Dangerous Texas Hideout ~ Review

Dangerous Texas Hideout

Cowboy Protectors #3

By Virginia Vaughan

Call it bad timing, but when Penny Jackson and her young daughter Missy get caught in a bank robbery, everything changes. Missy is the only witness who can identify the robbers and they are determined to keep her from testifying. What's worse, every time Penny begins to feel safe, someone finds them. But no more - she's going to do it her way as it seems even law enforcement can't keep her safe. 

Jessup, Texas, seemed a good out-of-the-way place to hide. Until they found her again! When Jessup Police Chief Caleb Harmon sees Penny and Missy barely escape a near hit-and-run, he gets involved. But how the criminals keep finding Penny and Missy keep finding them has him baffled.  

As Caleb fights to keep them safe, both Missy and Penny work their way into his heart. Can he keep them safe long enough to find out what is giving them away? 

This is the third book in the Cowboy Protectors series which features the Hanson cousins. Though part of a series this book can be read as a standalone title. Being part of the Love Inspired Suspense collection you are guaranteed a clean-read and a satisfying conclusion. And as anyone who has read the previous books it is time for Caleb to get his chance at love while sharing his story in this was a well-paced, suspense-filled read that will keep you turning the pages. 

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:

Seeking refuge from danger...

            with threats at every turn

When her daughter is the only witness able to identify a group of bank robbers, single mom Penny Jackson knows their lives are in danger. These men will do anything to keep Missy quiet--permanently. Escaping to a small Texas town was supposed to be safe, but when the criminals track them down, police chief Caleb Harmon becomes their only hope for survival...

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Protectors

Book 1: Kidnapped in Texas

Book 2: Texas Ranch Target

Book 3: Dangerous Texas Hideout

All's Fair in Love and Christmas ~ Review

All's Fair in Love and Christmas

By Sarah Monzon

Mackenzie Graham loves her job; she's good at it. Until she has to make a presentation or talk face-to-face with anyone. And now she's up for a promotion that will demand just that. What's worse she's competing against her secret crush.

Jeremy Fletcher has a plan and everything is on track. He's up for promotion at work and he knows his work speaks for itself. And he knows he can get the right Christmas cheer to help him make it a sure thing. There's just one little problem now that he's getting to Mackenzie, he's beginning to realize she's so much more than who she presents to the world.

All's Fair in Love and Christmas is a fun read. Can you ever have too much Christmas?  Mackenzie and Jeremy and their coworkers are about to find out. And there may be a few Christmas cheer fails along the way. This is a contemporary read that focuses on family and allowing life to happen in unexpected ways.  This cute read finds Mackenzie and Jeremy having to rethink just what they expect from life and realizing that sometimes control needs to be relinquished. This is mostly a light read but there are some serious moments that help one understand what shaped these characters into the people they are. This was an easy and for me a quick weekend read,

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:

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the job isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

'Tis the season for romance, faith, and humor--all wrapped up in this enchanting holiday rom-com from award-winning author Sarah Monzon.

To Capture a Beauty ~ Review

To Capture a Beauty:

A Snow Queen Retelling

Shattered Tales #12

By Kimberly Pearl

Lydia knows she lives in the shadow of her older sister's beauty. And as far as the young men in the area go, she'll always be an afterthought or a distant memory once they catch a glimpse of Rosalee. Even her mother's insistence that Rosales was destined to capture the heart of a man of wealth and prestige showed how inferior Lydia was to her sister. So when a young man stops to actually talk to her and get to know her, she's more than a little surprised and doubtful that his attention will last. And when she learns that he's her father's new apprentice she's pleased at the prospect of more time together.

When Leif meets Lydia on the road to Moonrose, Lydia's family's farm, he's surprised how easily he can converse with her. Their shared interest in plants gives them a point connection as they work together, gathering the herbs and plants her father needs.

But there is danger in the area.  What the danger is no one knows, but young women are disappearing. Finding himself not only an apprentice but an unofficial guard for Lydia, Leif shares with her secrets about plants that he alone knows. Secrets that show her just how affected the area's vegetation is by magic.

When the pair stumble upon an enchanted mirror, they avoid it, but Lydia's brief glimpse reveals something. It showed her heart's desire - perfection. Caught in its siren call, she is tempted to take what it offers perfect unending beauty. Can she withstand its call?

This was a delightful read. Can the unintended rivalry between sisters drive them apart? Lydia's sense of inferiority drives her, damaging her past friendship with her sister. But she is fiercely loyal to her family. 

If you are someone who skips prologues, don't as it sets the whole mood and tone for the book. Deep-seated hurt, feelings of unworthiness, and inferiority that must be overcome. This is an excellent twist on the Snow Queen that will leave wanting more. The book was more than a little engaging; it was, in fact, unputdownable! Highly recommended for any reader over the age of 12 years who is looking for a clean reading, fairytale retelling.

