My Thoughts and More on Into the Fog by Karen Randau

 

About the Book

Book: Into the Fog

Author: Karen Randau

Genre: Romantic suspense

Release date: September 6, 2022

Love and danger spar in this thrilling romantic suspense novel.

Hands push Marie Jessica (“MJ”) Goodrich from a rural roadway into an icy creek. The clock is ticking for her pleading friend on the other side of the ravine.

Running from flashbacks of a life-altering attack in Afghanistan, MJ takes refuge with her mother, managing Peach Blossom Orchard. But peace is elusive in a rural Oklahoma town full of secrets.

After losing his wife and children in a fatal car crash, Josh Rivers doubts he deserves a second chance at love. He can’t believe his bad luck when MJ, the woman who plagues the nightmares of his military service in Afghanistan, shows up in his hometown. She claims a driver ran down and abducted her friend Kelsey. Frustrated with the county sheriff’s investigation, MJ and Josh partner to follow clues that lead to a kidnapper who demands a bizarre ransom.

With danger increasing for everyone MJ loves, will the clock run out before they solve the mystery? Find out how MJ and Josh—swirling in a whirlwind of mystery and suspense—lean on their mutual faith to find answers, courage, forgiveness, healing … and wholesome romance.

If you like to read Christy Barritt and Colleen Coble, you’ll love Into the Fog, a keep-you-up-at-night clean romantic suspense novel that launches the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Into the Fog was an appropriate title for this story as I, along with the main characters could not understand or see what was really happening to them and others till the fog began to clear.

MJ and Josh both suffer from PTSD and also have a past connection. It takes a little while for MJ to realize it but when she does and they move past the initial shock, they begin to work together to find MJ's friend who disappeared one morning. 

Kelsey is the friend, and she is hiding a lot of secrets too and at first, I found her way too paranoid as she wouldn't even let MJ know where she lived. Then she is rundown during one of their jogging mornings and as MJ goes to help, she quickly finds out someone doesn't want her to know what happened to Kelsey.

Everybody seems a little bit off. Even Josh who grew up in this town and knows people is realizing he cannot trust or rely on some of them. Josh is trying to keep MJ safe as MJ is trying to find Kelsey and take care of her mother who has the beginnings of dementia.

This was an interesting story at how the whole mystery swirled around them like a deep, heavy fog. Again, the title fit for so many reasons and MJ and Josh are bound and determined to find out what is going on in this town for their very lives and those they love depends on it.

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

Karen Randau a best-seller author of fast-paced mystery, thriller, and suspense books from her home in the picturesque mountains of Arizona. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and hanging out with her family. In addition to the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series, her books include the Frankie Shep Mystery-Suspense Series, the Kayla Walsh Suspense Series, and Rim Country Mysteries.

 

More from Karen

Into the Fog is set in a farming community outside Tahlequah, Oklahoma, home of the Cherokee Nation, the largest of the 39 Native American tribes in Oklahoma.

If you’ve ever watched old Western movies, you may have heard a lot about the dangers of traveling through Indian Territory. Did you know that much of what is now Oklahoma was called the Indian Territory until Oklahoma became a state in 1907? Some of the tribes fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, and some fought with the Union.

If those weren’t enough reasons for an identity crisis for the people of Oklahoma (who sometimes refer to themselves of Okies), the federal government lists Oklahoma in both the South and the Southwest regions of the United States. Many Okies claim their state is in Midwest region of the United States, but it is not listed that way in the federal census.

One thing is for sure: Oklahoma has a culture all its own, rightly earned by its confusing history. Many of these cultural oddities are explored in Into the Fog.

You’ll also enjoy the two main characters, MJ and Josh.

Marie Jessica “MJ” Goodrich served with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan until a bomb gave her a life-altering injury and a case of PTSD. She believes her injuries were so bad that no man will ever want to marry her. Besides, her mother’s failing memory and the peach orchard keep her too busy to embark on a romantic relationship. 

Josh Rivers always wanted to be an artist, but he’s stuck running the auto shop he inherited. He’s dreamed of MJ ever since he pulled her from a bombed marketplace in Afghanistan, and it cost him his wife and children. He doesn’t believe he deserves another chance at love, but he prays for companionship anyway—and finds MJ unconscious in a ravine moments later. Could a guy’s luck get any worse?

The question answered in Into the Fog is: Will Josh die saving MJ again, or will they get out of the whirlwind of mystery and danger swirling around them in time to find their happily ever after?

