Flat Deception ~ Review

Flat Deception

Roxbury Heirs #2

By Paige Edwards

All Lady Sophie Henderson has ever wanted is to raise and race her horses. She longs to make a name for herself as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field. She is not out to make a stir; rather, she just wants to use her knowledge and skills working with the animals she loves. But when her father receives unexpected news about financial difficulties, Sophie's funds are cut. 

Zander Matthews has long been in love with Sophie, and he knows when he delivers the bad news about the Roxbury Estates finances that Sophie's dream will be the first to be cut when it comes to trimming costs. What he never expected was Sophie's anger and avoidance of him. He wants to help her achieve her dream but Sophie's much like Mr. Darcy when it comes to people losing her good opinion. And she's determined to handle it all on her own, even if she has to sell treasured items to do so. 

As shadows of doubt loom over Sophie and her horses, the situation escalates from bad to worse. Who is behind the attempts to shatter her hopes, dreams, and years of hard work? And who has decided that she needs to be eliminated? In this hour of need, who can she trust?

This is an exciting and fast-moving story that draws the reader into the costly world of thoroughbred racing. When funds are short, what will a desperate person do to keep up appearances and stay in the world they know? There is a definite who-dun-it in this book, and the author does a superb job of keeping the identity a secret. There was just one instance when I wondered, "Is it?"

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Lady Sophie Henderson has worked tirelessly to establish a breeding stable for racehorses on her family’s Scottish estate. But when her father cuts her funding, she’s desperate to find a way to achieve her life’s ambition. Selling precious heirloom jewels enables Sophie to care for her thoroughbreds, though it’s a temporary solution—and one that does not go unnoticed.

Zander Matthews is painfully aware of the role he played in Sophie’s loss of sponsorship. Now, he’s determined to use his hard-earned wealth to help her achieve her dreams. When Zander shocks Sophie with the offer of a business investment, it seems her aspirations are finally within reach. But the new partners discover that finding success will not be simple. There is a dark side to the posh British racing community, and Sophie and Zander have captured the attention of an enemy whose greed knows no bounds. Even as their partnership develops into something more, their happy ending is just beyond reach. Because in a world where people are willing to do anything to win, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Lethal Danger ~ Review

Lethal Danger

Guardians Unleashed #4

By Jerusha Agen

Someone is targeting the fair Jazz Lamont loves, and she'll do everything she can to stop them. The Tri-City Fair has been an important part of her life for the majority of it, a place she can call home.  And someone is determined to destroy it and the people who frequent it.

As part of the additional security, Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is trained to stop and eliminate the threats that are threatening this year's fair. When an accident causes a visitor to panic, Jazz and security guard Hawthorne Emerson jump into action to save the visitor's life. Later Jazz is is surprised and thrilled to learn that the guard who assisted with rescue is none other than her favorite author Hawthorne Emerson! Of course she crushes!

But Hawthorne is dealing with his own demons from the past, which seemingly have links to the accidents and threats surrounding the fair. 

Before everything wraps up, both Jazz and Hawthorne will have to put aside their pasts and the influence it has on their present. If they don't, they may not live to see tomorrow.

This is the fourth book in the series and it certainly doesn't disappoint. It is a contemporary Romantic Suspense read, but at its heart it is a story of family, friendship, trust, and letting go of the past. Both Jazz and Hawthorne struggle with "family" and "friendship". They've allowed the past to keep both at arm's length and added 5 more feet just to be safe. And they've blinded themselves to the fact that some of their pain is their own doing. 

This is wonderful blend of suspense and human nature that presents in a completely satisfying read. Not to be missed. Though part of a series one can enjoy this book as a standalone title.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the Books:          

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. 

This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?


Lethal Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as a series of installments.)                                                        

Trapped in Yosemite ~ Review

Trapped in Yosemite

By Dana Mentink

It seemed like a simple job, help someone identify what was ailing his trees, but it soon became obvious it was something more when someone started shooting. Suddenly Stella Rivers is running for her life and into the presence of the man who broke her heart 18-months ago.

Yosemite National Park is in the midst of a major earthquake when Von Sharpe notices a vehicle driving in an area where it shouldn't. What he never imagined was that someone was attempting to kill the driver. Nor did he suspect that the intended victim was his ex-fiancée, Stella. And when he learns the secret Stella has been keeping, let's just say what drove them apart is readdressed and provides some new food for thought for them both.

