moments on this earth. I felt the slam to the back of the head and saw the red crimson blood dripping onto his shoulders. I knew this would be a book I couldn't put down. Why would someone so viciously murder Julian ? Could it be his girlfriend, Grace who in an act of rage who took his life?

When the verdict  of guilty of first degree murder  is read, Grace showed little emotion except to appear about reading to faint. What must be running through her mind as she is taken away? Her freedom is gone and she must spend her life behind bars reliving the nightmare she just went through. Years later Grace is sill claiming her innocence. 

Sidney is an outstanding character with credentials that are very impressive. Her world will be turned upside down as she receives a letter from Grace ten years later while still in prison. She wants Sidney to prove her innocence. It was very creepy for me to read that Sidney has traveled to St. Lucia to stay in the same room Grace stayed in ten years ago. I liked the description of the area and found it to be very inviting. Sidney is not there to take in the sights , but to see if she can change Grace's life and prove her innocent. The documentary that Sidney is working on about Julian's murder is  intense and very detailed. Will the help of Inspector Pierre help Grace or will she  forever be guilty to the world? Some say the system rushed her conviction because they didn't want to hurt their tourism. Sidney must work closely with everyone to find the real truth behind Julian's murder.

As Sidney starts to interview Grace in prison, I loved the mention of the love lock. In Paris, couples have their names engraved on a lock. They then go to Pont des Arts Bridge and secure the log to the bridge. The key is tossed in the Seine. The lock symbolizes that you have found the person you want to spend your life with. Grace and Julian never made it to Paris, but to Sidney that lock shows their love for each other. I thought it was such a beautiful thing to do and I'm glad the author included it in Graces story.As Sidney starts to dig deeper into Grace's conviction, she starts to question if Grace was wrongly convicted. I loved the details of the crime lab and how the tests were run to prove evidence was not handled correctly. Sidney's documentary about the case being done live has gained a lot of attention. The story is captivating and will have you staying up late to finish. The book is packed with intrigue and has the government starting to take notice of the documentary. There are a few graphic parts in the story that may bother some along with a few cuss words. But I hope it won't keep you from reading on the best thrillers of the year.  Its one of the best thrillers I've read with twists that caught me by surprise. Just when you think you have solved the crime, the author cleverly takes you in an unexpected direction. Expect the unexpected in this explosive story with an ending that will make you shake your head in shock. 

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants

May 21 – Bea’s Book Nook – REVIEW

May 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 22 – DeeScoveries – SPOTLIGHT

May 22 – Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews – REVIEW

May 23 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 23 – Book Babble – REVIEW

May 24 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

May 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

May 25 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

May 25 – Books Direct – REVIEW

May 26 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 27 – T’s Stuff – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 28 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, GUEST POST

May 28 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

May 29 – Carole’s Book Corner – REVIEW

May 29 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 30 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

May 31 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST

June 1 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

June 2 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

BURIED SECRETS BY BARBARA CAMERON
PRESENTED BY GILEAD PUBLISHING BOOK TOUR

I really liked Rose so much. She has a sweet spirit and I love how she came back home to be near her family. It isn't easy for her since her husband passed, but she knows that God has a plan for her. Would it be hard for you to pick up and leave everything behind and start over?

Luke has decided to help Rose on her farm, but I'm not sure their first introductions went well. Rose knows how to run a farm and it may be hard for Luke to take orders from her. It is hard for Luke to be around Rose sometimes, because he knows he is starting to have feelings for her. What will he do when he finds out about the secret Rose has been keeping from him?

I loved the relationship that Luke has with Rose's son Daniel. They seem to have developed a great relationship and Daniel is starting to like having Luke around. When an accident happens , will it bring Luke and Rose closer? It is  very evident that they both love Daniel and seeing him injured hurts both of them. I admire all the work Luke has done to get the farm up and running again. You can sense he aches to be part of Rose's life, but something is stopping her from saying yes to him.I have always believed that communication is vital to a relationship. Luke and Rose really need to sit and have a long talk. It's funny how things get so mixed up in your head when you don't talk about the problem.

As you read the book, you will find that a cardinal is mentioned several times. It is a very significant sign to me, but I want you to experience the symbolism yourself.  I won't give my opinion about it. I loved how it was there throughout the story though. Was it a sign from God? Keeping secrets never turns out good and can cause hurt feelings. I loved how Luke and Rose guarded their relationship and made sure they followed their faith.  I loved the story and thought the author did a good job of showing how faith can restore your trust and allow you to open your heart to new beginnings.

I received  a copy of this book from Gilead Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

Barbara Cameron has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple
joys of the Amish. She is the best-selling author of more than 40 fiction and
nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first
Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her books have been
nominated for Carol Awards and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award from
RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter. Barbara resides in Jacksonville, Florida.











http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e4c2fca62/?

WHERE HOPE BEGINS BY CATHERINE WEST 

~ About the Book ~

Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.

But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.

Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look beyond our own expectations.

Genre:  General/Women’s Fiction
Release date:  22 May 2018
Pages:  368
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Amazon US  //  Amazon AU  //  iTunes  //  Goodreads  //  Koorong

I must warn you before you read this book to make sure you have several boxes of tissues. When I started the book, I immediately felt the emotions coming from Savannah. I love her character so much. She has been through a lot in the last several years. No parent should have to bury their child, but Savannah and her husband Kevin faced that difficult task. Everyone grieves differently and I can't honestly say how I would deal with the death of a child. My heart went out to Savannah. The author allows us to see deep into her soul where the pain is buried. Will Savannah  be able to stop being angry at God?

Have you ever felt like you keep getting buried in heartbreaking situations? Savannah now must face the fact that her husband doesn't want her anymore. At that moment my tears flowed as I wanted to hug her and tell her she is loved by God. It's time for her to get away and have some alone time. I was cheering her on as she travels to her parents' lake house. From the moment she steps in the house , I could sense a calmness come over her. Everyone is worried that she will fall apart, but God has ordained a plan for her to heal and find hope again. Ending a marriage is like a death. All your dreams are gone and you  feel your hope slipping away. Maybe when Savannah meets her neighbors, things will get better for her.

Brock is a very interesting character. He is a best selling author and one that Savannah has admired over the years. It's funny that they are neighbors and I think he may become a distraction for Savannah. One of the best characters in the book is Clarice. She is such a wise woman who has taken Savannah under her wing. Clarice does not judge others, only prays for them and listens to them. Savannah will find many people wanting to give her advice. When we are going through an emotional time, sometimes all we want is someone to listen to us, not preach to us. I believe in second chances, because I was blessed to receive  one from my husband. I won't tell you the ending of this story, but I will say it is emotional and well written. Who will Savannah choose?

 One thing I really liked was how the author allowed us to see how tragedies affect others around us. It is not just Savannah and Keith going through hard times, but their children as well. We sometimes forget that our children are just as upset as we are when  going through changes that affect the family.  If you are struggling with second chances, forgiveness, grief, hope,  trust issues, relationships, or your walk with God this is the book for you. For those who aren't struggling right now this is a must read to strengthen your hope and faith. The story is a master piece of emotions and will touch you to your soul.

"Second chances don't come around too often in this life. If you get yourself one, grab it good and don't let go for anything."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The review is my own opinion.

~ About the Author ~

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband have two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Her most recent novel, The Memory of You, released March 2017, and Where Hope Begins releases in May 2018.

Connect with Catherine:  Website  //  Facebook  //  Twitter  //  Goodreads  //  Pinterest

~ Other Books by Catherine West ~

    

LOVE FOUND IN SHERWOOD FOREST BY LINDA S.  MATCHETT


 Award-winning Broadway actress Leighanne Webster has it all until an on-stage panic attack brings her career crashing to the ground. Returning to England to help produce the annual Robin Hood Festival play could be the diversion Leighanne needs. But with ex-fiance, Jamison Blake, as the play’s director, focusing on her new job won’t be easy.

Breaking his engagement with Leighanne so she could pursue her dream of being a Broadway star was the hardest thing Jamison Blake ever did. When she returns to Nottingham, his heart insists he made a mistake. Can he convince her to give their relationship another try, or will he have to let her go again? This time forever.

Purchase Link:

http://amzn.to/2ou0Urs

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone's throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places most of her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC. She volunteers as a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and is a trustee for her local public library. She currently lives in New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

Follow me on http://www.facebook.com/authorlindamatchett, https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett, http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchet

What a beautiful description of the countryside the author has given us. I   felt like I was I was in the car with Kelli and Leighanne as they traveled over the cobblestone road. It was very interesting for Leighanne to run into her ex-fiance . I'm sure she was ready to change he mind  bout helping her sister with the play. The bitterness still lingers over their breakup, but Leighanne doesn't know the real reason Jamison broke it off with her.

Leighanne has come a long way to get away from something. Will she tell her sister what is going on? The closeness that the sisters share is wonderful and I liked that Kelli prays for her sister. Leighanne  is the kind of character I easily related to. Her panic attacks have caused her great distress and I can understand how hard they are to go through. Will she find peace as she helps put on a play to help her sister out?

I have always wanted to go to England and visit castles.The author provides vivid details of famous places in England that make me want to hop on a plane and go there. Her historical knowledge is well noted as she takes readers on a tour of Sherwood Forest. Can you imagine seeing the magnificent tree that she describes?  Jamison is a great character who will not compromise his beliefs. I admired his faith and how he stood up to someone who was trying to blackmail him. The story is wonderfully crafted to show how prayer can make a difference.

I love second chance stories because it gives hope to others. I am one of those who was given a second chance. I lost my way like Leighanne did and started believing lies. I had to reach the bottom of the pit before I would surrender to God. The book is short but filled with hope, forgiveness and finding your way back to God. Don't miss this enchanting story that has a bit of romance mixed in with strong Christian values.

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

THE THEORY OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER
by KRISTIN BILLERBECK

Maggie is quite a smart young woman.She thinks she has it all figured out about what it takes to be happy. All her scientific facts don't prepare her for a big breakup with her fiance. She sure didn't see that coming. How embarrassing for her to be an author who is suppose to be an expert on happiness. Now what can she do to fix her life?

To the rescue is her two best friends. What a plan they have for Maggie. I'm not sure that the idea of a cruise is what she needs but off they go. The characters are fun to know and I liked how the author showed how we can laugh at ourselves and be okay with our mistakes. Can Maggie find true happiness on a cruise? Will she be able to open her heart to a new romance?

The story is fun with a great theme of trusting God and finding true happiness in Him.

I received a coy of this book from Revell Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Why do I feel like I’m going through life naked if I’m following God faithfully?

The Bible tells you the war has already been won, yet some days you simply feel undone.

The enemy of your soul wants you to feel out of control…overwhelmed, outwitted and under resourced. When you listen to the lies the enemy weaves in your marriage, finances, relationships, and health, he wreaks havoc. Steals your joy. Kills your hope. And aims to not only dull, but destroy the power of God in your life.

In Don’t Go through Life Naked, Susan B. Mead shares her own deeply personal experiences with feeling exposed and engaging the enemy—from the recurring nightmares of childhood to the loss of her son and perceived judgment of others.

With scriptural insight, let’s-get-real vulnerability, and a wry sense of humor, Mead helps readers:

– Toss out misconceptions about spiritual warfare to understand what Jesus really said about your spiritual authority and the certainty you have in him. – Know what to pray to steady your soul and restore your confidence. – Stop feeling overrun by the enemy and start believing the authority of God abides in you to overcome.

In Don’t Go through Life Naked, Mead provides strong spiritual weapons for your life through the scripture of God’s prayer book, the Bible. These weapons enable you to successfully clothe yourself in God’s power and promises every day.

A portion of the proceeds of Don’t Go through Life Naked will benefit Proverbs 31 Ministries to help them continue teaching biblical truth and taking the hope of Jesus to women and families around the world.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

With over 22 years in corporate American, 2 million airline miles under her belt, 2 Christian Literary Awards on the shelf, an MBA hanging on the wall, and a Doctor of Theology candidacy in process, Susan B Mead shares her expert teachings on business, grief, spiritual warfare and relationships. A master storyteller and award winning, best selling author, Susan leaves audiences motivated to live a life free of regrets even though she has done the hardest thing any parent can do – bury her youngest son, Kyle.

Susan has been described as a solid, comforting voice in a messy world. Whether speaking to business professionals, women’s conferences, industry leaders or writer’s workshops, Susan’s insightful wisdom inspires audiences, empowering them to make healthy mental u-turns to help them find calm in the chaos.

Guest Post from Susan B. Mead

Seriously Susan? You’re taking the Word of God and making it laughable?

Yes, I am. The subject we address is serious – it is arming ourselves with the Full Armor of God. Do you realize that makes this topic Spiritual Warfare? Yes! Warfare. Why was I compelled to write about this?

We address being 1) aware of the adversary, 2) mindful of his methods and 3) positioned for combat with a powerful promise.

God gave me His sense of humor to lighten the mood and open our minds to His message. Now that is a blessing, in my humble opinion.

Why would God let me poke lightly at this problem? So we can look forward to digging in to discover every tidbit, tool, and treasure He has for us. The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (MSG)

Do you see the nuggets here? I consider them valuable like pure gold and solid silver. When we forge the Word of God into our hearts, He equips us with a tool – the sword of the Spirit. That allows us to clear the ground of every obstruction.

God also covers us with His Word when we come to Him as Lord of our lives. His Word is His Son, Jesus; the Jesus who lived, bled, died, and rose to Heaven for you and for me. We are covered and protected by that amazing gift, for the Word Jesus carries power to prevail against all powers of evil when Jesus is Lord of our lives.

All power.

All powerful.

Not the enemy and not us – Jesus.

Are you ready to venture into the vault of God’s vast truth?

Expect adventure, excitement and breathtaking breakthrough IF you choose to forge ahead.

But beware…

There are twists and turns ahead.

(Spoiler alert! You may already know the end of this story.)

Oh by the way, on April 19, Susan received an email from the Jenkins Group. You know, Jerry Jenkins of the Left Behind Series – and so many other books. She was humbled – and incredibly honored – to read the 2018 eLit Book Awards Medalist list and find this line…

Religion

Don’t Go Through Life Naked by Susan B. Mead

GOLD Medal Winner

Finally a book that talks abut spiritual warfare. I don't hear very many pastors preaching about such an important part of a Christian walk today. Everyday the enemy is there with his tricks just waiting to take you out. He is subtle but so effective if we are not ready. A small argument with a spouse, an unkind word from a friend or an unfounded accusation can take you out. 

The author does not pull any punches and I love that she is very direct with readers. I was floored when I saw the words spiritual rape.  That is such an accurate description of what the enemy does to us. We leave ourselves exposed by not praying and not surrounding ourselves with like minded people. Do we remember to carry the Word with us everyday? I never thought about leading others astray when I fall from grace, but it makes perfect sense. Don't we find people to agree with us when we feel hurt by someone? 

One of the biggest attacks the enemy uses on us is  our mind. He is crafty and whispers to us things like, "Is your spouse cheating on you," or " Did you know that so and so said horrible things about you to the pastor?"  " You are stupid." The question we need to ask ourselves is, " Will we follow the "rabbit trail" of an enticing thought or " take every thought captive?"

I like that the author provides refection questions at the end of every chapter. I encourage you to read them and apply them to your lives.  The author leaves no subject untouched and I love how she breaks down words so we can understand what God is saying to us. Many people have a problem with the word submit. When the author breaks the word down it makes perfect sense. Basically it means under mission. Who do you want to be under mission to?

I appreciate the author being transparent with her struggles she has faced with her boys. We all want to have the perfect child that never gets in trouble. But reality is that we can do everything right and our children may choose a different path. I loved when she said, "I'm not giving up mothering! I am praying and holding on."  That is what we all need to do; which is not give up and never stop praying. I enjoyed this book very much and found it to be encouraging and powerful.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 15

proud to be an autism mom, May 16

Simple Harvest Reads, May 16 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Janices book reviews, May 18

Bibliophile Reviews, May 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 20

Carpe Diem, May 21

A Baker’s Perspective, May 22

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 24

Artistic Nobody,May 25 (Spotlight)

Bigreadersite, May 26

margaret kazmierczak, May 26 (Interview)

Reading is my Super Power, May 27 (Interview)

Among the Reads, May 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Oasis preloaded with her ebooks along with an autographed copy of her book Don’t Go Through Life Naked: How to Clothe Yourself in God’s Power.

Click below to enter:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0bc39d2b1/?