Covert Danger ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Covert Danger by Jerusha Agen, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Covert Danger

Guardians Unleashed #2

By Jerusha Agen

For the last 12 years, she has avoided her home and her family. For the past 3 years, she's only communicated via email - her freedom depends on it. Lies have ruled her life, and she has lost herself in the web that she has created. It began to protect her best friend and has become something more. Now she doesn't know where the lies end and her true self begins. 

When her current assignment with Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency lands her in the middle of a case that brings her face-to-face with her past, Amalia Perez is ready to run. Michael Barrett is an investigative journalist who has made enemies in his quest for the truth. He also happens to be Sofia Sanchez's childhood best friend. And he is the target of an assassin who doesn't fail.

Amalia is caught in a juggling act - hiding her past from her coworkers, keeping her client alive, outsmarting an assassin who doesn't give up, and keeping her heart cold. This is one case that she just might not survive, especially when a tough, streetwise kid gets caught up in the case.

This is a book where one step ahead is a luxury and Phoenix K-9 can't seem to manage it. Is there a leak somewhere? Or is the assassin out to stop their client that good? Amalia wants answers so she can put this case behind her and start over once again.

Fast-paced action comes up against a moral dilemma in this newest addition to the Guardians Unleashed series, which is set in Minneapolis. Will the truth prevail? Or will it stay buried under years of deception?

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: Covert Danger 

Series: Guardians Unleashed #2 

Author: Jerusha Agen 

Publisher: SDG Words, LLC 

Release Date: September 22, 2022 

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A K-9 protection team. An assassin. Only one can survive.

An assassin is on the loose in the Twin Cities, aiming to kill FBI witnesses the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is hired to protect. Rogue CIA agent Amalia Pérez and her protection K-9 must get the edge on this deadly opponent before he kills her childhood best friend—the only man who knows her true identity. 

Investigative journalist Michael Barrett can’t believe his eyes when the woman he’s spent years searching for walks back into his life. But he soon fears the woman he loved is lost forever beneath the secrets Amalia wears like armor. 

As the assassin closes in, Amalia will risk anything to keep Michael safe—anything except believing in the God he trusts. When the layers of deception become as dangerous as bullets, can Amalia and Michael uncover the truth in time to stop the assassin from completing his lethal mission?

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, a signed Covert Danger paperback, plus a Covert Danger mug and swag.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 26, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 3, 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!

To Capture His Heart ~ Review

To Capture His Heart

Matchmakers #2

By Nancy Campbell Allen

When Nathan Winston finds himself having to attend a house party that his mother is holding, he is determined to avoid her matchmaking schemes. His only hope is pretending to court a young woman whom his mother doesn't know. Unfortunately, Eva Caldwell's reputation as a female photographer has made her known to his mother and secured her an invitation to be an official photographer for the event.

Eva Caldwell has enjoyed her time spent with Detective Nathan Winston, even when it means documenting crime scenes, an occupation that is frowned upon by most of society. And Nathan's request for Eva to play a role at his mother's 10-day-long-house party is a bit of a surprise. But allowing everyone to believe that Nathan is courting her won't hurt anyone except her own heart, right?

But the event is soon threatened when a criminal decides to threaten Nathan and follow him to the family's estate. Soon the fun and games take a dangerous turn, and Eva and Nathan are trying to find a criminal mastermind who is seeking revenge and could be anywhere. As the man, out to destroy Nathan's life and those he holds dearest, draws closer and bolder, Nathan has to up his vigilance to stop what is coming.

To Capture His Heart is a delightful Victorian Mystery. This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and can be read as a standalone if you haven't yet read The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart. But after reading this book, you will want to read book one! I loved the characters and when Eva puts one of the entitled heiresses in her place with skilled verbiage. Oh, yeah, Eva is a force to be reckoned with!

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

About the Book:

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart.

To Win a Prince ~ Review

To Win a Prince

By Toni Shiloh

This is a follow-up/sequel to Toni Shilo's In Search of A Prince, and it is not to be missed. I loved getting a chance to get to know Bree's BFF better. Iris Blakely never thought her trip to Oloro Ilé would lead to a life-changing event for her too. But it did, and now she is the owner of a locally sourced fashion design business. But it isn't just any business - nope, the goal is to help improve the lives of the local women by offering them steady employment that would help them better their lives and those of their families.

