Monday, August 22, 2022

About the Book

Book: Dial W for Wrangler

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Contemporary / Comedy

Release date: May 24, 2022

Can one radio show host wrangle two hearts and help them beat as one? ♥

When Wade Garrett took over the family ranch, he knew he’d need help. He can tell you anything you need to know about breeding, raising, and selling cattle. He can even wrangle a wild horse or ten every year. He just can’t wrangle numbers into proper columns and have them all add up.

Enter Ainsley Jones. New in Sweetwater, the office manager from Los Angeles is out of her element and loves every second of it—except the moments when her boss can’t speak a civil word to her.

When Wade hears about the local Dial-a-Deal host and her ad-hock romantic advice success, he starts selling off everything he can find—even sneaks a few things out of Granny’s basement—just to have an excuse to call in and get Vi’s help.

Will this impromptu decluttering jag get rid of some of his personal baggage along with twenty sleeping bags and an antique egg scale? Enough for him to admit that she’s the one thing he doesn’t want to declutter from his life or his heart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forwardseries, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her her name.

More from Chautona

Stay Tuned for This Radio Announcement

“Hello there. I’m Vi Willis with Dial-a-Deal on K-SWT out of Sweetwater County, Wyoming, and have I got an update for you.

“We’ve won an award! My boss is livid that it’s not for selling the most junk in the least amount of time, but hey. Can I help it if folks are tuning in from all over the country to listen in on the heart troubles of folks around here? So far, we’re credited with three engagements, six marriages, and a whopping thirty-five saved relationships! I don’t know who nominated us for that award, but thank you!

“Now look… there’s one small problem. This really is supposed to be a show for selling your old comic book collection or that garden wagon your husband just had to have until he discovered he really hates gardening. So, when you call in, can you please be sure you have an item to sell? Di, the operator who screens the calls? She’s under orders not to let any calls through without an actual item for sale.

“So declutter the junk from your closets, your garages, your barns and what have you as you try to declutter the troubles from your life, okay? Now… I’ve got Jeff Corbin on the line, let’s see what he’s got for us today….”

And that’s how it all started.

Well, sort of. You see, I spent six weeks at my mom’s house back in late 2019. And one of the things Mom did every day was listen to the Dial-a-Trade show. She never bought a thing, but she listened. And, since I was in the room, I learned a lot about that show.

Some people seemed to call a few times a week. I finally decided they were lonely and it was how they kept a connection with other people. Others were obviously selling things out of spite—ex boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses beware!

Basically, it was a great way to get rid of stuff and a great way to figure out what was going on in the lives of folks in the area.

So, when Lisa Prysock reminded me that she’d invited me to be a part of this series, I knew immediately that my first book would most definitely include a radio host for a sale show who just can’t help but solve people’s relational problems.

MY REVIEW

The author has a very unique gift that I love. She is able to draw readers in quickly with her ability to set the stage early for a story that grabs your attention. With her words you feel part of the story and start to think of the characters as friends. I was intrigued by the title and couldn’t wait to see what adventure awaited me.

To my surprise and delight I see that one character has a job as an on air radio host. I secretly wanted to be one when I was in high school. So I figured that me and Vi would be great friends. I was ready to follow her and see what trouble oh I mean help she would give. I have never heard of a show on air that helped you sell your items but Vi is doing a little bit more while on the air. If you are a great listener and have a knack for giving good advice why not share it during your show? Okay maybe they already had someone who had a show doing that is so called let me help you with your problems but Vi is so much better at it.

I adored meeting Ainsley and Wade. They made me laugh as their little banter went back and forth. Poor Wade has it bad for Ainsley but has no idea how to talk to her much less ask her out on a date. So what can Wade do? He needs advice and who does he call? Well of course Vi is the one he needs to call. I hope he has a lot of items to sell so Vi can give him advice while doing her job of helping people sell their things. I did find the story funny and very entertaining.

Wade gets advice from his granny as well and that woman is a hoot. She has to practically push Wade to be a hero and rescue Ainsley and her friend when they get lost on a camping trip. Granny’s no none sense attitude is just what Wade needs to build up confidence to share how he feels about Ainsley. Will Wade ever get the courage to tell Ainsley how he feels?

With another call into Vi’s radio station she gives him the truth he needs to here. His pride is getting in his way. I am dealing with pride right now myself. The feeling of being rejected or judged makes us insecure and sometimes make bad decisions. Wade and Ainsley are fun to follow as they figure out how to share their feelings for each other. Vi steals the limelight with her humor and gift for gab. With a way with words she guides our two main characters to the road of romance. This is a perfect story to find laughs, a bit of romance and a lesson in following your heart.

