Sunday, March 21, 2021

Framed in Death Valley

About the Book

Book: Framed in Death Valley

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

framed in death valle 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 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

Saturday, March 20, 2021

About the Book

Book: Hosea’s Heart

Author: Linda Wood Rondeau

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Release date: 2018

How much should a wronged husband forgive?

Aubrey Beaumont has spent the last fifteen years in search of his runaway, drug-addicted wife. Now a respected Silver Spring pastor and chaplain, ready to give up and move on, his life takes unexpected turns when she suddenly contacts him. Terminally ill and having found faith, she begs Aubrey’s forgiveness. How can he overlook her past prostitution and liaison with one of Washington’s most vicious drug lords?

Grateful for a chance at reconciliation, Joanna Beaumont prays that her seemingly wasted life might serve some purpose in her final days. Perhaps her testimony against her former lover’s cartel will bring her the peace she craves.

Joanna and Aubrey’s paths will crisscross the Capital District’s underworld where they discover how God weaves threads of failure into tapestries of hope.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

A veteran social worker, Linda Wood Rondeau has earned critical acclaim for her heart-warming stories of deliverance and forgiveness. The author now resides in Hagerstown, MD with her husband of forty years. Active in her local church, she enjoys playing the occasional round of golf, a common feature in many of her books. Readers may contact the author through Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Instagram or visit her website: www.lindarondeau.com.

More from Linda

Folks ask me why I kept searching for Joanna.

I don’t really see myself as a martyr, self-sacrificing, or even like the prophet Hosea as some have compared me to.

Perhaps I searched so long because Joanna was the only woman I ever truly loved. We met at the Top Notch Lounge when I had stopped in to buy a getaway package for my parents’ twenty-fifth anniversary.

I turned to my friend, Gregg, a private detective, and said, “See that girl over there? I’m going to marry her.

Gregg shook his head “You’re crazy. That broad is nothing but trouble.”

“And you know this, how?”

“Instinct, buddy.”

I left Gregg standing at the reservation desk and walked confidently toward a future that I could only guess. She smiled at me as I approached her table and glanced at her beverage. “Cinnamon tea?” I asked.

I sniffed the scent. Then, it was like an aphrodisiac. Now the aroma makes me nauseous. If I had known then what I know now? Moot question because life rarely offers a mulligan.

Gregg gave me a sign that he’d wait for me at the restaurant.

I sat down next to her. “Aubrey Beaumont.”

“Joanna Curtis.”

We talked, though not about anything of importance. I knew no more about her after an hour than her name and that she’d been deserted by her boyfriend. Yet, I knew I loved her.

“Have you had dinner yet?”

“No. Actually, I haven’t eaten all day. I should keep up my strength. I’m eating for two.”

I suppose most men would be scared away at that point. But something tugged at me. I sensed she didn’t need me—but I needed her, as intoxicating as any drug.

“Why not join me and my friend at the restaurant downstairs.”

Despite Gregg’s loud protests, Joanna and I married two days later. I adopted her unborn daughter, though not of my flesh, a child of my heart. I didn’t know about Joanna’s addiction until the first time she left us. Though she had been to rehab numerous times, she relapsed again and again. The last time she left, I held her note in my hand, my heart sliced by the knowledge she’d not be back.

The intelligent thing would be to let her disappear … what she wanted. I always led with my heart, not common sense. Perhaps why God called me into the ministry after Joanna’s first relapse.

My fruitless search took me into the Capital District where I pastored a church in Silver Spring. Hope waned … and I even thought I might find love again with a woman named Cynthia. Until Joanna found me and called me to her side.

Fifteen years have passed since she left me the last time. Now, here I stand … face-to-face with reality. Cancer will take Joanna away forever. What does God require of me now? I can forgive her addiction. But sometimes a wife’s betrayal goes beyond the forgivable –her liaison with Joey Juarez, the worst drug czar in the Washington, D.C. area.

I have every right, scripturally and logically, to divorce her and move on. Yet, that same voice that called me to her so many years ago calls to me now. “Till death part us.”

READER: What would you do if you were Aubrey? How would you advise him?

MY REVIEW

This may have been a short book but it sure did have a powerful message. Many readers may pick Aubrey as their favorite character. I can understand why. He exemplifies what unconditional love means. No matter how many times Joanna messed up he still wanted her back. The day she walked out, leaving Aubrey and her kids, some would have said they were done. Aubrey loves this woman with everything he has and never gives up on reconciling with her. I loved his humbleness and heart for the lost. He went to places others would not go to preach the love of Jesus. Yes he is a great example of how we should love the unloveable.

