The Dutch Muse ~ Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for
The Dutch Muse by Heidi Eljarbo,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Dutch Muse 
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
By Heidi Eljarbo 

Fabiola Bennett can't take a restful few days without being drawn into an art-related mystery. But when you are a well-known art historian and a priceless Ferdinand Bol piece is stolen, along with the owner being attacked, what can you do?  You investigate.

With the help of her friends, Pippa and Cary, and a new acquaintance. Fabiola soon finds herself diving into a centuries-old mystery while trying to recover the stolen masterpiece.

This was an engaging read that was split into two timelines. One followed the people involved in the painting of this masterpiece in 1641: Ferdinand Bol, Rembrandt van Rijn, and their model. And Fabiola's is set in 1973. 

I loved how one learns about art, and it is presented as a mystery that unfolds throughout the book. The cover with the windmill is gorgeous, and it perfectly suits the book. The book wraps up the story, so there is no cliffhanger, but it ends in a way that leaves me anticipating book five whenever it comes out. The author has thoroughly hooked me with this series.

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

About the Book:

Title: The Dutch Muse 
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #4 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: Independently Published 
Release Date: June 17, 2025 
Genre: Clean Historical Dual-Timeline Mystery with a touch of romance

A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes on the case.  

Amsterdam, 1973. It’s late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city. 

For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities. 

Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.  

Amsterdam, 1641 

Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully, prosperous master portraitist. 

Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep trouble, and he drops everything to help her.  

This is a fast-paced and captivating who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from the Soli Hansen Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Louise Penny, Deborah Swift, Anna Lee Huber, Lucinda Riley, Sherry Thomas, Ellery Adams, and Jennifer S. Alderson.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More in This Series

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About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive their choice of any one paperback from the Fabiola Bennett series plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 24, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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The Puzzle Within ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Puzzle Within 
The Game Masters #1 
By Gina Holder 

Ari (Arizona) Powers has this last chance to prove she isn't crazy. But when the young woman she's assigned to protect is kidnapped, Ari finds that her life is on the line as the kidnapper lures her and the analyst assigned to the protection detail into a dangerous game.

Nick Trueheart isn't an agent and isn't sure why he's been assigned to protect the teenage daughter of an ambassador. But when Bridgette disappears from a locked escape room, he'll have to rely on his past to help him understand what's going on.

Ari and Nick find themselves facing a deadly foe who seems bent on vengeance. The deeper they dig, the more puzzling the case becomes. And time is not on their side. But when they discover links to their pasts, they realize that more than Bridgette's life is in danger.

The Puzzle Within delves into the power of memory, taking readers on an intense race against time. This book is filled with suspense and a determined villain. Several unexpected twists definitely kept me from figuring out who Enigma was and what the endgame was. There is a faith element that runs throughout as both Ari and Nick struggle to make sense of the case, each other, and their own painful pasts. A good and engaging read.

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

About the Book

Title: The Puzzle Within 
Series: The Game Masters #1 
    Author: Gina Holder 
    Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC 
    Release Date: June 3, 2025 
    Genre: Romantic Suspense

FBI agent Arizona Powers is haunted by nightmares—fragments of a childhood kidnapping no one believes ever happened. Still recovering from a nervous breakdown, she accepts a protection assignment for Bridgette Van Sloan, the strong-willed teenage daughter of a U.S. ambassador who's been receiving threats signed: Enigma. 

Nick Trueheart, a former escape artist known as "Nick of Time" turned diplomatic risk analyst, is grieving the loss of his beloved wife—and obsessed with finding her killer. When assigned to Bridgette's security detail, his biggest concern isn't the threats—it's the unstable agent with a vendetta against kidnappers. 

When Bridgette disappears from an escape room, Nick and Arizona become entangled in a high-stakes puzzle hunt and a race against time. They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman's twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Gina Holder is a hybrid author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

Connect with Gina by visiting storiesbygina.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card,
a signed paperback copy of The Puzzle Within,
and a pair of wooden jigsaw puzzle earrings!

Full tour schedule linked below.
The giveaway begins at midnight June 10, 2025,
and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2025.
Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway
and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.
US only.
Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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The Rules of Matrimony ~ Review

The Rules of Matrimony

Matchmaking Mamas #4

By Anneka R. Walker

Narrated by Mary Jane Wells and James Joseph

This is the fourth book in the Matchmaking Mamas series, which features a group of young people determined to escape the bonds of marriage and the matches their mothers are trying to arrange for them. Ian is the final Rebel to fall to the machinations of their schemes. But Ian's time has run out, and his father has gotten involved. If he wants to have a say in who he marries, he needs to act fast.