The earthquake was just the first and the damages have trapped Stella and Von at MDWG along with the rest of the camp's staff and five campers. With no power, aftershocks, mudslides, floods, and blocked roads things could be worse. And when the killer again takes aim at Stella, they realize just how trapped and isolated they are. And even more concerning, how does the killer always seem to know where Stella is! 

Trapped in Yosemite is a suspense-filled read that is driven by secrets. And secrets are a powerful motivator to protect what you hold close. Powerful enough to kill for. This is also a book of second chances. And there are dogs, I mean who doesn't love having dogs in their books and when the dogs are also heroes, what could be better?

With so much already thrown into the mix, I admit it the killer wasn't who I was expecting out of the list of potential suspects.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake. 

When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.

Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

One Wrong Move ~ Review

One Wrong Move

Jeopardy Falls #1

By Dani Pettrey

When a series of art heists focus on galleries that Christian O'Brady installed the security systems for, he is pulled into a case that will bring his past front and center. His parents pulled Christian and his siblings into their crimes at a young age, and, unfortunately, Christian was good at it until he turned his skills to the benefit of others. But this rash of thefts has reopened the past, along with his guilt.

Called in when art theft has hit galleries that her company insures, Andi Forester is tasked with discovering who is involved. What she didn't expect was the man who destroyed her FBI career would be involved, indirectly, with the case. 

As Andi and Christian work to uncover all the layers of this deadly criminal spree, they find themselves the target of someone who wants to keep the truth hidden. But the cat-and-mouse game they find themselves in finds them being drawn into past sins and the cost could be their lives.

One Wrong Move is the series debut of Jeopardy Falls, which I have to admit keeps the tension and suspense ratcheted up throughout the book. And in addition to the art theft storyline there is an equally page-turning, attention-grabbing thread - Andi's past with the FBI and the debacle that ended her career as a forensic analyst has come into question. But who is telling the truth, Andi or the man her work put in jail? The answer just may get them killed!

This is a fast paced Contemporary Romantic Suspense set in New Mexico. If you love reading a book that will keep you up all night Dani Pettrey has done it. If you prefer to sleep at night - make this a weekend read instead with a good hour or two to relax before you want to put your head to your pillow. This story is complete with no danglers to keep you wondering, "But what about?" But even so I'm interested to see what happens next - I'm assuming it will have something to do with Christian's siblings - Riley or Deckard.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book
Title: One Wrong Move
Series: Jeopardy Falls #1
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: February 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Taunting riddles.

A deadly string of heists.

Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.

Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.

Dani Pettrey captivates with . . .

"An intense blend of suspense, love, and faith."--Booklist

"Wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likeable characters."--Publishers Weekly

Fragile Design ~ Review

Fragile Design

By Colleen Coble

Carly Harris had just discovered that she was expecting when her husband was murdered. Since Eric's death she's been living with her grandmother. Single parenthood was not something she expected to do, but someone took away her choices. And when her grandmother comes up with a solution for Carly to support herself, turn their home into a bed-and-breakfast, Carly is willing to try. Of course, this means major renovations to their home - que the former boyfriend who just happens to be in construction. No, old feelings aren't rekindled. 

But when Carly comes across something that could have a bearing on her husband's murder she turns to Lucas, the brother who didn't think she was good enough for his younger brother. Lucas calls upon his police skills and agrees to help Carly, who surprises him because she's different than he was expecting her to be. What's more he really finds there's a lot about Carly to like. 

When Carly and Lucas dig deeper, they discover a long-held secret and a possible reason for Eric's murder. Soon everyone's life is in danger and the deeper they go for answers the closer it gets.

Anyone who has read any of Colleen Coble's Contemporary Romantic Suspense books in the past will not be disappointed in this newest title. There are layers that must be peeled back to discover the truth - a truth that has been hidden for nearly a lifetime. And at the root of everything is family - the ties that bind us together and the secrets that can tear us apart. This is reads as a standalone book but it could easily become a series starter. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes long nights filled with the broken promise of just one more chapter because this is just such a book.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                              

About the Book:

There’s only one thing more dangerous than family secrets.

