Tuesday, August 27, 2019

ASSAILANTS, ASPHALT & ALIBI’s by TONYA KAPPES

It’s another great adventure with Mae and her side kicks in this funny, entertaining mystery. I get excited every time I know there is a new book in this series. I have come to think of the main characters as my friends and imagine sitting around the campfire with them.

This story finds Mae and her friends taking a trip in the Daniel Boone National Forest to look for treasures. The rumor has been circulating around that John Swift left treasures hidden in the mines deep in the forest. The author does such a great job of recapping the history of John Swift that I was ready to join the caravan to help look for the treasures.

I laughed so hard when Mae and her friends decided to go for the weekend and search with others. All of them in one camper with no electricity is an accident waiting to happen. Being in the woods with no cell phones, air conditioning or even a hair dryer was too much for one camper. Oh my I wanted to scream with happiness at the groups’ shenanigans. Mary Elizabeth becomes the victim of stolen property when her pearls come up missing. To be fair, who wears pearls on a camping trip? Only one of our lovely ladies can pull that off. It sets the stage for a full out pointing fingers and unexplained deaths.

One of the intriguing parts of the story was learning more about ginseng. I didn’t know how valuable it was until the author enlightened me on its importance to some. Harvesting it in the forest has become a crime but not everyone abides by the rules. I was surprised at the unexpected deaths that happen and was taken aback at who was the number one suspect was. For once it is not Mae, but she finds herself deep in the investigation.

This story is full of twists, laughs and characters that make the story come alive. One weekend ladies’ get away turns into a cat and mouse game when the killer is determined to not get caught. Don’t miss this wonderful adventure that puts the ladies in danger in a story filled with quirky characters and a trip they will never forget.

I received an arc copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Book: The Yellow Lantern

Author: Angie Dicken

Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense

Release Date: August, 2019

Josephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor she’s assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctor’s next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struck—Josie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in England. Now living in the U.S. heartland, she’s a member of ACFW, sharing about author life with her fellow Alley Cats on The Writer’s Alley blog and Facebook page. Besides writing, she is a busy mom of four and works in Adult Ministry. Angie enjoys eclectic new restaurants, authentic conversation with friends, and date nights with her Texas Aggie husband. Connect with her online at www.angiedicken.com.

More from Angie

Barbour’s True Colors Crime concept intrigued me from the very beginning. Being the daughter of a doctor and discovering the ties of grave robbing to the early medical profession, I was excited to dive deep into 19th century Massachusetts. Grave robbing around Boston and New York was often employed by doctors desperate for medical advancement. Men and women were both involved in the procuring of bodies for doctors. Finding these accounts led me to take took a look at the current medical remedies of the time—tinctures, elixirs, and herbal concoctions. My heroine was created in the tension of a desire to heal and the desperation of medical pursuits.

Amidst these medical ties to the historical moment of 1824, something was also shifting among women in rural areas of New England. Many women were employed by newly built cotton mills (Lowell Mill was my inspiration for the fictional Gloughton Mill in The Yellow Lantern). These working opportunities for women offered an escape from their home-bound lives and the rare chance for independence. Of course, with such industrial environments, injuries, and sometimes death, would occur. Noting the accounts of these kind of fatalities in historical articles, my research came full circle.

I found three strong threads to weave into my grave-robbing story—desperate doctors in need of research, a doctor’s assistant needing an escape from her village, and a mill, not only offering that escape, but the chance at bodies for the desperate medical community.

My heroine, Josie Clay, found life in the tangle of these threads of mills, medicine, and grave robbing—all playing out within the pages of The Yellow Lantern.

The third installment in the series, True Colors : Historical Stories of American Crime is one of shock and dismay. I have heard talk about movies where body snatchers were involved, but I had no idea that this practice was true until

 I read this story. 

Josephine is the focus  of this story where she is forced to be part of

a horrible plot to steal dead bodies. My heart broke as she felt she

had no choice but to agree to help. She wanted to free her father

from people who threatened to take everything from him. She felt like

she had no choice even though it was against everything she believed in.

The story does  raise the question of how far you are willing

 to go in order to save a loved one. Josephine was spared from

 death but I think she died a little inside each time she had

to do the unthinkable. I did enjoy her friendship  with Braham.

His obvious attraction to Josephine is perhaps what helped

 her to finally realize she could not carry out any more body snatching. 

