Initium ~ Review with eBook Giveaway

Initium
The SNAP Agency #0.5
by Natalie Walters 

Initium is set mainly in 1998 with glimpses in time from 2013 to 2020. Why this jump in time, you ask. Well, this is the origin story of how SNAP came into existence and the various ways the team members who we see in action came together.

CIA Intel officer Tom Walsh is less than pleased when the CIA pulls out of Ireland leaving one of their own behind. Tom feels there is a better way to get the job done and not risk the lives of his people unnecessarily.  Can such an endeavor be possible? Tom is determined to make it so and only the best people for the job will be on his team.

This is a prequel to Lights Out and can be read either before or after Initium. I read this after reading Lights Out and in some ways I liked that because I got to know the SNAP Agency the same way CIA analyst Brynn Taylor did. 

This book is a novella so it is a quick and engaging read. I felt a connection with Tom as he made every effort to determine what happened to his friend and fellow operative Sean when he went missing after a bombing in Ireland. Was Sean the villain, a victim, or a convenient scapegoat for a mission gone wrong? Tom is going to find out even if he has to go it alone.  I highly recommend this as a great breaktime read and the price is excellent and well worth it.

About the Book:

When an explosion rattled the cobblestone streets of Ireland in 1998, it left the CIA questioning one of their own, but Intel officer Tom Walsh refuses to believe his friend Sean is guilty. Tom is certain Sean wasn’t behind the misdirection of information that led to the deaths of dozens, but he’s missing and the CIA won’t go back to find him or the truth.

Unwilling to let Sean become a scapegoat for a botched mission, Tom quits the CIA and takes an unsanctioned contract job with the hopes of finding his friend and those responsible for the deadly attack. But when the new mission goes awry, Tom finds himself in a battle against an Irish dissident paramilitary group determined to strike again.

With only a hunch to go on and a red-headed bartender’s help, Tom puts himself in the path of danger and discovers his own passion for stepping in where the government can’t.

Get ready for Lights Out with this glimpse into the life of the man behind the SNAP Agency and what pushed him to find a better way to strategically protect and neutralize threats against America and her citizens. In this fast-paced novella you’ll meet Director Walsh as he assembles his team: Jack Hudson, Lyla Fox, Nicolás Garcia, and Kekoa Young.

Giveaway:

One winner in the US will win a copy of this novella as a Kindle ebook.

You will supply the email address you want the ebook notification sent to.

This giveaway is sponsored by Blooming with Books as a special thank you to my followers!

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To Stand in the Breach ~ Review

To Stand in the Breach

Strike to the Heart #0.5
By Danielle Grandinetti

Katy Wells does as little to draw attention to herself as possible, but with the threat of a strike looming she needs to take a stand for her patients. Most wouldn't think of speaking up for cows but Katy treats them when they have health issues arise and with the low price of milk hurting the local farmers she knows she must speak up. But her concerns are brushed aside, after all, she is but a woman and most likely highly excitable, especially where political and financial concerns are being discussed. Welcome to 1933 Wisconsin, whose problems surprisingly are similar to those facing dairy farmers in 2021.

Katy has come to Eagle, Wisconsin, to hide from her uncle, a man who sought to lock her away for life. When she receives word that her uncle has managed to track her from Ireland to her current home - she has a choice before her, flee as she has done in past or stand firm in the face of open hostility? She's never placed her trust in many men but to survive the threats coming her way she may have to trust Joey Moore, a deputy with the police. But trust means vulnerability and that is something Katy never wants to appear.

To Stand in the Breach is a quick read that is an introduction to A Strike to the Heart which releases in April of 2022. This novella sets the stage for us allowing a glimpse into a time and place struggling for survival. Farming is a hard unrewarding life and the barely-there prices that farmers are getting for their milk is driving them from their farms, seeking better prices the only way they can - by threatening to strike. But strikes have a history of solving little while costing much. It was interesting to get a glimpse into a world that has the same issues facing it today. I'm interested to see how everything plays out in A Strike to the Heart.

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: Prequel Novella to A Strike to the Heart Publisher: Hearth Spot Press Release Date: October 12, 2021 Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense She came to America to escape a workhouse prison, but will the cost of freedom be too high a price to pay? 1933, Wisconsin - Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life. But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe. To Stand in the Breach is the prequel novella to A Strike to the Heart, which will release in April 2022.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookBub

Deadly Target ~ Review

Deadly Target

Rocky Mountain Courage #2

By Elizabeth Goddard

Erin Larson has been running from her past and from her future. She's carried a secret for most of her life a secret that has controlled everything. In her spare time she revisits cold case through a podcast - hoping to bring justice to those who have received none and to bring answers and closure to their family and friends.

When Erin receives word that her mother tried to end her own life she wonders how she, a criminal psychologist, could have missed the warning signs. Leaving her life in Washington state behind for the foreseeable future she returns home to Montana to care for her mother. But returning home means she'll have to face Nathan Campbell at some point.

Nathan always thought Erin was the one for him, until she broke his heart and fled to the Pacific Northwest. Spending time with her is the last thing he wants to do, but he needs her help. Someone tried to kill his father and Nathan needs her expertise to get answers to questions. 

But soon Erin and Nathan's search for answers puts them directly in the line of fire. The only question is why? Is it something from the past? Their current investigation? Or Erin's search into the past?  With few clues to go on they'll need to move quickly if they hope to stay ahead of the danger and get the answers they seek.

Deadly Target is the second book in Elizabeth Goddard's Rocky Mountain Courage series. If you haven't read book one you really should just to get some background info on some of the other characters, but you can easily read this book without that previous knowledge. 

Looking for fast-paced heart-pounding excitement but without the graphic violence or over-the-top-language? Like a touch of romance in your suspense? Second-chances? Well this book has all that and more to keep your attention glued to the pages from beginning to end. Those familiar with Elizabeth Goddard's work will have no disappointments with this newest 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:

Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases.

Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex.

As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget.

The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard.

Hidden Danger ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Hidden Danger 

Guardians Unleashed #1 

By Jerusha Agen 

Cora Isaksson lives with her guilt of having failed her brother. If she can prevent any other family from going through the pain of losing someone to the lure of addiction she'll do all she can. With Jana, her drug-detecting K-9, she hopes to get the trafficking through the local high school and airport reduced if not stopped. But when her job with the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency puts her in the crosshairs of the cartel she'll have to put her faith in God.

DEA Special Agent Kent Thomson has made it his life's work to destroy the cartel that destroyed his life. When Cora and Jana manage to in the middle of his case he is more than a little annoyed when he is ordered to work with her. But there is something about Cora that just gets through to people and she may be his way into the cartel.

As Kent and Cora work towards their mutual goal they are both placed in situations that force them to revisit their pasts and their relationships with their brothers. 

As the danger increases the closer they get to their goal, they'll have to rely on all their skills to stay alive and ahead of the cartel.

This is the first book in the Guardians Unleashed series and if you love books that pair K-9 with fighters of justice you will love this book. This is a Romantic Suspense that is obviously Christian as the main character Cora makes no pretense to hide her faith or her belief. What some view as a weakness Cora views as her greatest strength. She has empathy and tries to help those she is tracking down make a step in the opposite direction, to turn over a new leaf. Kent tries to quell any and all emotions that could be viewed as soft and relationships- friendship a vulnerability he needs to avoid at all costs. Two more different people couldn't make for a more interesting partnership in the war on drugs. It was interesting to see how they both reacted in the same situations. I am looking forward to the next book to see what this series has in store for the rest of Phoenix's members. Fans of Love Inspired Suspense will love this book, this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations other than I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed were my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Hidden Danger 

Series: Guardians Unleashed #1 

Author: Jerusha Agen 

Publisher: SDG Words 

Release Date: November 8, 2021 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense 

The greatest threat to this K-9 team is the one they don't see coming. 

Cora Isaksson’s guilt has shadowed her life ever since drugs ensnared her brother and he disappeared. When Bradley suddenly returns, Cora and her narcotics detection K-9 are thrust into a battle against the drug cartel that wants him back. 

DEA Special Agent Kent Thomson has his own personal reasons for bringing justice to the cartel. Cora and her drug-sniffing K-9 will only get in his way. Or are they assets that will enable him to right the wrongs of the past? 

When the cartel targets Cora, she and Kent join forces with her teammates at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency to end the cartel before it ends her. They’re prepared for danger, but when more lives than their own hang in the balance, can they trust God for the rescue that’s out of their reach? 

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

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media. Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.

CONNECT WITH JERUSHA:

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a prize package including a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, one signed copy of Hidden Danger, a Hidden Danger mug, Hidden Danger keychain, Phoenix K-9 Agency notepad, and Phoenix K-9 stickers!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 16, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 23, 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.

Lights Out ~ Review

Lights Out

The SNAP Agency #1

By Natalie Walters

Brynn Taylor's job and future are on the line when an Egyptian spy goes missing in the DC area. What's worse he's in the country on her say-so for a program she's developed to foster goodwill among foreign agencies in the war against terrorism. 

SNAP (Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency) has been handed control of the mission to discover the whereabouts of a missing Egyptian spy and determine what threat he is to US security. Heading the team is Jack Hudson. And he is less than thrilled to learn that Brynn has been assigned as their CIA liaison on the case. Her betrayal nearly a decade ago has him questioning her trust factor, especially with her career drive.

The deeper Brynn and SNAP dig the more questions they uncover and the more Federal Agencies pull in. A vital piece of the puzzle is missing and until they uncover it nothing is making sense. And time is against them.

Lights Out is the first book in The SNAP Agency series and if this book is any indication it is going to be an on-the-edge-of-your-seat, can't-put-it-down series. Who needs big-screen thrillers when you have a book by Natalie Walters in your hand? This is your next must-read 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:

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

Songs in the Storm ~ Review

Songs in the Storm

Wind River Chronicles #2

by Kathy Geary Anderson

Songs in Storm is the sequel/companion book to The Trouble with Jenny but it follows the couple who accompanied Jenny on her trip to Wyoming. Rob and Maddie Skivington have had their lives upended when Rob's cough turns out to be something more - tuberculosis. Often a death sentence - Rob has been given hope that if he leaves the life he has known behind and head to the open clean air of Wyoming he could recover and live a long fairly healthy life.

But leaving their friends, family, and their life behind isn't any easy choice especially for Maddie. But with Rob's life as the cost of staying they have no choice.

The life they embark on isn't easy but it is one that they have chosen.

Songs in the Storm is a good addition to the Wind River Chronicles and it can easily be read as a stand-alone title as it runs somewhat parallel to The Trouble with Jenny chronologically speaking. The troubles and obstacles that Rob and Maddie face will either strengthen or divide them. And Maddie isn't about to let anything divide them not if she has a say in the matter.

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.

Series: Wind River Chronicles #2 Publisher: Purple Autumn Press Release Date: October 19, 2021 Genre: Christian Historical Fiction The blood on the handkerchief changed everything. The year 1900 promises to be a good one for Rob and Maddie Skivington. Recently married, they look forward to building a home near family and friends in the busy industrial city of Newark where Rob owns a fledgling jewelry business. Then, an irritating cough that has plagued Rob for months turns out to be something far more insidious:  tuberculosis. When Rob’s doctor suggests a change in environment and climate, they sell their business and head to Wyoming in a desperate quest for health. They soon find themselves pitted not only against the harsh environment and natural predators but also against a group of ranchers who seem determined to send them back to Newark.        But sometimes the strongest storms of all are those that rage within. When despair and loneliness and tragedy strike, the couple must turn to God to help them weather those onslaughts or risk being torn apart.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

A Saint A Day ~ Review

A Saint A Day:

365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism

By Meredith Hinds

Illustrated by Isabel Munoz

A Saint A Day is a year-long devotional that each day presents a different recognized Saint. From the introduction, we learn that the Saints have been vetted by the Catholic Church and have either achieved sainthood or are on their way to becoming a named Saint. Now I will admit, not having been raised within the Catholic Church to having only a passing familiarity with a few of these individuals. 

January 1st opens the book with Mary, the mother of Jesus and references Luke 1:38 where Mary declares her willingness to be used by God. The devotional text puts the Scripture reference in the context of just what God was asking of her - to carry His Son as her own. May 30th references Joan of Arc and the courage it took for her to listen and follow God's calling. June 4th shares Julia Greeley's serving heart and care of the poor. There is a wide range of people throughout history from the early days of the church through the 20th century who are presented.

This book though geared for children 8-12 could be used by older readers easily. Would be a good gift for special occasions.

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:

Teach your child to walk in faith, act justly, and lead with kindness and humility with this 365-day devotional for kids. A Saint a Day includes fascinating historical stories as it introduces young readers to over 300 saints who did extraordinary things for God.
Mother Teresa left her family at age 18 to become a missionary. St. Patrick helped spread Christianity to Ireland. St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin--and also had a pet lion!
Written for ages 8 to 12, A Saint a Day inspires young readers with remarkable stories of people who made extraordinary choices to love and serve God. Featuring popular saints such as Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, Juan Diego, and Thomas Aquinas, each of the 365 devotions includes:

• A Scripture verse and prayer

• A short summary or an inspiring story of a saint

• A notable fact

• Artwork with a fresh, kid-friendly design

 
This daily devotional for kids is:

• An ideal gift for First Communion, Confirmation, or Advent

• A unique book for strengthening a child's faith

• A great way to share Catholic Church history with kids

 
A Saint a Day will help your child realize the long history of people of faith. As you journey through this yearlong devotional, your children will grow in their understanding of Church history and better understand how they can love and serve God.
Meredith Hinds is a freelance writer and editor who develops books for all audiences and ages, particularly in the Christian market. She’s worked with bestselling authors Philip Yancey and Mark Batterson, and she’s served as a collaborator, abridger, consultant, and teammate for many others. She’s always up for a good story. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three young children.
Isabel Muñoz studied fine arts at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. To paint for a living was her dream, and now she’s proud to be the illustrator of several children’s books. She works from a tiny and colorful studio in the north of Spain. You can follow her work at isabelmg.com.

Author Bio

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