Since her police-officer husband Eric’s mysterious murder, Carly Harris has been struggling to support herself and their infant son. Her career as an antique dealer isn’t sustainable, nor is her dream of becoming a novelist. So when her grandmother proposes she and her two sisters restore the family’s large Beaufort home and turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she immediately gets to work clearing out the house. In the process, she uncovers a family secret that Eric kept hidden. And an heirloom that the wrong person wouldn’t hesitate to kill for.

Homicide detective Lucas Bennett isn’t his neighbor’s biggest fan, not since she broke his brother’s heart years ago. But when Carly turns to Lucas for help, believing she’s found a lost Fabergé egg that would be worth millions and that could put her family’s lives in danger, he can’t help but get involved. Soon, they’re entangled in a mystery with threads that lead all the way to the Russian mafia. Lucas has gotten in deep, and while he trusts his ability to keep Carly and her family safe, he begins to realize he’s vulnerable to an unexpected kind of danger. And he’s helpless to stop the freefall. As they continue working closely together, Carly and Lucas realize they may have found something more precious than gold. Yet it’s only a matter of time before Carly—or, worse, someone she loves—gets hurt.

Cyanide and Sensibility ~ Review

Cyanide and Sensibility
The Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery #3
By Katie Oliver

It's the grand opening of Phaedra Brighton's sister's new patisserie, Tout de Sweet. Everything is going along perfectly until someone sets off the fire alarm. Some added excitement to be sure, but nothing too awful. At least, not until that poor girl took the smallest taste of one of Hannah's to-die-for dark chocolate cupcakes, and, well, to-die-for actually happened. This will be a most unforgettable grand opening and one that could dash all of Hannah's dreams when her patisserie is closed and marked as a crime scene.

Well, Phaedra isn't about to stay on the sidelines and do nothing. No, it is not to be borne! With the help of her close friends in the Jane Austen Tea Society, she's going to solve this case. Was Anna Steele the intended target, or
was it instead her boss Rachel Brandon? Or had someone close to Phaedra been the intended victim? 

Cyanide and Sensibility is the third book in The Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery series, and the book can easily be read as a standalone title, if you haven't read the first two books. Phaedra is often referred to as Professor as that is what she is specifically a professor of English literature and a noted Jane Austen scholar, who often dressed the part to bring a special touch to her lectures. Phaedra has a talent for getting herself mixed up in murder mysteries and, as such, has to get involved in trying to solve the case herself. Not that local Detective Morelli appreciates her efforts. On the contrary, he discourages Phaedra's sleuthing endeavors.

This is an easy read with a contemporary setting. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries or love anything that references Jan Austen, you'll want to make this your next read. And with the story taking place during the Christmas season, it will be perfect to read now. The story is engaging, and the characters are personable (my personal favorite is Detective Morelli). I would recommend this title without reservation.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                     

QUICK FACTS
⦁ Title: Cyanide and Sensibility
⦁ Series: The Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery (Book 3)
⦁ Author: Katie Oliver
⦁ Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Austenesque Fiction
⦁ Publisher: Berkley (December 12, 2023)
⦁ Length: (320) pages
⦁ Format: Mass Market Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook 
⦁ ISBN: 978-0593337653‎
⦁ Tour Dates: December 4 – 18, 2023

About the Book:
Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery.

While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she's quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra's sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business. 

All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah's new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with confections so divine, one bite will make you think you've died and gone to heaven.

Of course, you never want that to happen literally. 

When one of Hannah's famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel's assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra's help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to take their target off the menu—permanently?

PRAISE FOR CYANIDE AND SENSIBILITY
⦁ “This is the first book I have read in the Jane Austen Tea Society series, but it won’t be my last…If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then this is a book you will enjoy.”— Book Looks by Lisa
⦁ “The book is filled with great characters and a fun, twisty plot. Highly recommend.”— Cara Putnam, author of Come What May   5 STARS— Gwendalyn’s Books

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO
Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X (FORMERLY TWITTER) | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

From An Unknown Sender ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for From an Unknown Sender 

by Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

From an Unknown Sender
Falcon Point Suspense #2
By Traci Hunter Abramson 

    and Sian Ann Bessey

CIA operative Cole Bridger is tracking down smugglers when fellow operative Isabelle Roberts, who also happens to be his girlfriend, diverts a package from its original destination. The only problem is that doing so puts Cole's cousin Tess in danger. 

Soon Tess's brother Lars and his girlfriend Merit are once again pulled into the clandestine and dangerous world that is Cole's life. As they try to determine exactly who or what is behind everything they find themselves getting even deeper into an international mess that could see them dead.

From an Unknown Sender brings the reader once again into the lives of the heirs of Falcon Point. But if you are unfamiliar with the previous books in this multi-author series no worries as this book can be read on its own. 

I love the interactions between Cole and Lars as they navigate their newly discovered familial link while having to deal with Cole's CIA ties and the obvious limits it puts on everything. This is a clean read that offers suspense and danger as both men deal with romance and the risks involved not only to their hearts but to the ones who hold them. I highly recommend this book and the series. I love the family aspects of this series which I believe is its greatest strength.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the Book

Title: From an Unknown Sender
Series: Falcon Point Suspense #2
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: November 21, 2023
Genre: Clean Suspense

After spending a busy holiday season putting drug smugglers behind bars, CIA operative Cole Bridger is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas in Vienna with his girlfriend and fellow operative, Isabelle Roberts. But when Isabelle is tasked with investigating a string of suspect financial transactions and redirects a suspicious package to a museum in Amsterdam, she inadvertently places Cole’s cousins in the crosshairs of a drug smuggling ring. 

Lars and Marit have no desire to be drawn into the deadly dealings of the criminal underworld, but when Lars’s sister, Tess’s, life is placed in danger, they willingly join Cole and Isabelle in their efforts to uncover the mastermind behind the drug smuggling ring. Unfortunately, the two couples’ involvement does not go unnoticed. And though each step brings them closer to the truth, they also reveal a startling picture of greed and corruption at the center of a dangerous organization that will stop at nothing to retrieve what it has lost.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

More Books in This Series

 

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About the Authors

 

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year.

Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, and grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the US, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a minor in English. She began her writing career as a student, publishing several articles in magazines while still in college. Since then, she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children’s books. She is a USA Today best-selling author, a Foreword Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.

Sian and her husband, Kent, are the parents of five children and the grandparents of three beautiful girls and two handsome boys. They currently live in southeast Idaho, and although Sian doesn’t have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch still rolls off her tongue. Traveling, reading, cooking, and being with her grandchildren are some of Sian’s favorite activities. She also loves hearing from her readers. 

Connect with Sian by visiting sianannbessey.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 27, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Jane and the Final Mystery ~ Review

Jane and the Final Mystery

Being a Jane Austen Mystery #15

By Stephanie Barron

First, I must admit this is my first Being a Jane Austen Mystery book, and unfortunately, it is also the final book in the series. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was quick and easy to get into without any previous knowledge of the series. 

The book is written in the language and style of Jane Austen herself, which gives it an authentic feel. I'm always surprised how language and spelling evolve over time and yet one can easily slip into what was with little to no effort. 

This book is set during the final months of Jane's life as her health fails, but when the son of a dear friend asks for help, Jane obliges, as is her nature. To see a young man destroyed when another is found dead raises her to the occasion. But the very environment and culture of Winchester College has lent itself to hazing and abuse of younger students. And when one of the most volatile of the bullies is found dead, his latest victim is accused of, if not doing the deed, of driving his tormentor to the taking of his own life. Yeah, right, blame the poor smaller kid who has no money to his name, sounds perfectly reasonable. Jane is of the same thought, though with better wording, and is determined to seek out the truth. With Jane and her nephew Edward on the case, the truth will surely come out, though it may prove a touch dangerous.

This was an enjoyable read, and seeing Jane Austen as a detective was fun. This book was most definitely able to be read as a standalone title. But since I just discovered this series at the very end, I have a new series and author to add to my TBR list. A very long list, I might add.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

QUICK FACTS
 Title: Jane and the Final Mystery
 Series: Being a Jane Austen Mystery (Book 15)
 Author: Stephanie Barron
 Genre: Historical Mystery, Austenesque Fiction
 Publisher: Soho Crime (October 24, 2023)
 Length: (312) pages
 Format: Hardcover, eBook, and audiobook 
 ISBN: 978-1641295055
 Tour Dates: October 16 – 31, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION
The final volume of the critically acclaimed mystery series featuring Jane Austen
as amateur sleuth

March 1817: As winter turns to spring, Jane Austen’s health is in slow decline, and
threatens to cease progress on her latest manuscript. But when her nephew Edward
brings chilling news of a death at his former school, Winchester College, not even her
debilitating ailment can keep Jane from seeking out the truth. Arthur Prendergast, a
senior pupil at the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school, has been found dead in a
culvert near the school grounds—and in the pocket of his drenched waistcoat is an
incriminating note penned by the young William Heathcote, the son of Jane’s dear friend
Elizabeth. Winchester College is a world unto itself, with its own language and rites of
passage, cruel hazing, and dangerous pranks. Can Jane clear William’s name before
her illness gets the better of her?
 
