Fire Storm ~ Review

Fire Storm
Kaely Quinn Profiler #2
By Nancy Mehl

Kaely Quinn is headed to Darkwater, Nebraska. She is headed to her mother's home to spend some time with her as she undergoes treatment for cancer - a treatment that is in the trial stage and her last hope for a cure. Kaely and her mother have had issues for years, issues that were exasperated by the betrayal of her father. But her brother Jason has asked for help.

But Darkwater, Nebraska, isn't just a quiet sleepy town when Kaely arrives. Darkwater is being targeted by a serial arsonist. Though no one has seen the pattern she has noticed. Kaely knows that something is wrong - she can feel it. Will she let work pull her away from her family? Kaely has to decide just what is important to her before she is left with regrets.

Soon Kaely's partner Noah Hunter joins her in Darkwater to help with the suspected serial arsonist. Officially they are helping out the local FBI office, one that is several hours away, with a drug case needing an assist in extra manpower. But there is something about the fires, the motive, and even the suspect profile that is eluding Kaely. And her special technique in drawing out the profile is not working for her this time. And with the arsonist seemingly taking a personal interest in her, her lack of a clear suspect is even more troubling.

Will this case cost Kaely everything?

Fire Storm is an intense read and not one to start just before going to bed as you'll want to keep reading until the end. With a varied cast of potential suspects, this is one that will keep one as confused as Kaely in determining just who is guilty. And if you read the first book Mind Games you will be familiar with Kaely's BFF Georgie and she is most definitely back offering her advice whether or not Kaely wants it. If you haven't read Mind Games you really should read it first as it will explain certain references to Kaely's past and her unique ways.

Overall this was a fairly good read and the perpetrator well let's just say diabolical is an understatement. Fans of Romantic Suspense will enjoy this newest offering from Nancy Mehl.


About the Book:
When FBI profiler Kaely Quinn's brother asks for help caring for their unwell mother, Kaely finds herself headed to Darkwater, Nebraska. When she arrives, she learns the small town has been facing a series of fires. While the fire chief attributes them to the misuse of space heaters in the frigid winter, Kaely identifies a pattern that makes her suspect they were no accident.

After yet another blaze devastates a local family, Kaely's suspicions turn to certainty. Together with her partner from St. Louis, Noah Hunter, and her brother's firefighter neighbor, Kaely and her team begin an investigation that swiftly leads them down a twisted path. When the truth is finally revealed, Kaely finds herself confronting a madman who is determined his last heinous act will be her death.

Ford ~ Review

Ford
Montana Marshalls #3
By Susan May Warren

Ford Marshall just isn't himself anymore, not since Scarlett Hathaway left the team and is no longer the voice in his ear, the steadying presence he needs to get him through the mission. And now that he has the added worry about RJ he is more than a little distracted on his current mission - enough so that he just might make a mistake that he may not live to regret.

Scarlett Hathaway is just about to start a new career pathway having passed the needed tests to qualify for Rescue Swimmer training. There is just one problem her half-brother Gunner needs her and her future with the Navy is in doubt. When Ford shows up asking for her help how can she say no? After all, this could very well prove to be her last mission and what better way to go out than on a rescue mission with the man who means the most to her.

RJ (aka Ruby Jane) Marshall was just supposed to pass on some needed intel, after all, she's just an analyst, not an agent. But she now finds herself in hiding in Russia and the assumed attempted assassin of a Russian official. She wasn't even supposed to be in Russia and now she might never get out alive.

This is the third book in the Montana Marshalls series and though Ford takes center stage as evidenced by the title of the book FORD in no way does it leave out the rest of the Marshall clan. RJ, Ford's twin sister is also a key player in this book as her mishap in Russia is the catalyst for getting both Ford and Scarlett heading to Russia and the vast unknown to rescue her. We also learn more about Scarlett and her background as she has to deal with her conflicted feelings about her mother, her mother's boyfriends, her future, and Ford-the man who seems determined to single-handedly save the world. This just might be the day that one of the Marshalls doesn't come home...

Those who have read the previous books in the series (Knox and Tate) will enjoy this one just as much if not more. If you are new to the series this book will not give you trouble in any way as it could easily be a standalone title. So if you are a fan of suspense and romance you'll enjoy adding this book to your TBR (to be read) list.

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:

Family…country…or the woman he loves…

Navy Seal Ford Marshall isn’t the kind to stand by and let a woman get hurt—especially when it involves his twin sister, RJ. So, when she makes the news, accused of sparking an international incident, he doesn’t care what it takes—he’s going to find her and bring her home.

