Hidden Mountain Secrets ~ Review

Hidden Mountain Secrets

Tunnel Creek #3

By Kerry Johnson

A mysterious death.

    A secluded mansion.

        This investigation could be fatal…

Brielle Holt was just supposed to handle the dispersal of the estate's antiques. Instead, she finds herself the target of a killer and she has no idea why. She'll need the help of Lucas Scott, CSI agent, and childhood friend if she hopes to stay alive long enough to figure out why. And she is not crushing on her former teenage crush, nope absolutely not, well maybe just a little. (He did save her life.)

Lucas is back in Tunnel Creek investigating a suspicious death. When his case seemingly crosses with the attack on Brielle, he is more than willing to help protect his best friend's little sister. What he didn't expect was to have feelings for her, a BIG NO-NO. She's his best friend's little sis, and he knows Jasper would object. 

But as the danger draws closer and the killer remains just out of reach Lucas will do everything to keep Brielle safe. He can't lose another woman he loves on his watch.

Hidden Mountain Secrets is a clean Romantic Suspense offering from Love Inspired Suspense. There isn't graphic anything so no late-night sleeplessness from nightmares just the excuse of one more chapter. After all one needs to know the who and why behind the attacks on Brielle. And whether or not Lucas and Brielle have the chance at a tomorrow together. Overall a good read, that, though this book 3 in a series, can easily be read as a standalone title.

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. 

⇒ Instagram Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a copy of the book and a $30 Amazon gift card!

TO ENTER

⇒ LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE this Instagram post

⇒ FOLLOW me @Bloomingwbooks, @kerryjohnsonauthor , and @justreadtours

⇒ TAG a friend (up to 3x per post).

⇒ VISIT each Instagram-hosted post of this tour for more entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. The giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 21, 2024.)

Purchase Links – LoveInspired.com    Amazon

About the Book:
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

A mysterious death. 

A secluded mansion.

This investigation could be fatal…

Antique dealer Brielle Holt uncovers more than just priceless relics when she overhears a secret that puts a target on her back. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly family feud, Brielle has nowhere safe to hide…until CSI agent Lucas Scott steps in to protect her. With assailants following their every move, Lucas and Brielle must stay one step ahead of someone desperate to hide the truth…and bury them with it.

Chapter 5 is Available to Read!

 Chapter 5 of Yours, Mine and Hours is now available

It's time for the next chapter in our Story of the Month Club series - Yours, Mine, and Hours!
This month is Phoebe's POV and you can read it for free at Chapter 5 - Yours, Mine, and Hours

I'm so excited to share this with you. If you have not yet read chapters 1-4 no worries you can read them here read them here. I hope you have as much fun reading Phoebe's newest chapter as I did writing it. 

And we get more Cocoa and Tiger in this chapter. 

Have any questions or comments just leave them below. 

Desert Manna ~ Series Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the 

Desert Manna series by Karen Baney, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Desert Manna series by Karen Baney is set in Prescott, Arizona in the early 1870s. There are three books in this series that is considered A Christian Historical Western Cowboy Romance. (I know a bit of a mouthful but it fits). Faith is a definite thread throughout all three books. And if you like romance with more than a chaste kiss at the end of the book this series is for you. (I prefer less kissing. Much less and not so soon in the relationship, but that's just me) There is something about the style of this series that reminds me of Elaine L. Schulte's California Pioneers series.

Now to the individual books.

Beauty for Ashes is the first book in the series. We are introduced to Rebecca Elliot, who has been widowed for about seven years. She lost her husband to the Civil War and has been a single mother to her son his whole life. But she is now leaving the years of struggle behind as she joins her brother Alexander Glassman in Prescott, Arizona. 

Before the stagecoach Rebecca is traveling on reaches its destination, they come upon a horrific scene and find Perry Quinn hurt and left for dead, his ranch destroyed. Called upon to nurse Perry until they reach Prescott, Rebecca finds herself drawn to Perry's plight, one not so very different than what she had faced. 

