Saturday, March 23, 2024

About the Book

Book: Trapped in Yosemite

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: February 27, 2024

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake.

When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.

Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

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 and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

I won’t ever forget October 17th, 1989. I was finished with my student teaching duties, chatting with my mother while we watched the World Series. It was an epic matchup of two Bay Area teams. As we watched, the floor lurched and the entire house began to rattle and pitch. We ran outside and watched the street undulate like ocean waves. We’d later come to learn it was a 6.9 earthquake on the Loma Prieta fault. The shaking only lasted 20 seconds but 63 people were killed, 3,757 were reported injured and 12,053 displaced. The damage estimates reached as high as $10 billion, with 18,306 houses leveled. Approximately 2,575 businesses were impacted and 147 were destroyed. The part I will remember most was the collapse of a section of the freeway in Oakland which trapped people in the pancaked structure. I remember watching the close space rescue teams work night and day to find survivors.

Little did I know that memorable event would someday lead to a book! This novel combines the iconic California setting of Yosemite and the big fear buried deep in every California’s mind…the big one, the massive earthquake we know will be coming someday. Of course you know there will be a happy ending in the novel, but I hope you will feel the edge of your seat suspense that keeps you turning pages. God bless you, dear readers!

MY REVIEW

This book is one of those that you can’t put down. The main female character Stella is fierce, determined and in danger. A simple phone call to go look at some trees that may be infected with something turns into much more. I could feel the cold weather as she trudged up the mountain to meet the person who called her. it was a little uncomfortable to meet a stranger in an isolated area but Stella is determined to prove she knows her job and can this man save his trees. When a shot rings out, one person is dead and the other is in survival mode.

With an unexpected earthquake everything suddenly changes as people are trapped in the Yosemite National Park and Stella runs into her ex fiancé. That seemed a bit awkward but she must rely on Von. Putting their differences aside they must work together if they are going to survive. The author with first hand knowledge describes an earthquake with an almost eerie feeling. One minute everything is fine then a second later the ground beneath starts to disappear.

I loved the suspense in the book and couldn’t wait to see who was trying to kill Stella and why. The relationship between her and Von are delicate at times but the authors excellent writing gives us a front row seat to a transformation happen. Faith plays a big part in the story and I loved how I was captivated by each moment in the book.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 21

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 21

Bigreadersite, March 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Texas Book-aholic, March 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 23

Lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Pause for Tales, March 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Betti Mace, March 25

The Sacred Line, March 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Daysong Reflections, March 26

EmpowerMoms, March 27

Life, Love, Writing, March 27

Cover Lover Book Review, March 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 28

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Tell Tale Book reviews, March 29

Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, March 30

Splashes of Joy, March 30

Blossoms and Blessings, March 31

To Everything There Is A Season , March 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31

Holly’s Book Corner, April 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 1

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 2

Labor Not in Vain , April 2

Lily’s Corner, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a 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/2a8f5/trapped-in-yosemite-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, March 22, 2024

About the Book

Book: Seashells Tell No Tales

Author: Amanda Tru

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 27, 2024

A tropical island tale of danger, secrets, love, and seashells that won’t reveal any of it.

Faith Marlowe made a promise to her dying brother. Unfortunately that promise involves helping an injured and embittered Army Ranger vet, Gideon Sundquist (Sunny).

Sunny doesn’t want help. He lost both his legs in a black ops mission he can’t breathe a word about. Now he’s exiled on an island in the middle of the South Pacific, hiding from the world.

Both Faith and Sunny have secrets to keep. If Sunny finds out who Faith is, Faith will lose her only chance to keep her promise. If Faith finds out the truth of Sunny’s mission, it will put both of their lives at risk.

On a beautiful, remote island in the Pacific, Faith will try to teach Sunny to live again. But if the tales of their secrets are told, neither will see the sun rise in the Suamalie Islands again.

Beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Amanda Tru is a best-selling author of over thirty Christian fiction books. She writes page-turning fiction to inspire real-life stories. In her own real story, she sheds her super-hero writing cape to be mommy to four kids in a small Idaho town.

