The Blackout Book Club ~ Review

The Blackout Book Club

By Amy Lynn Green

Avis Montgomery has never been a recreational reader, her reading has always leaned toward the educational - magazines that help her be the perfect housewife. But she is now the head librarian of Derby, Maine, taking her brother Anthony's position when he signed up to serve in Europe. And in an effort to save the library, she impulsively announces a new book club - the Blackout Book Club. 

Soon the Blackout Book Club grows into something more than Avis ever expected - friendship. And as the daily struggles and hardships of life and a world in turmoil continue, this could be the very lifeline they all need.

The story is told through the perspectives of the various founding members of the book club. I especially loved the "minutes" taken during the meetings. It added more depth to the characters who were relating how the meeting went through their perspective. I also found it intriguing how several of the characters seemed to be hiding something, but we are kept in the dark just what is being hidden. But other characters we learn what they are hiding almost from the beginning. Now I need to read some of the books that the Blackout Book Club read - some of them sounded interesting.

I think this would be an excellent book club selection given the title and the various books mentioned.

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

I did purchase this book in audio format and the narration by Leah Horowitz is excellent. She presents the story well and the various characters are for the most part easily identifiable. The story moves along well, I played it back 1.35 times as I listen along with my reading.

About the Book:

An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

Alaskan Avalanche Escape ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Alaskan Avalanche Escape by Darlene L. Turner, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Alaskan Avalanche Escape 

K-9 Search and Rescue #9

By Darlene L. Turner 

When an unexpected avalanche costs her boss and friend his life Jayla Hoyt is determined to bring him home. But soon, her recovery mission turns dangerous when someone tries to stop her team. When Alaskan park ranger Bryson Clarke brings his suspicions that the avalanche was deliberate, Jayla has no choice but to partner with a man she doesn't trust. 

Being a Love Inspired Suspense, one knows that a romance is in the offing. And the mystery that grows bigger with each hour is soon all that Jayla and Bryson have time for. And with someone seemingly targeting them constantly, the threat to their safety and their very lives is a lot closer than they are prepared for. Worse, someone seems to be targeting Hercules, Jayla's K-9 partner. 

Jayla and Bryson are both trying to put the past behind them, but this case is bringing what they hope to avoid to the forefront. With trust at a premium, they have no choice but to depend on one another if they hope to solve the case and save lives. 

I have to admit everything is better with dogs, and I loved Hercules. This book is set on the US-Canadian border, and there are mountains and snow and lots of danger. And there is a blizzard, what proper book would avoid the potential of natural disaster to add to the growing suspense. I appreciated how there were so many potential suspects, which further isolated Jayla and Bryson. 

If you like books that jump into the suspense almost immediately and keep it going throughout, you will love Darlene L. Turner's newest Love Inspired Suspense 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.

About the Book

Title: Alaskan Avalanche Escape 

Author: Darlene L. Turner 

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 

Release Date: February 21, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Sabotage in the mountains…

Can this K-9 sniff out the truth? 

After surviving a sudden avalanche, mountain survival expert Jayla Hoyt and her search-and-rescue K-9 discover that it was no accident—someone deliberately triggered the mountain explosion. To uncover the culprit, she’ll have to partner with Alaska park ranger Bryson Clarke, a man she doesn’t trust. But when the investigators become targets, can they capture the criminal mastermind…before they’re buried alive? 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 

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

Also Available

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About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

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

 

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Tour Giveaway

(4) winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight February 13, 2023, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 20, 2023. 

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. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

 

Everything Is Just Beginning ~ Review

Everything is Just Beginning

By Erin Bartels

Michael Sullivan wants to write songs and play his music, but life and his former band have other opinions. That is until he meets Natalie Wheeler. 

Fortunately, first impressions didn't make a permanent impression, as Michael and Natalie's first meeting was less than stellar. Though borrowing a New Year's party invite is certainly a unique way to meet the person about to change your life for the better. 

I loved how each chapter was numbered as a recorded track. This added a special touch, in my opinion. I found all the recording lingo/jargon interesting. 

The story takes place mainly in 1990, though the pivotal moment that starts everything is New Years Eve 1989. This is a story of second chances, endings, new beginnings, and discovery. Who are we? And who do familial ties affect us? These are but a couple of questions that Michael finds himself confronted with in this entertaining book that focuses on music but is oh so much more. 

There are lighter moments mixed in with the more serious ones. But I think it just added more depth to the characters and the overall story. I liked Everything is Just Beginning better than The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water only because I was more comfortable with the underlying story. I think this would make an excellent choice for a book club selection. And for those who remember and miss the early 1990s, I would highly recommend this book.

