The Master Craftsman ~ Review

The Master Craftsman

By Kelli Stuart

Ava Laine hasn't seen her father for ten years. He was always too busy treasure hunting to settle down and be a present father. But he is dying, and she is his only chance to complete his last hunt - the missing fifty-third Imperial Fabergé egg. But this isn't just any Fabergé egg; no, this is one that was hidden away to preserve it and to keep Karl Fabergé's loyalties secret. And Nick Laine is convinced that the time has come to discover this lost treasure.

We are taken from the present to Imperial Russia (1904-1917) in an alternating chapter shift as these two timelines converge at the end of the book. We see Russia through the eyes of Peter Karl Fabergé as discontent grows towards the excesses of the Russian royalty and the rich while the common people struggle to survive from one day to the next. The inhumanity Karl observes inspires him to create one of his greatest works, but the very creation of such a piece endangers him. And as everything comes to a head, Karl is caught in the middle of everything. But he entrusts the protection of his creation to Alma Pihl.

Who is Alma Pihl? This is the question that will launch Ava's quest and place her in danger. But Ava has the drive and stubbornness of her parents and is determined to see it through to its success. 

I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read. The Master Craftsman is a Split-time Romance set in early Twentieth-Century Russia and the present day. I loved the back-and-forth between the two timelines as the story progressed.  The characters have depth, and the settings are detailed without wordiness. But what is the treasure they seek? And will it be discovered? 

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:

When Ava Laine’s dying treasure-hunter father entrusts her with his mission to find a missing Fabergé egg, she has no idea how high the stakes will climb–or how her allegiances will be tested. Join the hunt in this lavish, dual-time narrative that plunges you into the 1917 Russian Revolution, the fall of the Romanovs, and long-buried Soviet secrets.

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history–an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar’s family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family.

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance–and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.

My Soul to Take ~ Review

My Soul to Take

Oculus Gate #3

By Bryan Davis

My Soul to Take takes place just after Invading Hell with Leo and Iona trapped in Hell. Thanks to the machinations of Alex (aka Alexandria), Leo and Iona's bodies have been separated from their souls, allowing Alex and Bart to escape from Hell in the stolen bodies. 

Returned to Earth, Alex works towards restoring her soul to her body. And to accomplish this and her long-term goal of reclaiming her power, she has to stay two steps ahead of Kat, Ben, Jack, and Trudy. Can she convince everyone that she is Iona? 

Surviving Hell is the first obstacle facing Leo and Iona. Next, find a way out when disembodied souls are trapped forever. They'll need help, and they may have found it in a person known as a Reaper, someone who was thought to be more myth than truth. (Read Bryan Davis's Reaper Trilogy for all the info on Reapers.)

But as Ben, Jack, Kat, Trudy, Leo, and Iona have learned, nothing is ever easy, and Alex has plans that no one could have foreseen. Alex has to be stopped no matter the cost, and before she can put her diabolical plans into action. Because if Alex has her way, being trapped in Hell will be nothing to what she has planned.

My Soul to Take is an excellent continuation of the Oculus Gate series. The intensity doesn't abate and, if possible, grows.   If you are a fan of Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, SciFi, Dystopian Fiction, or even Bryan Davis, you need to read this book and series. Excellent development and attention to detail. This is not a standalone book, so you need to read the first two books in the series before reading this one; otherwise, you will be lost.

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:

The souls of Leo and Iona are trapped in hell, their bodies inhabited by the souls of Alex and her henchman Bartholomew. Now disguised as Iona, Alex launches her centuries-old plan to restore her power and take control of both Earth and Viridi.

Unable to communicate with their allies, the real Leo and Iona embark on a journey, hoping to somehow break through hell’s impenetrable gates. Along the way, they meet a strange woman, a Reaper who believes she can help them escape.

On Earth, Ben Garrison and company begin to suspect that Leo and Iona are not who they seem, and their souls might still be in hell. Aware of their suspicions, Alex, in Iona’s body, escapes them to pursue her world-takeover plans.

As Leo and Iona face the dangers of a beast-infested forest, a lava-filled chasm, and the nightmarish Lake of Fire, Ben tries to figure out a way to help them from Earth. Only one option presents itself—to return to hell and face the dangers himself.

Canyon Survival ~ Review

Canyon Survival

By Connie Queen

She has no idea who she is or why someone is trying to kill her. All she knows is that she has to keep the two young children in her care safe at all costs. But can she trust the stranger who comes to their aid? 

Riggs Brenner has turned away from everything outside his canyon home. The past with its regrets are his constant companions. He let down the two most important people in his life when they most needed him and he's not about to make the same mistake twice. The young woman whose life depends on just how well he can defend her and her two young charges has put his former FBI senses on alert - is she truly a victim of amnesia? Or is it all an elaborate hoax? Only time will tell and Riggs isn't about to let the answers to his questions go unanswered.

Canyon Survival opens on a cliff, literally. We, as readers, are left wonder just how did our Jane Doe and two young children end up where they were. And like our heroine we have questions as to her identity and why someone seems intent on ending her life. Slowly answers are revealed but in the process more questions surface. 

The action and suspense are steady throughout with a slow upbuild towards the end that will have you moving closer to the edge of your seat, unless like me, you are laden down with Dachshunds. This is a book you won't want to put down as you seek to understand just what happened and why it was such BIG deal.

I have not read Connie Queen before and found her writing to be engaging, the characters have a depth to them, and the background settings provide enough to allow your mind's eye to take it all in. I highly recommend this as a good get-to-know-the-author book. I personally look forward to reading previous and future books from her.

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:

Ambushed in the canyon with no memory of why… 

Waking on a cliffside with bullets firing and two unknown children at her side, Annie Tillman knows she must run—even if she doesn’t know why. Dashing to the nearest ranch leads her to former FBI agent Riggs Brenner, who just might be their best chance of surviving in the canyon. But can Annie overcome her amnesia and uncover the reason why they’re being chased? 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense 

Release Date: March 29, 2022 

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

Texas Killer Connection ~ Review

Texas Killer Connection

Cowboy Lawmen #5

By Virginia Vaughn

Brooke Moore is looking for answers and justice. Her cousin Tessa Morgan, who could have been her double, was murdered, and so far, the FBI and the police have no suspects. 

FBI agent Colby Avery is living with the guilt of not being there when Tessa reached out to him for help. Her death and the lack of closure in the case are squarely on his shoulders. And the appearance of her cousin Brooke is more than a little shocking, especially as she seems to have attracted the attention of Tessa's killer.

Texas Killer Connection is page-turning excitement as danger surrounds and tightens its grip. Brooke and Colby hope to set their own trap with Brooke, the likely recipient of what got Tessa killed, the perfect bait. But in the middle of everything, both Brooke and Colby are dealing with their personal guilt concerning Tessa and not being there for her when she most needed them. Death has a way of making all the past failures come alive. And Colby and Brooke both are heaping them on. 

And the guilty party, well, that is a busy mess. First, there are no suspects, and then the trail starts to head one way, but with suspense, you always have to prepare for a surprise or two. Will Colby and Brooke get a chance at a happily-ever-after? You'll just have to pick up a copy of the book and discover that mystery for yourself.

I received 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:

To catch a killer they’ll need to find the evidence. When the investigation into her look-alike cousin’s death stalls, former army intelligence officer Brooke Moore arrives in Texas searching for justice—and is thrust into the middle of a deadly conspiracy. Now she must turn to her cousin’s ex, FBI agent Colby Avery, for help. But with every clue leading them deeper into danger, they must uncover the truth…before they are buried with it.

PREORDER YOUR COPY NOW! Amazon B&N Harlequin Apple Books KOBO Google Play

The Spark of Love ~ Review

The Spark of Love

Mesquite Springs #3

By Amanda Cabot

Alexandra Tarkington has fled from her home in New York, misdirecting her unwanted suitor while fleeing to her father's side in the hopes that he would keep her safe. Mesquite Springs, Texas, is far from New York and Alexandra is sure that she will be well hidden there. Unfortunately, her father is less than thrilled to see her and wants her to turn around head right back home. But Alexandra refuses to leave and begins to create a home and a life for herself in Mesquite. And then there are a few questions she needs answers to, answers that only her father can give.

Gabe Seymour is an investigator who has been hired to track down a swindler, a swindler who he believes lives in Mesquite Springs. When he shares a stagecoach with a delightful young woman, he is more than a little surprised to find that she is the daughter of the man he is seeking.

The Spark of Love is the third book in the Mesquite Springs series and is an excellent enjoyable read that takes one back to the Texas Hill Country. I love how some of the incidents of Dreams Rekindled are further delved into in this book - the ranches that were bought out, the house that Mrs. Lockhart sold, there is a bit of mystery there, and naturally, most people are looking for answers. But there is more to the story than questions about an unknown buyer and landmark house being sold; there is danger as Alexandra falls victim to "accidents" that seem too convenient. 

This is one book that I would highly recommend after reading the first two books in the series (Out of the Embers and Dreams Rekindled). There are references to events from those books, and, yes, you could probably read and enjoy The Spark of Love without reading them, but you wouldn't have the proper context to fully grasp the situation. And don't skip ahead; you will totally ruin the ending. So clear your weekend and plan a staycation read-in!

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:

When a spurned suitor threatens her, heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New York for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is building a hotel. But the happy reunion she envisions is not to be as her father insists she return to New York. Instead, Alexandra carves out a niche for herself in town, teaching schoolchildren to paint and enjoying the company of Gabe Seymour, a delightful man she met on the stagecoach.

But all is not as it seems. Two men, each with his own agenda, have followed her to Mesquite Springs. And Gabe is an investigator, searching for proof that her father is a swindler. When a series of apparent accidents threaten her life, Alexandra and Gabe will have to work together to discover the truth. And perhaps along the way they will discover that the sparks of attraction they've felt from the beginning are more than sparks--they're love.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you back to 1850s Texas for this exciting and heartwarming tale of treachery, love, and learning to trust.

The Paramedic's Forever Family ~ Blog Blitz with Excerpt

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Paramedic's Forever Family by Tanya Agler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Paramedic's Forever Family 

Series: Smoky Mountain First Responders #2 

Author: Tanya Agler 

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 

Release Date: March 29, 2022 

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance 

Sometimes “good friends” 

Just isn't enough… 

Bachelor paramedic Mason Ruddick doesn't know what he'd do without Lindsay Hudson. The widowed mom is his sounding board, his neighbor and, since the death of her husband and his best friend, his lifeline. Only lately, Mason can't stop noticing just how beautiful and special Lindsay is. Or how often he thinks about her. Now Mason's heart is caught between the best friend he lost…and the one he's falling for.

 

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

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An award-winning author, Tanya Agler makes her home in Georgia with her wonderful husband, their four children, and a lovable rescue beagle. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies, chocolate, and a good cup of tea. Visit her at www.tanyaagler.com or email her at tanyaagler@gmail.com.

CONNECT WITH TANYA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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EXCERPT

        Mason flicked on the kitchen light in his rental home and trudged over to the refrigerator. He placed the to-go box holding two pimento cheese sandwiches next to the storage containers of chopped carrots and bell peppers. He hadn’t liked the abrupt way he’d ended it with his next-door neighbor and all-around best friend, Lindsay, earlier today, and

that uneasiness had carried over to his solitary lunch, where he hadn’t been able to savor his one weakness to his organic lifestyle.

        Now he had dinner, but no appetite.

        Would she still appear tonight at the fence separating their adjoining yards, monitor in hand in case either Evan or Chloe got out of their beds? If so, he’d mend, well, fences with her. Somehow, they’d get through this. He’d work during the dedication ceremony so others in the department could witness her cutting the ribbon, doing double duty as the horticulturist in charge of the garden and the widow of one of the paramedics listed on the plaque.

        Problem was, he couldn’t bear seeing Tim as just another name and statistic. His throat tightened. This was too much to consider tonight. He took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind. Time with his future chopper would help. Building a motorcycle from the ground up had always been his perfect antidote to the worries lingering within. This was exactly what the paramedic ordered. 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of The Single Dad's Holiday Match, and a dachshund bracelet!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 6, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 13, 2022. 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.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris ~ Review

Until Leaves Fall in Paris

By Sarah Sundin

Lucie Girard has spent most of her life dancing, most of which has been in Paris. Lucie has loved her life, but life is about to change with the Germans taking over Paris. To aid her dear friends in their escape, she buys their bookstore. But Lucie is no businesswoman, and keeping the Green Leaf Book store operational is more of a challenge than she thought it would be. And keeping it open is imperative to her customers and the resistance who make use of her location. When Paul Aubrey helps her with the business end of things, she's grateful but torn, accepting help from a collaborator. 

Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to his home and family in the United States with his daughter Josie. But the war effort needs him and could care less about his broken, grieving heart. But letting all his friends think he has become a collaborator, a Nazi sympathizer, is almost more than he can stand, especially when Josie suffers for his sacrifice. Meeting Lucie is a bright point in his now lonely life.  But with other activities it is only a matter of time before someone suspects something.

Until Leaves Fall in Paris takes place between May 1940 to March 1942 and is not to be missed reading. The story has depth and in no way feels as if it was rushed through. I have to say, I found Paul's situation to be of interest, widowed with a young daughter, working in secret to obtain information about German interests, all while dealing with the false assumptions and suspicions of his former friends. Then there is Josie and her Feenee stories; you have to read the book to truly appreciate the truth behind them and their role throughout. I'm not sure who is the greatest risk-taker between Paul and Lucie as they both do what they can to try to set right a world that has lost its way and is tearing apart. 

Sarah Sundin has once again created a story that will tug at your heart and is one that you will want to move to the top of your TBR list. There are moments of happiness, sorrow, fear, and uncertainty that we are all familiar with and can understand and empathize with. If you are a fan of Historical Romance or just WWII Fiction, you won't be disappointed with this one. 

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:

When the Nazis march toward Paris, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. The Germans make it difficult for her to keep Green Leaf Books afloat. And she must keep the store open if she is to continue aiding the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory as the war rages on. But in order to carry out his mission, he must appear to support the occupation—which does not win him any sympathy when he meets Lucie in the bookstore.

In a world turned upside down, will love or duty prevail?