Catching Hope ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 Catching Hope 

 By Kathy Cassel 

 Lexi Michaels and her twin brother Levi are taking their first

 vacation in like ever. Having spent most of their lives in less

 than ideal homes the prospect of taking a vacation much less

 one in Haiti seems so unreal. But the excitement of a vacation

 with their new family takes a scary and dangerous turn when

 someone targets their family and the life-saving drugs they

 brought with them.

 Lexi, Levi, their brother Chad, and cousin Jen have to learn to

 work together and see beyond the surface when danger finds

 them. But more than anything they need to place their trust in

 God even when nothing seems to be going right. Can Lexi

 believe that she'll have the forever family she's always wanted?

 Catching Hope offers non-stop action as danger pursues these

 four teens across Haiti. This is clean reading which sadly many

 YA books sadly lack. Life isn't perfect - nor is it happily-ever-after. But it is realistic, though with a lot more adventure and action than the average teen would hopefully experience. This book would be appropriate for readers 12 years and up, in my opinion. Yes, there are scary situations but nothing over-the-top. This book is faith-filled as the various characters react to the varying situations they find themselves in throughout.

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: Catching Hope 

Author: Kathy Cassel 

Publisher: Haven Point Publishing 

Release Date: March 22, 2022 

Genre: Teens/YA, Christian 

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger. 

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Cassel is the author of eleven books for Christian preteens and girls and three Young Adult Fiction books.

 

Kathy grew up in northern Indiana, lived on three different continents while her husband was in the USAF, and now lives in the Florida Panhandle. She and her husband have eight children, five of whom are adopted, three from Haiti and two from the United States. They also have six grandchildren. Kathy’s favorite activities are those that involve traveling and adventures that include her children and grandchildren. In order to better relate to the characters in her stories, Kathy has done things such as whitewater rafting, certify in scuba diving, and get her motorcycle endorsement. She draws the line at sky diving. 

CONNECT WITH KATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 BAM card gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Feathers and Roses: All Things Fairy Tale Dual Cover Reveal

 Today I am excited to be part of the

Feathers and Roses:

All Things Fairy Tale

Dual Cover Reveal

for Iron by Madisyn Carlin and

Roses, Thorns, & Curses by Jenavieve Rose

(hosted by Jen’s Author Assistance).

About the Books:

IRON

Enforcing justice comes with a price.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

Pre-order - Amazon-Iron

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61165765-iron

About the Author:

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

ROSES, THORNS, & CURSES

A Fae bides her time, waiting to unleash her wrath on those who betrayed her. A prince seeks the answer to the dream that has plagued him for months. A princess who has lain in slumber awakens to find her world not quite right.

When Sorren finds the answer and awakens the princess, he also finds himself involved with a curse. Before Maelle can exact her revenge she is enslaved by Sorren's brother, a beast of a man who pits Fae against Fae in his uncle’s arena. Aurana must navigate memory loss and her newfound Dreamwalking abilities that send her between her world and the realm of the Fae. After Sorren and Aurana work with an old friend of Maelle’s to rescue her from the arena, they must seek help from someone who betrayed Maelle if Aurana wishes to control her Dreamwalking before she descends into madness.

When an ancient evil from the Fae realm threatens them all, they must set aside their own agendas to stop the looming darkness and learn that righteous vengeance shall overcome what revenge has left broken asunder.

Pre-order - Amazon-Roses, Thornes, and Curses

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61212393-roses-thorns-curses

About the Author:

Jenavieve Rose has had a love for stories and a highly-active imagination her whole life. Creating her own stories and worlds through Fantasy, or any other branch of Spec-Fic, makes her feel closest to her Creator. In doing so she mimics The One Who created all things. She’s inspired by a myriad of different books, movies, and even video games, but especially by fairy tales. She writes stories where good overcomes evil and hope shines all the brighter through the darkness, for those are the stories that mean something, the ones that really matter.

Music also inspires her and her writing, sparking a story idea or fueling her passion on a topic she wants to share. It’s rare to see her without her headphones on and either worship music or movie soundtracks flitting between her ears.

In all she does she strives to do the will of her Father and spread His hope.

Website - https://jenavieves-reveries-newsletter.ck.page/d50bd06259

And now to reveal the covers!

Coming September 2022!

Tour hosted by Jen’s Author Assistance

Click for more information.

Shadow of Murder ~ Review with Giveaway

Shadow of Murder

A Mac Faraday Mystery #14

By Lauren Carr

Police Chief David O’Callaghan is out of town on paternity leave and in his absence, a murder and cold case are left to the capable hands of Mac Faraday, who is just back from a year abroad, and Deputy Police Chief Dusty O’Meara. 

True crime blogger, Erica Hart has returned to Deep Creek Lake to call her old family home her current home. But nothing goes as it should, starting with a near-death accident. This allows the "Cold Case Diva" to meet Dusty, soon the two are working together to get answers as bodies start to pile up. Can they get the answers they need before the killer makes them the newest cold case in Spenser, Maryland?

Shadow of Murder has multiple layers that need to be peeled back. There are several obvious suspects but it all seems a little too obvious. Unless it isn't. And with each new twist, it will take everyone working together to get the answers they need if they want to bring a killer to justice.

Now everything isn't all serious as Triston Faraday is remodeling his newly purchased home and let's just say his hired help is of the less than stellar variety - Anything For Beer. And anyone knows if your "hired" help works for beer it might be a little on the questionable side of good. And then there is an unfortunate case of "estate borrowing" that may leave you with a flushing to your face. 

Now I enjoyed this book in the audio format, which was narrated by Mike Alger. I found the narration to be well done, though I did play it back 1.4 times its normal playback speed. I listened to it at the pace I would have been reading it in print. At the default speed, this book comes in at approximately 17-1/2 hours of listening - perfect for a week of commuting, exercise, or chores. 

No Mac Faraday book would be complete without Gnarly, and Spenser's canine mayor is present though in a limited capacity but enough to bring his unique charm to the book. But there is a new character who is sure to be a new favorite - Teddy who is a well-feathered individual who I'd love to have in more books. 

This book has a bit of a difference from the other books in the series as there is a spiritual element throughout. Good vs Evil has taken up residence in Spenser and they have a fight for their lives on their hands in addition to their case.

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:

You can't move to the next chapter of your life, without tying up loose ends in the previous.
 
True crime blogger, Erica Hart starts a new chapter in her life with a bang when a dark shadow darts into the mountain road to send her SUV off a cliff and to the bottom of Deep Creek Lake. Spencer’s newest addition to the police force, Dusty O’Meara assumes it was a bear. Erica is not so sure.
 
Soon afterwards, contractors discover Konnor Langston’s body at the bottom of an abandoned swimming pool at the new summer home of Mac Faraday’s son.
 
With Police Chief David O’Callaghan away on paternity leave, Deputy Chief Dusty O’Meara must lead the investigation in his first murder case since moving to Spencer. Not only does Dusty have to work under the shadow of the legendary Mac Faraday, but he also has to match wits with Erica, who is determined to find justice for Konnor, her childhood friend.
 
Mac isn’t so difficult. Even Gnarly, the town’s canine mayor, is manageable if his authority is well-respected and he is kept entertained.
 
Erica Hart, Dusty finds, is more of a challenge. It wouldn’t be so difficult if she wasn’t so irresistible.

"Five Stars for Lauren Carr's 14th book of the Mac Faraday Murder Mysteries, Shadow of Murder! In this new release, she has recaptured the fun of cute "creatures" with the fast-moving, suspenseful, and captivating mystery, along with her usual touch of romance." - review by Lu Ann Worley, Rockin' Book Reviews

"This newest title in the author's Mac Faraday cozy murder mystery series offers Lauren Carr's most intricate plot to date - full of twists and turns guaranteed to keep readers up until the wee hours. While still full of the humor, fun critters and touch of romance that are her trademark, the author has also woven in a dark supernatural element that whispers through to the startling ending." - review by Marilyn R. Wilson, bestselling author, freelance writer, editor, and speaker at Olio by Marilyn.

Giveaway

Prizes: ​ $50 PayPal Gift Card courtesy of 

Lauren Carr, author of SHADOW OF MURDER

(ends July 1)

SHADOW OF MURDER (Mac Faraday Mysteries) Tour Giveaway

Book Details:

Book Title: Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 14)
Category:  Adult fiction, 496 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery / Police Procedural / Crime Fiction
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  Mar 30, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13. Lauren Carr's mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

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Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors. Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

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Tour Schedule can be found here

Impending Strike ~ Spotlight with Excerpt

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for 

Impending Strike by Sami A. Abrams and Lynette Eason, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Impending Strike 
Series: Elite Guardians Collection #2
Author: Sami A. Abrams and Lynette Eason
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Protecting him just might cost her everything… 

Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself. 

Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for? 

Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why. 

But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. Problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble. 

It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her? 

Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!

Purchase Links*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

More books in this series

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Excerpt

Each planned drug buy raked on Charlie’s nerves. The lifestyle wore on him. After a year of
setting up his presence in the drug scene and five weeks of full work undercover, he wondered how
much more he had in him to continue.

He shoved his hands in his pockets and fiddled with his burner phone. His touchstone. His
lifeline to the safe world. No names, only speed dial numbers of his Elite Guardians Agency
teammates and Quinn. The women had insisted that he include their numbers. He’d resisted, not
wanting to put the members of the agency in danger. But they’d reminded him that’s what a team
did. They had each other’s backs. He was honored to be included among the top bodyguards in the
nation, even if he was the only male. Not that he had a problem with that. He trusted them more than
he trusted the police officers he’d served with on the Atlanta PD. And that said something.