Over the course of fourteen previous novels in the critically acclaimed Being a Jane
Austen Mystery series, Stephanie Barron has won the hearts of thousands of
fans—crime fiction aficionados and Janeites alike—with her tricky plotting and
breathtaking evocation of Austen’s voice. Now, she brings Jane’s final season—and
final murder investigation—to brilliant, poignant life in this unforgettable conclusion.

PRAISE FOR JANE AND THE FINAL MYSTERY
 “Poignant . . . Elicits deep emotion out of Jane’s struggles against her own
mortality. This is a fitting send-off for a beautifully realized series.”— Publishers
Weekly, Starred Review
 “Barron developed Jane’s narrative voice by reading Austen’s collected and
published letters, and it is neither spoiler nor surprise to say that series readers
will be sorry to say goodbye to Jane Austen, amateur sleuth.”— Booklist
 "[Barron] has brilliantly combined authentic historical and biographical details with
skillful plotting and a credible evocation of Austen’s wry, distinctive voice. She
brings the English author’s final investigation to a poignant, unforgettable close.
Fans of this historical series will not be disappointed.”— First Clue

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher | BookShop | Goodreads

About the Author:

Stephanie Barron is a graduate of Princeton and Stanford, where she received her Masters in History as an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow in the Humanities. Her novel, THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN (Ballantine, January 22, 2019) traces the turbulent career of Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's captivating American mother. Barron is perhaps best known for the critically acclaimed Jane Austen Mystery Series, in which the intrepid and witty author of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE details her secret detective career in Regency England. 

A former intelligence analyst for the CIA, Stephanie—who also writes under the name Francine Mathews—drew on her experience in the field of espionage for such novels as JACK 1939, which The New Yorker described as "the most deliciously high-concept thriller imaginable." She lives and works in Denver, CO.

Connect online at:

 |  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest |  Bookbub |  Goodreads |  

Shadows at Dusk ~ Review

Shadows at Dusk

Missing in Alaska #2

By Elizabeth Goddard

Shadows at Dusk is the second book in the Missing in Alaska series, and I just have to say danger seems intent on calling Alaska home. That's not to say it doesn't lurk elsewhere but goodness the dangerous doings are rather frightening, makes me think couch travel through videos is the way to go. Not really. the descriptive detail of the scenery actually makes me want to travel there despite the on-page that exists.

This time, we get to know Carrie James, thanks to Police Chief Autumn Long directing Detective Trevor West to her. Trevor calls Montana home, but a year his sister went missing there, and a newly discovered clue has drawn him to Alaska in search of answers. And Alaska, being Alaska, travel by water plane is the only way to get to some of the remote locations he needs to see.

This book is most definitely high on the Suspense factor, with a liberal pinch of romance blended in. But when danger and tragedy hit close to home, Carrie needs Trevor to help her bring a murderer to justice. Could they be searching for answers that will open a whole new pile of problems? Or will they be able to put the past and its dark secrets firmly where they belong,  in the past?

Once again, Elizabeth Goddard has created a world that intrigues and delights the senses. The characters have dimensional depth, which helps draw one more fully into the book. This is a page-turning, late-night read fest waiting to happen as soon as the book is opened. This is sure to be a book club win!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.

But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.

As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.

Hunting the Witness ~ Review

Hunting the Witness

By Kate Angelo

When Belinda Lewis stopped a serial killer from his last attempt, she became the only witness to see his face. Now he's hunting her. And if not for an undercover FBI Special Agent hiding out nearby, she would now be his latest victim.

Ordered to lay low when his description matches that of a killer, Jonah Phillips just happens to be in the right place to save a woman from a certain death. But the attack left her with no memory of who she is or who left her for dead. Can they stay ahead of a killer who will do anything to protect his identity?

