About the Book

Book:  Dead Man’s Watch

Author: Kay DiBianca

Genre: Cozy mystery

Release date: September 2020

Half-sisters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman stumble into another mystery in this second book in the Watch series. When a former acquaintance of Kathryn’s is accused of murder, she and Cece go on a mission to prove his innocence by finding the real killer. But things are never what they seem in this tangled web, and Kathryn’s spunky determination to solve the mystery pushes her closer and closer to a deadly climax.

Join the adventure as these two young women commit themselves to live up to the quote from the Jerusalem Talmud: “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kay DiBianca is a bestselling author who loves to create literary puzzles for her readers to solve. Her characters come to life as they struggle to solve mysteries and create relationships amidst the ongoing themes of faith and family. Her first novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, won an Illumination Award for General Fiction and an Eric Hoffer Award for Mystery. The second book in the Watch series, Dead Man’s Watch, was released in September 2020.

Kay is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. An avid runner, she can often be found at a nearby track, on the treadmill, or at a large park near her home. Her background in software development fuels her fascination with puzzles and mysteries, and her dedication to running helps supply the endurance and energy she needs to write about them!

Kay and her husband, Frank, live, run, and write in Memphis, Tennessee.

You can connect with Kay through her website at https://kaydibianca.com.

 

More from Kay

RUNNING AND WRITING

I’m a runner. Over the years I’ve discovered so many benefits from running, including improved health, good outlook, sense of well-being, and even a spark to creativity. That’s a lot to get from an investment in a pair of running shoes!

Of course, running is also a great metaphor for life. This one sport exemplifies so much that we experience in our lives: success, failure, injury, joy, and pain. So, it’s not surprising that although my books are not specifically about running, they contain running scenes.

I got the idea for my first mystery novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, while I was out running. The first chapter of that book introduces the main character, Kathryn Frasier, as she runs a five-miler while training for a marathon. Kathryn deals with the sorrow of her parents’ recent deaths by putting in hard miles on the trails around the fictional town of Bellevue. As I wrote that narrative, I could almost feel Kathryn’s effort, her struggle to maintain pace, the pain in the final sprint, and the satisfaction of finishing well.

The second book in the series, Dead Man’s Watch, takes place just a month or so after the first one. Kathryn continues her training by running a half-marathon race. Once more I run with her as she experiences the elation of being in the lead pack (I’ve never been there!), the exhaustion as the miles build up (I do know about this), and a dramatic event as she nears the finish.

I hope readers will see the analogy between the Kathryn’s experiences on the trails and her efforts to try to solve the mysteries in each story. I’m working on the third book in the series now. I haven’t written any running scenes yet, but I’m sure Kathryn’s going to insist on putting one in.

MY REVIEW 

 This was such a fun story to read. I loved the setting and how exciting the mystery was. I have found two new characters to follow that are funny and always looking to help others. Kathryn and CeCe find themselves stumbling upon a body that opens the door for a line of suspects. I thought they were in over their heads at times and getting hurt a little too much. Oh these weren’t accidents but attempts on their lives. I guess when you get close to the truth, someone doesn’t want it to come out. 

The story moves at a good pace and the author does  a great job of leaving subtle hints to help readers figure out the mystery. Oh yes I was so sure I knew the who, why, what and when. Good thing I don’t make a living as a detective. I was fooled and so off track that the ending caught me by surprise. I liked how Kathryn kept her word and repaid a debt. Overall good story with characters that are intriguing. Now what about the watch you ask? Well you will have to read the story to see what the significance of the watch is. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 18

Blogging With Carol, March 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21

deb’s Book Review, March 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 23

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Mary Hake, March 24

Inklings and notions, March 25

Older & Smarter?, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Pause for Tales, March 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 31

Bizwings Blog, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kay is giving away  the grand prize of a $25 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/10987/dead-man-s-watch-celebration-tour-giveaway

DUST by EVA MARIE EVERSON

As I sit here reflecting back on this story I just finished, I find myself filled with tears. I loved the time period of the seventies. There were so many things changing in the world and with it was the music. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas is one of my all time favorite songs. It holds many memories and this story brought back a time when I was struggling to be a teen in a family that was dysfunctional.

Each character in the story is significant for different reasons. Cindie is a lost girl wanting so bad for someone to love her. Her desperation was evident by the way she flaunted herself around. Oh how I wanted to tell her that she was precious  in God’s eyes. She didn’t need to rely on her good looks to catch a man. In her weakness she let lust take over and that was her defining moment. It was heartbreaking to realize that she was raising her daughter all alone. I think I loved Cindie because we see her flaws but through her mistakes God gave her a gift that most women want. I enjoyed reading how she matured in some ways and trued so hard to be a better person. 

Allison is a wonderful character who loved with her whole heart. The non proposal she gets from Westley is laughable and should have been a sign that something was amiss. She was happy to be his wife but just beyond the horizon is a secret that will change the course of many lives. The author deals with a hard subject of miscarriage and shows the devastating and emotional turmoil couples  go through when they lose a child to this tragedy. I liked that in the midst of sadness, God had a plan and Allison would find herself a mother to a sweet child. Now I don’t want to say much more about this storyline because it is the meat of the story. Secrets always have a way of coming out. I wonder how long Westley thought he could hide his secret? 