But being an American in Oloro Ilé, starting a business comes with a few strings attached, and that includes allowing the man who was involved in the plot against Bree and her rule to do community service hours under her watchful eye. Ekon Diallo was an instant crush as far as Iris was concerned, and when he betrayed Bree, Iris's crush was a bit tarnished. But Ekon has the necessary skills and knowledge that Iris needs to succeed. 

Ekon was raised to be a prince, and his fall has brought him to a new reality. Not only has he lost everything, but he has also fallen beneath his father's notice. He has no one to call on for help; he has absolutely no domestic skills and an ego that won't quit. You can already tell his time working for Iris will be interesting.

To Win a Prince is a story of discovery. Who is a person when they've lost everything that gave them worth in the eyes of the world? What gives a person their identity? Is it rank? Family name? Wealth? Or is it something deeper? TWAP is a spiritual discovery - sometimes, to discover our true selves and our place in God's eyes, we need to be brought to our lowest moments. 

I highly recommend this book. It is well worth the time spent reading it. As with In Search of a Prince, I read the paperback edition while listening to the audio version. It was interesting to hear the various words pronounced and to get a feel for how Iris, her family, and Ekon all talked (accents can totally change how you feel and experience a character).  You can enjoy this book as a standalone, but I think the previous book is necessary to fully grasp the backstory.

The audiobook is narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal and has a runtime of 13 hours and 22 minutes. The presentation is excellent, and the characters are distinguishable from one another during the narrator's reading (always a BIG plus, in my opinion).

And if you need another reason to add this book to your personal library - just look at the cover - it is gorgeous. Who wouldn't want to see this sitting there asking you to pick it up? 

I was provided a copy of this book (in paperback form) with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a business to help citizens in impoverished areas. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his countrymen. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

As Iris strives to get her business off the ground while keeping her heart intact, will her dreams of "happily ever after," survive the challenges she faces?

Healing Hazel ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Healing Hazel 

The Blue Orchid Society #3 

By Jennifer Moore 

Hazel Thornton has always wanted to be a nurse. Her mother's too short life has been her inspiration. But Hazel has a closely guarded secret that has prevented her from completing her training. As a child, she experienced the all too real horrors of war, and at the most inopportune moments, she is caught in the debilitating grips of a panic attack. 

After spending several years separated from her father, Hazel is finally going to be spending Christmas with him, but after traveling to see him, her hopes for a family Christmas are dashed as the war has pulled him away, and she is to return to England immediately. But all doesn't go according to plan when the train she is traveling on derails and severely injures her traveling companions, effectively trapping them at a Red Cross-run Spanish hospital. With more patients always expected, Hazel is begrudgingly given an opportunity to put her nursing skills to good use.

I loved this story; there are moments when all the medical skills available can't save a life, and one feels the pain that Hazel experiences. Then there is Doctor Jim Jackson, who seems to be against Hazel from the outset, but when we are given a glimpse into his innermost self, we understand why he is the way he is. Hazel and Jim are a good match, each having strengths that aid and help the other. But can the rapport that they have developed have a future as something more, or will Hazel need to return to England as her father directed her to? And does she really want to stay so near the almost daily fighting of war? 

This is the third book in The Blue Orchid Society series, and if you have not yet read the previous books, that will in no way impede your enjoyment and understanding of this book. I would highly recommend this book which is both lovely and moving.

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: Healing Hazel 

Series: The Blue Orchid Society #3 

Author: Jennifer Moore 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: September 8, 2022 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Victorian

Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.

With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. Jim Jackson, a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Moore lives with one husband and four sons who produce heaps of laundry and laughter. She earned a BA from the University of Utah in Linguistics, which she uses mostly for Jeopardy. A reader of history and romance, she loves traveling, tall ships, scented candles, and watching cake decorating videos. When she’s not driving carpool, writing, or helping with homework, she’ll usually be found playing tennis.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Healing Hazel,

 bookmark, blue orchid pin, themed stickers, 

and a $25 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight on September 20, 2022, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 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. 

Gift card open internationally. 

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!

