Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse August 31, 2021

About:

When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change–but she could never imagine just how dramatically.

Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she’s soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives. Yet it’s the lessons Ellie herself will learn–from new friends, a captivating Cajun fisherman, and even a legendary white alligator haunting the bayou–that will make all the difference.

Take a step away from the familiar and enter the shadowy waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience, and romance.

My thoughts:

This was a unique book. I really loved the setting and the way these people had to live and travel from place to place. There was an underlying mystery in this book too and I wondered when that would all come to a head.

The romance wasn’t really the driving force in this book, although it was there. It was really about a community and love.

If you are looking for something a bit different I recommend this one.

Visit Valerie here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review and Two Giveaways: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong August 23, 2021

About:

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

About the Author:

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about.

She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. Finding Love in Big Sky was recently filmed on location in Montana and will air soon. Her latest release is Husband Auditions.

Strong also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho and teaches as an expert online at Write That Book.

Learn more at www.angelaruthstrong.com, and follow her on Facebook (Angela Ruth Strong Fan Page), Twitter (@AngelaRStrong), and Instagram (@ang_strong). 

Two Giveaways:

Angela Ruth Strong is doing a big giveaway for a free roundtrip airline ticket on Allegiant Air. Click here.

Win a copy of the book. Click here to enter

My thoughts:

This was a fun and interesting story. I love the reality that Angela brings to things and that marriage is work, not something you should just jump into. The ending was actually a bit of a surprise to me, of course you’ll have to read it to see what I am talking about.

I also liked this book because it wasn’t predictable. I thought I had an idea how things would happen but they really didn’t happen at all how I expected.

If you like light-hearted romance that will tug on your heart strings then I think you will enjoy this read.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

Review and Giveaway: Lethal Cover-up by Darlene L. Turner August 19, 2021

About the Book

Book:  Lethal Cover-Up

Author: Darlene L. Turner

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 27, 2021

Some secrets are dangerous…

But uncovering the truth could be deadly.

Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?

Click here to get your copy!

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. You can connect with Darlene at http://www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

More from Darlene

The Hidden Staircase, The Secret of the Old Clock, The Sign of the Twisted Candles—these were just some of my favorite Nancy Drew books. I couldn’t get enough of them growing up! My family often saw me with my nose stuck in one of Nancy’s many tales. When I was finished with those, I’d sneak my brother’s Hardy Boy books and devour them too. This is where my love of writing and of a good mystery/suspense began.

Creating stories in the romantic suspense genre was a natural journey for me. I had always wanted to be a policewoman after watching Charlie’s Angels (they even kicked butt while wearing high heels…what could be better than that?!), Cagney and Lacey, Police woman, Murder She Wrote, etc. My love for all-things-mystery carried into my adult life. Who doesn’t love Sydney Bristow and Kate Beckett?

I enjoy creating strong female characters in a law enforcement role. Madison Steele fits the bill head on as she works to bring down a ruthless pharmaceutical company. While she has nerves of steel, I also wanted to make her vulnerable. In the beginning Madison loses her long-lost sister in a heart-wrenching crash. One she knows was not an accident. This thrusts her into a deadly pursuit of the perpetrators with her estranged high school sweetheart, Tucker Reed, by her side.

I wrote this book during the tough year our world faced living in the unknown. Madison and Tucker are stuck in their own fears but eventually find hope. Hope in the unknown and hope in knowing God is in control and with us—no matter the circumstances. We just need to know where to look.

I hope you enjoy reading Madison and Tucker’s story as much as I loved crafting it. I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through my website www.darlenelturner.com and also sign up for Darlene’s Diary newsletter to receive exclusive subscriber giveaways.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 18

Lighthouse-Academy, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Genesis 5020, August 19

Simply Susan, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Bizwings Blog, August 20

She Lives To Read, August 21

HookMeInABook, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Betti Mace, August 23

Daysong Reflections, August 23

For the Love of Literature, August 24

deb’s Book Review, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 26

Pause for Tales, August 26

Blogging With Carol, August 26

For Him and My Family, August 27

Simple Harvest Reads, August 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 28

Batya’s Bits, August 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 29

Kayem Reads, August 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , August 30

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 30, August 30

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of Lethal Cover-Up!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1141b/lethal-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

This book has a lot going on, never a dull moment, which I always like in a romantic suspense. There is always a threat around the next corner. The author did have me guessing for the majority of the book but when a big hint was dropped about who was involved I wasn’t overly surprised because I did have my suspicions.

