Through Smoke and Secrets ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Through Smoke and Secrets by Rebecca Hemlock, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Through Smoke and Secrets 
Dangerous Heirlooms #1 
By Rebecca Hemlock 

Suffer in silence and with grace; these words have been drilled into Eleanor Blackwood from an early age and marked her adult life. And in 1927, she was afraid and no one took her concerns seriously. After all women in her condition tended to become overwrought.

 In the present day, Annie Whitaker is preparing to open her antiques shop, the culmination of three years of work. But suddenly everything including her life is in danger of being destroyed. 

Annie's one hope of discovering the truth and surviving rests with Jack Calloway, a man from her past. A man, who with Annie's help, has a chance of unraveling a century old mystery that could claim Annie next. But can they hold something, a clue, that "could destroy a legacy built on blood and silence?"

Through Smoke and Secrets is a search for the truth in the face of mounting danger and long-held secrets. It is a story of second chances and faith. This is an engaging story and one that I wouldn't mind revisiting again. I look forward to exploring what comes next in this series.

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

About the Book

Title: Through Smoke and Secrets 
Series: Dangerous Heirlooms #1 
Author: Rebecca Hemlock 
Publisher: Independently published 
Release Date: January 21, 2026
Genre: Mystery Suspense

A century-old secret. A relentless enemy. One Locket that was never meant to be found. 

When antiques dealer Annie Whitaker buys an unremarkable locket at a routine estate sale, she expects nothing more than a quiet ride home through the Smoky Mountains. Instead, a shadowy vehicle sends her car skidding off a cliffside road—and she realizes the attack was no accident. Hidden inside the locket is a key, a cryptic letter, and the first thread of a mystery tied to the disappearance of Eleanor Blackwood, a woman who vanished over a hundred years ago. 

Someone has killed to keep that secret buried. 

And now they’ve set their sights on Annie. 

Her shop is ransacked. Her inventory destroyed. Her building intentionally set ablaze. With no phone, no transportation, and nowhere safe to go, Annie is forced to seek refuge in the only place left: the remote mountain ranch of Detective Jack Calloway, a man who once shared her obsession with cold cases—and who may be the only person she can trust. 

As Jack digs into the evidence Annie uncovered, the danger spirals. Break-ins, threats, shadows stalking the ranch at night—each clue reveals a darker truth. The locket isn’t just a forgotten keepsake; it’s the final piece in a long-buried murder. And someone with power, reach, and generations of secrets will do whatever it takes to silence the truth forever. 

With Annie marked as the next victim, Jack races to unravel a century of lies before time runs out. Every revelation tightens the noose around them both—and with Annie constantly in his line of fire, Jack’s focus fractures between the case and the woman he’s never been able to forget. The closer they come to exposing the killer, the more Jack realizes he may lose her long before the truth sees daylight. And every step forward draws them toward a final, deadly confrontation neither of them may survive. 

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

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Rebecca Hemlock is an award-winning Christian Fiction author whose love for mysteries began in childhood when she first fell in love with all things Nancy Drew. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for crime-solving stories, complex puzzles, and characters who must fight for truth even when the world around them is dark and uncertain.

Her novels are known for realism, emotional depth, and suspense that stays tightly wound until the final pages. Rebecca creates characters who face danger, trauma, and moral crossroads — moments that either test their faith or ignite a brand-new relationship with God. At the heart of every story lies her guiding verse and creative compass, Romans 12:21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” 

Before writing fiction full-time, Rebecca spent four years as a freelance journalist, where she honed her ability to spot the thread of a story, ask the right questions, and build tension from real-world details. That experience sharpened her voice and laid the foundation for the 15 books she has now published, ranging from romantic suspense and mystery to historical-tinged thrillers. She also writes children’s fiction under the pen name R.C. Burch. 

Rebecca is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime, and she’s passionate about uplifting stories that blend danger, courage, heart, and hope. With a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing — plus an Appalachian Studies certificate — she brings layered settings, emotional authenticity, and cultural richness to her work. She continues to pursue further writing education, always seeking to grow as a storyteller. 

When she’s not writing, Rebecca enjoys traveling, reading mysteries, exploring historical places, and spending time with her family. Her work is written for readers who love suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat — and faith that keeps you anchored through the storm. 