Miss Amie Tyler and her mother have been living on the charity of family and have endured the remarks of others who look down on their status. But when Amie's mother makes an outrageous claim about Lord Reynolds, Amie's name is linked to that of Ian's. Ian, being Ian, is determined to extricate his name from this engagement. 

But upon meeting Amie, Ian devises a plan to thwart his father's schemes and offer Amie protection and the freedom to live her life as she sees fit. However, there are rules involved, rules that would prevent the two of them from falling in love. Time for the Matchmaking Mamas to get to work!

This was another lovely read from Anneka R. Walker. We finally learn why Ian has been so against getting married. There are long-held secrets. And at the center of everything is family and friendship. I love how the Rebels take action and are convinced that their friend needs to discover love for himself. But with Ian's rules firmly in place, or are they, can Amie and Ian ever hope for something better? This was a clean read and can be enjoyed as a standalone book.

I also experienced this book as an audiobook, and the narration by Mary Jane Wells and James Joseph was excellent. I loved how "Amie" could enthuse over some of the situations that she found herself in. The book really came to life in the telling, and at nine and a quarter hours, it is an excellent length. 

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.

Available at:

https://shadowmountain.com/product/the-rules-of-matrimony/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217004404-the-rules-of-matrimony 

Series: Matchmaking Mamas #4
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genre: Regency Romance

London, England, 1823

Ian has vowed never to marry, steadfast in his resolve to shield himself from the heartache his father’s infidelity brought upon his mother. Instead, he dedicates his heart and soul to reforming criminal law with his Rebel group. A chance encounter in a country graveyard with the infuriatingly bold Miss Amie Tyler only solidifies his resolve to remain single. That is, until his life descends into chaos when rumors of his engagement—an engagement he had no part in or prior knowledge of—force him and the vexing Miss Tyler into a calculated marriage, a mutual scheme to protect Miss Tyler from her lecherous cousin and to save Ian from a political marriage he dreads.

Amie never imagined her unsophisticated life would lead to an entanglement with Lord Ian Reynolds. Living on her relatives’ charity, she is resigned to remaining a wallflower. But when her mother concocts a wild lie of her engagement to Lord Reynolds, she chooses to trust a gentleman she hardly knows with her future. Amie is thrust into a whirlwind marriage and is overwhelmed to find herself falling for Ian despite their agreement to maintain independence.

As they navigate their charade, Ian’s political ambitions clash with his growing affection for Amie, and Amie’s courageous attempt to help Ian’s family heal threatens to unravel their bond. However, a forbidden kiss and unexpected acts of kindness kindle the spark between them that neither can ignore. In a desperate race against societal expectations, the two must decide whether a future together is worth breaking their earlier vows of independence.

Be sure to check out the Rules of Matrimony JustReads Tour Giveaway on Instagram!

Click the following link to learn more:

 https://www.instagram.com/p/DKYlxLzsVEc/

Cover Reveal ~ The Undercover Heiress of Brockton

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Undercover Heiress of Brockton
Series: Enduring Hope #2 (multi-author standalone series)
Author: Kelly J. Goshorn
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Incognito Reporter Seeks Truth and Justice

Collect a new series of six historical romances. When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered. 

Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. 

Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. 

After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. But sparks fly when Leo accuses Etta of negating the human side of the disaster in her determination to get a good story. 

Will Etta go back to her socialite comforts without her story—dragging along a broken heart?

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Ready to see the cover?

I love the colors. What do you think?

PREORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Book House | Amazon | ChristianBook |
Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into inspiring stories of love, faith, and family set in America’s vibrant past. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys, binge-watching BBC period dramas, exploring historical sights, and board-gaming with her family and friends.

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

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Tour Giveaway

Two (2) winners will each receive a print copy of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on April 17, 2025, and will last 

through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 2025. 

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

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

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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These Long Shadows ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for  

These Long Shadows by Jennifer Mistmorgan, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

These Long Shadows
On Victory's Wings #3
By Jennifer Mistmorgan 

Katie Baines made a mistake, but her friend Jonty Ables offered to rescue her with an offer of marriage. For Katie, it hid her pregnancy and offered her baby legitimacy. For Jonty, Katie wasn't sure what it offered him. But war was gripping the world, and she accepted the help he offered.

 

Two years later, the war in Europe was over, but Katie and Jonty are now facing a marriage that Katie views as being built on a lie. With her baby dead, Katie has not yet healed from the loss, and Jonty is left unsure how to help her. 

These Long Shadows finds Katie and Jonty trying to understand who they are now that the war has ended. But shadows from the past have scarred them both. How do you determine who you are, not only as a person, but as the other half of a married couple? Amid a country rebuilding, Jonty and Katie must do the same - rebuild their lives and their marriage, starting with the foundation. Some things are worth fighting for. This is a story of the heart and well worth reading. Though part of a series, this book can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone title. Perfect for fans of WW2 fiction, second chances, romance, and intrigue. 

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

 

About the Book

Title: These Long Shadows
Series: On Victory's Wings #3
Author: Jennifer Mistmorgan
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance WWII

How do they rebuild a marriage that wasn’t real in the first place? 

London, 1945: Two years ago, Jonty Ables married Katie Baines to save her and her unborn baby from shame. But now the war is all but over, the baby is gone and they must work out where their shaky marriage fits into lives irrevocably changed by war. 

Clinging to the memory of a time before all happiness evaporated, Katie works hard during the day as a seamstress. At night she comes home to a tiny terrace on a bomb-scarred street, crammed with her extended family and their problems. Years of estrangement sit between her and her recently demobilized husband. She’s not even sure she loves him, so why is she so crushed that he calls out another woman’s name in his sleep? 

Jonty is determined to honor the vows he made no matter how many ghosts now plague him, but with such separate lives his wife is more of a stranger than ever. When Katie’s friend goes missing, Jonty seizes the opportunity to help her find him just so they have a reason to talk. But the war casts long shadows over their efforts, and fighting for their future might just be the hardest battle of them all.  

If you love epic wartime romance with a dash of intrigue, you’ll love this second-chance, marriage-of-convenience love story.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | buy from the author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

 

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About the Author

Australian author Jennifer Mistmorgan sometimes feels like she was born in the wrong era. So she writes romantic historical fiction set in the 1940s, against the backdrop of WWII and its aftermath. She infuses her sweet romances with wartime drama, gentle faith and a dash of intrigue. She lives in Canberra with her family and a wonky-eared West Highland terrier.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card (US$)!

(5) additional winners will each receive an ebook bundle of all 3 books in the 

"On Victory's Wings" series!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 25, 2025, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 1, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Written in Secret ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for  

Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill hosted by  

JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

Written in Secret 

The Art of Love and Danger #1 

By Crystal Caudill 

Lydia Pelton finds herself in trouble with the law when she agrees to help out a friend. But that is nothing when someone decides to bring her writing out of the realm of fiction and into the real world. Lydia's mystery series meets out justice to those she feels have escaped it. Now someone has decided to use her stories as a blueprint. With a serial killer targeting her victims, Lydia finds her "hero" suspect number one. 

Officer Abraham Hall doesn't have time for Lydia's antics, and their first meeting is not about to be forgotten soon. First impressions aside, he is even more flabbergasted when Lydia's alter ego turns out to be prime suspect number one. 

 

But when the very city who embraced her hero, Billy Poe turns on him, Lydia's life just gets much more complicated. How can she prove that a character who is only a figment of her imagination is innocent? And when the good people of Cincinnati decide that her writing is it blame, how can she get the answers she seeks and keep her loved ones safe?

 

This is an interesting read that delves into more than just murder and motive, it examines the heart. Do the words we use make us guilty even if we don't do the deed? Is it the thought that counts? And then there is the question of justice, vengeance, and mercy. Which do we pass out? 

This is a book that makes you think and examine while entertaining. I love how the characters grapple with these very issues. This book was a page-turner that had some moments of levity, it isn't heavy or dreary. This is a historical romantic suspense that is well-worth reading. I love how Lydia compares what she is "experiencing" to how she writes the scenes. 

 

Of note: There are no overly graphic scenes, but there is enough description that one feels the scene. (Sensitive readers may find some scenes a little disturbing.)

 

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

 

About the Book

 

Title: Written in Secret 

Series: The Art of Love and Danger #1 

Author: Crystal Caudill 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 11, 2025 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. 

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. 

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available

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About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

Shattered Sanctuary ~ Review

Shattered Sanctuary

The Erin Delaney Mysteries #1

By Nancy Mehl 

Erin Delaney has cut herself off from everyone who she used to know. Guilt and PTSD have controlled her since an on-the-job incident changed her life. She's now a former police officer and a best-selling author. But joy is missing and hope is nonexistent. When her online friend, Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, invites her to spend time at a secluded cabin, Erin doesn't jump at the chance, but she does agree to come.  

The cabin is secluded and has a somewhat disturbing past, a past that makes for some unsettling moments which add to the suspense. But the real problem comes when Erin and Kaely are drawn into a case involving a potential serial killer. Rest and relaxation and deep discussions are no longer their only focus. 

 

At the behest of local police chief Adrian Nightengale, Erin and Kaely put their skills to work. Can they stop a killer before he, or she, strikes again? Their lives and the community of Sanctuary depend on them outsmarting the killer. 

This is the first book in the Erin Delaney Mystery series, and it is packed full of suspense. With a winter storm bearing down on them, time is a luxury they don't have. There are some difficult issues that are tackled in this book, but they are handled in a compassionate manner. Hurting people need to heal, and sometimes it isn't easy for them to ask for or accept help. Excellent reading and I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

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

 

About the Book:

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Christian Mystery and Suspense Romance

When she finally finds peace, she must confront her tragic past to stop a serial killer.

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin’s intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer’s motives and strategically perfected methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

Order before March 18, 2025, for this preorder deal at BakerBookHouse.com: Visit https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/598730 for 40% off, free US shipping, and a bonus signed bookplate and bookmark while supplies last.

 

Seer of the Wildwood ~ Review

Seer of the Wildwood

Bonded Realms #1

By Regan Allen

 

This book opens with Marya Santelyn running. Her curse made itself known in a public setting, and whatever she said while in its grip could cost her, her life. Her only hope of escape is in requesting aid from one of the Barbarians crossing through her city. 

 

When a young woman asks him to take her with him, Tam Randene can't refuse her. When he learns she has been blessed with the gift of visions, he vows to be her protector and to hide her in the Wildwood among his people. Now he needs to convince her that her feared curse is the hope of his people.

 

With the immediate danger gone, Marya wants to return home, but Tam is convinced that she must stay safely hidden away. And he can't help himself, he has to win her heart and help her discover just who she truly is. But what Marya sees, scares her. Danger is coming.

 

This is the first book in a new fantasy world. This book finds the main characters dealing with their miscommunications as they confront their feelings. There is a bit of angst amidst various escapes and perilous journeys. Apparently being the first seer in generations is a big thing, and each group wants her for an ability she doesn't want and cannot control. 

The idea behind the book has promise, and it is obvious that it is part of a series, while wrapping up the main focus in this book. There is the potential of additional stories for several of the secondary characters. If you like books that have angsty stories that find the characters in doubt of returned feelings and periods of suspense and danger, you will enjoy this book which is most definitely in the Romantasy category.  

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:

She might be his prize, but she can see things he can’t, like a future together.

Marya Santelyn, pampered daughter of the Merchant’s Guild, hides a secret. A power stirs within her, one that could destroy everything she holds dear, or save it. When her ability to see the future becomes too apparent for comfort, the spunky Marya takes matters into her own hands and runs, right into the arms of the enemy.

Tam Randene, warrior of the ancient race that makes the mysterious wildwood their home, never expected one of his tribe’s sworn enemies to request his aid to escape her pursuers, but he swiftly recognizes Marya’s value. The land of Alyna hasn’t had a seer in generations. The man who protects her would have a powerful ally, and the man who wins her heart could well rule all.

Captive among his tribe, Marya begins to learn how to embrace her gift even as she begins to feel far too at home with Tam’s rambunctious family. As her visions become increasingly more dire, she and Tam realize that danger is coming to Alyna, danger that will require her people and his to band together to survive. Can she convince her people to listen, or will they tear her from Tam’s arms? Because her heart tells her something her visions never could: Nothing is more important than being together.

If you like closed door, swoon-worthy fantasy romance—featuring intelligent, determined heroines and untameable, honorable heroes; dual points of view (hers and his); and a happily-ever-after with ongoing world conflict—in a land designed to sweep you away, grab this series starter perfect for fans of Kenley Davidson, K.M. Shea, JA Andrews, and Tara Grayce.

 

Heart of Beauty ~ Review

Heart of Beauty

Hearts of the West #11

By Danielle Grandinetti

Caleb Orson is considered to be a beast, at least in his personality. And he may be a big guy with a beard that hides most of his face. And he can be a bit grumpy. Okay he's a beast, but he lives with the memories of what he saw during the war and the lives he took. Now he's responsible for Sal Beauregard.

Sallie's been disguising herself for years. Her father was determined to keep her hidden away from Brendan Doran. But when Sallie accidentally reveals her true identity while trying to save Caleb's stallion from Doran, she finds herself the target of Doran. He wants to claim her as his wife. And in Doran's opinion she has no choice but to accept.