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 Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, 

and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he's not sure he'll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It's for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989--as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible--Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs--if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.

Expired Return ~ Review

Expired Return

Last Chance Fire and Rescue #1

By Lisa Phillips

Everyone thinks Pepper Miller left Allen Frees because he was injured. But they don't know the truth about her, and neither does Allen. Pepper knows that if Allen learns who she is, he'll want nothing to do with her. 

Allen couldn't understand why Pepper ended everything between them. But then, he never knew she had a sister or niece. He has to wonder what other secrets has she been keeping?

Expired Return is an intense read that doesn't shy away from the action or the suspense that surrounds Pepper's life. First off, Pepper never expected to have Allen back in her life, but when her sister goes missing, he listens to her and cares. Somehow, Allen keeps showing up just when Pepper needs him most, and he is quickly drawn into the danger that stalks her. 

I have not read the previous series upon which this series builds. I found it easy to dive right into the story.  It doesn't shy away from the action, and Allen is a most unlikely hero, but he's not about to allow an injury to stop him from caring and doing what is right.  If you need to add some Romantic Suspense to your 2023 TBR List, give this one a try. This is a well-written book that I found to be an up-all-night read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She’ll give everything to protect her family.

He always knew she was the one.

Veterinary tech Pepper Miller lives a quiet life in Last Chance County. She’s watching her niece until her sister shows up…if she ever does. When Victory’s father demands he take over her care, Pepper knows something has gone wrong. With a new drug in town, and her sister embroiled in a dangerous bargain, it’s up to Pepper to protect the people she loves.

Even if it costs every secret she’s ever kept.

Fire Department liaison Allen Frees lives with the injuries he sustained as a police officer in a raid gone wrong. He’s put his life back together but getting the truck crew and engine squad to succeed might be his toughest assignment yet. When Victory is nearly kidnapped at a community event, Allen steps in to help Pepper keep her niece safe. The one thing he couldn’t fix was the love he lost, but he isn’t going to let Pepper walk away this time.

No matter what walls he has to break down.

Last Chance County returns in this blazing new series from Sunrise Publishing.

Cold Light of Day ~ Review

Cold Light of Day

Missing in Alaska #1

By Elizabeth Goddard

Police Chief Autumn Long calls the town of Shadow Gap, Alaska, home. But local politics are threatening her job, and when a woman is found in Lewis Inlet, a worrisome series of events begins to threaten the peaceful security of the community. If Autumn can't get ahead of whoever is behind the murders, she might find herself out of a job sooner than expected. 

Autumn needs help, and the only impartial person she can call on to help is newcomer Grier Brenner. For the last four months, Grier has been hiding from the people he once worked for, and he needs to stay under their radar if he hopes to stay alive and clear his name. 

Cold Light of Day quickly draws readers into the action with the book's opening. This book will keep you up late into the night reading. In no way does the suspense lag, in fact, each chapter seems to up it as the danger and mystery increase. But what the killer's end game is in regards to Shadow Gap remains the big question throughout. 

This is the first book in the Missing in Alaska series and promises to be a series that won't let you ignore it.  This is one book you won't be disappointed in if you are looking for suspence that slowly builds to the climax. And what a climax! But while the action is a major component of the story, character development doesn't lack. Autumn has a lot going on in her life, and we are allowed glimpses of what has made her into the person she is now. And then there is Grier, a man with a whole lot of baggage attached to him, but someone who can't ignore those in need even if it places him in danger. So, I would recommend this book to fans of Elizabeth Goddard and those who are unfamiliar with her writing.

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 Day:

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

Virtually Me ~ Review

Virtually Me

By Chad Morris 

   and Shelly Brown

This school year will be different than any they have ever experienced before. With a pandemic changing everything, a new VR school is how Bradley, Edelle, and Hunter will experience the upcoming school year. 

Seeing this as a chance to reset their lives could make this the best year for some, while others see this as a significant setback to their entire existence. 

Bradley decides to make his avatar everything he isn't. He hopes to make friends and escape the public perception of who he is. And taking on a new persona is just how he plans to do this.

Edelle is in VR school because her mother doesn't like who she has become. Popularity was Edelle's goal, which affected her in ways she hadn't even realized. All Edelle wants is to get back to the life she had. And she refuses to let anyone know who she is in this new school since her mom insists that her avatar not be fashion heavy.

Hunter has a secret and doesn't want anyone to know about it. Attending this school is the perfect way to keep everyone in the dark. Now he just has to make sure he is the star that he was before.

