My Thoughts and More on Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker

 

About the Book

 Book: Justice Delayed

Author: Sarah Hamaker

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: May 15, 2024

Journalist Brogan Gilmore had been a rising star when an unethical shortcut on a story leads to his fall from grace. A chance encounter with convicted murderer Melender Harman a few months after her release from prison provides Brogan with a chance for career redemption—if he can land an interview with her.

After serving her 17-year sentence, Melender has one objective: To uncover the truth about what happened to her cousin the night the toddler disappeared. When Brogan pursues her for an exclusive story, she reluctantly agrees if he’ll help her reexamine the original investigation into Jesse’s presumed kidnapping and murder.

While re-investigating the case, Brogan struggles to keep his objectivity as he begins to believe Melender is innocent of the crime—and starts to envision a possible future together. Then a shocking discovery throws their relationship—and investigation—into turmoil.

As Brogan and Melender come closer to solving what happened to Jesse, will their budding relationship survive the truth?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Talk about family dysfunction and drama. This story had that in spades. So many secrets and underhanded deals were flowing through this family's dynamic. And that is not even the worst of it. The fact there is a little boy who is gone, and his young cousin has taken the blame in what appears to be a massive cover up makes the title of this story fitting.

Melender, an unusual name, is finally out of prison after serving her time of seventeen years in jail. How she survived that nightmare is a miracle, especially since she was convicted as a baby killer, but only with circumstantial evidence. However, she is out now and just trying to keep low, but her family will not let her. The harassment and the threats begin anew. Since Mel is innocent of the charges she gets help from an unlikely source. An investigative reporter, Brogan Gilmore, who fell from grace, is willing to help her look into the closed case. But there are some who will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried and the blame solely on Melender.

This was a riveting read that showed faith and forgiveness in action. I don't know that many of us would have been able to survive like Mel did.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

An award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense, Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s an AWSA certified writer and speaker coach, and podcaster of “The Romantic Side of Suspense.” Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four children and three cats.

 

 

 

 

More from Sarah

When Stories Teach Us Valuable Lessons

As a rather shy child, books became both my friends and teachers. While I had a few close friends, I spent hours of my childhood and teen years reading a plethora of books. I visited far away places and long ago times. I met famous people and viewed historical events. I solved my share of mysteries and wept with the characters over losses. I fell in love with heroes and rooted for heroines to save the day.

Researchers have discovered that literary fiction can improve your capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling. Literary fiction also teaches us about social behavior, including how to view the world through other people’s eyes. In other words, reading fiction helps us develop empathy as well as allows us to experience the ups and downs of someone else’s life and thus become more able to handle similar situations in our own lives.

While I didn’t set out to write Justice Delayed with this research in mind, early reviews of the book have touched on that theme. For example, one reader said, “One of my favorite quotes is when [Melender, my heroine] defends her action of true forgiveness to [Brogan, my hero], ‘It was for my good and His eternal glory that I went to prison for a crime I didn’t commit. That didn’t mean I gave up trying to find justice in this world-it meant I didn’t despair when justice didn’t come.’ Wow! What a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of bitterness which in turn provided a peace that cannot be matched. She never allowed bitterness to take hold of her heart.”

Another reviewer said this: “Greed, politics and outright evil are a part of story, but the truth and goodness shine through it all as the walls start crumbling down, and you learn what truly happened that night. This was one of the best inspirational suspense books that I have read in quite some time. It left an impression on me, even if the message came from a fictional character.”

And another pointed this out: “Not only did Melender teach those around her how to forgive, but Melender taught me that lesson at well.”

While I had written Justice Delayed five years ago, I recently finished reading the late Tim Keller’s last book, Forgive, which touched on themes I explore in my book. Today, we so often ignore forgiveness as being too hard, too messy to offer and much too difficult to receive. Melender’s story is one example of how you can extend forgiveness even when it’s not been requested and to live a life of forgiveness in extremely arduous circumstances. Keller’s book has challenged me in many ways to forgive more without strings attached.

What have you learned from a book recently?