I may shock a few but my favorite character was Joanna. Oh I know she wasn’t exactly mother of the year, and she definitely wasn’t a helpmate to Aubrey. Her journey into violence, drugs and other sins put her in danger everyday. She gets so wrapped up in this world that others have given up on her. God sees His sheep. If one is lost he will go after that one and leave the ninety-nine behind. I have heard that story many times. but never as powerful as illustrated in this story. Joanna reaches the bottom of the pit of darkness crying out for help. I cried along with her as she wanted forgiveness and to have a chance to make amends.

I can’t tell you the rest because it will spoil the book. If you are looking for a story that is filled with undeniable faith and hope, this one is for you. Are you wandering around lost? Do you feel like no one loves you? Can you ask for forgiveness as well as receive it? This book is for you. Let this story guide you if you are dealing with a fractured relationship with God. Allow this story to lead you to freedom from sin and rejoice in the arms of Jesus.

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 17

Susan K. Beatty, Author, March 18 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 19

Texas Book-aholic, March 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 25

For Him and My Family, March 26

Inklings and notions, March 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 28

deb’s Book Review, March 29

By The Book, March 30 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a book from her Amazon Author page!

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/10986/hosea-s-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, March 19, 2021

About the Book

Book: Broken to Beautiful

Author: Jeannine Bennett

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release date: July 29, 2019

What do you do when life is unfair, all hope is lost and God seems absent?

Life does not always turn out the way we hope. It is often unfair, filled with hurt and rocked by disappointment. Even as Christians we find ourselves wondering if God is really there.

Jeannine Bennett is no exception; she understands all too well the struggles of life that hit so hard they take your breath away and leave you broken. But she’s also discovered that our greatest trials in life are always used by God for good, nothing we experience is ever wasted. In Broken to Beautiful, Jeannine invites us into her journey of how God captured her heart. With vulnerability, tenacity and humor, she helps us to recognize that brokenness is not the end of our story. God has a plan for each of us and it is beautiful. No matter how great your struggle, your loss, or your disappointment, God is still in control and his promises are real. She helps us understand that it’s not just our story its God’s story too.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jeannine Bennett is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is also the founder and CEO of Vision to Purpose, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business for Liberty University Online, and an executive coach for The Honor Foundation.

To those who know Jeannine, she is simply a woman who loves Jesus, is devoted to her family, and struggles with life’s challenges like the rest of us. She is not immune to bad hair days, shrinking clothes (weight gain), or sleepless nights. She loves learning and sharing the knowledge acquired to help others learn too. Her favorite ice cream is a toss-up between butter pecan and mint chocolate chip. And, although she has lived in Virginia for more than 30 years, she still calls a water fountain a bubbler. A term she grew up saying in her hometown of Racine, Wisconsin.

More from Jeannine

“To Be a Light for Others”

People often ask why I chose to share such personal details of my life. Truth be told, to be a light for others. For years I wanted to write a book. It took me a long time to grow the courage necessary to begin the journey. Since I was sharing my testimony, I had to be okay with being vulnerable. I needed to be strong enough to reveal those intimate life details with others. The process became easier once I realized my story was God’s story, too!

Everyone goes through struggles in life, but those trials do not have to leave us broken. We can find hope, peace, and restoration with God, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Nothing we experience is ever wasted. God uses everything.

In Broken to Beautiful, you will find a series of events that read like a tragedy, comedy, drama, and horror show. It is full of hurt, deceit, grief, heartache, and devastation. However, thanks to God, it is also full of great joy, many blessings, countless rewards, lots of love, and a whole bunch of never-ending hope.

It is my sincerest desire that this book serves as a blessing to those who read it.

In Christ,

Jeannine

MY REVIEW

Between the pages of this book is a story that gives readers hope while seeing how God is always there with us. I enjoyed reading the author’s personal story and how she went through many trials. At a young age she experienced rejection which followed her through her adulthood. I cried when I read about how her brother was injured and became the main focus of the family. I can understand how she felt pushed aside at times.

One thing I noticed was how history seemed to keep repeating itself in the family. With divorce, alcoholism and depression the author was destined for failure. The most shocking thing in the book was the incident with her mother. Anger can overtake us sometimes and if we don’t know how to cope, it can end up causing split decisions that are devastating. I was sad that her mother had a hard life and saw a pattern of generational curses being passed on to others.

The author in her darkest moment realizes that God was the only answer . I loved how she slowly changed and found a way to forgive her mother. It is not easy to forgive, but when you do you are set free. The key element in this story is not only forgiveness but understanding that Gods has as plan for our lives. I liked the scriptures used and the questions at the end of each chapter.

I would love to hear her speak someday. Her story is powerful and shows how God was working in her life even as a child. Her testimony is healing as she demonstrates each situation she faced and how blessings came from it. God uses our trials to strengthen us, help us grow in faith and to learn to trust Him with everything. This would be a perfect book to use in a Bible study. Her honesty and compassion are tools that God can use to reach others who feel abandoned, hopeless and rejected.

“God uses every lesson to teach us and prepare us for things to come.”

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