The virtual reality portion of the book is interesting as it provides a chance for the various characters to change something about themselves. I can't say whether this was a realistic portrayal as I'm not familiar with VR personally, but I liked how this was the catalyst that allowed the main characters to change. Before, appearance was the driving factor in who was considered worthy of friendship or notice. This actually proved to be an equalizer in some respects. 

I highly recommend this book to middle-grade readers. It is an eye-opening experience. It entertains while sharing an important message about accepting a person for who they are as a whole and not because of outward appearance, athletic abilities, or other skills. Everyone is more than they appear at first. In this age of social media, I think this book is a must-read. As someone who was judged on the clothes I wore and even bullied in school, I applaud the authors on a well-delivered message. Sometimes we need to get in someone else's head to truly understand how they see a situation.

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:

A mysterious package. 

A new school. 

A chance to be someone new. 

A new virtual reality school where students get a fresh start. 

The pandemic was rough on everyone, especially since school went from being a fun place where you could hang out with your friends to a bunch of heads in small rectangles all trying to talk at once. For Bradley, Edelle, Hunter, Jasper, and Keiko, that’s about to change.

A mysterious box arrives at each of their houses, and they’re invited to attend a virtual school. More than just being online, they’ll be able to create an avatar of themselves and interact with their friends and other classmates in real time using VR headsets.

For each of them, that presents an opportunity to become someone they’re not, or someone they haven’t been. For Bradley, it’s a chance to come out of a self-imposed shell. Edelle hopes everyone will see her for who she really is, not just for how she looks. Hunter is looking forward to pretending he’s still the person he was last year. Jasper wants to get over past assumptions. And for Keiko, it’ll allow her to disappear into the crowd.

For all of them, it’s a chance to see just how much they’ve assumed about each other in the past and maybe an opportunity to become friends.

About the Authors: 

Chad Morris loves the VR set he got for Christmas and is much better at it than he is at video games, but that’s still not saying much. Still, he would love to try to keep his balance on Skatecoaster, laugh like crazy in The Furriest, and punch light blasts at alien bugs in Infestation ExtermiNation. He occasionally dances in public and is pretty terrible at social media. 

Shelly Brown went to junior high in a regular ol’ building (boring) and has never transformed into a round fuzzy animal. But she has been listening to K-pop since before BTS’s first album and feels a deep affection for well-made falafel pitas. She’s an aunt to some incredible young people, a substitute teacher, and a wannabe Kyoshi warrior. 

As a married couple, Chad and Shelly both love writing books and hanging out with each other and their five kids. They’re grateful they get to spend time with students in assemblies across the nation talking about topics from kindness to writing. 

Miss Newbury's List ~ Review

Miss Newbury's List

By Megan Walker

Rosalind Newbury is soon to be married, and she has a list things she is determined to accomplish before her wedding day. Rosalind is convinced that once she accomplishes these ten things, she'll be ready to marry, allowing her to find happiness in the arrangement with the Duke of Marlow. 

But three weeks to accomplish everything will take some strategic planning to keep her family in the dark about what she is about. After all, the future wife of a duke should not be learning to swim. or any of the other things Ros has determined to do. But she needs help, and unfortunately, the one person most likely to aid her endeavor is her best friend's cousin. 

Mr. Charles Winston has made a mess of his life. And he isn't about to improve it anytime soon, but he never planned on meeting Rosalind Newbury. When she manages to convince him to help her, in exchange for her silence, how can he refuse her? What neither expected was a friendship that would threaten Rosalind's future.

Miss Newbury's List is a lovely and delightful read. It is a standalone title that is full of depth that explores the expectations of duty versus the desires of the heart. How does one decide whether elevating one's family is more important than love? This is the decision that Rosalind faces. She knows her duty and is content with it until she meets Charlie, a man who sees her for who she is and not who she is expected to present herself as. 

I really enjoyed Miss Newbury's List, and I have to admit I was not sure where Rosalind would direct her future. She obviously cared about her family and wanted to help them, so she was torn when she met Charlie. And then there is Charlie, who is slipping lower in his family's estimation due to his behavior. Two more unlikely people in the estimation of those who knew them, but the heart isn't always to be understood by others. I would love to have a sequel that would follow Rosalind's brother Ben. Ben seemed more in tune with his sister's feelings and put this first in his thinking. Overall this is a book I have no reservations in recommending to fans of clean reads and Regency Romance.

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:

England, 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice. The marriage is more an agreement between two families and less a romantic connection between two hearts, but Rosalind becoming a duchess will elevate her family’s status to dizzying heights. And the duke is a kind man who will care for Rosalind, even if he doesn’t love her.

She only has three weeks before her life changes forever, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her days. As a child, Ros was inspired by her adventurous Aunt Alice and created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, Ros has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.