Sabotaged ~ Review with excerpt and book giveaway

Sabotaged
Alaskan Courage 5
By Dani Pettrey

The Iditarod is always a challenge, but this year it is about to get even more dangerous.  And the McKenna family is right in the middle of the action.

Kirra Jacobs knows something is wrong when her Uncle Frank doesn't check-in at the station she's manning.  Kirra is determined to find him now, when minutes matter.  Unfortunately Reef McKenna insists on accompanying her during her search.  But when her search takes an unexpected turns, she's grateful for Reef's assistance.

What was a missing musher is in fact a kidnapping.  And the victim is Kirra's cousin Meg.  Meg is the leverage to force Frank into doing the kidnapper's bidding.  And if they don't find Meg in time - people are going to be hurt.  Frank is adamant that the police be kept out of it or Meg will suffer at the hands of her abductors.

But finding Meg will take more than two people as the clock ticks down.  With the help of the McKenna family Meg and Frank have a chance of making it out of this situation alive.  But is Kirra ready to confront the past to save her cousin?

Sabotaged is yet another exciting installment in the McKenna family saga.  Each member is present in this story, but Reef is the main McKenna focus in this book.  And fans of Kayden and Jake will be thrilled to know that they have an important role in this story.  And, yes, Kayden is still being nice to Jake.  

This is the perfect wrap-up for this series, one that is perfect for Valentine's Day! (hint, hint). This may be the final book in the series but there is no reason one can't revisit them again, which I plan to. 

Get ready for heart-pounding excitement, a dash of romance, and plenty of danger - Sabotaged will keep your attention from the first page until the last.

   

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Book Summary:

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light.

Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die.

Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

About the author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, 

and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and her latest release, Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because 

it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, 

where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Excerpt:
    Leave it to Reef to play the chivalrous knight. Seriously? Reef?
Just her luck she’d gotten paired up with him again.
    She exhaled, trying to release the pent-up tension from her body,
the warmth of her breath quickly swallowed by the cold. The more
time she spent with Reef, the more he surprised her. And she hated
surprises, especially when it came to men.
    Accelerating, she pushed the engine to its max, as snow- flakes the
size of half dollars pelted her face. She blinked, the simple motion made
difficult by the ice crusting her eyelashes. Was she putting herself and
Reef in danger being out in such harsh elements—yes—but she didn’t
have a choice. This was Uncle Frank.
    She took the last upswing to her uncle’s favorite resting spot at full
speed, the front of the machine lifting over the rise. Reef’s laughter echoed
over the roar of the wind and the purr of the engine. She slid to a stop and
left the engine idling.
    Reef hopped off beside her. “I’m impressed. Didn’t know you had that
kind of speed in you.” His face was covered from the nose down, but she
could see his smile in the crinkle of his eyes.
    She adjusted her headlamp and pulled the flashlight from her jacket,
pressing it on. She fanned the light out across the thick cascading snow,
so thick it was difficult to make out where the ridge began and where it
dropped off.
    “Thank God.” Her uncle’s voice echoed along the fifteen foot crevice
that bordered the ridge. “I hoped you’d think to come looking for me here.”
    “Frank.” Relief swarmed inside as she moved toward his voice.
    Reef’s strong arm grabbed around her waist, yanking her back. “Whoa!”
    Her feet dangled in the air over the dark emptiness below, her flashlight
dropping into nothingness.
    Was Frank on the other side of the crevice?
    Reef swung her back and set her down, his hold remaining firm.
    She pushed at his forearm.
    “I’m not letting go unless you promise to be more careful.”
    She nodded, her heartbeat whooshing in her ears.
    He let go, and she instantly missed the warmth of his embrace.
    “Kirra,” Frank yelled.
    “Yeah.” She moved with great care toward the edge, Reef keeping in
close stride with her. Thick trees on that side prevented the moonlight’s
penetration—she couldn’t see anything.
    “I need you to listen. We don’t have much time.”
    “Are you hurt? Are the dogs?” Why was he on the opposite side of the
crevice from the race trail?
    “We’re fine, but your cousin’s not.”
    “Meg?” What did she have to do with any of this?
    “Some men have taken her.”
    “What?” A nervous laugh escaped her lips. He couldn’t be serious. “What
are you talking about?”
    She yanked the secondary flashlight from her pants pocket and shone it
across the space. She could barely make out Frank’s form silhouetted by the
snow. His dogs stood in a line in front of his sled, harnessed and ready to go.
    “Listen carefully.” The edge in his voice deepened. “Some men kidnapped
her. They’re holding her hostage until I do something for them.”
    She sensed Reef shift, as if he intended to say something, but she was
thankful when he said nothing, allowing her to take the lead. “What do they
want you to do?” What could they possibly want from her uncle?
    “I can’t tell you. I have to do what they say or they’ll kill her. But you
might be able to help.”
    “Anything. How?”
    “Find Meg before I reach the finish line in Nome. If you find her, I
won’t have to finish the job.”
    “Job? What job?”
    “Stop asking questions and listen. You find Meg and then find me. If
I know she’s safe, I won’t finish the job. Otherwise, I fear a lot of others
may be hurt too.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “You don’t have to. Just do what I say and find your cousin before I
reach Nome.”
    “I’ll call the cops as soon as we get back to Rainy Pass.”
    “No! No cops. They said if they saw a cop anywhere around, they’d
kill her. Promise me, Kirra. No cops. I can’t lose Meg.”
    “Okay. No cops.”
    Diesel growled and Frank’s eyes widened. Kirra looked over her
shoulder and saw a light approaching through the gloom. The rumble
of a snowmobile drew near.
    “I took too long. They’re here.”

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Where Rivers Part ~ Review

Where Rivers Part
A Texas Gold Novel 2

By Kellie Coates Gilbert

Juliet Ryan is an up-and-coming star in her field.  Quality assurance is the promise of product safety and Juliet is determined that her company will never be one of those companies that let's consumer safety fall to the god of corporate profit.

But in the midst of personal tragedy, Juliet finds her personal and professional life spiraling out of her control when a deadly bacterial outbreak occurs.  As everyone scrambles to locate the source, tensions rise throughout the city as the victims multiply. 

Where Rivers Part is contemporary fiction at its best with a timely and meaningful story.  Drawing on true events Kellie weaves a powerful story that may be the best she has written to date.

The dollar is the driving force in business all too often, resulting in short cuts that in the long run are much more costly in the end.  Lives lost or debilitated are one of the potential costs.

There is a second story that runs throughout and that is Juliet's relationship with her father.  For years Juliet has been holding onto the hurt she carries, allowing it to fester.  As a result time to together seems inconceivable.  But sometimes the wolf in sheep's clothing is the easiest enemy to spot, rather than the one before us.  Trust is something that needs to be earned, but forgiveness is a gift that we can give.

Where Rivers Part is a book that has wide appeal and if you are unfamiliar with Kellie Coates Gilbert's work would be an excellent introduction to her writing.  And before you ask, No you don't need to read the previous Texas Gold novel to enjoy this book.  These books can stand-alone.    

                                                                                                                                                                    I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell, through their blogger program in exchange for my honest review.                                                                                                                                                                                                    
About the book:

Success too often comes with a price. Juliet never imagined it could be so high.

Dr. Juliet Ryan has devoted her considerable scientific acumen to corporate America, providing safe drinking water for millions--and affording her plenty of perks along the way. It's not the path her estranged father would have her take, but then Juliet finds it difficult to maintain respect for a man she cannot trust. She's on her way up in the world, and she's not going to let anything drag her down.

But when a fast-moving disaster sweeps Juliet into a whirlpool of corporate scandal, lives are at risk--including those of some of the people closest to her. As she scrambles to find answers, Juliet must face her deepest wounds and join forces with the one who has hurt her most in order to expose a far-reaching conspiracy.

Like a mighty river with twists and turns and hidden rocks, this engrossing story will sweep you relentlessly along as it fearlessly explores the seduction of success, the fear of giving up control, and the redemptive power of learning to forgive.

About the author:
Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal and the author of A Woman of Fortune. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband.

Beneath the Forsaken City ~ Review

Beneath the Forsaken City
The Song of Seare 2
By C.E. Laureano

Having escaped Conor and Aine are again separated by circumstances beyond their control.  Each struggles with the possibility that the other may be dead, while at the same time facing a period of testing.  Testing that will reveal just how strong their trust and faith in Comdiu truly is.