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Betti Mace, November 23

deb’s Book Review, November 23

Mary Hake, November 24

Inklings and notions, November 25

Cover Lover Book Review, November 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 27

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 1

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 2

Blogging With Carol, December 3

Lights in a Dark World, December 3

Pause for Tales, December 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook 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/22ad1/into-the-fog-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts on Sundown by Susan May Warren

 

About:

He doesn't trust her . . . but he can't let her go it alone

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the mysterious woman his family rescued from an Alaskan blizzard. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, Colt can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--they found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her tale of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her across Alaska show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

Colt will have to track her down and earn her trust before it's too late. It'll take the entire family to save the world from disaster.

The epic conclusion to Susan May Warren's Sky King Ranch trilogy.

My Thoughts:

I have really enjoyed this series about triplet brothers, their father, and their loves and all that entails. This is Colt's story. He is the reckless one, the one that runs to danger not from it as he has consistently shown us throughout this series.

This is also Taylor's story. In the previous books she was rescued after a plane crash and pretended she could not speak. However, Colt has seen through her and the danger she was keeping secret and hiding from has come to the Sky King Ranch's doorstep. This is out of her hands now as she finds out, especially now that governments are involved as this has reached global proportions. She might just need to literally help save the world.

Government conspiracies, infectious diseases, familial bonds, romantic love, this book had all of that and was an edge of your seat thriller. I warn you though, once you start this story you might just forget about real life for a while, I did. 

I received a copy of this novel from Revell Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.

My Thoughts and More on Unbreakable by K.J. Rowe

 

About the Book

Book: Unbreakable

Author: K.J. Rowe

Genre: Teen/YA

Release date: June, 2021

It is early summer in the beachside town of The Valley.

Lexi Slaydon flips her long auburn hair in an attempted display of confidence before she steps into her local church for the weekly Friday night social.

No matter how many times she attended youth nights, the butterflies always took flight within her stomach in the hours leading up to youth night.

So, when a normal day at work sees a handsome stranger move into Lexi’s path and an opportunity at church presents itself that could set her up to finally conquer her fears, Lexi feels a spark; a spark of that thing she sees so often in her best friend Hope: Confidence!

Just as Lexi begins to get a grasp of how her new reality feels, another new reality hits. She discovers too late that she is a naïve pawn in a game of conquests her new beau is playing. Rocked to the core, Lexi tries to break it off, only to find his determination intensify. A night that should have been a night to remember for one of her best friends, quickly becomes a night to remember for Lexi as she and her beau face off with potentially devastation results.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In this novel we meet Lexi and her friends, who are all new adults, and ready to step up and take on more responsibilities and involvement in their church's young adult ministries. Everyone seems ready for this next stage of life, but Lexi, on the inside is not sure she is up to the challenge. Not wanting to be left out she accepts anyway, and she is determined to work through her fears and insecurities.

As we watch Lexi grow more emotionally and even spiritually, she also meets Brad, who seems to be a dream come true. He says all the right things, makes her feel special, he just seems a little bit on the controlling side. Lexi really likes him, but something just seems off. Her close and loving brother tells her to break up with him, but this just leads to tension between the two of them. As time passes, Brad's true motives begin to emerge, and Lexi is not so sure she wants to be with Brad anymore. But what if he is not done with her?

This story does deal with some abuse in relationships, but it is also hopeful in the way her family and friends are there for Lexi. And amidst all this, there may be someone who is just right for Lexi waiting on the sidelines. I enjoyed this new adult story that took place in Australia and getting to 'visit' there.

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

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister…

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

 

More from Karen

Hello! Im Karen, or Kazzy Wazzy to my husband. 😃

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve been writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush… *grin*

In high-school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my Sister…remember that story sis? *smile*

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing by day, and a professional Ballroom Dance teacher of an evening.

It wasn’t until God intervened, moved me out of the city at into a small country town to be a farmers wife, that He resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

Centred around five youth group leaders, the stories look at very real circumstances young people face without sugar coating consequences of individual actions. However, where is God when problems arise?

Well, He’s always closer than you think, and He’s always working for your good.