As Perry struggles to find his place in Prescott, he finds himself drawn to Rebecca, while trying to deny it. Perry's injuries and loss of all he owned have shaken the foundations of his life. Can he find a new way or will he allow the anger he feels to cause him to take action against those he feels responsible? With Rebecca willing to help him with a kind word and her gentle spirit, can he find a new purpose in his life?

Joy for Morning is the second book in the Desert Manna series and it takes place in 1872. Grace Talbert refuses to be a pawn in her father's drive to further his ambitions. After her mother dies there is no one to stand up to her father and run interference between them. Grace has no desire to marry any of the highly eligible suitors her father deems worthy, not of Grace, but of connecting their name to his. 

Grace's passion is helping those in need and spending much of her time heading the Women's Aid Society to improve the living conditions of the local widows and Indians. She's not willing to give up her work for any man, and when Joshua Harrison warns that aiding the Indians is dangerous they find themselves at odds. But they just might be what the other needs, but only if they try to see the other's point of view.  When tragedy strikes they'll have to rely on their faith to see them through.

Oaks of Justice the third and final book of the series finds Mel (Melissa) Larson practicing law under her mentor when a threat to her life causes him to send her back home to Prescott. Her first case finds her going up against the newly elected DA Alexander Glassman. Sparks are about to fly as Mel and Alex face off in the courtroom. 

But after the dust settles we learn more of Alex Glassman's story. In the first two books, he's a character who we only know as a lawyer but we get to see the man who isn't the lawyer. He hasn't found someone to love. He has interests outside of law. He was a disappointment to his late father. And he'll do anything to keep those he loves safe. 

All three books are historical fiction with an emphasis on the romance that runs throughout. In each, the main characters face periods of trial, which makes their romance all the more meaningful to them. Loss, death, and uncertainty all drive the stories to their conclusion. The books are well-written but I found all the kissing a bit much and actually detracted my enjoyment of the books. But, that being said, I would gift these to family members who would enjoy them and are less "prudish" than me (their words, not mine, though I don't object to the statement).    

I was provided a complimentary copy of these books with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                          

About the Books

Title: Beauty for Ashes
Series: Desert Manna #1
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: March 7,2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Uplifting Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1871. 

As a widow who lost her husband in Sherman’s fiery march to the sea, Rebecca Elliot struggled to provide for her son. When she hears from her brother in Prescott, Arizona, she makes the journey west to start over. An unexpected tragedy on the last leg of her travels changes the trajectory of her heart and life as she never could have imagined. 

Perry Quinn finally said goodbye to his late wife when his life is turned upside down. When he loses everything that he worked hard to accomplish, he must humble himself and start over while trying to find the answers to why he lost everything. Along the way, a kind woman steals his heart and reminds him that there is beauty in the middle of the ashes of his life. 

Will he let go of his grief to find true love?  

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

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

Title: Joy for Mourning
Series: Desert Manna Series #2
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: April 25, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1872. 

Grace Talbert spurns every suitor her father finds. She longs for the spark of romance and is unwilling to settle for something less. Her passion is running the Women’s Aid Society, which organizes many charitable events to help the poor and the Indians. When a trip to deliver goods to the reservation leaves her stranded with a handsome stranger, she discovers the love she longed for. 

After many years of wandering and building up his freight business, Joshua Harrison decides to return to Prescott. As bachelor, he is ill-equipped to raise the orphaned daughter of a friend. He hopes the stable life of a small town will bring what he needs to become a good father. Having failed at love twice, he is afraid to try again, until he is stranded with the unconventional and beautiful Grace Talbert. 

Can he move past his heartache to open himself to love again?  

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

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

Title: Oaks of Justice
Series: Desert Manna Series #3
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Gripping Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1873. 

Mel Larson is used to being underestimated as a female attorney. When her life is threatened, her mentor takes her home to Prescott. As the defense attorney for her innocent client who is on trial for murder, she goes head-to-head with the new District Attorney. When she apologizes to him for using some unconventional tactics, sparks fly, and she finds a love she had not been looking for. 

Alex Glassman was ready to settle down but after a failed courtship, he doubted if he would ever find the right match. When a major court case falls into his lap, he is unprepared to argue the case against a fiery red-headed woman. When the case is over and he humbles himself to admit his mistakes, his heart is captured, and he dares to hope that she could be the one. 

When Mel's life is threatened, can Alex save her in time?  

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

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

Buy the Complete Series in One Volume

---

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona. 

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

---

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win signed copies of all 3 books in the Desert Manna series plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 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!

Flashpoint ~ Review

Flashpoint
Chasing Fire: Montana #1

By Susan May Warren

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.

THIS TIME, THEY’RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

The Hollywood heartthrob and the firefighter with a secret…

Emily Micah is determined to finally prove herself as a firefighter with the elite Jude County Hotshots wildfire team. But when she reacts rather than following proper protocol she finds herself assigned to the movie set of Drifters, to hopefully prevent any more special effect fires. No pressure there! 

And of course, Storm Spenser being on the set is just an added bonus. And she won't go all crazy fangirl on him, even if she is (or rather was) in one of the exclusive fan clubs when she was younger. And when Spenser asks for her help with the child actor on the set, what's a girl to say but YES! 

Storm is trying to rebuild his acting career. After a crazed stalker derailed him, he needs to make a comeback soon and this film could make or break his career. But a series of accidents threatens not only the film but the lives of those on the set. 

Flashpoint is the first book in the Chasing Fire: Montana Series. With the land a tinderbox one mistake, one spark could become an inferno. And when evidence points to something other than an accident these heroes will need to be prepared for anything. 

This is a fast-paced read that draws one into the action from the beginning. The main characters Emily and Storm are dealing with the demons of their pasts as they try to find their place. Emily hasn't found where she fits yet. And Storm needs to rediscover where he belongs - the family ranch or in front of the camera. But more than fire threatens them, and they'll have to be prepared for what's coming. 

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.

Available to purchase at https://amzn.to/44eZeVw 

About the Book:

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.

THIS TIME, THEY’RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

The Hollywood heartthrob and the firefighter with a secret…

Rookie firefighter Emily Micah is determined to prove herself as a new recruit to the elite Jude County Hotshots wildfire team. Assigned to the film set of The Drifters, Emily’s mission is to protect the cast and crew from the special effects that could ignite the tinder-dry Montana forest and start a wildfire.

If only her favorite actor—TV star Spenser Storm—wasn’t getting in her way.

What could go wrong?

Haunted by the memory of a rabid stalker, former child TV star Spenser Storm is hoping to revive his career, but he’s torn between the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the life of a cowboy on his family’s ranch in Montana. It doesn’t help when he sees the movie that’s supposed to launch his future is going up in flames.

And then there’s beautiful and brave Emily Micah, who not only saves his life, but seems to understand him, maybe better than she should.

As an arsonist threatens the film production, seemingly with the goal of destroying the movie entirely, Spenser realizes he’ll stop at nothing to protect his future and the woman now stealing his heart.

But Emily harbors a secret…one that could destroy the flame between them. And when it comes out, it could cost them everything, and ignite an inferno that could destroy all of the northern Montana forest.

Chasing Fire: Montana Series, Book One—Flashpoint—delivers a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless, yearning for more, and eager to dive into the next chapter of the thrilling series.

Shattered Resistance ~ Cover Reveal

 Today I'm thrilled to take part in the cover reveal for

Shattered Resistance

by Madisyn Carlin

This is the third book in the Shattered Lands series.

The series includes Shattered Reflection (#1), Shattered Revelation (#1.5),
and Shattered Reaction (#2).

But before I share the cover, first a little about the book

Some secrets are best left hidden…

Librarian Elmery Nemorio has no idea why a group of deranged lunatics want her dead, but she does know she will lose her sanity if she has to spend one more minute with her sarcastic bodyguard, Vladic Cindari. Unfortunately, as danger grows and more attempts on her life are made, she begins to suspect Vladic is the least of her worries. Forced from her home and into a life of peril and secrecy, Elmery doesn’t know what the next days will bring. Joined by the annoying Vladic, she finds herself immersed in a renewed battle not only for her home, but for all the lands. When she uncovers information best left unknown, will it help win the war or bring harm to those she loves?

Shattered Resistance is a New Adult Christian fantasy Little Mermaid retelling, and is the third book in The Shattered Lands series.

Preorder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7G8B37R

Releases: 5/28/24

About the Author:

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

For a Lifetime ~ Review

For a Lifetime

Timeless #3

By Gabrielle Meyer

Grace and Hope are twin sisters who have inherited their mother's ability to live in two different time periods.  But living in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, is dangerous for anyone accused of witchcraft  While living in 1912 is full of freedoms and experiences that can't be found in 1692. 

Every night Grace and Hope time-cross, rather than dreaming they live a day in one of their "times". In 1692, they're treated like servants in their father's tavern. While in 1912, Hope is a pilot, and Grace is a newspaper reporter. With months until their 25th birthday, they know where they want to live their futures. But some choices aren't ours to make, as they discover when something changes everything. 

For a Lifetime offers a few twists that previous books in the Timeless series didn't, including a mystery that they may only be able to solve because of their time-crossing gift. I can't imagine having to make a choice like this, a choice to never see a family member ever again, and that is exactly what Grace and Hope face. How does one weigh which life is more meaningful? Does one have regrets once the decision is made? I realize that this decision is the same that each MC faces in this series, but this one seems more difficult and emotional. 

This is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone title. Yes, there are characters from the previous book but they are secondary characters in this one. This book is engaging as the story progresses in alternating times and viewpoints. Overall this is an excellent read that I have no qualms recommending. 

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.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Grace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever--no matter the cost.

In 1692, they live and work in their father's tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother's mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives--or be their undoing.

In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents' orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.

The sisters have already decided which timeline they will choose, but an unthinkable tragedy complicates the future they planned for themselves. As their birthday looms, how will they determine the lives--and loves--that are best for both of them?

AUTHOR BIO

Gabrielle Meyer (GabrielleMeyer.com) is an ECPA bestselling author. She has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. 

She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple ~ Review

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

By Joanna Davidson Politano

Lily Temple was warned that a man would come seeking her, she's always known this could happen. Little is known about her and that's just the way she wants it. She lives to tell stories and her skill as a silent-film actress is a perfect extension of her storytelling. But when she spins into Peter Driscoll's life, neither will be the same again.  

Lily's life is hidden in half-truths and tales she's created. But to understand her Peter must listen to the story she isn't speaking. Using the skills he's developed as an investigator, he's seeking answers only she can tell him in her own unique way. But the truth he seeks doesn't come without danger, because someone wants the truth Lily knows to remain hidden.       

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is a multilayered story that starts at the end before revealing what came before in snippets of incidents. We are not told what set Lily on the path she was on until much later in the story. The most important question we need to ask is who is Lily Temple. This same question drives the story as Lily seemingly flits through life. But as Peter soon discovers there is more to Lily than is on the surface. She hides as much as she reveals in the stories she tells.

This is one of those books that deserves a second reading. It is easy to miss moments of import to the story, and I've discovered with the author's previous works it is easy to miss important clues during the first reading. 

The mysteries hidden within the book captured my imagination from the beginning. There is the Briarwood Teardrop, long presumed missing. Or is it? There is Lily herself. The mysterious man who seems to be seeking her out.  And then there is Peter Driscoll, who invites Lily into his investigations to better understand her and the sapphire she keeps close. All combine into a historical romance you won't want to miss.

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:

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit--and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story--and the sapphire--Peter employs Lily's help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.