4.16.2024

Cold Case Tracker by Maggie K. Black // Review

Lucie's Review:

When K-9 officer Jackson Locke's sister goes missing, he is determined to find out what happened to her, and the one who is best equipped to help him is Gemma's best friend, Amy, his former childhood crush.

A fast paced read with likable characters, and a lot going on. Jackson and Amy make a good team as they work together to find out what happened to Gemma and what she was working on. Good relationship building, suspense, and faith, with a plot that kept me guessing.

I liked the growing relationship between Jackson and Amy. An entertaining read from beginning to end, with great characters and strong faith.

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

4.15.2024

The Songbird of Hope Hill by Kim Vogel Sawyer // Review

Lucie's Review:

Birdie is a talented young woman who finds herself in a desperate situation, trapped in a lifestyle she never wanted. So when she get's her chance to escape, she takes it, leaving with Reverend Overly to Hope Hill.

A heartwarming story of healing and forgiveness. Birdie struggles to let go of her tainted past and accept the new life offered to her, as she works with the other women at Hope Hill. Slow building story, but the characters grew on me as I got further in. I loved the solid themes of redemption and new beginnings.

Great relationship building through friendship and more, with a likeable heroine, and a full cast of characters. A little bit of romance, but mostly the story was about Birdie and her new life at Hope Hill, adjusting, and leaving her past behind. Heartwarming and touching.

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

4.14.2024

Sandcastle Inn by Irene Hannon // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Sandcastle Inn

Author: Irene Hannon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

A heartwarming read about new beginnings, hope and healing.

Vienna Price comes to Hope Harbor to figure out her next steps after her job is eliminated, but she doesn't plan on sticking around. But she can't help but be drawn in by the wonderful people, and the community that welcomes her.

Matt Quinn comes to Hope Harbor at his sister's request to help her with her failing Bed and Breakfast, and he enlists Vienna at the suggestion of her mother. An engaging read, with good natural relationship building, strong faith, and character growth.

I loved seeing Charlie again with his mysteriously good timing, and sage advice. I loved coming back to Hope Harbor, seeing the familiar faces and healing relationships in this feel-good, faith-filled read.

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

About the Author

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.

More from Irene

In my world, the approach of April signals not only tulips, dogwoods, and daffodils, but a return to my little seaside town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. And this year marks a milestone. Sandcastle Inn is the tenth book set in this charming locale.

When I conceived of this series back in 2013, neither I nor my editor had any idea how long it would run—or that Publishers Weekly would deem my small fictional town “a place of emotional restoration that readers will yearn to visit.”

But visit they have. Hundreds of thousands of copies of the books have been sold worldwide, the novels have been translated into multiple languages, and taco-making artist/town sage Charley Lopez has become an iconic figure.

It’s been an amazing journey—with more books to come.

If you’ve never visited Hope Harbor and are reluctant to dive in at this stage, no worries. Each book stands alone, with a whole new cast of main characters. Each story also begins and ends in each book, with no hanging plot threads from book to book. The town is the unifying element in the series—along with a few secondary characters like Charley, the bantering town clerics from neighboring churches, and the seagull couple Floyd and Gladys, who always seem to be around when romance is in the air.

If you’re new to the series, Sandcastle Inn is a fine jumping-off point. This story features a hero struggling to recoup from a tragic loss and a heroine still reeling from an unplanned career detour. When they join forces to save a floundering inn, challenges ensue…and sparks fly. Because if it’s Hope Harbor, there has to be romance!

The book resonates with multiple other themes too—dealing with grief, moving on, changing direction, mending past relationships, taking a leap of faith. And of course there’s a happy ending.

It’s the kind of book that will put a smile on your lips and hope in your heart.

So I invite you to find a comfy spot, pour a mug or cup of your favorite beverage, and travel with me to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal…and love blooms.

