Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Vanished Without a Trace by Sarah Hamaker

 

About the Book

Book: Vanished Without a Trace

Author: Sarah Hamaker

Genre: Romantic Suspence

Release date: June 28, 2022

A missing person case. A new clue. And a fight for survival.

After nine years searching for his missing sister, attorney Henderson Parker uncovers a clue that leads him to Twin Oaks, Virginia—and podcaster Elle Updike investigating the case. Partnering with the journalist is the last thing Henderson wants, until mysterious thugs make multiple attacks on both their lives. Now they’ll have to trust each other…before the suspected kidnappers make them disappear for good.

 

Click here to get you copy!

My Thoughts:

Henderson Parker's life was devastated nine years ago when his sister, Helena, disappeared seemingly without a trace. He has never given up hope on finding her alive and bringing her back home to their mother. In a random newspaper clipping, he sees a picture that he believes is his sister, so he goes to Twin Oaks, VA to locate her. What he doesn't expect is the vehemence of someone or someones that are intent on him not doing just that.

Elle Updike is a podcast journalist who has been fascinated by Helena's disappearance and wants not only a story but wants very much to help this family locate their loved one. Elle just so happens to be in Twin Oaks as well. However, Henderson does not care much for the nosy investigator. He believes she just wants to exploit his sister's poor decisions. That is not Elle's intent at all. And when both Henderson and Elle are attacked on multiple occasions, Henderson sees that he must make a truce with Elle if they are going to find out what happened to Helena and survive whoever is intent on harming them.

I can't imagine the disappearance of a loved one and the never knowing what truly happened. This was a scary story in some part because of just that scenario. Elle and Henderson stepped into a very dangerous situation without even knowing and the evil didn't care if they lived or died. This story was a bit creepy, and the situation was true to life. We must be careful who we keep as so-called friends.

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

Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats. Visit her online at sarahhamakerfiction.com.

 

More from Sarah

As a podcaster myself, I’ve listened to many true crime podcasts, such as “Up and Vanished” and “Accused,” so when I was thinking about the plot for Vanished Without a Trace, I decided to have my heroine be a true crime podcaster investigating cold missing persons cases. I also am fascinated by unsolved mysteries, probably because I love history, and have a strong sense of justice—I want those who commit crimes to be caught. Of course, as a Christian, I do rest in the assurance of God as the ultimate and only truly righteous Judge, but I do find myself rooting for cold cases to be solved and criminals brought to justice. Thus the book combines my two of my interests—cold cases and true crime.

Personally, I can’t imagine anything more difficult than to have a loved one go missing and never be found or heard from again. The uncertainty of their fate must weigh very heavily on the family members left behind. I wanted to capture some of that with Henderson’s strong desire to find his missing sister, Helena, and reunite her with their mother. He’s seen how much Helena’s absence has taken a toll on their mother’s health and mental well-being, and when he has a chance to chase down the first real lead in years, he jumps at it.

Elle’s motives are no less personal than Henderson’s—her own heart aches for these grieving families. Having distant parents, she wants to help families heal by discovering what happened to a loved one if possible. But Henderson doesn’t trust her motives and the two clash more often than not over her podcast.

I hope you enjoy seeing how Elle and Henderson learn to work together to find Helena…and perhaps, their own happy ending.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 25

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, July 25

Bizwings Blog, July 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 27

Through the Fire Blogs, July 27

Betti Mace, July 28

For the Love of Literature, July 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

Pause for Tales, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 30

Inklings and notions, July 31

Genesis 5020, August 1

Bigreadersite, August 1

For Him and My Family, August 2

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 2

deb’s Book Review, August 3

Livin’ Lit, August 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 5

Paula’s Persuasion, August 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 6

Blogging With Carol, August 7

Mary Hake, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a Vanished Without a Trace branded tote bag, Vanished Without a Trace pin, a print copy of the book, plus a $75 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/1ffe1/vanished-without-a-trace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Off the Chain by Janice Thompson

About the Book

Book: Off the Chain

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Christian Fiction / Mystery

Release date: July 1, 2022

The Town of Brenham, Texas, Has Gone to the Dogs!