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4

Inspired by Fiction, September 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 10

For Him and My Family, September 11

lakesidelivingsite, September 12

Holly’s Book Corner, September 13

Pause for Tales, September 14

Cover Lover Book Review, September 15

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, September 15

Lights in a Dark World, September 16

Stories By Gina, September 17 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon Gift Card, a print copy of Justice Delayed, and the following Justice Delayed-themed swag: Canvas Tote, Notebook and pen, Drink Coaster, Bookmark, and Sticker!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5431

My Thoughts on Target Acquired by Lynette Eason

 

About:

She's finally exactly where she wants to be.

Unfortunately, she's also in the crosshairs of a killer.

After years of training, tough-as-nails Kenzie King has earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she got the position not because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.

  

Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members one by one.

  

It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?

My Thoughts:

This was quite a tension filled read. A lot was going on and I really enjoyed the whole arc of the story. This deals with present day and the dangers the SWAT team face, but there is actually a bit of a glimpse back to the year 1947 in a mental hospital. There we see how our two main characters' families are connected and a bit of the history there. Though that wasn't a lot, and it was not the main focus, that little story fascinated me.

Kenzie King is the only female on the SWAT team, and she is their acting medic. There was a lot of workplace drama that was taking place. The author does a very good job of showing both sides of the situation, man and woman, their individual strengths and weaknesses. This added to Kenzie's stress on top of the fact that someone seemed to be intentionally trying to kill her. 

Cole is her supervisor and is trying very hard not to fall head over heels for her. He is also trying to treat her like he would everybody else on the team, but with her he is extra protective. Danger continues to amplify as each member seems to be in the crosshairs and other secrets come to the surface. This was an intense read and so very hard to put down.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Double Take and Target Acquired, as well as the Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children. Learn more at LynetteEason.com.

My Thoughts and More on A Proposal for Her Cowboy by Cari Lynn Webb

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Proposal for Her Cowboy by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Proposal for Her Cowboy
Series: Three Springs, Texas #7
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: August 20, 2024
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Family brought her home…  

Can love make her stay? 

Now that she’s finally back in Three Springs, Texas, Deputy Sheriff Lacey Nash wants nothing more than to reconnect with her nine-year-old daughter, Aspen. Carefree Caleb Sloan is just a distraction—even if he is surprisingly helpful. He not only pitches in to train Aspen for the junior rodeo contest, but he also makes Lacey feel both welcome in town and truly special. Though will that be enough for by-the-book Lacey…to let this fun-loving cowboy prove he’s ready for an instant family?  

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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

More Books in This Series

   

   

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About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Florida with her husband. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari at carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

My Thoughts and More on Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson

 

About the Book

Book: Tracking Tilly

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release Date: August 2024

Who Stole Tilly from the Auction Block?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

The Hadley family ranch is struggling, so RaeLyn, her parents, and brothers decide to turn the old barn into an antique store. The only thing missing to go with the marketing of the store is Grandpa’s old red truck, Tilly, that was sold several years ago. Now coming back up on the auction block, Tilly would need a lot of work, but RaeLyn is sure it will be worth it—if only she can beat out other bidders and find out who stole Tilly after the auction ends. Hadley finds herself in the role of amateur sleuth, and the outcome could make or break the new family venture.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

What a fun cozy mystery that has a rather large item being the object of greed and envy. A beat up old red truck, which I know is quite valuable these days. And this particular truck is very valuable to the Hadley family and when they finally have it back, it disappears. But who would have taken it, and the bigger question is why? Is it due to just the monetary gain, or is that old truck hiding secrets?

Raelyn and her family are trying to save their ranch and keep it in their family and times are hard right now. So, Raelyn has decided to open an antique store on their property, selling their antiques that have been handed down through the generations. All in all, that is sad too, but they are keeping the most sentimental of the pieces. I like how the whole family is working towards saving the ranch so that future generations can call it home too.

Enter in a group of suspects, and Raelyn seems to be getting dirt on everybody. She especially doesn't trust her one time friend and crush Mason Fredericks. Could he be involved in the truck's theft and that is why he is always coming around? Or maybe, just maybe he could be coming around for Raelyn.

