Edge of Dusk ~ Review

Edge of Dusk

Annie Pederson #1

By Colleen Coble

Twenty-four years ago, Annie's little sister was stolen during the darkness of the night, and Annie was left for dead. Annie has never given up hope that she might find Sarah. But she has little hope that she'll ever be found alive.

Annie's work as a Law Enforcement Ranger has helped her in her search for answers, and now she needs to put those skills to work when her first love returns home to Rock Harbor, and a nearly ten-year-old, cold case heats up, casting doubts on Jon Dunstan. Annie doesn't think Jon is guilty of murder, but she knows just how shattered her heart was when he left.

As Annie and Jon search for clues to clear his name, it soon becomes clear that someone wants the past to stay buried, and they'll do anything to stop Annie while riling up old animosities against Jon.

Edge of Dusk is the first book in the Annie Pederson series, and, as with all of Colleen Coble's books, this is one you won't want to put down. Fans of Rock Harbor are in for a whole new set of long-held secrets. This is one town that won't be mistaken for a quiet, peaceful, nothing-ever-happens-here place. Nope, this is one place that you'll want to watch your back during your visit, because you never know who might be lurking in the shadows, watching your every move.

Now I was able to enjoy this book in both print and audio - both of which were good. I do like the narration provided by Talon David. The story is read in an engaging and attention-grabbing way without being too much. So whether you want to read or listen, this book will leave eagerly awaiting book two in this new series set amongst the beauty and intrigue that is Rock Harbor.

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

About the Book:

Even though secrets lie off the coast of Rock Harbor, the truth will set Annie Pederson free—if it doesn’t kill her first. Return to the beloved town of Rock Harbor in the first installment of a new series by bestselling suspense author Colleen Coble.

Nine-year-old Annie Pederson’s life changed the night her sister was kidnapped. The two had been outside playing on a dock, and Annie never forgave herself for her role in her sister’s disappearance. Twenty-four years later and now a law enforcement ranger, Annie is still searching for answers as she grieves a new loss: the death of her husband and parents in a boating accident.

But Annie and her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, aren’t the only people in the town of Rock Harbor whose lives have been marred by tragedy. While managing the property around the Tremolo Resort and Marina she inherited, Annie discovers a dead body floating in the cold Superior surf and begins to work with the sheriff’s office to tie the death to a series of other mysterious reports in the area.

At the same time, her first love, Jon Dustan, returns after nine years away, reigniting the town’s memory of a cold case he’d been suspiciously linked to before he left to pursue his orthopedic residency. For the sake of her investigation and her heart, Annie tries to stay away. But avoiding Jon becomes impossible once Annie realizes she is being targeted by someone desperate to keep secrets from the past hidden.

In this new series, bestselling romantic-suspense author Colleen Coble returns to one of her most beloved towns, where familiar faces—and unsolved cases—await.

• First installment in the Annie Pederson series:
  • Book One: Edge of Dusk
  • Book Two: Dark of Night (available January 2023)
  • Book Three: Break of Day (available July 2023)

The Epic Story of RJ and York ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Epic Story of RJ and York by Susan May Warren, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE SERIES

It’s an epic adventure across Europe, from France to Italy, to Germany, and even Russia, in this riveting, fun, romantic, enthralling trilogy about true love, honor, and the cost of, well, saving the world.

Out of the Night 
The Epic Story of York and RJ #1 
By Susan May Warren

RJ Marshall (aka Ruby Jane) just can't help herself; she's always finding trouble. Or maybe it finds her? Whatever it is, her romantic getaway to Paris gets a little sidetracked. Okay, a lot sidetracked when she spots an international criminal who is supposed to be in jail. Is it just a coincidence that Alan Martin is in Paris at the same time she and York are? RJ has no idea, but she's not about to sit still and try to figure it out. Nope, she's a go-get-'em type of girl, no matter the cost.

This was supposed to be the perfect moment and place for York Newgate to propose to the woman who has captured his heart and made him long for "normal" - home, family, and a 9-to-5 job. But anything and everything goes wrong. And at any inkling of danger, RJ runs directly into its path with no thought about the cost.

Can RJ avoid trouble long enough to get a ring on her finger? Or will the world come toppling down around them in the chaos that ensues?

Out of the Night is the first book in The Epic Story of RJ and York series, which is a good follow-up series to The Montana Marshalls series as it continues on with their story. This book is good and keeps the action at a high momentum - this one is sure to capture your attention and leave you wondering what will happen next. 

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.

Title: Out of the Night 
Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #1 
Author: Susan May Warren 
Publisher: SDG Publishing 
Release Date: August 9, 2022 
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

The romantic trilogy ignites in book one of the Epic Story of RJ and York! 

He’s not looking for trouble… 

All former spy and current national security agent York Newgate wants is to propose to the woman he loves, RJ Marshall. Then they can move to Shelly, Washington, and start the calm, safe life he’s been dreaming of for over a year. 

Too bad trouble doesn’t agree… 

Or maybe RJ simply attracts trouble because she’s just going out for coffee when she spots a wanted, known terrorist standing in the middle of a street in Paris. At least she thinks it’s international criminal Alan Martin, the mastermind behind a plot to kill the president. But he's in jail, right? Wrong. Martin has escaped, and it’s up to RJ—and York—to keep him in their sights until he can be apprehended. But chasing down Martin means following him into the darkness of whatever plot he's cooked up now. 

Will he ever outrun trouble to find his happy ending? 

So much for York’s epic proposal. Now, he just wants to escape Europe with their lives. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

I Will Find You 

The Epic Story of York and RJ #2 

By Susan May Warren 

RJ Marshall promised York she'd be back - gone for just a few hours at the most. But then she'd never expected to have her "mission" go so wrong and find herself on the run with a young girl. But will York understand that she hadn't wanted to leave him behind? That she wants the life that he dreams of, one that leaves behind his past?

As York works to find RJ he learns that he has become a target. And he is worth a huge payday to someone, who will stop at nothing until he is dead.

RJ's talent for finding trouble drives York to distraction. RJ is the woman he wants to marry and enjoy a normal life with. There is just one problem somehow RJ always seems to attract trouble. Yes, she sees threats and manages to thwart whatever is coming, but she needs rescuing and York is always there for her. But what happens when he isn't there?

I Will Find You is the second book in The Epic Story of RJ and York series. There seems to be almost non-stop danger and excitement until the shocking conclusion that you don't want to miss. Be sure to read the series in order. as it builds to its surprising conclusion.

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.

                                                                                                                                                                      

Title: I Will Find You 
Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #2 
Author: Susan May Warren 
Publisher: SDG Publishing 
Release Date: August 16, 2022 
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

The gripping romantic adventure continues across Europe in this second installment of the Epic Story of RJ and York! 

The woman he loves has vanished… 

When RJ Marshall said she’d be right back, York should have objected. No, he wasn’t going to let her run off to Berlin, even if it was to save a little girl. Only problem—she’d told him this while he was unconscious. So really, it doesn’t count, and it’s not his fault that she’s gone missing. And, he didn’t know why he expected RJ not to chase danger into trouble. But now he has to find her before criminal mastermind Alan Martin tracks her down. 

She’s in over her head… 

RJ didn’t mean to leave York behind, but she’s on a mission to save a little girl caught in the crossfire of Martin’s terrorist plot. Now, she’ll have to find the girl and keep her safe while leaving clues for York to follow her. 

But who will catch up to her first—York, or the man with a vendetta?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

No Matter the Cost 
Epic Story of York & RJ #3 
By Susan May Warren 

York isn't dead RJ knows this - now she just has to find York and stop whoever has put the bounty on him.   No problem she just has to get into the inner workings of the dark web. Can she become the spy she's always dreamed of being to rescue the man she loves? 

