Saturday, December 3, 2022

About the Book

Book: Christmas Crime Cover-Up

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre:Inspy Suspense

Release date: November 29, 2022

From USA TODAY bestselling author Dana Mentink…

A violent attack

Isn’t the homecoming she expected.

When an ATV tries to run her down in Death Valley, animal rescuer Nora Duke knows it’s a sign she never should have returned. Now she’s stuck on Seth Castillo’s ranch until Christmas with a pregnant donkey—and a criminal desperate to silence her. Facing her past is as terrifying as uncovering a killer’s twisted plan. But can Seth convince her to stay…if they live through the holidays?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
Book 5: Christmas Crime Cover-Up
Book 6: Targeted in the Desert

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming 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.) Her monthly newsletter features plenty of goodies, gab and giveaways. https://www.subscribepage.com/b8q0y5

More from Dana

Well here we go! Book five in the Desert Justice series features Nora (Chief Jude’s estranged sister), a wild donkey who needs rescuing, and a crime from the past that intrudes into the present. Twisty, right? I was inspired to write this story after visiting Death Valley and learning about the feral donkeys which inhabit the region. They’re cute, visitors love them, but the burros can encounter health problems and cause environmental damage if they aren’t settled into a safe area. It’s amazing to me that wild donkeys are adept at detecting underground water sources. They dig “wells” which can benefit many thirsty animals. Fascinating, right? Hope you’ll enjoy meeting Bubbles the donkey and the helpful humans who rescue her in this novel. God bless and thanks for reading!

MY REVIEW

When I’m looking for a book that is inspirational with suspense and great characters this author is my go to. I have never been disappointed with her books and this one is one of my favorites from her. I love the setting of the series and have come to be intrigued enough to do some research on Death Valley.

In this installment we find a collection of characters that have something in common. They know each other but there are feelings of anger, pride and not letting go of the past that pushes this story to the limit. I loved the rescue that Nora and Felicity were part of. Bubbles is by far one of the best animal characters I’ve read. Who wouldn’t love to be around a donkey who wants to be loved and cared for? I wonder if I can talk my husband into getting a donkey?

The danger starts immediately when someone tries to run down Nora and Felicity as they are on a rescue to save Bubbles. It is not everyday you see an ATV in the desert at night, so who is out to do harm? The author gives us an adrenaline rush as Nora seems to be unwelcome at her home town. There are frictions between her brother, mother and herself which adds tension to the story . I can’t forget to mention that Nora hasn’t been back home in awhile and all those insecurities she had are coming back.

I enjoyed Seth and am happy to see him front and center in this story. He helps with the rescue which finds more drama than he wanted. Trying to keep Nora and her friend safe becomes a full time job. I liked his patience and his desire to see Nora reconcile with her family. Seth adds a layer of comfort to Nora which will become very important in the story.

Surrounded by a mystery the story is well written and I especially loved the theme of forgiveness and coming to terms with your past. Even though this book is in a series, it can be read alone and enjoyed without feeling that you are missing parts of a story. The ending is good and I was surprised at who was behind everything.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

deb’s Book Review, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

Texas Book-aholic, December 4

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 4

Betti Mace, December 5

Genesis 5020, December 5

Bizwings Blog, December 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 6

Bigreadersite, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Daysong Reflections, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Empowermoms, December 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 11

For Him and My Family, December 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Blogging With Carol, December 13

Vicky Sluiter, December 13

For the Love of Literature, December 14

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 14

Cover Lover Book Review, December 15

Simple Harvest Reads, December 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blossoms and Blessings, December 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 16

Labor Not in Vain, December 16

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/22ec8/christmas-crime-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 2, 2022

About the Book

Book: A Daughter’s Courage

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 1, 2022

Her quest to repair what’s been broken leads to imminent danger–and soon it’s more than her own life on the line.

After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can’t leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains—or it could be the downfall of them both.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Behind the Scenes of A Daughter’s Courage

I always love stories where the characters are on a journey, and I knew that’s exactly what the characters in this book would be doing. Our heroine, Charlotte, is the younger sister of the heroine in book 1 of this series, and we’ve gotten to know her a little better with each book. Her mother died when she was young, and she’s been the homemaker for their little family for over a decade now, never straying farther from the village than the berry patches in the next valley over. So I knew it would take something big to get her away from Laurent for the journey I had in mind for this story. Something lifechanging.

Our hero is a trapper who left the larger group he’d been traveling with to strike out on his own. I knew it would take a considerable amount of tragedy to make a man seek such complete aloneness. Damien has his trusty mule Gulliver with him, so I guess he’s not completely alone, but he’s definitely hoping to stay far away from people. As I uncovered the pain that brought him to this point, my heart broke for him and all the loss he experienced.

I love the way Charlotte’s need and the fierce mountain snowstorm drew Damien from his grief and gave him new purpose. Watching him come back to life and grasp onto God’s love for him was so inspiring!

Blessings!

Misty

MY REVIEW

The author does an amazing job of taking readers back in time to 1817. There we can picture snow covering the mountains as a harsh winter has come. I loved Charlotte and desire to help her father around the village. While cleaning one day she damages a precious item that is treasured by her and the village. She was so afraid to confess to her papa that she runs away determined to find someone to repair it. I don’t think she was thinking clearly when she finds herself in weather that was unbearable to endure. She will find a lesson waiting for her in the story which we all can use sometime. Charlotte learns to trust her father and lean on others when she is in trouble. We can’t do everything by ourselves and Charlotte finds out God has sent someone to help her.

Damien was my favorite character because he was humble, strong and searching for happiness. After losing his sister he seems to be lost and not sure what to do next. When he and Charlotte meet it is under circumstances that force them to join up in order to survive the dangers in the wild. It did take a bit of time for both of them to warm up to each other. I liked how Damien became protective of Charlotte and treated her respectfully.

The author allows these two characters to slowly get to know each other and I liked the pace of their relationship. As they start to trust each other they face danger on their journey. The author described the weather so well, I grabbed a blanket as I read the book. I loved how Damien came to understand that God loved Him. We sometimes think we disappoint others or God, but we need to remember that God is pleased with us. He loves us and delights in us. I loved the illustration that shows when we feel discouraged , God is there to lift us up.

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

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 2

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 5

Holly’s Book Corner, December 5

Book Looks by Lisa, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 6

deb’s Book Review, December 7

Mary Hake, December 7

Betti Mace, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 9

Remembrancy, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 12

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 13

Splashes of Joy, December 14

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Through the Fire Blogs, December 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift 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/22ec7/a-daughter-s-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Heaven-Sent Miracles & Rescues

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Christian Inspirational

Release date: November 1, 2022

Do You Believe in Miracles?

For more than three decades, Andrea Jo Rodgers has served her small-town community as a volunteer EMT. Over the years, the incredible events she’s witnessed have taught her that behind the scenes of every dark and dire situation waits a God capable of doing the impossible to help, protect, and save those He loves.

In Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues, Andrea shares tales of amazing and supernatural occurrence she’s seen from the frontline. From breathtaking water recoveries, to heroic battles against housefires, to astonishing interventions against medical crises, Andrea’s accounts of emergency rescues will have you reading at the edge of your seat while reassuring you of God’s awe-inspiring power over every circumstance.

Whether you’re searching for affirmation that miracles still happen, or you simply love reading exciting and inspiring true stories, Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues will leave you uplifted, encouraged, and on the lookout for God’s divine handiwork in your own day-to-day life.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for over 25 years. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 35 years and has responded to more than 9,000 first aid and fire calls. She lives on the east coast with her husband, two children, and two fur babies. At Heaven’s Edge, On Heaven’s Doorstep, Help from Heaven, and Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues include true inspirational stories based on her experiences as a volunteer EMT. Her middle grade adventure novels, Saving Mount Rushmore and Saving the Statue of Liberty are fun yet educational books that teach faith, courage, patriotism, and friendship.

More from Andrea Jo

Coincidence or the Hand of God?

Have you ever wondered if someone is saved by pure chance? Is it just his or her lucky day? Or is more at play? I believe that people aren’t assisted by mere coincidence. I think the hand of God is at play, putting the pieces in motion to orchestrate miracles.

During my 35 years as a volunteer emergency medical technician with my local first aid and rescue squad, I’ve often witnessed the power of prayer and how God works to put the right people in the right place at the right time. For example, in my latest book Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues, I convey how a young woman who gets out of work later than usual sets in motion a dramatic rescue. In another case, a young man stops at a friend’s apartment just in time to alert 911 that she is unconscious and barely breathing due to a heroin overdose. At times, our patients overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to survive.

God’s loving hand doesn’t have to take the form of sensational rescues. It can be more subtle, such as having our squad volunteers be present to pour love on a dying hospice patient during his last hour on earth, or in another instance being available to tuck in a lonely woman grieving the loss of her mother. As a resident of a small town, I’ve been privileged to form strong bonds with some of my patients, and my life is immeasurably richer for it.

The next time you brush something off as just a coincidence, take a few minutes to consider the alternative. Perhaps you are witnessing the loving hand of our Lord at work.

MY REVIEW

I enjoy reading books by this author because she shares her heart and compassion for others. Each story is different yet has a theme of rescue and God’s intervention. The people she meet are in need of help and some are more urgent than others. I am amazed how the rescuers put their lives in danger to save others.

As I read the book I kept thinking that these are unsung heroes. We expect someone to come when we call 911. We don’t think of the bad weather they may have to travel in, or the daring rescues they do everyday. I liked how neighbors in one story arrived home at just the right time to see fire coming from their neighbors house.

God is always there in our time of need. He places the right people at the right time to help us. I never want to take for granted the men and women who keep calm while doing life saving actions. Each story in the book is filled with heroism and faith. One story did stand out to me. It involves an elderly man who has on file a DNR. He is on hospice and has an aide that watches over him daily. When a crisis arrived for the man, 911 was called. There was little the rescue team could do since he had orders in place but what I loved about this story was that the rescue team stayed with him til the end. They held his hand, let him know his family loved him and gave him peace as he slipped away.

Thank you to all who help those in need with compassion, courage, guidance and love. Your deduction will not go unnoticed. “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

Mary Hake, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 4

Cover Lover Book Review, December 5

deb’s Book Review, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

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

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 10

Rebecca Tews, December 11

Just Your Average reviews, December 12

For Him and My Family, December 12

Spoken from the Heart, December 13

Cats in the Cradle Blog, December 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea Jo is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a signed copy of Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues!!

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/22ec6/heaven-sent-miracles-rescues-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Aberration Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Aberration

Author: Cathy McCrumb

Genre: Science Fiction

Release date: November 15, 2022

Freedom Awaits, but the Consortium is Watching

When rogue drones threaten citizens and the ship’s crew falls ill, the Recorder answers their call for help, once again drawing scrutiny from the Consortium.

With no other option and under an Elder’s overbearing watch, she returns to Pallas Station where she nearly lost her life in the hope of finding something—anything—to save her friends and countless others. Her friends are determined to keep her safe, but for the Recorder, saving others comes first, no matter the cost.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cathy McCrumb graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children and currently live within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. While writing is one of her favorite things to do, she also enjoys reading, long hikes and long naps, gluten-free brownies and raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction movies with friends and family.

More from Cathy

After I finished writing Recorder, my main character was stuck.

Or, more precisely, I was.

Don’t get me wrong, I knew where she was, roughly what was going to happen, and what was going on elsewhere. But after the rush of finishing the first book and even having a great opening line for the second, I was at a standstill. Starting there didn’t make sense, didn’t set the scene. I tried again. And again.

It bothered me for months.

Then, on my way into work, a phrase popped into my head. Eyes on the stoplight, I fumbled in my bag, grabbed the first pen I could find, and scrawled the words on my left forearm in large block letters: NEED HELP WITH THE BODIES.

And like that, I knew where to begin.

(Fortunately, my coworkers were more amused than not, though I did wear long sleeves to church the next day, since I figured no one would find my Sharpie-scrawl comforting.)

While some of the story fell into place as I had expected, it turns out anticipation of a few scenes didn’t dull the edge, and I cried for those. My characters didn’t always comply, and aside from the black block letters on my arm, Aberration had other surprises that made me laugh or cringe. Two of those twists shifted the book’s trajectory, and the Recorder still must deal with the repercussions.

Life is like that. Some things trundle along like they should, but when change rears its head, everything can go sideways. A move, a sickness, a loss, a gain, a promotion… The good things—smiles, laughter, friends, song, color—don’t negate the uncomfortable things—failure, disappointment, isolation. But for those who believe in Christ, sorrow doesn’t have the final word. There is a sudden turn of joy, a grace in an unexpected twist that reminds us that there is no universal defeat awaiting us, even when it feels like all hope is lost.

Writing frequently reminds me of a difficult child who doesn’t want to cooperate. Characters show up uninvited to reshape scenes, or the plot goes exactly as I expect, but carries a completely different meaning. Sometimes I have to pause and let the story wash over me.

A lot like life.

The reversal of sorrow to joy, of catastrophe to eucatastrophe, shows us a glimpse of the home that awaits. Light pierces the shadows of story and heart, illuminating the core of who we are as we journey further up and farther in.

When you continue with the Recorder on her search for a name, for meaning, for hope, I hope that in those sudden surprise turns, you, too, hear the silver trumpets calling you home, no matter where or when you might be stuck.

Because, really, you aren’t.

MY REVIEW

I remember vividly reading the first book in this series and thinking that I have found an author that can write science fiction that keeps my attention. It is a must to read the first book in this series in order to be able to follow the story. I loved that we focus on the Recorder also known as Zeta more in this story. The author goes deeper into the emotions of this character and once again I found myself attached to her every thought.

Zeta is asked what she would like to see happen to someone who betrays her. That stopped me in my tracks. Oh in my fresh I want them to suffer, but I can’t do that because we are to love unconditionally. It is a great question to ponder for Zeta as she knows she should not want revenge. Are you guilty of wanting to see someone pay for hurting you?

With a threat of a virus running rampant on the ship, Zeta is being targeted for spreading it. There is almost like a chaotic feeling in the air as Zeta tries to redeem herself and save those who she was destined to protect. The author gives us a look inside the Consortium and how it tries to control everything. There were a few parts in the story of how Recorders are destroyed that were uncomfortable to read.

The story picks up with action as the Elders try to break Zeta. She has feelings for her friends and will do anything to protect them, even if it means harm to her. I liked how she stood her ground. Oh how I enjoyed her reuniting with a very special character at the end. Now I wonder where the story will go now that imminent danger has passed for now.

“Is life without affection or happiness worth living?”

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