Hunting the Witness takes the reader on an exciting read that continues to add to the suspense as an unexpected twist is thrown into the middle of everything. This is a clean read that doesn't have any graphic anything so the reader can enjoy all of the suspense and tension such books offer while not getting put off by the content.  I enjoyed this book and was pleased with how Kate Angelo wove the story together so that the characters had dimension and the story progressed at a good pace without feeling forced.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

                             Attacked in the mountains—
                                                               with no memory of why…

She’s the only witness to see the face of a killer, but a deadly attack leaves Belinda Lewis unable to remember even her own name. She’ll have to rely on her rescuer, FBI special agent Jonah Phillips, to survive repeated attempts on her life—but she doesn’t know he’s in hiding because his description matches the killer’s. Can they unmask the true criminal to clear Jonah’s name and save both of their lives?

From Love Inspired Suspense: 

Courage. 

Danger. 

Faith.

Ranch Showdown ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Ranch Showdown by Tina Wheeler, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 Ranch Showdown

 By Tina Wheeler

 Sierra Lowery comes home to an intruder, an intruder determined to take her young nephew. Worse, the intruder is her sister's ex, and he wants the information her sister took - information implicating him. And she has 48 hours to find and deliver the documents or he'll make his threats a reality.

 Detective Cole Walker is the man who comes when the police are called. But Cole is the last person Sierra wants on her case because she broke his heart years ago when she left him. But he is also the one person she totally trusts to keep her and Danny safe.

As danger follows her, Sierra is given a second chance to rethink her excuse for not staying with Cole - the danger of his job. When danger comes so close to her because of ill-advised decisions on her sister's part, her reasoning just may have been off.  

Ranch Showdown is another late-night page-turner from the Love Inspired Suspense series that keeps you awake because you need to know what comes next and not because the book is filled with graphic imagery that haunts your dreams. The suspense of wondering just what happened to Sierra's sister and her menacing ex-boyfriend kicks this one off into action right from the beginning, so if you are a fan of instant peril, this is a book for your TBR pile!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion in a timely manner. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                           

About the Book

Title: Ranch Showdown
Author: Tina Wheeler
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 25, 2023
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

Seeking refuge at a ranch… 
Has fiery consequences 

After being threatened by her sister’s ex, Sierra Lowery has forty-eight hours to surrender documents linking him to a bombing before he kills her and kidnaps her nephew. With the evidence missing and anyone who helps, becoming a target, hiding out with Detective Cole Walker, her college sweetheart, might be her only chance for survival. But as explosives detonate in the wake of their search, their ranch safe haven could become a dangerous trap.  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

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

Also Available

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About the Author

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 and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a signed, print copy of Ranch Showdown and a $15 dollar Amazon egift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 7, 2023. Winner 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.

Enter Giveaway

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

Ned ~ Review

Ned

Minnesota Marshalls #3

By Susan May Warren

Have you ever watched one of those movies where one disaster after another keeps happening? Well, Ned Marshall has to feel as if he is living in one right now. Yes, things are that bad.

But to fully appreciate the full picture you need to have read the previous book Jonas, in which Ned's proposal/engagement to his longtime girlfriend Shae Johnson doesn't go according to plan. Okay it goes wrong, like major bigtime wrong. So big that they have disagreement, break-up, Ned gets called up for a mission, and Shae disappears. See, disaster movie with trouble just piling up.

But Ned is a Marshall and Marshalls have each other's backs. Soon big brother Fraser who is helping to protect a princess (book #1 in the series Fraser) is volunteering to help Ned find Shae. And then through a twist of fate or just Marshall luck, their sister Iris, who is a football ref in Europe gets caught up in everything. (Setting the stage for book #4 Iris).

So if you want high suspense romance, with plot twists that will keep you guessing, you will want to read Ned, along with the two previous books in the series. And anyone who has read Susan May Warren's previous books knows that characters from her previous books have a way of popping up when least expected, so don't be surprised by who may play a part in this whole shebang. And there may be treason involved somewhere along the way. So, yeah good read that will most definitely make you tell yourself repeatedly, "Just one more chapter."  Experience speaking here!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

After four years of training to become a Navy SEAL, Ned Marshall is finally ready to marry the woman of his dreams, Shae Johnson. And Shae’s been uber patient, waiting, building a life as a free-lance graphic artist, moving around the globe to be with him. So, when she said yes to his proposal in Geneva, he fully expected to live happily-ever-after.