Insider’s Tip: If you ever decide to book a stay at Sandcastle Inn, ask for the seaside room upstairs at the end of the hall that leads to the right. The view is stunning!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

For Him and My Family, April 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7

Splashes of Joy, April 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 8

She Lives To Read, April 8

lakesidelivingsite, April 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 10

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 11 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

The Lofty Pages, April 13

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 13

Blossoms and Blessings, April 14

Labor Not in Vain, April 14

Wishful Endings, April 15

By The Book, April 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 16

Pause for Tales, April 16

Batya’s Bits, April 17

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, April 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Irene is giving away the grand prize package of a full set of the Hope Harbor series (10 books) and a $50 Bookshop.org 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/2ac75/sandcastle-inn-celebration-tour-giveaway

4.10.2024

A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M. White // Review

My Review:

A gripping drama, full of suspense, romance, and a strong core of faith, in this second installment of The Imposters.

A desperate plea for help leads the Imposters into a high stakes case of mistaken identity, extortion, and family ties. Marigold and Merritt are newly married and the whole team is adjusting to the changes, while Gemma and Graham must face the wedge that has grown between them while racing to save the life of a missing boy.

Gemma and Graham are the less flashy members of the team, gathering information in the details, I liked that they were forced to face each other and what happened. The author weaves a complex and satisfying tale, with strong themes of forgiveness and restoration of relationships, blended with a sense of urgency in this high stakes plot.

I also loved the glimpses of Yate's whimsy and heart, as he looks to the future of the Imposters.

Overall, this was everything I wanted from the next installment of this series, and more. Solid themes of faith, alongside daring adventure for a noble cause, romance, and more. Highly recommend!

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

Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop (signed)

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannamwhite.com

Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Website

4.09.2024

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano // Review

Lucie's Review:

An intriguing mystery wrapped up in a fairy tale, where nothing is quite what it seems.

Lily Temple is a silent film star, knowing for spinning tales on the silver screen, but who is she really? Peter Discroll is a detective bent on solving the mystery of Lily Temple and the Briarwood Teardrop Sapphire that she keeps close to her.

The story unfolds in nonlinear fashion, that added to the mystery. Well told and complex, with stories within the stories. With truth hidden in fairy tales. I liked that Peter served as a solid reference point, strong in his faith and seeking justice throughout.

It took a while for me to appreciate the intricacy of the plot, with the interwoven stories and pathways that all make sense if you bide your time. Artfully written, with a solid core of faith, and a plot that keeps you guessing!

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

When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: When the Flames Ravaged

Author: Rhonda Dragomir

Genre: Christian / Historical / Romance

Release Date: March, 2024

Will Faith Perish in the Big Top’s Flames?

Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Evelyn Benson’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.

On Thursday, July 6, 1944, a devasting blaze of unknown origins consumes the circus tent along with Evelyn’s hopes and Hank’s anonymity.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

Two hurt souls, find friendship and faith in the light of tragedy.

Evelyn lost her husband in WWII, moving in with her brother's family, she finds hope being around family until it is dashed again in terrible tragedy. Based on a real life event, this story tells of the heartbreak and pain experienced by the families of the victims of this horrific event. A compelling and heart rending read, it was just so sad all that Evelyn had to endure. But also encouraging and full of faith.

Overall, at times it was a hard read as the subject matter was just so sad, but I liked how the author gave this story a faith filled message in light of suffering. I liked how Hank and Evelyn form a friendship, comforting each other, and leaning on faith throughout. A compelling historical read, about a tragic true event in history.

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

About the Author

Rhonda Dragomir is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky, insisting her home is her castle even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. She has multiple published works in anthologies and periodicals, along with numerous Bible studies studied weekly by more than 10,000 women around the world. Rhonda has garnered numerous writing awards for both fiction and nonfiction, including her selection as 2019 Writer of the Year by Serious Writer, Inc. In 2020 she was also a finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest for her first novel, a 16th century historical romance.

More from Rhonda

The heroine’s last living family members are struck down in a tragic fire. Will she crumble? Will she tumble into bitterness? Will she forsake her faith? We view life through her eyes and wonder, “What would I do?”