Westley was hard to like at first. I thought he was a little arrogant and hid things that would be hard to overcome. I know he loved Allison but he sure was deceitful about his child. He and Cindie seem to play games as they fight over a child who needs love and stability. I did become a fan of Westley’s later in the book when I realized he wanted the best for his child and Allison. The author writes a story that  lets us inside a family where in the end, your decisions can affect others. I loved how the story became full circle and how each character left a handprint that touched others. I cried at the end and wanted  the story to never end. I became invested in their lives and loved how second chances and forgiveness led to a remarkable story that I will never  forget. 

I received an advanced copy without being required to write a positive review  . 

 

About the Book

Book:  Awakening

Author: Beckie Lindsey

Genre: YA fiction

Release date: September 2020

Every girl has a secret she hopes the light will never find—but the demons already have.

As four high school girls are faced with life-altering decisions, their new-found faith will be tested. Although warrior angels are assigned to guard and assist the unlikely friends, they must rely on their faith to withstand the evil Duke Astaroth and the beast’s demonic horde.

Now that their spiritual eyes are open to daily battles between unseen forces of good and evil, lives are at stake.

• Lifelong friends Krystal and Bryce are finally an official couple. But can their love survive the greatest trial they’ve ever faced?
• Since Mackenzie’s mentally ill mother was hospitalized, she secretly worries that her deepest nightmare may come true.
• While best friends Tammi and Sadie continue healing from their abusive pasts, each wrestles with temptations that threaten to undermine their recovery.

Can beauty arise from the ashes of despair and loss? 

Will the girls embrace who and whose they truly are?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Beckie Lindsey is an award-winning author of the Beauties from Ashes series, poet, blogger, and the editor of Southern California Christian Voice, a division of One Christian Voice, a national news syndicating agency. She is a major coffeeholic and enjoys a good book with a cat on her lap. She also loves to hike and hang out with family and friends. Beckie and her husband, Scott have three adult children, two adorable cats, and live in California.

 

More from Beckie

Why I write YA and the BFA series

I believe a teenager still exists inside each of us.

We hear a familiar tune from our “glory days” and are instantly tapping our toes. Mentally, we’re back in high school —poofy bangs, scrunchie, neon off-the-shoulder sweatshirt — and all. Oh, wait. That’s me back in the ‘80s!

Ah, yes. There is something wonderfully awful about those coming-of-age years.

From the first kiss to the first breakup, there are memories we cherish and some we don’t care to ever revisit. Being a teen can be exciting, confusing, painful, joyous, or even all of those things at once!

No matter how different your teenage experience was from mine, one thing is true for us all: these years have an enormous impact on who we become as adults. We can all sympathize with the plight of puberty and the longing for independence and acceptance. Yeah, there’s still a teenager in all of us!

These are the reasons I write YA.

My hope is to use the power of storytelling to move past barriers and open hearts to accept how much God loves and desires a personal relationship with us.

At every age, we all need the grace and love of Jesus.

In the Beauties from Ashes (BFA) series, I write about relatable characters with difficult issues and traumatic pasts to enlighten readers about the unseen spiritual battle referred to in Scripture. Each character has a secret that has left them vulnerable to the battle in an invisible realm where demonic creatures fight to keep them chained to their pasts and angels of light work to free them.

The characters and their issues are complex, just like real life. In fact, some of the topics are often considered too taboo to talk about openly. But what is left in the dark, festers and grows. It is only in the light that we can be free. In the BFA series, readers experience the character’s quest for truth, love, grace, and freedom while hopefully finding the same for themselves.

MY REVIEW 

This book is one of the best books about spiritual warfare I think I’ve read in a very long time. I know the book is geared towards young adults, but adults could benefit from reading this as well. The author hits readers hard with truth and never misses a beat in dealing with issues teens  face today. The topics are abortion, incest, forgiveness , suicide, depression, eating disorders and teen pregnancy. I was very impressed with how the author used the  teens in her story to illustrate the youth of today. There are a few sensitive words used and scenes that may trigger some so ask God to prepare you   as you read the story. 

I loved the spiritual warfare aspect of the story and felt a stirring in my soul. I wanted to stand beside the teens as they faced the demons that try to keep them away from God. Peer pressure is something all teens face and in this story I was happy to see that the friends stood together to help each other. In their darkest moment, angels surrounded them to fight off the whispers that try to convince them they aren’t good enough. I can relate to some of the topics and so wished I had someone like Lauren to talk to when I was a teen. I loved her character because she spoke truth to the teens but did it in love. She was always available to them and I liked her sweet spirit. 

There is tragedy in the story that broke my heart. I wanted things to turn out differently for this teen, but in the that  moment of her life, God brought her peace. I was prepared as I read about the teen dealing  with forgiving her father. I lived with a father and brother that did unthinkable things to me. It was very difficult and I think it may have been harder  because my dad was a pastor. As the teen searched her heart, she knows she needs to forgive her dad so she can be free from the pain of her past. I also had to come to terms with my past. I have forgiven my dad and  brother even though I never told them. What is important is that God knows. 

I applaud the author for writing a book that shows how the enemy will use any tactic he can to keep us from God. The good news is there are angels surrounding us waiting to do battle for us. Each teen had to make the decision to trust God and right there is why this book is so powerful. In our darkest point, God is there with arms wide open to save us. 

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

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, March 20

Nancy E Wood, March 21

Blogging With Carol, March 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Texas Book-aholic, March 23

Inklings and notions, March 24

Remebrancy, March 25

For Him and My Family, March 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 27

deb’s Book Review, March 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 30

Stories By Gina, March 31 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 1

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Beckie is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/1098a/awakening-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Framed in Death Valley

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

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 bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle.

 

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