At the very least, he expected her to be waiting at the hotel for him three days after an emergency call-out. And maybe it was unreasonable to expect her to be sitting in the hotel, working on her watercolors—Shae, after all grew up in Montana, and she has adventure in her blood. So of course, she’s going to go climb the beautiful Swiss mountains. Even make a friend.

But Ned isn’t thrilled with her new friend, and something about him doesn’t feel safe…

So she’s made some friends while waiting for Ned to return? Shae can’t believe that after years of sacrifice, Ned is actually angry at her—what did he expect, that she’d sit by the window? Dana and his friends are harmless, right?

Not so much. Because when Shae finds herself kidnapped, and brought to Russia, she fears the worst—she’s been swept up in a human trafficking ring. And when she’s sent to, of all places, Siberia how will Ned ever find her?

But Ned isn’t going to lose her—not after everything they’ve been through, and he’ll stop at nothing to rescue her. But when he discovers the real reason she’s been taken, he will have to become a traitor to his country if he wants her back.

Join the epic race to rescue Shae in the high-adrenaline book three in the Minnesota Marshalls series.

In the Shadow of the River ~ Review

In the Shadow of the River

By Ann H. Gabhart

Jaccu Reed's life is spent aboard a steamboat, hiding the shadows, listening to what others say. And when someone sneaks aboard the steamboat she calls home and tries to steal her away, the unthinkable happens, and she loses her mother. But a new place is made for her aboard the Kingston Floating Palace with her grandfather.

But secrets surround Jacci as she finds a new life among the performers who adopt her into their life. But when the truths of the past are finally revealed, some of Jacci's long-held questions are answered. But danger has drawn close, and someone is targeting Jacci, seemingly intent on killing her.

Set in 1881, this book takes one back to when showboats traveled the rivers, bringing shows to those who lived along its shores. It has been years since I've seen Showboat, but this book brought this to mind. Ann H. Gabhart writes in such a way that the characters have depth. I will admit I wasn't sure who was guilty of targeting Jacci. As the story progressed, it became obvious that events from before Jacci's birth were somehow connected to the current portion of the story. I found it interesting how those aboard the ship referred to the "river having its own brand of justice."

This would be perfect for anyone who loves Historical Fiction and anything dealing with Ameican History. I highly recommend this title for pleasure reading or as a book club selection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the Book:

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci's mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life--and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past--is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it's clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows, and the answers she craves will not come easily. Gabe only hopes they come in time for him and Jacci to have a future together.

Tracking the Tiny Target ~ Review

Tracking the Tiny Target

Bring the Children Home

By Connie Queen

Bristol Delaney hasn't stayed anyplace long, not since she left her ex-husband Rex behind. When her son is kidnapped, Bristol knows who is behind it. There is no doubt in her mind that the three years she's kept her son hidden away from her husband weren't enough. But she'll do anything within her power to get her son back, even if it puts her in the direct path of danger.

Deputy Sheriff Chandler Murphy is determined to bring Spencer home, and he will do his best to keep Bristol safe. But Chandler has more on his mind as he feels that Bristol's ex had something to do with his father's disappearance. But when the case takes an unexpected turn, Bristol and Chandler are left with more questions than answers as they search for clues as to Spencer's whereabouts.

Tracking the Tiny Target jumps right into the action, which sets the scene for everything that is to come. Now I understand Bristol's desire to find her son, but I also think she was a bit reckless in how she did it. If something happened to her, Spencer would have been in even more trouble.

Overall, this was a fairly good read, I will admit I preferred the second half of the book as the action seemed to be more productive and less random wheel-spinning. If you are at all familiar with Love Inspired Suspense, you know what to expect in general terms. But if this is new to you, let's just say there are no loose ends, and you are guaranteed a satisfying ending.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Catching a kidnapper takes teamwork

…and a K-9’s help.

When a three-year-old boy is kidnapped, deputy sheriff Chandler Murphy and his search-and-rescue K-9 partner are on the case. And when the child’s mother, Bristol Delaney, insists on helping, he can’t turn her away. But someone is dead set on stopping the investigation. Can Chandler guarantee Bristol’s safety and rescue the missing child before the trail goes cold?"  

