One Wrong Move ~ Review

One Wrong Move

Jeopardy Falls #1

By Dani Pettrey

When a series of art heists focus on galleries that Christian O'Brady installed the security systems for, he is pulled into a case that will bring his past front and center. His parents pulled Christian and his siblings into their crimes at a young age, and, unfortunately, Christian was good at it until he turned his skills to the benefit of others. But this rash of thefts has reopened the past, along with his guilt.

Called in when art theft has hit galleries that her company insures, Andi Forester is tasked with discovering who is involved. What she didn't expect was the man who destroyed her FBI career would be involved, indirectly, with the case. 

As Andi and Christian work to uncover all the layers of this deadly criminal spree, they find themselves the target of someone who wants to keep the truth hidden. But the cat-and-mouse game they find themselves in finds them being drawn into past sins and the cost could be their lives.

One Wrong Move is the series debut of Jeopardy Falls, which I have to admit keeps the tension and suspense ratcheted up throughout the book. And in addition to the art theft storyline there is an equally page-turning, attention-grabbing thread - Andi's past with the FBI and the debacle that ended her career as a forensic analyst has come into question. But who is telling the truth, Andi or the man her work put in jail? The answer just may get them killed!

This is a fast paced Contemporary Romantic Suspense set in New Mexico. If you love reading a book that will keep you up all night Dani Pettrey has done it. If you prefer to sleep at night - make this a weekend read instead with a good hour or two to relax before you want to put your head to your pillow. This story is complete with no danglers to keep you wondering, "But what about?" But even so I'm interested to see what happens next - I'm assuming it will have something to do with Christian's siblings - Riley or Deckard.

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: One Wrong Move
Series: Jeopardy Falls #1
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: February 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Taunting riddles.

A deadly string of heists.

Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.

Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.

Dani Pettrey captivates with . . .

"An intense blend of suspense, love, and faith."--Booklist

"Wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likeable characters."--Publishers Weekly

Relying on the Enemy ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Relying on the Enemy by Danielle Grandinetti, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Relying on the Enemy
Harbored in Crow's Nest #4
By Danielle Grandinetti

Marian Ward needs a job, but times are tough, and jobs are scarce. And a widow with two young children and an ill mother-in-law just isn't in a position to seek employment farther away when she can't afford to buy gas for an auto much less keep her home warm and food on the table.  But when she overheard a portion of a conversation, she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and now very much in danger.

Gilbert Cox has come to make amends for the sins of his father. And at the top of his list is the Ward family. But when he steps in to protect Marian, he finds himself in a bind. His employer demands he marry Marian - make an honest woman of her, or else lose his job on the spot and any future employment anywhere! Talk about a big mess. All of which could be blamed on his father's greed and cruelty. Well, things being what they were, Marian and Gilbert were all too quickly married and trying to piece all this sudden and unexpected change in situation into some semblance of order. 

But a marriage of convenience doesn't end the danger. Rather, it seems to intensify. How a small portion of an overheard conversation could cause so many problems is perplexing. But to keep his new family safe, Gil will have to figure it out. And Marian isn't about to hide away, not with danger threatening her daughters.

This was an excellent read set in 1931 Wisconsin. And it is well worth your time. I have to admit I love reading books that have a local flavor. This is a perfect blend of history, romance, and mystery.

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: Relying on the Enemy
Series: Harbored in Crow's Nest #4
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: February 20, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance, with suspense

She’s protecting her children. 

He’s redeeming his past.  

But there’s nothing convenient about saving their patchwork family.  

Wisconsin, 1931—All widowed mother Marian Ward wants is to provide for her girls. However, she faces the dead of winter with no income and dwindling resources. Then she overhears a nefarious conversation, putting her life and that of her children in immediate danger. 

Aiming to make amends to the Wards, Gilbert steps in when the threat to Marian escalates. It costs him dearly. Either lose his career or marry her, and be tied to his past until death do them part. 

He leaves the decision to Marian, who will do anything to protect her girls, even marry the son of the man who ruined her family. How will their fledgling trust prove strong enough to fulfill their vows as winter tightens its grip and desperation stalks at the door? 

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, 

where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More Books in This Series

   

 

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. A 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award, she has also won the UNW Distinguished Faith in Writing Award and the CROW National Excellence in Story Telling Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win signed paperback copies of 

Refuge for the Archaeologist and Relying on the Enemy; 

a Crow's Nest Canvas Tote 

and a Crow's Nest paperback notebook!

Full tour schedule linked below.

 The giveaway begins at midnight February 19, 2024,

 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 2024. 

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

While the City Sleeps ~ Review

While the City Sleeps
The Women of Midtown #1
By Elizabeth Camden

Katherine Schneider is a woman dentist working the late-night shift in New York City. When a patient begins rambling while under the effects of nitrous oxide, she thinks little of it. But when something the patient said is linked to the mafia, Katherine finds herself caught up in unexpected danger. 

Lieutenant Jonathan Birch is determined to keep the mafia where it belongs - out of his beat. For the last couple of years, he's escorted Katherine home when her shift ends and, on occasion, offering her baked goods that can't be found in any bakery. This friendship causes Katherine to seek him out when she fears her late-night patient may have been involved in something sinister.   

While the City Sleeps is the first book in the Women of Midtown series. This book is set during the Gilded Age, 1913 New York City. I like the idea behind the title of this book - While the City Sleeps describes the people who work during the night, the people who keep the city running through their work during the night. People that most aren't even aware exist. 

This book is a Historical Romance, but there is also a mystery that runs through it. There is more than one mystery. The one is the threat to the city. The other involves Lieutenant Birch; who is he?  Jonathan is very protective of his past, offering little when questioned. And yet, we get glimpses of his thoughts and concerns about his secrets and deception. 

This book is attention-grabbing with the way the story unfolds. The author makes it come alive with a seamless blend of setting, characters, and historical facts. I, for one, didn't know that the American Dental Association was well-established in 1913. I love it when I can learn facts like this while being entertained. And a mansard roof was mentioned, so guess who did a search for pictures to see examples?  But if all you want is an enjoyable read that includes historical fiction and a touch of romance, you will enjoy this new series debut.

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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

QUICK FACTS                                                                                                  

 Title: While the City Sleeps
 Series: The Women of Midtown (Book 1)
 Author: Elizabeth Camden
 Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Gilded Age Fiction
 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 13, 2024)
 Length: (352) pages
 Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 
 ISBN: ‎978-0764241710
 Tour Dates: February 12 – 26, 2024

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient
reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is
plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a
police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on
them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety
on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal
conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all
costs.

Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of
dangerous secrets and wounded hearts, fighting to overcome the darkness while the
rest of the city sleeps.

PRAISE FOR WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS

 "History, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of New York City at night--a must-read!"— Gabrielle Meyer, bestselling author of When the Day Comes and In This Moment

 "Elizabeth Camden brings the bustling metropolis to living color like no one else... A novel that will keep readers up late into the night."— Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

 “I loved the historical details that make the story feel authentic.”— Kim Prudhoe, All the Lovely Pages

PURCHASE LINKS: 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples ~ Review

                                      Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

Autumn has come, and Isaac's sugar maple is losing its leaves. Isaac and Izzy want the sugar maple to have a tree friend and, with the help of their animal friends, try to make it happen. But how do you grow another magical sugar maple? That's going to take a little bit of thought, but Isaac and Izzy are sure to come up with something. But they just may need a little magical assistance from the sugar maple.

This series of books is aimed at younger readers who are just starting out on their own with a little bit of assistance or for just starting out readers who will read along with mom, dad, or anyone willing to have an open lap and willingness to read out loud. Cute, colorful illustrations complement the story and add to its charm.

This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree and Isaac and Izzy's Tree House.

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:

Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples

Autumn is painting the world in vibrant colors, and Isaac and Izzy want to give back to their favorite magical maple tree. A normal present won’t do, though. They want to give him the sweetest gift of all - a friend!

But are all the efforts of the kids and the animals who live near the tree enough to create a bit of magic…or will the Sugar Maple have to lend them a helpful branch once again?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House ~ Review

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

It's now summer, and Isaac has come up with a plan to spend more time with his sugar maple tree - a tree house. There's just a little problem: what Isaac builds is nothing like a tree house, and his maple isn't magically fixing it. And Isaac's "tree house" isn't making the animals who live in it happy. 

