Sunday, April 2, 2023

About the Book

Book: Forged

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Action/Suspense

Release date: October 5, 2022

The one missing person he can’t find

is the one who matters the most.

Private Investigator Jax Rodriguez has been searching for his brother, Diego, for twenty years. When he stumbles upon another lead, he makes an agonizing decision—he will follow this last trail until it grows cold, and then he will marry the woman he loves and abandon his quest once and for all.

Artist Mikayla Grant is terrified of losing another person close to her, but she has to let Jax go after his brother. Given the secrecy surrounding Diego’s disappearance, clearly Jax is heading into danger. When all contact with him is abruptly cut off, can Mikayla trust that God’s promise to never leave or forsake Jax will be enough to bring him safely home, or does she need to take matters into her own hands?

As Jax attempts to survive the dangerous streets of Caracus, Venezuela and then face the myriad of unknown threats in the El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico, he is not the only one following his brother’s trail.

A ruthless drug lord bent on revenge is using all his resources to hunt them down. If they can’t stay one step ahead of their pursuer, then, like his brother, he and Mikayla could disappear and never be heard from again.

Click here to get you copy!

About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and two sparrows for a penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband, Michael, and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

More from Sara

It’s never easy writing a book during a global pandemic. Writing one that is set in three different countries when traveling is either prohibited or, at best, extremely complicated, is an even greater challenge. Thankfully, the digital world is still very much accessible.

Through the wonders of modern technology, while writing Forged I was able to travel virtually to two places I had never been—Caracas, Venezuela and the El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico. I did a search for “driving down the street in Caracas” and suddenly found myself behind the wheel of a car, experiencing the sights and sounds of that city. The only things missing were the feel of the warm breezes against my skin and the smells of the food trucks lining the sidewalk. Which was unfortunate, since the research I did on Venezuelan food definitely had my mouth watering.

Next, I looked up “hiking in the El Yunque rainforest” and was able to share the experience of that lush, beautiful place with people who actually had their boots on the ground there. I could hear the singing of the tree frogs, or coqui, the soundtrack of Puerto Rican-Canadian private investigator Jax Rodriguez’s flight through the forest with a drug dealer in hot pursuit. I was treated to the sight and sound of La Mina Falls as well as the countless plants and trees growing there.

Virtual traveling might never offer the full experience that going somewhere in person can, but in times like these, I am thankful for those who have gone somewhere I would love to see and who were willing to offer me a glimpse into their experiences from the safety and comfort of my home.

Although, smelling one of the more than fifty kinds of orchids in the Puerto Rican rainforest or trying the cachapa Jax bought—pork, spices, and cheese wrapped in a corn pancake—from a street vendor in Caracas are now both high on my bucket list of things to do in person. Hopefully someday. Until then, I will continue to explore the planet through the eyes of others and at least attempt to capture the experience in my stories as effectively as they did through the lens of a camera.

MY REVIEW

If you are looking for a book with action, danger and faith look no further. The author has written a story that takes us from Canada to Venezuela to Puerto Rico. It is a fast moving story that involves secrets, drug cartels, extreme danger and the importance of trusting God.

I loved Jax and how he has never given up looking for his brother. It has been years since he has seen him but he still needs answers to why his brother disappeared. With a subtle hint in the mail he decides to follow his instincts and finally uncover the mystery surrounding his brother’s absence from his life. His deep faith is evident in every move he makes and I loved that he never doubted that God was with him at every step.

Mikayla is a great character who stands with Jax and encourages him to go find answers he has long prayed about. When he doesn’t keep in contact with her she begins to worry that something is not right. Her discernment tells her that Jax is in danger. Her next step to me was a step of faith. Traveling to a foreign country with no real plan of action she relies on God. Her devotion to stand with Jax and support him demonstrates her unconditional love for him.

There are two more very key characters in the story that gave me a gasp when they are revealed. The author does an excellent job of describing the country this takes place in. The food sounded wonderful and the rain forest was everything I could have imagined. The twists in the story were unexpected and at times I could feel shivers running down my spine. There are a few scenes where violence comes into play. I did not find it graphic but for some it may be a trigger.

As the author closes out this series she gives us a lesson in trusting God and how important family is. I loved how Jax never gave up hope and the ending made me cry. One thing that is important that the book illustrates is that “God allows us to go through the fire but we are not alone in the fire.”

