Secrets in the Mist ~ Review

Secrets in the Mist

Skyworld #1

By Morgan L. Busse

The Mist rules their world - for years it has been feared altering those touched by it into something horrific. The Touched are to be feared - no longer living yet walking carriers of the Mist.

Cass managed to avoid the Purge that took her parents, but life is hard scavenging to find enough to live on. But living further up the mountain is not for the likes of her as she has been reminded on more than one occasion. But Cass longs for something more than mere existence which she gets when she gets caught aboard the airship Daedalus. Offered a job as a diver Cass has a decision to make - one that would raise her above the clouds and offer her hope. But this choice comes with great danger as she would go into the Mist and face the unknown dangers that lurk within it.

The Mist has given the Five Families that rule from sky islands great power over all who live on the lands beneath. Lands that have limited space and even fewer resources.  When the population of the lowest grows they order the Purge to slow the demand on resources and doom those cast into the Mist of an existence as one of the Touched.

Theodore Winchester wants to stop the Mist. But no one wants to help him prove that the Mist can be stopped or altered. When his questions threaten the very foundations of his world he has to decide what he will do. Delve for answers that may cost him his life? Or close off his mind and embrace a life of power and privilege instead?

When long held secrets are revealed a course is set and the fate of the world and humanity hangs in the balance. 

If you are a fan of Dystopian or Steampunk fiction you will have to read Secrets in the Mist as it combines the best of both for a page-turning experience you don't want to miss. And as this is the open book of a new series you'll want, no you'll need to be ready for when book 2 releases. This is one of those can't-put-it-down books and believe me putting it down is not easy. You will want to stay up all night reading it and the sleep depravation is well worth it! The characters, the setting, pacing - everything is a perfect world to get lost in - but beware the Mist...

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

About the Book:

What’s lurking in the Mist is the least of their worries…

In a world where humanity lives in the sky to escape a deadly mist below, Cass’s only goal is survival. That is, until she finds a job on the airship Daedalus as a diver. Now she explores ruined cities, looking for treasure and people’s lost heirlooms until a young man hires her to find the impossible: a way to eradicate the Mist.

Theodore Winchester is a member of one of the Five Families that rule the skies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he searches for the source of the Mist and hopes to stop the purges used to control overpopulation. But what he finds are horrifying secrets and lethal ambition. If he continues his quest, it could mean his own death.

The Mist is rising and soon the world will be enveloped in its deadly embrace, turning what's left of humanity into the undead.

Written in Ink ~ Review

Written in Ink

The Rose Tattoo trilogy#2

By Sara Davison

He's given fifteen years of his life, of his love to Renee Dawson when she suddenly calls an end to everything. His hopes and dreams of a forever with her are shattered. She claims that Cash is a distraction she doesn't need in the pursuit of her career, but the truth is something that will shatter him even more.

Renee has spent her life trying to prove she isn't the failure her father has always made her feel like. She has never had a moment of doubt about Cash McCall's love but she knows when he learns the truth his feelings will change. But the decision is hers alone to make and make it she will. 

But Renee's decision leads directly her into the path of extremists who will do whatever it takes to silence any and all who could stand in the way of their goals. After all, what's one more death when compared to the millions of innocents who have paid the price.

Now I will admit that this book covered several topics I wasn't expecting from the book description - abortion, pro-life extremists, and premarital sex. Now the topics were presented in a sensitive and thoughtful manner as various characters deal with these issues from differing perspectives. Though not what I was expecting and possibly not one I would have picked up if I had known, it was well written. The characters came across as believable and as people, one could have day-to-day interactions with. This is the second book in the Rose Tattoo Trilogy and it was able to be read as a standalone book. I have not read the previous book and other than some references to events that may have occurred in that book it was easy to follow the story from beginning to end. Overall an excellent and well-presented book. 

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:

Series: The Rose Tattoo Trilogy #2
Publisher: Independently Published / The Mosaic Collection
Release Date: August 4, 2021
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

Everything he has built his life and future on has been torn away.

Cash McCall has loved Dr. Renee Dawson for half his life. Although they’ve talked about a future together, she has never believed it was the right time for them to get engaged. Now she has ended their relationship, and he has no idea why.

Everything Renee worked so hard for is in jeopardy. One agonizing decision has changed everything, and she has been forced to shatter the heart of the man she loves. And her own.

The extremist militant group The Arm is on a mission. Its leader doesn’t care how many innocent lives are lost in the pursuit of the group’s end goal, and Renee has seen something she was not supposed to see.

If Cash can’t get to her in time, Renee could end up in the crosshairs of the terrorists, and he may lose her—and any chance at the life he’d always envisioned—forever.