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a book-themed prize bundle, including a tote, a mug, a kindle dust protector, a bookmark, and a $25 Amazon Gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 30, 2026. 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.

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Special Target ~ Upcoming Release Review

Special Target

By Jerusha Agen

Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson has seen it all, but when she has to provide sanctuary to orphaned Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, she feels ill-equipped to handle it. She is baffled by his late parents' decision to allow him to be faced with such a life.

But then she and Matthew are in danger, their lives are on the line, and Ashley is forced to examine her feelings. When events from her past intersect with Matthew's life, she puts her life on the line to protect Matthew and discover why they are targets. But Ashley can't do it alone, but she doesn't know who to trust. Who wants to help them? And who wants to use them? If she can't figure it out their lives will be over and evil will prevail.

This is intense in both action and emotions. Definitely different than Jerusha Agen's previous works but still good and thought provoking. And there are no dogs in the forefront of this book. Both plot and character driven.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Available to order at https://jerushashop.com/collections/suspense-thriller

About the Book:

She’s trying to save the boy’s life.
What if he’s supposed to save hers? 

For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. Seeing innocent kids suffer every day may have made her a little cynical, but she’ll stop at nothing to rescue children from miserable circumstances. 

But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew. 

The sudden appearance of a mysterious FBI agent confirms Ashley’s growing suspicions that Matthew is no ordinary teen. The boy she thought no one wanted is wanted by many…dead or alive. 

Dodging danger at every turn, Ashley races to find the secrets that could save Matthew’s life. When the truth unearths her own dark past and threatens more than their lives, the God Matthew trusts may be her only hope for rescue.

Whispers in the Snow ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Whispers in the Snow by Heidi Eljarbo, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Whispers in the Snow 

Heartwarming Christmas 
By Heidi Eljarbo 

This was a cozy, sweet read featuring Cornelia Gran, a frustrated amateur detective who is inspired by the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  

I loved how this book is set in Norway and that it would have been during the time that my great-great-grandparents were still living there.   

Cornelia is supposed to be looking for a husband, sort of. But she is of a mind that she is not going to marry just to be married. No, only love will tip her to accept a proposal of marriage, and the town she is living in has no one to tempt her heart into fluttering. Instead, she fills her days with reading books, magazines, and newspapers. If she finds something to spark her curiosity, she is ready to investigate. 

When an article sparks Cornelia's curiosity about an abandoned home, she decides to investigate and find the long-gone owners. But soon, Cornelia's investigation leads to the discovery of a "ghost" related to the house. Then, strange men take an interest in the same house as Cornelia, and Cornelia finds that her life and anyone connected to the abandoned house is in danger. 

This book is an easy read and isn't at all graphic. I would have no issue recommending this book to tweens or my grandmother because of content. I would also love additional stories featuring Cornelia Gran and her sleuthing.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Whispers in the Snow 
Series: Heartwarming Christmas 
Author: Heidi Eljarbo 
Publisher: independently published 
Release Date: ‎ January 27, 2026 
Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery Romance

Of course, a young woman in Norway during the late nineteenth century can be a successful amateur sleuth, and goodness knows, Cornelia’s days are always more exciting when she can devote her time to resolving a local mystery. 

Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although, she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets her into mischief. 

Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her. She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search of a husband. 

But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his charm, good looks, and personality. 

Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities, hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of true love.  

Set in a fictitious town in Norway in 1891, this cozy historical mystery is perfect for those who enjoy curious and determined women sleuths, clean and wholesome romance, and the discovery of buried secrets in an abandoned house.  

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 updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Whispers in the Snow and The Relic Thief, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 2, 2026. 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.

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Out of Time ~ Review

Out of Time

Undaunted Courage #3

By Irene Hannon

Cara Tucker has the opportunity of a lifetime: to study a dying language with one of its last speakers. Natalie Boyer has journals from her late great aunt Marie describing life in the Old Mines community. But there is a mystery surrounding Marie's death that Natalie hopes going through the old journals might shed some light on the nearly hundred-year-old mystery.

But as Cara and Natalie work together, oddities begin occurring on the Boyer estate. Are they just a coincidence or something darker? Sheriff Brad Mitchell doesn't believe in coincidences, but with little evidence that anything else is happening, there isn't much he can do. And the body found could have been a tragic accident... 

Out of Time really grabbed my attention. It was so hard to know who the true villian was. There were several possible suspects, and oh my, the slow reveal was well worth the reading. The suspense was at the perfect level of intrigue, but not over the top. The following statement came to mind as I read: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The motivation behind the evil deeds is just so sad, and secrets and hidden truths were at the heart of it all. My thought at the end was, "What if so-and-so had just explained and asked for what they needed instead?" This was an excellent look at the human heart and its motivations. Excellent reading.

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

About the Book:

A century-old mystery, a hidden treasure, 

and an isolated estate where danger lurks in every shadow.

For historical anthropologist Cara Tucker, the chance to spend a sabbatical semester on a remote country estate--with full access to its vast library and century-old journals--is a dream come true . . . until a series of strange incidents begins to turn her dream into a nightmare. Someone, it seems, does not want anyone diving into the past and unearthing old ghosts.

Sheriff Brad Mitchell has seen his share of suspicious activities during his law enforcement career, but what's happening at the isolated estate is out-of-pattern in his quiet, rural Missouri county. Beset by danger, Cara and Brad work together to try to untangle the clues.

But when the peril turns lethal, the situation takes on a new urgency, and their mission is clear: Find out who is behind the string of menacing incidents before the perpetrator strikes another deadly blow.  

The Queen of Romantic Suspense presents another page-turning, clean thriller in her Undaunted Courage series. Fans of Colleen Coble, Patricia Bradley, and Terri Blackstock will find this shadowy tale electrifying.

Love in the Castle Library ~ Review

Love in the Castle Library

In the Castle Library #2

By Ann Swindell

This is the second book in the In the Castle Library series, in which a small European country attempts to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of its lost queen. Queen Alma disappeared in the night during World War 1, and no one knows just where she disappeared to. For more than 100 years, the people of Lethersby have felt her abandonment as a personal shame. But with word that she may have made her way to England, there is hope that the truth of her life may finally be known. 

In this search for the answers they seek, the Lethersby research team needs access to British records. But to access them, they need a British researcher on their team. In steps Castle Stewardess Delphine DuVert to find their perfect candidate. For the first time ever, Delphine makes a quick decision; she offers the position to Jack Worthington.

Something about Jack just feels right for this position, and she feels a connection she hasn't had with any of the previous candidates. 

This was a lovely story in which both Jack and Delphine delve into the past with it secrets both for the Lethersby people and their own pasts. I loved how the story unfolded with moments where the answers seemed just within reach and moments where failure seemed imminent. Of course, there has to be a villain, and Max is the perfect cringe-when-he walks-into-the-room character. Nasty doesn't do him justice. But through it all faith plays a vital role as Jack and Delphine navigate the complexities of life, love, and traditions.

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

About the Book:

Predictability and efficiency have marked Delphine DuVert’s orderly life as Castle Stewardess in the small European country of Lethersby—until she is tasked by the monarchy to hire a British researcher. Lethersby needs help solving the 100-year-old mystery of their Lost Queen, a young royal who disappeared into the night during World War I.

Delphine’s split-second decision to hire Jack Worthington, a doctoral student at the University of Oxford, has long-lasting consequences when he steps in to protect her from an angry colleague determined to ruin her life. The only catch? That protection looks like Jack posing as her beau.

Jack Worthington believes that his instinct to protect Delphine was the right one, but he’s determined to stay focused on his research for Lethersby—and keep his emotional distance after reeling from a broken heart. Yet as the clues to discovering the Lost Queen’s story unravel and the Delphine’s future hangs in the balance, both Jack and Delphine must step out in faith, choosing to trust that what God has ahead for them is worth any risk.

Purchase Links

READ | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Ann Swindell is the owner of Writing with Grace, where she teaches Christ-centered writing courses for women across the globe. She lives in West Michigan with her family and writes for many ministries, including Well-Watered Women, Risen Motherhood, and The Gospel Coalition. She has authored The Path to Peace and Still Waiting, and her first novel, Christmas in the Castle Library, released with WhiteCrown in 2024.