I will say I don’t think I connect with the authors writing style. There was a lot of use of the words “grabbed”, “jumped” and “rushed”. There were appropriate times to use those words but other times there would have been better way to describe what the character was doing, those words made the action seem abrupt when that wasn’t necessary. This is just my pet peeve and other readers probably wouldn’t even notice but for me it yanked out me when it seemed out of place.

But the overall plot and story was interesting and, as stated above, non-stop action.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Chasing Her Dream by Jennifer Slattery August 16, 2021

About:

She needs his help…

But can she trust him again?

After she inherits her uncle’s mismanaged ranch, single mom Rheanna Stone’s not sure she can also handle saving abused horses from a nearby property. So when rancher Dave Brewster offers to stay in town to help, she can’t say no—even if he left her once before. As they grow closer, old secrets are uncovered…but can they heal past heartbreak to give themselves a new beginning?

My thoughts:

This was a sweet story. I wondered how these two would work things out and who would give up what to make it happen. Of course Amelia made the story even sweeter.

I was hoping for a bit more an explanation about the IRS inquiry. I felt like that kind of left me hanging, I was waiting for a big ball to drop regarding that and the men that helped Rheanna’s uncle in the past and it never really happened.

But I loved the community feel of this story and how everyone pulled together to take care of each other. I also appreciated the real tension between Ivy and Rheanna, it was very true to life, even Ivy’s reaction to everything.

If you enjoy Love Inspired romances I am sure you will enjoy this read.

Visit Jennifer here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me by the author. All opinions are my own.

The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner August 13, 2021

About:

In 1975, three thousand children were airlifted out of Saigon to be adopted into Western homes. When one of those children announces her plans to return to Vietnam to find her birth mother, her loving adopted family is suddenly thrown back to the events surrounding her unconventional arrival in their lives.

Mindy’s father grapples with the tension between holding on tightly and letting his daughter spread her wings. Her mother undergoes the emotional roller coaster inherent in the adoption of a child from a war-torn country, discovering the joy hidden amid the difficulties. And Mindy and her sister struggle to find the strength to accept each other as they both discover who they truly are.

Told through three distinct voices in three compelling timelines, The Nature of Small Birds is a hopeful story that explores the meaning of family far beyond genetic code.

My thoughts:

This is a very interesting book. It really doesn’t have a lot of tension or drive but I think because of Susie’s excellent writing style and her unique voice I was pulled into this story and wanted to keep reading.

I loved Sonny’s POV because it was in 1988. So many memories came rushing back to for me as I grew up in the 80s and all the things that were normal for us that my kids now would laugh at.

Even 2013 (Bruce’s POV) was interesting because that is fresh in my memory. The year Frozen came out and the bitterly cold winter we had in Michigan (which is where this book takes place).

The whole Babylift program is very intriguing and hard to believe this actually happened.

If you haven’t read a book by Susie yet I highly recommend you read her work, it is excellent.

Visit Susie here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rediscovering Holiness by J.I. Packer August 12, 2021

About:

In this repackaged edition of Rediscovering Holiness, Packer explores the central role holiness plays in God’s plan of salvation for the renewal of the church, calling on Christians to shun sin, strive to be more like Christ, be pure, and fear God.

My thoughts:

I think is a topic we don’t think about much, holiness. What does it mean for us to be holy? This is a meaty book and it will not be a quick read but it is worth the time.

Here are a few quotes from the book to whet your appetite.

“…holiness is the substance of which happiness is the spinoff.”

“Those who chase happiness miss it, while those who pursue holiness through the grace of Christ, happiness of spirit comes unasked…”

“Though not much is said about this nowadays, a deepening sense of one’s sinfulness remains a touchstone of the genuine Christian life.”

Sound interesting? If you want to grow in this area this is must read.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Chase by Lisa Harris August 9, 2021

About:

Failure isn’t an option

US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing–it’s time to get back out into the field. When her partner, Jonas Quinn, receives a message that a federal warrant just came in on a man connected to a string of bank robberies, Madison jumps at the chance to get back to work. What she and Jonas find is a bank robbery gone wrong–and things are about to get complicated.

For these bank robbers, it’s never been about the money. It’s about taking risks and adrenaline rushes, and getting caught is not part of the game. When the suspects escape, Madison and Jonas must hunt them down and bring them to justice before someone else–someone close to them–gets hurt . . . or worse.

My thoughts:

This is the second book in this series. I loved the first one so I was eager to read this one.

This is a good one too, although I don’t think I liked it as much as the first. But it was non-stop action. I also like how Lisa is weaving the romance throughout all of the books. Our two main characters have a growing affection for each other but it isn’t happening in one book, which honestly, makes it more realistic.

In the first book was get hints about what happened to Madison’s husband and in this book that develops even more. I am assuming in the next week we will get the full story and I am sure that will be very interesting.

Visit Lisa here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Review and Giveaway: Beyond These War-Torn Lands by Cynthia Roemer August 5, 2021

About the Book

Book:  Beyond These War-Torn Lands

Author: Cynthia Roemer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: August 3, 2021

The war brought them together – Would it also tear them apart?

While en route to aid Confederate soldiers injured in battle near her home, Southerner Caroline Dunbar stumbles across a wounded Union sergeant. Unable to ignore his plea for help, she tends his injuries and, against her better judgement, hides him away, only to find her attachment to him deepen with each passing day. But when her secret is discovered, Caroline incurs her father’s wrath and, in turn, unlocks a dark secret from the past which she is determined to unravel.

After being forced to flee his place of refuge, Sergeant Andrew Gallagher fears he’s seen the last of Caroline. Resolved not to let that happen, when the war ends, he seeks her out, only to discover she’s been sent away on his account. When word reaches him that President Lincoln has been shot, Drew is assigned the task of tracking down the assassin. A chance encounter with Caroline revives his hopes, until he learns she may be involved in a plot to aid the assassin.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cynthia Roemer is an inspirational, award-winning author with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the hearts of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the mid-1800’s prairie and Civil War era. Her Prairie Sky Series consists of Amazon bestseller, Under This Same Sky, Under Prairie Skies, and Under Moonlit Skies, a 2020 Selah Award winner.

Cynthia writes from her family farm in central Illinois where she resides with her husband of twenty-seven years. They have two grown sons. When she isn’t writing or researching, Cynthia can be found hiking, biking, gardening, reading, or riding sidesaddle with her husband in the combine or on their motorcycle. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

More from Cynthia

Let me start by saying, I absolutely love novel research and learning about the past. But, when I set out to write a Civil War novel, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. LOL!

My first three novels (Prairie Sky Series) were set on the Illinois prairie (my home state) in the mid to late 1850’s with only moderate research of the time period necessary. The majority of my characters and plot stemmed from my imagination. With this fourth novel, Beyond These War-Torn Lands, I ventured into the very heart of the Civil War conflict in Maryland and Virginia.

Though my hero and heroine are fictional, many of those they encounter along the way are based on actual people and much of the plot revolves around actual events. I soon found out that’s a whole different ballgame when it comes to research. But, I enjoyed throwing in a few historical “surprises” along the way.

I’m a stickler for accuracy, so I found myself steeped in researching minute historical details—everything from the specifics of certain battles to the layout of war campsites to the weather on certain dates to the correct type of salutes to General Grant’s mannerisms and the name of his horse.

While the extensive research slowed the writing process, I loved every minute of it. Over a year and a half in the writing, Beyond These War-Torn Lands is a tale of honor versus deception, good versus evil, and God’s transforming power versus bitterness.

Theme verse:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:43-44)

I hope you’ll be blessed by Drew and Caroline’s story and that you enjoy the hidden bits of history tucked within the pages of the novel.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 3

CarpeDiem, August 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 4

For Him and My Family, August 5

Genesis 5020, August 5

Connie’s History Classroom, August 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 9

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

Betti Mace, August 11

deb’s Book Review, August 12

Writing from the Heart Land, August 12

Blossoms and Blessings, August 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 15

Mary Hake, August 15

A Baker’s Perspective, August 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cynthia is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of Beyond These War-Torn Lands!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/110e7/beyond-these-war-torn-lands-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

This was a very well done book. Drew and Caroline are sympathetic characters you will come to care for quickly.