But he might need a little help, so he calls on the woman who has had his back during the last three years—Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway, former communications expert-turned Rescue Swimmer candidate. She’ll help him get into the country, watch his back, and…well, they might be able to have one last mission together before she leaves for a new life, a life he very much wants to be a part of now that she is off his team. Maybe he can convince her to give them a chance to kindle the spark that’s simmered between them for years.

Scarlett Hathaway isn’t sure what future she wants—not when she suddenly has to care for her little brother. Maybe she should quit the Navy and start a life with the man she can’t seem to get out of her heart. So yes, she’ll help Ford find his sister. And maybe, along the way, figure out if they have a future.

But finding RJ somewhere in the vastness of Russia with the FSB chasing them will push Scarlett beyond even her courage and make her question everything she thought she wanted…including Ford. What will it cost her to love a man who saves the world?
And when Ford is asked to choose between saving his sister, saving the world from a war, and rescuing the woman he loves…can he live with his decision?

The third book in the Montana Marshalls series will leave you breathless!

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Most Important Stories of the Bible ~ Review

The Most Important Stories of the Bible
Understanding God's Word Through the Stories It Tells
By Christopher D. Hudson
   and Stan Campbell

This book takes the reader from Genesis through Revelation touching on 75 of the most important stories that give an overview of the whole. Forty-three come from the Old Testament and thirty-two from the New Testament.

The book is broken down into six main sections Beginnings, Patriarchs, Israel's Family Becomes a Nation, Kings and Prophets, Stories of  Jesus, and Stories of the Early Church. Beginnings covers what one would expect Creation, the first sin, the flood and the Tower of Babel. The Patriarchs covers the promise God made to Abraham, the fulfillment of that promise through Issac, Esau, and Jacob and Joseph's life in Eygpt. Israel's Family Becomes a Nation begins with God speaking to Moses through the burning bush, the plagues on Eygpt, the people's journey through the desert, the taking of the Promised Land and the lives of Gideon, Samson, and Ruth and Boaz. Kings and Prophets begins with the call of Samuel, King Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Israel's captivity and then their return to Jerusalem. Stories of Jesus shares the birth of John the Baptist, the Birth of Jesus, the baptism and temptation of Jesus, Jesus's ministry and parables, and the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Stories of the Early Church opens with the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, the work of the disciples, Saul's conversion and ministry as Paul, and concludes with John's vision. Each section opens with a timeline of what is taking place during this Biblical period and major events of the world.

This book can be a daily reading and take approximately two and a half months to go through. Or one could do it as a weekend devotional with a reading on both Saturday and Sunday taking almost 10 months to go through. Or you could do one a week for just under 1-1/2 years. Though I'll be honest I often read more than one selection a day so I went through this book fairly quickly. 

This would make an excellent gift for a new believer who wants to quickly get a better understanding of the Bible. This would also be a good way to introduce young readers to the Bible. The book is just over 180 pages so no reading is too long so lack of time won't be a problem with this book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

All Your Favorite Stories from the Bible

 . . . and Why They Matter to You!

Perhaps you've heard of the exciting adventures of David and Goliath, Noah, or Daniel in the lion's den, but you don't know the details. Or maybe you read Bible stories like these a long time ago, but you can't figure out how they fit together and what you're supposed to get out of them.

The Most Important Stories of the Bible will lay out for you the key stories in Scripture and how they flow into one big story. Each chapter is compact, easy-to-read, and includes a brief introduction to explain the historical context, plus a summary to help you understand its most important lessons for your life and faith.

There's a reason most of the Bible is made up of stories. They speak to us in a deep way, helping us internalize God's message. And in the end, understanding the stories of God's Word will help us connect more closely to Jesus, the greatest storyteller of all. 

About the Authors:

Christopher Hudson is the author of numerous books, including the Self-Guided Tour of the Bible and Navigating the Bible, and has contributed to over fifty Bible projects. Christopher is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL) and has been an active teacher in his church for over twenty years. He lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.

Stan Campbell holds communication degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and Wheaton College. He has authored dozens of Bible-related books, primarily for youth and seeker markets, including the first three editions of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible. He and his wife, Kathy, live in the Nashville area.

Fatal Memories ~ Review with Author Guest Post and Giveaway

WELCOME TO THE FATAL MEMORIES Blog Tour 
hosted by SLB Tours

Fatal Memories

By Tanya Stowe

Jocelyn (Joss) Walker can't remember anything. Her name is gone. Her friends, not a clue who they are. And her brother, she doesn't even know she had one. And worse she was found in a suspected drug-running tunnel with a large supply of drugs. Is she guilty? Or is she being set-up?

