About the Book
Book: Framed in Death Valley
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational Suspense
Release date: March 1, 2021
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
More from Dana
What’s up in Death Valley?
As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.
I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!
It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?
MY REVIEW
I will boldly state that this book is the best in suspense, danger, faith and redemption I have ever read. From the beginning I was rooting for Beckett. He was wrongly accused of a death but is determined to prove his innocence. I loved how he always thought of his wife and her safety first. Unconditional love is powerful and it continues to amaze me as I read this story.
I absolutely loved the setting and was in awe of how accurate the author described it. She does mention that she visited Death Valley for research and it shows in the details of the story. I don’t have to wonder what it is like there because I can vividly picture it with her poetic words. The author hits it out of the park, or should I say desert with this exciting story. There is no time to breathe as Beckett is in a race to save his wife Laney from death.
I won’t go into details of the story but I will say how intense it is at times. I held my breath as Laney and her unborn child are targets in an eye for an eye battle. Revenge is in the heart of someone who blames Beckett for a death and wants to kill the one person close to him. There are a few very tender moments that can’t be overlooked in the story. Beckett has always thought of himself as a “monster” and that stigma has followed him since high school.
The best part of the book for me was two things. First I loved the redemption and second chance theme in the story. Laney and Beckett have a lot to deal with and the faith between them helps open up communication. It was nice to see how much Beckett loved his wife and wanted to reconcile with her. It was an emotional journey for both. The next thing I liked was how the author fooled me with who the killer was. Oh I was so sure I knew who it was that I was patting myself on the back. To my surprise and shock I was so so wrong. The brilliance of how the author took this character from in the shadows to front and center was nothing short of excellent and skilled writing. In the end I was very pleased with the ending. Great job.
“Love is when someone is ready to stand by you in the worst moments of your life.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 16
Among the Reads, March 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 17 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, March 18
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 18
Genesis 5020, March 18
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19
Betti Mace, March 19
Lighthouse Academy, March 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20
Bizwings Blog, March 20
Texas Book-aholic, March 21
Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21
Inklings and notions, March 22
Remembrancy, March 22
Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
For Him and My Family, March 23
Blogging With Carol, March 23
Older & Smarter?, March 24
Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
KarenSueHadley, March 24
She Lives To Read, March 25
deb’s Book Review, March 25
Through the Fire Blogs, March 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27
Labor Not in Vain, March 27
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 28
Pause for Tales, March 28
Blossoms and Blessings, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29
Daysong Reflections, March 29
Hallie Reads, March 29
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card, a set of six mini cactus candles, and a signed 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/1093d/framed-in-death-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway
This book sounds like a great page-turner.
ReplyDeleteI like when an author can surprise me!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like my kind of read! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe villain took me by surprise too, Deana.
ReplyDelete