It is my prayer you enjoy the journey these stories take you on and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, November 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 15

Texas Book-aholic, November 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 17

Cover Lover Book Review, November 18

deb’s Book Review, November 19

Inklings and notions, November 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 25

Rebecca Tews, November 26

Blogging With Carol, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 28

For Him and My Family, November 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/228af/unbreakable-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Laser Trap by Frank DiBianca

 

About the Book

Book: Laser Trap

Author: Frank DiBianca

Genre: Thrillers/Suspense

Release date: June 7, 2022

Laser Trap is a multi-layered Thriller/Suspense. Quincy University engineering grad students Dan Butler and Lana Madison are trying to unravel their mutual confusion about how attracted and attractive they are to each other, when Dan’s lab laser unexpectedly begins to produce unheard of amounts of brightness and power in its laser beam, making it a candidate for super-weapons.  StarWay Labs, an organization of criminal scientists, has been conducting research on this same phenomenon for two years, but without success. When they learn of the discovery at Quincy U, they kidnap Dan and demand he replicate his work in their secret lab.

Lana, alarmed at Dan’s disappearance, forms a high-tech team of friends to help the authorities rescue him. They make remarkable breakthroughs in tracking him down while the criminal cadre at StarWay pushes Dan close to his breaking point. The life-or-death question is whether the authorities can rescue Dan before he succumbs to his captors’ savagery.

Laser Trap is a story of love, danger, cruelty and faith that takes place on a university campus and in an invisible laboratory.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Laser Trap takes the reader on a dangerous adventure that surrounds lasers and their power and those who want that power along with greed and money. In the middle of all this global espionage is a scientist by the name of Dan Butler, who for the most part is an ordinary guy. Except for his extreme fear of talking to beautiful women. And the poor fellow just wants to settle down and get married. His roommate tries and fails to help Dan out, instead Dan believes he needs a female's help instead.

In steps Lana Madison. Lana is also searching for true love and going on a date that her mother arranged with her former bully is not something she wants to do. But that is a fateful date when Dan steps in and stops a man and his unwanted attention towards her. Dan sees her as classy and someone he could learn from. So, he hires her as his love coach, not knowing they met before.

Then their world turns upside down as Dan becomes an unwilling pawn in a dangerous world. Lana, caring too much, is bound and determined to search for him and help him.

This was a story that dealt with a lot of science, mystery, danger, and a touch of romance.

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

Frank DiBianca is a former medical physics and biomedical engineering teaching and research professor. He has written numerous novels and short stories in the suspense, romance and sci-fi genres. His first traditionally published novel is LASER TRAP (A QUINCY U SUSPENSE), Iron Stream Fiction (2022), a mystery and romance laden suspense. Frank and his award-winning wife, Kay, are both full-time writers who assist each other in their manuscript development.

 

More from Frank

The Seven Biggest Surprises in my Laser Trap Journey

1. The Time It Would Take to Complete the Manuscript. The first words of a romantic short story entitled The Love Coach that would eventually become the thriller/suspense novel Laser Trap were written on June 29, 2009, almost exactly thirteen years before the book was released on June 7, 2022. (I’m not superstitious.) The prolonged manuscript completion time included periods of learning how to write modern fiction, turning to several other writing projects, such as a 120,000-word sci-fi novel entitled Centaur about the threatened collision of a monstrous deep-space planetoid with the Earth, and many other writing-related detours.

2. Learning a New Language: How to Write Modern Fiction. When I began this writing journey, the fiction I’d been reading was largely from the nineteenth century, including Jane Austen, Anthony Trollope, Wilkie Collins, The Brontës, and Charles Dickens. I’d never heard the literary expressions “third person close narrator, point-of-view, show-don’t tell,” and many others. My first editor, Mel Hughes, took me by the shoulders, figuratively, and patiently showed me the ropes via several manuscript rewrites based on “footser” notes of recommendations (she said humorously I was shooting myself in the foot). Would I ever learn modern fiction techniques?

3. The Genre Switch Late in the Game. The book would likely not have been published by Iron Stream Media (ISM) absent two crucial people/occurrences. I met Karin Beery, Managing Editor, Guiding Light Women’s Fiction, LPC, at a writers conference in 2019. She liked my preliminary book proposal and asked me to send her a polished proposal when it and the manuscript were complete. A year later, I did that. Karin’s queue was filled, but she passed my submission on to colleague Darla Crass, Managing Editor, Lamplighter Mysteries and Suspense, LPC. Darla offered to publish the book on condition I would collaboratively rebalance the story toward more suspense compared to romance. With much joy and a twinge of trepidation, I signed the contract and the jaws of Laser Trap snapped shut—most auspiciously.

4. The Number of Editors Involved. Editors are essential, but having a novel edited through multiple drafts is expensive. I expected that one or two editors would be needed. I ended up with seven. Here’s what they focused on and [who paid them]: 1) Mel Hughes -developmental editing [FD]; 2) Barbara Curtis -copy editing/proofreading [FD]; 3) Jeanne Leach -book proposal development [FD]; 4) Darla Crass -rebalancing toward suspense [ISM]; 5) Sally Shupe -general editing [ISM]; 6) Denise Loock -editing/proofreading [ISM]; and 7) the publisher’s final review [ISM]. This surprise showed the level of commitment and investment both the publisher and I made in improving and polishing the book.

5. The Effectiveness of a Book Launch Team. Book launch teams were another modern device I was unfamiliar with. Working with my Author Care Specialist at ISM, I received instructions on forming a team and advice about managing one. I was fortunate to enlist thirty friends and family members who agreed to promote Laser Trap. Some of the activities they engaged in were promoting the book via email, social media and word of mouth, in addition to, as appropriate, submitting book reviews to Facebook and Goodreads. Team members were also asked to distribute digitally a two-page summary brochure on the book. The unforeseen effectiveness of the launch team is evident in its contribution to the surprising successes described in items 6 and 7.

6. The Reader Reaction to the Book. The seven endorsements we received for Laser Trap were so gratifying, ISM decided to insert them verbatim in the front pages of the book. The reviews in bookselling and reviewing websites were likewise very positive. For example, over the first seven weeks from release, Amazon’s rating averaged 4.8 out of 5 stars. None of this was expected.

7. Amazon #1 Best-seller Status. However, the biggest surprise of all came when Amazon ranked Laser Trap the #1 Best-selling New Release in Religious Mysteries from two days before release through the next two weeks.

So, a number of beneficial surprises that came during the development and release of Laser Trap have significantly boosted the quality and stature of the book.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the many people who contributed to my novel, especially my author-wife, Kay, and I’m eager to see what happens in the upcoming months.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 12

The Write Escape, November 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 13

Texas Book-aholic, November 14

Inklings and notions, November 15

Mary Hake, November 15

deb’s Book Review, November 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 20

Betti Mace, November 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 22 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 22

Blogging With Carol, November 23

For Him and My Family, November 24

Pause for Tales, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Frank is giving away the $35 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/228ab/laser-trap-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on A Flame of Mercy by Eleanor Bertin

 

About the Book

 

Book: Flame of Mercy

Author: Eleanor Bertin

Genre: Contemporary Christian

Release date: November, 2021

Two families, worlds apart. Can they each find hope in the crucible of suffering?

All Lynnie Min ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. But when tragedy strikes her family, she’s left with nothing but her faith to begin life again. While pursuing a career she never wanted, can the precious faith she was raised on withstand betrayal by a hostile former friend, now a professor whose ideologies conflict with her own? And why do her puzzling dreams feature only one of her daughters, not both?

Out of a smoking ruin in northern Nigeria, Ihsan bin Ibrahim stumbles upon the solution to his wife’s barrenness and longing. But family ties have a long reach. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice to follow his conscience, even if it means losing the child he loves?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Flame of Mercy is a story that delves into what it looks like to walk the Christian life in the face of adversity, sorrow, and unbelievable grief. Lynnie Min has always wanted to be a wife and mother and as she told her story, my heart went out to her. Especially when everyone looked at her as if she had grown two heads, so she decided to add missionary as well. As Lyn grows up, she eventually meets and marries her true love and becomes a wife and a mother. Not only that, but she also is a missionary too. She had her dream come true, until she didn't due to a senseless act of violence. Her grief was palpable.

This story was not just a journey for Lyn, but also for another family in Nigeria. Another woman who grieved due to loss and her husband who has a very difficult choice to make. Really there was no choice, but it was still going to be hard. 

I went into this novel not knowing what to expect and then as I read, the pages flew by, and I was in Lyn's world. This was an experience and one for each reader to unpack. It was not an easy read, there was much sadness, but there was joy unexpected as well. So, keep the tissues handy.

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

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity.

She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of more than 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home. www.eleanorbertinauthor.com

 

More from Eleanor

If you’ve read any amount of secular fiction these days, you must be shuddering at the landscape of the family in the world today. Strife and resentment, rivalry and spite–seems there’s nothing but dysfunction as far as the eye can see. And while conflict is necessary to any novel’s plot, I wanted to write about a stable family, a loving family, one that, while imperfect, still nurtured and protected its members with acceptance and harmony.

On top of that, I wanted to depart from my previous novels where the main characters were not believers. In Flame of Mercy, Lynnie is the main character whose trust in Jesus stands firm despite going through the fires of adversity. Her family is one of the reasons for that strength.

But of course, even the best, most faithful families have their quirks. Enter the grandmothers. Grandma Hardy is stiff, stilted, and staunch in her Christian beliefs. Nanny Roundell is sugar-loving, jolly, and lets mentions of faith slide off her chubby body with a smile. Their beliefs do not align with their personae. This paradox was suggested to me by a friend as I described the contrast between two elderly relatives, sweet Christian and sour unbeliever.

“Aren’t you glad it’s not the other way around?” she asked.

Because we all know it can be. Sometimes Christians look nothing like their Lord. And non-Christians can live blissfully inconsistent with their evil master’s agenda.

And so, I had fun writing these two ladies! “The grandmothers sat next to each other, one short and round, one tall and skinny. The Ball and Bat, we used to call them when we were kids, and I’d never been able to see them differently ever since. Come to think of it, Nanny, the Ball, was like a baseball in other ways besides physical. She had always been reactionary, flung here and there with every wind of doctrine but without any viewpoint of her own. By contrast, Grandma Hardy was the Bat. She stood alone, stiff and sturdy, unwavering, and if necessary, could give you a good whack to get you moving in the right direction.

“My sister was what Grandma frowningly called ‘frivolous.’ And Lissa was mischievous enough to purposely do things that would get Grandma’s goat. I mean, deliberately cavorting through the sprinkler in a bikini directly in front of Grandma’s kitchen window was outright asking for a lecture. You couldn’t call it a scolding since Grandma never raised her voice, but it was always a one-way communication generously salted with Bible verses. Lissa told me Grandma even referred to hand-written notes a couple of times while talking to her. And Grandma’s tone carried the expectation that we would change our ways accordingly. We had been taught to respect our elders so there was no answering back. We only meekly listened.” With Grandma, there was no statute of limitations and past sins could receive present censure.

Nanny’s eyes twinkled. “I’m feeling better every day. It’s given me my life back. Why, with my dentures and glasses, a new knee, and a titanium hip, I’m eighty percent fake.” She cackled her infectious laugh and we joined in, exchanging glances. Being in Nanny’s presence infallibly lifted my spirits.

“This cheesecake is delicious, Sue,” Nanny chimed in. “I could keep on eating and eating if I weren’t already so full after an excellent meal.”

Grandma frowned at what she doubtless saw as gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. Thankfully she restrained herself this time…She set her fork down beside her plate that still held half her slice of cheesecake and taking her napkin, dabbed at her lips. “This is certainly a rich dessert.”

I hope you enjoy reading about the Hardy family’s faith and foibles as much as I have in writing them. Look for a bit of Grandma’s back story in my story in this year’s Mosaic Christmas anthology.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 11

Rebecca Tews, November 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

Texas Book-aholic, November 13

Inklings and notions, November 14

For Him and My Family, November 14

deb’s Book Review, November 15

lakesidelivingsite, November 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 18

Mary Hake, November 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 21

Blogging With Carol, November 22

Cover Lover Book Review, November 22

Splashes of Joy, November 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 24 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Eleanor is giving away the grand prize package of 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/228a3/flame-of-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Why They Call It Falling by Christina Sinsi

 

About the Book

Book: Why They Call It Falling

Author: Christina Sinisi

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: June 7, 2022

Formerly the wild child of three sisters, Emma Marano grew up to be a single mom working two jobs, estranged from her mother, and lying to her friends. She’d told everyone that her daughter’s father wanted nothing to do with his child, but in reality, her own inability to deal with her mistakes and shame led to the biggest lie of her life. But her daughter, Haley, is all Emma has in the world, so how can she regret keeping Haley to herself? Emma’s struggling, though, and her life is slowly imploding.

Right after high school, Justin Lee broke up with Emma Marano and joined the Army, leaving her and all her drama behind. Years later, he stumbles upon her and what turns out to be a daughter he never knew he had. Angry and confused, he insists on having a relationship with his daughter, but to do so, he’ll need to rebuild some sort of relationship with Emma, too. As he gets to know his daughter—and Emma again—he soon realizes that his biggest mistake was leaving her all those years ago. What he dismissed as drama turns out to be a serious mental health issue, and Emma needs help. Now, Justin has to decide if he can see past her flaws and forgive her lies, and together, they’ll have to work to reclaim their love and a faith in each other and in God, or they risk losing something precious in the process.

 

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My Thoughts:

What happens when you find out something that upsets your whole life? Are you angry, mad, sad, or happy, or maybe all of them. That is precisely what happens to Justin Lee when he finds out quite by accident that he has a four-year-old little girl with his ex-girlfriend who never told him or his family he was going to be a father. Not only that, but she let her family believe he didn't want anything to do with his baby.

I understood why Justin would be so angry with Emma Marano, but as we delve deeper into her story, there are some things that she is dealing with. The book opens up with the death of her beloved father which rocks her family's world. On top of that she blames herself which does some serious damage to her mentally and emotionally. The only one she could really talk to was Justin, who was just a teenager and when he could, he hightailed it out of their town, breaking up with her, and not looking back. Add abandonment issues on top of already escalating problems and Emma has an uphill battle to fight.

Now four years later a reckoning has come. Emma understands she must let Justin in on their little girl's life including his family. And tell her family the truth. But all is not so easy and these two must learn to forgive, become friends, and eventually love again for the sake of all involved. Their journey was both emotional and uplifting.

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

A member of 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 where she appeared in the top ten in the Romantic Times magazine. Her published books include Christmas Confusion, Sweet Summer, and Christmas on Ocracoke. By day, she is a psychology professor and lives in the LowCountry of South Carolina with her husband, two children and her crazy cat Chessie Mae.

 

More from Christina

In Why They Call It Falling, the hero discovers he has a daughter he didn’t know existed when he sees his ex-girlfriend in a strawberry patch at Boone Hall Plantation (here in Charleston, South Carolina). In the book, the name of the plantation had to be changed to protect the innocent, but the recipe below doesn’t.

This recipe comes from a cookbook titled, Charleston Receipts Repeats. This book has modern recipes, as well as old-fashioned ones dating back through generations. It’s a perfect accompaniment to my Charleston-based romance.

Strawberry Pie I

1 9-inch pie shell, baked and cooled

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

Dash salt

1 3-ounce strawberry jello (delete 1 tablespoon)

1 pint strawberries

Whipped cream

In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, water, and salt.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and clear.

Add strawberry jello.

Pour half of mixture into pie shell.

Arrange strawberries in jello mixture.

Pour remaining mixture over strawberries.

Refrigerate until congealed.

Serve with whipping cream.

Serves 6 to 8. Chill 3 to 4 hours.

 

Enjoy, and think of the sweet taste of summer and the enduring love of fall. Second chances are often the most delicious!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 14

Texas Book-aholic, November 15

Inklings and notions, November 16

deb’s Book Review, November 17

By the Book, November 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 23

Stories By Gina, November 24 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 25

Splashes of Joy, November 26 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, November 26

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 27

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christina is giving away the grand prize package of 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/228ae/why-they-call-it-falling-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts on The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey

 

About:

A Viking Historical Romance

On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Môn, where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd.

Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into the midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter―Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such incompatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.

My Thoughts:

After reading this story, I firmly believe there are just not enough Viking romances out there. Beginning in the year 1141, we meet the hero and the heroine on a fateful night that will change both of their lives. 

Rhiannon, a young noblewoman with ties to the king, lives a simple life with her father and their servants along the sea. The sea calls to her heart and soul and she loves it. Then one night a Viking raid happens upon their shore with dire consequences that Rhiannon must now learn to live with.

Leif is a Viking who enjoys pretty much everything about being a Viking except for the raids. After the fateful night that he meets Rhiannon, Leif decides no more raiding for him, he will become a silversmith instead, much to his father's dismay. 

This was a book that took its time to tell the story and was not a love at first sight romance either. This had a depth to the characters growth and meaning of what was precious for our characters as time passed for them. 

In the history books the Vikings eventually settle down and intermarry with those they raided and stopped their raiding. I like how this delved into how that might have played out with a Viking and what the reasons for settling down might have been, especially as they would have been introduced to Christianity. 

The author also does not shy away from the brutality of the Viking raids nor their consequences. She also shows how the other peoples could be just as cruel as the Vikings were in their lust for power and revenge.

I enjoyed this story very much and all the machinations of the political powers, the friendship, and especially the deep seeded love that eventually conquers the prejudice and all the hurt and pain. The author has great information in the beginning that includes a map and a glossary and even a QR code for pronunciation. At the end she gives the historical information that was quite intriguing with how much of the story was based on historical facts versus her imagination. This was a good story.

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