This was an enjoyable story filled with small town southern charm, laugh out loud moments, and very strong familial bonds of the Hadley family. What a great quirky cast they were.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and al views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More from Janice

Welcome to Mabank, Y’all!

Some stories are written out of a passion for the characters. Others are written out of an idea for a unique and engaging plot. And some—like my new book, Tracking Tilly—are written out of pure love and devotion for a location.

We writers love to set our books in unique places. And because I’m a Texas gal, I usually set my stories in South Texas, often along the Gulf Coast. This time, however, I wanted to take a trek a little farther north, to the town of Mabank Texas.

Don’t know where Mabank is? No worries! It’s right next to Gunbarrel City, which is nestled next to Cedar Creek Reservoir, a gorgeous body of water that provides excellent fishing, boating, and camping. This neck of the woods is known as East Texas territory, and it’s unique from where I live in the Houston area—both in terrain and culture.

My familiarity with this region goes back to the early 1980s, when my mother remarried and moved to a 63-acre ranch with my step-dad. Though I hailed from Texas, I’d never been to this particular region. Turns out, I’d been missing out on a lot! Picture beautiful ranch-lands, perfect for raising horses, cows, goats, and chickens. Now imagine small-town churches, restaurants, and specialty shops. Add to that the beauty of a fabulous lake, one dotted with fishing boats, kayaks, and swimmer. Talk about beautiful. . .and perfect for a book series filled with the unexpected twists and turns found in most cozy mysteries.

Tracking Tilly is the first in a three-book series from Barbour called The Little Red Truck series. I used the ranch as the setting for my main character (RaeLyn Hadley) to live. And boy, does the story ever explore those beautiful Texas backdrops, all through her eyes! Tracking Tilly is set in the springtime, when bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes are in full bloom. I didn’t even have to research to know what those look like!

I loved setting this fun cozy mystery in mama’s hometown, and not just for nostalgic reasons. Sure, a quaint small town and a rustic 63-acre ranch provide the perfect backdrop for a mystery, but even more than that, I loved getting to know RaeLyn and her family. Plunking them down in my mama’s house allowed me to re-visit the location in my own imagination and to envision how RaeLyn would see it.

My mom passed away in 2017 and I rarely get back to Mabank and Gunbarrel City these days. But once I decided to set Tracking Tilly in this area I knew I had to make one more trip. So, I asked a close friend to join me and we made a day trip out of it. Over the river and through the woods, to my mama’s old house we went.

And while we were there, we drove by her church (First Baptist, Mabank). Oh, and we had to stop off at one of her favorite restaurants. Mostly, though, I wanted to see the lake. As I got out of my car at the water’s edge I was flooded with memories of driving over that lake on my way to visit mom when my kids were little. We spent nearly every holiday on that beautiful property.

As you read Tracking Tilly, I hope you find yourself captivated by the setting, but I also hope you see a little of yourself in RaeLyn. She’s an adventurous, inquisitive gal, loaded with zeal for life and a passion for her family. More than anything, I hope you discover a renewed sense of purpose in your own family’s story.

Thanks for reading, y’all!

Blog Stops

Lighthouse Academy, September 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 8

Pause for Tales, September 9

Texas Book-aholic, September 9

The Avid Reader, September 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , September 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14

Lily’s Corner, September 15

She Lives To Read, September 15

Devoted To Hope, September 16

Lights in a Dark World, September 16

Book Looks by Lisa, September 17

Labor Not in Vain, September 18

Stories By Gina, September 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5433

My Thoughts on So True a Love by Joanna Barker

 

About:

Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society—and the last woman one would suspect as having worked as a private investigator. But she has hung up that dangerous hat to live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of an armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as his keen mind, quick wit, and determination to keep her out of danger muddle her progress—and her heart.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

My Thoughts:

This was a fun story that combined regency, romance, mystery, and a bit of danger into a delightful page turner. Verity Travers is a woman private investigator no more. She has decided to give that part of her life up. That is until she and family friends are robbed at gunpoint and her dearest friend is desperate for her help. Why won't Elizabeth tell her what is wrong and why does she need to get back what was stolen?

Enter Bow Street Runner Nathanial Denning, a quiet, confident, and very handsome man who is assigned to their case. He was such a fun character. He really didn't know what to think of Verity, her spunk and cleverness. He tried to put her in a woman's place, but he just couldn't. She surprised him at every turn, and he really fell hard for her. 

I understood Verity as well. Always trying to put her best self out there so she doesn't lose her place in society. Her family situation is humbling, even though her mother is a great actress. The bond of familial love especially maternal is strong in this story. This is the second book in the series, and previous characters make a visit.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

My Thoughts and More on Libby's Lighthouse by Susan G. Mathis

 

About the Book

Book: Libby’s Lighthouse

Author: Susan G Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: July 16, 2024

When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.

When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past.

With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Libby is the lightkeeper's daughter and she shares her home with the family she loves so very much. Unfortunately, her mother on her death bed shared a devastating secret to Libby. One that has Libby questioning who she is and coloring her past, present, and future with plenty of unknowns. She knows one thing for sure, she loves the lighthouse and working with her Papa and brother. 

Lighthouses were built to save people and on one such day Libby finds an injured man. Owen is his name. At least he can remember his first name even if he cannot remember anything else about himself. As Owen heals, he struggles with his memory and when it will come back, he is also falling in love with Libby. Is he even free to do that?

This was a sweet romance of learning who you are, not letting your past define you and embracing the future with all the hope that you can. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the lighthouse that stands strong even in the worst of storms. Symbolic I think for the familial love in this story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has twelve in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House and Libby’s Lighthouse, the first in her three-book lighthouse series. Book two, Julia’s Joy, comes out in October, and book three, Emma’s Engagement, releases in January 2025. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, and a Selah Award.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands.

More from Susan

A Character Interview with Libby, the heroine in Libby’s Lighthouse.

Good day, Libby! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. Could you please share a little about yourself?

Good day to you as well! My real name is Elizabeth Eliza, but I’ve always gone by Libby. I’m twenty years old, born on February 2, 1874. I must say, my journey through life has been quite an interesting one so far.

I hear you’ve been raised as a proper upper-class woman. Could you elaborate on that?

Certainly! My mother was well-educated and came from an upper-class background. She passed on her knowledge to me, teaching me etiquette, manners, and all the skills expected of a lady in society. I’ve learned to sew my own clothes, play the piano, and entertain guests with grace. But I haven’t always been ladylike, and that vexed my mother something fierce.

Your desire for family and a sense of belonging is quite strong. Can you tell me more about that?

Above all else, I long for a sense of family and belonging. Before my mother died, she revealed to me a terrible secret. I’ve kept this knowledge a secret from my father, as I’m unsure of how he would react. That uncertainty, combined with my fear of always being alone, fuels my desire for a family of my own.

How has your faith has been shaken after learning about your true heritage?

The secret has shaken the foundation of what I believed to be true about myself and my identity. It made me question my place in the world and my connection to my family. It’s been a struggle to reconcile this new information with my faith, but I’m working through it, hoping to find a sense of peace and acceptance.

Can you share more about your love for poetry and playing the piano.?

Oh, how I adore poetry and music! Poetry has a way of touching my heart, making me laugh or cry, and connecting me to the deepest emotions. I’ve memorized many beautiful poems over the years, and they bring me great joy to recite and share. As for the piano, it’s as if my fingers dance across the keys, expressing emotions that words alone cannot convey. It’s a form of artistic expression that brings me immense fulfillment.

Thanks for stopping by, Libby. It was great getting to know you!

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 27

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 27

Inspired by Fiction, August 28

lakesidelivingsite, August 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 30

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Bizwings Book Blog, September 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 2

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 2

Stories By Gina, September 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 4

Devoted To Hope, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 6

Holly’s Book Corner, September 6

For Him and My Family, September 7

Cover Lover Book Review, September 8

Pause for Tales, September 8

Connie’s History Classroom, September 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5425

My Thoughts and More on Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Hidden Secrets Between Them 

Series: Hope Crossing #5 

Author: Mindy Obenhaus 

Publisher: Love Inspired Books 

Release Date: August 20, 2024 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance 

He never meant to be a father. 

But it could be the life he’s always wanted. 

In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind? 

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

Also Available: