Weekend Briefing by Jes Drew

Weekend Briefing

Welcome back, agents. Today we’re revealing the new cover from Y. Kilova at Ammonia Book Covers for the Ninja and Hunter Series Book Three: The Time I Saved the Wold.

Old version:

Book One:

To Purchase

Book Two:

To Purchase

And finally (cue drum-roll)- Book Three!:

Join us next week, agents, for the publication party of the re-release The Time I Saved the World with its new covers. Also, all agents be ready for the special six week countdown to the summer serial starting next week. Until then, be sure to visit mission head at:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/580430-club-drewniverse              

And not do anything that might get you brain-wiped. Ciao!

Review: No Less Days by Amanda G. Stevens

To Purchase

About the Book:

As far as David Galloway knows, he can’t die. He wonders where he fits in the world, in God’s plan for the past and the future. He believes himself to be the only person on earth who hasn’t aged in over a century. He’s wrong about that.

My Thoughts:

No Less Days was a book that was so out of the box for an inspirational read and I enjoyed it immensely. I do not know if I would call it a paranormal story or not but whatever category it fits in, it was an exciting and a very different read. 

One of my favorite shows on TV was a drama called Forever (which sadly only lasted one season, but that season is worth a watch), and it dealt with a man who could not die. He was a few hundred years old and life continued on with him whether he liked it or not and No Less Days was somewhat like that series. We have David Galloway who has lived for over a century and he has been eternally stuck at the age of 35. The tale starts off with us getting to know this very reserved book shop owner. From the beginning he had captured my attention, as the story progressed I got to know more about him and his predicament then  the author threw in his true Scottish accent and well…

Due to a so called miracle to happen to a celebrity by the name of Zac Wilson, David goes in search of answers and finds much to his astonishment he gets his questions answered. Not only that but he is not the only one. This was quite a tale and the author does a great job on making the whole situation seem realistic. She explains what happened and it is really something. I like how they are not just super heroes, or immortals, but they are very human with hurts, loves, but they have not been able to die. I cannot imagine what kind of existence that would be like especially when everyone you know and love will eventually die and the world constantly changes.

A very intriguing read with a hero who will pull at your heart strings and I hope we get more stories like this one in the future

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Review and Giveaway: The Rancher's Secret Child by Brenda Minton

To Purchase

About:

Marcus Palermo's simple life gets complicated when he meets the son he never knew he had---and his beautiful guardian. Lissa Hart thought she'd only stick around long enough to aid Marcus in becoming a dad---but could her happily-ever-after lie with the little boy and the rugged rancher?

My Thoughts:

The Rancher’s Secret Child is a story about broken people living in a broken world but who love fiercely.  Rancher and once upon a time bull rider Marcus has just received the shock of a lifetime, he has a 5 year old son that he was unaware of. To say he is angry, elated, and fearful are just a few of the adjectives that could describe his feelings. His ex has passed away and so he gets this news from Lissa her foster sister.

Lissa who has been really the one, who has raised Oliver, has waited a year to fulfill her late sister’s wishes. She needs to make sure that Marcus has changed and is nothing like his now deceased cult leader father. Talk about a history.

I have read plenty of Love Inspired books, mystery, historical, and contemporary, and some have really been such deep resonating stories. This is one of those and I enjoyed getting to know this hurting group of people and watching them as they dealt with their pasts to embrace their futures and become a family.

I was given a complimentary copy of this novel.  I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness and hope from Love Inspired. There are 12 new books each month! 6 from Love Inspired for those who love contemporary romance and 6 from Love Inspired Suspense who like some danger with their romance stories.

Enter!

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham

About the Book

Title: The Simple Soul of Susan

Author: Noel Branham

Genre: Romance, YA, Coming-of-Age, Contemporary

Release Date: October 11, 2017

Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found.

Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip.

But one autumn day she overhears Calder and another boy having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal.

Compulsively readable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts:

I was not at all sure what to expect from the novel The Simple Soul of Susan, but I can tell you that after reading it, it was a lovely coming of age story about a young woman who has had more than her fair share of hard knocks in life. Susan is a quiet, poor girl living with her disabled dad and anticipating her graduation from high school. Her very best friend is her next door neighbor Calder who is actually the most popular guy in their small high school. Susan loves Calder and always believed they would end up together, but she has never told him. Through a series of happenings, overheard conversations, whispered denials and truths, Susan sees what she has not wanted to see. She and Calder have grown apart.

So starts her journey of self-awareness, self-reliance, and a journey that she takes toward a life that is so much different than her dreams. Where it will lead her she does not know, but she becomes a stronger person then she thought she could be even while nursing her broken heart.

I enjoyed this story of young love, strong family and neighborly bonds in a small Texas hometown. All is not what it seems and when big secrets come to life Susan must finally grasp the life that was meant for her all along. The story was told in such an engaging way that was hard for me to put down and I highly recommend this sweet clean romance for teens and up.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to give a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Born and raised in a small Texas town, Noel Branham started her career in digital communications after graduating with a degree in English. An award-winning communicator, she now writes from her residence in Florida about things closest to the heart: home, family, and love.

Guest Post from Noel Branham

Fictional Romance: A Real Relationship Killer?

You’ve heard it before… All romance novels give readers unrealistic expectations of relationships. Yep. They totally do. But I think most of the time, with life in general, we have unrealistic expectations not only of others but of ourselves. We live in a world where there is always something else to try, buy or satisfy our ever-evolving aspirations of happiness and fulfillment. So here are three things to remember while reading romance novels that will lead to having deep, meaningful, romantic, relationships in real life:

1. Happiness isn’t fulfilled expectations. When you expect yoursignificant other (SO) to see you and romantically sweep you off your feet while pulling flowers from behind your back and force feeding you chocolates… you may have some unrealistic expectations. Would it be nice? Sure! But there is always something more they could do to make you happy, feeling loved, satisfied, etc. It’s a bottomless pit of desire and implied anticipated actions. We have to realize that no matter how many things we want out of a relationship, we can never receive them all… because realistically, we could never live up to the things expected of us either. Romance is a two-way street.
2. Happiness is the unexpected, fulfilled. Wait… how can you fulfill something that isn’t expected? You can’t. And that’s what makes it so great. Your SO fills your car up with gas, takes you out for a date for no particular reason, watches that Victorian-era PBS drama with you even though they can’t understand the accents… When we get rid of expectations for ourselves and others we are able to really enjoy the things and people we already have and anything else is simply adding to lovely life that we already possess.
3. Happiness in relationships is what you make of it. Just not feeling the love anymore after five years together? Was it that you chose the wrong person? Was it something they did? Something you did? Love can be a feeling and an action. Your relationship doesn’t have to be defined by feelings. Feelings fade. They aren’t realistic. They change with time as people change with time because all people change. But actions… actions are what you choose to do on a regular basis. They are a daily intentional choice (made by you) to care for another person. You can control your actions, but not so much your feelings. Funny thing is often times your actions create feelings you never thought you could have.

If you are looking for a romance novel with a bit more realism to test out these principals, check out The Simple Soul of Susan. You can have the realistic expectation that you won’t be disappointed

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, May 10

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 10

Multifarious, May 11

Remembrancy, May 11

Two Points of interest, May 12

Blogging With Carol, May 12

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 13

Kristin’s Book Reviews, May 14

proud to be an autism mom, May 14

Artistic Nobody, May 15 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Mommynificent, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 16

The Fizzy Pop Collection, May 17

Janices book reviews, May 17

Pause for Tales, May 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 18

Bibliophile Reviews, May 19

Carpe Diem, May 19

A Baker’s Perspective, May 20

margaret kazmierczak, May 20 (Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest post, Mindy Houng)

Reading is my Super Power, May 21 (Interview)

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 22

Bigreadersite, May 22

Reader’s cozy corner, May 23

Josephine’s Thoughts, May 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Noel giving away

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
First & Second Place Prize: eBook copy of the Simple Soul of Susan!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee4/the-simple-soul-of-susan-celebration-tour-giveaway

Weekend Briefing by Jes Drew

Weekend Briefing

Welcome back, agents. Today everyone with level one clearance is being briefed on the cover for the action/adventure YA romance of the Castaways Trilogy Book Three: Targets, as well as its publication date.

Castaways Book One: Castaways

A struggle to survive on a deserted island that might not be so deserted after all…

To Purchase

Castaways Book Two: Fugitives

An unplanned trip through Europe… in a flight for their lives.  

To Purchase

And finally… Castaways Book Three: Targets

(warning level one agents- synopsis contains spoilers)

Emily Rogers has had enough excitement for one summer. But even with the Masters behind bars, the drama isn’t over. Now there’s a court case to look forward to, as well as unwanted fame, and a hostile reporter.

Then the ‘accidents’ begin. One by one, mysterious attacks begin affecting her, her family, and her friends. With Christopher by her side, she endeavors to find out whoever is behind the incidents. But will she be able to save those she loves most in time?

Coming June 1 to all major online booksellers!

Join us next week, agents, for the new cover reveal of The Ninja and Hunter Series, Book Three: The Time I Saved the World. And also check out our new headquarters at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/580430-club-drewniverse. Until then, try not to do anything that might get you brain-wiped. Ciao!

Review: In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson

To Purchase

About:

In the early 1900s, Camri Coulter’s search for her missing brother, Caleb, leads her deep into the political corruption of San Francisco—and into the acquaintance of Irishman Patrick Murdock, who her brother helped clear of murder charges. As the two try to find Caleb, the stakes rise and threats loom. Will Patrick be able to protect Camri from danger?

My Thoughts:

It has been quite a while since I have read a Tracie Peterson book. In Places Hidden I was transported to 1900’s San Francisco where prejudice is alive and well and very corrupt men seem to have all the control. We are introduced to all three heroines of this series, Golden Gates Secrets, and at first I felt there was too much information given along with the book being a little slow in the beginning with what I would call mundane details. However, as the story progressed I was taken deeper into these character’s lives and the action and danger picked up along with the romance.

This is mainly the story of Camri, who has come to San Francisco to locate her missing brother. She lives with the unknown and unthinkable every day and it was painful for her. She was a bit prideful in her opinions of women, their education, and their lot in life. When she meets her companions Judith and Kenzie, she realizes they both have very differing views than she. Camri many times had to swallow her pride and apologized a lot after sticking her foot in her mouth without thinking, but I am glad that she did learn her lessons and her character growth in the story was for the better.

The love interest is poor Irishman Patrick, who was previously on trial for a murder that he did not commit and was helped by Camri’s brother and then they became good friends. Patrick has a bit of a stubborn streak and definitely does not care much for Camri’s opinion, but he does have a soft spot for her which begins to turn into deeper feelings. As he and Camri investigate the disappearance of her brother, neither know just how dangerous and how many lives will be affected.

This was a good novel that showed the rather seedy side of San Francisco when it seemed injustice ruled the city. What really stood out to me was the characters willingness to admit when they were wrong and to see all sides of the situation. I look forward to Judith and Kenzie’s stories as this series progresses.

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

Weekend Briefing by Jes Drew

Weekend Briefing

Welcome back, agents. Today we’re having a bit of a party, and Agent Doyle is joining us to tell us what we’re celebrating, how, and why.

Me: Agent Doyle, what are we celebrating today?

Agent Doyle (her face completely deadpan): Cinco de Mayo.

Me: Beyond that- what are we as an agency celebrating?

Agent Doyle (her face still completely deadpan): The re-release of The Ninja and Hunter Series Book Two: The Time I Saved a Damsel in Distress.

Me: Yes, and how are we celebrating?

Agent Doyle: Other than eating Mexican food- Chrissie’s favorite-

Me: Don’t let Agent Ninja hear you call her that.

Agent Doyle: I’m a certified genius. I’m not going to let that happen.

Me: Right…

Agent Doyle: Anyway, as I was saying, the agency is celebrating by offering The Ninja and Hunter Series Book One: The Time I Saved the Day free on Kindle for the weekend. I heartily recommend it- it’s like reading Chrissie’s diary, which is ironic considering how tight-lipped she is about herself when she’s wearing a mask.

Me: Yes, well, all agents should be careful about their secrets. And the agency’s. Most especially the agency’s… Anyway, can you tell us why we’re celebrating?

Agent Doyle: Yes. The re-release of the recovered Ninja and Hunter Series and the first time release of the Castaways Trilogy is part of a buildup that will bring us to big team-up of the Dystopian Takeover Trilogy, to be released serially starting in July.

Me: I understand you appear in that series?

Agent Doyle: Yes.

Me: Anything you can tell us about it?

Agent Doyle. Yes.

Me:…

Agent Doyle (realizing I expect her to elaborate): Well, it will be told from alternating first-person POVs of Emily and Chrissie, along with several third-person POVs, including yours truly. It will take all of us just to figure out such a comprehensive villainous plot.

Me (wondering why I didn’t invite someone more talkative, like Agent Tanner): Well, thank you for joining us, Agent Doyle.

See more Olivia Doyle in The Time I Saved the Day:

High school sophomore, Charisa O’Dell, has enough to do between homework, karate, and an upcoming school dance. However, when she is accidentally endowed with superhuman powers, she adds one more thing to the list: crime fighting. Crime is a lot more complicated than her comics make it seem, and she finds herself relying on the mysterious Villain Hunter, who somehow shares several of her superhuman powers. Even so, the more she infiltrates the world of crime, the more she attracts the attention of the criminals. Will she survive her attempt to save the day?

Download your free copy today!

Free to Download

And also The Time I Saved a Damsel in Distress:

When Charisa O’Dell goes to Washington D.C. on a field trip, she is reunited with her old crime fighting partner and is hired by a senator to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The kidnappers are professionals, and Charisa herself is a little out of practice (a lazy week can do that to you); however, Charisa knows what it’s like being kidnapped, so she’s willing to do whatever it takes to rescue the girl. But will it be enough to rescue a damsel in distress?

Now Available!

To Purchase

Join us next week, agents, for the cover reveal and publication date announcement of Castaways Book Three: Targets! Or join us at our new headquarters on Goodreads, Club Drewniverse at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/580430-club-drewniverse. Until next time, don’t do anything that might get you brain-wiped. Ciao!