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 enchanted mirror in the woods. 

Maidens going missing. 

An intriguing farmhand who could easily capture her heart. 

Lydia knows she isn’t the most beautiful Rolnik sister. She tries not to be bothered by the fact, focusing instead on her sketches and helping on the family herb farm. But as her feelings for the handsome new hire grow, so does her dread that her sister’s beauty will outshine her own. 

When she discovers a mirror in the woods that shows a flawless version of herself, its beckoning calls are hard to resist. Especially when the silvery voice tells her she could step through and make the reflection a reality. Will she be able to resist the call, or will the promise of perfection prove too strong to ignore? If she’s not careful, she may end up going missing herself.

Calling on the Matchmaker ~ Review

Calling on the Matchmaker

A Shanahan Match #1

By Jody Hedlund

Finola Shanahan is determined to take her vows and become a nun. She can't be trusted to be a mother, and what man wants to marry such a woman. If only she could convince her parents of this, but they are equally determined to see her happily wed. 

After twelve failed courtships, her parents call in the local matchmaker. Attempting to use her normal means of again thwarting her parents' plans, she manages to manipulate the situation by getting a young inexperienced matchmaker to take her on. What she didn't expect was to have the matchmaker pick Riley Rafferty as her potential husband.

Having rescued Finola from certain death, mere days ago, Riley is more than a little surprised when a deathbed promise to his father has the Irish matchmaker proposing a match between him and Finola. Not that he objects. Since rescuing Finola, she's been constantly on his mind. 

Surprisingly the two have a shared care for the ever-increasing immigrant population of St. Louis's slums. But Finola refuses to allow this fact to sway her resolve to break the engagement. But Riley proves a formidable opponent able to match wits with Finola in her efforts. If only she could convince her heart that she doesn't have feelings for Riley and that he can easily transfer his attention to another more worthy. 

Calling on the Matchmaker is the first book in the new series from Historical Fiction favorite Jody Hedlund. Those who love Jody's work will not be disappointed with her newest offering. This was also an interesting bit of history as it deals with matchmakers, my only familiarity with it is watching Fiddler on the Roof, so totally different. 

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.                                                                                                                                                      

 QUICK FACTS

 Title: Calling on the Matchmaker
 Series: A Shanahan Match (Book 1)
 Author: Jody Hedlund
 Genre: Historical Romance, American Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 12, 2023)
 Length: (304) pages
 Format: Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 
 ISBN: 978-0764241963‎
 Tour Dates: December 11 – 20, 2023

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. When Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents arranged for her, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly realizes her usual tricks won't work on him, however, as she cannot outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.

A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.

PRAISE FOR CALLING ON THE MATCHMAKER

 “Hedlund’s textured historical backdrop brings the city’s Irish tenements to life, and the romance between Finola and Riley, full of longing and barely contained passion (“She was like a fire burning down a building. And he was walking straight into the flames”), is a treat. Readers will revel in this charming romp.”—Publisher’s Weekly

 “SOOO CRAZY GOOD!!! Absolutely loved this book - one of my new favorites from this author!”— Marilee, Marilee Loves to Read

 “Sizzling chemistry, rich detail, and compelling action.”— Misty M. Beller, USA Today bestselling author

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and is the winner of numerous awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. 

WEBSITE | X (Formerly Twitter) | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Cover Reveal for the Black Rose Collection

I 

L💗VE cover reveals!

Join me today as I take part in the 

Black Rose Collection cover reveal.

 From authors 

Madisyn Carlin, Kristina Hall, Vanessa Hall, K.R. Mattson, 

M.L. Milligan, Kaytlin Phillips, and Saraina Whitney comes 

The Black Rose Collection, 

a New Adult Christian fantasy anthology.

Now a little about the book...

Receiving a black rose is a death sentence.

 In these seven lands, receiving a black rose is a death sentence. When these perilous flowers endanger their lives, a spy must decide between freeing slaves or completing his mission, a huntress finds herself becoming the hunted, and two sets of mortal enemies are forced to work together—if they don’t first kill each other in the process.

 When a couple’s daughter is born with a deadly birthmark, can they escape in time? Or will they lose their daughter to evil? False accusations and threats force an innocent man to flee and fight for his life---but his path to freedom is threatened by memory loss. And when two friends become unexpected enemies, can loyalty overcome duty?

 In this collection of seven Christian fantasy romance novellas, characters will learn the value of faith and trust as danger grows and justice is threatened.

RELEASES:

February 2024

Be sure to add it to your want to read list on

GOODREADS

Now 

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for 

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the 

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actual

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 cover

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 reveal

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Don't you love the suspense? 

