1.08.2025

Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler // Just Read


Ambush on the Ranch JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Ambush on the Ranch

Title: Ambush on the Ranch
Series:
Red Rock Country
Author:
Tina Wheeler
Publisher:
Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date:
December 24, 2024
Genre:
Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Seeking ranch refuge…  

with lethal threats at every turn. 

After running for her life through the forest, art gallery owner Janel Newman wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the past forty-eight hours. A car bomb and masked gunman make it clear she must’ve seen something she shouldn’t have. When she's forced to hide at deputy sheriff Zach Walker’s family ranch along with her twin sister, secrets are uncovered, and a murderous conspiracy is revealed. With ruthless criminals dogging their every step, will Janel and Zach be able to thwart these villains’ plan to silence Janel for good?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub


Lucie's Review: 


Zach Walker and his family are working hard to turn a profit on their family ranch, when he offers his ranch as a haven for Janel Newman who has become the target of a killer convinced that she saw something she shouldn't have. 

Janel wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the last days, all she knows is that all of her mother's paintings have been stolen along with a collection of original statues. Together, she and Zach must stay a step ahead of the attacker, who seems to know their every move. 

A high stakes suspense, full of drama, intrigue, with great character interaction. I liked that Zach wants to help Janel, and offers to let her stay with his family. He is very respectful of her space and her desire to help solve the mystery. I how welcoming Zach's family was, and how they all worked together to put a stop to the threats. 

Overall, an action packed read with a plot that had plenty going on, and kept me guessing. I loved that Zach and Janel where able to bond over their shared faith, and I enjoyed their interactions and problem solving teamwork. Highly enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Also Available

Ranch Under Fire 


About the Author

Tina Wheeler

Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author and retired teacher. Although she grew up on the edge of the desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.

Connect with Tina by visiting authortinawheeler.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon digital gift card!

Ambush on the Ranch JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 6, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 13, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

1.06.2025

Nothing Good Starts with Your Best Friend's Brother by Rachel E. Scott // Review

My Review: 

A holiday friends-to-lovers rom-com, full of witty banter, humor and heart. 

 A quick and enjoyable read that brought a smile to my face. I loved the well-developed characters and charming storyline, that was everything I could have hoped for--bantering and flirty but also packing a punch emotionally with characters that I related to strongly, working through a period of life feeling "stuck." Dinah and Dawson are a great team, working together and unapologetically supportive of each other throughout. 

Overall, a highly enjoyable novella, with characters that stuck with me after the book was completed. A wonderful mix of heart, humor and holiday romance. Definitely worth picking up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

1.01.2025

Pixels and Paint by Kristi Ann Hunter // Review

My Review : 

A charming opposites-attract Christian rom-com, about finding beauty in a different perspective. 

Emma Trinket is a tech savvy computer programmer who has never enjoyed her family's more artistic pastimes, always feeling like she never fit into the spaces that they made for her. Carter Anderson is a confident and talented artist, who doesn't enjoy the way that technology threatens to encroach on his sanctuary. But for all her high tech ways, Emma inspires him like no other. 

Emma is an endearing heroine, tired of fitting into pre-selected spaces and just getting by, but she doesn't know what else to do. I loved the wonder in her curiosity, and how she likes to know that why of the process. She has a different perspective that challenges Carter to try and see things through her eyes. 

Overall, a charming rom-com. Emma was easy to like and cheer for all the way through, quirky and nerdy in a sweet way. I'd never thought of the juxtaposition of classic art and new tech before, and it was fun seeing it all play out. Engaging read that brought of the best and worst of the characters in ways that helped them grow and find something worth fighting for!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

12.31.2024

Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette // Review

 

My Review: 

A compelling new chapter in Cossette's Old Testament Saga that stands well on it's own, but is also a wonderful addition with familiar faces that you will recognize if you have been following along. 

Avidan goes with his cousins to fight with the newly anointed Saul, but a rift separates him from his cousins and instead his path crosses with that of Keziah, who is escaping an unwanted marriage. Together can they face the challenges before them and trust in the Mighty God who brought them together?

A well crafted novel set in the tumultuous time right after Saul is anointed king over Israel, I loved how the author brings this time period to life, showing the division and disunity of the times. Keziah has a beautiful horse, I loved his loyalty to her and protective nature. Avidan is a faithful friend, and I liked seeing how he matures over the course of the book, recalling the histories of his people and sharing it with others. 

Overall, this was a well done Biblical novel about a time period that I don't think I've often seen tackled in fiction before. I liked how the author brings to life the times through fictional characters, so that we can imagine what life might have been like for the Israelites. Engaging and well written, with captivating characters, plenty of adventure, romance and faith. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

12.30.2024

One Last Stand by Susan May Warren // Review

Lucie's Review: 

London Brook's past is coming after her, and she must stay one step ahead in order to keep them from taking everything and everyone she loves again. Shep doesn't know everything in London's past, but he knows that now that he's found her again he will do everything he can to help her put her past to rest.

A fast paced read, with plenty of familiar faces, with a twisting plot that kept me on my toes. I liked the blend of high stakes suspense with dangerous surviving against the wilderness. Great protagonists, with wonderful character development along the way. I liked how Shep is determined to be by London's side through all of this. 

Overall, a great addition to the series, with a lot going on and great side plots as well. Strong themes of faith, as well as trust in this high stakes read. 


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

12.25.2024

A Ballet for the People by Lillian Joubert // Review

My Review: 

Ballet and forbidden love in the face of a contentious senate election. 

Max is running for re-election on community values and public service, not used to hob-nobbing with the rich stock that Mia Hamiliton and her politically aspiring family comes from. Can two people from opposite sides of the political aisle fight for their quickly blooming love against those bent on sabotaging them?

A sweet romance of forbidden love, and finding yourself. Mia has always loved danced, but has struggled to measure up to her high achieving brother. I loved how she found the strength to cut a different path than expected, and found something beautiful to pour her talents into. 

A clean romantic read, with tension, family drama, dance, with themes of standing up for what you believe in and yourself. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Emma Jane's Guide to Matchmaking the Mayor by Drew Taylor // Review

My Review: 

A cute modern spin on a classic tale, with this charming Southern re-telling of Jane Austen's Emma

This modern rom-com does a great job of capturing the essence of the original story, while making it her own, with a well meaning and charming protagonist, flirty humor, and a good dose of faith. While the references to the classic are pretty on the nose, I think that the author did a great job of taking the inspiration and making it fresh. 

Emma is as much a flawed protagonist as she ever was, but still as lovable despite it all, with her own struggles and challenges to face. I loved how Knightley is always there for her when she needs him and isn't afraid to let her know when she's been shortsighted, but he loves her all the same. 

Overall, such a fun read with a fun political spin to it. An enjoyable rom-com great for fans of friends-to-more romance!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

12.24.2024

Cornered by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Natalie Walters // Review

Lucie's Review: 

In the Dark by Lynette Eason
Steph Cross discovers cryptic notes in the wake of her friend's untimely death, leading her to think that there was more to her death than originally stated. Rookie Detective Tate Cooper is determined to prove himself on his first case, working alongside his partner and boss's sister. 

An engaging read with likable protagonists and a riveting plot, I liked the relationship building as they uncovered the secrets together. Good tension throughout, with solid themes of faith. 

Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn 
A feuding family in a resort town. Cassie Quinn is a chef, and she takes a job at the resort despite her family's reservations about the bad blood between the families. When the resort's kitchen is destroyed it is clear that someone is after her. Her only option is to work with her ex, Dt Donovan Bledsoe. Can they get to the bottom of the targeted sabotage before it's too late?

A fast paced read, with escalating suspense as the danger increases. Great suspense, with a second chance romance, good teamwork and relationship building. Highly enjoyable! 

Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters 
Teacher Lehela Young turns to her friend Briggs Turner when she finds that she is being stalked, endangering her students. Can they get to the bottom of things before it's too late? 

A well written read, with a sweet friend to lovers romance. A suspenseful read, with a plot that kept me guessing till the end. I liked the great relationship between the main characters, and solid faith. Highly recommend! 

 
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

12.23.2024

Falling for a Humbug Cowboy by Karen Baney // Celebrate Lit

 



About the Book

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

She’s the happiest person he’s ever met. His world has turned upside and he’s in no mood for Christmas. Will these coworkers find middle ground as they head into the holidays?

Reeling from a shocking family secret, Drake Vargas heads into the holiday season grumpier than he’s ever been. He can’t seem to get his footing and his new barista is way too much sunshine for him.

Candi Kaine loves Christmas! Nothing can stop her sunny disposition. As she starts a new job at Vargas Ranch, she’s determined to fix the grumpy, hipster cowboy who just happens to be her boss. Nothing will deter her from making sure he experiences a very Merry Christmas.

Will Drake find his joy again or has Candi Kaine finally met her match?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

A holiday grumpy-sunshine romance, that brings us back to the Vargas Family Ranch, with Drake still reeling from the secrets of his past. 

Drake has a lot of reasons to be less than thrilled going into this holiday season, still coming to terms with the news of his family, while managing the food services and coffee shop on the ranch. Candi Kaine breezes into his life with her annoyingly infectious high spirits, always up for a challenge especially if it means bringing a smile to a humbug cowboy's face. Candi is a good compliment to Drake's hardened exterior, helping him to open up about what he has gone through. 

I loved the interaction between Candi and Drake, as the themes of faith and family. I loved how welcoming the family was towards Candi, and how this story brought everyone together for the holidays, making for a great conclusion to the series. 

Overall, a fantastic addition to a wonderful series! Definitely recommend!

About the Author


Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

Inspiring My Christmas Mood by Karen Baney

In Falling for a Humbug Cowboy, I had a lot of fun incorporating classic holiday songs (and the occasional Christmas story) into scenes to add flavor and sometimes intensify the character’s feelings.

It was purely accidental at first. I love classic Christmas songs and during the holiday season my hubby and I listen to a lot of Holiday Traditions on Sirius XM.

So, when I described a scene where Candi helps Drake decorate the dining hall, I just wrote that she switched the overhead music to a Christmas station and belted out Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. The next thing I know, I’m three song mentions in. So, I decided to make deliberate use of songs.

When I was struggling to get in the mood to write a Christmas novel in the dead of summer (108+ in July in Arizona!), I loaded up my phone with several playlists. One of the first songs was Feliz Navidad and I knew I had to find a way to use it. It would be the perfect song to show off Candi’s fun personality and draw Drake out of his humbug mood.

I hope you enjoy this Christmas playlist from the novel with a few sneak peaks of how I used the songs:

  • Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer – Candi belts out the tune while working.
  • White Christmas by Bing Crosby – Candi “crooned along with Bing Crosby, making a nice duet”.
  • The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole – causes Drake to picture holding Candi close, swaying to the music.
  • Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives – playing while Drake helps Candi with a rush of customers.
  • Feliz Navidad – Candi dances around Drake until she gets him to dance and sing along.
  • I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Dean Martin – Candi notices the not-so-humbug cowboy walking away, ratcheting up her interest.
  • Christmas in Your Eyes by Travis Shaw – playing during a special moment between Drake and Candi.
  • It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas by Michael Bublé – Candi’s lunch with a friend.
  • Mele Kalikimaka – Driving to Flagstaff together to play in the snow.
  • All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey – sets the stage for Drake’s proposal on July 25th (Christmas in July).

What’s your favorite Christmas song? By a specific artist or any artist? Please share in the comments, I’d love to know. 😊

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, December 11

lakesidelivingsite, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

A Reader’s Brain, December 14 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Back Porch Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 18

Lighthouse Academy, December 19

Devoted To Hope, December 20

Simple Harvest Reads, December 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, December 22

Labor Not in Vain, December 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54116

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

12.22.2024

Texas Revenge Target by Jill Elizabeth Nelson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Texas Ranger Brianna Macguire became the target of the cartel when she survived a shootout that very few walked away from. 

Now back at her family ranch she finds herself and her family the target of the crime bosses of the cartel, that's when the mysterious Cameron Wolfe steps into the picture. A man with a bounty on his head, deep in hiding with a shadowed past, who offers his help to Brianna. 

A fast paced suspense, with well written action scenes and a high octane plot. I loved the well developed characters, strong faith, and relationship building along the way. I loved the western setting and gripping storytelling. Well worth the read!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.