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

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, August 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Lots of Helpers, August 24

Inklings and notions, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

deb’s Book Review, August 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

An Author’s Take, September 1

She Lives to Read, September 1

Blogging With Carol, September 2

Simple Harvest Reads, September 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Sodbuster Living, September 4

Spoken from the Heart, September 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/20e10/dial-w-for-wrangler-celebration-tour-giveaway

AMISH JANE DOE BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

Escaping his Amish community as a teen was about survival, but leaving meant breaking LizBeth Troyer’s heart. Now Detective Jackson Lapp is working a cold case—and the clue to a murdered Amish girl’s identity leads him back to his hometown. Can Jackson and LizBeth rebuild their broken trust and work together to catch a killer before another young Amish woman is murdered?

MY REVIEW

This is definitely one of my favorite books from this author. The title grabbed my attention and I knew this would be a book I wouldn’t be able to put down. I love how the author introduces us to Jackson by giving us a little background on him. Growing up Amish was hard on him because his dad was so strict. There were times that Jackson knew if he didn’t leave he may not be able to handle the abuse his dad continued to dish out. The hardest part for him was leaving in the middle of the night without saying goodbye to his mother or sister. What brings him back to his hometown is a missing young woman whose case has never been solved.

LizBeth moved on when Jackson left but what a surprise she has when she runs into him in her town. All these emotions are running through her as the man she thought she had a future with left without a word. This is a great teaching moment in the story when Jackson and LizBeth finally speak after so many years. Will LizBeth forgive Jackson ? Can Jackson explain his disappearance and why he has suddenly reappeared? The author shows us how two people can work things out if they forgive and swallow their pride.

The part of the story I really liked was when Jackson’s sister Marie becomes involved with someone she thinks will help her be on her own.She is not sure she can trust her brother since he abandoned her when she was young. Their relationship is strained and Marie is not wanting to share anything with him. Her decision to leave home may be a costly mistake when the man she thought she could trust becomes mean and cold to her. The moment when Marie was in extreme danger was written so well that it sent chills down my arms. The suspense is intense and I was shaking as I felt like I was next to Marie. The author takes you right into the scene as Marie lets out a scream that shatters the night. The story takes a darker turn when it isn’t just about one missing young Amish girl. I never saw this coming but wow did the author catch me completely off guard.

There is a good faith thread in the story which shows how God protects us in our darkest hour. We learn that relationships can be mended and are reminded we all have sinned. We must remember that we are not to judge but be kind and compassionate to others. The ending brings closure for some and for others it brings a second chance.

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

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She's published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

Sunday, August 21, 2022

About the Book

Book: Hunter’s Rose

Editor: Carole Brown

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

Release date: August, 2022

It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her? Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best selling and award winning books (with a novella in an anthology), she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

More from Carole

Characters that Walk Off the Page

One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter’s personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I’d already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.

Hunter is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person’s intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He’s a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he’s also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.

Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.

Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it’s not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.

And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader’s interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.

Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson, who is quiet and withdrawn, has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.

Then there’s Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.

Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.

Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter’s Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.

MY REVIEW

THE Wild West is alive in this story set in a time where ranches were trying to prosper and the 1800s were a dangerous period of thieves, outlaws, a man desperate to take revenge on the woman who dared leave him and an honest man who will protect his wife at all cost.

Rosita has a deep secret she is keeping from her husband. Will it cause problems in their marriage? Marrying Hunter has given her stability and safety. Hunter is well known as quick on the draw. He is very loyal and intelligent. I love the relationship between these two and how protective Hunter is with his wife.

We see a man who has traveled a long distance to seek out Rosita. The man is dangerous and kills without remorse. When he finds Rosita can Hunter save her from the clutches of the evil man. There is a lot of adventure in the story and keeps readers on their toes. The author crafts a story that pits man against man in this daring sequences of trying to stay one step ahead of the enemy.

Greed is an ugly thing to have and one man in particular is after something he thinks he deserves. The terror that De Leon has caused must be put to an end. His ways to belittle others and try to shove his arrogance on others is horrible. The ending brings everything to a nice closure with out hero Hunter rescuing his beautiful bride and keeping her as his wife.

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

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 23

For Him and My Family, August 24

By The Book, August 25 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 25

Betti Mace, August 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Connie’s History Classroom, August 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31

Pause for Tales, September 1

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and 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/20e0e/hunter-s-rose-celebration-tour-giveawa

Friday, August 19, 2022

Every Good Gift Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Every Good Gift

Author: Urcelia Teixeira

Genre: CHRISTIAN MYSTERY SUSPENSE THRILLER

Release date: September 15, 2020

Find the truth, or die trying!

