Crimes Past ~ Review

Crimes Past
Mac Faraday Mystery #13
By Lauren Carr
Read by Mike Alger

For 16 years Mac Faraday has been haunted by a case that hit close to home - two officers were brutally slain just hours after their marriage. And the wedding reception that was waiting for them was full of police officers.

Mac made a promise to Gina, the daughter of the bride to solve the murder that took her mother from her. But time has passed and the case has grown cold but it has never been far from Mac's mind. With Gina now getting married Mac is determined to solve the case and has set the stage for all the suspects to gather together at the Spencer Inn for all the wedding festivities.

But this is Spenser and nothing is ever simple and in addition to working the cold case, Mac also has to worry about the threats that Spenser's newest dog hater has made against the mayor. Yes, Gnarly is still mayor and he is celebrating a book release, in addition to the stealth attacks made by the cat-loving fiend next door.

And then there is Mac's half-brother David who is Spenser's chief of police who has his own personal issues going on. And as usual, they are matters of the heart with David once again dealing with the past and the choices he has made.

Rest and relaxation - not too likely at Spenser Mountain.

This is another well put together mystery from Lauren Carr. And Gnarly is again in his element and always a favorite! If you like a who-dun-it that you are literally kept guessing as to who is the guilty party this one will do it for you. One gets an idea but then something happens and you're again left wondering - just like Mac. And if you've read the Chris Matheson series he makes an appearance in this one.

I went the audio route with this book and the narration is well-done. Each character is presented with a different tone/pitch/accent so that it is easy to follow both the story and the dialogue.

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

Book Details:

Book Title: Crimes Past by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 13)
Category:  Adult fiction, 322 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  October 16, 2018
Tour dates:  May 1 - June 28, 2019
Content Rating: PG


Book Description:

It’s a bittersweet reunion for Mac Faraday when members of his former homicide squad arrive at the Spencer Inn. While it is sweet to attend the wedding of a former colleague’s daughter, it is a bitter reminder that the mother of the bride had been the victim of a double homicide on her own wedding night.

The brutal slaying weighing heavy on his mind, Mac is anxious to explore every possibility for a break in the cold case—even a suggestion from disgraced former detective Louis Gannon that one of their former friends was the killer.
​
When the investigator is brutally slain, Mac Faraday rips open the cold case with a ruthless determination to reveal which of his friends was a cold-blooded murderer.

---

Buy Crimes Past:
Amazon ~ Audible
Add to Goodreads

​Meet the Author:

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

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

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.

​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 three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

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

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Doomsayer ~ Review and Author Interview with Giveaway

Doomsayer
Conquests of Brokk #3
By Thane Keller

This is the third book in the Conquests of Brokk series, that being said after the first few chapters one can easily get into the story even without reading the two previous books. But you'll be so intrigued by this book you'll want to go back a read them later (speaking from experience here).

But now to the story, the Galactic Order is teetering on the edge. War is on the horizon - the Jark Empire's rogue commander Brokk attacked the Tassi and now turns his sights on his own world. But his war on Tassi has earned he and his people the hate of Cale. Cale's revenge will leave Jark in shambles just as Tassi was.

But war isn't the only threat to the Galactic Order as a coming collision with a neighboring galaxy looms ever nearer. What lies beyond is a question no one can answer. Is someone waiting to claim their space as their own? Will the merging of the galaxies forever alter what they've known? Only time will tell that is assuming anyone will survive.

This is a most interesting book and well worth reading. It is a clean read as far as SciFi goes - there are deaths as there is a war taking place this should not come as a surprise but the language and morals get an A+ in my estimation. The characters are not flat they have a dimension with facets that depending on the angle you view them at gives one varying insight into them.

If you like Star Wars you should like this offering from Thane Keller - it has a similar feel in how it plays out. Perfect reading for teens and up! And the ending let's just say it will leave you wanting more.

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


About the Book:
Brokk, Commander of the mighty Rogue Fleet, desires more than just his exile come to an end. His heart is set on revenge and his aim is to be the ruler of the Jark Empire. With his Armada resupplied and a powerful priestess at his side, Brokk intends to stop at nothing until his goals are achieved. Despite Brokk's plans, Cale has his own intentions for the Galaxy and his own desire for revenge. As conflict descends on the Jark Empire, a fog of war masks the plans of the remaining species in the Galaxy and a battle for positioning begins


About the Author:

Thane Keller is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in psychology and a minor in English. Following college, Thane married his high school sweetheart, Sarah, and started his career as a cavalryman in the United States Army. Over the course of his career, he has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan where he was personally engaged in ground combat. He has earned two Bronze Stars and numerous other awards and decorations. Relying on his background in psychology, military experience, and Christian faith, Thane writes novels that seek to explore human nature under dire circumstances, the reality of pain and suffering, and the resilience of individuals to accomplish superhuman feats. He and his wife have four children. 

For more information, visit www.ThaneKeller.com. 


Author Interview:
1) What genre do you most like reading? 

~ I like reading science fiction the most, but as far as sub-genres I tend to read
space operas or technology-based thrillers. Anything that allows me to imagine
the fantastical with little care for present reality is fine by me! I also like a book
that keeps me moving. If the author lets me imagine the little details and keeps
the storyline pumping, I’m all in.

2) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?

~ I would love to be mentored by Dean Koontz. There is a casualness in the way
that he writes and I appreciate the brief descriptions he gives in a setting that are
vivid and intense. Dean Koontz can tell a story with no more than three
characters and keep your interest throughout the novel. I love that about him.

3) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

~ I’ve tried to give my reader a variety of unique settings that shaped the history
and evolution of the species they will encounter. In that sense, setting is almost
always developed by thinking through genetics first and struggle second. One
thing that I find fascinating about the science of our Earth is how fine-tuned it is to
life. But what if we find complex and sentient organisms on a planet that had
twice the gravity? What would they look like? How would their bodies form to
allow them to thrive on such a planet?

~ Another quality that captures my attention is how unbelievable space is and how
those qualities relate to space warfare. I try to build a space environment that is
harsh but still allows for a dynamic environment. In my Sci-Fi world, I want ships
hiding in nebulas and using stars and planets as terrain they can fight behind.

~ The final aspect of my settings are always emotional. Our emotions control how
we remember people and places far more than we ever realize. In Doomsayer
there is a scene where poor Sabik and his crew are being tortured and I describe
it as a fire that was always burning but never leaving him fully burned. It was all
consuming but never consumed him. It doesn’t end. Depression often feels that
way, doesn’t it? For me, these emotional settings are personal and I try to let
these emotions from periods in my past come out through my writing.

4) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend?

~ Of course I love Dean Koontz but I already gushed on him enough. Recently, I’ve
really enjoyed reading James Maxwell and his book series “The Shifting Tides.”
The classics always capture my attention and books like “The Things They
Carried” and “Lord of the Flies” hold a special place in my heart because of the
psychological facet of the author’s writings.

5) What aspect did you most enjoy writing about in this series?

~ When I started this series, I wanted to write about space warfare, but the
character that stole my heart was Tamara and I loved writing about her from start
to finish. Tamara represents so many variables within the human experience: she
is a category, a stereotype, a victim, and a villain. She is desperate for
meaningful relationships but often develops a helpless love to those that abuse
her. She is idolized by followers and idolizes those in power. If Tamara was a
real person, the soldier in me would probably have fallen in love with her. Sadly,
the psychopath in her would likely find more joy in killing me than going to the
movies with me.

6) What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?

~ Wow, what a hard question! If I have to choose just one, I wish someone would
ask me what relevancy this far out space conflict has on my job as a soldier. I
would tell them that the way we think about conflict, technology, and people must
continually be challenged. I would tell them that fiction can serve as an engine to
drive the way we think about the future and that the Army with the broadest
thinkers might be the Army that has the greatest ability to innovate and adapt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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one (1) copy of Doomsayer

Open to US Residents with a US mailing address 

who are 18 years of age or older.

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A Rogue About Town ~ Review

A Rogue About Town
London League #2
By Rebecca Connolly

His life has become so complicated just because he saved a woman and child from a burning building. Rogue has never sought attention but one little act has made him the center of attention and his duties for the London League are being hurt by people seeking his help. And his alter ego Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton must take special care to not be linked with Rogue. Rogue has never been known for his charm and lately, it has been even more scarce.

Amelia Berger needs help, she needs to find her long-absent father - the man she blames for her mother's broken heart. And from what she's heard the best person for this job is Rogue. But Amelia is not content to just sit back and wait for results she wants to take an active role in her search.

Rogue is sure of one thing about his newest client she is hiding something and he is determined to discover just what that something is. With little to go on and even less concrete evidence, this is one case that just might be worth his time and effort. And it will be something to get his mind off his aunt's matchmaking attempts. And unless he, as Lord Wharton, marries well and soon his aunt has threatened to withhold the inheritance he is to receive from her - not that Gabe really cares. Marriage is the last thing he has any desire for at present - that is until he attends the ball his aunt throws in his honor.

Amelia and Gabe are well-matched in wit and biting remarks. And the secrets they both hold could very well undo them both.

A Rogue About Town is the second book in the London League series and it can be read on its own with no drawbacks in following the storyline. This is a Regency Era piece that is a well-balanced blend of sarcasm, intrigue, mystery, and romance that is sure to delight. 




About the Book:

A disgruntled operative…

Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton, has a problem. His duties as an operative for the Crown are being compromised for the sake of his cover, where he is known only as the Rogue. His days are now filled with trivial investigations, and none of the problems are ones he wants to solve. Then he meets a mysterious young woman who holds more secrets than he likes, and, against his better judgment, he takes her case. 

A determined client...