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Betti Mace, April 5

An Author’s Take, April 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Blogging With Carol, April 9

Artistic Nobody, April 10 (Author Interview)

Cathe Swanson, April 10

For Him and My Family, April 11

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 13

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, April 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $50 Amazon card!!

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/2525b/forged-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, April 1, 2023

About the Book

Book: Enhanced

Author: Candace Kade

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Release date: March 14, 2023

Lee Urban is living a lie.

In a society where everyone’s DNA determines their destiny, being a Natural means automatic relegation to the gritty and dangerous Outskirts. With the harnessed power of gene-editing, the ability to create a super-human race has transformed the world and offered the opportunity of a genetically enhanced life. But only to those who can afford it.

Born a Natural, Lee Urban was adopted into the Enhanced high society of the Asian Federation and forced to conceal her genetic roots. When her dream of attending Peking University becomes a reality, she is determined to go despite a warning from a mysterious source.

Targeted by a hacker bent on exposing her true DNA, Urban faces off with an Artificial Intelligence Game that puts her—and her lies—to the test. What was supposed to be a dream come true turns into a lethal gamble of hide-and-seek with her genetics. Can Urban continue the act, or will the cracks in her story expose her and endanger her family?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Candace Kade grew up in China and currently lives in Austin, Texas. When she’s not missing Chinese food, she’s busy writing, exploring new countries, volunteering, hiking in national parks, teaching her husband Mandarin, and keeping a baby human alive.

More from Candace

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong?

It could be something as small as showing up at a party alone to something bigger like moving to a new city.

In ENHANCED, Urban also feels like she doesn’t belong. In New Beijing in the year 2124, everyone has amazing genetic enhancements given to them through CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Everyone, except Urban.

New Beijing is full of humans with breath-taking DNA. Inceptors with brain enhancements allowing them to read micro facial expressions, Supers who can withstand hard hits and extreme temperatures, Aquas able to breathe underwater, and more. There are eight main gene pools, and Urban doesn’t belong in any of them.

Instead, Urban’s born a Natural, without genetic enhancements, and secretly adopted into New Beijing. She’s forced to hide her genetic roots to protect her family, and pretends to be something she’s not—enhanced.

Urban’s story is personal to me.

As a Third Culture Kid, I’ve spent most of my life straddling two worlds and, trying to fit into places I felt I didn’t belong. At the age of four, my family moved from Ohio to China. I spent my childhood as the only foreign kid at my Chinese schools, neighborhood, and sports teams.

Since then, I’ve often returned to China. I was actually living and working there while writing ENHANCED.

Despite the frequent trips, I didn’t feel “American enough” or “Chinese enough” growing up. Maybe it’s because I botched most American sayings. Maybe it’s because no matter how good my Mandarin was, people looked at my white skin and assumed I didn’t belong in China.

It’s taken me years to come to peace with this.

Urban struggles with something similar. She must balance the Enhanced and Natural worlds all while trying to keep her web of lies from tangling and tripping her up. Which, of course, gets harder when she’s selected as the next AI Games contestant.

When I wrote this book, I was living in Beijing and going through one of the hardest seasons in my life. I had never felt so lonely. There was a song that brought me great comfort during this time. The chorus goes:

“God only knows what you’ve been through,

God only knows what they say about you,

God only knows the real you,

There’s a kind of love that God only knows.”

-For King and Country.

I played that song on repeat while writing Enhanced. It reminded me that God sees us and knows us intimately. With him, we are never truly alone.

I wrote this book for anyone who feels like they slip between the cracks of society—like they don’t belong. My hope is that you feel seen and understood.

You’re not alone.

MY REVIEW

This is one of the best dystopia books I have read. The author’s imagination is incredible and I loved going on a journey to the future. The story is set in China and I loved how realistic it felt as the author uses familiar places n the book. Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in? Everyone seems to be smarter than you and make friends easily. Get ready for an adventure where genetics, power and danger collide.

Urban is our main character and I absolutely loved her. Being adopted she knew she was different from her family but she senses there is more going on that she is not being told. In her world there are those who are genetically enhanced with incredible abilities. Urban is what is called a Natural. She wants to be a part of the group that has powers and is welcomed everywhere they go. The story shows that Urban has trouble at school and tests are not her friend. How is she going to be important, fit in or even be accepted if she can’t get her grades up? There is also that little secret she is hiding that can be dangerous if she is found out.