This a enjoyable read that offers a twist on the Beauty and the Beast theme. This is a sweet read and would appeal to fans of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly books. For those who have read Daniella Grandinetti's previous works there is a link. Oh, yes, I'm giving you a teaser and not saying anything else. But this was a quick read perfect for a weekend when you need to get out of the cold. (I'm currently enjoying subzero temps, so, yeah I'm all about seeking out ways to avoid the outdoors.) This book is a great way to be introduced to the author's writing if you have yet to read any of her work. I highly recommend it and feel it is appropriate for those 13 years or older.

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:

Publisher: Hearth Spot Press

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

How can a beauty save a beast?

Blue Spruce, Montana, 1871—When Caleb Orson’s prize stallion escapes his ranch, Sal Beauregard rides to the rescue, revealing her true identity as a one of the few eligible females in town. She’d do it again if it meant saving an animal from the cruel retaliation of Brendan Doran. The man has no respect for women or God’s creatures.

But the sun’s early setting strands her at Caleb’s ranch. Worse, Sallie’s father unceremoniously leaves her there under Caleb’s protection. However, Doran refuses to lose again to Caleb—first a horse, now a woman. He wants Sallie as his wife and not even the reclusive ogre of a cowboy can stand in his way. No matter Sallie’s opinion.

Choosing to make the best of a difficult situation, Sallie takes over the gentling of Caleb’s stallion. She believes she can reach Caleb as well. Only, the first blush of friendship grows into something … more. Something that threatens the desires of Caleb’s enemy. And if Doran cannot have a beauty like Sallie, neither can a beast.

A Tale of Tenacity, Romance, and Peace

Jack ~ Review

Jack

Minnesota Kingstons #1

By Susan May Warren

He is returning home for Boo, his little sister's wedding. For the last ten years, he's been trying to ignore what could have been the biggest mistake, make that regret, of his life. But it's all good. He's forgotten all about Harper, and she's sure to not be at the wedding. 

Okay, he's been running, but it has shaped him into the man he is today. He's a tracker. Sure, the pay is good, but the satisfaction of helping others drives him. Now, Harper is asking him to help her find an MIA bridesmaid. This is so bad, Boo's perfect wedding is threatened, and Harper needs his help. Jack can't help himself; he has to help, but he works alone and makes no promises.

But this is Harper, and she's not about to sit back while Jack works. Nope, she's in this, and Jack will just have to accept her help. But the deeper they dive into the mystery, the closer danger comes. And it could leave them dead.

As with all of Susan May Warren's books, there are ties to previous books and series. Just enough to whet one's appetite for another book, but not enough to detract from a story that can be enjoyed on its own. This book offers hints about what's to come in the series, but the story itself does not end in a cliffhanger. If you want romance, suspense, and a good dose of family drama Jack is waiting to be added to the top of your TBR pile.

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:

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Tropes:

• Second Chance at Love
• Unrequited Love
• Return to hometown
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Secrets
• Boy/Girl Next door
• Kissing only

The Minnesota Kingstons
Book1: Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck

Ambush on the Ranch ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for  

Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Ambush on the Ranch
Red Rock Country #3
By Tina Wheeler

 

Janel Newman doesn't know why someone was chasing her, much less trying to kill her. And she has no idea who the killer is. All Janel knows is that she lost two days worth of memories, memories that may hold the answers she seeks.

 

Zach Walker is on the trail of a killer when he comes across Janel fleeing from a gunman. When it becomes obvious she is being targeted, he offers to provide protection to Janel and her twin sister Karla at his family's ranch. But even the presence of all three Walker brothers and their law enforcement ties isn't a deterrent to the person or persons after Janel.

 

This is a read that jumps into the suspense from the opening page and continues throughout, keeping the reader wondering just happened to make Janel a target. This is a story about family and trust at its core. This book is perfect for people who want to read suspense and romance that is clean and without graphic details.This was a quick read with good pacing that did not get bogged down in excessive details. It was overall a good read.

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

About the Book

Title: Ambush on the Ranch
Series: Red Rock Country
Author: Tina Wheeler
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Seeking ranch refuge… with lethal threats at every turn. 

After running for her life through the forest, art gallery owner Janel Newman wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the past forty-eight hours. A car bomb and masked gunman make it clear she must’ve seen something she shouldn’t have. When she's forced to hide at deputy sheriff Zach Walker’s family ranch along with her twin sister, secrets are uncovered, and a murderous conspiracy is revealed. With ruthless criminals dogging their every step, will Janel and Zach be able to thwart these villains’ plan to silence Janel for good?  

Purchase Links: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

 

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About the Author

Tina Wheeler is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author and retired teacher. Although she grew up on the edge of the desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon digital gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 6, 2025, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 13, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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