It was really hard to imagine a way for them to be together even though they developed feelings for each other early on. Everything and everyone seemed be against them.

The tension mentioned above set against the backdrop of the war is enough to keep any reader engaged in this story.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Review and Giveaway: Missing in the Desert by Dana Mentink August 3, 2021

About the Book

Book:  Missing in the Desert

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspy suspense

Release date: July 27, 2021

Five years ago, her sister disappeared…
Now someone is coming for her.

Who would believe that Mara Castillo’s sister—missing and presumed dead—suddenly sent a one-word text? Now Mara wants answers, even if it means stepping into a killer’s sights with her brother’s best friend, rancher Levi Duke, as her only protection. But with someone who has everything to lose after her, uncovering a long-buried secret could save her life…or claim it.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a nationa and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Hello, readers! Boy am I excited! Since the virus-that-not-shall-be-named is being brought under control, I am cautiously venturing out again and our first vacation spot will be a return to Death Valley. Papa Bear and I love the amazing diversity of Death Valley, from the salt flats, to the sand dunes, mountains, and everything in between. Writing this book allowed me to relive the incredible topography, as well as let my mind run loose imagining a cold case that warms up to fiery levels in this ferocious climate. Part of this story revolves around “Camp Town Days” which was inspired by the Encampment Days, an event held in November by a volunteer group called the Death Valley 49ers that aims to capture the pioneer spirit with their wagon rides, parade, poetry readings, a vendor show, and historical talks. I hope you can feel the desert wind in your face and hear the distant howl of the coyote as you dive into the second book in the Death Valley Justice series.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 28

Simply Susan, July 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 28

Remembrancy, July 29

Inklings and notions, July 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 30

For the Love of Literature, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 31

Through the Fire Blogs, July 31

She Lives To Read, August 1

Batya’s Bits, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 1

Pause for Tales, August 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 3

Genesis 5020, August 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 4

Bigreadersite, August 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 5

Blossoms and Blessings, August 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 6

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 6

Older & Smarter?, August 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Labor Not in Vain , August 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 8 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

Life, Love, Writing, August 8

Simple Harvest Reads, August 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Betti Mace, August 9

Daysong Reflections, August 10

Splashes of Joy , August 10

Blogging With Carol, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/110df/missing-in-the-desert-celebration-tour-giveaway

My thoughts:

Another great book by Dana. It was great to meet these characters, so of which we were introduced to in the first book. From the beginning we are thrown into one tense situation into another. There really is never a dull moment.

Dana did a great job set up the romantic tension early on as well.

The big question of what was really going on, was Mara’s sister really still alive will also keep her flipping pages and reading.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

The One You’re With by Lauren K. Denton

About:

Written in Lauren K. Denton’s signature Southern style, The One You’re With tells the story of a seemingly perfect marriage rocked by secrets from the past.

High-school sweethearts Mac and Edie Swan lead a seemingly picture-perfect life in the sleepy-sweet community of Oak Hill, near Mobile, Alabama. Edie is a respected interior designer, Mac is a beloved pediatrician, and they have two great kids and a historic home on tree-lined Linden Avenue. From the outside, the Swan family is the definition of “the good life.” And life is good—mostly. Until a young woman walks into Mac’s office one day. A young woman whose very existence threatens all Mac and Edie have built and all they think they know about each other.

Nineteen years after a summer apart, with a family and established lives and careers, the past that Mac and Edie thought they left behind has come back to greet them. For the first time, constants in their lives are called into question: their roles as parents, their reputation as upstanding members of the community, and the very foundations of their marriage. As they wade through the upheaval in both their family and professional lives, they must each examine choices they made long ago and chart a new course for their future.

My thoughts:

Wow. This book is excellent. I could so feel the struggle these characters went through. Not that I have gone through anything like this but the marriage struggle is real.

Sometimes I wanted Edie to give in and walk away but I knew the right thing to do was to fight for her marriage. And that is what we have to do, we have to fight and we have to choose love.

If you haven’t read a book by Lauren I highly recommend it. This book was amazing.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.