The next day, Isaac gets something even better than a tree house - a new friend. 

This is a cute read that does eventually have a little magic thrown in, but the main focus of this picture book is friendship. The illustrations will appeal to young readers for whom this book is written. This is a fairly easy read that kids who are starting to read on their own should be able to handle with just a little assistance. This is a companion book to Isaac's Ice Cream Tree.

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:

Isaac and Izzy's Tree House

With summer warming the world, Isaac decides it’s time for a new adventure with his favorite Sugar Maple. But his plans for a treehouse turn out to be a spectacular…failure. And the animals who call the tree home are in a tizzy over it, too. Isaac doesn’t understand why his tree isn’t making some of its magic…until it delivers the most magical help of all— a new friend!

This whimsical tale of delight, discovery, and unexpected friendships is as sweet as sprinkled donuts and will bring you back for another season’s adventures.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle-grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree ~ Review

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

Written by Angela Henderson

Illustrated by Rachael Koppendrayer

What happens to sugar maples when they lose all their leaves for winter? Are they lonely, being all alone with bare branches? These are the questions that trouble Isaac about the beloved sugar maple in his yard. Determined to keep his maple from being lonely, Isaac promises to visit with it daily. At the end of his visit, Isaac leaves a gift, a part of his snack. The next day, a magical gift waits for Isaac.

This is a fun, imaginative story that will delight young readers. The illustrations, in my opinion, would be Isaac's illustrative journalling of the time he spends with his sugar maple, which seemingly has magical abilities. This is a story of winter, the hope of spring, and friendship. For those who like having concepts taught in their books, this book offers colors, days, and seasons.

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:

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree

Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!

But how long can the magic last with spring on the horizon?

This magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, the water cycle, and some of our favorite fruits is sure to delight readers of all ages!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | READ

About the Author

Angela Henderson Smith resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. She’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives. 

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter

About the Illustrator

Raised on the small dairy farm in central Minnesota that my great-grandfather established when he emigrated from Sweden, I grew up surrounded by fields and pastures, woods, and swamps—all ripe for exploration and inspiration. Though I have traveled the world since, it is the images of my home and heritage that continue to inspire my artwork most.

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter

About the Publisher

Founded in 2018, WhiteSpark began with one simple goal: to provide quality Christian books for young readers. After years of hearing authors and readers ask for just this, WhiteSpark’s parent company, WhiteFire Publishing, decided it was time to step out in faith and try to deliver!

When WhiteFire acquired Ashberry Lane in the spring of 2018, it was a true boon for WhiteSpark ~ Ashberry Lane already had a stellar roster of middle grade books whose authors were eager to move the titles under the WhiteSpark imprint.

Where will we go and grow? We can’t wait to discover that…and to help you foster in your children a love of books and the Lord.

Facebook | Twitter

Double Take ~ Review

Double Take

Lake City Heroes #1

By Lynette Eason

Eighteen months ago, Lainie Jackson survived her ex-fiancé's murder attempt; he didn't. But now someone is trying to convince her otherwise. Or else she is losing her mind. And whoever it is seems intent on finishing what Adam failed to do. But she knows Adam died. She was there and tried to save his life.

Detective James Cross wants to be anywhere other than the hospital where he is now. But the hostage situation he was just involved in made a trip there an order. What's worse, his sister's best friend, Lainie, is the PA assigned to take care of him. And letting his family know that he's home and in the hospital will not be pretty. 

What follows is an intense page-turning read. Danger is seemingly just around the corner and keeping a very close eye on Lainie. And one wrong move could make the killer strike sooner.

Double Take is the first book in Lynette Eason's new Lake City Heroes series, and believe me when I say if you want to have an excuse to avoid certain obligations, this is the book you're looking for. (And, yes, I know Star Wars and Lynette Eason don't fall into the same genre, but it works.) I had an idea of where the book was going, and, in all honesty, I was only partially right. Just promise me you will not skip ahead because that will ruin everything, and this is a page-turner for a reason. In my opinion, this is one book you don't want to miss.

About the Book:

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason will leave you breathless with this fast-paced first book in a brand-new series.