A Dreadful Beauty ~ Review with Excerpt, Interview and Giveaway

Dreadful Beauty

By L.M. Rapp

Dreadful Beauty is an interesting read. Neria, the daughter of Valtrenore, is undergoing a change. Having somehow contracted the feared Nymphosis disease, Neria is forced to flee her home with her young niece, Anaelle. Anaelle has been gifted with a skill that made it important that she, too, escape the threat that would take her life.  

Neria undertakes a journey that takes her to various parts as she seeks to stay ahead of her father's search. This time provides Neria a unique opportunity as she is no longer one of The-More-Than-Pure's elite and privileged. She is transforming into a Chimera and is now on a journey of discovering who she was, is, and will be.

This is one of those stories that is difficult to accurately describe without revealing too much about the story itself. Neria's family is one of dysfunction, but this is in part because of the rules the society has placed upon it, and the rest is due to her father's utter cruelty.  She is seen as a possession to be bartered, and her father is more than happy to do so. Between this and her rebellious teenage tendencies combined with her unexpected transformation, you are looking at a potential rebellion in the making.

This is a coming-of-age type story set in a fantasy world. In my opinion, this would be appropriate for the older YA reading audience due to some of the situations that are presented. As I stated in my opening, this is an interesting read and one that might need a second reading to fully grasp and appreciate all the layers found within it.

 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.                                                     

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A girl undergoing a terrifying transformation goes on an epic quest to find a refuge from her ruthless father.

Nymphosis, a disease that turns humans into Chimeras, is ravaging the land of Gashom. The More-Than-Pure, determined to protect themselves, have seized power and enacted segregationist laws.

The daughter of a high dignitary, young Neria learns she is afflicted by the very disease her father is determined to eradicate. Forced to surrender her privileges, she must flee her home in the capital and traverse the strange wilds to seek refuge with her fellow kind.

Will she have the courage to fight oppression to emancipate the Chimeras from the yoke of the More-Than-Pure?

Author Bio:

L.M. Rapp has lived in different countries and practiced several professions: dentist, web developer, artist, aikido teacher, and farmer. Eager to learn and discover, she uses her experiences

to enrich her stories. She has also written a thriller, Of Flesh and Tears.

Website: https://www.lmrap.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L.M.Rapp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.m.rapp/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LMRappAuthor

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JrBPFS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60560084-dreadful-beauty

Excerpt:

One moment, she had been enjoying the security and comfort of

her family home. The next, she was left helpless in a deserted square. An

oil lamp rested in Neria's hand. A clay container, filled with a greenish-

yellow liquid. A wick, coiled within its heart, snaked up to the groove that

guided it into the open air. A flame danced on its tip, a paltry defense

against the darkness of that night, one of those gentle nights that often

follow the heat of the day. The moon watched her with a wry smile.

Neria suddenly felt she was going to collapse, crumpling like a

sheet that had fallen to the ground. Without the warmth of the hand curled

inside hers, she would have indeed done so. She remembered the last

time she had seen Arhel's hand, crimson and reaching out of the covers.

Who knew what the disease would do to her? But before she succumbed

to it, she would save Anaëlle.

She breathed in, then out, and took a step forward. Her aching

limbs strained at first, but after a few minutes, she was walking briskly, her

head bowed like a servant, the child in tow. First, she had to find the secret

passage her mother had told her about and cross the wall of the High

District without going through the ever-guarded gates.

She came to a dead end and saw the dried-up well and a withered

pistachio tree lined with shrubs of rosemary leaning against the perimeter

wall. It concealed a narrow, low opening. She went in first, crawled into a

tunnel bereft of cobwebs, and emerged behind an olive tree, also

surrounded by shrubbery. Crouching down, she peeked between the

branches. No one was there. She called to Anaëlle in a hushed voice, the

child joining her. They emerged from their cover and arrived on the street.

Before long, they had made their way to an impoverished part of town they

had never been to before. The hovels were huddled together, separated

here and there by narrow, randomly arranged passageways. The first on

the left... The second on the right...

“Hey there, little lady! Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

Three guards had concealed themselves in a nook to drink to their

hearts’ content.

“Lady Yarine’s sent me on an urgent errand.”

She hoped they would be too drunk to do anything and turned

away. She tried to maintain her composure, a technique that had worked

for her that morning. Yet heavy footsteps came ever closer behind her

before her arm was seized by a coarse grip.

“You’ve got more than enough time to come give us a little cuddle.”

One of the guards looked at her, a yellow smile spread across his

brown beard. He reeked of alcohol and nauseating filth. She tried to pull

away from him, but his grip tightened.

“Stay still or we'll give you a good hiding. It’ll go better for you if you

don’t put up a fight, believe me. Leave the kid here and come on.”

The two others approached.

The lamp fell and shattered. Neria took out her knife and stuck it in

the arm restraining her. The guard howled in pain and let go of her.

“You’re going to regret that you whore.”

The guards now surrounded her. She threatened them with her

bloodied weapon. She couldn’t believe she’d been so stupid not to have

stabbed him in the stomach. Her assailant barely seemed bothered. She

spun around, Anaëlle clinging to her clothes. The girl was sobbing.

One of the men drew his sword, “Drop the knife or I kill the kid.”

Neria’s hand trembled. The knife fell on the dusty ground with a dull

thud.

“Run, Anaëlle, get out of here!” 

The wounded guard threw himself on her, seized her elbow, slipped

behind her, and choked her with his good arm.

The child, small and spirited, ran away. Just as Neria thought she

was going to make it, the man with the sword grabbed her mid-flight.

Neria struggled, hitting the arm that choked her. His hold tightened.

Her mouth gasped but the air would not come, and her movements

weakened. Suddenly, the guard holding her let out a yowl of pain and

released her. She collapsed, heavily panting gulps of air on all fours. Her

assailant lay there with his throat slit. The coarse, black-nailed hand that

moments before had clamped down on her arm now clawed at the earth.

The corpse's glassy eyes stared up into the starry sky. His red tongue in

his gaping mouth, his fleshy lips, his fat cheeks swallowed by his beard...

like a giant sea urchin washed up from the sea, his insides hanging open.

A shrill cry rang out and she covered her ears.

A monster, half-man, half-beast, had ripped open another guard

and had now set its sights on the third. The remaining guard was still

holding Anaëlle hostage and keeping the beast at bay with his sword.

While the tiger and guard danced their macabre dance, Neria, still

on all fours, fumbled for her knife. She grasped its hilt, ran towards the

soldier, raising her weapon, a wild howling in her throat. The monster took

advantage of the diversion to pounce on its adversary. Neria sheathed her

knife, picked up the child who had fallen to the ground, and fled, pursued

by screams of agony.

Author Interview:

How did you do research for your book?

The research took place mostly on the internet. A word I stumble upon

while writing can instantly turn into several hours of reading. 

Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?

None of the characters were easy to write about, but certainly the most

difficult was the tyrannical father. I read three different books about serial

killers before I began to understand the reasoning of a psychopath. 

In your book, you describe the gargoyles’ people. What made you use

elements of Gothic architecture for creating these characters?

During a visit to Notre Dame de Paris, I was able to admire the sculptures

of gargoyles that adorn its facade. Their mere presence evoked a fabulous

universe and served as great inspiration in my novel.

Which authors inspired you to write?

Tolkien, Barbara Pym, Kazuo Ishiguro, Camus, Albert Cohen, Proust,

Baudelaire and many others.

If you were stuck on a deserted island, which three books would you

want with you?

I’d take Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Barbara Pym’s Some Tame Gazelle,

and Proust’s In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower.

Giveaway:

Chance to win a paperback copy of Dreadful Beauty

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chance to win a digital NFT copy of Dreadful Beauty

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for stopping by and visiting!

A Flash of Magic ~ Review with Giveaway

A Flash of Magic

Tales of Ambia #4

By Allison Tebo

A Flash of Magic is a collection of tales that expand on the previous stories of the series. There is no chronological place for this book to fall as each of the eight stories takes place at different times, examining different characters. 

I especially loved the tale that introduced Prince Colin to Cynthia. Let's just say it involves rolls, butter, and antlers. Believe me, it is one that you have to read. And then there are several stories in which Burndee, our Reluctant Godfather, takes center stage either through his eyes or the eyes of another character. I won't say he is the most disagreeable fairy godfather known to exist, as I haven't met them all, but he is the most unique disagreeable fairy godfather I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. But beneath that gruff personality beats a heart of pure gold (fairy godfathers do have hearts, right?).

I loved all these short tales and the author's explanatory notes about the story behind the story for each and placing it within the chronology of the tales. And then there is Files, a truly annoying fairy who is the ultimate champion of hypocrisy and double standards. Get ready for a few laughs from his journal entries.