Amelia Berger needs the Rogue, and she needs everything he can offer without revealing everything she knows. Her secrets are her own, and she has far too many to risk revealing even one. But when working with Rogue turns into something entirely unexpected, she finds that the secrets she began with are not the ones she most needs to protect.

The Lady and the Gent ~ Review

The Lady and the Gent 

London League #1

By Rebecca Connolly

Margaret Easton is 22 years old and has no marriage prospects even hinted at. Her parents are determined to see her married and if Society of Britain won't take notice of her she is to be wed to a gentleman of Europen descent. But Margaret loves her life in England and is determined to marry a gentleman who calls England home.  Only one man has captured her attention and she knows not his name or social status but they have exchanged 10 second moments since they first saw one another.

Rafe Thornton has never before noticed a lady but Margaret Easton has done just that. But he has secrets to keep and a duty to the Crown which Margaret has managed to distract him from. But when Margaret finds herself in need of a hero he happens to be there for her. But he needs to keep his true identity hidden so as to not compromise his work. To Margaret and those with whom he works, he is simply known as the Gent. And the Gent has a reputation one that as Margaret come to know him suits what she has seen in their 10 seconds.

But Margaret finds herself at the mercy of a chaperone who has motives that seem bent on destroying and her hopes for the future. What Margaret needs is a champion who will save her before time runs out. But can she trust her fate to a man whom she has barely spent any time with? Or will she have to hope that her parents will return before her ruination is complete?

If you love your Regency Era reading to be trimmed with treachery, intrigue, and romance you will enjoy this first book in the London League series. But a word of warning - don't read it if you have the habit of saying, "Just one more chapter," else you will be reading the night away as one more chapter is just not enough. I know because I ended the book on just such a promise that saw me seeing 5 am which is not good when morning comes before 7 am.  Wait for the weekend and not a workday.

About the Book:

A woman of great fortune…

Margaret Easton needs a husband, and she needs one now. Her parents are convinced that only a European will do, but Margaret wants nothing more than to stay in England. The trouble is that there is only one man Margaret can think of, or rather, one she cannot forget, and he wouldn’t do as a husband at all. Then she finds herself in his care unexpectedly, and her hunt becomes even more complicated than she could have ever imagined.

A man of great mystery…

Rafe Thornton has never said more than ten words to Margaret Easton, but she is rapidly becoming the sole occupant of his thoughts. She is distracting him from his operative work as the Gent, and keeps him from his usual focused nature, which he doesn’t mind at all. When she stumbles into his world, his work and his emotions collide, forcing him to choose between saving the Crown, and protecting his love.

Courage Between Love and Death ~ Review with Giveaway

Courage Between Love and Death
By Joseph Pillitteri

Elspeth Shaughnesshey is determined to make the most of her post as a nurse at the Pan American Exposition Hospital. In 1901 there aren't many nursing opportunities for those of Irish heritage and Elspeth needs this job and the potential job that could follow if she does her job well. Her duties have her spending most of her time at the Expo as she, and her fellow nurses, are to be available whenever a need arises day or night.

Elspeth is determined to get a husband, and the richer he is, the better for her family. Having been once hurt she refuses to let her heart again take the lead, now if she could only catch the attention of the doctor she has decided will be her husband.

September brings a special excitement to the Expo - President McKinley is coming and Buffalo is beside itself in anticipation with the honor about to be bestowed upon it. The President's visit makes more work as hospital staff is assigned to be with President and Mrs. McKinley at the various Expo functions and excursions.

But when the nation's unrest makes its presence known the entire nation faces a crisis as does the staff at the hospital at the Pan American Exposition. With the life of the President in crisis, Elspeth is having her crisis at home - one that she has no idea how to fix.

Courage Between Love and Death gives the reader a look into early twentieth-century America, specifically Buffalo, New York. It is interesting to see how much has changed and yet we are still facing the same issues today. Prejudices against certain nationalities, unrest due to class differences, and the struggle to survive from one day to the next. I enjoyed how the relationship between President and Mrs. McKinley is presented and how they care for and look out for the needs of each other.

If you love historical fiction and don't want to read about it through rose-colored glasses I highly recommend this book to you. Life isn't easy and survival isn't a guarantee no matter your class. Do you like to discuss your books in a group setting, well, this one is certainly open for much discussion.

Just a word of warning for those who tend to shy away from books that deal with controversial issues that have a moral element to them - this book does deal with several that could upset your sensitivities.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through TLC Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Elspeth has recently landed a nursing position at the 1901 Pan American Exposition Hospital in Buffalo, New York. This is a big boon for her, but things are not going as expected. She has to navigate mischievous patients, egotistical doctors, rival nurses, and prejudices. For an Irish girl with a temper, this is no easy feat. Now President McKinley is coming to visit the Expo and everyone is in an uproar. On the home front, her life is no less hectic as she struggles to put food on the table and look out for her younger siblings.

When the unthinkable happens, it is a turning point, not only for the medical industry and our country’s security but for Elspeth personally. With her career and reputation on the line, will she have the courage to overcome the challenges she faces to clear her name and continue to be there for the ones she loves?

