English

2.28.2024

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure ~ Review

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure
by Angela Bell

Miss Clara Marie Stanton is determined to save her family from her villainous ex-fiancé, who is equally determined to see them ruined and thrown into an insane asylum. And Clara is sure that Arthur, her Grandfather Drosselmeyer's new apprentice, is a spy hired to help her family into ruin.

Her family sees things differently, and when her Grand decides to use his flying machine to visit Europe, Clara is left scrambling to follow the clues he's leaving for her. Can she save those she loves? Or will her attempts fall short, leaving her behind a cold hard wall of her own making?

This was a delightful read; it had little threads throughout that brought to mind The Nutcracker. And I loved the Steampunk feel that was a subtle underlying, yet important, pivotal driving force behind Clara's search. Clara's search takes her from Victorian London to various locations throughout Europe. Dreams, crushed hopes, broken hearts, and unexpected adventures. This is a story of family and love.                              

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.

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.

"Utterly charming! What an original and adorable story. Angela Bell's debut is a book I can, without hesitation, highly recommend."--JEN TURANO, USA Today bestselling author

"Bell's voice will draw you immediately into her world, and her characters will hold you there. A must-read!"--ROSEANNA M. WHITE, Christy Award-winning author




The Irish Matchmaker ~ Review


The Irish Matchmaker
By Jennifer Deibel


Return to Ireland with the newest book from author Jennifer Deibel. Matchmaking is in Catriona Daly's blood. Her father Jimmy Daly is well-known for his skills as a matchmaker, and Catriona is proving to be equally skilled. And with the annual Matchmaking Festival mere days away, both Dalys are in high demand.

But Catriona longs for a life away from the sleepy village she calls home. And when Andrew Osborne, only son of Lord Osborne, is spotted visiting Catriona sees this as her opportunity to better her own life.

How, you might ask? By proving she has the grace, decorum, and skills to be the wife of a future lord. There's just one wee problem with this plan - her heart has other plans.

Donal Bunratty lost his wife six years ago and his nine year old daughter, Sara has requested a mother. Surprisingly he reluctantly agrees - and his matchmaker is none other Catriona.

As Donald and Catriona get to know one another, they are unexpectedly drawn to one another. But Donal knows there is no way Caty could fall in love with him, a simple farmer who is barely surviving from one week to the next.

This a book about discovering one's true self. How much is enough? Can love, true love, become a part of our daily lives? What a concept is true love, a love that is willing to give up what it desires for the sake of another.

The settings come alive and the various characters have depth that you will enjoy. I highly recommend this book to fans of Historical Romance Fiction. A perfect book club selection!

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

About the Book:

Making the perfect match is both art and science
~
But love doesn't always follow the rules.


As the daughter of a well-known matchmaker, Catríona Daly is no stranger to the business of love--and sees it as her ticket away from the sleepy village that only comes alive during the annual matchmaking festival. Enter Lord Osborne's son, Andrew, who has returned to the festival after being disappointed by a rival matchmaker's failed setup. Catríona seizes the opportunity to make a better match for the handsome man--and for herself!

Cattle farmer Donal Bunratty is in desperate need of a wife after loss left him to handle the farm and raise his daughter on his own. Shy and lacking the finer social graces, he agrees to attend the matchmaking festival to appease his daughter. But when he arrives, it's not any of the other merrymakers that catch his eye but rather his matchmaker--who clearly has eyes for someone else.

Catríona will have to put all her expertise to work to make a match that could change her life forever. Will her plan succeed? Or will love have its own way?

2.26.2024

One Wrong Move ~ Review

One Wrong Move, book number 1 of Dani Pettrey's Jeopardy Falls
One Wrong Move
Jeopardy Falls #1
By Dani Pettrey

When a series of art heists focus on galleries that Christian O'Brady installed the security systems for, he is pulled into a case that will bring his past front and center. His parents pulled Christian and his siblings into their crimes at a young age, and, unfortunately, Christian was good at it until he turned his skills to the benefit of others. But this rash of thefts has reopened the past, along with his guilt.