The best fiction sails the vast sea of human experiences and explores how we survive when storms roil the waters. Triumph, tragedy, victories, valleys—though we have not lived through the exact events as the characters, we feel the same elation on the crests and despair in the troughs of the waves.

This is why I love to write historical fiction, especially romance. I interweave my own thoughts and feelings with those of my characters. My words become theirs, and their responses mirror my own as I fight to keep my head above water.

I spent dozens of hours researching When the Flames Ravaged, the story of a horrific circus fire in Hartford, Connecticut on July 6, 1944. I gasped, I wept, and I marveled at the courage of rescuers who sacrificed their own lives to save others. True, live-or-die battles fueled my imagination, and composite characters leaped to life.

At one point, my hero dives into dark water, grasping with frail human understanding to comprehend the scope of the disaster. He decides good and evil are locked in an everlasting struggle, and humans are mere pawns stuck in the middle. Then he asks, “What is the use of serving God if He won’t protect you?”

Who has never asked the same thing when tragedy strikes? Pat answers and platitudes won’t suffice. Only a personal quest to discover an acceptable answer to this age-old question will help us find peace in the midst of the churning sea of doubt.

I hope my novel will toss a live preserver to everyone treading water.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 30

Pause for Tales, March 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Betti Mace, April 5

For HIm and My Family, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Blossoms and Blessings, April 7

The Lofty Pages, April 7

Connie’s History Clasroom, April 8

Labor Not in Vain, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Cover Lover Book Review, April 10

Inkwell Inspirations, April 10

To Everything There Is A Season , April 11

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 12 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rhonda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card & 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/2aa75/when-the-flames-ravaged-celebration-tour-giveaway

4.08.2024

One Last Shot by Susan May Warren // Review

Lucie's Review:

Boo and Oaken both want to leave their public disgraces behind.

Oaken through his publicist's connections lands a place on Air One Rescue, in an attempt to redeem his image. Boo is not exactly thrilled to train the newest member of the team, not trusting his celebrity good-looks or the publicity stunt his team is trying to pull off.

An entertaining first installment in an exciting new series set in the wild beauty of Alaska, with Air One Rescue. I liked the comradery between the team members, as well as how Boo and Oaken found an unlikely friendship and their faith strengthened by working together.

There was good interactions, likable characters, and plenty going on between the relationship building, and them learning to survive in the rugged outdoors.

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

4.07.2024

Tracking the Truth by Dana Mentink // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Tracking the Truth

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 26, 2023

To expose a suspect, he needs evidence…

and a K-9’s instincts.

After Emery Duncan is abducted and dumped in a lake, private investigator Roman Wolfe and his bloodhound partner rescue her from an icy death. Someone doesn’t want Emery to find out what really happened the night her father confessed to attempted murder. To keep Emery and her baby nephew safe, they must uncover the connection between her father’s confession and the attack…or they’ll be silenced for good.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

A high stakes web of deception leaves Emery Duncan and her baby nephew in the crosshairs of a killer, Roman and Wally must do all they can to keep them safe.

A fast paced read with a full cast of characters in this first installment in what is sure to be a fantastic series. Roman is a PI working for his family's private security firm, alongside his canine, Wally. Wally is a younger bloodhound, and I loved how he always came through for Roman when it really mattered. I loved getting to know Roman's family and their canine partners.

Emery is a resilient heroine, determined to find the truth and keep her nephew safe. I like seeing the budding relationship between Emery and Roman grow as they work together to unravel who is behind the threats.

Overall, a thrilling read with great characters that you can cheer for throughout, with strong themes of faith and family.

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

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 a national and 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.

More from Dana

Bloodhounds everywhere! I was thrilled to be offered a contract to write a WHOLE SIX BOOK SERIES with these amazing creatures and their private eye humans! Bloodhounds have been described as “noses with dog’s attached.” Isn’t that quaint? I hope you will enjoy reading about Wally. He’s a young dog who did not receive the proper training and he’s a tad…well…naughty. Good thing he’s got a handler who’s equally as stubborn. It’s a battle of wills between Wally and Roman and there’s plenty of room for fun along with the suspense. Bloodhounds, take it away!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 28

Madi’s Musings, March 28

Bigreadersite, March 29

Texas Book-aholic, March 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1

EmpowerMoms, April 1

She Lives to Read, April 2

Blogging With Carol, April 2

Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, April 4

Splashes of Joy, April 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 5

Devote To Hope, April 5

Blossoms and Blessing, April 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 6

Labor Not in Vain, April 7

Betti Mace, April 8

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 8

Wishful Endings, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Pause for Tales, April 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and 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/2aa74/tracking-the-truth-celebration-tour-giveaway

4.06.2024

Up From the Dust: Martha's Story by Heather Kaufman // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Up from Dust: Martha’s Story

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: Biblical fiction

Release Date: January 23, 2024

Martha of Bethany is no stranger to adversity. After her mother’s untimely death, Martha shoulders the responsibility of raising her siblings–quiet and studious Lazarus, and wild and rambunctious Mary. She finds solace in friendship and the beginnings of first love, but just as Martha begins to imagine a new future, hardship strikes again and her dreams crumble into dust.

Ten years later, Martha’s friend pleads for the new teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to come and heal her husband. When Martha discovers that the carpenter-rabbi is connected to her past, she’s not sure she can trust him with her future. But as he continues to perform miracles, the invitation to believe becomes harder to resist, renewing Martha’s hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Heartfelt and thought provoking, Ms. Kaufman tells Martha's tale with a fresh perspective that both tugs at the heart and gives hope.

A riveting novel, I loved how it follows Martha through her formative years into her adulthood, and her relationships with her siblings and family. My heart went out to Martha in her hurt and pain, seeing how it shaped her, drawing her to Jesus.

Well written, with strong themes of faith, healing, and forgiveness. A compelling tale, with a captivating and familiar protagonist. An excellent read all the way around, highly recommend!

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

About the Author

Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Review for writing “a charming and well-crafted tale.” She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

More from Heather

Up from Dust: Martha’s Story is the first of three books in my new series, “Women of the Way.” Each book focuses on a female follower of Christ, diving deep into her history before touching upon the events we know from Scripture. Book one is on Martha of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Mary.

Let me ask you a question: What comes to your mind when you think of Martha?

Busy? Angry? Worried?

How about: Teachable? Trusting? Strong?

I’m afraid we’ve distilled poor Martha down into a personality type, turning her into a cautionary tale for Christian women. When Scripture as a whole presents a much different picture.

The seed of this story was planted in my heart during an Easter sermon in 2016, when I was startled into a deep admiration for this remarkable woman of faith. “Why haven’t I been encouraged to be more like Martha?” I wondered. Martha . . . a woman who learned from her mistakes and took the living God at His word. A woman who confessed Jesus as the resurrection and the life while her brother was four days dead in a tomb. Her trajectory in Scripture from worry to radical trust is one to emulate and it led me to ask: What happened in this woman’s heart?

In Up from Dust, I linger over Martha, imagining what her life was like before Christ. The story traces all the “many things” that worried and troubled Martha’s heart and the Christ who pinpointed her pain, met her in the midst of it, and lifted her up. We watch Martha come of age as she works through her mother’s death and the heavy responsibility of raising her siblings. We journey with Martha as she experiences first love and learns to shoulder the mantle of womanhood, even while coping with a father who is stuck in his loss. When grief comes to Martha’s own heart, she is presented with a choice. Will she cling to her hurt more than to Adonai, the way her father has done? Or is there a better way forward?

May this story encourage you to remain openhearted even when life feels unbearably hard, to pin your hopes to Jesus, the only One able to lift you up from the ashes of grief.

While you read, consider listening to the Up from Dust playlist! It’s full of inspirational music that ties into the themes from the book. Give it a listen HERE. Happy reading (and listening)!

Surrendering with you to Him,

Heather