IF I LIVE BY TERRI BLACKSTOCK

I have been waiting for the conclusion of this series because it has been a heart stopping ride that I couldn't get enough of. I knew it was coming to a close and was anxious to see how the author would wrap everything up. Casey has been living on the edge of awhile . Is her luck running out? There are just so many ways to disguise yourself before someone catches on. When you are wanted for murder, you will do everything you can not to get caught. Her smarts keeps her hidden from the police as she tries to prove she did not murder anyone.

I really enjoyed the interaction between Casey and Claire. It was nice to read how they shared their faith with each other. A new Christian like Casey really made Claire realize how we can get immune to what He really did for us. I thought this was a great side story that reminded Casey that she is not alone in trying to prove her innocence.

If I was ever in trouble I know I would call Dylan for help. He is one sharp person. Details don't get past him and he is determined to help prove Casey's innocence. Their lives are in turmoil as danger surrounds them. Who doesn't want Casey found alive? What does she know that could destroy someone's integrity, job and perhaps their freedom? This is Terri at her very best as she reveals pure terror and heartless people who will do anything to keep themselves out of jail.

This is one book that keeps you on your toes as explosions happen, death threats are spoken  about and more bodies pile up. It's a race to the end as Casey and Dylan try to stay ahead of the master mind behind all that they have encountered.Well done Terri. You have given readers an ending that will not be forgotten. I'm sad to see the series end, but know the author is busy with a new book for her fans to grab up when it is hot off the press.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

WHO THE BISHOP KNOWS BY VANNETTA CHAPMAN


This series has been so fun to read. The author has a gift for detail and makes her characters so easy to relate to. Henry Lapp has a unique gift that comes in handy . He can remember even the tiniest of details that he has seen. His ability to draw those details is a gift that I'm sure many police stations would love to have on their staff. I can't remember my own phone number sometimes, so this gift would be a treasure to have.

As the annual rodeo in Monte Vista, Colorado gears up, an unexpected tragic event happens. Jeremiah has everything to look forward to. He is in the rodeo hoping for a career when he is shot. I would immediately be looking for Henry to help pinpoint who the killer is. Funny thing about gifts, though. Sometimes they aren't as good as you think they are. Henry is upset that he didn't see anything but maybe he can convince his Amish community to speak up. Amish aren't ones to get the police involved in their problems so Henry is going to have to be on his game to get the killer behind bars.

The story is filled with intrigue and I loved how the author draws you in with emotional twists and turns. I have always like Henry and the love of his life, Emma. Will this case cause Emma to second think marrying Henry? His gift would be a challenge to have to live with, so Emma must really search her heart. Let's not forget about Jeremiah, our deceased in the story. What secrets did he have that could have caused him to be a target? I was surprised at who turned out to be the killer and why they did it. It just shows how creative the author is when you can  keep readers guessing til the end. I'm sad to see the series end, but very pleased with the ending. It is a fitting send off for a series that captured the essence of unconditional love and forgiveness.

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

RODEO STANDOFF BY SUSAN SLEEMAN


What an exciting story with characters that jump off the pages. If you are not familiar with rodeos you will be after reading this action packed book. I am a Texan through and through and the author was perfect on her description of how a rodeo works. I don't think I would be as together as Tessa was after almost saying hi up close with a bull. She was quick to get out of the way, but it definitely was no mistake that the bull was loose in the arena.

I liked Tessa because she is a very smart deputy and doesn't back down to anyone. Her family is not happy that someone is trying to kill her and decide she needs a bodyguard. I can hear Tessa saying, " Y'all have got to be kiddin me.  I'm a deputy. I can take care of myself." She talks a big talk, but her daddy knows best.

Braden is exactly what you expect from a cowboy. He is a tall drink of water like us Texans say. It doesn't hurt that he is a famous bull rider. The ladies swoon all over him and I laughed as Tessa rolled her eyes at all the attention he got. Braden is also a detective from Austin, Texas which makes him perfect as a bodyguard. Okay, well the family thinks it is a good idea. He did save her life so he must be good at his job.  Someone means business when Tessa continues to face danger. Who did she make madder than a wet hen?