Called in when art theft has hit galleries that her company insures, Andi Forester is tasked with discovering who is involved. What she didn't expect was the man who destroyed her FBI career would be involved, indirectly, with the case. 

As Andi and Christian work to uncover all the layers of this deadly criminal spree, they find themselves the target of someone who wants to keep the truth hidden. But the cat-and-mouse game they find themselves in finds them being drawn into past sins and the cost could be their lives.

One Wrong Move is the series debut of Jeopardy Falls, which I have to admit keeps the tension and suspense ratcheted up throughout the book. And in addition to the art theft storyline there is an equally page-turning, attention-grabbing thread - Andi's past with the FBI and the debacle that ended her career as a forensic analyst has come into question. But who is telling the truth, Andi or the man her work put in jail? The answer just may get them killed!

This is a fast paced Contemporary Romantic Suspense set in New Mexico. If you love reading a book that will keep you up all night Dani Pettrey has done it. If you prefer to sleep at night - make this a weekend read instead with a good hour or two to relax before you want to put your head to your pillow. This story is complete with no danglers to keep you wondering, "But what about?" But even so I'm interested to see what happens next - I'm assuming it will have something to do with Christian's siblings - Riley or Deckard.

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: One Wrong Move
Series: Jeopardy Falls #1
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: February 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Taunting riddles.
A deadly string of heists.
Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.

Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.

Dani Pettrey captivates with . . .

"An intense blend of suspense, love, and faith."--Booklist

"Wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likeable characters."--Publishers Weekly


2.22.2024

Cover Reveal for The Imposters ~ An Honorable Deception

Have you enjoyed Roseanna M. White's The Imposters Series?

Are you ready for the first peek at the cover for An Honorable Deception

Blurred teaser image for An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M White


The third book 
|
will be released 
|
in November 2024 
|
and the cover 
|
is 
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finally
HERE! 


An Honorable Deception cover reveal for Roseanna M. White's third book in The Imposters Series



Head over to Roseanna's blog to learn more about the book and 
find out how you can get an early peek at the cover for 
Christmas at Sugarplum Manor as well!

Cover Reveal for Elite Guardians: Savannah

 You loved The Elite Guardians series and now there'll be even more to love with the 
new spin-off series - ELITE GUARDIANS: SAVANNAH
And today I'm taking part in the cover reveal for books 1 and 2!


Elite Guardians: Savannah

Book 1: Vanishing Legacy by Kate Angelo (releasing April 9)

Book 2: Hunting Justice by Sami A. Abrams (releasing May 21)

Book 3: Guarding Truth by Kelly Underwood (releasing October 15)

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $4.99 each (ebooks only)

Retail price after release: $7.99 each (ebooks only)

Available in ebook, print, and audiobook



Elite Guardians: Savannah series synopsis:

This exciting new romantic suspense series takes Savannah by storm. 
In each story, these fiercely capable female bodyguards have to shield their important clients from looming threats, all while grappling with simmering feelings for the ones they protect. Between heart-pounding foot chases down River Street, daring underwater exploits off Tybee Island, and climactic showdowns at Forsyth Fountain, these Elite Guardians pursue justice, keep secrets safe, and sacrifice everything for the sake of those they’ve sworn to protect. With mystery, pulse-pounding action, and swoon-worthy romances in every book, this edge-of-your seat series is totally addicting from start to incredibly satisfying finish.

About the Authors:

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. 
Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com

Kate Angelo is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Romantic Suspense author, minister, and public speaker from Southwest Missouri who works alongside her husband championing stronger marriages and families through their nonprofit. As Mom to 5 adult children, she's fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls. Kate is a coffee addict, tech enthusiast, productivity guru, expert knitter, summer lake fanatic, prayer warrior, dog lover, avid reader, and a known klutz—just ask her doctor. Having aged out of foster care, Kate brings a unique perspective to her writing, breathing life into flawed characters who find hope and healing amidst danger. 
Subscribe to her newsletter to hear about her pet lion at 

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime with a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list. 


Kelly Underwood’s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in
New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. She writes book reviews for her blog bestinsuspense.com and is an active member of
the Central Florida chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you have to read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably on her back patio with a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. 