“Joseph Pillitteri does a great job of bringing the Exposition and an engaging cast of characters to life in Courage Between Love and Death. Pillitteri spins a fast-paced, entertaining tale, and his medical background is well-utilized in the medical inquest after the bungled abdominal surgery which proved fatal to McKinley. If you love a strong-willed woman who can defend herself against personal and professional prejudice, and for a brief moment win a president’s heart, read Courage Between Love and Death.” -Historical Novel Society

..”.Joseph Pillitteri’s writing is flawless and delightful. The tension builds up very fast and doesn’t slow down until the satisfying conclusion. Courage Between Love and Death is focused, deft, and balanced, and the reader will follow the protagonist through her emotional and psychological turmoil until the very last page. A gripping story with great historical references, it’s an edge of the seat read. Courage Between Love and Death by Joseph Pillitteri is a historical novel that is well-researched and written to great satisfaction.” –Christian Sia, Readers’ Favorite

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

While working at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, NY, Pillitteri became intrigued by the role Dr. Park played in the surgery of President McKinley at the 1901 Pan American Exposition. He shaped facts and fiction together to tell the story.

~ Book Giveaway ~

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Joseph Pillitteri’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, January 28th: Jessicamap Reviews and @jessicamap

Wednesday, January 30th: A Holland Reads

Thursday, January 31st: Patricia’s Wisdom

Monday, February 4th: Bookchickdi

Wednesday, February 6th: Amy’s Book-et List

Friday, February 8th: Rockin’ Book Reviews

Monday, February 11th: Broken Teepee

Wednesday, February 13th: Laura’s Reviews

Monday, February 19th: Blooming With Books

Wednesday, February 21st: Thoughts on This ‘n That

Thursday, February 22nd: Lori’s Reading Corner – guest post from Adele Pillitteri

Marrying Miss Milton ~ Review

Marrying Miss Milton
Brides of Brighton #2
By Ashtyn Newbold

Jane Milton has been secretly in love with the Viscount of Barnet since she caught a glimpse of him 7 years prior. At 15 her heart was impressed with what she saw as he rode his horse and she fancied a future with him. But how is one to make an impression and receive an offer of marriage when nary a word or a passing glance is exchanged?

With the marriage of her three younger more perfect sisters (she couldn't compare as her mother so kindly pointed out every chance she got) Jane is now to receive her parents attention in securing her a match. But with her heart's desire removing himself to Brighton for the season Jane is quite beside herself at her lost chance.

When an opportunity is arranged for Jane to go to Brighton as a Lady's companion she had no idea just what she was about to experience (or perhaps endure would be a better word). Caught is a position with her reputation ruined Jane is forced into a marriage, not of her choosing, mere days after arriving in Brighton. And worse she finds herself facing a future as the wife of Philip Honeyfield a new named marquess who just a month before was no one of note at least to the ladies of society.

Can a marriage resulting from one unexpected and unchaperoned exchange result in a lifetime of misery? Jane and Philip are about to find out.

This is the second book in the Brides of Brighton series and it is as delightful as the first (A Convenient Engagement) and several of the main characters from the previous book make appearances here as well. As Philip and Jane work through their new and unexpected circumstances they must first get to know who the other one is before they can hope for anything other than a lonely foreseeable future.

And anyone who read the first book will recall Lord Ramsbury whom Amelia did not marry, well he offers Philip some advice which may or may not be helpful. And one has to commiserate with him and hope that he will someday find a young woman who will be happy to marry him for who he is and not the title he holds.

Sit back in a favorite cozy corner with a warm cup of tea, a shortbread cookie (or two) and get lost in yet another delightfully sweet Regency-era romance from Ashtyn Newbold. This one falls in the gentle reads and clean romance category so feel free to share with readers of all ages.

About the Book:

One must never underestimate the consequence of a simple kiss…

Tall, dark, and brooding, the Viscount of Barnet stole Jane Milton’s heart the day she saw him astride his black horse in the woods. With her three seemingly perfect younger sisters now married, Jane might finally have a chance to win him over. When she learns of his upcoming trip to Brighton, she grasps at an opportunity to be a companion to an elderly woman there, in order to follow—er—accompany Lord Barnet to the seaside town.

Mr. Philip Honeyfield has suffered the dreaded misfortune of inheriting a title. Ungainly and shy, how can he perform well in the eye of society? To navigate his new role, Philip seeks advice from an unlikely source. When he is smitten by his grandmother’s new companion, Miss Jane Milton, his advisor offers one final piece of counsel: he must kiss her at the upcoming ball.

But a moonlit kiss can be catastrophic when witnessed by a cunning mother, a marriage can be inconvenient when forced, and a woman’s heart can be difficult to win when it belongs to another. Can an unexpected love conquer Jane’s resentment and Philip’s regret? Or will that simple kiss turn out to be his greatest misfortune of all?
Marrying Miss Milton is a sweet & clean regency romance novel.