I loved the connection between Tessa and Braden as they slowly started to depend on each other. Tessa's family is one you want to eat Sunday dinner with after church. Their values are what makes their family so special.  They love horses and it makes the story so real when you read how well they treat their animals. I loved the bond Tessa had with her horse and how much she trusted it when she did barrel racing. There is a part in the story about Braden when he was growing up that brought me to tears. I won't spoil it, but the author did an excellent job of showing his vulnerable side.

 I just have to mention one thing Braden said to Tessa in a tense moment. When he whispered, "It'll be okay, darlin, "  When a cowboy says that you know you will be safe. It's a perfect story complete with rodeo clowns, intrigue and intense danger that brings the story to an action packed ending.

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

Shadow Girl (An Afton Tangler Thriller)
by Gerry Schmitt

Definitely a fabulous thriller book. It really pulls you in wanting to know how it will end and will they get the bad guys in the end!
~Community Bookstop

About the Book

Shadow Girl (An Afton Tangler Thriller)
Suspense/Thriller
2nd in Series
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425281789
Paperback: 320 pages (May 1, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-0425281796
Kindle ASIN: B01MXHV6CL

The brutal murder of a business tycoon leaves Afton Tangler and the Twin Cities reeling, but that’s just the beginning of a gruesome crime spree…

Leland Odin made his fortune launching a home shopping network, but his millions can’t save his life. On the list for a transplant, the ailing businessman sees all hope lost when the helicopter carrying his donor heart is shot out of the sky.

Now with two pilots dead and dozens injured, Afton Tangler, family liaison officer for the Minneapolis Police Department, is drawn into the case. As she and her partner investigate family members and business associates, whoever wants Leland dead strikes again—and succeeds—in a brazen hospital room attack.

The supposedly squeaky clean millionaire has crossed the wrong person—and she’s not finished exacting her revenge. The case explodes into an international conspiracy of unbridled greed and violence. And as Afton gets closer to unearthing the mastermind behind it, she gets closer to becoming collateral damage…

About The Author

Gerry Schmitt is the author of the Afton Tangler Thrillers, and, writing under the pseudonym Laura Childs, the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty-five novels, the Tea Shop, Scrapbooking, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. She is the former CEO of her own marketing firm, has won TV and radio awards, and produced two reality TV shows. She and her professor husband enjoy collecting art, travel, and their two Shar-Pei dogs.

Author Links –Website – Facebook 

Purchase Links

Amazon   B&N  BAM

Praise for Shadow Girl

I enjoyed the characters a lot. Max and Afton seem to play off of each other well as far as figuring things out.
~Valerie’s Musings

This is one of those books where the bad men are really bad, and everyone in the case is hiding something to have a money profit…
~Varietats

Afton was a likable character for me. She seemed in tune with some of the other characters. She is good at her job.
~A. Holland Reads

Shadow Girl by Gerry Schmitt is one of the most gripping and chilling books I’ve read this year.
~Back Porchervations

The mystery and suspense aspect of this book was great. This was a definite page-turner.
~Bookworm Cafe

Can I just say Wow! It’s been awhile since I sat and read a book that terrified me with precision action that intrigued me so much it was impossible to put the book down.
~Texas Book-aholic

It starts off with a bang (literally) and the suspense never lets up. I love stories that grip you right from the start and this thriller fits the bill.
~Brooke Blogs 

This is a serious thriller with a lot going on. There’s surface to air missiles, conspiracies to kill no matter who gets hurt and what has to be done, and characters with some seriously shady backstories.
~I Wish I Lived In a Library

From page 1 I was engaged in a thrilling and suspenseful ride!
~My Reading Journeys

As the chapters unfold we get a good look at things from both the good guys’ and the bad guys’ perspectives. This gives you a first-hand understanding of the killer’s motives, but in no way takes away from the suspense or the desire to see Afton and Max bring her to justice.
~The Book’s the Thing

A page turner like you never read before, Shadow Girl is a deeply rooted thriller in the art of murder, mystery, and revenge.
~Bibliophile Reviews

What a spine tingling edge of your seat book this is. I remember reading Little Girl Gone from this author. She introduced readers to Afton and Max. I was so impressed with that book, I couldn't wait for the next one. Can I just say Wow! It's been awhile since I sat and read a book that terrified me with precision action and intrigued me so much it was impossible to put the book down. I know people say that all the time , but this reader literally couldn't pry her eyes from the book. It is one intense high stakes maximum adrenaline rush.

There are moments of violence but I found it to be done with a hint for readers to use their imagination. Simply put, the book is not a cozy mystery, but a well written thriller that grabs you as you gasp at the scene unfolding before you. Afton is still trying to make detective, but her boss isn't convinced she is ready. She is once again teamed up with Max as they pursue a secret team that thrives on pain, violence and a heart pounding ride that takes us into the underbelly of crime in a foreign country that traces back to Minneapolis. The people are ruthless and the author does great justice in giving readers a peek into what greed will do to others.

Afton is one tough person and proves herself several times when danger ascends upon her. I would want her as a partner any day. She is very smart and has a keen sense of looming danger. I have been trying to decide if I read a book that could be a Mission Impossible Movie or a new series on tv called The Afton Tangler files. It is that good folks. We may know half way through the book who the bad guys are, but the brilliance of the writing makes us question why it happened and how deep does it penetrate foreign lands and come full circle to the U. S. I know one thing, money can't buy love and it can't guarantee health. This is one author to keep your eyes on. There is definitely more coming from this exceptional author that will bring her name to the forefront when looking for an outstanding thriller.

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

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May 1 –

Babs Book Bistro  – SPOTLIGHT

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3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews  – SPOTLIGHT

May 2 –

Readsalot  – SPOTLIGHT          

Community Bookstop  – REVIEW           

Valerie’s Musings  – REVIEW REPOST  

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Mysteries with Character  – SPOTLIGHT

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Cozy Up With Kathy  – SPOTLIGHT       

Laura’s Interests  – SPOTLIGHT            

Texas Book-aholic  – REVIEW REPOST 

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The Montana Bookaholic  – SPOTLIGHT  

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StoreyBook Reviews  – SPOTLIGHT

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Cake and Punishment: A Southern Cake Baker Mystery
by Maymee Bell

Incredible start to a brand new series. . . I absolutely loved it . . .
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Maymee Bell has whisked a confection of mystery in her debut novel that will have readers savoring every word.
~Bibliophile Reviews

This cozy mystery has a little bit of everything that makes this book genre one of my favorites: Humor, mystery, romance, and likable characters.
~Ms. Cat’s Honest World

When reading anything written by this author, there are a few things you can be certain of exceptional characters, a homey setting, humor, and a great mystery. And of course, all of those things are found in this book.
~MJB Reviewers 

Delightful characters, delectable southern banter, I guarantee you’ll pick up a few new phrases for your own use, and an unpredictable future for Sophia are all on the menu.
~Laura’s Interests

Nobody does small-town Kentucky quite like Maymee Bell and her alter ego, Tonya Kappes.
~Reading is My SuperPower

Adding this one to my list of favorite reads for the year with a big ‘ole 5 stars!
~My Reading Journeys

About the Book

Cake and Punishment: A Southern Cake Baker Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Kentucky
Crooked Lane Books (May 8, 2018)
Hardcover 257 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683315711
Digital ASIN: B075QJM2W8

In the first of a delectable new Southern-set baking cozy series, Sophia Cummings, pastry chef extraordinaire, must craft the perfect cake for an old friend’s wedding while sifting through the suspects in a murder.

Bucolic Rumford, Kentucky has glowing fields of bluegrass, a fine selection of bourbons, and now a professional pastry chef. Broken-hearted Sophia Cummings has come home from New York City. She’s not there a minute before she’s charmed into making her high school friend Charlotte’s wedding cake. The kitchen at the Rumford Country Club seems perfect until Chef Emile’s body is discovered, sprawled near the stove, a cast iron skillet on the floor close by.