One thing I noticed in the book was how Urban was desperate to be someone she wasn’t. She was never happy because she didn’t have skills like her friends. What she needs to realize is that she is perfect just the way she is. With help from her sister Lillian, Urban is surrounded by security everywhere she goes. Her sister is very protective and proves to be an asset when Urban finds herself in imminent danger. Can Lillian keep Urban safe?

The story is one where the reader will not able to put the book down as it is increasingly more intense as each page is turned. The arena where fighting happens is one big epic adventure. The technology is beyond my imagination and I was glued to the pages. The genetic aspect of the story is met with much detail and I could easily see it happening. The story is filled with several other characters that play a huge part but I want readers to discover for themselves. The ending is a heart pounding surprise filled cliff hanger. I will be watching very closely to see when the next book is released because I need to continue my adventure with Urban.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 31

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1

Texas Book-aholic, April 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 6

Inklings and Notions, April 7

Blogging With Carol, April 8

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 9

Simple Harvest Reads, April 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, April 11

Mary Hake, April 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, April 12

Through the Fire Blogs, April 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a hardback of ENHANCED, $50 Amazon gift card, $10 Starbucks gift card, and a signed bookplate!!

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/25259/enhanced-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, March 31, 2023

About the Book

Book: Targeted in the Desert

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2023

Family secrets have Felicia Tennison, and the sister she never knew existed, on the run. Someone is after them, and Felicia will have to turn to someone she never wanted to see again for help—her ex. Sheriff Jude Duke vows to protect them as they race to uncover why the little girl is a target. But the search to find the answers could cost them their futures.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at www.danamentink.com to sign up for her newsletter, or find her on Twitter, Facebook and Bookbub.

More from Dana

At last! We’ve arrived at the final book in the Desert Justice series! It seems like just yesterday I was finishing book one, about cousin Beckett Duke who was falsely imprisoned. Then we met cowboy Levi and his twin Willow, dog lover Austin, donkey rescuer Nora and FINALLY sheriff Jude Duke gets his story! I am a fan of a hero with some miles under his belt, aren’t you? Could it be because I’ve got more than a few under mine? Ending this series is bittersweet because I am thrilled that the Dukes all received their happy endings, but I’ll miss writing about their adventures in Death Valley. Hope you’ll come along on my next series. (Could be there are bloodhounds in our fictional future!)

God bless!

MY REVIEW

This has been such an enjoyable series and I’m sad that this is the last book. The author delivers a powerful ending to a series where intrigue and action keep readers glued to the book. I love how she includes faith in the story and gives us flawed characters that are realistic. The Duke family closes their chapter in this electrifying adventure that had twists and surprises where I was caught off guard at every turn.

I loved Felicia and how she has stepped up when a family matter thrusts her into unknown territory. She never imagined the secret she would find out would place her in danger. I liked how she embraced this newfound information and became very protective of a young girl who would change. I know it must be a surprise for her to find out more secrets from her past but this one will be a blessing in the end.

Jude comes on the scene when Felicia and the young girl in her care are in grave danger. Someone is out to stop Felicia from becoming the guardian and will stop at nothing to see her disappear. Jude and Felicia have a past that does once again surfaces to the top with both of them not sure if they can work together. Jude has some baggage of his own that he needs to deal with. His insecurity and doubt play a big role in trying to be the hero and prove to Felicia that he is a good guy.

I loved Gracie and her faithful dog Stretch. Her faith is very evident and I loved how she was an example to the adults. Her dog was a hero to me because Stretch protected Gracie and never once ran away from fear. He is a big dog that can be intimidating but with Gracie he is nothing but a loyal friend to her. I don’t know why but I cried reading about the bond Gracie and her dog had.

The author does not disappoint with a story that delivers surprises and suspense in a way that kept me guessing . I love a story where we witness a character that realizes the fears they have had are now gone and they feel free from their past. Jude and his family will be missed but I will remember them forever. Thank you Dana for a wonderful ending to a series that has captured hope, forgiveness and faith.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 29

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 29

An Author’s Take, March 30

Vicky Sluiter, March 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 31

Blogging With Carol, March 31

Texas Book-aholic, April 1

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 2

Betti Mace, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 3

Simple Harvest Reads, April 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 5

Daysong Reflections, April 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 5

Bigreadersite, April 6

Splashes of Joy, April 6

Blossoms and Blessings, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 7

Pause for Tales, April 8

EmpowerMoms, April 8

Labor Not in Vain, April 9

Book Looks by Lisa, April 9

For the Love of Literature, April 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Through the Fire Blogs, April 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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/25254/targeted-in-the-desert-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Escape Game

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: March, 2023

A Board Game Holds Keys to Prisoners’ Escape

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of England, Beryl Clarke puts her college on hold to return to Leeds, care for her mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he is shot down, injured, and captured, James meets American POW Kenneth Anderson, and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how will the men discover the game’s secret?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over one hundred lighthouses, and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, playing with grandkids, and her golden retriever Dolly.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, playing with grandkids, and her golden retriever Dolly. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; Faith, Hope and Love; Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; and Word Weavers International.

More from Marilyn

The Story behind The Escape Game

In the process of writing my books, I’ve become fascinated by the real stories that happened during World War II. I’ve discovered information I didn’t know before and am finding out that many people I know, even those older than myself, didn’t know either. Every time I come across an interesting tidbit, I want to write about it. Since my husband knows I look for such things, when he came across a story about how the Monopoly game was used during the war, he shared it with me.

The true story was kept top-secret for over fifty years after the war, so few had heard about it, especially outside the United Kingdom. Of course, my writer’s mind set off asking “What If?” So the story developed about a woman who works for the company that makes the game and what happened after she found out about the secret. What if she had a close relative who had been captured before the British informed their soldiers about the game and he needed to know the information? How could she convey that to him?

I wish I could have gone to the UK for research, but that was not a possibility. Maybe someday. However, the people I contacted there were very helpful, and I was thrilled to make contact with the great granddaughter of the president of Waddintons, the company which manufactured the game. She was able to fill in a few details about the company, although when she was a child, her grandfather ran the company.

One thing many people find hard to believe, based on the horrible treatment the Nazi army inflicted on people they thought inferior, is that the treatment of POW’s was somewhat better, especially for pilots. Thanks to the rules of the Geneva Convention after WWI, the Germans abided by them for the most part. That involved treatment of prisoners who escaped. Most of them were caught and returned to the camp from which they escaped. And normally, the punishment was solitary confinement. The biggest hardship of the POWs besides lack of freedom was the meager food they were given, especially as the war continued, since the Germans themselves were facing food shortages.

The challenge for me as a writer was to accurately describe life in both England and the POW camp. The other big challenge was writing a love story when the two characters were apart for so long. But it’s true that many soldiers fell in love with women they corresponded with back home. That fact is verified in the many letters on record, including the ones my father-in-law wrote to a fellow soldier’s fiancé after the soldier was killed in action. Their relationship grew into love, and after the war, the two met in person at the train station for the first time and married the same day.

MY REVIEW

The book takes us to WWII and the devastation people endured. It is hard to read about the bombs going off in neighborhoods and the horrific loss that happened everyday. Can yo imagine hearing sirens going off where you need to go to a bomb shelter for safety? The women who are left behind must find ways to support the family. They were given rations that were barely enough for a family. The author paints a realistic look by her vivid details. I could hear the sirens, bombs and screams as families ran for safety.

Beryl is a very good character and tries to do her part to help out. She left college to take care of her mum and I loved how compassionate she was. Her heart is full with wanting to help others and takes in an elderly lady after her home was destroyed.

James and Kenneth find themselves at the same POW camp. I’m sure is was a comfort for them to be together since they are friends. They seem to be treated better than other POW’s because they are airmen . It was nice that they were able to receive packages from home as well as from the Red Cross. Their determination to escape was intriguing. There were many attempts and I wondered if they would succeed. Their bravery is one that I hope we all recognize. They represent those who fought for our freedom.

The most fascinating thing for me was how the game Monopoly was used as an escape plan. Hidden within the game were useful tools and information which could help the men escape. I had never heard of this and was very interested in learning more about a very clever way to help POW’s escape by the use of a game.

I loved how James never gave up telling Kenneth about God. At one point Kenneth realizes that God is watching over him. He now knows that without God he would not be safe. The relationship between Beryl and Kenneth were nice but it seemed to develop very fast. I liked how the past and present are brought together in this beautiful illustration of hope.

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