The Songs That Could Have Been ~ Review with Giveaway

The Songs That Could Have Been
Sedgwick County Chronicles #2

By Amanda Wen 

The Songs That Could Have Been is a split-time story that is set in the present day and the mid-1950s. In the present-day part of the story, we are introduced to Lauren Anderson and Carter Douglas who thirteen years ago as teens were in love but broke up leaving them with regrets. A chance meeting brings them back into one another's lives. Is this a second chance or an opportunity to put the past and its regrets behind them?

The past comes into play when Lauren's grandmother begins speaking of an Ephraim, a name neither Lauren nor her brother Garrett have ever heard her mention before. Who is Ephraim and can finding him settle their Grandmother Rosie's mind?

This book is an emotionally moving and even, at times, tragic story as secrets and prejudices threaten to tear two different couples apart. In 1955, Kansas mixed-race romance is not just unheard of, it is forbidden. But Rosie Gibson's life is much fuller after offering a "Hello," to Roosevelt High's newest senior. The present-day deals with binging, purging, drinking, and all the feelings of guilt and worthlessness that go hand-in-hand with it. But there is hope too, hope for what tomorrow offers and the hope that God offers. I would recommend this as a potential book club option or for anyone who loves split-time fiction.

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: Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace. After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control. Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around? When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption. The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series, Roots of Wood and Stone. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

Click here to read an excerpt.

What Others Are Saying:

“A reading experience both heartfelt and heart-tugging, a timeless exploration of young and enduring love and the grace found in second chances. Amanda Wen is a rare and remarkable storyteller, and this is a novel I will not soon forget.” –Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The White Rose Resists.

“A stunning journey of loss, love, and yearning. . . . Past and present are deftly woven together in this dual-timeline narrative that will leave readers flying through the pages.” – Amanda Cox, author of the 2021 Christy Award Book of the Year, The Edge of Belonging About the Author: Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist. Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been. In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat. To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com.  Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen). Giveaway:

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All That It Takes ~ Review

All That It Takes

By Nicole Deese

Val Locklier is an intelligent, motivated single mom, but she can't see herself past the limitations that she has allowed others to place on her by their own short-sightedness. When she seeks to better herself and move out of the protective net her family has provided, life doesn't go according to her plans. In fact, everything seems to implode during her week. But this unexpected series of disasters may prove to be her biggest opportunity, but only if she can seize the opportunity.

Miles McKenzie's life has been doing foreign outreach, but suddenly the life he's always loved has become budgetary cut, and he's been reassigned to a family crisis center. Resentment dogs his every interaction with the senior staff of his home church. Searching for any opportunity to return to his foreign outreach, Miles isn't about to settle into the new role he's been given happily. 

When Miles and Val experience an unexpected connection, they'll have to look within if they have any hopes of a future or to experience true and lasting peace. 

This book is interesting, especially when viewed through an eye of self-examination. How often do we thwart God's best for us by not seizing what He has set before us? By complaining about the work He has given us? I enjoyed this book on two levels - one as a purely entertaining read and two as something to make me think about my own life. 

I loved the cover of this book - it portrayed snippets of moments, but almost everything was in shades of blue. It gave me a calm, peaceful feeling as I looked at it, and it really did fit well with this book, in my opinion. 

About the Book:

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord.

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future.

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

Critical Alliance ~ Review

Critical Alliance

Rocky Mountain Courage #3

By Elizabeth Goddard

She thought her past was behind her - left behind in Montana along with her family - but her past misdeeds have caught up to her. Mackenzie Hanson's juvenile indiscretions cost her more than she expected but when she gets a warning she realizes she may have to pay an even higher price. Can she stop the attack and protect her father's legacy before it is too late? Not if the unknown threat has anything to say about it.

Alex Knight's last mission went wrong and now he's returned to the home he left years ago. He's supposed to relax but when he sees a familiar face from his time in D.C. he is unexpectedly drawn into a situation that will require all of his skills if he is to get the answers he needs and keep Mackenzie alive. Alex knows security but the trouble that has found Mackenzie may be more than he has previously dealt with. 