With one look at the shiny, new frying pan, Sophia knows it’s not Emile’s. She offers her knowledge to Sheriff Carter and her talents to Evelyn, the manager, who needs an interim chef. The mood in the country club is grim: Emile’s peppery personality had burned members and staff alike. Sophia wonders which one of them burned him?

About the Author

Maymee Bell is the pen name of USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes. She lives in Kentucky with her family and her two schnauzers. She likes strong coffee, slow-country days, and fresh-baked cookies – but she like telling stores best of all. This is her first SOUTHERN BAKER MYSTERY.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyakappes

Kappes Krew Street Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/208579765929709/

Website
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4423580.Tonya_Kappes

Twitter 
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

Purchase Links:

Amazon  B&N   Kobo 

In this new series it oozes with southern charm and characters that jump off the pages. The author is amazing in her writing technique. She gives readers the perfect story that captures your attention right away. Sophia is a delightful woman who finds herself moving back home to Kentucky. It sounds so beautiful there that it has been added to my bucket list. Sophia had her life planned out. She was a pastry chef at a very prestigious place. She was in love and the world was perfect. You know how you think you have the perfect life and then reality hits you in the face? That happened to Sophia and now she finds herself back home. 

Her visit home takes a detour when she finds herself making a wedding cake for her old friend. It seems that someone has decided to murder the chef that was helping with the wedding. I loved the reference  to the iron skillet. Everyone knows it has to be seasoned before you can use it. Not everyone knew because a brand new skillet laying beside a dead body spells murder weapon to me. It's a shame when someone dies, people start saying how much they were disliked. What would chef Emile think if he heard the nasty things said about him?

With sayings like, "That woman doesn't have all her chairs in the parlor, " the book is fun and full of southern talk that makes you feel right at home. There are several suspects that look promising for the murder. Will the wedding take place? I know the bride is worried about her perfect day being ruined but really a murder kinda takes a bit more importance . Poor Charlotte sees her dream wedding falling apart and I felt sorry for her. I have to say Bitsy who is Sophia's mother is wacky. She made me laugh more than any other character. She is the perfect southern woman with etiquette dripping off her. I think I would enjoy watching her work a room. You can't help but like her even though she is a bit dramatic at times.

I enjoyed the story very much and wait till you find out who the killer is. Big surprises await readers in this first in a new series. The author is amazing and writes stories that always entertains and leaves readers anxious for more. 

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

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Tour Participants

April 25 –  The Pulp and Mystery Shelf  – CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 25 –  Books a Plenty Book Reviews  – REVIEW

April 26 –  Babs Book Bistro  – SPOTLIGHT

April 26 –  Bibliophile Reviews  –  REVIEW

April 27 –  The Book Diva’s Reads  –  CHARACTER GUEST POST

April 27 –  3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!  – SPOTLIGHT

April 28 –  Ms. Cat’s Honest World  – REVIEW

April 28 –  MJB Reviewers  – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

April 29 –  Laura’s Interests  – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

April 30 –  Reading Is My SuperPower  – REVIEW

April 30 –  A Holland Reads  – SPOTLIGHT

May 1 –  My Reading Journeys  – REVIEW

May 1 –  Mysteries with Character  – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

May 2 –  Queen of All She Reads  – REVIEW

May 2 –  Island Confidential  – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 3 –  Texas Book-aholic  – REVIEW

May 3 –  Valerie’s Musings  – GUEST POST

May 4 –  The Power of Words  – REVIEW

May 4 –  Celticlady’s Reviews  – SPOTLIGHT

May 5 –  Varietats  – REVIEW

May 6 –  Brooke Blogs  – SPOTLIGHT

May 7 –  FUONLYKNEW  – REVIEW

May 7 –  Ruff Drafts  – GUEST POST

May 8 –  The Montana Bookaholic  – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 8 –  Cinnamon, Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder  – RECIPE POST

May 9 –  Moonlight Rendezvous  – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 9 –  Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book  – REVIEW, GUEST POST

May 10 –  That’s What She’s Reading  – REVIEW, GUEST POST

May 10 –  Bookworm Cafe  – REVIEW

May 11 –  Lisa Ks Book Reviews  – REVIEW, RECIPE POST

May 11 –  Melina’s Book Blog  – REVIEW