Curl up with your pup and sink into a delightful small-town mystery as riddles and rescues stack up in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas. . .and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to simultaneously solve the crime, rehab the rescued dog, and help more dogs in crisis. But why would anyone continue to work against all their good efforts?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Off the Chain is a very cute, sassy Southern cozy mystery that was just the book I wanted to read but didn't know it. The very first few pages find our heroine in a very tight and nasty situation that turns into a very humorous state of affairs. But Marigold's night, nor life is going to get any easier for the time being. Just when she has rescued a cute, but in need of a bath puppy, there is a break in reported at the veterinarian clinic where she is a vet tech. Marigold, and her friends and coworkers have a bit of a mystery on their hands.

Who could possibly want to vandalize the vet clinic, especially when it helps the community so much? Well, believe it or not Marigold and her coworkers actually can get quite a list going. But again, who and why?

Not only is there a mystery brewing, but Marigold is really crushing on her boss Tyler who may or may not have feelings for another vet. However, Marigold's grandmother has her opinions about Parker, Marigold's friend and fellow vet tech. So, there is a bit of love triangle of sorts that makes the story all the more interesting.

This was a fun cozy mystery with an adorable pup that was lighthearted and had me giggling throughout.

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

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

 

More from Janice

Dogs, dogs, and more dogs! My world is full of dogs. If you follow me on social media you’re probably overwhelmed with dog photos, but I simply can’t help myself. I’m in love with pooches of all shapes and sizes.

My fascination with dogs began when I was six years old and I got my first pup, Spunky. He was a mixed breed terrier. From that day until now I’ve had the pleasure of owning many, many pups—some purebreds, some street dogs that needed a safe place to stay, some elderly with chronic or acute health issues. I can’t get enough. They offer unconditional love, after all!

A few years back I was asked to foster for a local rescue, My Chi and Me. The rest, as they say, is history. For a quick glimpse at some photos, follow this link. You’ll see that I’m mostly enamored with small dogs. (Hey, I live in a tiny townhome and have limited space!) That said, I’m always willing to take on one more.

My most recent rescue ventures landed me squarely in the middle of a book idea: Why not use a dog story as the basis for a cozy mystery? My editor at Barbour Publishing wanted something dog-themed and I was happy to oblige. That’s where the idea for Off the Chain (and the whole Gone with the Dogs series) came from—a simple idea involving dogs and crime.

I took the opportunity to focus solely on rescue dogs as the idea developed. These days (especially post-Covid) the need for homes for these pups is great. I linked arms with my BFF, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and together we set our series in Brenham Texas, not far from our stomping ground in the Woodlands. I felt strongly that we should merge two separate dog worlds: rescue and veterinary. (Hey, Brenham is close to A&M and they know a thing or two about veterinary training!)

Thus, the Gone with the Dogs series was born. And writing the first book, (Off the Chain), was a blast! I hyper-focused on one primary point of view character, a vet tech. (As the owner of three dogs I feel like I’m always in the vet’s office!) My stories, which is written in first person, took me back to my writing roots. I love, love, love writing in first person because I “become” the character. Fun, right?

My editors loved the book and it got some fun endorsements, so I’m excited to see what my readers think. I can’t wait to get their feedback. I hope it’s not too “Ruff!”

But, seriously. . .I’m hyped! And I’m feeling so blessed to merge my worlds—dogs and writing!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 26

Texas Book-aholic, July 27

The Book Club Network, July 27

An Author’s Take, July 28

Remembrancy, July 28

deb’s Book Review, July 29

Pause for Tales, July 29

The Avid Reader, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 30

Christina’s Corner, July 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 31

Inklings and notions, August 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 3

She Lives To Read, August 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 4

Blogging With Carol, August 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 7

Labor Not in Vain, August 8

Books I’ve Read, August 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a paper 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/1ffe2/off-the-chain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review: The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

 

About:

A throwaway assignment is about to change two lives forever

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered hospice care.