Trust the Stars ~ Review

Trust the Stars

By Tricia Goyer

This is one of those books that just draws you into it. I love books that are both contemporary and historical fiction, which Trust the Stars is. The two stories are drawn together by a diary Princess Alessandra Appiani kept detailing the dangers she faced and the sacrifices she made during WW2 to help save those in need.

The contemporary portion focuses on Olivia Garza, a young woman, scarred by the decisions her mother made. But Olivia is on a journey of discovery. She wants, needs to understand her mother and is sharing this journey with the world via a podcast. 

Enter a stranger who manages to touch Olivia's life. But said stranger is actually a royal from a little known European country who needs to avoid a wedding. A wedding for the woman he thought he'd marry. In the one day that they Louis and Olivia connect. All is going great until Olivia finds out who Louis is and she cuts out of her excursion to Kenya less than pleased with Louis. After all how can someone used to the life and privileges of a royal possibly understand her normal day-to-day life of working with troubled teens in Little Rock's inner city?

This is where the diary comes in and I really enjoyed Alessandra's portion of the story. Her strength even in the face of losing everything she held dear - her husband, her children, and even her life. Her story provides inspiration to not only the reader, but Olivia. Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone to do the right thing.

Highly recommended read to either end 2023 or to begin 2024.

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

About the Book:

Olivia Garza, a woman committed to making a difference in the world, thrives in her unconventional, service-oriented life. By day, she helps troubled teens in inner-city Little Rock. By night, she creates a viral docu-series in an attempt to better understand her mother’s desperate decisions by retracing her steps with a camera. So far, Olivia has always been the anonymous narrator, but she’s promised to reveal herself in the last stop on her Kenya.

Prince Louis, heir to the throne of the small European kingdom of Alloria, is in Kenya to run away from a broken heart—and the media circus that comes with it. When he meets Olivia, he recognizes her voice right away from the docu-series that has stirred his heart. Though they share a magical day on safari, any dreams of happily ever after come crashing down with the flash of the paparazzi cameras when Olivia realizes that he represents everything she most despises in the world.

In World War II, Rome, another royal, however, has her own life-changing choices to make. Princess Alessandra Appiani could have chosen quiet safety within the walls of the Vatican, but instead, she risks her life—and her family—to save the Jewish children so in need of someone to show them the love of God.

When Olivia is hired to help create a documentary about Alessandra, learning about the sacrifice of a royal who goes from palace to prison forces her to face the hard questions of, "Should she continue on the path she’s carved for herself or trust God to give her the future she never thought she wanted?"

To Destroy an Illusion ~ Review

To Destroy an Illusion:

A Glass Mountain Retelling

The Shattered Tales #11

By Kendra E Ardnek

Isobel's life is merely one of existence. She lives within a glass palace that provides for her needs and her reflection is her companion until the day that Kieran appears. 

When Kieran is present she begins to remember another life, but when he leaves they slip away. But slowly she begins to retain what was lost. But does she want to remember what was with its trickery and pain? 

As a pawn Isobel's life was not her own, but as it is now it is incomplete. Kieran holds the answers she needs but he is bound to silence in matters that could set her free.

To Destroy an Illusion is a intriguing and imaginative retelling of the Glass Mountain. How can one determine the truth when surrounded by illusion and the past is shrouded? Isobel will have to work her way through the tangle of secrets, lies, and glamour that have wrapped her within their spell for far too long if she hopes to discover the truth and free the man she loves.

This is a clean retelling that will delight any fan of fairytale retellings even if you are unfamiliar with the original. I highly recommend this book as the characters are engaging and the settings gorgeous. As part of the Shattered Tales collection this book can be read in any order or on its own as each book is complete in and of itself.

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:

Surrounded by glass and glamour, how can you know what's real? 

Now Isobel's life is perfect - as long as she doesn't look too closely at the cracks in the glass. Yet, it's a lonely life, so when a charming young man takes the place of her reflection and speaks with her, she's glad for the companionship, even if his secrets threaten to topple everything she knows. Just how did she come to live in this glass palace? 

Before Kieran might play the part of the roguish younger prince, but he takes seriously his role as the last line of defense against threats to his parents and brother. When Lothilla brings her goddaughter to court wrapped in too much glamour, and his brother falls for the girl too quickly, he knows that something must be wrong. But what can he do against the power of an elder fae? 

Secrets and mystery abound, and who knows the truth under the perfection? What will stay standing when the illusion is destroyed? To Destroy an Illusion is a retelling of “The Glass Mountain” but also contains heavy inspiration from “Fairer-than-a-Fairy,” “The Glass Coffin,” and a few other fairy tales you might know and love.

It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of fractured retellings of your favorite fairytales. The Shattered Tales can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony-sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!