Friday, April 19, 2024

The New Neighbors by Tamara G. Cooper

About the Book

Book: The New Neighbors

Author: Tamara G. Cooper

Genre: Cozy Suspense

Release date: September 6, 2023

Something isn’t right

Just when Sophie thinks life is returning to normal again, new neighbors move in next door. Right from the start, she senses that something’s off, something isn’t right…

Strange things begin to happen. Murders. Drones stalking her. Her home was ransacked. Someone chasing her, hunting her. What is going on?

Burke Maguire, an old boyfriend who recently returned to their hometown as a police officer, isn’t as available to her as he was with their first case. He knows she’s in trouble, so why isn’t he helping her? Something isn’t right…

As she freefalls deeper and deeper into danger, she must outsmart the people after her, but will she figure out the who and why in time to stop their nefarious plans? And, for heaven’s sake, where is Burke when she needs him?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Sofie is an amazing character. She's a writer, so I have to love her, right? She's smart and has a fantastic imagination, as you would expect from a writer. Then, through the fog of working on books all the time, there are the news neighbors and, well, something is off. It's really off, but what? Why is it off? Why should she even be concerned with these people? That's when things start going crazy. Are they into drugs or trafficking, or what twist is next? This story, it's so engaging. It flips from a cozy feeling to a serious crime story feeling and back and forth until I lost sleep reading. Burke is the strong silent type, or is he? He grew on me during the story. Add in the old mansion, and the mysteries of this book, with faith included, and this story gets five stars from me.

5 Stars

About the Author

Tamara G. Cooper lives in Texas with her husband, one son, and four dogs. She enjoys the simple things of life: picnics, hiking, swimming, church, friends. She loves writing suspense with a touch of romance.

More from Tamara

Who can you trust? Looking into your best friend’s eyes, have you ever wondered if you really know her? Is who she’s presenting to the world—to you—really her?

How would you know if it is or isn’t?

Sophie O’Brion is a bestselling author in The New Neighbors. She’s a little quirky, funny, curious to a fault, daring, and loves writing murder mysteries that answer these very questions.

But what if these questions pop up in her life? An old boyfriend that she hasn’t seen in years comes back to Forman Falls and wants to be friends with her again. Should she trust him? Then, new neighbors move in next door, and she suspects something isn’t right. Strange things begin to happen. Murders. Drones stalking her. Her home ransacked. Someone chasing her, hunting her.

What is going on?

Who can she trust? Anyone?

I hope you read The New Neighbors, Book 2 of the Sophie O’Brion Mysteries series. I would suggest you first read The Vacant House, Book 1. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 14

Stories By Gina, April 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 15

Texas Book-aholic, April 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 18 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, April 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

A Reader’s Brain, April 21 (Author Interview)

Lights in a Dark World, April 21

For Him and My Family, April 22

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 24

Artistic Nobody, April 25 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamara is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/2afe1/the-new-neighbors-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jamie Jo Wright

About the Book

Book: Night Falls on Predicament Avenue

Author: Jaime Jo Wright

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Release Date: April 9, 2024

In 1910, Effie James is living a dream for two. Her younger sister is harboring a secret that has left timid Effie determined to fulfill her daring sister’s grand plan of seeking out adventure in their small Iowa town. When a British gentleman arrives, disrupting their peace with efforts to find the wife many claim lived her final days at the now abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue, Effie is thrust into intrigue she couldn’t have prepared for. But what she finds inside will forever link her to the scandal staining the house’s walls and to a woman whose secrets promise a curse.

A century later, Norah Richman is living out her late-twin’s dream of running their great aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue–a place Norah believes nothing good can come out of after her sister’s abduction and murder thirteen years ago. Her first guest is a crime historian and podcaster, and Norah resolves to stay far away from the charming and enigmatic man–until another guest is found dead. As they dig deeper, something sinister unfurls that will reveal an ominous unknown far greater than the possibility of death itself.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Oh this author had done it again! This story is so very good. It jumps deep into life and death, darkness and light. I happen to enjoy the works of Edgar Allen Poe, and this time, this author echoed things like him beautifully. It's not all dark, so don't panic, but it is beautifully gothic. 322 Predicament Avenue will make you think, and wonder, and hold the world at bay to read what happens next. I love the sets of sisters and there's so many lovely characters in this book. I could give you quotes for miles, but instead, you need to read this book for yourself.

5 BIG STARS

About the Author

Jaime Jo, the coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire, has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands.

Her literary vocation involves penning Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe.

More from Jaime Jo

True crime did NOT just become popular in this century! Scour the old newspapers for a full and detailed telling of the latest crime. That’s how I got the idea for Night Falls on Predicament Avenue! Yes! I read an old newspaper article from the late 1800’s in which they described in quite delectable detail, the crime scene of a murder in a house with questionable history. That being said, it’s also important to note, that forensics DID just recently become popular in the last 50-100 years. In the 1800’s, if you were murdered, it was common for your neighbor to tour and trample over your crime scene out of curiosity and/or the hope they might be of service in solving the crime. More likely than not, they were merely wanna-be podcast listeners of true crime shows simply born too early for that technological advancement.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 10

Devoted To Hope, April 10

By The Book, April 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 11

Inspired by Fiction, April 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 12

Texas Book-aholic, April 13

Blossoms and Blessings, April 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 14

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Betti Mace, April 15

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, April 15

Live. Love. Read., April 16

For Him and My Family, April 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 17 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 18

Holly’s Book Corner, April 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 19

Boondock Ramblings, April 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20

Sylvan Musings, April 20

Bigreadersite , April 21

Back Porch Reads, April 21

Lily’s Corner, April 22

Simple Harvest Reads, April 22 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, April 23

Denise L. Barela, April 23

The Lofty Pages, April 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jaime Jo is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card to Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, MI and an autographed 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/2af9e/night-falls-on-predicament-avenue-celebration-tour-giveaway

Rip Tide by Lisa T. Bergren (Oceans of Time Book 2)

About the Book

Book: Rip Tide

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Release Date: March 20, 2024

The trap is set and time is slipping away.

After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Once there, she and her brother, Domenico, must decide how far they’ll go to be part of the family, and if they’re willing to risk their lives to hunt down an assassin.

Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli’s family has disappeared in enemy territory. Fearing for their lives—and secretly hoping to cross paths with the Fiorentini she loves—Tiliani goes to Firenze intent on either rescue or seeing justice done. Yet a trap is closing around them all.

Together, the Grecos and Betarrinis must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. They assume he has slipped into the serpentine streets of Firenze to evade them. But will they find him in time to save the Forellis?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Beautiful, romantic, faith filled, with so much suspense and I can't tell you how good this book is. You have to read it and I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series. You can read this alone, I prefer it in the series. This is probably going on my don't miss read of 2024 list. The time travel in this book is just perfect. Everything in this book flows, but then too, there is also the rip tide. I am warning you, this is an amazing and addictive series.

5 Massive Stars

About the Author

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-flying-from-the-nest young adult children

More from Lisa

Part of what makes RIP TIDE unique is that one of the heroines (and her love interest) both have a passion for hunting for medicinal plants in the woods…which made for a sweet setting for some swoony scenes! A sweet friend sent me Brother Cadfael’s Herb Garden: An Illustrated Companion to Medieval Plants and Their Uses by Talbot and Whiteman, and it was an invaluable resource!

Here are a few herbs that were utilized in the Middle Ages—and you might find in one of my Oceans of Time novels:

#1: Betony: “Medieval herbalists highly valued the healing properties of betony, considering it a cure-all for all disorders, including migraine, indigestion and nervous complaints. The herb was also used for staunching bleeding and healing wounds, sores, ulcers and boils.” (P68, Brother Cadfael’s Herb Garden)

#2: Bryony: “Although poisonous, bryony has been valued medicinally since ancient times. Internally, in small doses, the root was taken as a purgative, and for rheumatism, sciatica and chest complaints. Externally, it was used to treat leprosy, old sores, gangrene and other skin ailments.” (P79, Brother Cadfael’s Herb Garden)

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 10

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

Wishful Endings, April 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 13 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Blossoms and Blessings, April 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16

Fiction Book Lover, April 17 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 18

Guild Master, April 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19

Simple Harvest Reads, April 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

A Reader’s Brain, April 21 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and 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/2ade0/rip-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, April 12, 2024

The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem by Kurt Brouwer

About the Book

Book: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre:Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November, 2022

He was the Beloved Disciple…

…and he would be the last.

The mantle to tell the whole story has fallen on him.

From the cross, Jesus entrusted John, the youngest disciple, with the welfare of Mary, Jesus’s mother. Over thirty years later, as Jerusalem becomes a cauldron of explosive tempers, he receives a calling he doesn’t want.

Will he listen and follow?

And if he does, will it be too late?

In 62 AD, the Jewish high priest executes James, the brother of Jesus, triggering a bitter fight for power in Jerusalem that shatters the quiet life of John. The Jewish people he loves are making dangerous choices that will change the land of Israel forever.

Should he stay in Jerusalem and help hold off the Roman onslaught? Or is it time to reach out to those beyond Israel’s borders?

If he chooses to leave, what will be his message to these foreign believers? What new words of comfort could he possibly share?

Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem is the first novel in a new series based on the Bible and Christian history.

Follow along while John faces multiple crises and comes to understand what it is to stand alone and lean on only the Lord.

Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

This is a really good book about John. I love Biblical fiction, because so often it just makes things so alive and gives fresh perspectives. This is my second time posting about this book, but it is that good! It's still a five star read and I highly recommend this series and I'd greatly encourage you to read this book. It's a fantastic read which will have you digging into your Bible anew.

5 Stars

https://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-last-disciple-crisis-in-jerusalem.html

About the Author

It all started the morning I learned that the Gospel of John was published fifty years after Jesus died. Fifty years! What did John do all that time? Where did he live? Why did he wait? Frankly I got a little obsessive about this man who became the last disciple.

Living in Hawaii

For the past 20 years, I’ve been a member of a Bible-based Christian church in Hawaii. About eight years ago, our pastor, Kahu Billy Mitchell, challenged our Elders group to pray and read the Bible for one hour every morning.

It wasn’t as though we were not reading the Bible or praying every day, but he challenged us to take our devotions up a few notches. So, I did just that.

During one of those early morning sessions, I was studying the books of the New Testament in a broad sense. Who wrote them and when? What were the broad themes covered in each?

I found out that a huge gap of 50 years elapsed after the ministry of Jesus and the publication of the Gospel of John. That morning something else hit me–John outlived all the others to become the last disciple. I couldn’t stop thinking about how lonely it must have been to be the last one standing.

A few years later, I began writing The Last Disciple Series of Christian historical novels about the life of John.

The Last Disciple Series

The Last Disciple is a series of Christian novels based on the Bible and Christian history. The first in the series: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem, begins in the year 62 AD. In it, you walk with John through the streets of Jerusalem. With him, you face multiple crises and come to understand what it is to stand alone and lean only on the Lord.

This book, The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus is the third in the series, following The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch (book two) and The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem (book one).