Cornered ~ Review

Cornered

  By Lynette Eason, 

          Lynn H. Blackburn,

              and Natalie Walters

This is a fun and engaging chance to explore the writings of three different authors. They have created three stories for this collection that are set in their established series. However, reading their previous works is not required to enjoy these new offerings. This is a great way to introduce yourself or a friend to a new author (or two or three).

In the Dark is by Lynette Eason, and gracious tension runs high as Steph Cross deals with the fallout of her coworker's death when she cleans out her desk and finds a hidden notebook. If you see DANGER flashing bright red, you are there. On the plus side, she meets Detective Tate Cooper, who seems interested in her. First, she'll have to survive the person or persons intent on keeping what she found hidden. The question is why and who. Time to cue the Jaws theme. (No sharks were involved in this story, but that music is so dramatic!)

In Lynn H. Blackburn's Downfall, a long-held family feud comes into play when Cassie Quinn fills in for the local mountain resort. The other family owns the resort, and Cassie is dealing with a lot of baggage when someone suddenly decides to make it personal. With the kitchen trashed, the police are called in, and of course, the lead detective is the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. Ugh!!! Donovan Bledsoe knew he was in trouble. Yes, he broke up with Cassie but never kicked her out of his heart. Keeping her safe is now the only between him and asking for a second chance. If they can figure out why she's become a target, they may discover who is determined to shorten her life. The feud between the two families has never been violent before. Could something have changed? A pulse-pounding climax is coming your way with this one! 

Natalie Walter's Perilous Obsession is more than a little scary for Lahela Young. Lahela finds herself getting empty phone calls (the scary kind that you know someone is there, but they say nothing). She asks for help from Briggs Turner. As a former police officer, she knows he can help her and offer advice. But things get worse as whoever is watching her ratchets it up. Soon, it is no longer a nuisance but a danger. Lahela doesn't want to leave Texas and her new friends behind, but would returning home to Hawaii be safer, or will she just bring the danger with her?  This story links to The SNAP Agency series. (Must read!!!)

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:

Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In In the Dark by Lynette Eason, accountant Steph Cross is cleaning out a coworker's desk after her untimely death when she finds cryptic notes that lead her to believe her friend's car accident was no accident at all. Detective Tate Cooper is determined to help her crack the case before someone else gets hurt. But can he protect the woman who has so quickly laid claim to his heart?

In Downfall by Lynn H. Blackburn, chef Cassie Quinn gets an offer she can't refuse: to fill in as chef at an exclusive mountain resort. But when the kitchen is destroyed and it becomes clear Cassie is in danger, she's forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Detective Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and keep her safe.

In Perilous Obsession by Natalie Walters, teacher Lahela Young becomes the target of someone with a twisted obsession 

of righting a wrong. The first person she turns to is her good friend Briggs Turner. Briggs may have left his career as a 

police officer, but he still has the instinct to protect--especially for Lahela.

70 North ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 

70 North by Kimberley Woodhouse 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

70 North 

Alaskan Cyber Hunters #3 

By Kimberley Woodhouse

 

They thought he was dead. But they were wrong. He has been biding his time, preparing for his final attack when he would get rid of the corrupt leadership. He sees the truth of everything in a way no one else is capable of. And he won't let David MacPherson stop him. No, he'll taunt the man determined to bring him down. Destroying those around him merely for the thrill of it.

 

Mac will never stop his search for the man who killed his wife and daughter during a cyberattack on Fairbanks. With the help of his friends at Cyber Solutions, "Griz" will lose. But they will have to help Tracie Hunter restore her reputation. A reputation destroyed because she saved Mac's life after he was shot. 

 

But how do you stop a delusional, highly intelligent psychopath? That's a question they will have to answer before Griz unleashes his "final judgment."

This was an intriguing series conclusion. I felt that the first few chapters dragged. But once the story got into, it picked up and became the page turner I was expecting. I will admit the very possibility of this even being a thing is more than a little scary, which I think added to the suspense of the read. This series must be read in order to fully experience it. Skipping a book is not an option, as each builds on the one before.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and thrillers. This is not a book to be read late at night unless you plan to avoid sleeping because you won't want to put it down once you start.