Lethal Target ~ Review

Lethal Target
Line of Duty #2
By Janice Cantore

Tess O'Rourke thought the past of Long Beach was behind her now that she has become a part of the community of Rogue's Hollow. The police department is facing a new crisis with the death of an 18-year-old young man that appears to have been due to a drug overdose. But when the evidence doesn't prove conclusive Tess is left with more questions than answers. Is it related to the new pot farms setting up around the area or is it something more sinister? Especially when the bane of her existence in Long Beach shows up ready to start a new smear campaign against her in Rogue's Hollow.

Tess has definitely crossed someone and once again her career is on the line but she's not about to back down and fade into the shadows when she has a job to do. And she does have a job to do when an unexplained death and potential missing persons on her watch. What Tess doesn't know is just how large a target she has on her back and whether she'll survive the threats that seem to be surrounding her.

Through it all, those who know and believe in her stand firm in their support. But with a contention ballot measure and the mayor's race just days away, Rogue's Hollow may soon erupt under the building tension. And Tess is under her own personal turmoil as the anniversary of her father's death comes around yet again - can she let go of the anger and allow her heart to heal? Or will her anger end her friendship with Pastor Oliver Macpherson, who seemingly overcame his own personal loss? Only time will tell and it is quickly running down.

This is the second book in the Line of Duty series and it takes place a few months after the events of Crisis Shot with Tess well-situated in her new home. Her relationship with Sergeant Steve Logan has come and gone in the time between, her choice. Tess's determination and drive make her a compelling character. And then there is Oliver who through his interactions is a caring person who tries to help others see that all sin is sin and all are guilty but redemption is possible and it is never too late to change. Rogue's Hollow is like many smaller communities with issues that seem larger than they truly need to be just because everyone knows everyone and it becomes more personal. Altogether a well-written and engaging book that is perfect for a long chilly weekend.


About the Book:
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke thought she’d taken care of her small town’s drug problem last year. But now Rogue’s Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town’s support.

With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.

Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.

The Making of Mrs. Hale ~ Review

The Making of Mrs. Hale
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #3
By Carolyn Miller

Julia Hale, whom the reader was introduced to in Winning Miss Winthrop has her story told in this book. Julia was determined to escape her brother and her mother's control and with Major Thomas Hale ran off to Gretna Green to get married. Thomas was not whom her family envisioned her marrying - he had no title and no estate - and though he was her brother Jon's friend he wasn't considered good enough for her. And now Julia is left wondering if she made a mistake - Thomas has been gone for months and she is at the end of her means and her funds.

Thomas never thought he'd be separated from Julia for so long but then he never thought he'd be in a Spanish prison wasting away. The mission he had been sent on was to be of short duration, not months. He can only hope if he can escape that Julia is still waiting for him and that her love is as real as his is for her.

Can two people who've been separated by circumstances and manipulations find a way to reforge the promises that they made to one another and see past their hurts and have the marriage they wanted? Or will they allow the past with its pain and grievances keep them from growing into the people they were meant to be?

Fans of Carolyn Miller's Regency Brides series will enjoy this latest offering which concludes the Promise of Hope trilogy. And past characters from this trilogy and her previous trilogy A Legacy of Grace make appearances to offer insights and guidance to both Julia and Thomas as they navigate the life they share and work towards a future of hope. One can read this book on its own and still fully enjoy and follow the story easily if you have not previously read the proceeding works.


About the Book:

Marry in haste, repent in leisure

Mrs. Hale is about to find out how painful that repentance can truly be.

Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn't turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn't know where—or if he's ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they'll forgive her. Especially now that she might be carrying a baby from her brief marriage.

Carolyn Miller's clean and wholesome Regency romances continue with The Making of Mrs. Hale, following familiar characters as they learn how restoration can occur by finding hope and healing through a deep relationship with God. Full of rich historical details and witty banter, this series continues to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

Their Secret Baby Bond ~ Review

Their Secret Baby Bond
Family Blessings #3
By Stephanie Dees

Wynn Sheehan left Red Hill Springs behind as soon as she graduated from high school. She wasn't going to let anything or anyone get in the way of her dream of changing the world. Not even her heart and she knew if she delayed even a day Latham Grant could possibly change her mind.

But time and choices have changed everything and Wynn finds herself back home in Red Hill Springs with all her dreams on hold while she deals with the secret she's carrying - a secret that soon everyone will be able to see. Can she rebuild the life she once gave up or will D.C. draw her back after she regroups? Wynn doesn't know what the future holds beyond having her baby.

Latham Grant's heart was broken when Wynn slipped away without a goodbye. And the life he had hoped for took a backseat when his grandfather needed him. Teaching at the local college and working with wood is a far cry from what he had envisioned but following his grandmother's death, his grandfather started failing mentally.  When Wynn comes back to town Latham is determined to guard his heart but how do you guard yourself against your first and only love? When she starts helping out with his grandfather in exchange for his help with the cottage she's moving into Latham knows he'll get his heart broken again unless Wynn decides to call Red Hill Springs home.