Vanishing Legacy by Kate Angelo

For this Elite Guardian, protecting her client’s daughter just got personal.

Elite Guardian Alana Flores, former LAPD underwater dive detective, just wants a fresh start in Savannah, Georgia, with her son. Hoping to repair their broken relationship and provide him a safer life, nothing could wreck her hopes more than finding a terrified, autistic child in her shed.

Enter Cash Thomas, a widowed trauma surgeon struggling to raise his autistic daughter, Penny.
He’s put his wife’s disappearance and presumed death behind him…until someone tries to
kidnap his daughter. Terrified of losing Penny to the same cartel that supposedly killed his wife, he turns to Alana and the Elite Guardians.

But is Sonia really dead? Or is she behind the kidnapping attempts? Suddenly, Cash and Alana must keep their children safe, uncover the truth about Sonia, and find a way to outsmart the cartel before it's too late.

And what about the spark between them? Could this be the fresh start they both long for? But when their worst fears happen, will they lose everything?

With heart-pounding foot chases on River Street, underwater thrills off Tybee Island, and a climactic showdown at Forsyth Fountain, Vanishing Legacy will leave you breathless.

(releasing April 9)

Vanishing Legacy by Kate Angelo  For this Elite Guardian, protecting her client’s daughter just got personal.


Hunting Justice by Sami A. Abrams

A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…

Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial
killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia.

More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonas Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife.

When the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, Jonas knows there's more to the
incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector.

Together, they’ll have to unravel the threat that stalks Jonas. Clues lead them down a dark path, and when they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life. And when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose.

Don’t miss this gripping story of resilience, trust, and the power of love in the exhilarating second book of the Elite Guardians: Savannah.

(releasing May 21)
Hunting Justice by Sami A. Abrams  A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…



Guarding Truth by Kelly Underwood 
The truth might destroy them both…
Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery never forgot fellow solider Caleb Styles—or her feelings for him. But when the guy saved her life, it cost them their
relationship.

Now, years later, Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she also lives in Savannah, Georgia, where he’s the guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.

Then he discovers that his brilliant niece’s computer skills have attracted a notorious hacker group. More, when Ivy tracks the hackers, she endangers Caleb's cyber-security company. Enter his need for the Elite Guardians.

The very last person Juliette thought she’d see again—let alone be assigned to protect—is Caleb. But no matter the attraction between them, she can’t afford to let her heart take over. Her focus has to be on protecting Caleb and Ivy. After all, they need all their wits about them to find the hackers and unravel their plans.

When they discover the hackers’ true intent, it becomes a race against time. But it too late to protect their hearts from the truth?

An electrifying blend of suspense, chemistry, and unbreakable bonds, this romantic thriller is a must-read for fans of the Elite Guardian series.

(releasing October 15)

2.20.2024

Relying on the Enemy ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Relying on the Enemy by Danielle Grandinetti, 

Relying on the Enemy
Relying on the Enemy
Harbored in Crow's Nest #4
By Danielle Grandinetti

Marian Ward needs a job, but times are tough, and jobs are scarce. And a widow with two young children and an ill mother-in-law just isn't in a position to seek employment farther away when she can't afford to buy gas for an auto much less keep her home warm and food on the table.  But when she overheard a portion of a conversation, she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and now very much in danger.

Gilbert Cox has come to make amends for the sins of his father. And at the top of his list is the Ward family. But when he steps in to protect Marian, he finds himself in a bind. His employer demands he marry Marian - make an honest woman of her, or else lose his job on the spot and any future employment anywhere! Talk about a big mess. All of which could be blamed on his father's greed and cruelty. Well, things being what they were, Marian and Gilbert were all too quickly married and trying to piece all this sudden and unexpected change in situation into some semblance of order. 

But a marriage of convenience doesn't end the danger. Rather, it seems to intensify. How a small portion of an overheard conversation could cause so many problems is perplexing. But to keep his new family safe, Gil will have to figure it out. And Marian isn't about to hide away, not with danger threatening her daughters.

This was an excellent read set in 1931 Wisconsin. And it is well worth your time. I have to admit I love reading books that have a local flavor. This is a perfect blend of history, romance, and mystery.

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: Relying on the Enemy
Series: Harbored in Crow's Nest #4
Author:
Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher:
Hearth Spot Press
Release Date:
February 20, 2024
Genre:
Historical Romance, with suspense

She’s protecting her children. 
He’s redeeming his past.  
But there’s nothing convenient about saving their patchwork family.  

Wisconsin, 1931—All widowed mother Marian Ward wants is to provide for her girls. However, she faces the dead of winter with no income and dwindling resources. Then she overhears a nefarious conversation, putting her life and that of her children in immediate danger. 

Aiming to make amends to the Wards, Gilbert steps in when the threat to Marian escalates. It costs him dearly. Either lose his career or marry her, and be tied to his past until death do them part. 

He leaves the decision to Marian, who will do anything to protect her girls, even marry the son of the man who ruined her family. How will their fledgling trust prove strong enough to fulfill their vows as winter tightens its grip and desperation stalks at the door? 

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, 
where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

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

More Books in This Series

Confessions to a Stranger   

 


About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. A 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award, she has also won the UNW Distinguished Faith in Writing Award and the CROW National Excellence in Story Telling Award. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win signed paperback copies of 
Refuge for the Archaeologist and Relying on the Enemy
a Crow's Nest Canvas Tote 
and a Crow's Nest paperback notebook!

Relying on the Enemy JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below.
 The giveaway begins at midnight February 19, 2024,
 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 2024. 
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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Relying on the Enemy JustRead Blog + Review Tour

2.19.2024

Chasing the Horizon ~ Review

Chasing the Horizon
A Western Light #1
By Mary Connealy

Chasing the Horizon is the first book in Mary Connealy's new series A Western Light. Beth and Ginny are escaping. It's the only way to live their lives free. But to do so they need to leave behind their identities and leave no hints behind of where they are going. As women of wealth, they must become common. And take a wagon train West rather than the train. And knowing the man they're trying to escape from they'll need to avoid any and all towns, and people. Which is a little problematic because wagon trains mean people, but fewer people than trains.

This story is told mostly through Beth's perspective, but we get periodic glimpses of Thaddeus's efforts to find his wayward and rebellious wife and daughter. And the extremes he goes to are awful. He is a character that has no redeeming qualities. While Beth, on the other hand, finds someone who is the total opposite of her father in Jake Holt, the wagon-train scout. But can she trust him with the secret she is keeping? 

I haven't read all of Mary Connealy's books, but of the ones I have read, this is, in my opinion, the best. This is a historical fiction that uses, as its primary focus, the very obvious lack of rights that women had. This truth is driven home by Elizabeth Rutledge's act of helping her mother, Eugenia, escape from an asylum. An asylum her father, Thaddeus Rutledge, committed her to for having opposing viewpoints from him, and even more disturbing, she refused to turn over the money in her trust fund. I know it is shocking behavior and a clear sign that she is not to be trusted (cue eye roll). 

This is an excellent read and one not to be missed if you are into Historical Western Fiction. This book is one that you won't want to put down. You'll be rooting for Beth and Ginny to succeed in their escape attempt. And hoping that someone, somewhere will thwart Thaddeus.

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: Chasing the Horizon
 Series: A Western Light (Book 1)
 Author: Mary Connealy
 Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Western & Frontier Romance
 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 13, 2024)
 Length: (304) pages
 Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 
 ISBN: ‎ 978-0764242656
 Tour Dates: February 12 – 26, 2024

About the Book:
Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?

PRAISE FOR CHASING THE HORIZON

 "Mary Connealy’s Inspirational Western Romances have long been on my radar to try, but the new Western Lights series opener, Chasing the Horizon, was my first opportunity. Imagine my chagrin when I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Oh yes, dear friends, I’d waited too long to discover a gem of a writer."—Sophia Rose, The Reading Frenzy

 5 STARS "What an incredible book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire
time I read it.” — Camille Dayton, Fostering Literacy

 5 STARS “Loved this story! I was intrigued right from the beginning.”— Melissa Goss, Christian Books and Coffee

Purchase Links

About the Author:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters, and has many other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren. 

Connect with her online at: