Thursday, November 25, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Unintended Detour by D.L. Wood

About the Book

Book: Unintended Detour

Author: D.L. Wood

Genre: Christian Suspense/Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 21, 2021

A hundred-year-old secret might be the cause of and the key to solving a murder.

Jack and Chloe Bartholomew just wanted a romantic second honeymoon in the beautiful Hudson River Valley at the legendary hotel his family recently acquired. However, instead of spa treatments and horseback rides through the snow, things are all wrong at the Stonehall Estate Resort.

First, she learns of months of unexplained mishaps.

And now murder.

It soon becomes clear someone wants the resort to fail and will stop at nothing to make that happen. The question is…why?

In an effort to help the family business, Chloe picks up where the hotel’s last historical curator left off. But things quickly grow dangerous as her research uncovers truths hidden for decades—clues related not only to the mysteries sparked by a young girl’s death in 1931, but also those haunting the estate today. Soon Chloe is caught in a deadly race to expose the mansion’s secrets before more innocents become victims of the malevolent force behind it all.

Will Chloe bring the long-lost truth to light in time, or will she be the next to fall prey to the dark scheme, costing her everything, including her life?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is my first read by author Wood and this is actually the third in the Unintended series. With that being said, there seems to be a couple of years that have passed between the second and third books. Even though this is well into the series, the author does a good job bringing us up to date so I really did not feel lost.

Chloe and her husband are looking forward to a romantic getaway, just the two of them, from the stress and cares of life. Chloe needs to unwind but it appears that once they arrive at the luxurious hotel, which is also the family business, that that dream will be put on hold for awhile. Little did they know that they were stepping onto an estate that is steeped in mystery and a whole host of secrets that the reader will get to unravel along with Chloe.

This estate goes back to 1930, the depression is hitting, and the poorer people are starving and men are desperate. What happened on one particular night seems to haunt the estate for years to come. I really enjoyed this story and I liked author Wood's engaging writing style. Another author to add to my list.

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

D.L. Wood is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards (2016 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best Christian Fiction Ebook; 2019 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medal for best General Christian Fiction) and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. She is an Amazon bestselling author of Christian Mystery & Suspense and millions of pages of her books have been read through Kindle Unlimited.

D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story, full of heart, believability and adrenaline.

D.L. lives in North Alabama, where, if she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) and her Westies – Frodo and Dobby – bingeing on the latest BBC mystery series. You can stay apprised of D.L.’s releases and promotions (including free and discounted books) by subscribing to her newsletter on her website at dlwoodonline.com.

More from D.L. Wood

I love stories. I’ve always loved them. Stories carry you away, make you think, take you on suspense-filled rides and introduce you to characters that you love so much you want to meet them in real life. I’m such a voracious reader that at the age of nine, my eye doctor told me if I didn’t start reading with more light, I’d need glasses way too early. Can you relate?

I guess that’s why I became a writer—to be part of the amazing adventure that is storytelling.

And let’s face it. Right now, most of us wouldn’t mind an amazing adventure.

In my Unintended Series of suspense novels, you’ll visit sizzling Caribbean beaches, Tennessee in golden autumn, and a snow-blanketed Hudson River Valley with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. You’ll go with characters that are believable—flawed, brave and hopeful—in the face of danger. Of course, there’s always romance in the mix and touches of faith, leaving you encouraged as well as entertained.

It’s what I’d want to read, so I wrote it for you.

I’m beyond thrilled that the third book in the series is releasing. Frankly, I wanted to see what happened to Chloe, Jack, and Riley as much as my readers did!

I hope you enjoy reading Unintended Detour as much as I enjoyed writing it—and that you have an amazing adventure along the way.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

lakesidelivingsite, November 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 14

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

An Author’s Take, November 15

Inklings and notions, November 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 17 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 17

deb’s Book Review, November 18

Daysong Reflections, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Blogging With Carol, November 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 23

Mary Hake, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Pause for Tales, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.L. is giving away a $40 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/133ab/unintended-detour-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Review: Labyrinth Of Lies by Irene Hannon

About:

Danger awaits on a covert mission where few are who they seem to be

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath its veneer of polish and wealth, Ivy Hill Academy harbors dark--and deadly--secrets. But the biggest shock of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly.

But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

My Thoughts:

What a twisty roller coaster of a ride this one was. So many different variables and the author was able to keep me guessing on who could be the mastermind at the well organized crime situation.

Taking place at a private and elite all girl school, Cate Reilly goes undercover as one of the students to investigate a high profile disappearance. Little does she know that this particular school is hiding many secrets. Even though it is a contemporary novel, this story gave me some gothic vibes. A mysterious school nestled deep in the woods with some notorious and suspicious characters abounding.

Not only is Cate undercover, but her ex Zeke Sloan is also undercover for another reason, and he is posing as the Spanish teacher. Things get pretty interesting when they meet up again and as the danger escalates so does their strong feelings and passion for one another.

Zeke would love nothing better then to make amends with Cate, if she will let him explain what happened eight years ago, and depending if they can get out of their respective cases alive. This was a very full suspense.

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:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Review: Lights Out by Natalie Walters

About:

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

My Thoughts:

There is evil in this world, no doubt about it. And it is good that there are those whose desire is to stop it. Jack knows this and so does his team at S.N.A.P. and their job is to help the government do just that.

Brynn Taylor is in the CIA and that job is pretty much all she has especially after the deaths of her parents. She has one friend who lives in New Mexico that she sees occasionally. Now, under her watch, a spy from Egypt has gone missing. Why? And not only that but Brynn's whole career is in jeopardy as she vetted him and it was under her organization he was working with. So in steps Jack and his team.

Things couldn't get any worse for Brynn as she and Jack once upon a time were romantically involved and that ended on a sour note. Jack still doesn't trust her, and she is still guarding her heart. However, things do get worse for Brynn and Jack is trying to save her not only from herself but also from the terrorists.

I really enjoyed this action filled spy novel and the team camaraderie that made them almost a family. We are introduced to them all and their personalities, special skills, and some loves are revealed. This one was Brynn and Jack's story, and Jack has a time trying to keep Brynn from killing herself. He already sees she has pretty much sacrificed her dreams and future at the noble but impossible mission she has given herself to stop terrorism.

Even though it has been eight years, the mutual attraction and genuine love is still there between them stirring up dormant feelings and sizzling looks. If only these two would stop being so stubborn and Kekoa would stop interrupting them. He is probably my favorite character and I so hope we get his story too.

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:

Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.

Monday, November 22, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Honor in the Mountain Refuge

About the Book

Book: Honor in the Mountain Refuge

Author: Misty Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 9, 2021

This epic journey is his last chance to start a new life.

After being cast out of his Blackfoot village for his kindness to the Nez Perce captives, Chogan travels west in search of meaning for his life. Meaning that doesn’t require killing or torturing innocent people. Though the lovely face of Telípe, a Nez Perce woman, is imprinted on his heart, he avoids her village. She deserves a happy life with her husband and coming child.

With her husband dead and the birth of her babe imminent, Telípe’s reality looks nothing like she planned. She’s been forced to return to the village where she grew up and the chaos of her family’s lodge—with all her boisterous younger brothers. She desperately desires to start a new life for herself and the babe growing within her, but she can’t seem to climb above the mire of her past. When she stumbles into the brave who’d shown her kindness during her captivity, something ignites within her—a new hope.

Chogan’s determination to stay and help Telípe is thwarted by her people’s fear and hatred for his tribe—especially since he was among last winter’s kidnappers. It doesn’t matter that he did everything he could to keep her and her unborn child safe and comfortable during that awful event. But as a new predator threatens the safety of the village, Chogan determines to take down the massive wildcat that’s already injured several children—including one of Telípe’s younger brothers. When the danger escalates, Chogan is faced with an impossible choice. No matter which option he chooses, his life will never be the same—nor that of the woman he’s come to love.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Another mountain adventure by author Beller, but this time we stick closer to the Native American camp where many characters from earlier on in this series have settled for a time. The focus is on Telipe and her captor/honorable brave Chogan's story.

I did not read the story where Telipe was kidnapped by the Blackfoot tribe, but this story read well as a stand-alone anyway. Telipe who is very pregnant at the beginning of this story and is struggling to find her place in her world after the recent death of her husband. Even though theirs was an arranged marriage, she did look forward to sharing her life with him. Now alone and about to be a mother and relying on the kindness of her brother and his family, Telipe feels lost and uncertain. That is until Chogan, her one time captor and protector, steps out from the shadows again. She is confused by the feelings he brings up within her and she is on guard for other reasons as well.

Chogan is an honorable character. He did not go along with the capture of others for slaves, but only wanted to prove his worth to his father. But that did not go well and now he is a wanderer searching for the Great Spirit's guidance and unable to forget the woman who made such and impact on his heart.

This is not a long story but much happens as they find each other again and how Chogan and Telipe see a chance for a family, fitting in with this village, and the longing to be part of the close relationship, even despite the different nationalities of the small group of friends in the community. All the while everyone is on edge as a dangerous predator stalks them.

I enjoyed getting a chance to reconnect with some previous characters and for a glimpse into a Native American village.

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

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

More from Misty

When minor characters get their own story!

One of the things I love about writing in series is the chance for minor characters to become major characters, with fascinating lives and personalities of their own! The heroine in Honor in the Mountain Refuge, Telipe, first appeared in Light in the Mountain Sky as Meksem’s little sister who was kidnapped by a band of Blackfoot warriors. Even when I’m the writer, characters often surprise me by doing things very differently than what I expected!

Telipe did exactly that in one of the final scenes of that previous book. When Meksem and her friends showed up to rescue Telipe and the other captives, Telipe actually braced herself in front of one of one of her Blackfoot captors, stopping anyone from injuring him. Why would she do that?

In that book, Telipe only says that the man had been kind to her when the other warriors were not. I knew there HAD to be more though.

I pray you enjoy learning Telipe’s story as much as I did, including how that Blackfoot brave she protected shows up again in the most unexpected of places!

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9

Texas Book-aholic, November 10

Inklings and notions, November 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 11

Splashes of Joy, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 12

lakesidelivingsite, November 13

deb’s Book Review, November 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 15

Vicarious Living, November 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17

For the Love of Literature, November 18

Connie’s History Classroom, November 18

Betti Mace, November 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 20

Blossoms and Blessings, November 20

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 21

Through the Fire blogs, November 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 22

Pause for Tales, November 22

Giveaway

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

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/12f8d/honor-in-the-mountain-refuge-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, November 19, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Yukon Justice

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 26, 2021

Sabotage on a family ranch…

Newfoundland Ella and her Alaska State Trooper partner is on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Talk about deep seeded family issues. Katie's estranged uncle is out to get her and her aunt, his sister, even murder them if it will get him what he wants. He was a very evil man and one that had no qualms about hurting anyone, even law enforcement, if they got in his way.

Katie's Aunt Addie, who raised her after her parent's deaths, owns a reindeer farm in Alaska. I am pretty sure this is my first book about reindeers and they do make for an interesting animal/pets. This book also features some pretty special dogs on the K-9 unit. Ella and her handler, Brayden are assigned to help and protect Katie and her Aunt. Only problem is due to past circumstances (not romantic) Brayden and Katie feel a bit uncomfortable around one another. However, when the danger becomes too much, these two have a chance to prove they can be much more than a team. I was fast flipping pages.

I enjoyed this intense suspense from author Mentink. I did not realize this was part of a series, so there are a few other cases mentioned. It does well as a stand alone though.

I received 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

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 the Publisher’s Weekly and Amazon bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, 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

Up on the housetop, click, click, click, down through the chimney with good St. Nick. Does anyone know that line from the famous Christmas song? I’ve been singing it for years but only recently did I learn that the clicking is a real reindeer phenomenon. Those reindeer ankle joints make a clicking sound so they can find the rest of their herd if they are separated in a blizzard. It’s just one of the many things I learned about reindeer while researching to write Yukon Justice. In the novel, Katy has to take over running her aunt’s reindeer ranch and protect it from threats by a dangerous intruder. I had the pleasure of “Zoom” interviewing the owner of the Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, Alaska! Jane helped me learn all kinds of interesting things about reindeer. How much do you know about these critters? Take my quick three question trivia quiz to test your knowledge!

What’s the difference between caribou and reindeer? They are the same animal but caribou are the wild variety and the domesticated version are called reindeer.

Do males or females grow antlers? Both! Reindeer are a type of deer and the only species where the female grows antlers as well as the males.

How come kids put out carrots for Santa’s reindeer? Good question! Carrots are not, in fact, part of a natural healthy reindeer diet. The animals don’t even have front teeth! A much better treat would be willow or birch leaves, or their favorite food…lichen, which they find by scraping the snow away from the ground with their hooves.

So how did you do? If you want to know more about these amazing creatures, snag yourself a copy of Yukon Justice!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 6

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 7

Gina Holder, November 7 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, November 8

Daysong Reflections, November 8

Genesis 5020, November 8

For Him and My Family, November 9

Lighthouse-Academy, November 9

Bigreadersite, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10

Remembrancy, November 10

Betti Mace, November 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 11

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 12

Blogging With Carol, November 13

To Everything There Is A Season, November 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 14

Simple Harvest Reads, November 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 15

Vicarious Living, November 15

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 16

Blossoms and Blessings, November 16

Bizwings Blog, November 16

She Lives To Read, November 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 17

Splashes of Joy, November 18

Through the Fire blogs, November 18

Kayem Reads, November 18

Labor Not in Vain, November 19

Pause for Tales, November 19

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book OR signed copy of the book (U.S. Only)!!

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/12f8a/yukon-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Sweet Summer by Christina Sinisi

About the Book

Book: Sweet Summer

Author: Christina Sinisi

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 6, 2021

Shelby Marano is the youngest of three sisters and was always Daddy’s baby girl–until

her father was murdered. Ever since, she’s been running from anyone or anything that

could truly hurt her. Instead, she seeks calculated thrills that leave her exhilarated, but

when she’s caught outside during a summer storm, she quickly realizes not all adventures

are within her control.

Tyler Burgess offers her both refuge from the rain and a safe place to land.

Time spent with Tyler proves him to be much more than just a nerd in a history museum,

but what she finds out about him is a dealbreaker for her. As Shelby’s perfect little world

is threatened by family health issues and an unknown stalker, she learns the hard lesson

that no one can hide from the dangers of life. Can Shelby let her sisters, Tyler, and even

more importantly, God, show her in one Sweet Summer, that love is worth taking the

risk?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet read about a couple who could not have been more different if they tried. Meeting accidentally during a thunderstorm, Shelby and Tyler find they would like to see each other again.

Tyler is a quite introvert who has sacrificed his dreams and future for the moment to care for his sick and aging parents. His mother has Alzheimer's and that has made life difficult for his entire family. His father has a weak heart and does not possess the strength to care for his wife and in her decline. Tyler is the youngest and single so the majority of the load falls on him. When he meets Shelby she is like a ray of sunshine to him.

Shelby has abandoned her faith and is trying her best to live life to the extreme. She chooses extreme sports to fill her up as she is still getting over the loss of the murder of her father and over a breakup from her cheating fiancé. When she meets Tyler he is like a breath of fresh air. She is extroverted and daring and he treats her differently then most men have.

Their two worlds could not be farther apart. On top of that there is family issues, some most serious, and careers that could drive this fledgling relationship apart. This was an interesting romance of really opposites attracting.

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

About the Author

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Christina Sinisi writes stories about families, both the broken and blessed. Her works include a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and the American Title IV Contest in which she appeared in the top ten in the Romantic Times magazine. Her published books include The Christmas Confusion and Sweet Summer, the first two books in the Summer Creek Series, as well as the Christmas On Ocracoke and the upcoming Why They Call it Falling. By day, she’s a psychology professor and lives in the Lowcountry of South Carolina with my husband, two grown children and Hemingway cat, Chessie.

More from Christina

In Sweet Summer, Tyler and Shelby play tourist in their hometown city (or at least, the city next to their small hometown of Summer Cree), Charleston, South Carolina. While Charleston has been labeled as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, the city and its surroundings hang on to some of the South’s special charm.

I am not a native Charlestonian, but am native to the South. I grew up in the mountains of Virginia where my family traces its roots back into the 1700s and a family farm. While there are many similarities between Fincastle, Virginia and Summer Creek, South Carolina (a mixture of real life towns Summerville and Goose Creek), there are also differences.

My husband and I moved here in pursuit of a job when my son turned one and he’s about to turn 28 so we have become very attached to the city. Since then, we’ve loved trying all the restaurants we can afford (or if our jobs are paying, can’t afford) in Charleston. The food is fantastic. The beaches are beautiful and the history is awe-inspiring.

One dish that we didn’t have in the mountains where I grew up is shrimp and grits. Makes sense, given that we only visited the beach one time during my childhood. There were creeks and lakes with their catfish and trout, but no shrimp.

You can buy shrimp at the farmer’s market and on the side of the road here in Charleston. I love the former and don’t trust the latter. Still, I pursue shrimp and grits around the LowCountry and up to Pawley’s Island. I don’t think I can share the real restaurant’s name here, but my favorites come from a restaurant on Pawley’s (just south of Myrtle Beach) and one on the Isle of Palms (next to Sullivan’s Island where Fort Moultrie is located next to Charleston). For legal reasons, I had to change the name in my book, but there’s only one little restaurant on a side road of the Isle of Palms with six different ways of preparing shrimp and grits.

My recipe comes from a completely different source…adapted from various recipes, including one of those Junior League cookbooks that raise money for charity. I love those books because of the homey, personal feel—and hope you enjoy the dish! *And the book!

Shrimp and Grits:

Grits:

2 cups heavy cream

¼ lb. butter (1 stick)

2 cups water

1 cup grits

Salt and white pepper to taste

Heat cream and water to boil. Add butter, salt, and pepper. Slowly add grits and reduce heat. Cook 20 minutes, stirring every once in a while. OPTION: Add sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled bleu cheese and stir in to melt after the grits are cooked.

Note: If grits aren’t the right consistency after twenty minutes, continue to cook. I have tried this with varying amounts of liquid. The key is to be patient and stir to prevent lumps.

Shrimp:

Take your choice: Blackened or Gumbo style.

Blackened:

2 lb. shrimp

Blackening seasoning

Butter

Canned or fresh shoepeg corn

Sliced onion

Saute shrimp and onion in butter. As you stir, sprinkle with desired amount of seasoning, depending on how much heat you prefer. Stir in corn at end to just heat. Spoon on top of grits.

OR Gumbo style:

Let’s be real. You can’t beat Zatarain’s gumbo mix.

2 lb. shrimp

Rope of Andouille sausage

Red bell pepper, diced

Onion, diced or sliced

Saute all ingredients to cook. Follow gumbo mix directions for sauce. Serve on top of grits.

By the way, no one said any of this was healthy! Live a little!

That’s part of the point of Sweet Summer. Even during life’s hardships, we need to find the little joys. God bless!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

For Him and My Family, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 8

Inklings and notions, November 9

deb’s Book Review, November 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 12

Through the Fire blogs, November 12

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 13

Rebecca Tews, November 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 15

Remembrancy, November 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 18

Pause for Tales, November 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christina is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/12f83/sweet-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Road to Freedom by Cheri Swalwell

About the Book

Book: Road to Freedom

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Christian Woman’s Contemporary Fiction

Release date: October 5, 2021

Sometimes silence speaks louder than words.

Wynn and her best friend Addie have been inseparable since kindergarten. Growing up together in the same community, they shared activities, friends, and even the same job. But behind closed doors, their lives couldn’t be more different.

Zane has loved Wynn for four years. Yet Wynn is adamant she doesn’t need a boyfriend. After all, she will never get married. Ever. In an effort to uncover the why behind her ‘no,’ Zane discovers more than he expected.

When Wynn unlatches the door and allows Holly in as a mentor, will she learn trust is just like riding a bike and find the healing she so desperately needs?

Road to Freedom, Book 4 in The Redemption of Green Pines series continues to disclose the messiness of real life. Join Wynn and her friends as they discover how an encounter with God can bring freedom from fear, healing from pain, and the joy of belonging when we choose to let others into our lives, even, or especially, the messy parts.

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My Thoughts:

Road to Freedom continues the story of community and families in Green Pines, specifically around a group of friends who are now twenty something that went to youth group together.

Wynn does not go to the same church as her friends Zane, Owen, and Addie. They are all still close and work with Holly the youth pastor's wife. That is a little bit of the background, but this story really touches on abuses in family and even so called churches. Not necessarily physical, but the verbal and spiritual abuse that can happen.

I have been to several churches and I find they all worship God in their own ways. Now Wynn's church, if it can be called that, was not a loving place to be. Wynn's family was not a loving family. She was especially treated differently than her older brother and younger sister. Her mother was basically a slave to her father who got what he wanted when he wanted it or else. He believed he was on the moral high ground when his extracurricular activities and how he treated Wynn and her mother were examples against him.

Zane has been in love with Wynn for years. But Wynn is bound and determined that she will not marry as she sees all men being the same. Zane and their friends have some work cut out for them as they show Wynn a different kind of Christian and people then what she has seen and grew up in her family and church. Author Swalwell again takes an uncomfortable subject and peels back the layers to get to the truth and lovingly shows a new way to live.

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

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. If you want to sign up to her newsletter to stay updated on all the latest news, you will also receive a free gift as her way of saying thanks for joining! To read one of her many articles on life from a Christian perspective, visit her blog at www.cheriswalwell.com. She loves to interact with her readers, so send her an email at clSwalwell99@gmail.com. You can “like” her on Facebook as well here or join Heart Speaks with Cheri Swalwell, a private Facebook group where we encourage each other and share life together.

More from Cheri

The Redemption of Green Pines is a series about community. We first meet Wynn and her friends in Journey Back Home when they attended youth group. While Pastor Jace and Holly remain a constant presence throughout all six books, Road to Freedom takes us deeper into the lives of four friends – Wynn, Addie, Zane and Owen, who graduated from youth group and began working for Holly’s catering business. They also babysit the Cooper kids from time to time and have become part of the family.

Since the beginning when we were introduced to Wynn, she carried around a secret she wouldn’t share with anyone, not even her best friend. Road to Freedom is Wynn’s journey of truly discovering who she is as a Daughter of the King, and learning how good it feels to live in freedom instead of burdened by other’s choices.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Wynn and her friends as much as I have!