You can connect with her at AnnSwindell.com.

Author Links

Instagram | Facebook | Website

Echoes of a Silent Song ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Echoes of a Silent Song by Amanda Wen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Echoes of a Silent Song 

Melodies and Memories #1 

By Amanda Wen 

Blair Emerson is tired of the revolving door of high school choir directors. She longs for the days when Vic Nelson dedicated decades to the choir, inspiring them to excellence. And she can't understand how he endorsed Callum Knight for the roll. She can tell even before meeting him that Callum's heart isn't into it. 

But everything changes when Blair confronts Callum about his attitude and they discover an unfinished piece of music hidden away in the music library archives. Discovering the story behind this unsigned piece of work becomes their uniting goal. And the truth is more than a little surprising, and yet looking back...

I loved how the ending played out though it was tragic, too, but long hidden truths are finally revealed. The back and forth between past and present gave an added depth to the story as we learn Iris's story as Blair and Callum seek to find the rest of her unfinished piece of music. 

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

About the Book

Title: Echoes of a Silent Song 

Series: Melodies and Memories #1 

Author: Amanda Wen 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: October 21, 2025 

Genre: Split-time Romance 

A split-time romance from an award-winning author

When a choral composer and conductor falls victim to creative block, he resorts to his fallback plan of teaching high school choir. Callum Knight's goal at Peterson High is simple: rediscover his muse, extract himself from teaching, and get back to Boston as quickly as possible. 

As the long-suffering accompanist at the high school, Peterson-native Blair Emerson has watched the revolving door of choir directors and their negative impact on her choirs over the last few years. She is less than impressed when a disheveled Callum stumbles in on his first day. 

But then they discover an unsigned, unfinished, and handwritten choral composition by a clear musical genius. Blair recalls rumors of Iris, a Peterson student from the 1970s who composed music but was found dead during her senior year. Blair and Callum work to determine if the piece is hers, and the truth they uncover shakes both of them to the core. 

With rhythm and flair, Amanda Wen takes readers on an unexpected journey into the depths of a small town's history in this riveting first book in the Melodies and Memories duology. 

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

Also Available:

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About the Author

Amanda Wen is a Carol– and Selah Award–winning and Parable best-selling author of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction, including Roots of Wood and Stone, The Songs That Could Have Been, and The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. She is also a professional musician. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

Connect with Amanda by visiting amandawen.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 Echoes of a Silent Song and a $20 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 October 29, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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A Change of Heart ~ Review

A Change of Heart

Hearts of Avarin #1

By Madysin Carlin

Narrated by Sarah Kuklis

When Jo Linnd stumbles into something unexpected she finds herself in a most annoying situation - she is saddled with a bodyguard and the target of criminals. But why? No one can understand the reasoning behind Jo's missing recipe book and why she even came to the attention of these people. Jo refuses to be confined and is not happy having a bodyguard in her kitchen. 

But if Jo is unhappy, Detective Kaden McMartyn is even more unhappy with what he feels is a demotion. How can his father and grandfather see him as worthy of carrying on the family legacy when he can't work on a case?

This was an intriguing book, and the audio version was well presented. I loved how Jo's annoyance was presented. And when Kaden entered the kitchen, I could just see her holding her rolling pin all put out at the disruption to her routine, an invasion of her space. When Kaden was with his family, I could feel his wariness of what his next exposed deficiency would be. Sarah Kuklis's narration was excellent, and I am looking forward to the next book in the Heart of Avarin series. This was perfect for my daily commute and made for a week of enjoyable listening at 7 hours and 27 minutes. This is a clean Christian Fantasy Romance that offers action, suspense, and Cinderella feels woven throughout.

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

About the Book:

She's a grumpy baker. He's a stubborn detective.

All Josephine “Jo” Linnd wants is to prove herself worthy of one day taking over her family’s bakery. Her aspirations are crushed when a seemingly random robbery lands her a bodyguard. It wouldn’t be so bad if said bodyguard didn’t aggravate her to no end. Nor would it be so bad if that irritating personality wasn’t offset by a charming smile and kind eyes.

All Detective Kaden McMartyn wants is to prove himself worthy of his family’s legacy. When he’s assigned as the opinionated and feisty Jo’s bodyguard, he sees his new job as a demotion. Still, despite her propensity toward being more like vinegar than sugar, he’s drawn to her giving personality and gentle heart.

But not everything is cookies and cupcakes. Danger grows, more attempts on Jo’s life occur, and secrets lurk just beyond reach. Can two people who mix as well as oil and water put aside their differences in time, or will evil gain the upper hand…and destroy the growing attraction between Jo and Kaden?

A Change of Heart is a Christian fantasy novel with Cinderella vibes, all the autumnal goodness, and the tropes enemies-to-more and forced proximity.

An Irish Kiss ~ Review

An Irish Kiss
Fairall Romance Legacy #1

By Carolyn Miller

Rory (Aurora) Fairall never thought she would experience the Fairall Legacy - love at first sight. But then she had never met Aidan Quinn. But their first meeting is a bit of an embarrassment, at least on Rory's part. So, first impressions and all, not looking good on Rory or the family's castle turned hotel business. WHOOPS!

Aidan is looking into his own family's legacy; one his grandmother feels was taken from them. And a break from the stress of his work is just the thing. He never expected to have a holiday romance with a fiery Irish redhead. But Rory is unlike anyone he's ever met before. And there is just something about her. 

But when Aidan's search for answers causes him to question the Fairall family and their claim to the land. Well, Irish hospitality only goes so far when castles are in the balance.

This was a cute read. It was sweet and clean while still providing some swoon for those who like a touch of romance mixed into the drama of life. I'm anticipating the next two books in this series and can't wait to see what lies in store for the other two Fairall sisters.

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.

Book is available to purchase at https://books2read.com/anirishkiss

About the Book:

What happens when a quest to find the family castle leads to an unforgettable kiss?

Aurora Fairall—Rory to her friends—loves her jobs working at the village bookshop and the family castle-turned-boutique hotel, even if she sometimes wonders if this is all God has for her life. She knows she has much to be grateful for—her family, her friends, her faith—but she questions whether the special Fairall legacy that sees its members struck by Cupid’s arrow has passed her by. Until she meets Aidan Quinn—not the actor, but an Australian guest on a genealogical mission to discover his ancestry—and sparks fly.

Aidan never thought his visit to Ireland’s west coast would result in meeting a redheaded firecracker with a bewitching smile and pixie-like laughter. But obviously God knew better. And his quest to learn his kin’s history brings him into the warm embrace of this loud and loving family has helped heal his heart and gives hope that his future might be different to what he’d imagined. Until a question about the true ownership of a castle threatens everything he holds dear…

Can these two opposites find a future even though their lives are worlds apart? And just what role does the Fairall legacy have to play in matters of the heart?

Girl Lost ~ Review

 

Girl Lost
The King Legacy #1

By Kate Angelo

Girl Lost is an aptly named book. We have a woman who left behind the life she had years ago and lost herself in the process. We have a missing beloved daughter. A runaway. And a mother searching for the daughter she gave up years ago. Somehow, these seemingly random lives are about to cross paths in this explosive series debut.

Luna Rosati is ready to face the past and find the daughter she gave up years ago. But to find her daughter, Luna must meet with Stryker, the man who helped her turn her life around. But when Stryker is kidnapped before Luna's very eyes, she is forced to work with the very people she left behind 18 years ago. Can you say hurt feelings?

Worse, she must work with Corbin King to find Stryker and bring him home. But can she work with Corbin after he not only broke her heart but shattered it into a million tiny shards? For Stryker's sake and the missing young women, she will.

This was an interesting book. All of Luna's friends from her teenage years were from a mentoring program run by Stryker, to get them off the path to destruction they were all on. The fix? The Warriors Program, which combined MMA (mixed martial arts) and training alongside the local police department.  There were bumps along the way, and mistakes were made, but with Luna's return, they have a chance to repair what was broken and reestablish their broken relationships. 

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:

Officer Luna Rosati and Special Agent Corbin King are at odds over their failed teenage romance, but they reunite on a mission and must put their past aside. When they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and a murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna keep from one another are only the beginning of the threats they face.

About the Author:

Kate Angelo is an award-winning, bestselling Romantic Suspense author, minister, and public speaker from Southwest Missouri who serves alongside her husband championing stronger marriages and families through their nonprofit.

Her career began in IT as a web developer, programmer, and usability expert, but she left the corporate world to pursue full-time ministry work. Following her passion for story, Kate began writing fiction in 2019. Her 2022 debut novel, Driving Force, is an Amazon Top 100 bestseller written in the storyworld of Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardians series and published by Sunrise Publishing. In 2022, Harlequin selected Kate in the Great Love Inspired Author Search for her novel, Hunting the Witness, a 2023 Publishers Weekly Bestseller. In 2024, Kate received a Selah Award for her novella, Deadly Holiday Hijack.

As Mom to 5 adult children, she’s fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls. Kate is a coffee aficionado, tech enthusiast, productivity guru, prayer warrior, dog lover, and known klutz—just ask her doctor. Having aged out of foster care, Kate brings a unique perspective to her writing, breathing life into flawed characters who find hope and healing amidst danger. Subscribe to her newsletter learn about her and that pet lion thing at kateangelo.com.

Follow Kate online at:

Website   Instagram  Facebook  BookBub  Goodreads

Protecting the Texas Witness ~ Review

Protecting the Texas Witness

Lone Star Defenders #3

By Virginia Vaughan

Isabelle Morris is fleeing from her former employer, after exposing the corruption that she uncovered; she and her daughter have been threatened. A cabin in Texas belonging to her late husband seems the perfect place to hide out until she needs to testify. But they've been discovered, and Deputy Drake Shaw is going to keep them safe.

The deputy who came to her aid reminds Isabelle of her husband, who died ten years ago. Drake insists that he isn't the man Isabelle thinks he is. But there are some similarities that Isabelle can't get past. Is the handsome detective a relative?

Protecting the Texas Witness keeps the suspense ratcheted up throughout as Isabelle fights for her life, her daughter's safety, and justice for those who were hurt by her employer's corruption. There are several mysteries in this one: who betrayed Isabelle, who is Deputy Drake Shaw, and how is her location being revealed?

This was an interesting and easy read. If you like second chances and inspired suspense, add this book to your End of Summer TBR list.

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

About the Book:

He has a witness to defend...

                    and their future hangs in the balance

Deputy Drake Shaw rescues single mom Isabelle Morris from an assailant's attack, only to be mistaken for her late husband. After exposing the corruption at her health-care company, Isabelle fears danger has followed her and her daughter all the way to their remote cabin. Now Drake must keep them safe long enough for Isabelle to testify against her former boss. But when her child is taken, the stakes are raised. Can they survive to unravel the truth about the present…and the past?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Lone Star Defenders

Book 1: Dangerous Christmas Investigation
Book 2: Missing in Texas
Book 3: Protecting the Texas Witness

Final Approach ~ Review

Final Approach

Lake City Heroes #4

By Lynette Eason

Kristine Duncan is about to enjoy a vacation with her friends. She just needs to finish this flight as the onboard air marshal, and she'll be free to relax. But then everything goes wrong as a passenger attempts to hijack the plane she's on. R&R is on hold as Kristine and her friends investigate just what happened, because something is just not adding up.

The deeper Kristine and FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross dig, the more it becomes apparent that someone is targeting one of them. All the clues seem to point to Andrew's past as an undercover agent. But how does this relate to the hijacking? 

Final Approach is an intricate and deceptive mystery that has so many twists that you won't be able to easily determine who the mastermind is. And there is cheesecake, lots of it, you may want to have a slice or two on hand, because it's cheesecake. I recommend getting a couple of flavors or a sampler. This book was definitely a late-night, just-one-more-chapter read. I recommend it for Friday night if you don't get a Saturday shift. And the "villain"? Wowzers! That's all I'm saying. It is a must-read, top of the TBR stack book if you love Romantic Suspense.

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

About the Book:

She's intent on investigating a sinister plot of revenge, and it will take all her courage to survive.

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity.

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there's more to this story than meets the eye--and more to love and admire about each other. They'll have to put their skills to the test--and their hearts on the line--to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.