This is a fun book that you don't want to miss. It was an absolute delight to read (and laugh) through. And, of course, you need to read and enjoy the three previous books first to fully appreciate A Flash of Magic.

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

About the Author:

Allison Tebo is a writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales. Her flash fiction and short stories have been published in Splickety, Spark, Inklings Press, Rogue Blades Entertainment, Pole to Pole Publishing, Saddlebag Dispatches, and Editing Mee. Allison graduated with merit from London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration, and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and making lists.  

            

Connect Online:                                                                                                                                                                             Newsletter / Facebook /  Instagram  /  Patreon / Website /

About The Book:

Ambia’s most reluctant godfather is back. A Flash Of Magic is a magical and rambunctious
compilation featuring eight stories with eight irresistible characters navigating their way through the
oddities and the wonders of fairy tales.

The Tales of Ambia series continues with this charming collection of short stories and novelettes
offering a deeper look into a magical land like no other.

Whether it’s an intimate look at Ella’s wedding day, a hilarious glimpse of Burndee’s holiday baking,
or an explosive first meeting between a prince and his fairy, there is an adventure for everyone in A
Flash Of Magic.

Book 4 in the Tales of Ambia series.

Buy both the ebook and paperback on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Enter The Giveaway To Win A Signed Paperback

The giveaway link will take you to Instagram

The giveaway ends on September 21st.

Blog Tour Schedule:
Sept 16th:

Book Spotlight by Eva Schon @www.evaschon.wordpress.com

Book Spotlight by Jenelle Schmidt @www.jenelleschmidt.com

Book Review by Sierra Lyon @shelvedthoughts443503330.wordpress.com

Book Review by Meagan Myhren-Bennett @BloomingwithBooks.blogspot.com

Book Review by Faith Gilliosa @farmgirl4jesus.wordpress.com

Book Review by Joy Woodbury @discipleshipwithjoy.com

Author Interview by Rachel Kovaciny @theedgeoftheprecipice.blogspot.com

As Silent as the Night ~ Review

As Silent as the Night 

Strike to the Heart #1.5

by Danielle Grandinetti

I love this series of books and As Silent as the Night is the final book. Each book is a quick read as it isn't real long but there is just so much story within that one doesn't feel as if something is lacking.

As Silent as the Night focuses on Gio Vella who makes his home in Chicago. To help those who need his help Gio takes no sides in the unrest that grips the city. He makes deals with the devils that try to hold the city in their grasp to provide food for those who have little to nothing. But everything is about to change when the woman he doesn't love (if he keeps telling himself that maybe his heart will believe him) is taken.

Lucia Critelli has no one except her grandfather left and she is determined to make a St. Nicholas Day meal for him that is not much at least will be special. But standing in the food line she has attracted the unwanted attentions of an evil and vile man, and he has plans for her.

Making a daring rescue Gio must do all he can to keep Lucia safe. But why has Lucia attracted such attention? Until he can answer that question Lucia will never be safe and neither will his heart. And once again Gio finds himself in Eagle, Wisconsin, seeking to keep a young woman safe from the unknown threat that hunts her. But can he find love when he feels so unworthy of it? 

The book is definitely one to read if you enjoy historical fiction set in the era of speakeasys and prohibition, this is a clean read that is appropriate for teens and up. I highly recommend this for a weekend read or as a book club selection. 

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:

He can procure anything except his heart’s deepest wish. 
She might hold the key if she’s not discovered first.

Chicago, 1933―Lucia Critelli will do anything for her ailing grandfather, including stand in a breadline to have enough food to make him a St. Nicholas Day meal. When she catches the eye of a goon who threatens her grandfather, she discovers the end of Prohibition doesn’t mean the end of the mafia’s criminal activity.

Retired Marine Scout Giosue “Gio” Vella can find anything, especially if it helps a fellow Italian immigrant, so he has no doubt he can locate his neighbor’s granddaughter, who has gone missing from a local church. Keeping her safe is another matter. Especially when he chooses to hide out with his Marine buddy in Eagle, Wisconsin, the site of a barely-held truce among striking dairy farmers.

Will Christmas bring the miracle they all need or will Gio discover there are some things even he can’t find, particularly when he stumbles upon the most elusive gift of all: love.