A Future to Fight For ~ Review

A Future to Fight For

By Mindy Obenhaus
Publisher Love Inspired

Paisley Wainwright's life came crashing down around her five years ago and now she has a chance to rekindle her dreams with Renwick Castle. There is just one tiny catch. Well, maybe not so tiny - Crockett Devereaux is anything but tiny. And she has to share her dream with Crockett the man who has thwarted all her efforts in anything, but unless they can work together neither of their dreams will come true.

After his now ex-wife left their family, Crockett's trust in women is about as low as it can get and Paisley Wainwright is no exception. But to bring the dream, his grandfather had, to life, he'll have to work with her. But can two dreams become one? Only time will tell...

This is a sweet read with moments of heartache as both Paisley and Crockett deal with the past that has most definitely left its mark on their lives. Will trusting their dreams with each other lead to something more? I'll never tell but this is A Bliss, Texas Romance. Settle down in your favorite reading cozy and prepare your favorite cup of tea or coffee and enjoy an escape to Texas.

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.

Purchase Link – Amazon 

About the Book:

All their dreams will come true… if they can work together.

Widow Paisley Wainwright’s so close to taking her Texas event-planning business to the next level by turning Renwick Castle into a wedding venue. Only one thing stands in the way: her longtime rival, Crockett Devereaux, who wants the building to become a museum. When the building’s owners insist they collaborate to implement both plans, can Paisley and Crockett put their differences aside…and fight for their dreams together?

Betrayed ~ Review

Betrayed

The Gifted #2

By Lisa T. Bergren

Now I will start off by saying before you read this book you must read Begotten, the first book in the series. This book starts where the Begotten leaves off.

The Gifted have fled their place of refuge as the enemy closed in around them. But fleeing won't stop those who seek to control them and the gifts they have been blessed with. 

Betrayed is an interesting read and as the story progresses it continues to hold one's attention as the Gifted seek to know and do what they are meant to.  If you are looking for a read that has a spiritual aspect to it while offering a well-written and engaging story you have found it in this book and series. "'As it shows in the illuminations,' Daria said. 'The dragon will hunt the peacock.'" This quote taken from the latter few pages of the book gives one a glimpse in what is to come in the final book of the series.

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:

They have gathered.

And now others gather against them...

An illuminated letter, long buried by the Church—prophesying a fellowship of men and women possessing powerful spiritual gifts—is the catalyst for a profound war that will bring either a new age of enlightenment or a darkness the world has never before seen. As the Gifted gather, gain strength and follow God's clues, their enemies grow determined to control them.

Watching the Gifted from afar is Cardinal Boeri, who wants to use the blessed power of the Gifted to secure his own place in the hierarchy of the Church, while the duke of Venezia has reasons of his own to seize control. But the greatest menace is Lord Abramo Amidei, driven to turn the healer, Daria d'Angelo, to his own fold—or to destroy her. And as he schemes to tear apart the fabric of her faith by preying upon those she loves, Amidei knows that together the Gifted are undeniably strong and growing stronger. But if he can succeed in dividing them, the Gifted—and then the world—will be his.

Then Came You ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for

Then Came You by Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Then Came You
Deep Haven Collection #4
By Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren

A forced "vacation" is the last thing, Detective Daniel "Boone" Buckam wants and ordered to spend it in Deep Haven is almost more than he can stand. But his R&R takes a most unexpected and rather pleasant turn when Vivien Calhoun comes into his life.

Vivien needs a stand-in boyfriend to counter her half-sister's venomous disposition. But she gets more than that when she manages to get them caught up in a parade. After Boone's rescue, Vivie determines that she will help Boone out but trouble seems determined to mess up her carefully laid plans.

But one can't tell the heart how to behave and who to like. But Vivien knows she is a mess and not at all who Boone needs in his life, especially if he plans on returning home and becoming Chief of Police. 

Then Came You is a fun addition to the world of Deep Haven that readers have come to know and love over the years. This is a chance for two characters to find healing and perhaps love in the process. And there is a mystery with a touch of danger running through the story, as well, perfect for Boone to put his detective skills to work. I really love this newest addition to Deep Haven and love how past characters are present and integral parts of the story. Now this book is part of a series but it is able to be enjoyed as a complete story on its own, you just won't have all the back story.  So sit back and get ready to enjoy a perfect summer 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

Title: Then Came You
Series: Deep Haven Collection #4
Author: Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 6, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

He doesn’t need any trouble. She can’t seem to escape it.

Detective Daniel “Boone” Buckam is more than burned out. After fourteen stellar years on the job, one bad judgment call—and, fine, a whole lot of cynicism—has forced him into a mandatory vacation in Deep Haven. If he can get his head on straight, there’s a job as Police Chief waiting for him back in his Minneapolis suburb. And then, he meets Vivien. 

Actress Vivien Calhoun isn’t really a drama queen. Sure, she gets swept up in the emotions of life—but please, she’s an actress. Or, um, was until a stalker made her flee the bright lights of Broadway. Now, she’s passionate about directing her local theater production. But when she accidentally ropes an uptight police detective on vacation into her cast, she can’t help but wonder if he might be the leading man she’s always longed for. 

Boone can’t help but like Vivien. He might even have a type—vivacious and bubbly, with a penchant for attracting danger. He can smell trouble even if she can’t, and is pretty sure her stalker has hunted her all the way to Deep Haven. He’ll have to stay by her side—even if it means being in her silly play—to keep her safe. But Vivien is more than he expected as she helps him discover a part of him he’s locked away…the part that said he could never love again. 

It’s summertime in Deep Haven, and the fun is heating up in this laugh-out-loud, charming story. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

 

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Rachel D. Russell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and My Book Therapy’s Novel Academy, and is a regular contributor to the Learn How to Write a Novel blog. The mother of two teenagers, she often interrogates her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent cantering her horse down the Oregon trails. Visit Rachel at www.racheldrussell.com.

CONNECT WITH RACHEL: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills. 

CONNECT WITH SUNRISE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | admin@sunrisepublishing.com

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Then Came You ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 3, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 10, 2021. 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

A Future to Fight For ~ Book Spotlight with Excerpt and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for 

A Future to Fight For by Mindy Obenhaus, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book:

Title: A Future to Fight For
Series: Bliss, Texas
Author: Mindy Obenhaus
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: August 1, 2021
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

All their dreams will come true… 

 if they can work together. 

 

Widow Paisley Wainwright’s so close to taking her Texas event-planning business to the next level by turning Renwick Castle into a wedding venue. Only one thing stands in the way: her longtime rival, Crockett Devereaux, who wants the building to become a museum. When the building’s owners insist they collaborate to implement both plans, can Paisley and Crockett put their differences aside…and fight for their dreams together?

Purchase Links*: 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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About the Author:

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, and countless cattle. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her in the kitchen, spending time with her grandchildren or roaming the ranch in search of inspiration.

 She’d love to connect with you via her website or on Facebook.

Connect with Mindy: 

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Excerpt:

He studied the remarkable woman across from him. “Paisley, I believe I owe you an apology.”

“For what?”

Still holding her hand, he stood, rounded the table, and pulled her to her feet. “For underestimating you. You are a strong woman, stronger than most men. Myself included.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“I don’t. The fact that you were able to move past your pain and start a new life here in Bliss, all the while holding tight to your faith, is something to be admired. It makes me ashamed of how I treated you in the past.”

“Now who’s pitying me?”

“Paisley, the only pitiful one here is me.” It really bugged him, the way his hackles used to go up whenever he was around her.

“That’s not true. You’re a good man.” She released his hand and moved toward the window. “This rain isn’t going to let up anytime soon. What do we do about the castle?”

“We wait. It may be a few days before we can get back in there.”

Yawning, she nodded. “I think I need a nap.”

At least her mood seemed to have improved, so he wouldn’t have to worry about leaving her while she was down. Problem was, he didn’t want to go. Like someone who’d just uncovered a rare treasure, he wanted to stay and admire it.

And that was a problem he’d never anticipated.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of A Future to Fight For and a $25 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight August 2, 2021, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 9, 2021. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Lethal Cover-Up ~ Review

Lethal Cover-Up

By Darlene L. Turner

Madison Steele has just lost the most important person in her life again. This time it was the sister that she had just recently connected with. Worse it wasn't an accident and now the killer is after her too. Leah uncovered a cover-up at the pharmaceutical company she worked for and now the public is paying the price for what she uncovered.

With tainted drugs crossing the border it's only a matter of time before the deadly effects are realized. But stopping the flow will mean spending time with Tucker Reed, the high school sweetheart whose heart she broke years ago. Can they find Cicada with the few clues they have? Or will this murderous mastermind add them to his growing list of victims?

Lethal Cover-Up takes the reader into the action from page one and it continues non-stop throughout the book. Readers familiar with Love Inspired Suspense will be thrilled with the clean reading suspense offered that doesn't sacrifice the story to achieve this goal. And you can be assured of a satisfying ending - so curl up in your favorite reading spot and get ready to enjoy a few hours on the Canadian/US border.

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:

Some secrets are dangerous… 

But uncovering the truth could be deadly.

Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?