Happy 4th of July

 

Midnight Offensive ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Midnight Offensive by Elle E. Kay, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Midnight Offensive 
Toxic Truths #1 
By Elle E. Kay 

When a deadly bioweapon is stolen, Craig Malone is tasked with providing security to the doctor working against the clock to develop an antidote. What Craig didn't anticipate was reconnecting with his best friend's little sister, Sadie Kline. Sadie is now an ER nurse and a possible target of the thief. 

As time runs down, Craig and Sadie find danger closer than they could have imagined. Is there time to discover who is pulling the strings before terrorists unleash the deadly toxin on the unsuspecting populace? Their opponent will stop at nothing to win.

This was my first book by Elle E. Kay, and I found the characters engaging. I have to shake my head at Sadie, who seemed intent on making ill-advised decisions when danger was so close, and she was obviously a target. The twists added to the tension and the whodunit feel throughout. Overall, I'd say this was a good read, and I'm interested in what comes next in the series.

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: Midnight Offensive 
Series: Toxic Truths #1 
Author: Elle E. Kay 
Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing 
Release Date: May 14, 2025 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense / Thriller

Former Navy SEAL Craig Malone is now a Tactical Operations Leader for Homeland Security with a critical mission: protect the only antidote to Viper-X, a stolen bioweapon about to be sold to the highest bidder. But the mission becomes dangerously personal when the investigation leads him to Sadie Kline—an emergency room nurse and his best friend’s little sister. He’s always kept his distance, but now her life is on the line. 

As a ruthless enemy closes in, kidnapping their loved ones and setting deadly traps, Craig must protect the woman he can’t get out of his head while stopping a catastrophic attack. 

Duty and a decade of unspoken feelings collide in a race to stop a traitor before it’s too late. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award–winning Christian author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania near Red Rock Mountain with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is active in her church’s youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Since her debut novel Shadowing Stella released in 2016, Elle has written over two dozen books spanning romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical fiction, and children’s literature. Her award-winning Pennsylvania Parks series blends faith and thrills against the backdrop of the state’s stunning natural landscapes. She’s also the author of the Endless Mountain series and a contributor to several multi-author projects, including the Lawkeeper, Blushing Brides, Heroes of Freedom Ridge, and Christmas in Redemption Ridge collections. 

Elle writes children’s books under the pen name Ellie Mae Kay and connects with readers through her blog, newsletters, and social media. Whether writing fiction, singing in church, or caring for her animals, Elle lives out her faith—and crafts stories where love, hope, and perseverance prevail.

Connect with Elle by visiting elleekay.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Romantic Suspense Prize Pack which features 5 of Elle's most recent romantic suspense releases, including Midnight Offensive, along with a tote bag and swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on June 30, 2025, and 

will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2025. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the 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!

Awakened ~ Review

Awakened 

By Roseanna M. White 

Awakened, a detail rich fantasy world that drew me in from the opening page, was worth the exploration. There are mer-people, not mermaids, this is an important difference. The Royal family of those who dwell on the land have a connection to the mer-people which results in the royals having an extended lifespan. 

For generations mer-people and land-dwellers have had peace. But something has shifted and both groups are looking to tap into a new magic, one of the air. This story centers around King Seidon and sisters Jade and Arden. For some unknown reason Jade is stolen by the mer-people, threatening the fragile peace between the two groups. What has made Jade so special? And what of Arden? The answers to these may determine the future of their world. 

Everything appears to have a blood link. Blood calls to blood. Blood determines your fate. There are a lot of fantastical elements throughout with a subtle nod to The Little Mermaid. Overall a good read with a clean dash of romance. This is not the author's usual fare of historical romance but instead a lovely romantasy debut. The faith element was particularly appealing, in my opinion. This is one story world I would love to revisit and explore further. I would compare it to Gillian Bronte Adams' The Fireborn Epic series but without the horses. It is more grown up than Narnia but has some similar vibes.

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

About the Book:

Where sea and land meet, two worlds clash in a fury of wind and waves.

Arden Bleu has always known that her stepsister, Jade, was destined for great things. In a world where beauty follows magic, she has no doubt that their upcoming Awakening ceremony will reveal that gorgeous, kind, compelling Jade is far more than a mere mortal. But when Jade is kidnapped by a mysterious sect of mer on the eve of the newly-returned king’s ball, Arden will do anything to save her sister. Even face down the man she’s always dreaded meeting because of the power he holds over her family, the man to whom her father swore loyalty long before she was born. The Sea King.