Wynn can't believe anyone, especially Latham would want anything to do with her. After all, she let her job and environment change her rather than being the force of change she expected to be. And how could anyone want her and her baby especially with the way she left everyone behind. But Red Hill Springs and those who call it home just might surprise Wynn and just might allow her to find a home for her, her baby and her heart.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

He wanted roots. She chose career.

Can a baby bring them back together?

Wynn Sheehan planned to change the world—not return to Alabama alone and pregnant. Her life is in shambles, but at least she can help take care of Latham Grant’s ailing grandpa. Latham isn’t ready to trust the woman who eagerly left him and their small town behind. But can they ignore the spark rekindled by unexpected Family Blessings?

The Cost of Betrayal ~ Review

The Cost of Betrayal
By Dee Henderson
      Dani Pettrey
and Lynette Eason

Betrayed by Dee Henderson

When Ann Falcon finds a weapon with a link to a murder case she delves into the case and determines that the wrong person was convicted of the crime. Even worse she's convinced that Janelle Roberts was set up for the murder by someone close to her.

But when Janelle is freed after six years of her sentence Ann and Paul Falcon arrange for her release and a safe place for her to come to terms with what she lost.

Deadly Isle by Dani Pettrey

Tennyson Kent has just been dumped by her fiancee when the island community she calls home is cut off from the mainland by the storm surge of a nor'easter. But an even greater danger exists when a killer targets Teni and what little family she has. With the help of Callen Frost, her first love who broke her heart, she's determined to find the killer before he can escape. But will she live long enough to discover his identity?

Code of Ethics by Lynette Eason

When Detective Isaac Martinez is shot and ends up as Ruthie St. John's patient, she discovers that someone is intent on ending his life following an attack in the hospital. Being a St. John, Ruthie does the only thing she can do - she goes on the run with him while calling in help from her family. But when a family is in danger Isaac and Ruthie do everything they can to keep them safe. But can they discover who wants Isaac dead before it is too late? This is part of the Blue Justice series so if you've read the other books you'll want to read this one.

Betrayed is the longest at approximately 140 pages with Deadly Isle and Code of Ethics both approximately 110 pages. If you are unfamiliar with any or all of these authors this is a good introduction as each can be a standalone story. Perfect for fans of romantic suspense.


About the Book:

FAITH WILL BE TESTED. TRUST SHATTERED.

THREE BESTSELLING ROMANTIC SUSPENSE WRITERS REUNITE

FOR NOVELLAS OF DEADLY BETRAYAL. 

  
Dee Henderson - "Betrayed"After serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she didn't commit, Janelle Roberts is finally freed. But the truth is still waiting to be discovered, and a murderer is still at large. Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another act of treachery.

Dani Pettrey - "Deadly Isle"Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer before they become the next victims?

Lynette Eason - "Code of Ethics"When Detective Isaac Martinez lands in the ER with a gunshot wound, he pulls through thanks to trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John. But as the witness to a crime and possible corruption, Martinez is at risk from someone intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. When he barely survives another attack while recovering, both he and Ruthie must flee, trying to outrun deadly killers while locating the evidence they need to end the danger.

Leaving Lavender Tides ~ Review

Leaving Lavender Tides
A Lavender Tides Novel #1.5
By Colleen Coble

Shauna and Zach Bannister have left the danger of Lavender Tides, Washington, behind as they celebrate their marriage with a honeymoon in Hawaii. But a new danger is stalking them and unless they can figure out who and why they may never make it back home.

Someone has decided that Shauna is their lost love and he'll do anything to get Zach out of her life. When a series of accidents that almost cost Zach his life Shauna fears that she may lose yet another person dear to her. An anonymous flower delivery leaves the pair wondering just what is going on. But the truth will be what they least expect.

A secondary storyline has Zach searching out information about Shauna's long-missing siblings, which anyone who has read book two will know has a partial outcome that is one that makes Shauna happy.

This is a definite mystery that is an easy to read novella that fills in the spaces between books one (The View from Rainshadow Bay) and two (The House at Saltwater Point).  The story portion of the book is only 136 pages followed by discussion questions. If you are looking for a quick read for your book club with a story that could be a stand-alone this is one that you may want to try. 


About the Book:
Shauna and Zach’s dream honeymoon—turned nightmare.

Having narrowly avoided tragedy in their hometown of Lavender Tides, Washington, Shauna and Zach Bannister are finally on a honeymoon cruise through the Hawaiian islands. Lost in the glow of their newfound love, they eagerly anticipate basking in the warmth of the lush tropics.

But soon the newlyweds begin receiving mysterious threats. After Zach survives two attempts on his life – staged as freak accidents – Shauna ominously receives flowers from a stranger.

The lovers become unwitting detectives in an urgent pursuit to discover the identity of their murderous stalker.

Set against the spectacular Hawaiian landscape, Colleen Coble’s lightning-paced novella is a haunting journey into a world as remote and hidden as it is beautiful, as spellbinding as it is wondrous. 

Mind Games ~ Review

Mind Games
Kaely Quinn Profiler #1
By Nancy Mehl

As Behavioral Analyst for the FBI Kaely Quinn is considered odd - she has conversations with the individuals she is profiling. And her father, convicted a serial killer, has done nothing to endear her to her fellow agents who wonder how she never saw him for who he was.

And someone has now decided to challenge Kaely in a game of wits that will end in her death. With a killer who seems bent on making Kaely pay for a perceived offense, she is in a race against time to solve the clues he's left in a cryptic poem. But how do you find a killer who seemingly has no MO upon which to create a profile? This may be the toughest case Kaely has ever had to work on. Add to the stress having to deal with a new partner who doesn't yet know, understand or trust her or her methods.

Special Agent Noah Hunter has been assigned to a case in which one of their own has been targeted. He's heard the rumors and scuttlebutt about Kaely Quinn and now finds himself stuck with her after she managed to somehow send her last one out of state. And being assigned to "mind" Kaely isn't high on his list of preferred assignments. But their boss Solomon Slattery, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis office has absolute confidence in Kaely and her skills so Noah finds himself getting to see Kaely in action.

As far as a first book goes in a series this one absolutely keeps the reader's attention engaged from the first word to the last. With a cast of potential suspects, one is kept guessing until the final reveal as to who is the guilty party and just what crime they've laid the blame for upon Kaely. I will admit that I stayed up late to read this one I couldn't put it down wondering just what was going to happen, so word of warning - start this early in the day or when you don't have to be up early the next. Kaely Quinn just might be your next favorite read - it certainly has moved into my top 10 list.

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

About the Book:
FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn's methods may be highly unorthodox, but her talent is undeniable. She's done her best to establish a new life for herself after being demoted and transferred to St. Louis when a reporter revealed she's the daughter of an infamous serial killer. But when that same reporter claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, it seems her old life has followed her.

When a body is found that fits the poem's morbid predictions, Kaely and her new partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, are forced to move past his skepticism of her approach and work together to unravel the deadly riddle.

With a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely must race to catch the murderer before anyone else, including Kaely, is killed.

Searching For You ~ Review with Interview

Searching For You
Orphan Train #3
By Jody Hedlund

Sophie Neumann knows how to run - she's been doing it for the past couple years doing whatever she had to do to ensure that Olivia and Nicholas survived. And she'd do almost anything to provide for them. But when Sophie is forced to flee New York City she, the children and her friend Anna find themselves on a Children's Aid Society train headed to Illinois with the promise that they would be placed in homes that wanted them. Her heart is torn with her lack of proper provision for Olivia and Nicholas and her desire to never be parted from them. Can she come up with one more scheme to keep them all safe and together? Sophie is determined to try.

Reinhold Weiss has his farm and is working to be able to bring his sisters to Mayfield but the work is hard and Reinhold is determined to not accept help from others. His brother Jakob is all the help he needs, except his neighbors, the Duffs are determined to help him as much as possible around their own heavy workload. And Euphemia Duff is one of those motherly types who just has to care and her meals are better than anything he or his brother could put together.

When Sophie, Anna, Olivia, and Nicholas arrive in Mayfield they are each taken into homes those some more eagerly than others. Sophie is offered a home by Euphemia who is nothing like Sophie expected. She is kind and not harsh which considering Sophie's lack of basic household skills surprises her to no end. But the biggest surprise is when Reinhold and Jakob Weiss join the family for dinner. Fearing that Reinhold will betray her to her older sisters Sophie is ready to once again run until she extracts a promise of silence from Reinhold.

Knowing that Elise and Marianne are searching for Sophie Reinhold reluctantly agrees, knowing that if he doesn't Sophie will soon be gone again. What he never expected or wanted was to be drawn to this young woman whom he had previously thought of as a little sister. His feelings couldn't be more wrong - after all, Sophie's sisters were married to men of wealth who could provide her with her every wish and could introduce to men of similar power and position. But Sophie needs his help now and he'll do whatever he can to keep her safe and from running away. There is just one problem with this he may lose his heart before he can see her safely home with her sisters.

Searching For You is the third and final book in the Orphan Train series. This one focuses on Sophie and the two young children who were in the Neumann family's care in With You Always. The Orphan Trains that sent children from the city to rural communities were offering a hope of a better life, though as touched upon in this book it was not always the case.

Both Sophie and Reinhold were broken by their pasts, fears of never being good enough held them in bondage. Letting go of their fears and worrying about measuring up to the high standards that they had set for themselves was essential for them to grow into who they could and should be. It is interesting to see Reinhold's progression through this series and the different role he played in each sisters life. Though you could read this book on its own it is better to read this series in order so as to not miss key factors that bring this book and series to a most satisfying conclusion.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and the author with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Her search for a place to call home

leads her to the last place she ever expected

After witnessing a crime, Sophie Neumann disappears with her two young charges on an orphan train heading west. At the first stop, she faces the most difficult choice of her life. Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm when an old friend shows up, pleading for help. But how can he help her when mounting debts and past scars still haunt him?

Want a quick peek into the book? Check out this short excerpt

Author Q and A:

1. What is the inspiration behind your orphan train series?

I have long been fascinated by the era of the Orphan Trains and the heart-wrenching stories of the homeless and helpless young orphans that were taken from eastern cities and shipped west by the dozens. I was familiar with stories of those scared orphans who were placed out in what was thought to be a more wholesome, healthy environment of the newly settled Mid-Western states. Some of the orphans found happy endings and were adopted into loving families. Others experienced great abuse and heartache in their new homes.

While stories of the orphans who rode the trains have been told—and rightly so—the stories of the women who were involved in the movement are not as well known. One of the things I particularly like to do when telling my stories is focus on women who have been overlooked by the pages of history. I consider it a great privilege to be able to bring forgotten women to life for our modern generation. Thus, throughout this series, I’ll be focusing each book on a different aspect of the Orphan Train movement, particularly from the perspective of women who experienced riding the trains in one form or another.

2. Searching For You is the fourth book you’ve released in 2018. How do you find time to write so many books?

Yes, this year I’ve released FOUR books: two medieval young adult novels, A Loyal Heart and A Worthy Rebel, AND two orphan train novels, Together Forever and Searching For You.

In order to write four books a year, I plot out my writing schedule at the beginning of the year so that I know how much time I need to budget in for each book (including the first draft as well as editing). Once I have the overall schedule, then I figure out how many words to write every week in order to stay on track. 

3. How did you come up with the idea for the third book in the series, Searching For You?

With You Always, the first book in the series centers around adult women who rode the orphan trains in a special limited placement for homeless and jobless women. The second book, Together Forever, depicts the orphan train experience through the eyes of placing agents who worked for the Children’s Aid Society.

Since the first two books view the orphan train movement from the lenses of grown women, in the third book I wanted to find a way to give the perspective directly from an orphan. However, in my initial planning, I wasn’t quite sure how to pull off an orphan’s view since my heroines are always adults.

As I wrestled through how to accomplish this third perspective, I crafted a young woman who was coming of age and could pose as one of the older orphan train children who were in high demand because of their ability to help contribute to the heavy workloads of families struggling to survive in the farming communities of the Mid-West.

4. What essential ingredients do you strive for in your novels to ensure an authentic love story emerges?

I always try to incorporate the elements that I like to see in the romances I read. That includes deep emotions that are birthed out of a character's past. I also like to have a relationship that evolves organically throughout the book. I try not to have my characters being antagonistic to one another the whole book and then finally falling in love in the last chapter at the last minute. I want the couple to move from friendship to falling in love gradually and to have a growing attraction (with the sparks flying!) throughout the book.

At the same time, however, I don't like to have the love relationship resolve too early in the book. Readers don't want the "happily-ever-after" moment to come until the end. So while the relationship is developing, it's important to find ways to keep the couple from being fully together until the end.

5. What special research did you do in writing Searching For You?

I gleaned a great deal of valuable information from a well-researched book, Orphan Trains, by Stephen O’Connor. He paints a vivid picture of what life was like for orphans in the nineteenth century in the immigrant slums of New York City. He says that between twenty to thirty percent of children became orphans before the age of fifteen. That’s roughly one in four children.

A large number of children were considered “half-orphans” because they’d lost one parent and the other wasn’t capable of providing for them adequately. If other relatives couldn’t help, the orphans ended up in asylums or living out on the street taking care of themselves. Asylums, like the Infant’s Hospital on Randall’s Island, typically lost around seventy percent of the children who went to live there due to unsanitary and overcrowded conditions.

Overall, O’Connor’s book with its many stories of orphans and their experiences allowed me to ride the orphan trains with them and feel their fear, anxiety, excitement, and even sorrow.

6. What are you working on next?

I’m in the editing phase of the first book of a brand new series, A Reluctant Bride, which releases in June of 2019 (next summer). The series is inspired by several bride-ships that left England in the early 1860s and sailed to British Columbia in Canada where there was a shortage of women. When the first bride-ship arrived in Vancouver, hundreds of men lined the shores to greet them and be the first to find a bride.

As I was researching this fascinating era, questions kept surfacing. What kind of woman would join a bride-ship? Why would these women leave everything they knew to sail halfway around the world for the purpose of becoming brides to men they didn’t know? I hope you’ll join me in exploring the answers to these question as I delve into my new series.

7. Do you have any parting words?

I love hearing from readers! Make sure you stop by one of these places and say hello!

I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody Hedlund

I also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlund

My home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.com

Find me on Instagram: instagram.com/jodyhedlund/

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