Friday, November 5, 2021

Yukon Justice

About the Book

Book: Yukon Justice

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 26, 2021

Yukon Justice (1) Sabotage on a family ranch…

Newfoundland Ella and her Alaska State Trooper partner is on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Author Picture Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly and Amazon bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Up on the housetop, click, click, click, down through the chimney with good St. Nick. Does anyone know that line from the famous Christmas song? I’ve been singing it for years but only recently did I learn that the clicking is a real reindeer phenomenon. Those reindeer ankle joints make a clicking sound so they can find the rest of their herd if they are separated in a blizzard. It’s just one of the many things I learned about reindeer while researching to write Yukon Justice. In the novel, Katy has to take over running her aunt’s reindeer ranch and protect it from threats by a dangerous intruder. I had the pleasure of “Zoom” interviewing the owner of the Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, Alaska! Jane helped me learn all kinds of interesting things about reindeer. How much do you know about these critters? Take my quick three question trivia quiz to test your knowledge!

What’s the difference between caribou and reindeer? They are the same animal but caribou are the wild variety and the domesticated version are called reindeer.

Do males or females grow antlers? Both! Reindeer are a type of deer and the only species where the female grows antlers as well as the males.

How come kids put out carrots for Santa’s reindeer? Good question! Carrots are not, in fact, part of a natural healthy reindeer diet. The animals don’t even have front teeth! A much better treat would be willow or birch leaves, or their favorite food…lichen, which they find by scraping the snow away from the ground with their hooves.

So how did you do? If you want to know more about these amazing creatures, snag yourself a copy of Yukon Justice!

MY REVIEW

I’m sure you can’t see me dancing but I am. Every time the author has a new book out I get excited. She has this writing style that is witty, captivating and filled with wonderful adventure. Her characters are well defined and I like how she puts faith in each of her stories. The excitement of reindeers in this story made me intrigued. I couldn’t wait to see who was stealing them and what other mystery was going to develop as I kept reading.

Katie has her hands full when someone is out to destroy her aunts farm. Could it really be her uncle who is trying to destroy the farm? When a shot rings out, the adventure starts as Katie and her K-9 try to rescue her aunt. The adrenaline rush is clear as the perpetrator gets away. When all evidence points to it being her uncle Terrance I think she was a little shocked. Why is he so angry at her that he would want to kill her?

Brayden is not thrilled to get the assignment of watching over Katie. With their past history I can understand why. However he is a professional and will do his job. Oh I know there is going to be friction between him and Katie and the author does a great job of pairing these two up. I loved the banter between them and enjoyed how they slowly started to trust each other. It is easy to see that Brayden has feelings for Katie but it will not be an easy task to win her over. There is a vulnerable side to Brayden when it comes to Katie. He needs to keep his head in the game or he may get Katie hurt. The poor guy is trying so hard to keep her from danger but she is a very stubborn woman.

The action never stops as Terrance continues his terror against Katie and whoever gets in his way. He has clever ways to try to hurt her, but with the K-9 dogs, Brayden and the team they get closer to capturing Terrance. The author really took me by surprise with the twist in the story. It is now a matter of who can be trusted as deceit enters the picture. My heart started beating faster as the events played out right before my eyes.

The ending is nothing short of action packed edge of your seat danger as Terrance tries to harm Katie. The author does such a good job of bringing the book to an end in a way that you would expect from someone who is gifted with writing a thrilling and suspenseful story. I can’t wait for the next installment in this incredible series.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 6

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 7

Gina Holder, November 7 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, November 8

Daysong Reflections, November 8

Genesis 5020, November 8

For Him and My Family, November 9

Lighthouse-Academy, November 9

Bigreadersite, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10

Remembrancy, November 10

Betti Mace, November 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 11

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 12

Blogging With Carol, November 13

To Everything There Is A Season, November 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 14

Simple Harvest Reads, November 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 15

Vicarious Living, November 15

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 16

Blossoms and Blessings, November 16

Bizwings Blog, November 16

She Lives To Read, November 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 17

Splashes of Joy, November 18

Through the Fire blogs, November 18

Kayem Reads, November 18

Labor Not in Vain, November 19

Pause for Tales, November 19

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book OR signed copy of the book (U.S. Only)!!