More from Amanda

I believe that the best fiction contains a seed of truth. After all, sometimes life breathes emotions that can never be faked and tells stories no imagination can paint. Seashells Tell No Tales is a fantastic story of romance, heartache, family, and friendship with a splash of humor and suspense. In some ways, it is a fresh take on the classic Beauty and the Beast motif. But what may be most surprising is that the original idea for the plot is based on a true story.

My father-in-law was in the army when he was a young man. He never served in war combat, but his memories still reveal that it was a life-changing experience for him. One day, he told us a story about another soldier he befriended in basic training. Though his military story didn’t carry the thill and danger of some military tales, its impact on him was profound, so much so that over fifty years later, his voice shook with tears as he told it.

It was a tale of a paradigm shift when he realized that someone who was different did not intend to be different, but very much wished to not be weighed down with the lot life had assigned him. The other young man did not want to be as he was. My father-in-law’s response to his fellow soldier spoke of understanding, friendship, and a life-altering perspective that still resonates in his actions today.

And it’s a message that should inspire us all.

As often happens, when I hear a story that touches me, I mentally file it away. It bubbles up in my memory ever so often and eventually, an idea may form around it. The foundation Seashells Tell No Tales is the true-life encounter my father-in-law had in basic training. Sunny’s flashback scene at the beginning of the book is as identical as I could make it to what my father-in-law described. I used my imagination to fill in the details of the circumstances surrounding the event, but the conversation, the emotions, and the actions are all real.

In turn, that event forms the basis of a friendship that defines the rest of the book. Also real to life, friendships are not fairy-tales; they are messy. In some ways, Sunny’s life may have been better had he never taken the time to offer friendship to an outcast, but in every way that matters, Sunny—like all of us—is a better human for experiencing the trials of life we’d never choose for ourselves.

Yes, Seashells Tell No Tales is very much a fiction story. But I believe the truth in it adds a profound dimension. As you read it, feel free to laugh at the humor, white-knuckle your way through the suspense, feel your heart flutter with the romance, be touched by the themes of family and friendship—but I also want you to shut the last page of the book inspired.

May we all offer friendship to those on the sidelines of life. And may we recognize our own faces in theirs. Through our love for others, may we realize that we truly are exactly who we are meant to be.

MY REVIEW

What an exciting story with military secrets, a nurse trying to fulfill her brother’s last wish and a man who lost both legs in a secret military operation. Sunny and Faith’s first encounter is met with animosity and spit wads. Yes I said spit wads. That sure got Faith’s attention. Here she is coming to take care of Sunny and he has this attitude that is horrible.

The author creates a story that delivers an intense scenes of trusting God and healing others in need. Why is Sunny hiding on a remote island? That question will be answered but the drama draws us in as we witness both Sunny and Faith with secrets that could be dangerous for both of them. I love suspense stories and this one has all the makings of a movie. I can picture the opening scene as Sunny opens the door in a wheelchair and Faith standing there waiting to be asked in. Their dynamics are vast in emotions but I loved how they start to slowly come to accept each other.

I was very intrigued about the connection to Sunny and Faith’s brother Will. They were involved in something very secretive with the black ops but for some reason people are keeping that mission quiet. Sunny lost both legs but why was he sent away to an island and left basically alone? Oh the story is so good that I didn’t want it to end. Has Sunny lost who he once was? Maybe Faith has been sent there to also help him find his way back to God?

I absolutely love how the author tied the title of the book into the story. Seashells hear many things but they never divulge information. Sunny wants to be free from the secret he has kept for so long and with Faith you can tell he is feeling more confident about himself. Just her presence has given him a reason to live. Faith reminds Sunny that “the truth shall set you free.”

The author really knows how to write a story that not only gives you a heart ponding adventure but a look at how God can turn a life around. I will never forget this story because Sunny and Faith are what represents trust and hope for a better future.

“Too often, people assumed that if they were following God’s will, the road was smooth, and you got to do what you wanted.”

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

Blog Stops

She Lives To Read, March 16

Devoted To Hope, March 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 19

Texas Book-aholic, March 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21

Sylvan Reads, March 22

Karen Baney Reviews, March 23

Inspired by fiction, March 23

Life, Love, Writing, March 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 25

Blogging With Carol, March 26

For Him and My Family, March 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 28 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, March 28

Holly’s Book Corner, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amanda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/2a7ac/seashells-tell-no-tales-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Mojave Rock

Author: JW Gilbert

Genre: Christian Fiction – Action/Adventure

Release Date: March, 2024

Arcon forsook his new life of adventure in the outside world to fulfill his destiny with ArcPoint. But the return to his forest home is short-lived—he and Ranger Dan have been called to Jerusalem to meet Central Authority and discover the fate of ArcPoint. A new adventure begins, starting with a round-the-world trip by tube train—something Arcon never thought possible. With its expanded cast of extraordinary characters and a fresh romance, Mojave Rock is the conclusion to the ArcPoint trilogy about reconciliation and truth replacing fear and suspicion.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

John Gilbert Wozniak (JW Gilbert) grew up in an Oregon farm town. He retired in 2016 as an international data center cooling expert. Around the turn of the century, he began writing as a hobby. After years of expert guidance and a lot of editing, his ArcPoint trilogy is complete. His intent is to write books that are enjoyed by all ages—biblically accurate—with a touch of adventure, romance, and humor. JW has been married to his best friend Darlene since 1980. They are both retired and enjoy the hobby. After years of expert guidance and a lot of editing, his ArcPoint trilogy is complete. His intent is to write books that are enjoyed by all ages—biblically accurate—with a touch of adventure, romance, and humor. JW has been married to his best friend Darlene since 1980. They are both retired and enjoy the hobby of creating lapidary jewelry. He is a member of Oregon Christian Writers, Mensa, ALLi, and the Tualatin Valley Gem Club.

More from JW

The ArcPoint trilogy finally reaches its conclusion with Mojave Rock. I ramp up the humor and romance a little, just to make it interesting. A few of the minor characters play a larger role. We get to see how Arcon travels around the world without floating on water or flying through the air. And we get a glimpse of what this world is like with the Prince of Peace ruling the planet.

I also move more toward science fiction with Mojave Rock. I wanted to show how mankind cleaned up our planet, after the tribulation era gave us wars, earthquakes, famines, and other forms of death and destruction. When lawlessness made all of us want to hide as ArcPoint did. As technology helped us, there were always people who used it to harm us.

It was fun to contemplate how accident-free high-speed travel could be accomplished. How could we use it to feed the world? In fact, what would world travel be like without war zones, national borders, corrupt government officials, currency exchange, pickpockets, and terrorists? Can you imagine retail stores without shoplifters? Email without spam? Facial recognition without invasion of privacy? No frauds, scammers, or identity thieves? All of that may sound like heaven, but it’s not. That’s another time and place.

So, how will ArcPoint react to connecting with the outside world again? They were already free of the things listed above. World peace didn’t concern them, since inner peace was a common commodity. Will they leave their oasis in the former desert? Will their community be overrun with strangers? Will Arcon and Elaina marry? It’s worth reading Mojave Rock to find out.

MY REVIEW

This has been a very interesting series. Arcon has been in quite an adventure where he met Elaine. Their story seems to give hope and perhaps a new place to settle. Being secluded ArcPoint now is opening themselves up to a more progressive place where things are different. This is a science fiction book so some liberties have been taken as far as beliefs.

I can’t imagine a world where we are free from crime and peace surrounds us. I loved how the author taps into our imagination to think what it could be like to walk freely with no worry of crime. Could Arcon live in a place like this? I can remember reading the first two books and how Arcon wanted to be free and explore what the world had to offer. Being so isolated he desired what was out there.

Once again I am challenged with a few statements in the book as I was in the previous ones. I give grace to the author because I know it is a science fiction story yet somehow I feel let down by statements that could sway person one way or another. In the end I must say that we each interpret things differently. Perhaps this story will make us think more and find ourselves reaching out to others to become more open mined about how we see things or reads things differently. In the end I have enjoyed this series and have learned to open my mind to possible oversights I previously didn’t see when reading the Bible.

