Kill and Run ~ Review with Giveaway

Kill and Run
Thorny Rose Mystery #1
By Lauren Carr
Read by C.J. McAllister

Kill and Run opens with a hit and run accident 13 years ago that cost Police Office Nick Gates his life. Fast forward 13 years and a random attack results in the lives of 5 women with apparently no connection between them. Lieutenant Murphy Thornton catches the case and takes it for the US Navy to investigate when one of the women has a tie to the Navy. Let's just say that the head of his department is more than a little enraged acting in a most unbecoming, unprofessional manner and is in desperate need of a bar of soap to stick in her mouth for a few hours.

Soon Murphy and his wife of mere months are hosting a group in their home. First is Murphy's step-mother Cameron Gates, wife of the late Nick Gates, who has a chance to question a person of interest in her first husband's death. Second is 13-year-old Issy, whose mother was one of the victims, whom Murphy places in protective custody. The third is Jessica's brother Tristan and his tarantula Monique who has had a small problem with his apartment. So a busy full house is about to add some interesting twists to the Thornton home.

When Cameron's case and Murphy's murders seem to have a distant connection things get really interesting. But this is Washington, D.C., and truth has a way of getting buried in the quest for power. And there are a ton of layers of secrets that will have to be shifted through to get to the truth. And it ain't pretty - think scandal headlines that are a politician's worst nightmare and you have an idea of just what the Thornton men and Cameron Gates are up against. Someone wants these secrets buried forever and the cost of life it takes to accomplish it is no obstacle.

Kill and Run is most definitely in the PG category and not something I would label a clean or gentle read so be forewarned if that is what you are looking for this is as an acquaintance of mine would say "spicy but not too spicy." I will admit my favorite scenes all take place with the various animals and their antics. If murder is your thing you will love Kill and Run. As to the killer, there are plenty of suspects once the pieces start to come together it is just a question of who. The narration is well presented by C.J. McAllister. There is no drag and it progresses at a good pace for the 11-hour reading, good for a long commute or just eye-resting listening enjoyment.

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:

Five women with seemingly nothing in common are found brutally murdered in a townhome outside Washington, DC. Among the many questions surrounding the massacre is what had brought these apparent strangers together only to be killed.

Taking on his first official murder case, Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, believes that if he can uncover the thread connecting the victims, then he can find their murderer.

The case takes an unexpected turn when Murphy discovers that one of the victims has a connection to his stepmother, Homicide Detective Cameron Gates. One wintry night, over a dozen years before, her first husband, a Pennsylvania State trooper had been run down while working a night shift on the turnpike.

In this first installment of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, the Lovers in Crime join newlyweds Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday to shift through a web of lies and cover-ups. Together, can the detectives of the Thorny Rose uncover the truth without falling victim to a cunning killer?

Buy the Book:
Audible ~Amazon
Add to Goodreads

"The plot was original, fresh and fast-paced in spite of the "traditional elements" employed, which can normally be found in any other thriller of this genre. The USP of this story would be its unpredictability. When you think you have it all guessed up, the plot would change its course, keeping you hooked. There were a lot of suspense twists and turns that kept the momentum up. Needless to say, the writing was simply perfect. One thing that the writer needs to be lauded for is the humor she inculcated in the book. Minus those humorous parts, the book would have been one serious read." - Reviewer: Book and Ink

Join us for this tour from May 4 to June 5, 2020!

Book Details:

Book Title: Kill and Run by Lauren Carr
Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 1)
Category:  Adult fiction, 422 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  September 2015
Tour dates: May 4 to Jun 5, 2020
Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion)

Meet the Author:

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

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

A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

Tour Schedule:

May 4 - Hall Ways Blog - series spotlight/giveaway

May 4 – She Just Loves Books – series spotlight/giveaway

May 4 - Elizabeth McKenna – Author – series spotlight/giveaway

May 4 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway

May 4 – Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Kill and Run

May 5 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder

May 6 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway

May 6 - Michelle L. Bloodworth - Goodreads – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection

May 7 - A Mama's Corner of the World – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway

May 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway

May 11 - Locks, Hooks and Books – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway

May 11 - Jazzy Book Reviews – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway

May 11 - Merlot Et mots –book review of Kill and Run/giveaway

May 12 - Laura's Interests – series spotlight/giveaway

May 12 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway

May 13 - Mowgli with a book – series spotlight/author interview

May 13 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway

May 13 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Kill and Run/giveaway

May 13 - Lamon Reviews - series spotlight / guest post / giveaway

May 14 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway

May 15 - Sefina Hawke's Books – series spotlight

May 18 - Merlot Et mots –book review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway

May 19 - Rockin' Book Reviews – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway

May 19 - Rosepoint Publishing – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway

May 20 - Stephanie Jane – book spotlight/giveaway

May 20 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway

May 20 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of A Fine Year for Murder/giveaway

May 21 - Books for Books – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection

May 21 - La libreria di Beppe - series spotlight/giveaway

May 22 – fundinmental – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway

May 25 - Buried Under Books – audiobook review of Murder By Perfection/giveaway

May 25 - Merlot Et mots –book review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway

May 25 - T's Stuff – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway

May 26 - Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – series spotlight/giveaway

May 27 - Bookish Quest – audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway

May  27 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of Murder by Perfection/giveaway

May 27 - Books for Books – series spotlight

May 28 - Bookish Quest – series spotlight/author interview/ giveaway

May 29 - Mystery Suspense Reviews – series spotlight/guest post

Jun 1 - Merlot Et mots –book review of The Nutcracker Conspiracy/guest post/giveaway

Jun 1 - Thoughts in Progress – series spotlight/giveaway

Jun 2 - Svetlana's reads and views – series spotlight

Jun 2 - Kristin's Novel Café – series spotlight

Jun 3 - Buried Under Books – series spotlight/giveaway

Jun 3 - Blooming with Books - series spotlight/giveaway

Jun 4 - Rosepoint Publishing – series spotlight/giveaway

Jun 5 - The avid reader – series spotlight/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Prizes: ​ $50 Amazon Gift Card 
courtesy of Lauren Carr, 
author of the Thorny Rose Mysteries 
(ends Jun 12)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Emerald Bound ~ Review

Emerald Bound
Altered Stones #1
By Teresa Richards

A simple game of Truth or Dare has an unexpected result when the dare doesn't go quite as planned. After a night of intense studying Maggie Rhodes and her BFF's Kate and Piper decide on an impromptu game of Truth or Dare and Maggie takes DARE. Big mistake when the Dare turns out to be a spy-by on Marshall Parker who is one of the meanest guys Maggie can think of. But Kate and Piper won't let her back out of her dare. What follows is the worst experience of Maggie's life and it's just starting.

With time against her, Maggie has no choice but to accept help from Lindy a fellow classmate who is more than she appears. But can Maggie trust Lindy's fantastical story one that if true adds a sinister twist to the old Princess and the Pea fairy tale? And when aid comes from a most unexpected source Maggie has a glimmer of hope at saving her friends from an unknown fate.

But an ancient magic is not easily defeated and the magic that Maggie is attempting to break has a failsafe that is about expire and all trapped within its grasp will soon be lost forever. The fate of a kingdom and those closest to her depends on the choice Maggie is about to make. Can she restore all that has been lost?

This is a book that the tension slowly builds as the past and the present come together in an exciting and altogether satisfying conclusion. But not all the questions are answered and the book ends on a climactic note hinting at what the sequel will bring.

This is well-written YA fiction with a unique twist on a well-known fairy tale. I believe teens (especially girls) will find this to be a book to draw them. This is a book about the power and loyalty of friendship and family with a sizeable pinch of fantasy and pinch of romance.

A word of warning Beware of strange beds with lumpy, bumpy mattresses! You may never wake up if you ignore it...

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

A princess, a pea, and a tower of mattresses. 

This is the sliver that survives of a story more nightmare than fairytale...