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/12f8a/yukon-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 4, 2021

About the Book

Book: The Weather Girls: Stormy

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 4, 2021

She doesn’t want to talk about it…

…He has no idea what he said.

Will these two ever learn to communicate?

Stormy is usually a people person but when her temper flares, it’s obvious she was aptly named. And now her ire has been piqued. Watch out world.

All but the cardinal are giving her space.

Rob is usually the smartest guy in the room, but when he forgot to think about his words, he turned loose a tornado. Now he’s dealing with the aftermath and praying there’s still enough love to save amidst the debris.

How can he convince Stormy they belong together? Could this be the perfect moment for another person to step in?

Or will the cardinal in the sycamore tree prove Rob’s case?

Return to 1970 Indiana with Stormy, the second book in The Weather Girls series for Women’s Lib, drive-ins, and Christian family values.

You will enjoy Stormy because everyone knows that sometimes you’ve just got to shake things up a bit.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jennifer Lynn Cary likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series and The Relentless series as well as the stand-alone novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café and her recent split-time novel The Traveling Prayer Shawl.

More from Jennifer

What were you doing in 1970? Were you even around? It’s funny how for some that year is crystal clear in their memory and for some it’s chapter out of a history book.

I remember having lunch with a literary agent who’d been a guest speaker for a writer’s conference I attended. He mentioned that it was strange to him that now 1974 was considered historical. Worse, for me, it was the year I was graduated from high school! Talk about making one feel old.

And yet there’s so many wonderful things about setting a story in the late 60s- to early 70s.

The research is amazing—TV broadcasts, the music, fashions, events—all that is easily assessable on the internet. Plus, want some firsthand anecdotes? Plenty of people around to share their memories.

Unlike going back to Colonial, or Victorian, or Civil War eras, this was easy. Sort of. Or overwhelming with so much to choose from. Ha!

So, with Stormy, the second book in The Weather Girls trilogy, I touched on how the Women’s Movement of the day might have and an effect. There was a lot of rethinking of the male and female roles, a shifting of the paradigm. Should he open her door? Should she let him? When was it okay to think traditionally and when did you need to consider your partner might not like a traditional role? The ERA movement was a BIG deal back then.

So, even if you don’t remember it, I hope you will have fun going back to 1970 Kokomo with Stormy and me. I look forward to seeing you there. 😉

Abundant blessings!

MY REVIEW

I am really enjoying this series and love that the author gave each sister their own story. I love the humor the girls’ father had when naming them. Stormy is the perfect name for this character. Oh my when she gets a little upset, everyone knows to duck for cover. Set in the 70s’ the story is rich in nostalgia. I had to laugh when Stormy was mourning the loss of the Beatles break up. I remember when I found out about the Beatles I was crushed. Now Stormy is upset over it as well, but really shouldn’t she be more concerned about her marriage falling apart?

Rob has really gotten himself into a mess with his wife. First he pretty much made her lose her job as a teacher. Then he decides to go work in the garage . Why did he think working with tools in his garage was a great idea to forget about his problems? A trip to the ER wasn’t in his plans. I felt bad that he had no one to call to be there with him. You can tell that Rob is missing Stormy but he isn’t sure what to do about it. Jealousy may work sometimes but in the end, the real problem is still there. There is one woman who is really pushing herself on Rob and like Stormy, I wanted to wring her neck.

Through trials, tears and forgiveness this story shows how a marriage can have problems but still be able to work through them. Stormy really has been beating herself up about something that was said to her in her past. Carrying that burden helps me understand her better. Her husband loves her unconditionally but she still has this thought that she is a horrible person. I loved the part when Stormy finally opens up to a very wise person in her life. She realizes that pride has kept her away from her husband and from a job she loved. In the moment we see where we have sinned, God is right there to wipe away our tears and help us. He is there to defend us and help us move forward.