But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for it.

My Thoughts:

This is a story that I was very intrigued by and really did not know what I would be getting. It is not my usual genre; in fact, I was really hoping that I would not be depressed by the end of this book. Well, I am pleasantly surprised at how this story was told. It is about a woman, Mrs. Kip who is dying. She has cancer, she is in pain, and she doesn't have much time left here on earth. She knows it and everyone around her knows it. There are some who work in the hospice care that have a special gift and can help ease dying people. And there are most people who are just uncomfortable as they are faced with this situation and ultimately, we are faced with a mirror image of our own mortal bodies and what awaits us all. It makes us uncomfortable.

This is why a lot of us would completely understand why Aidyn Kelley would feel uncomfortable with spending so much time with Mrs. Kip even though her editor requires it. However, the more Aidyn and we get to know Mrs. Kip, we sense and get a much bigger story of her life. With flashbacks to her heartbreak and pain, her growth and the great work that she accomplished, I was pulled into her story of this woman who made such a difference, despite the fact that her life's dreams did not pan out. And the time leading up to her death, well the author showed that Mrs. Kip was going to live her life to the fullest right up to her death.

For a book about a woman's dying days, I found much hope and peace within these pages. This was a remarkable story and as for her extraordinary deaths, yes plural, read the story.

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

About the Author:

Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find his fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara's recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family in Kansas City, Missouri, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library. Learn more at www.sarabrunsvold.com.

Review and Giveaway: Butterfly Love from Above by Melissa Stuart Illustrated by Kate Solenova

 

Join Us for This Tour:  July 11 to July 29, 2022

 
Book Details:

Book Title: BUTTERFLY LOVE FROM ABOVE by Melissa Stuart
Category:  Children's Fictions (ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Performance Publishing Group
Release date:   April, 2022
Content Rating:  G - Suitable for everyone.  

 

Book Description:

This is the heartwarming story of one little girl’s journey through grief. After losing her best friend—a butterfly named Twinkle—Star must search to rediscover her sunshine. The loss of Twinkle has kept Star under a dark cloud for some time, but her journey towards betterment will touch the hearts of all readers! Star is amazed to discover that she can reclaim her own sunshine by helping others who are also stuck under a dark cloud of their own! And she’ll realize that her light is even brighter than before! Star’s love for Twinkle—and her pony, Luna—will show readers the beauty, joy, and healing power that animals can bring to our lives! Her journey will remind us that there is something beautiful to see when we take a moment to “always look up!”

BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON ~ B&N
add to goodreads

My Thoughts:

This is a very sweet story about a little girl whose dearest friend for a while is a butterfly. Unfortunately, the butterfly does not stick around, and this makes Star very, very sad. However, all is not lost for her as her mom has a very special surprise. Her very own horse by the name of Luna. Luna also proves to be a good friend to Star. As Star goes to school she begins to grow inwardly and sees all those who seem sad and need a friend too. She wants to be that friend.

This was a bright and colorful book with vivid illustrations that really jumped off the page. The story was about loss, not so much of a thing or person, but of a dream. The author's own story in the back is very uplifting as well and explains the reasons why she wrote this book. This is a story that would be great for any child especially the message of hope and friendship it contains.

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

 

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Melissa Stuart lives in Los Angeles, California with her family, their English Mastiff, Gucci, and their pony, Luna! Melissa and her husband stay busy traveling all over the country with their boys’ hockey teams. She loves being a Hockey Mom and watching her boys chase their dream of following in their dad’s footsteps to play in the NHL! Her happy place is with her little girl, Stella, at the barn surrounded by horses and their precious Luna. Sun Valley, Idaho is her family’s favorite summer getaway destination. When they’re there, Melissa feels most inspired to write sitting by the river, surrounded by mountains and nature! Her dream of becoming a published author for the first time came true in early 2021, as she shared her story “Find Your Sunshine” in a book co-written by 10 other inspiring authors—all of whom were sharing stories about shining their light and becoming difference makers in the world! Melissa hopes this story will inspire children to always look up. She wishes to teach them that true joy comes when we shine our own light and show kindness to others. That’s the secret to finding our sunshine!

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram 

 

Tour Schedule:

July 11 – She Just Loves Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 11 – Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway
July 11 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
July 12 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 13 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
July 14 –  The Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book review / author interview / guest post / giveaway
July 15 – Kam's Place – book review / guest post
July 18 – Faith and Books – book review / giveaway
July 19 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
July 20 - Lamon Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway 
July 21 – Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 21 – Bizwings Blog – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 22 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
July 25 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 26 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 27 - The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 28 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 29 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway

 

Enter the Giveaway:

BUTTERFLY LOVE FROM ABOVE Book Tour Giveaway

 

 

Review: Among the Innocent by Mary Alford

 

About:

When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah has left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after an Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning.

What will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

My Thoughts:

Among the Innocent was a creepy and chilling story of a murderer who would not let go, of what they thought was theirs. The path this evil took did not care who they hurt or who got in the way. 

Leah Miller lost her entire family and her way of life when evil stepped in her life. And even though she tried very hard to distance herself and move on even becoming a cop, the murderer was always there. He was waiting in the shadows still creating havoc for her. Leah thought that he was dead, but ten years later gruesome murders are taking place and there is no doubt that they are related to Leah's case. 

New police chief Dalton Cooper has a connection to all of this, but he keeps that information to himself. He is also bound to catch this murderer and keep Leah safe as well.

This, like I said is really creepy. The innocence and naivety of some of the victims was hard to watch. These young women lived a relatively peaceful Amish lives with their families, but they were preyed upon by their weakest emotions. I would recommend not reading this one at night.

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

About the Author:

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog. Learn more at www.maryalford.net.

Review: Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

 

About:

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is the top neurosurgeon at the Royal London Hospital. He's also a workaholic, and after a blow-up with a colleague, his boss orders him to attend a medical symposium at the luxurious Elysium Grand on the island of Maui. During a midnight walk on the beach, Peter pulls a woman with a skull fracture from the water. Despite all his skill, she dies in his arms, leaving him with only one clue to what happened to her: the word "honu."

Obsessed with finding the cause of his patient's death--discovering what or who ripped the power over life and death from his surgeon's hands--Peter becomes entangled in an ongoing investigation. He also becomes a source of deep irritation to detective Lisa Kealoha, who has jurisdiction over the case.

The reluctant pair join forces, diving deep into Maui's evolving gang culture, and unearth a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined. Knowing too much is deadly--and they must catch the killer before the killer catches them.

My Thoughts:

Elysium Tide was a unique mystery thriller with a side of medical drama to go along with it. We have two very different characters, yet they have a same love and drive for their chosen careers.

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is a brilliant neurosurgeon who knows how to save lives and if I needed a doctor for my brain, I would definitely want one like him. But he is a little rough around the edges and his mouth can get him into trouble. So his colleagues think it is time for him to take a break from the Royal London Hospital and go to Maui for some seminars. Peter was not for that, but given no choice he concedes, only to get drawn up into a murder mystery that he begins working with a local detective.

Detective Lisa Kealoha takes her job very seriously as well. After hanging out with the wrong kind of people in her youth, she has come back home as a police detective. She is tough and no nonsense and she really wants those she cares about to make the right decisions and turn their lives around. Like she did. However, they see her as a cop and because of that they are not willing to give her any information on the string of crimes she is investigating.

Lisa and Peter are destined to meet even though they come at the problem from different sides. They made a good team as they learned to work together and deal with each other's hang ups. 

I liked Peter. He was very particular about his job and pretty much all the details of his life. He came off a bit cold, but he was who he was. 

Lisa I liked as well, she was determined to correct as many wrongs as she could. They made a great team reminding me of some of my favorite crime TV show characters.

I received 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:

James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. This former stealth pilot from Houston, Texas, has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a three-time Silver Falchion Award winner for his children's mysteries, and a Carol and Selah Award winner for The Gryphon Heist and Chasing the White Lion. His latest spy thriller is The Paris Betrayal. James is a rare multisense synesthete, meaning all of his senses intersect. He sees and feels sounds and smells and hears flashes of light. If he tells you the chocolate cake you offered smells blue and sticky, take it as a compliment. Connect with James at www.jamesrhannibal.com.

Review: Sunburst by Susan May Warren

 

About:

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt from terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others. And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--which would bind Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, the trouble they're fleeing has found them--again. It's clear anyone around Noemi is bound to be caught in the crossfire. Including her potential new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

My Thoughts:

Wow, this story was a very full one. So much was going on, not confusing, but enough to keep you turning the pages. This is the second of the Sky King Ranch series and this one focuses on triplet brother Ranger, who is a Navy Seal. He and his brother Dodge go on a rescue mission in Nigeria to save their brother Colt who has been kidnapped by terrorists. What Ranger is not prepared for is to come face to face with the only woman he has ever loved and left to protect her, Noemi Sutton.

Noemi along with Colt and others has been kidnapped. That is where the book starts, and we get to go along as they narrowly escape with their lives. But why were they kidnapped and why is Noemi such a prime target for them? She is an aid worker, and she has no clue. All she knows is she and Ranger are thrown back together and this time in some serious life and death situations. And she is trying really hard not to have him break her heart again. But things get really complicated and the author introduces one of my favorite book tropes: a marriage of convenience.

However even though a lot of this story takes place in Africa, there is still things happening back at the ranch. Dodge and Echo have rescued a mysterious woman who is hiding her own secrets and as Colt comes home to recuperate, he seems bound and determined to find out what those are. Also, Ranger has a pretty big secret of his own. 

This was a really fun and intense read. The whole series has been so far, and I am really looking forward to Colt's story next.

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

About the Author:

Susan 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.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn

 

About the Book

Book: Hunted in the Wilderness

Author: Kellie VanHorn

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 28, 2022

Protecting the evidence

means facing down assassins and an unforgiving wilderness…

Framed for murder and corporate espionage, future aerotech company CEO Haley Whitcombe flees in her plane with a camera full of evidence that could clear her name—until she’s shot out of the sky. Now trapped in North Cascades National Park, her survival in the wilderness depends on park ranger Ezra Dalton. Yet escaping the wild will mean nothing if they can’t outrun their merciless hunters…

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a gripping read right from the first. No messing around here. The bullets started flying and I as a reader was very caught up in heiress's Haley Whitcombe's life, or death, and her frantic survival and need for justice to clear her name of a crime she did not commit.

From the outside, Haley looks like a rich spoiled heiress that is basically just sailing through life. But we learn, as park ranger Ezra Dalton learns, that that is just not the case. Ezra just happens to be at the right place at the right time to save Haley. But it turns out to be the wrong place at the wrong time as Haley's pursuers are out for blood, hers and anyone caught helping her. Now it is a race against time to get the evidence Haley has to the authorities who have not been bought by Haley's nemesis. She is very sorry Ezra has got caught up in all of this, but more than likely she would not have survived without him.

So, if you are looking for a great edge of your seat thriller with romance and with characters that grown on you, this is a read you will want to dive into. 

I received an e-copy of this book from the author. I purchased a hard copy for my reading pleasure. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Kellie VanHorn is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense. She has college degrees in biology and nautical archaeology, but she’s always found her sense of adventure most satisfied by a great story. When not writing, Kellie can be found teaching her four children, camping, baking, and gardening. She lives with her family in west Michigan.

 

More from Kellie

One of my favorite things about being a writer is living out wild adventures in my imagination. I get to enjoy all the action and feels without any of the unpleasant real-life problems I’d face if I were actually being chased by bad guys with guns. The more exciting and far-off the setting, the better! My family loves to travel and to camp, so we’ve spent a lot of time visiting national parks around the U.S. Our favorites include Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Devil’s Tower, and Badlands. We pile our four kids into the car, fill it to the brim with gear, and tent our way from park to park for weeks at a time in the summer.

 

For Hunted in the Wilderness, I wanted to explore a park we haven’t had the chance to visit yet—North Cascades National Park in Washington state. In fact, my first glimpse of the story came to me when I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and saw a picture of a lake in the Cascades. Inspiration struck, and I knew the heroine of my next book had just crash-landed her Cessna airplane in those mountains, and she needed a handsome, single park ranger to come help her escape the bad guys.

 

What makes this park such a perfect setting for a romantic suspense is not only the gorgeous scenery, but also the fact it’s very remote. The region is easy enough to access via road from Seattle, but most of the protected land can only be reached on foot, horseback, or float plane. Because I hadn’t been there myself, I relied on a topographic map and lots of research to help me craft the setting and make it an indispensable part of the plot.

 

Of course, now that I’ve studied the trail systems so extensively, I’d love to visit the Cascades in person one day. One of my teenaged sons who loves hiking has all sorts of plans for us to take a long backpacking trip out there, even though neither of us has ever backpacked before. I might have to work up my courage a bit before I’ll be ready to hit the trail without our minivan full of gear. 😉

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 30

Genesis 5020, June 30

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 2

EmpowerMoms, July 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 3

Christina’s Corner, July 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 4

Book Looks by Lisa, July 4

Paula’s Persuasion, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Blogging With Carol, July 5

deb’s Book Review, July 6

Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 7 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 7

Mary Hake, July 7

Betti Mace, July 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8

Bigreadersite, July 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 9

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 10

Labor Not in Vain, July 11

Through the Fire Blogs, July 11

Bizwings Blog, July 12

Pause for Tales, July 12

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1f7ef/hunted-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Blueberry Bungalow by Konnie K. Viner

 

About the Book

Book: Blueberry Bungalow

Author: Konnie K. Viner

Genre: Fiction (Christian mystery/romance)

Release date: November 10, 2021

It’s been a year since Maci Driscoll’s husband passed unexpectedly, and she is stuck in lonely despair. As an established painter, she finds her inspiration and artistic spark is gone. In a desperate attempt to step out of her funk, Maci sells her seaside home and moves inland to a sleepy little town in Maine.

But peace and inspiration aren’t the only things she finds in Laurel Hill. The century home she buys has secrets to divulge, a long-lost couple to reunite, a murder to solve, and maybe even new love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Maci Driscoll thought that moving away from the home she shared with her beloved late husband would help her get a newer focus on life. She wanted to move away from the memories that kept her ensconced in her pain and loneliness so, she decides on a bold action and moves further inland Maine. Finding a historical home and making it truly hers gives her plenty to do along with keeping up on her painting. However, her bungalow has been around for quite a while and seems to hold many secrets within its walls.

This was an interesting story of a woman starting over and the direction her life takes from just moving. It certainly took some twists and turns that I was not expecting, and I also enjoyed finding out with Maci all the history, good and bad, her house had seen. There is romance, a couple of mysteries, (which really surprised me), and a great character example of a woman who stood strong in the midst of many of life's tragic and brutal trials. There is a lot to be uncovered in this well thought out story.

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

Konnie Viner is also the author of Amaryllis Journey, a 2020 Golden Scroll fiction book of the year award winner. She writes to encourage women with the assurance of God’s love and faithfulness in difficult life experiences. Her first published book is Rested Soul, Resilient Heart, Finding Hope in the Storms of Abuse and Betrayal (2017),. She holds a BS in Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. Konnie cherishes time with her three grandchildren. Her hobbies include photographing God’s beautiful creation, quilting, and reading.

 

More from Konnie

Blueberry Bungalow, a 2022 Selah Award Finalist, is a cozy mystery set in the blueberry fields of Maine, Recently widowed and struggling, Maci Driscoll moves from the seaside of Maine to quiet little Laurel Hill to escape the past and figure out who she is without her beloved husband. Never did she expect to find a long-lost letter, solve a decades-old murder, or fall in love, but she does.

 

 

Maci’s Blueberry Pie Recipe

 

Crust

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold

½ cup water

 

Filling

4 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

 

Glaze

1 egg, beaten

coarse sugar

 

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425º and place a rack in the middle of the oven.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

Add the butter and mix it into the flour using two knives or pastry blender.

Slowly add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.

Remove the dough from the bowl and shape into 2 equal balls, flattened into discs.

Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.

When ready, unwrap the dough and allow it to warm up for a minute or two.

Lightly flour your surface, then roll one disc into a circle until its large enough to fit into the pie plate with an inch of overhang.

Fold the dough into fourths, then place carefully in the pie dish.

Unfold and smooth into the dish, dressing the crust however you choose (crimping, fluting, or my favorite, just pressing into it with a fork).

Fill with the blueberry filling, then roll out the remaining disc of dough and cover the blueberries entirely, making sure to cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

Lightly brush the top crust with a beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to  350º and bake for an additional 45-55 minutes.

Keep an eye on the pie.

If the crust begins to brown too quickly, tent the pie with foil.

If the filling begins to bubble, you may also wish to place a baking sheet on the rack below the pie to catch any drips.

Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool.

Serve warm.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 1

An Author’s Take, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5

Inklings and notions, July 6

For Him and My Family, July 7

deb’s Book Review, July 8

The Avid Reader, July 9

Blogging With Carol, July 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 12

Pause for Tales, July 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 14

Book Looks by Lisa, July 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Konnie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and signed copy of 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/1f7f1/blueberry-bungalow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen

 

About:

Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace.

After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson’s life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control.

 

Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?

 

When Lauren’s elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before—a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie’s past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives—and Rosie’s—forever. Along the way they’ll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.

The Songs That Could Have Been is full of the same deftly handled, resonant writing that readers and critics alike enjoyed in Amanda Wen's first book in the series, Roots of Wood and Stone. Fans of Lisa Wingate and Rachel Hauck will add Amanda Wen to their must-read shelves.

Click here to read an excerpt.

My Thoughts:

This was a story that delved into some very serious topics that people still face today. The demons that sometimes are hard fought and we come away a bit battle scarred seem to always be lurking in the shadows. Must we always be on guard?

This contains two romance stories. One past and one present and both are similar in some ways. Lauren Anderson finally feels her best self. She is moderately successful and thin, and most of all she feels confident. She has let go of a past that weighed her down and almost crushed her.

Carter Douglas, a TV meteorologist, and a popular one, has never gotten over his ex-girlfriend, Lauren. He broke up with her due to his family and his own problematic issues that he did not want her to have to deal with. But little did he know that when he broke her up with her, he broke her heart and just about crushed her soul. Now after a chance meeting, he can't forget about her and very much wants her back in his life.

Lauren understandably is very leery of this as she really went through an ordeal after he left. Her family is none too sure they want him back in her life either. At first, they are beneficial to one another, but their feelings come rushing back with a vengeance.

As we witness their story, Lauren and her brother are trying to uncover their grandmother's secrets that she never told her family. Why does a certain name bring her to uncontrollable tears and what happened in her young life that she has kept so well guarded? They are losing her to dementia, so time is of the essence. What they discover though is a testimony of sacrificial love and what happens when hard decisions must be made.

I received 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:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Her debut novel was a 2021 Christy Award First Novel finalist.

 

Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. She is the author of Roots of Wood and Stone and The Songs That Could Have Been.

 

In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.

 

To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

Giveaway

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