Maggie Rhodes, high school junior and semi-reformed stalker, learns the tale’s true roots after a spying attempt goes awry and her best friend Kate ends up as the victim of an ancient curse. At the center of the curse lies an enchanted emerald that has been residing quietly in a museum for the past fifty years. Admirers of the gem have no idea that it feeds on life. Or that it’s found its next victim in Kate. 

Enter Lindy, a school acquaintance who knows more than she’s letting on, and Garon, a handsome stranger claiming he knows how to help, and Maggie is left wondering who to trust and how to save her best friend before it’s too late.

If only Maggie knew her connection to the fairy tale was rooted far deeper than an endangered best friend.

Ties That Bind ~ Review

Ties That Bind
The Amish of Summer Grove #1
By Cindy Woodsmall

Ariana Brenneman loves Her Amish life and can't understand why anyone would ever want to leave it behind and face separation from friends and family left behind. And she's never been able to get over the fact that the man she had hoped to marry turned his back on his Amish roots five years ago.

But Quill Schlabach has made a reappearance in Summer Grove and Ariana fears that his presence means yet more Amish are about to slip away and be lost to her forever. But Ariana only knows the story that was told to her she doesn't know it all (and the reader is left to discover the truth as the story unfolds). But an even bigger secret is about to be revealed, one that could threaten everything Ariana has ever known and unfortunately for Quill he is about to find himself smack-dab in the center of everything.

Meanwhile living a life that is as unAmish as one could possibly get is Skylar Nash a young woman who is struggling with who she is and even her totally dysfunctional family. Skylar's passion is acting and the life of a performer. Unfortunately, she feels she plays the part of failure all too well when it comes to her day-to-day life. She is on a slow descent into a path she may never get out of. And Skylar's actions are about to set her on a path she doesn't want.

What are the ties that bind one together as a family? Is it blood? Is it the household in which one was raised? And what makes a community a community? This is a question that is woven throughout this story but don't expect an answer by the end as this is but the first in a three book series. (But don't fret book 2 is out and the conclusion will be available in August).

This is a story that will touch the heart of any reader. Secrets, betrayal, and family are the focus of this book and I for one can't wait to see where the second book Fraying at the Edge leads.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world 

is about to unravel. Will holding tightly 

to the cords of family keep them together—

or simply tear them apart?

Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach. 
 
Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish.  

Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever.      
 
Ties That Bind is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series.

My Brother's Crown ~ Review

My Brother's Crown
Cousins of the Dove #1
By Mindy Starns Clark
      and Leslie Gould

My Brother's Crown is one of those delightful stories that weaves two into one in a such a way that the reader is thoroughly and completely drawn in within the first pages. The story opens in 1685 France and switches off with present day Virginia.

In France, the Gillet family is at a crossroads as the nation has become hostile to those identified as Huguenots. Huguenots are faced with a choice - convert to Catholicism, flee the country, or face the consequences of their defiance of King Louis XIV.

Catherine wants the family to leave yesterday, but her older brother Jules seems reluctant to take any action. Even worse, her betrothed, Pierre Talbot is more than happy to let her brother decide everything for the family and him. Catherine is determined to do whatever she feels is necessary to safeguard those she holds dear. But does she truly know her own heart? And if temptations come her way will she stand firm in her faith?

In Virginia, the Talbot family has prospered during their time in America and has decided to share an important legacy of their family with the world. A document that Renee Talbot feels sure is more than it appears at first glance. As Renee looks for a way to test what she suspects her own past is about to make its presence known. But this time Renee is not about to let anyone tell her she imagined what has haunted her for years. This time she has an ally who is willing to help her prove what she knows.

This book is perfect for those who love exploring history through fiction. And if your tastes run towards contemporary fiction, you are covered as well. Faith is an important theme throughout and is woven so that it doesn't come across as forced. The other thing the reader will come away with is the value of family in an individual's life. It is interesting to contrast the two stories as they unfold from Catherine and Renee's viewpoints. If you are looking for a book club selection you can't go wrong with this one.

And the dress on the cover - keep your eyes open for it as you read - it is an important factor!

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Harvest House, with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

France, 1685. Catherine Gillet knows her brother, Jules, wants to protect her from the sinister threats of the French crown. But Jules is involved in a potentially deadly enterprise, one connected with an encoded document. When his actions put the whole family at risk, will Catherine find a way to save them?

Virginia, present day. Renee Talbot, a direct descendant of Catherine’s, is fascinated by the document that’s been part of her family legacy for more than three centuries. Certain its pages hold hidden secrets, she takes a closer look—and makes a shocking discovery. But when memories of a childhood trauma are rekindled, she’s forced to seek answers of a different kind. Inspired by the faith and bravery of Catherine, can Renee find the truth and face her deepest fears at last?

From the authors of the Christy Award-winning The Amish Midwife comes an epic story of two women, centuries apart, each discovering her own hidden bravery, standing for what she believes in, and finding love in unexpected places.

Lights Out ~ Review

Lights Out
By Ted Koppel

A Cyberattack

A Nation Unprepared

Surviving the Aftermath

We're a nation unprepared having mixed old and new together while allowing an entire industry to set their own suggested guidances. But in the world we now find ourselves living in this could very well be the weak link that could topple us.  What is this weak link you ask ~ the antiquated power system that powers everything in our day-to-day world.

The destructive power of nature is to be expected to exert its strengths upon occasion. Shutting down the power grid in a small contained area. What we don't anticipate and have no plan of recovery for is a cyberattack upon our power system. But just such an attack is not just the imaginings of fiction writers but a viable threat that could conceivably halt all modern life in a large and unpredictable swath of the nation. A threat that could silently strike with no clue as to who instigated the attack.

With our current dependence on electricity to power everything from our toothbrush to the latest automotive hybrid we would be in a word trapped. Water and food would quickly become scarce due to spoilage and panic demand. Communication would be almost impossible. 

But though there is no national plan in place if such an attack would take place there are models that each community - each neighborhood - can follow should such an event take place. The first is to practice the art of neighborliness, a willingness to pool what we have and share it amongst those around us. We should follow the philosophy of when experiencing a year of plenty to set aside a portion for a year of need. Preparation is always a prudent plan and as this book points out it is up to individuals and communities to do the groundwork necessary to survive the first few days and weeks.

Lights Out should not frighten the reader into hiding terrified of when and where disaster will hit, but rather allow the reader to think about what is exposed and plan accordingly for their living situation. This book also provides some interesting insights on how we could improve our current electrical situation so that repairs could be more easily accomplished such as having similar transformer parts that can easily be switched out anywhere in the nation (as opposed to state or region specific parts).

This is an insightful book that provides a lot of food for thought. And it is one that I recommend reading just so one is aware of what is and what isn't. This is not a book to be frightened away from because in this case ignorance is not bliss but rather an enemy.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through Blogging for Books with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In this New York Times bestselling investigation, Ted Koppel reveals that a major cyber-attack on America’s power grid is not only possible but likely, that it would be devastating, and that the United States is shockingly unprepared.
 
Imagine a blackout lasting not days, but weeks or months. Tens of millions of people over several states are affected. For those without access to a generator, there is no running water, no sewage, no refrigeration or light. Food and medical supplies are dwindling. Devices we rely on have gone dark. Banks no longer function, looting is widespread, and law and order are being tested as never before.  

It isn’t just a scenario. A well-designed attack on just one of the nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our infrastructure—and in the age of cyberwarfare, a laptop has become the only necessary weapon. Several nations hostile to the United States could launch such an assault at any time. In fact, as a former chief scientist of the NSA reveals, China and Russia have already penetrated the grid. And a cybersecurity advisor to President Obama believes that independent actors—from “hacktivists” to terrorists—have the capability as well. “It’s not a question of if,” says Centcom Commander General Lloyd Austin, “it’s a question of when.”  

And yet, as Koppel makes clear, the federal government, while well prepared for natural disasters, has no plan for the aftermath of an attack on the power grid.  The current Secretary of Homeland Security suggests keeping a battery-powered radio.

In the absence of a government plan, some individuals and communities have taken matters into their own hands. Among the nation’s estimated three million “preppers,” we meet one whose doomsday retreat includes a newly excavated three-acre lake, stocked with fish, and a Wyoming homesteader so self-sufficient that he crafted the thousands of adobe bricks in his house by hand. We also see the unrivaled disaster preparedness of the Mormon church, with its enormous storehouses, high-tech dairies, orchards, and proprietary trucking company – the fruits of a long tradition of anticipating the worst. But how, Koppel asks, will ordinary civilians survive?

With urgency and authority, one of our most renowned journalists examines a threat unique to our time and evaluates potential ways to prepare for a catastrophe that is all but inevitable.

A Time to Speak ~ Review

A Time to Speak
Out of Time #2
By Nadine Brandes

Her brother was murdered before her very eyes. Willow was kept from returning to the West. Elm was trapped within the wall at Opening 3. And Parvin Blackwater's association with Solomon Hawke is now known.

With the information stolen from Jude clocks are coming. Radicals illegal or registered will no longer be clockless, the Council will make sure everyone is matched. Parvin is determined to stop this danger that she alone seems capable of seeing. Can she rescue Willow and stop the Council before it is too late?

But the Council has plans and Parvin is about to find out just what they have planned for her. And she's not going to be pleased.

The Council is targeting Radicals and Low City citizens and Parvin is determined to be their voice and warn them of the coming danger. If all else fails she will lead them through the Wall to the safety of Ivanhoe.

When the Enforcers begin rounding up people Parvin makes sure she is included so as to provide guidance to her people.  But when they find themselves on a cargo ship heading to an unknown location, Parvin must overcome her doubts and rely on the faith that she has claimed as her own. After all she has felt the call to speak and she will go wherever she is lead.

Parvin is a Radical turned Rebel and she is about to show the Council just how far she will go to be a voice against their lies. Parvin is determined to be the voice of truth to any and all who will listen.

Her family and friends have been separated. Some are in hiding, others are in the custody of the government, and some are with her. A year ago Parvin was convinced that she would soon die, but now she is determined to live. And her life is going to make a difference to the world.

This is the second book in the Out of Time series and it is as intense as the first book A Time to Die. Skelley Chase is as despicable as he was when he pulled the trigger that ended Reid's life, if not more so. This is an emotional journey, a journey of discovery, and a journey in search of the truth. Teens and adults who love dystopian and science fiction will enjoy this continuation Parvin's journey.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

What happens when you live longer than you wanted to?

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she's being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude's Clock-matching invention to force "new-and-improved" Clocks on the public. Those who can't afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council's purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

At Love's Bidding ~ Review

At Love's Bidding
By Regina Jennings

Miranda Wimplegate has never crossed anyone and she's not about to start to do so now, but something about Wyatt Ballentine just brings out the worst in her and she's only just met him! But when Miranda didn't stop her grandfather from auctioning off the wrong painting she is determined to help him right the wrong and save her family from ruin.

All Wyatt has ever wanted was to be accepted by his family and own the action barn that he has worked at most of his life. But when some upper-class Bostonians buy the whole business sight unseen he is left in a quandary.  It's obvious the Wimplegates have no idea what they have gotten themselves into and the auction barn is no place to add a touch of genteel refinement.

It's obvious a new arrangement must be worked out if the Wimplegates hope to recover their investment - and where is the portrait that was rumored to be hidden away in this rural Missouri town? Time is against them in their search, but perhaps Miranda will find something of greater value in the Ozarks.

This is a delightful book that deals with the difficult issue of dementia in the elderly. But overall I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a historical fiction that will leave you with a feel-good frame of mind.  Perfect for an afternoon read.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Book:
After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the furious family, her grandfather tracks it to the Missouri Ozarks and makes an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house if they promise not to sell anything until he arrives. 

Upon their arrival, however, they discover their new business doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its manager, ruggedly handsome Wyatt Ballentine, is frustrated to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and salvage a bad situation getting worse.

About the Author:
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

The Lost Heiress ~ Review

The Lost Heiress
Ladies of the Manor #1
By Roseanna M. White

Brook Eden has only ever wanted to belong.  And when a recently discovered letter hints at where to start looking her dearest friend Justin Wildon undertakes the mission for her.  Uncovering the truth of who Brook is the perfect gift Justin can give her.

But good news is mixed with tragedy for both Brook and Justin as they leave Monaco behind for Yorkshire. A mysterious tragedy tore Brook from the arms of her family and now her return is looked upon with suspicion.

As Brook settles into this new and unknown life Justin must settle into his new role as he deals with a long hidden family secret.  Will these new roles drive these two close friends apart or lead them to something more than friendship?  As the Baroness of Berkeley, Brook has suddenly become the most sought after lady of the season, but what does she want?

All too soon dances and dresses are the last thing on Brook's mind when the mystery surrounding her mother's death comes for her.  Will the long lost heiress soon be another tragedy?  Or will those closest to her thwart the evil that seeks her?

Historical fiction with a generous dash of mystery and romance will appeal to many readers.  And at times you'll feel like giving both Brook and Justin a good hard shake.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book (448 pages):

Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. When her friend Justin uncovers the fact that she is possibly a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea and the estate of her supposed family. 

The mystery of her mother's death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook's life is threatened do they draw close--but will their loyalty come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother? 

As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

And then for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession--and those who can save her still aren't sure whom to trust.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of nine novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Rising Darkness ~ Review

Rising Darkness
Finding Sanctuary #3
By Nancy Mehl

Sophie Bauer has left her past and the pain and shame behind, at least she's working on it. And she's created a whole new identity to go with her new life.  And she thinks she's discovered how to firmly grasp the life she's seeking.

When she hears that a long thought dead fugitive may have taken up residence in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, Sophie jumps at the chance to get the story of a lifetime.  But the scoop that she's expecting may not be the one she gets, especially when she meets a face from her past.

As Sophie works her way towards finding a murderer, she finds her own safety as well as her heart in danger. With the clock ticking down Sophie work through the questions of the past to find the truth. But someone seems to have taken an interest in Sophie's reasons for being in Sanctuary and they just might uncover the truth before Sophie.

Suspense and intense drama what's not to love? If you are new to the series you will be seeing Sanctuary through Sophie's perspective rather than that of the author, but there is nothing wrong with this as one can read this book and follow along as the various characters are introduced.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book (320 pages):

Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. Certain she's left her past far behind her, she's now focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the man--a prisoner--claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can't resist following the lead in hopes of furthering her career. Almost immediately upon her arrival, Sophie's confronted with a face from her past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary's charismatic young pastor, Sophie knows she's getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a stop--fatal or otherwise--to her investigation?


About the Author:

Nancy Mehl is the author of twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more.

Not By Sight ~ Review

Not by Sight
By Kate Breslin

Grace Mabry will do anything to aid the suffragette effort and help bring the war to an end.  And if shaming the wealthy, able-bodied men who refuse to enlist is what she needs to do she'll do it! But when her actions bring down the wrath of her father and Lady Bassett Grace finds herself confined to her home for the foreseeable future.

Jack Benningham, one of Grace's targets for shaming, has a secret of his own and Grace's white feather is merely an amusing diversion to his evening, at least until his plans go awry.  And unfortunately for him his evening is about to get considerably worse.

But when Grace and Jack again cross paths their circumstances have changed. Jack is no longer the carefree playboy Grace chanced to meet in London.  And Grace is in service with the Women's Forage Corps working as a farm laborer.  Two more unlikely people are about to be just what the other needs if only they can see from the heart and not the eyes.

Not by Sight is set in 1917 England as the country deals with the new world that is opening up and changing before them. Those who enjoy historical fiction will find much to like with this book.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover. 

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack.

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

About the Author:
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.

Centralia ~ Review

Centralia
A Jed Patrick Novel #1
By Mike Dellosso

He thought he knew who he was and what his life should be, but now he's not so sure.  His wife and daughter are missing.  Were they killed in the fiery accident as he was told, or are they alive and in trouble as his instincts lead him to believe?