Knowing that God was watching over him and that the team was a phone call away allowed
him to maintain his calm demeanor and play the part of the cocky, confident dealer of his alter ego,
Rod. He left the phone in his pocket and strolled down the sidewalk like he owned the neighborhood.

“I can do the hit.” A gruff voice drifted on the night air.

Charlie froze and scanned the area, searching for the source of the words.

“Not so fast,” a second man argued. “You can’t mess this up. We have one shot at killing her,
and if we miss, they’ll close ranks.”

The hair on the back of Charlie’s neck rose. He ducked behind a row of trash cans next to an
apartment building, grimacing at the strong garbage odor, a mixture between fish and rotten eggs.
Forcing himself to focus, he strained to hear the conversation, but the men moved out of earshot.

Charlie slipped from his hiding spot and clung to the shadows on the edge of the street,
following his targets. His ratty shirt and stained jeans, not to mention his unkempt hair, gave him the
ability to blend into the neighborhood, but a hinky feeling of being watched crept in and stayed.

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About the Author

 

Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn't until her 30s that she found authors who captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. In her opinion, a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list. 

Visit her at http://www.samiaabrams.com.

CONNECT WITH SAMI: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. 

Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com. 

CONNECT WITH LYNETTE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Impending Strike and a $25 Amazon gift card!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 20, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 27, 2022. 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Sunburst ~ Review

Sunburst

Sky King Ranch #2

By Susan May Warren

Ranger Kingston doesn't let people get too close, he made that mistake once and it nearly cost him his life and his career. And he forever lost his heart to the one woman who could make him feel. It's been years since Ranger has spoken to Noemi Sutton so when Ranger goes on a mission to rescue to his brother Colt he is more than a little surprised to discover Noemi among those captured with Colt.

But the rescue attempt doesn't quite go according to plan and Ranger, Noemi, and a young Nigerian girl are on their own in their escape. And their captor aren't about to let them go without a fight. And the only way to evade them is to take refuge with family Noemi has never met while posing as a married couple. It's just a small lie to get Ranger the help he needs. What could possibly go wrong?

As Ranger and Noemi work to stay ahead of the Boko Haram terrorists who are hunting them, they have to deal with the fallout of their heartbreak. As both deal with the feelings that they thought they had left behind they try to build up walls to keep it from happening again. But can you keep your heart from breaking when you are denying it what it wants? And where does duty end and love begin? If they can't figure this out and soon they may not get a third chance at love.

It is interesting to see how this series starring the Kingston family is unfolding. There are long held secrets and hurts that have divided the family for years. But as danger closes in around them they are drawn home to Alaska where it seems their hearts truly lie. Now they just have to come to terms with the past mistakes that drove a wedge between them and make peace to become the family they were meant to be. Because family can be your biggest ally and your greatest support.

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

About the Book:

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others.

And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren throws you into the thick of the action in this high-stakes, globe-trotting romance.

When the Meadow Blooms ~ Review

When the Meadow Blooms

Ann H. Gabhart

Rose Meadows finds herself in a sanatorium in hopes that she'll recover from tuberculosis and the weakness it has left her with. Her daughters Calla and Sienna have been left in the care of Louisville's West Side Home for Girls, a most miserable and uncaring place, during her recovery. But a plea for rescue to an unknown uncle is soon answered when Dirk Meadows arrives to bring them to his family home - Meadowland.

Twenty years ago Dirk Meadows lost his future when he was scarred in a fire, with scars that are both visible and invisible he has walled off his heart. Dirk is opening his home to Rose, Calla, Sienna but he doesn't want to open his heart. Open hearts are vulnerable and he doesn't want to be hurt again. But the only way he can close himself off is to avoid them as much as possible. 

When the Meadow Blooms is split between Dirk, Rose, and Calla's viewpoint. Though we get to know Sienna we never get inside her head. We feel Calla's fears as she and Sienna live through their difficulties at the Home for Girls. Her joy at getting to Meadowlands and her fears that it won't last. Rose is still struggling with her TB and the weakness that continues to curtail her activities. And then there is the whole mystery of Dirk's past that has sparked Calla's curiosity.  

This book is both sweet and tragic and well worth the time spent reading it. As a standalone title it is well developed and ends satisfactorily, though I wouldn't mind revisiting these characters at a later date because I can definitely say I felt a connection with them. I also wouldn't mind getting a story from Sienna's viewpoint - she's an intriguing character who was not your average child. 

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:

If any place on God's earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law's Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past--the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls' experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, hope blooms as their past troubles become rich soil in which their faith can grow.

Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother's widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again. But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing.

Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart explores the tender places within the human heart in this character-driven story of trusting God to turn our burdens into something beautiful.