This has been a wonderful journey with Stormy as the main character in the book. I loved how much she humbled herself and found out how much she was loved by God and her husband. There are some tense moments in the story which illustrates what pride can do when not dealt with. I eagerly await the next book in this fun series.

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

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

Blogging With Carol, October 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 30

The Author Reads, October 30

Pause for Tales, October 31

Vicky Sluiter, November 1

Connect in Fiction, November 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

Inklings and notions, November 6

Connie’s History Classroom, November 7

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 7

deb’s Book Review, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 10

Batya’s Bits, November 11

For Him and My Family, November 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card with 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/12b84/the-weather-girls-stormy-celebration-tour-giveaway

A New Hohpe

About the Book

Book: A New Hope for Christmas

Author: Erin Stevenson

Genre: Christian Christmas Fiction

Release date: December, 2021

Tour Dates: November 4 – November 17

9781522303237 This Christmas, Two Lost and Broken Families Need Restoration.

Sam Jarrett was just starting to explore spiritual things when his world was shattered. Now, he’s completely turned his back on God. Laura Preston is a devoted believer, leaning heavily on her faith to get her through each tortured day.

Two Chance Meetings Spark a Friendship and a Glimmer of Hope.

Sam battles God’s prodding through Laura’s gentle, caring spirit. When another tragedy strikes on Christmas Eve, Sam is sure that God has completely deserted him. Laura tries to show Sam that God loves him and has been there all the time, but how can Sam trust when he has no faith?

A New Hope for Christmas is a story of restored faith in a God who never leaves us, even when we can’t see or feel Him near.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

erinstevenson Erin Stevenson has been writing fiction since 2014. She has published independently with Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Writing is like breathing to Erin. Stories are running through her mind during most of her waking hours, and by the time she sits down at the computer, the words flow and time ceases to exist.

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in training and internal communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.

More from Erin

Dealing with loss is a universal, shared experience. One of the most difficult things about losing someone is enduring the special days and holidays with a gaping hole in your life and memory.

In November, 2019, I saw a post on social media seeking prayers for a family in Texas who had been in a car accident. The father and one child died, the mother and the other child survived. That inspired me to write a short story about how the grieving family got through their first holidays, and when I discovered the Christmas Extravaganza opportunity, I expanded and modified it to fit. I love when real-life gives me inspiration to write.

One of the sub-themes I wanted to include in the book was the importance of having a support network, no matter what your circumstances. The book’s main female character, Laura, had a network comprised of family, church family, and co-workers. They made the difference in her ability to cope during her time of loss.

Sometimes, I’ve made better use of a support network than others. In one of the darkest times of my life, I withdrew into my shell and wonder now if I would have weathered that storm in a better way had I reached out to the many people who wanted to help.

Are you part of a support network? If not, can you think of a way to become involved with one?

MY REVIEW

This is a fast read but filled with a wonderful story about grief and faith. It is never easy to lose a loved one and when the holidays come around it can be a hard time for some. I liked meeting Sam and Laura. They have both experienced a tragic loss and are faced with the holidays grieving. After losing my brother in 2019 I dreaded the holidays. What really helped me was going to a grief support group sponsored by a church.

Sam was angry at God for taking his wife and finds it difficult to go back to church. The emotions go deep for him as he is left to raise their son alone. He notices that his little boy is sad and needs to help him in some way. As Christmas approaches Sam faces another tragedy that will test his faith.

Laura is going through the loss of her husband and one of her children. When Sam and her meet at an unexpected place, I just knew it was a divine appointment. Laura tried to comfort Sam and share her faith with him. We never know why things happen but as Laura explains, “God never leaves us nor forsakes us.” The enemy loves to separate us from God and Sam suddenly realizes that he walked away from God.

This is a sweet story about grief and finding your way back to God. I love how the author brought two people together to walk a path to hope and happiness.

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