Seidon, the Sea King of Daryatla, has grown only more powerful as the centuries have gone by, but lifetime after lifetime have failed to give him what he most yearns for: a family. He knows that it will take a woman of extraordinary power to match him enough to create a child, and no such woman seems to exist…until he feels her magic calling to his one day in the water. And when Arden Bleu, daughter of his most trusted official, arrives to tell him about her missing stepsister, he knows this Jade, with a new magic so coveted that the mer would risk war with his kingdom to steal her away, may be the one he’s waited centuries for. But how can he and the determined Arden ever hope to find one young woman trapped beneath the waves? Perhaps the Great Golden Sea Hawk who has guarded the sisters all their lives holds the key.

In a world on the brink of war between the mer and the land-dwellers, friendship, faith, and love demand the ultimate sacrifice as both kingdoms seek to unlock the prophesied magic waiting to spring forth: the magic of wind and sky. To the mer, it would mean the freedom to return to the land. To Seidon’s court, it would mean safety from every storm. But how can any human hand wield the wind?

Fantastical Summer ~ Review

Fantastical Summer

By various authors

Fantastical Summer is a interesting collection of 15 short stories. In each story the main character or characters is faced with an obstacle in their life. For some it is a physical characteristic. For others it is a missing family member. But whatever the cause they feel vulnerable and isolated from those around them.   

My favorite was Alli Prince's Soul Marks in which a young woman is born without a mark that will help her identify the man she is suppose to spend the rest of her life with. She is understandably bummed out about the whole thing as her friends find their "soul marks." I especially loved how someone drove home the point that true lasting love is a choice, that happiness is not guaranteed by a sign or a feeling.

I was also intrigued by Summer Miracles and The Girl who Lived Under the Water. Both take seemingly impossible situations and yet make them feel not only possible but probable. Throughout all of these stories is a message of hope. Hope for the future is always a positive in my opinion.

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About the Book:

What would you do if you started growing a fluffy tail every time you felt embarrassed?

A mermaid outcast, a girl who can steal stars, and a high schooler suddenly affected by gravity in a gravity-free world—these are just a few of the fantastical premises you’ll find in this collection of short stories.

Weaving classic coming-of-age themes into magical versions of our world, fifteen Christian writers each bring a fresh perspective on childhood, loneliness, and identity.

Save a spot in your beach bag, because this collection of clean, fun summer stories is more than a fluff read. This beautifully brave anthology leads us to ask hard questions while staying grounded in the truth of the Bible. You'll want to revisit these thought-provoking stories throughout the year.

Presented by The Company and The Pearl, Fantastical Summer features these short stories:
“Alone,” by R.J. Catlin
“Leaving Lake June,” by Lucy Grecu
“Summer Miracles,” by K.Ann
“Closed Doors Don’t Open,” by Vella Karman
“Oh Deer,” by Adara King
“Gravitational Issues,” by Vannah Leblanc
“The Beast,” by Noah J. Matthews
“Circus of the Moon,” by Juli Ocean
“Sneakers of Joy,” by Gregory O'Donnell
“The Girl Who Lived Under the Water,” by Brad Pauquette
“Soul Marks,” by Alli Prince
“Beachcombing,” by Sarah Sax
“Goodbye to Yesterday,” by Hannah Stiff
“Turn to Face the Wind,” by Faith Tevy
“Confessions of a Mermaid Outcast,” by Thirzah

Capturing You ~ Review and IG Giveaway

Capturing You

The Wright Heroes of Maine #6

By Robin Patchen

This book is definitely a grumpy/sunshine romantic suspense that will keep you guessing at who is guilty of what.

Forbes Ballentine's been hiding most of his life, but now he's seeking answers. Brooklynn Wright was seeking the photograph of a lifetime, but instead, she's running for her life. They will need to work together to discover the truth if they want to survive. But with years of deception between them and the answers they seek, the killers just may get away with murder again. 

The deeper Forbes and Brooklyn dig, the more they unearth that Brooklyn's trusting personality won't be able to deny. Someone in Shadow Cove, someone she knows, is a murderer, and they are targeting her. The perfect photograph may cost her her life if they don't discover who committed murder all those years ago.

I have to be honest, there were some twists I didn't see coming. Small town living in Shadow Cove is not high on my list of places in books I'd like to live. My visits will be strictly via the printed page - it seems safer and spider-free. Yeah, I can't like spiders. But overall, this was an edge-of-your-seat read, especially the climax.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book, with no expectations other than to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Be sure to check out the Instagram giveaway by clicking here.

About Capturing You

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220169541-capturing-you

Series: The Wright Heroes of Maine #6
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

In a town shrouded by secrets, a photographer and the reclusive heir of the Ballentine fortune join forces to unravel a deadly conspiracy.

Brooklynn Wright must win a photography contest to save her gallery, and the perfect sunrise shot at a remote inlet north of town is her best hope. But when she witnesses a smuggling operation at a hidden dock and is chased by armed men, her dreams of artistic glory become a nightmare flight for survival. Rescued by a mysterious stranger, Brooklynn is forced to take refuge with him in an abandoned mansion the townspeople claim is cursed—afraid to trust her grumpy protector but with no other choice.

Billionaire Forbes Ballentine returned to Shadow Cove for answers, not distractions. Haunted by the unsolved murder of his family twenty years ago, he’s spent his life in the shadows, hunting for the truth. He believes the network Brooklynn stumbled upon is tied to his family’s deaths, but protecting the cheerful photographer means jeopardizing the investigation he’s been chasing for decades. Especially when her presence stirs feelings he’s not prepared to face.

As Brooklynn and Forbes grow closer, so do the network’s ruthless enforcers. With everyone in town hiding something, they must navigate lies, betrayal, and deadly truths. When the network closes in, they’ll have to trust each other completely—or lose everything.

Dive into this gripping romantic suspense full of mystery, secrets, and danger, where two broken souls must uncover the truth while battling the enemies outside—and the wounds within.

Echoes of Darkness ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Echoes of Darkness 
By Darlene L. Turner

Constable Oaklynn Brock is hiding from her past in a small community in northern Ontario when she gets word of her father's death. Now it seems her past has caught up to her when a serial killer decides the community will be his target. Are these the work of a copycat who randomly selected Kenorapeake Falls? Or was Oaklynn's hidden past the draw? 

With the cases mounting, the Canadian Watchers Squad is tasked with helping the local police department. Caleb Greene has a special understanding of cults, and the deaths in Kenorapeake Falls have cult written all over them. But to get to the truth, he'll have to confront his own demons.

Echoes of Darkness offers a behind-the-scenes look into cults while delving into the mind of a serial killer. I know it's super uplifting, but as Oaklynn and Caleb work through their doubts and fears, hope is offered that no one is too broken to get a new start in the eyes of God. A powerful and moving promise.

Of note: murder, suicide, stalking, kidnapping, animal sacrifice, and abuse either take place or are mentioned. Nothing overly graphic is portrayed, but it could be a trigger for sensitive individuals.  

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: Echoes of Darkness 
Author: Darlene L. Turner 
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade 
Release Date: June 24, 2025 
Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Thriller

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him. 

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now? 

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse. 

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare… 

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

Also Available

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About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. 

You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

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Tour Giveaway

(4) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on June 23, 2025, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 30, 2025. 

Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

Open internationally. 

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!

Feathered Thief ~ Release Day

Feathered Thief

All That Glitters

By J.M. Stengl

This book was a delightful retelling that featured to young people who developed a bond and were to marry. But then something happened and all seems lost as the kingdom falls beneath a curse.

Princess Helena isn't like the other princesses. No she longs for adventure and outdoor activities. And somehow the prince she despised has feelings for HER! Even more extraordinary he likes her for who she is and not for forcing herself into a version of herself dictated to by expectations.

I really enjoyed this retelling of The Golden Bird. The characters were fun to get to know and I really liked Helena and Kazik. Helena reminded of Meriada from Brave, the Disney animated movie.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. 

About the Book:

A bungled curse divides childhood sweethearts, a bird steals priceless apples, and one brave maiden hunts down her past. Can Lenka remember her prince in time?

Young Princess Helena of Żyrardów despises her tormentor, Prince Kazik of Ostrów, until the day she realizes the boy actually likes her and friendship blossoms. In time, their royal parents arrange a betrothal, but first the princess vanishes, then the prince, and the entire region falls under a strange curse.

Five years later, a girl known as Lenka the Archer tends a lonely golden-apple tree and wonders who she really is. Serving in the King of Trinec’s magical garden is a worthy position, but how did she and the tree come to be there? When golden apples go missing and the king’s two sons fail to identify the thief, the task falls on Lenka, who surprises a golden bird in the act. Instead of shooting it, she receives from the bird one golden feather and cryptic guidance.

The princes go in search of the elusive bird but vanish. So, at the king’s order, Lenka must bring back the golden bird, the apples it stole, and the two missing princes. While disguised as a man and guided by a talking fox, Lenka takes on multiple challenges and finds friends in unexpected places, but nothing goes as planned.

Will the stolen princess find her true self and her beloved prince? Can they rescue their land from its hopeless tangle of magic and mayhem?

Feathered Thief is a no-spice magical quest of love and loss, betrayal, lovable golden treasures, a snooty animal guide, and a romantic happily-ever-after.

In All That Glitters, fairytales clash with forbidden love, quests glitter with danger, and swoon-worthy rewards incite every risk. Magic is deadly, love can be costly, and not all that glitters is gold. Featuring twelve captivating tales of forbidden romance, high-stakes adventure, and no-spice swoon, this series turns every fairytale on its crown, revealing that treasure isn’t always golden or glittery…sometimes it’s something far better.