I applaud the author for giving me a series where I followed Arcon to freedom and how he found friends, hope and maybe a new world where he can be the person he was meant to be. The beauty of this book is that it makes you think of the what ifs and how we can find our peace in ourselves. Then and only then will we be truly happy as we trust God.

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

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 19 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, March 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 20

By The Book, March 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Guild Master, March 29 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, March 30 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 1

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, J.W. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a print copy of Mojave Rock!!

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/2a8f3/mojave-rock-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, March 18, 2024

About the Book

Book: Whispers of Wisdom

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Nicole wanders the ancient halls of Château Chenonceau, stirring up whispers from the secrets of a queen.

Craving the wisdom of the philosophers of the day, Nicole straddles the line between servant and high society. Will acting as one of higher status bring her closer to her dreams? Perhaps not, but a treasure hunt with the knight in the tower might fulfill her longing for a while.

Pierre would avoid the senseless salons full of manmade wisdom, throwing every pamphlet aside. Yet, he journeys to Chenonceau to glean knowledge from the estate manager. His goal reaches beyond the glittery, false, societal affairs to the fields of wheat, vineyards, and orchards. No fairy tales or treasure hunts for him. Not until his encounters with Nicole invade his practical world.

Whispers and secrets conjure a treasure hunt, involving the heart as well as the mind.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me— Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, Gardens in Time Series Books 1 and 2, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online.

She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

My Favorite Place on Earth

Do you have a favorite place other than your home? Ever since I was a preteen of eleven, I have gravitated to my favorite spot. I it as the setting for Whispers of Wisdom.

Château de Chenonceau in Chenonceaux, France, sprawls across the River Cher in the Loire Valley. As a child I faced this elegant petit château with wide eyes and a budding imagination. Iran up the long avenue lined with plane trees toward the columns with huge statues of lions, guarding the courtyard and entrance to the castle.

My sisters and I skipped, jumped, and played in and through the two manicured gardens, catching glimpses of the château mirrored in the river, revealing some of the magical secrets in the water. My young mind conjured up princesses escaping the castle’s confines, wandering the paths among the flowers and shrubs.

The ancient wooden doors opened to a fairy tale world of kings and queens. Tapestries, tiled floors, ornate furniture, flower arrangements, paintings, and stories of past grandeur. My favorite rooms were the kitchens and the gallery over the river with the black and white tiles floors. We skipped and danced from one end to the other. As I left the enchanted château, I promised to return.

Claiming a place as a favorite that is across an ocean, probably was not the best choice, but the château’s imprint remained strong. When I studied in France, I placed Château Chenonceau as a must see. I noticed my imagination and fascination had not dissipated. I’ve returned many times. My adult self enters into the fantasy world with a twirl or two on the checkered floors and a skip and a jump in the gardens.

I hope you catch some of the historical thrill of this little castle in the pages of Whispers of Wisdom.

Happy Reading!

MY REVIEW

You can feel the excitement on Nicole as she gets ready to go to her job gardening. She wants to do an excellent job for her employer and works tirelessly making beautiful flower arrangements to brighten the place up. It was fun for her to see her old friend but she does take a second glance at his friend Pierre. Hmm. Wonder if they will become friends?

The history in the book is nice as Martin Luther and others are named. I loved how this flows seamless with the story and how it all comes together. There are many questions asked about what someone believes in such as the the Bible. I like the answer she was given “that from the Bible yes, although I do ponder and meditate over it.”

Pierre is just as curious as Nicole and she eagerly encourages him to look around the chateau and see what they can discover. It seems these two have formed a bond and may unearth secrets long hidden within the walks of the chateau. He is trying to learn how to manage an estate but is distracted at times die to his interest in Nicole. Could there be a blooming romance ?

The story follows these two main characters as they seek answers and decide who to believe in. Very thought provoking book that makes you want to research some of the historical figures mentioned in the story.

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