Critical Alliance is an engaging read that seemingly has layers upon layers of secrets that need to be peeled back and revealed. Because if Alex and Mackenzie can't discover what is truly at stake lives will be lost and they may not live to see their failure's true cost. The pacing is good - it keeps one's attention fully engaged. This is the third book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series and though it should be read in series order it can be read as a standalone book without any difficulty. I think I'd say this is a book of secrets and it is interesting how the more tightly a secret is held the more imperative that it be revealed. And just a word of warning - keep your eyes open for unattended drones - just saying after reading this book technology and smart devices won't look the same ever again.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expections but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

She's seeking answers.

He's seeking respite.

The past is seeking both of them.

Mackenzie Hanson's special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father's tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and hopefully save lives.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he's trying to relax, he's drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common--a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

When the situation turns deadly, Alex and Mackenzie will have to work together to find the answers they need--before someone silences Mackenzie for good.


USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard weaves a tangled web of nail-biting suspense and heart-stopping romance in this fast-paced conclusion to her Rocky Mountain Courage series.

Deadly Shallows ~ Review

Deadly Shallows

Coastal Guardians #3

By Dani Pettrey

It was a celebration of achievements and new beginnings when an attack turned it deadly. But the lost lives and the traumas were just the beginning and something even more insidious was taking place. 

When an attack occurs on the Coast Guard base CGIS never realized just what they were about to take on. The killers had an ulterior motive and they weren't about to be stopped. And when Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler becomes a target of these merciless killers she may become their next victim. But if Noah Rowley has anything to say about it Brooke will never leave his sign as long as the threat exists.

While everyone is trying to wrap their heads around this attack and potential fallout another case all but falls in their lap - this one has the potential to have a major environmental impact. Can the CGIS team handle all of this chaos and emotional upheaval while bringing down criminals who seem to be far ahead of them with few clues to direct their investigations? Well, they are certainly going to try - but to find out whether or not they succeed you have to read the book.

The book is fairly well-paced throughout. And we have not one but two potential romances on the horizon between first Noah and Brooke and second Caleb and Austin. So plenty of romance and suspense in this one. There are quite a few murders but no graphic descriptions to keep you up at night. Nope, the only reason this book will give you a late night is because you can't put it down. This book is the third book in The Coastal Guardians series but you could read it as a standalone book (there are a few references to previous actions but nothing to keep you from enjoying the 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:

A mass shooting.

A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction. 

A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when he learns of a mass shooting raging on his Coast Guard base. He and his team stop the attack, but not before numerous innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he determines to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates the scene of the shooting in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. Gravely wounded, the man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The mass shooting wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

Vanished Without a Trace ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Vanished Without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

Vanished Without a Trace

 By Sarah Hamaker

Henderson Parker has been searching for his missing sister Helena and he is determined to unearth any clue he can to do so. But he refuses to accept the help of  Elle Updike, a podcaster who looks for missing people. Henderson refuses to turn his family tragedy into a sensation or to spotlight his sister's past misdeeds. 

Two years ago Henderson refused her offer of help, but Elle Updike isn't one to give up. When a random photo sends Henderson to the area of a possible sighting he can't ignore this chance to bring Helena home. And Elle is ready to offer her assistance any way she can, she just needs Henderson to realize her motivation isn't mercenary. 

All too soon someone is targeting both Henderson and Elle, hindering their investigation and threatening their lives. Will their visit to Twin Oakes, Virginia, end in a reunion or in their deaths?

Vanished Without a Trace keeps the level of suspense high throughout most of the story and one is left wondering is Helena even still alive? Or is Henderson living on false hopes, putting his personal life on hold on the slim chance of finding someone who vanished leaving no traces behind? 

I've never read Sarah Hamaker's work before but I found it to be engaging and attention-grabbing from page one. It is interesting to see how Henderson and Elle's relationship seemingly progresses as they work together and yet there is that something that is a hindrance. I like that Love Inspired Suspense is clean reading. Yes, there are criminal elements and romance, but I don't need to worry about anything graphic or over-the-top. Would I recommend this book? Yes, without hesitation. So pick up a copy and spend your holiday weekend with a good 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

Title: Vanished Without a Trace
Author: Sarah Hamaker
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A missing person case. A new clue. 

And a fight for survival. 

After nine years searching for his missing sister, attorney Henderson Parker uncovers a clue that leads him to Twin Oaks, Virginia—and podcaster Elle Updike investigating the case. Partnering with the journalist is the last thing Henderson wants, until mysterious thugs make multiple attacks on both their lives. Now they’ll have to trust each other…before the suspected kidnappers make them disappear for good. 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

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

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats. 

Visit her online at sarahhamakerfiction.com.

CONNECT WITH SARAH: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Vanished Without a Trace canvas tote bag, a Vanished Without a Trace notebook, an autographed copy of Vanished Without a Trace, a Vanished Without a Trace button, and a $20 Amazon gift card!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 27, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 4, 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.

Her Darkest Secret ~ Blog Blitz with Excerpt and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired TRADE
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Psychological Thriller with a romance thread

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her. 

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona. Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

Purchase Links*: 

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

 

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Excerpt

Rhyme easily blended in with the rest of the onlooking crowd.

Asa Kodiak.

The name alone gave him a sour taste on his tongue, but things couldn’t have panned out any

better. Kodiak’s new girlfriend was in charge of the crime scene. Not that it would have mattered

who had been lead—Kodiak would have been called in once they saw Jenny’s body. Saw the feather.

Asa was right now seeing it. A million thoughts flying through his thick skull—one in particular.

Before the day was out, Kodiak would call for Fiona. Tell her he needed her back in Memphis to

work the case, but she’d know that it was Rhyme who had actually beckoned her.

It was time to come home.

To him.

 

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About the Author

 

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signature twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Patch of Hope devotions in her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com. She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent at Books & Such Literary Management. 

Connect with Jessica: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret, 
Brain Games WHODUNIT:  Solve Crime Scene Puzzles Book, 
and a Shine cross necklace!

 

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight on June 28, 2022, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 2022. 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.

The 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.

Catching Hope ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 Catching Hope 

 By Kathy Cassel 

 Lexi Michaels and her twin brother Levi are taking their first

 vacation in like ever. Having spent most of their lives in less

 than ideal homes the prospect of taking a vacation much less

 one in Haiti seems so unreal. But the excitement of a vacation

 with their new family takes a scary and dangerous turn when

 someone targets their family and the life-saving drugs they

 brought with them.

 Lexi, Levi, their brother Chad, and cousin Jen have to learn to

 work together and see beyond the surface when danger finds

 them. But more than anything they need to place their trust in

 God even when nothing seems to be going right. Can Lexi

 believe that she'll have the forever family she's always wanted?

 Catching Hope offers non-stop action as danger pursues these

 four teens across Haiti. This is clean reading which sadly many

 YA books sadly lack. Life isn't perfect - nor is it happily-ever-after. But it is realistic, though with a lot more adventure and action than the average teen would hopefully experience. This book would be appropriate for readers 12 years and up, in my opinion. Yes, there are scary situations but nothing over-the-top. This book is faith-filled as the various characters react to the varying situations they find themselves in throughout.

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: Catching Hope 

Author: Kathy Cassel 

Publisher: Haven Point Publishing 

Release Date: March 22, 2022 

Genre: Teens/YA, Christian 

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger. 

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy? 

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Cassel is the author of eleven books for Christian preteens and girls and three Young Adult Fiction books.

 

Kathy grew up in northern Indiana, lived on three different continents while her husband was in the USAF, and now lives in the Florida Panhandle. She and her husband have eight children, five of whom are adopted, three from Haiti and two from the United States. They also have six grandchildren. Kathy’s favorite activities are those that involve traveling and adventures that include her children and grandchildren. In order to better relate to the characters in her stories, Kathy has done things such as whitewater rafting, certify in scuba diving, and get her motorcycle endorsement. She draws the line at sky diving. 

CONNECT WITH KATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 BAM card gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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.