26 Below ~ Review with Excerpt

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

26 Below
Alaskan Cyber Hunters #1
By Kimberley Woodhouse

Darcie Phillips is the new director of Fairback's Emergency Operations Center. And with an older woman making dire predictions about what would happen when the temperatures drop to -26 degrees. Well, it isn't anything good. And when you throw in other random but serious issues, you know you are in trouble.

Jason Myers is a cyber-security expert who has been assigned to Darcie's team. Soon he is busy in the extreme as various systems begin having issues throughout Fairbanks. Is it just a coincidence, or is this part of a greater problem?    

As the thermometer inches ever downward, time is running out.

This is the first Contemporary Romantic Suspense by Kimberly Woodhouse that I have read. I've read her historical fiction titles in the past and was curious how she would translate into the now. Well, 26 Below was excellent reading as the story is told from both Darcie's and Jason's POV. The suspense slowly builds as the temperature drops and the problems increase. 

This is the first book in the Alaskan Cyber Hunter series, and if it is any indication of how the series will play out, this will be a page-turning must-read! There is a resolution in this book, but in no way does it wrap everything up in this book. There is an appetite-whetting teaser included for the next book, which will have you getting in line for when it comes out. 

Now while this is a Romantic Suspense title, 26 Below finds the main characters struggling with personal issues as well. Darcie struggles with never being enough, while Jason deals with family issues. And then there are the demands of the job and regular life that's just normal. 

I highly recommend this book, especially if you happen to be living somewhere where the threat of dangerous below-zero temperatures is currently nonexistent. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: 26 Below
Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters #1
Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Publisher: ‎ Kregel Publications
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

"A THRILL RIDE . . . AS CURRENT AS TODAY'S FRONT-PAGE NEWS!" --Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author

A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air. 

 

Temps are dropping and time is running out. 

 

In her new role as Emergency Operations Center director for Fairbanks, Alaska, Darcie Phillips prevents disasters. But none of her training can prepare her for the terror that's coming. 

 

As a cybersecurity specialist, Jason Myers is determined to ferret out any threats to the town he now calls home--and that includes his reckless brother and his ecoterrorist friends. 

 

When an old woman's wild prediction--widespread destruction as soon as the Fairbanks temperature falls to 26 below--hits national headlines, neither Darcie nor Jason sees a real risk to anything but tourism. 

 

Then the bodies start dropping. 

 

Darcie is relying on her experience and intelligence to stop a killer; Jason is relying on God to guide the way. But they'll have to work together to find the truth and prevent their Alaskan town from becoming a city of nightmares. 

 

"An action-packed page-turner that . . . blew me away. If you like stories of intrigue, action, romance, and biblical hope, this is the story for you." --Tracie Peterson, ECPA and USA Today best-selling author

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

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About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now makes her home in the Pennsylvania Poconos.

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

 

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Excerpt

Natalie ran through a field of magenta fireweed, just as she had when she was young.

Wait . . . Her feet stilled, and she studied the sky. White clouds moved across the blue background as if
the world was spinning faster and faster. She closed her eyes and opened them once more. She was
young again. Glancing down at her hands, she watched them transform from wrinkled and aged back to
smooth and firm. Young for now. Wherever she was.

Thump, thump, thump.

The field changed. Fireweed and blue sky morphed into floor and walls. Her home. The one where she’d raised six children and buried Tito. The home she lost after he died.

Thump, thump.

With a blink, she now fought the Alaskan wind. Struggled against the blinding snow. A small part of her
brain recognized she was dreaming. The people at the clinic in Anchorage had warned her the disease
would ravage her brain. The most frustrating part was not always recognizing what was real and what
was a dream or a memory. The dreams and memories were places she begged to stay.

Reality much harder to swallow.

Where would her mind take her now? The wind bit through her sweater and sent a chill up her arms.
Shelter. That’s what she needed. Before she froze. Shelter . . .

Where had she found shelter? A glimpse of hope at the tip of her mind wouldn’t materialize. What could
she do? Where could she go?

Cold. So cold.

Thump, scrape.

A little jolt took her breath away. She blinked several times. Where was she now? Wait . . . she wasn’t
cold anymore.

Her favorite blanket was around her. A soft pillow under her head. Blinking several times, she looked at
the wood planks above her head.

That’s right—she’d found shelter in a tiny cabin about three miles from Fairbanks.
(pp 16-17)

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 15, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 22, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US Amazon accounts only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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