A childhood tragedy almost destroyed his life. A tragedy everyone thought was just an accident.

So, Adam Cross rebuilds his life in a small coastal town on the East Coast, pastoring The Lighthouse mission. The close-knit community of Turtle Cove surrounds him, he has his beautiful wife, Ruth by his side, and the delight of their little girl, Abigail. And he has his faith. Life could not be more perfect.

Until another accident happens. Except, this time, all evidence indicates that something far more sinister is behind it.

And while Adam struggles to pick up the pieces once again, he sets off in search of the truth behind the accidents—oblivious to the danger that awaits him. But what he discovers during his soul searching journey far exceeds anything he could have ever imagined.

Lurking in the shadows is an enemy no one knew or saw coming. One who has been waiting decades to take what is his, to take revenge.

If you enjoy reading faith-filled suspense fiction that grips you from the first page, then you will love this inspirational, fast-paced Christian suspense! Full of mystery, twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, this first in series will not disappoint!

Are you ready to see why readers could not put this book down?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award winning author of faith-filled Christian Suspense Thrillers that won’t let you go!®

Urcelia Teixeira writes gripping Christian mystery, thriller and suspense novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Firm in her Christian faith, all her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.

She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.’

But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual re-awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book; her statement of faith. And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Mystery and Suspense.

The first book in her newly discovered genre went on to win the 2021 Illumination Awards Silver medal in the Christian Fiction category and the series reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists!

While this success is a great honor and blessing, all glory goes to God alone who breathed every word through her!

A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:

“I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”

For more on Urcelia and her books, visit www.urcelia.com

Follow her on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urceliabooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UrceliaTeixeira

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/urcelia-teixeira

More from Urcelia

Many years ago God gave me a prophetic scripture through which He named me Hephzibah (meaning ‘My delight is in her’). Some time after that, life happened and for a long while I felt unworthy of that name. But, God showed me grace in this area for the nearly ten years that followed and, although I never aspired to be a writer, I wrote my first ever book on a bucket list whim in December 2017. Somehow it evolved into a series, but, while writing the fifth book in my Alex Hunt adventure thriller series, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and directing me into using my God-given talent for enhancing His Kingdom instead. I obeyed and wrote the final book in that series, The Caiaphas Code, as my statement of faith before switching to writing Christian mystery and suspense instead. Two days later, the idea for Every Good Gift was born and the day I finished writing the last sentence of this book, I heard the Lord whisper in my ear, Hephzibah, Hephzibah, over and over. That has been the most noteworthy highlight of my short career so far: knowing that I have pleased God.

Every Good Gift is the first book in my three-book Adam Cross Christian Suspense series. I loved writing this book! It’s a poignant but suspenseful tale about a young pastor who had lost both his parents in a car accident as a child, then faces adversity for the second time when a horrific accident claims the lives of his wife and daughter. As he clings to his faith, searching for answers, he discovers his parents’ accident wasn’t an accident after all. The more he digs for the truth, the more secrets he uncovers and the more he learns of his past, God’s grace, and ultimately, his gifting. There are lots of twists and turns and a few tears along the way as the mysteries unfold.

This book went on to win the silver medal for Christian Fiction in the 2021 Illumination Awards.

May you be blessed with reading this book, just as I have been while writing it.

MY REVIEW

This story has a combination of tragedy mixed with suspense. It is the perfect book to get wrapped up in with the beginning setting the stage for sadness, mystery and a theme of faith throughout the book. It was hard to read about the loss Adam endured. With the author’s ability you could feel Adam’s heart racing as he ran into the place to save his wife and daughter. The flames were intense yet he only thought of saving his family.

Facing a life without his family brings Adam to a point where his heart is angry at God. I know how that feels. Whenever we go through something that is hard we question why God would allow this to happen? The author illustrates with clarity about Job and all he suffered. I love that story because it shows how even in the midst of his darkest moments he still had faith. Adam will have to humble himself before God and allow the bitterness to be taken away. There is always a reason that something happens even though we don’t understand why at the time.

As the author peels back the layers of Adam’s life it is revealed that there is more to the fire that killed his wife and daughter. Was he suppose to die with them? Who would want to harm him and his family? The mystery of his parents death start to surface as well. I was now beginning to wonder what secrets would be unearthed.

I loved how the author draws you in with an incredible story of political undertones and dark secrets that could cause a war. I was shocked at what was uncovered about his parents and how his father had a plan in place years ago to keep Adam safe. One thing of note throughout the story was the theme of faith and the knowledge that Adam was surrounded by God’s protection as his life was threatened several times. This is a good book for those who love suspense and a clean read.

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