DEA Agent Dylan Murphy is determined to discover the truth. And Joss's behavior over the last few days has him convinced that she was hiding something. But is it relevant to the case that he was sent from Washington to handle? Could Joss be a traitor in their midsts? He'll find out and if that means using her vulnerability to trigger a memory he'll do it. He'll just have to tread carefully so as to protect himself and his heart after all he is one a mission to bring down those who caused his sister's death.

Fatal Memories is an action-packed read that you'll want to read more than once. Do you love mysteries, suspense, and romance that is clean reading? Well, Fatal Memories is all of that and a page-turner to keep you reading on the promise of  "Just one more chapter." So find a favorite cozy corner to snuggle into with a pot of tea nearby and get lost between the pages for a few hours of delightful reading. 

Before this book, I was unfamiliar with Tanya Stowe's work and I can say with all honesty she's an author I will be checking out in the future. This book is a standalone so if you don't want to be drawn into a series this is a great intro to an author you too may be unfamiliar with.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations or requirements - all thoughts expressed are my honest opinion and thoughts.

About the Book:

Series: Love Inspires Suspense
Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Romance, Suspense
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: September 1, 2019

 She was framed! Or was she? 

If only she could remember...

Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects— her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape?

GOODREADS | BN.com | AMAZON

About the Author

Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…mysteries and exotic adventures, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey filled with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

Author Guest Post

Race to the Finish

I love to travel and experience new things. My husband and I lived in the Middle East for two years and we traveled through Oman, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Italy. I loved every minute of our time abroad. I’m also a pretty competitive person. I played tennis and now that I’m older, I play pickleball so a “race to the finish” is a phrase I know well. Writing action and adventure comes easy to me. So, when I first began to write romantic suspense, I thought it would be a quick transition to “race to survive.” 

At first it was fairly simple…until I began to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line. Suspense at LIS means danger and action on every page…starting on page one! Even this “race to the finish” gal had to step up her game. 

I had to learn how to insert that sense of “danger lurking around the corner” in every scene, even the quiet romantic scenes of love’s first kiss or the heartbreaking moments of a faith-filled confession. Those tender touching parts are why we read romance, but in a romantic suspense, there must still be that sense of the “ticking clock,” that feeling that if they don’t work together, they will both lose the ultimate race and their lives.

In Fatal MemoriesI found a very unique tool to keep us, (yes, myself included) on the edge of our seats. My heroine, Joss Walker has amnesia. When she wakes for her coma, the hero, Dylan Murphy is right there, holding her hand and supporting her. When a drug gang attempts to kill Joss, Dylan becomes the anchor in her life. But right from the beginning, Dylan believes Joss has betrayed her duty and is guilty of a crime. The closer Joss and Dylan came to danger, the closer Joss comes to finding out that Dylan never trusted her. 

Talk about a ticking clock! Between the attempts on Joss’ life, her faith crisis and doubts about Dylan, I had more than enough suspense to carry me through to the end. I hope you think so too!

Giveaway

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Giveaway ends September 7 at 11:59pm MT.

 Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.
Enter the giveaway HERE.

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Tour Schedule

September 2 

Heidi Reads…
Pause for Tales

September 3 

Remembrancy
Jorie Loves A Story
Blooming with Books
Kat's Corner Books

September 4 

Tell Tale Book Reviews
By The Book
Edits and Reviews by Leslie

September 5 

Mindy Houng
Hallie Reads
Red Headed Book Lady

September 6 

Life Is What It’s Called
Reading Is My SuperPower

Check out the tour schedule and links HERE.

Finding Lady Enderly ~ Review

Finding Lady Enderly
By Joanna Davidson Politano

Raina Bretton has always found adventure and trouble and in the past she has been rescued by her best friend and the man she has grown to love. But now Sully McKenna is nowhere near her as she is offered a chance to become something more than she is. From rag woman to fine lady overnight - can she truly take this chance and at what will it cost?

But when Raina arrives at Rothburne Abbey her arrival is secretive and she is hidden away until the next day. Thinking that her position would be one of service in the household she is more than a little surprised to learn that she is to assume the role of Lady Enderly mistress of the estate. The role is not permanent but merely to give the true mistress of the house a needed rest. Raina must give up all her ties to the past (whether she wants to or not) and become Lady Enderly. But there are secrets about which Raina has the need to know - like why she is so hated by some and before this visit why Lady Enderly has been absent from the home that is hers? Is the true Lady Enderly in need of Raina's help and just how long does she need to lose herself to this role?