The author provides a great history lesson about  cotton mills

 during this time period. Women working in conditions that

were dangerous as machines broke down seemed to be an

everyday occurrence. There was little pay for these women

 and accidents seemed to happen more frequently. It was a perfect

 breeding ground for death and an opportunity for body snatchers

 to meet their needs. 

I loved trying to figure out who was the mastermind behind

this unthinkable plot to steal dead bodies. It was interesting

to learn that doctors used these bodies to do medical research on. 

Another intriguing part of the story was the use of mixing

 herbs to help heal the sick during this time. There are so many plants

and herbs today that have helped the medical field  and to read

its use during the early 1820’s was inspiring. 

The story is indeed hard to grasp at times but the author

 does a great job of giving readers questions to ask themselves.

Did Josie trust God enough to help her? Why would a father put

his daughter in such danger? “The love of money  is the root of all evil,”

as the scripture says is very relevant in this story. Money was at

the center of this crime and it devoured many people who gave into greed. 

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

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, August 15

Seasons of Opportunities, August 15

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 15

Bigreadersite, August 16

Emily Yager, August 16

Inspired by fiction, August 16

The Christian Fiction Girl, August 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 17

Daysong Reflections, August 17

Retrospective Spines, August 18

Spoken from the Heart, August 18

Kathleen Denly, August 19

Through the Fire Blogs, August 19

Christian Bookaholic, August 19

Maureen’s Musings, August 20

For the Love of Literature, August 20

Simple Harvest Reads, August 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Godly Book Reviews, August 21

A Reader’s Brain, August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Betti Mace, August 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

Hallie Reads, August 23

Mary Hake, August 23

Inklings and notions, August 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 24

For Him and My Family, August 24

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 24

Connie’s History Classroom, August 25

Pause for Tales, August 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 25

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 26

amandainpa, August 26

Blossoms and Blessings, August 27

Texas Book-aholic, August 27

janicesbookreviews, August 27

Back Porch Reads, August 28

Just the Write Escape, August 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angie is giving away a grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of each of the books in the series!!

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/e71c/the-yellow-lantern-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, August 26, 2019

DEADLY INTENTIONS by LISA HARRIS

It is another heart pounding fast pace story that will draw readers in from the beginning. The author cleverly hits readers with intrigue that starts from the first page and never lets up. It is not easy to always hold readers attention, but this author has proven to do it book after book.

The characters are clever, faith based , cautious and risk takers. Caitlyn is uneasy with deaths of fellow workers in the lab. There is a secret brewing among the deaths and Caitlyn is determined to find out the real reason they died. I loved her fierce ability to look past the obvious and dig deeper. It is very unnerving for Caitlyn after an almost tragic accident happens to her. Is she getting closer to answers? Who is trying to stop her from finding out the truth and why?

The addition of Josh in the story is perfect as he tries to help Caitlyn unravel lies and reach the truth in this edge of your seat mystery. Josh is still grieving the loss of someone which could hamper his investigation, but he knows that Caitlyn needs his help. The author puts plenty of twists in the story that kept me guessing. The faith element was good and elevated the story with hope. I loved reading this very intriguing story and following along as Caitlyn and Josh put their lives at risk to find answers.

I was provided an arc copy of this book from Revell Publishing, The review is my own opinion.

Friday, August 23, 2019

About the Book

Book: Meghan’s Choice

Author: Donna L. H. Smith

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance

Release Date: November, 2017

Meghan Gallagher complies with her father’s demand that she work on her own for a year by choosing to tutor eight children in a wild Kansas railroad town. But she had no idea just how wild it was until she was rescued by a local dance hall the day she arrived, and soon after hit by a stray bullet. In short order, she meets a dark, handsome cowboy and a wholesome, attractive doctor who both vie for her heart. As things heat up around town, Meghan’s love life catches fire as well. Is she scandalous to allow both men to court her at the same time? And—how close a relationship with God does Meghan want? Will she draw near?

Meghan’s Choice (pre-published) was named a semi-finalist in the 2014 Operation First Novel by Jerry B. Jenkins and an honorable mention for the Golden leaf Award in 2015. Since publication, Meghan’s Choice was a Selah Award finalist and also in the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community. Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Donna L.H. Smith is a Kansas prairie girl transplanted to Lancaster County, PA. She is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program and holds two college degrees, both B.S. and M.A. in Mass Communication. She’s been married to a wonderful man named Kirby for thirty years. Her debut novel, Meghan’s Choice, made the finals of both the Selah and Will Rogers Medallion Awards. Rose’s Redemption, the sequel, was just released. She blogs, speaks at workshops and retreats and although she is at an age where many begin slowing down, she wouldn’t think of it. Recently, she took on the role of Managing Editor of Almost an Author.com, and serves as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Mid-Atlantic Zone Director. She is also a member of AWSA’s Protégé program (Advanced Writers & Speaker’s Association).

More from Donna

Back in 2012, I wrote “Zorro” stories for Fan Fiction. I had an awful lot of fun with them, and people seemed to really like them. So, the thought came, what could I write for ‘real?’ I contemplated, prayed, and after a couple weeks or so, an idea came floating across my brain.

“Gunfight at Hyde Park.” Huh? I thought about it, and realized it was an obscure history lesson from my hometown in Kansas. I had Google it to get the details. I thought, well, I’m not gonna write a Christian romance novel just about a series of gunfights that killed and wounded more people than the OK Corral.

But I did think that the beginning of the gunfights could be the climax of the story.

Now, who should my heroine be? And the hero?

I started with that and took Christian Writer’s Guild’s Craftsman and the novel was completed in 2013—but only published in late 2017.

I’m proud of Meghan’s Choice. Pre-published it made the semi-finals of the last Operation 1st Novel that CWG held and placed in a couple of smaller contests. Last year, it made the finals of the prestigious Selah Awards for published books through the BRMCWC, and the finals of the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

My hope is that you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. The story was light and full of wonderful characters. I enjoy reading about the late 1870's and how different it was starting a town. Meghan is a delightful character with a very proper upbringing. It was a challenge for her to go out on her own, but her father wanted her to mature and learn to be more independent. Can you imagine the thoughts running through her head as she takes her first steps into New Boston, Kansas? The sounds of gunfire can be heard and I had to laugh when she couldn't find anyone to bring her trunks to the boarding house till the following day. Meghan must have been taken aback a bit as she suddenly realized she was really on her own.

One of the things I liked about the story was reading about Meghan teaching the children in this town. She has her hands full with little space to teach and children of all ages. She seemed to thrive as a teacher and really connected with them. There was enough supplies for the children but I don't think all the parents were confident of her teaching ability.

She does find herself in a love triangle when the local doctor named Scott and a cowboy named Duncan both fancy her. This part of the story was interesting and I picked my favorite and was cheering him on. Both men have good qualities but for some reason she questions why the Duncan takes her under a tree one Sunday to have church. Her upbringing has taught her that you must worship God in a church setting and she felt uncomfortable not being with others on Sunday. It made me think of how people go to church on Sunday and everyone assumes they must be Christians. In reality you can worship God anywhere and feel close to Him. Just because you carry a bible or attend church doesn't mean you are a christian. It gives food for thought how people perceive things and how we can get legalistic about a building. The author brings up a good subject that I thought was interesting. We all worship God in our own way and Meghan was experiencing something out of her comfort zone.

My favorite character was a young woman who was not exactly what we would call ladylike. Her story is heart breaking and I loved how Meghan reached out to her. This woman was desperate to have a friend and escape her past. I won't say much about her but it is definitely a reminder that we need to look past the sin and see them the way Jesus does.

The story is well written and has a wonderful theme of forgiveness, hope, redemption and a closer relationship with God. I loved Megan's journey to find independence and seek a real understanding of the bible. I wonder who Meghan chooses to be her husband? That is something you will need to find out on your own.

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

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 12

Creating Relationship, August 13

Connie’s History Classroom, August 13

Moments, August 14

For Him and My Family, August 14

Godly Book Reviews, August 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 15

Emily Yager, August 16

Through the Fire Blogs, August 16

My Devotional Thoughts, August 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 18

Vicky Sluiter, August 18

Inspired by fiction, August 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 19

mpbooks, August 20

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 20

Pause for Tales, August 21

For the Love of Books , August 21

Older & Smarter?, August 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

A Reader’s Brain, August 24

Real World Bible Study, August 25

janicesbookreviews, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her 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/e5a3/meghan-s-choice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, August 22, 2019

About the Book

Book: Jewel’s Gold

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 20, 2019

Can a tangled web snare two hearts and point them true north?

A Papa’s girl from the start, Jewel Jones remembers all the things he told her. Wealthy, but far from being a snob, she finds Boaz Branson both irritating and intriguing. How can she know if the handsome confidence man truly turns from his wicked ways, or if his interest only in her gold? Papa said let God’s peace lead her.

Only by God’s grace can Boaz escape the deceptions he plans to perpetrate on the beautiful heiress. While his head wants to flee the entanglement, his heart bids him stay.

Are Jewel and Boaz building on sinking sand, or have they found the golden nugget they seek?

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Award-winning, hybrid author Caryl McAdoo prays her story gives God glory! That is why she writes, why she breathes. Her forty-fourth novel has just launched, joining her best-selling title list! Besides writing, she loves singing the new songs the Lord gives her. (Listen to a few at YouTube.) Ron, her husband of 50+ years shares four children and eighteen grandsugars—life’s best blessings, Caryl says. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

Jewel’s Gold, my July release and book four in the Gold Diggers Collection, begins in San Francisco in 1895 and moves quickly north to Alaska on Troublesome Creek where Jewel’s papa has a gold mine. My husband Ron was on Troublesome Creek in 1993 seeking the Lord. While there, he also did a little prospecting.

To mention gold is to speak of wealth as gold is the most sought-after metal in the world. It’s found on every continent, and I’ve discovered it can be located our bodies as well! Mostly in our blood! Small traces have also been extracted from eucalyptus leaves, a favorite snack of Koala bears!

Jewel Jones is the daughter of Joshua Jones, son of Moses and Lanell introduced in SINS OF THE MOTHERS, book three in the Texas Romance Family Saga. Truth be known, little Joshua was in fact a Wheeler, not as Jones, though Moses reared him as his own son.

His real father was Caleb who married Mary Rachael Buckmeyer and talked her into running off to California. So, this book may also be classified as a ‘Companion Book’ to that highly acclaimed historical romance series.

Ron has always wanted to go back and show me Alaska, and one day we most likely will go north . . . but only in the summer! Who doesn’t love leaving Texas for northern, cooler temperatures in the summer?
This story has a little mystery along with the romance and history. When we drove the Oregon/California Trail last December, we visited the site of Sutter’s Mill where the gold rush of 1849 was born. That last place we went before turning south and east back to Texas was an unexpected stop.

On the American River, the park and museum offered an amazing place to visit, and knowing this book was on the schedule made it all the more interesting! I also believe that place will add to the genuine feel of Jewel’s Gold.

The author never ceases to amaze me with her writing ability. Once again she has written a story that not only draws me closer to God, but uses biblical stories to capture the essence of His love. It was so refreshing to witness Jewel talk about Noah and others from the bible to Boaz. I loved Jewel and her determination to go to Alaska. She is very much grounded in faith and it plays a big part in her decisions. The trip by sea was extremely exciting to read and I could feel the sway of the steamship as it skimmed the ocean. I was so intrigued by the gold Jewel hoped to find and how her journey was not without a bit of mystery.

When Boaz was introduced I started to think of him as a snake. His mother and him have set their eyes on Jewel and scheme to win her trust. He is so confidant of himself that he actually believes he will capture Jewel's heart and with it her wealth. Boaz better watch out. Jewel is a very smart and level headed young woman who is not about to hand over her fortune or is she?

There is a part in the story when Boaz finds out something about his mother that makes him look at her differently. It is a great example of trying to survive when you are alone raising a child. I loved how the author allowed Boaz to examine his heart and try to understand that his mother felt she had no choice in how to provide for her and Boaz. There is a lot of secrets that come out that make this story full of twists and unexpected outcomes. Boaz has a family history of underhanded deals and many he himself has participated in. Will he be able to follow through with this scheme?

The author has given us a look into the bible while telling a story of redemption, forgiveness and renewed faith. Boaz has many challenges along the way and I loved how he spent time reading the bible. I loved the exciting adventure while Jewel and her crew looked for gold. Alaska has always been a place I would love to visit and it intrigued me even more as I read about the beauty of a place that is rich in history. I have come to really feel close with Jewel and Boaz as they face danger, share a love for the bible and remind us that God is a forgiving God. No sin is too great for God not to forgive. Sometimes we believe that our sins are unforgiveable. This story will help readers understand that God loves us and is there with open arms to embrace us.

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