Having helped Conor and Aine escape, Eoghan returns to the brotherhood to resume his place and to accept whatever punishment Liam deems applicable to his crime.  

War is coming and the sidhe are growing in influence over those who have rejected Comdiu.  Keondric's power is growing as his forces prepare to assault Ard Dhaimhin and capture the ancient secrets it protects.

It is during this time that new gifts among Comdiu's followers are discovered.  Gifts that are needed to preserve what is and to restore that which has been lost.  But can the gifts be seen for what they truly are or will they be used for individual gain?

Beneath the Forsaken City is a time of loss and a time of learning.  Conor, Aine and Eoghan must learn what their own weaknesses are and that their true strength lies not in the gifts Comdiu has given, but in Comdiu himself.  And unfortunately some lessons are are costly.

Beneath the Forsaken City picks up where Oath of the Brotherhood left off.  And to truly grasp and understand the second book in The Song of Seare series you need to read the books in order as many references are made to incidents that happened prior.

This is an exciting and thoughtful book. It will keep your attention from the opening sentence, "Conor Mac Nir leaned against the railing of the Resolute in the dark, watching the choppy seas splash along the cog's wooden hull." until the last sentence, "You are."  And between these two sentences exist words that will pull you into the world of Seare.

Fans of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald have a new world to explore - Seare.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through their blog network in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

A Storm on the horizon.

A Brotherhood scattered.

A future denied.

Who will stand against the darkness?

Conor and Aine have barely escaped Seare with their lives. Conor knows he must return to 

find the harp that could end the Red Druid’s reign of terror, but in the midst of their escape, 

he and Aine are torn apart once more. Surrounded by despair and thrown into as much danger 

as they left behind, Conor and Aine must cling to the whispers of Comdiu’s plans for them and 

the homeland that depends on their survival. But at what cost? Will they learn to depend on 

Comdiu completely? Or will they give up hope?

The Monogamy Mystery ~ Review and Giveaway

The Monogamy Mystery
By John I. Cline

In The Monogamy Mystery John Cline delves into the historic, spiritual, societal, and biological factors that have and have had an impact on the ability or inability of humanity to live within the confines of a monogamous relationship. Is this a natural or unnatural inclination? This is the question John Cline addresses with thoughtful and carefully presented evidences.

All too often marriage is based on the foundation of romantic love which is the weakest of all loves.  This foundation is an erroneous myth that western society has created - the promise of happily ever after.  But happily ever after takes work and commitment, a commitment that that is seemingly contrary to social, biological, and historical norms.

Faithfulness in marriage is the desire of most people as is reflected by the vows made before God, family and friends of forsaking all others for the duration of both partners lives.  But society expects unfaithfulness and has even fostered this mindset throughout history.

But faithfulness, monogamy can be a reality.  But it takes work and as we are often told anything worth having takes work.  Monogamy is the perfect state that man (Adam) and woman (Eve) existed in before they partook in sin.  Sin destroyed this perfect union at the same time it destroyed our perfect existence with God.  And it is only by turning to God that we can find a solution to the troubling presence of infidelity that is destroying our marriages and damaging our families on every level.

Monogamy was (and is) the first institution created by God, if we can hold onto this in our marriages we are attempting to live within His original plan.  This is a spiritually ordained gift from God and it is only by relying on God and His godly principles that we can stand firm in this selflessness.

Of great interest to me was that author recommends that both men and women look to Proverbs 31 on proper behavior for husbands and wives.  This passage should be your go to passage throughout your life (even before one starts dating) to study as the standard for which we should model our behavior.

This book should be part of every marriage counselor's library and would be an excellent study resource for a newly engaged or married couple.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my participation in this tour and my honest review.       

About John I. Cline:

Bishop John I. Cline is the senior pastor of the New Life Baptist Church in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

As a teenager, he left the shores of the British Virgin Islands to further his education and broaden his horizons in the United States of America by way of the United States Virgin Islands. With his training in electronic engineering in hand and some work experience in the USA, he returned to the British Virgin Islands in 1993. Since that time, he has launched many successful businesses including Infinite Solutions, a trading store through which he markets and sells consumer electronics, and Atlantis Solar, through which he markets, promotes and distributes alternative energy products locally, regionally and internationally.

In 1997, the Church, under his leadership, constructed new premises and relocated from Road Town to Duff’s bottom under the name New Life Baptist Church. Three years later, the New Life Day Care and Learning Centre was constructed to ensure that children were being indoctrinated with biblical teaching during these wonder years. He was consecrated to the Office of the Bishop and inducted in the College of Bishops as a presbyter, adjudicator and an examiner in October 2005. In 2011, he spearheaded the construction of the church’s Save the Seed Centre, a multi-million-dollar recreational facility intended to target the youth generation – a generation he feels in dire need of attention and rescue.

He is also the founding member of the New Life Baptist Church Foundation. The Church’s most recent international philanthropic efforts have included providing financial support to a school in Africa, The Tortola Child Rescue and Learning Centre, where the most recent efforts have been the construction of the secondary school, thereby ensuring that each student in the school has an opportunity to continue his or her education through the secondary level.

He attributes his success to godly parents, strong family ties, a caring church, and a supportive community and he desires to ‘pass it on!”

About THE Monogamy MYSTERY:

The Monogamy Mystery is a thought-provoking advanced discussion which addresses the issue of monogamy. It addresses the important questions as to whether monogamy is natural or unnatural and whether a monogamous existence can truly be achieved by mankind. It studies monogamy from a biblical, sociological, biological and spiritual perspective and arrives at a most logical conclusion. Infidelity has been a destructive force to the institution of marriage. Hence, it is important for each of us to understand the root of infidelity and learn how to conquer it in order to enjoy more fulfilling lives. Many husbands and wives find themselves in the middle of extra-marital affairs, not because they want to destroy their marriages, not because they do not love their spouses, and not because they are inherently evil or bad-intentioned. My total life experiences have brought me to a place where I have formed the view that it has become urgent to unearth some necessary truths and understanding in an effort to stop, correct, and guide future generations of persons who opt for committed relationships in their ultimate pursuit of happiness. The Monogamy Mystery is the ultimate relationship companion on the real causes of infidelity in interpersonal relationships.

Connect with John Cline online at the following:

JohnICline.com/    Facebook    Twitter     Pinterest

Purchase Online at: Amazon  or  Barnes and Nobel

Giveaway:

1^st Prize:  $50 Amazon.com gift certificate and autographed copy 

                  of THE Monogamy MYSTERY

2^nd Prize:  $25 Amazon.com gift certificate and autographed copy 

                   of THE Monogamy MYSTERY

3^rd Prize:  Autographed copy of THE Monogamy MYSTERY

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Two Renegade Realms ~ Review

Two Renegade Realms
Realm Walkers 2
By Donita K. Paul

After two years of searching unsuccessfully for Ahma and Odem, Cantor and Bridger are ready for another mission.  Their new assignment teams them up once again with Bixby and Dukmee.

Together the foursome is searching for an ancient library, a library which may hold the key to saving their realm   But nothing is ever easy and complications ensue when the opportunity to find and rescue the long absent Chomountain presents itself.

In a hidden valley where Chomountain is rumored to be imprisoned they find a man impassioned with fishing, but no sign of Chomountain.  Can they discover the reason Primen directed them to this valley?  Or will their mission to thwart a looming invasion pull them away before the truth can be discovered?

Two Renegade Realms is as exciting as One Realm Beyond and will thoroughly capture your attention.  Bridger is as ineptly resourceful as before and definitely one dragon you want to have in your corner.  Bixby and Cantor are interesting as they both annoy and endear themselves as they reestablish the friendship that they had shared.  And then there is Dukmee brilliant with a dash of arrogance if his companions would allow it to take root.  These four make the story real and bring you into it.

Realm Walkers is a solid line-up with the first two books and Donita Paul doesn't disappoint.  I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy fiction who like a story with substance.  This will appeal to the tween / teen / adult audience.

I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogging program in exchange for my honest review.  


About the Book:

From bestselling author, Donita K Paul, the second installment in a fantasy series that follows Cantor, a Realm Walker, chosen to battle the corrupt Guild.

In Two Renegade Realms, the second installment in Donita K. Paul's Realm Walkers Series, Cantor, Bixby, and Dukmee must band together to find the storied realm walker Chomountain after a devastating attack by the corrupt Realm Walkers Guild. But what they discover while traveling turns their mission upside down: the great wizard is not as he once was, and they must now find a way to restore Chomountain before they and he can restore the Guild once more.

About the Author:

Donita K. Paul retired from teaching and took up the mantle of grandma. She loves her new career as author of stories her grandchildren devour. Winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado, enjoying friends and family, pets and beautiful scenery. Her favorite part of writing is the readers.

Dani Pettrey's Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes

Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes

In SABOTAGED, the fifth and final book of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna experience the high stakes of Iditarod search-and-rescue when Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, goes missing.

Kirra and Reef put aside their differences to search for him, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter Meg has been kidnapped, and Frank must do the kidnapper’s bidding or Meg will die.

Soon Kirra, Reef, and the entire McKenna family are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

To celebrate their epic race, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the HEART OF ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Time frame and Notifications:

This giveaway starts February 2, 2015 and ends February 22, 2015 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Monday, February 23, 2015, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

GRAND PRIZE:  LUXURIOUS LODGE GETAWAY

During their cross-country hunt for answers, Kirra and Reef stop to rest at a gorgeous mountain lodge in Denali that holds special memories for Reef. This prize offers you a chance to build your own special memories, with a luxurious lodge getaway for two.

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to Hotels.com, good for reservations at lodges and hotels across the Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous International locations



SECOND PRIZE: PALS WITH PAWS DONATION

In the Alaskan Courage series, Kirra is the proud owner of Nanook Haven, a rescue shelter for sled dogs. In real life, animals need rescue as well, and this prize will allow you to give a special gift to support an organization like Kirra’s.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 donation in your name, to the animal rescue, shelter, or veterinarian of your choice



THIRD PRIZE:  SWEETHEART SURVIVAL SLED

In SABOTAGED, Kirra and Reef take shelter in a snow cave while hiding from a man determined to put them on ice– permanently! Luckily, Kirra has a survival kit, to help them make it through the sub-zero temperatures.  If you prefer a little more romance and a little less suspense in your survival kit, this is the prize for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: A $100 value sweetheart survival pack. This gift basket includes double chocolate raspberry cake, smoked salmon, brie cheese and crackers, and a wide variety of gourmet snacks


How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/heart-of-adventure-sweepstakes/

and complete the entry box, anytime between February 2 – 22, 2015.

The Abbot's Agreement ~ Review

The Abbot's Agreement
The chronicles of
         Hugh de Singleton, surgeon 7
By Mel Starr

It was to be a short trip to Oxford, but alas yet again Hugh's plans have gone awry.  If only he hadn't seen the birds.  But he did see the birds and in the process discovered a body.

This discovery leads the Abbot of Eynshan Abbey to retain Hugh's services in determining who killed the abbey's missing novice.  But there is more to this mystery than Hugh could have possibly imagined.  And this case is fraught with dangers from both within the abbey and without.

With clues leading to several potential suspects, Hugh must ply his skills as both surgeon and bailiff to get to the truth that has been carefully concealed.

But frustration ensues as each lead seemingly falls just short of what Hugh needs to determine the killer's identity. Adding to his anxiety his wife Kate is due to deliver their second child in the very near future.

When the case takes an unexpected turn Hugh finds himself in an uncomfortable position and has few that he can turn to for assistance.

If you like murder mysteries and historical fiction the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon will keep you guessing as he eliminates suspects and motives.  Take a trip to 14th century England for a who-dun-it that will hold your interest until the final page.

Yet another delightful murder mystery from the pen of Mel Starr!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Lion Hudson through the Kregel blogger program in exchange for my honest review and my participation in this tour.

About the book:

A new and disturbing puzzle for the medieval surgeon-turned-sleuth...

Master Hugh de Singleton is making his way toward Oxford when he discovers the corpse of a young Benedictine not half a mile from the nearby abbey.

The abbey's novice master confirms the boy's identity; it is John, one of three novices. He had gone missing four days previous, and yet his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death-the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him.

With realistic medical procedures of the period, droll medieval wit, and a consistent underlying sense of Christian compassion, the seventh in the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton will delight medieval history and crime fiction fans alike.