When he discovers a clue that could lead him to the truth he seeks, he finds his life suddenly in danger.  Not knowing who he can trust Peter finds himself on the run.  But those who are hunting him are determined to bring him down and they will use any means necessary to do it.

With not only his life on the line but the lives and safety of his missing wife and daughter as well, Peter discovers skills he never knew he possessed.  Discovering who he is may be the key he needs to survive, but he'll need to put his trust in something other than his own strength.  Peter Ryan needs to rediscover his faith.

A scrap of paper with a clue is all he has to go on - now Peter needs to learn the truth about Centralia!

This is an incredible book that will keep you wondering who is Peter Ryan?  There are layers that need to be peeled back if the truth is to be exposed.  But whose version of truth is real and whose is an elaborate lie?  This is a psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
       Peter Ryan wakes up on a typical morning only to find his house empty, his wife and daughter nowhere to be found. His world is shattered after a phone call to a friend confirms the impossible: his wife and daughter died in a car accident he does not remember. 

         Haunted by faint memories and flashes of details, Peter becomes convinced that something isn’t right and begins to question reality. When he discovers a note in his daughter’s handwriting, strange memories begin to surface that cause him to second-guess nearly everything he once believed. Suddenly armed men show up at Peter’s home, turning the mysterious puzzle of his past into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. 

         On the run and unsure whom to trust, Peter has to discover what’s real and what isn’t . . . before he loses everything.

About the Author:
Mike is the author of seven novels of suspense and several short stories. He also writes family dramas under the pseudonym, Michael King. In addition to his novels he's written for periodicals, websites, and is a regular conference teacher and speaker. 

Born in Baltimore, Mike now resides in Pennsylvania. He is also a colon cancer survivor and speaks often about dealing with suffering. 

Find out more about Mike on his website, www.MikeDellossoBooks.com.

Jesus and the Jihadis ~ Review

Jesus and the Jihadis
Confronting the Rage of ISIS
By Craig A. Evans
   and Jeremiah J. Johnston

ISIS is almost constantly in the news, but what do we really know about this ideology?  Craig Evans and Jeremiah Johnston offer thoughtful insight through this book.

To get an understanding we must go back thousands of years to Abraham and the choices he made when he followed God out of the land of his father. Abraham was promised a land for his descendants, a land that would be theirs. But the children of Abraham and Sarah had a problem - they were forever turning from God, worshiping other gods, going through periods of captivity and restoration. Israel's history comes to it most important moment with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This is one of the most important differences between Christianity and Islam - God died for us while Allah desires that you die for him.

Jesus came from a world that had stability with synagogue attendance, knowledge of Scripture, and prayer. Muhammad came from a world of paganism, polytheism, and tribal rivalries.  But Muhammad was free to develop his religious system how he desired - the monotheism of Judaism appealed to him, as did Jesus as a prophet - not as God's son. He combined these with some of the beliefs of his own upbringing.

With nonviolent beginnings, Muhammad's preaching and evangelistic works became coercive and militant in the face of opposition from the Arabs of his day. Where Jesus commands us the love our enemy, Muhammad's God does not want us to befriend or love our enemy or his.  This is a noted difference one that can be traced to the differences in one's understanding of who God is. To battle one's enemy is the greatest service one can do in the name of Allah and live or die one will be rewarded in pleasures.

In order to counter the threat that the has come to our very doorstep we must learn about the religion of Muhammad. Shockingly this was a sentiment put forth nearly 500 years ago by Martin Luther as Europe was under the shadow of the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Our very ignorance is undermining our sharing of the grace of God and the hope found in Jesus and His sacrifice.

This is a book that will make you think more deeply about the world we live in and the ever present threat that we now live with.  To understand ISIS we need to know the roots from which they grew. This was not an overnight transition but one that has been centuries in the making. The saying knowledge is power couldn't be more true.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.  

About the Book:

The book that Christians want 

and need

For this urgent hour in history   

As ISIS dominates news headlines, attention is given to the terrorist group’s ideology… when the true motive of their mayhem is actually revealed in their theology!  

Major General Michael K. Nagata of the Special Operations forces in the Middle East explains that “we do not understand the movement… and until we do, we are not going to defeat it.”
 
The key to defeating ISIS’ regime of terror is understanding its theology.
 
This is why two leading Biblical scholars offer this go-to guide to understanding ISIS’ distorted theology. Through fresh historical and Biblical insights, discover how ISIS’ acts of violence, terrorism, and persecution impact your life and your faith today.
 
Get revealing answers to questions such as:

• How did three faiths come out of one man—Abraham?
• Why does ISIS utilize social media and technology for terrorist propaganda?
• Is ISIS Islamic and would Muhammad himself join this group?
• How do the Gospels and the Qur’an see Jesus differently?
• How does Biblical history address the development of ISIS?

 
The question millions are asking is Why? Why the hate? Why the persecution? Why the murder? To find the answer, you will trace the origins of ISIS’ radical theology and discover why these acts of terrorism are happening, what they mean, and where they are taking us.

About the Authors:

Craig A. Evans received his Ph.D. (1983) in New Testament from Claremont Graduate University. Evans appears regularly in various specials on History Channel, History Television, Discovery Channel, Day of Discovery, National Geographic Channel, BBC, and NBC Dateline. For fun Evans participates annually in archeological digs in the Middle East and volunteer-teaches at schools world-wide. Professor Evans lives in Kentville, Nova Scotia, with his wife Ginny; they have two grown daughters and a grandson.

Dr. Johnston is a New Testament scholar, teacher, apologist, and speaker. His passion is equipping Christians to give intellectually informed accounts of what they believe. Dr. Johnston completed his doctoral residency in Oxford, in partnership with Oxford Centre for Christian Studies, and received his Ph.D. from Middlesex University (United Kingdom) with commendation.

Dr. Johnston currently serves as the founder and President of Christian Thinkers Society, a resident Institute at Houston Baptist University where he also serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Christian Thought. For more information, visit www.ChristianThinkers.com.

Bottled Madness ~ Review

Bottled Madness
In the President's Service #7
By Ace Collins

Bottled Madness is the 7th episode from In the President's Service which follows Helen Meeker and her small group of "secret" agents who are working to undermine those who are secretly aiding the Nazi.  Their quest to stop Alistar Fister has lead them into Louisiana and a confrontation with a deadly foe.

But alligators are the least of Helen's problems.  A 70 year old mystery is about to come to light as a strange illness strikes select members of the government and law enforcement.  What is causing this rash of madness?  Is a plot by Hitler, or is it an enemy closer to home?

As Alistar's future is in doubt Fredrick Bauer is in need of a new recruit to aid him in his behind the scene efforts.  His newest recruit is not what he expects and may have a few surprises in store for him.

In Bottled Madness the team suffers another loss and there is a surprise at the end which may or may not shock some readers.  Get ready for more intrigue in this race to stop those who are determined to topple the the Allies.

I was provided a copy of this book by TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review, but hasve since purchased a paperback copy of this book.



About the Book:
Starting with a dramatic scene that pits Helen Meeker against a cranky and very hungry alligator, Bottled Madness takes readers on a dangerous but thrilling ride through the next episode of “In the President’s Service.” From explorers to politicians to people of all races and cultures, the legend of the Fountain of Youth has called to anxious hearts through the ages. World War II was no exception, and one of the cruelest men of that era or any other, Adolf Hitler, was willing to pay exorbitant amounts to get his hands on the supposedly magical elixir. With lives hanging in the balance, Helen Meeker and her team, believed by many to be dead but who are in fact very much alive—at least for the time being—must race against time to protect themselves and others against the curse that accompanies the Fountain of Youth legend.


About the Author: 

 Ace Collins is the writer of more than sixty books, including several bestsellers: Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Stories behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, The Cathedrals, and Lassie: A Dog's Life. Based in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, He continues to publish several new titles each year, including a series of novels, the first of which is Farraday Road. Ace has appeared on scores of television shows, including CBS This Morning, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, and Entertainment Tonight.