With the well-being of one she holds dear resting on just how well she can convince other's that she is no longer a poor rag woman from London's East End Raina just might be in more trouble than she has ever been before. And when the truth comes out what will the cost be to her?

Finding Lady Enderly is an interesting read though I found the first few chapters hard-pressed to capture my attention. But once the book got into it a ways it was not easily put down. The cast of characters provides many of whom the reader is leary of on Raina's behalf. This book is a historical fiction but it does have just a touch of gothic intrigue to it which just adds to its charm especially when Raina finds herself facing even more trouble with her newest adventure.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Raina's dreams are all about to come true.

But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

~

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's East End when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley, offering her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble and give her a chance to be a lady.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within-and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden 

Find out more about Finding Lady Enderly and author Joanna Davidson Politano:

Joanna's website  Joanna's Facebook  Joanna's Twitter  Joanna's Instagram

Evermore ~ Review

Evermore
The Lost Princesses #1
By Jody Hedlund

Adelaide has a life that she loves though since Uncle Whelan's death life has been more difficult. And with Aunt Susanna's deteriorating health Adelaide's life is about to change especially when the truth about who she is is revealed. The long-lost Princess Constance didn't die when King Ethelwulf seized the throne of Mercia instead she was hidden away at Langley for the last 17 years and the time to lay claim to her throne has come.

But Adelaide has no desire to change her life and claim what she doesn't know. But when she sees the suffering of the people that she should be queen over she knows that she has little choice in the matter. She owes it to those who her parents ruled to become the ruler that they desired her to be.

But King Ethelwulf is determined to hold onto his united kingdom of Bryttania (the reunion of Mercia and Warwick) and he will do whatever he can to keep Adelaide from laying claim to what he believes is his and his family's by right. And the "cousins" who love her will do all in their power to keep her safe even if it costs them everything. Christopher wants Adelaide to lead the rebellion that has grown over the years, the rebellion that he left home 5 years ago to join. While Mitchell wants to protect Adelaide and fulfill the vow he made upon his mother's deathbed.

Evermore is the first book in the Lost Princesses series but it isn't the beginning, to learn how Adelaide escaped from King Ethelwulf you will need to read the prequel novella Always. But Always isn't necessary to read and enjoy Evermore, though knowing the backstory is always nice. Evermore is the beginning of the quest to restore what was lost and the first step is Adelaide laying claim to the throne that was stolen and then to find the sisters she has lost uniting with them to find a long lost treasure. Evermore is the first step and it is a delightful book that is complete in itself and one can anticipate the next book without being left hanging from a cliff. One knows more is coming but it is a satisfying ending.

I was provided with 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:

An ancient key. 

A secret treasure. 

And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace. 

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall ~ Review

The Governess of Penwythe Hall
The Cornwell Novels #1
By Sarah E. Ladd

Jac and Randall Trethewey have been estranged for years - a rift that happened when Jac inherited Penwythe Hall from their uncle. But when Randall unexpected dies his children are about to not only meet the uncle they have never seen they are to live with him until their maturity. Suddenly Jac's world is upended with the unexpected arrival of his three nieces, two nephews, their governess - Cordelia Greythorne, and their tutor - Hugh Simon. 

Three years ago Cordelia Greythorne was driven from her late husband's home and threatened if she should ever return to Cornwell. For three years Delia has not returned to Cornwell until the children to whom she is governess lose their father and are sent to live in Cornwell. Hidden away at Penwythe Hall Delia hopes that the Greythornes will never learn of her return to Cornwell. But Delia knows the Greythornes and knows that they will never stop until they get from her what they seek.

This is a delightful series debut that takes the reader to the Cornish coast where danger is found not only on the wild and untamed terrain but from those who feel themselves above the law. And when Delia's past threatens all that she holds dear she must decide whether she'll give in to the evil that she has tried to escape from or if she will stand firm refusing to become one of them. This time more than her safety is at stake.

I really enjoyed getting to know the Tretheway family and would be interested in knowing just why Jac got Penwythe instead of Randall and why Randall broke ties with his brother over it. This is historical fiction that is set within the Regency period and there is most definitely a bit of mystery surrounding Delia and her past. And for those who like clean reads, this is one that just for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Cornwall was in her blood, 

and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.