RJ needs answers and there is only one way to get them. She needs to get to know the York that he used to be. But will learning about his darkest moment help her to find the man who seemed to fall to his death before her very eyes?                 

But can she claim the life that York wanted to leave behind and not pay a terrible cost?

No Matter the Cost is the conclusion to The Epic Story of RJ and York, a story that began in Ruby Jane (of The Montana Marshalls - yes you should read how it all began). This is a journey of love and one that is evolving as the journey takes them across the globe. And the stakes are higher than either RJ or York if she can't handle what is involved on this mission she has to take. This is one conclusion you don't want to miss - it is epic!

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.

Title: No Matter the Cost 
Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #3 
Author: Susan May Warren 
Publisher: SDG Publishing 
Release Date: August 23, 2022 
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

The riveting conclusion to the Epic Story of RJ and York! 

Her worst nightmare has happened…. 

RJ refuses to believe it, and until she has proof, she’s going to keep searching for answers. And most of all, for the man she loves, even if it means diving into the past he always wanted to keep secret. The kind of secrets that could have set York free. It’ll take a trip back to Russia, to the sketchy and dark history of York’s life to find the clues to the sinister plans of a global terrorist. And the answers that might lead her to a happy ending. 

Or has it? What if her happy ending is more than a dream? 

If RJ hopes to save her country—and find out the truth about York—she’ll have to become the high-action, Sydney Bristow spy that she always dreamed of being. But really, does RJ really have what it takes—with, or without the man she loves—to save the world? 

And if she does…what will be the cost? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With over 1.5 million books sold, critically acclaimed USA Today best-selling novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanmaywarren.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback set of The Epic Story of RJ and York trilogy.

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 2, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 9, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. 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.

Inventions of the Heart ~ Review

Inventions of the Heart
The Lumber Baron’s Daughters #2
By Mary Connealy

The Stiles sisters have managed to elude their stepfather and his plans for their futures. But with Laura married and on her way home with her new husband, Michelle and Jilly know that he will redouble his efforts to bend them to his will. Edgar will lose any chance of controlling their late father's lumber empire if they marry men of their choosing.

The Two Harts Ranch has become their place of refuge, and Michelle could see Zane Hart as a potential husband. And his ranch offers her a chance to put her inventive skills to good use. And the fact gold has been discovered in a hidden section of his ranch is just tempting her, not with its promise of wealth, but for the challenge it presents.

Zane Hart has been content with his life as a rancher, but Michelle Stiles has a way of disrupting everything. Her mind is constantly planning, looking at ways to make improvements. And with drought threatening Zane's cattle, she has the perfect solution.

When an attack threatens everything, Michelle and Jilly are ready to again run. If they do the right thing and testify against the man who attacked them, their identities and location will surely get back to their stepfather. And the trouble he'll send their way could prove deadly for anyone who stands in Edgar's way! 

Inventions of the Heart (IOTH) is the second book in the Lumber Baron's Daughters series, and you need to read the first book (Elements of the Heart) before reading this book. Yes, you can read and enjoy IOTH, but you will be left in the dark as to what has already happened. This is a book about family and expectations. Michelle, Jilly, and Laura were raised and trained to be smarter than everyone else, and they had the expectations of running an empire placed upon their shoulders at a young age. The three are not that old - twenty-five years is still a ways off, so I can see that the future set before them is more than a little daunting. This is a good book, and one I would recommend. 

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:

Her heart seeks safety. 
But will trouble find her even here?

After her sister’s marriage, Michelle Stiles is left hiding at Two Harts Ranch with the handsome but stubborn Zane Hart. She’s managed to stay one step ahead of her stepfather and his devious plans, but if he finds her, she will no longer be safe.

Zane has problems of his own. Having discovered a gold mine on his property, he must figure out how to harvest it without kicking off a gold rush. Michelle, educated and trained to run her father’s business, wants to manage all aspects of the mine, but Zane thinks, for a person so smart, she can have some misguided ideas. Running the mining operation will be a dangerous job, and he can’t risk putting her in harm’s way.

But danger finds Michelle anyway when she’s suddenly attacked. If they go to the sheriff, they’ll reveal her location, but if they do nothing . . . their troubles have only just begun.

Code of Courage ~ Review

Code of Courage

By Janice Cantore

Detective Danni Grace has given fifteen years of her life to being the best police officer she can be. But everything changed in an instant when a misleading video goes viral - riots in LA County have spilled over into neighboring La Rosa, and Danni gets caught in the violence targetting the local police. 

After sustaining an injury that could have been deadly, Danni is rethinking her life. Why should she continue to serve and protect the very people who are now attacking her physically, verbally, and emotionally? Could she just walk away from who she was and reinvent herself in a distant paradise? 

But soon, Danni finds herself drawn into a murder case - is a young officer she trained responsible for the death of a community activist? Or is the La Rosa Police Department the victim of a well-planned setup? To get the answers that will determine not only her fate but that of every officer in the department, Danni will have to do the one thing she never thought she'd do. She'll have to reach out to her ex-husband and work with him to determine what is happening and discover who is ready to destroy her hometown.

Code of Courage could be ripped from the headlines with this storyline. How do you handle unrest that threatens the lives and possessions of everyday citizens, all in the name of allowing citizens to have a voice with no consequences? Will politics allow protestors to go unchecked as they riot, loot, and stir up general discontent, all while throwing any and all consequences out the window? When is enough, enough? This is an interesting read as one gets into the mind of a police officer dealing with the new fraught atmosphere that is the world we now find ourselves living in or at least observing through the eye of the media. I personally don't know how I'd react to such hate and vitriol being directed at me just for doing my job. I know from experience in my own job that angry people can be scary, and I have never faced a group of angry people. So yeah, good book but also an unsettling one. Where do you stand? is what you'll come away with after reading this newest offering from Janice Cantore.                  

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:

Detective Danni Grace has never met a police officer who wants to face a scenario where pulling the trigger on another person is the only option. When the worst does occur and there's a police-involved shooting, it leads to riots and calls to disband the entire police force in La Rosa, Danni's hometown.

After fifteen years on the force, Danni has had enough. Injured in the line of duty when a protester throws a chunk of concrete at her and shaken by the vitriol being shown to the police, Danni realizes for the first time that she's lost her passion for the job.

While she's on a leave of absence, though, a community activist in La Rosa is shot and a fellow officer is blamed for his murder. Taking on this case means stepping back into a job Danni's not sure she can do anymore . . . and working closely with her ex-husband, Gabriel Fox, an investigator for the city prosecutor's office. Danni will need to tap into her code of courage to uncover the truth, prevent another injustice, and uphold her oath to serve and protect.

Texas Buried Secrets ~ Review

Texas Buried Secrets

Cowboy Lawmen #6

By Virginia Vaughan

For ten years, Deputy Cecile Richardson has been searching for her best friend, who went missing at a graduation party. But with nothing to go on, her case is cold. Getting justice for Erica and the hope of something more than friendship with Sheriff Josh Avery are the only things keeping her in Courtland, Texas when she comes to the attention of a serial killer. 

Vowing to bring the killer to justice was just the challenge the killer needed, and he is determined that Cecile will be his next victim. To stay alive, she'll need all the help she can get, and Josh wants to be the one at her side. But he can't risk anything more, not with the cloud of doubt hanging over his head.

Texas Buried Secrets will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I don't watch scary movies, but I imagine many of the thrillers that are so popular would give one the same feeling as this did. I kept waiting for the killer to pop out at any opportunity and start terrorizing any and all in his proximity. The book is intense and yet not over the top. I will admit Josh needed a good shaking to make him wake up and realize what a muddle he was making of everything. 

This is the final book in the Cowboy Lawmen series, and though it would be beneficial to read all the books in order, you can read this book as a standalone title if you haven't read the other books. So make an appointment with your favorite reading nook for a weekend getaway with a book or two, with this being the first in your tbr pile.

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:

An uncovered grave reveals a deadly secret…

Publicly vowing to bring a serial killer to justice, Deputy Cecile Richardson solidifies herself as the criminal’s next target. And when a newly discovered victim is identified, it becomes even more personal for Cecile. She will solve this cold case. Can Sheriff Josh Avery keep her safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—or will the killer successfully hunt down his prey?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Lawmen

Book 1: Texas Twin Abduction
Book 2: Texas Holiday Hideout
Book 3: Texas Target Standoff
Book 4: Texas Baby Cover-Up
Book 5: Texas Killer Connection
Book 6: Texas Buried Secrets

Among the Innocent ~ Review

Among the Innocent

By Mary Alford

Ten years ago, Leah Miller was the sole survivor of an attack that stole the lives of her family. The police laid the blame on Leah's friend, who later died in an act of suicide. But it seems the police were wrong, and the killer is back, and he wants Leah to know.

Leah is now with the police, and she is determined to get justice for her family and the new victims. The new police chief Dalton Cooper is determined to prove that this new murder isn't a copycat but rather the work of the same man. But where has "John" been all these years, and why does he seem intent on not only targetting Leah but "connecting" with her?

Calling on all the forces at their disposal, Leah and Dalton work together to stop a killer who takes cruel pleasure in hurting the Amish and their daughters. But to take down this killer, the past and all its secrets must be revealed. Someone knows something - the only question is, who knows what?

I don't think I would call this book a gentle read or a cozy mystery. I wouldn't say it is overly graphic, but some of the imagery is detailed so that the horror of the crimes is more than hinted at. This book is classified as a Romantic Suspense, and as such, the two main characters are drawn to one another. Is it true romance or just a product of the stress and the personal nature of the attacks? That's something you'll have to discover for yourself when you read the book. The story's pacing is well suited to an almost desperate search for clues while not coming across as frantic. I have previously read the author's work from Love Inspired Suspense, and this is equal to those but with more to the story.

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 Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to forge a brighter future--together.

Finding Her Amish Home ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Finding Her Amish Home by Pamela Desmond Wright, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Finding Her Amish Home

Humble Blessings #1
By Pamela Desmond Wright

Maddie Baum is the only mother her nephew Josh can remember and she's determined to protect him from the father she blames for her twin sister's death. Leaving Pennsylvania behind for a small unknown Amish community in Wisconsin seems to be her best option.

When she gets a friendly welcome from Abram Mueller, she feels that perhaps she has found her forever home. Most welcome Maddie and Josh but not everyone is happy about an Englisher spending time as part of the community.

Finding Her Amish Home is a story of new beginnings, second chances, and hope. The story is fairly straightforward with one wondering just what Maddie isn't sharing. One is rooting for Maddie and Abram to get the family that they have wanted but seemed unattainable. This is also a story of fear - fear of what might go wrong, of rejection, and of letting go of the past and its mistakes. Overall a good story and a good fit with the Love Inspired brand.

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: Finding Her Amish Home 

Series: Humble Blessings #1 

Author: Pamela Desmond Wright 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: June 28, 2022 

Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance, Christian 

What she wants more than anything 

Could also be the most dangerous… 

After her twin sister’s death, Maddie Baum flees to Wisconsin Amish country with her nephew in tow in the hopes of protecting him from his criminal father. Befriending Amish shopkeeper Abram Mueller gives her a glimpse of the happiness she’s been yearning for all along. Can she find a fresh start with Abram—or will old sins tear them apart? 

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope. 

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of  the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparent’s cabin. She also loves needlepoint and has dozens of projects to work on! Someday, she hopes to move into van life, living on the road as a traveling writer.

CONNECT WITH PAMELA:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Main Prize - (1) winner will receive a Kindle eReader 1st runner-up
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card 2nd runner-up
(1) winner will receive a signed print copy of Finding her Amish Home and a King James version of the Bible

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 12, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 19, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. 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.