 

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

About the Book

Title: 70 North 

Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters #3 

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: October 15, 2024 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

The Cyber Solutions team has managed to stay one step ahead of the madman who has killed so many. From the original 26 Below cyberattack in Fairbanks to the 8 DOWN serial murders in Anchorage and beyond, they matched wits with the killer and stopped him from reaching his ultimate goals.

But final judgment is coming. And this time, there may be no defeating him. 

David "Mac" McPherson has a personal stake in making sure this predator stays down for good. His family died in the cyberattack. Mac knows that God says "vengeance is mine"—but surely an exception can be made. 

Surgeon Tracie Hunter is determined to stay sober and keep saving lives in Fairbanks, Alaska—even if it means being a little obsessive. After all, that same kind of determination is how she kept Mac alive after the murderer targeted him. And she won't let Mac run himself into the grave looking for payback; he's come to mean too much to her. 

Then someone hacks into the system at Tracie's previous job as a medical examiner and frames her in a murder cover-up. There's no one else skilled enough to create a digital trail this incriminating—the killer is back in action, exploiting cybersecurity weaknesses to destroy lives. Can Mac stay focused and stop the next attack when his own vulnerability is exposed? Or will his need to make someone pay for his pain allow the maniac to pull ahead and win at last?

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

More Books from this Series: 

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About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "Craziest Mom" for "Nana the Great."

Connect with Kimberley by visiting kimberleywoodhouse.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 70 North 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 October 16, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

The Christy Award 2023 Finalists

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023 organized by ECPA and hosted by 

JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to 

The Christy Award 2023 Finalists & Winners!

YOU ARE INVITED

The Christy Award Gala 2023
Via webcast
November 16, 2023 | 7 pm CT

Featuring Chris Fabry, Davis Bunn, Janette Oke, 

and a host of Christy-winning authors

Hosted by Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry, the Christy Award Winners Gala will be held 

Thursday, November 16th at 7pm CT via free webcast to recognize the finalists and announce the winners 

of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award. The event will feature two 

literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. Award presenters will include 

Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green,

  Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck,

 and Kara Swanson.

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The Christy Award Finalists 2023

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg (Larkspur Press)
All That It Takes by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
To Believe in You by Emily Conrad (Hope Anchor LLC)
To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

    

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon by Linda MacKillop (Kregel Publications)
Porch Music by Kathy Maresca (TouchPoint Press Faith)

GENERAL FICTION

   

 

By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett (Kregel Publications)
Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL

   

 

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar (Tyndale House Publishers)
Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt (Kregel Publications

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

 

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

 

By Way of Deception by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn (Harvest House Publishers)
Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Forged by Sara Davison (Mountain Brook Ink)
The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM

 

 

Always a Lady (in A Return to Hawthorne House) by Kristi Ann Hunter (Oholiab Creations, LLC)
Hopes and Fears (in O Little Town) by Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications)
Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon (Sarah Monzon)

SPECULATIVE

    

Drawn in Ash by John W. Otte (John W. Otte)
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)
Yesterday's Gone by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall (Tyndale House Publishers)

YOUNG ADULT

   

 

 

Blood Secrets by Morgan L. Busse (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson (Sara Watterson)
The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd (Scrivenings Press)
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes (Thomas Nelson)
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of 

The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2023, and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2023. 

The 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 HERE

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REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2023 EVENTS

The Art of Writing webinars on Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT $69
online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9
This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and
recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. - free but registration is required.
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is

 the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more 

information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and 

Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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

ICE ~ Audiobook Review

 

ICE

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

More than 20 years ago, Chris Matheson was a person of interest in the disappearance of Sandy Lipton. The small-town gossip blamed him and now that he's back in town with his daughters, he learns that the wagging tongues and speculation never died down. Worse, his daughters have started hearing the malice gossip that, if true, would see him still serving a sentence.

Talked into joining his late father's book club, Chris soon learns that this is no ordinary book club. Rather it is a collection of retired law enforcement officers who seek to avoid the utter boredom of retirement by working on cold cases. Drawing on the unique skill set of this group, Chris begins piecing together the random and vague clues and recollections that he has from that time. But someone seems determined to keep him from the truth about Sandy and the child she was carrying.

But this small West Virginian town is hiding more than one crime, and Chris is about to find himself in the midst of it. Whoever is behind this has a malevolence that makes Chris feel these crimes are related and personal. The only question is, which of his old acquaintances is next on the list?

This Lauren Carr series offers up a big dose of both for the whodunnit mystery buff who loves ever-increasing suspense and danger. Murder and mayhem seem to be Chris's new companions after returning home following the loss of both his wife and his father. Juggling the parenting responsibilities of his three daughters with his mother is not something Chris was expecting at this point in his life, but life doesn't go as planned.

And for those familiar with Lauren's other works - YES, there are dogs in this book, and Chris's newest Sterling just might give Gnarly a run for his money as far as crazy antics go. Sterling, in a word, is a HOOT and probably my favorite character. Though the pet rabbit Thor is a pretty close second - who wouldn't love a rabbit who dresses up!

The audio narration by Mike Alger is well done. The pacing is good, and the various characters are easily discernable as the story progresses.  At just under 10 hours, this is an excellent length for a week of commuting or household chores.

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

About the Book:

Book Title: ICE (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category:  Adult fiction,  9 hours, 54 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  April 25, 2018
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat...I love the way Lauren spun this novel - I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!" 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

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Book Description:
​When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted. 

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!

​Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

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​Meet the Narrator:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~  twitter

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​Meet the Author:

​Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

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

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 3 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 4 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 8 – Liese's Blog – book series spotlight
May 9- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 10- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia's Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
​May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 17 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 18 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 –Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 - – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 24 - FUONLYKNEW - book series spotlight/giveaway
May 24 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 –fundinmental – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
TBD – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Snow Storm ~ Review

 

Snow Storm  by Mike Alger  Greg O'Brien is the meteorologist for KRGX and also for local radio station KOPP-FM. He's popular and is shocked when the radio station lets him go without explanation.  But what follows leaves him totally flummoxed. At first, he thinks it's just a series of unfortunate circumstances that have made him accident-prone. But all too soon, it becomes clear that someone is helping these accidents occur. Unfortunately, no one who can help him will believe him.  But how can a meteorologist outsmart an international assassin and live another day in hopes that he'll discover why he's been targeted? Greg O'Brien is about to make an effort. After all, he has a lot to live for. Over the years, I've listened to Mike Alger narrate audiobooks written by other authors; this is the first I've enjoyed that he has written. The book is told from Greg O'Brien's perspective. It is sometimes a memoir of Greg's recollection of what had happened until the book gets to where the opening action occurs. From there, the book unfolds as in-time action. Overall this was a well-written story with plenty of action that will more than completely engage the reader's attention. The reader and Greg will get a crash course in international crime and cartels as the threats escalate.  You won't want to miss this book if you are looking for suspense and life-and-death situations. The audio reading is well-presented, the various characters are distinguishable, and there is good pacing throughout. At just over 11 hours, this is the perfect length for a week's commute. 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. The Book Details Book Title:  SNOW STORM by Mike Alger Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +)  Genre:  Mystery / Thriller Publisher:  Publish America Release date:   July 2002 Content Rating:  PG - I wavered between G and PG… there's no explicit language, but there is some mild violence. Snippet: He smiled. "Kidnapping? Naw… you don't have to worry about that. Oy'm not here to kidnap you. Oy'm here to kill you." About the Book: Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind. You wake up one morning, and all of a sudden, an internationally feared assassin wants you dead? I hate it when that happens. And what do you do when the forecast for your friendly neighborhood TV weatherman looks like murder? ​KRGX meteorologist Greg O'Brien is having one of those days. He just hopes it's not his last. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Audible  Add to Goodreads Meet the Author: One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California, Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society's Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children. ​ Connect with the author: website ~ ACX ~ Facebook ~  Twitter Tour Schedule: May 1 – Mystery Review Crew – audiobook review/giveaway May 1 - Mystery Review Crew - book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 8 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review/author interview/giveaway May 9 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review/guest post/giveaway May 10 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review/giveaway May 11 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review/giveaway May 12 – Liese's Blog – book spotlight May 13 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review May 16 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight/author interview/giveaway May 17 – Diane's Book Journal – book spotlight May 18 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 23 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – audiobook review/giveaway May 24 – The Momma Spot – audiobook review/giveaway May 25 – Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review/giveaway May 26 – Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight/giveaway May 26 – fundinmental – book spotlight/giveaway Enter the Giveaway: