Review, Special Offer, and Giveaway: Swell Time for a Swing Dance by Cindy Vincent

About the Book:

December 31, 1941. Young Houston socialite Tracy Truworth, Apprentice P.I., can’t imagine a better way to send off the old year and ring in the new than by dancing through the night with her fella, Pete Stalwart. But a swell evening soon takes a terrible turn when a fellow dancer with moves like Fred Astaire ends up dead on the dance floor. And before the hands on the clock can point to midnight, a finger is pointed at Pete, accusing him of murdering the young man.

Then after Pete is hauled away in handcuffs, the night goes from bad to worse . . . and Tracy’s sweet grandmother is accused of stealing an ancient artifact from the museum. Now Tracy must team up with her boss and mentor, Sammy Falcone, in order to find the stolen statuette, unmask the real murderer, and restore the reputations of those she loves the most.

Yet as America becomes embroiled in another world war, the risks and sacrifices intensify—even on the homefront. And Tracy soon finds her own home invaded by a near parade of questionable characters, while unsavory suspects lurk in the shadows, and a ruthless reporter makes her life miserable. With time ticking against her, Tracy must be willing to swing past the setbacks and hop through the hazards if she hopes to solve a mystery that involves a lot of dancing . . . and a lot more danger.

Paperback edition | Kindle edition | Goodreads page

My Thoughts:

Once again, Cindy Vincent delivers a wonderfully engrossing 1940s atmosphere in the high-stakes world where Nazis have secretly infiltrated the US- and Tracy and her fella have been framed for the latest crime!

The story seemed to be going at a comfortable pace at the beginning, but, boy, it really picked up with Indiana Jones undertones and secret societies- besides just the Nazis in the US- and relics that everyone wants to get a hold of. It was quite the twisting mystery for our heiress-turned-private-investigator-apprentice who relies on her woman's intuition and favorite fictional character to figure out the mystery alongside her Humphrey Bogart look-alike partner. Together, they faced their greatest obstacle yet- the creepy, eccentric artist friend of Tracy's grandmother. She may or may not have anything to do with the mystery, but there's definitely something wonky about her...

This was another fun story in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Reviewed by Jes

Author Bio:

CINDY VINCENT, M.A. Ed., was born in Calgary, Alberta, and has lived all around the US and Canada. She is the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls. She is also the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper novels and the Daisy Diamond Detective series. She lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines.

Website | Amazon | Goodreads

Giveaway!

Time to get “in the mood” with a fun 1940s-themed giveaway! Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter for a chance to win a pewter ornament from The National WWII Museum, a Glenn Miller CD, and paperback copies of the first two books in the Tracy Truworth series: Bad Day for a Bombshell and Swell Time for a Swing Dance. Due to shipping costs and varying international laws, this giveaway is open to US residents (age 18 or older) only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

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About the Book:

Join the adventure through history, romance, and family legacy as the Daughters of the Mayflower continues with The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear. Thomas Bledsoe and Kate Gruener are traveling the Wilderness Road when the mounting conflict between natives and settlers will require each of them to tap into a well of courage.

My Thoughts:

Wowzers! What more can I say but that this book is in the top ten books for me this year. The Cumberland Bride is part of The Daughters of the Mayflower series written by different authors and all can be read as stand-alones. I have been enjoying this series and this particular story really grabbed me and took me on an adventure on a pack horse train down through Kentucky and would not let me go.

This is a story full of family, adventure, and romance. Kate, moving with her family and Thomas their guide barely kiss in the first 3/4ths of the book, but the atmosphere was certainly filled with romantic tension. This was the sort of book that every glance or touch was meaningful.  I just really enjoyed going along for the ride and rooting for these two since the first time they laid eyes on each other.

Another aspect I really liked in this book, besides the history and romance, was the worshipful prayers that were just so natural and second nature our two main characters prayed to our Father in heaven. This book is in no way preachy, but those simple prayers were lyrical to read.

I am looking forward to more in this delightful series.

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

Review: A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

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About:

Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.

My Thoughts:

In A Sparkle of Silver author Johnson took me on a journey in the past right before the great stock market crash of 1929. A young innocent girl, Ruth, gets an elite invitation to stay at the mansion Chateau for the summer with people who are filthy rich and out of her social league. We get Ruth’s story through her diary that her great-granddaughter, Millie, has found.

In the present time we meet Millie who is trying to find a new care facility for her Grandma Joy, who has dementia, and she needs to find a new place quick. We also get to meet Ben who is holding down three jobs to try to pay for past sins of a loved one. Both Millie and Ben need some quick cash and fast, so they strike up a tentative partnership and become treasure seekers.

I really enjoyed this story its sensitive treatment of Grandma Joy and her dementia. The struggles that broken families can face and the sins of the “fathers” that can be passed down to their children were shown thoroughly in this book. Both Ben and Millie think money will solve their problems. I did cringe a few times wondering if either one really did think through their plans or what would they actually do with the treasure if they found it. Their romance was sweet to watch unfold and I chuckled a bit as Millie being a reader wondered why after a while the heroes in the books started to look a lot like Ben. I thoroughly enjoyed all the ways the author tied everything together, from past to present and more.

This was an endearing story of past secrets, with a bit of mystery, and a couple of sweet romances that we get to watch unfold. I believe this is my favorite Liz Johnson book to date and I look forward to more in this series.

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

Weekend Briefing

Welcome back, agents. Time for a brief... briefing (quick de-classification? Succinct update).

First, the prologue of the sequel to Mind of Darkness, The Dystopian Takeover Book Two: Fists of Injustice is now up on Wattpad!

Fists of Injustice

Charisa O'Dell is on the run with her boyfriend, Kyle Rivers, and Tim, their fellow superhuman. She will stop at nothing to bring justice to the scientist responsible for kidnapping them, and to avenge the broken girl they had to leave behind. But to do so, they must travel across the world to gather evidence against the perpetrators behind the inhumane crimes done to them... and expose a conspiracy bigger than they could have imagined.

Meanwhile, Emily Rogers is doing her part as a mole in the Yin Program, leading her investigation into this strange plot while making sure that she rises higher and higher in the ranks of the program that is more than a pre-college study. She'll do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of what they've done to her boyfriend, Christopher Williams. Christopher, who is himself, but not himself- who she can't even trust anymore. Who is getting more and more webbed up in this strange scheme with every passing second...

Together, Charisa and Emily have to rise above the inhumanities inflicted upon them to bring to justice the monsters who have imprisoned those they love. Or be consumed by the thirst for vengeance that could destroy them all.

Read Now!

And secondly- Kristian Clark and the Agency Trap, Book 2:5 is now available! To celebrate, for a limited time, all profit from both Bachelor Missions and In the Rogue go to the same charity also.

Ruptured Reality:

I'd tell you I love you... But then you'd make me change the baby's diaper.

Kristian Clark can go undercover for months on end, combat multiple enemies at once, and even teleport through dimensions. He should be ready for everything. But having a newborn child... is a little outside his skill set.

And the universe isn't ready for little Shannon either. The tentative layers of reality begin to peel apart and his adopted son gets pulled through a portal in the hospital.

Along with an angry wife and reunited best friend, Kristian travels the dimensions to find his son and somehow find a way to save reality without giving up his little girl.

Also includes other stories.

All profit goes to charity.

Buy in Black and White

Buy in Color

And finally, a review for Castaways was published in an online journal! Read Now!

That's all for today, agents. But the mission isn't over. Stand strong with your fellow agents to support Human Coalition and spread the word about their own mission, and, of course, don't forget to check out The Kristian Clark saga while all profit supports Human Coalition; they are the perfect gifts for the college student in your life! Until next time, agents- try not to do anything that might get you brain-wiped. Ciao!

Review: Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd

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About:

Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry―the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust―who in her life is false or true, brass or gold―and what is meant to be treasured.

My Thoughts:

Lady of a Thousand Treasures is written in author Byrd’s lyrical style with layers of depth that are uncovered throughout the story. Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a young woman in the 1800’s who still lives in a society run mostly by men who do not really look at a woman’s potential outside of the home. Eleanor has been thrust into the role of caretaker of her elderly uncle and the main sole provider of their home and business after her father’s untimely death. As her uncle is aging and losing his mental capacities, Eleanor needs to make their business not only prosper but stay in business. Unfortunately as she finds out, not everyone cares for her truthfulness or business integrity.

We are told this story through Eleanor’s eyes and at times I did want to break out of her shell and see what in the world was going on in other character’s heads, particularly Harry’s. Eleanor is a very strong woman who is carrying burdens much too large for her delicate shoulders. She has been thrust into a situation where she must decide what to do with an extensive collection. She longs to trust someone, but the one person she thought she could trust, Harry, had broken her heart.

With an intriguing cast of characters, this story kept me turning the pages as I went deeper into the story and into the character of Eleanor. Eleanor was someone whom I felt great sympathy and even comradeship with. Many times throughout the story she felt alone and somewhat worthless and wondered if she would ever be someone’s treasure.

I was also interested in the way the wealthy collected their treasures, whether legally or not as I enjoy such TV shows that give the worth of such items and I enjoy shopping at antique shops myself.

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

Review, Videos, and Giveaway: Indivisible by Travis Thrasher

About the Book

Book: Indivisible

Author: Travis Thrasher

Genre: General fiction, drama

Release Date: October 23, 2018

A novelization of the film Indivisible, this is a story of love and marriage and finding each other all over again.

When Darren deploys to Iraq during the surge of 2007, he leaves behind his loving and supportive wife, Heather, and their three small children. Their marriage is the envy of the base, both believing strongly in the calling to serve in the military. Darren knows he’s there to support the troops in their darkest moments as their chaplain, but what he doesn’t realize is that he will face his own dark moments, which will have lasting effects on his marriage.

Meanwhile, Heather is creating a community among the other wives and families left behind. She rallies support back home, realizing the dangers the men and women serving overseas are facing, but she also begins to notice a change in Darren during their brief conversations. When he returns, he is no longer the man who left-the man Heather married. His greatest fear is letting her down, but instead of opening up to her, he shuts her out. Their marriage was so strong before. But how can they get back to where they were . . . or find a new way forward?

Indivisible is a story of sacrifice, marriage, and faith that will leave audiences full of hope even amid their most challenging times.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts:

Indivisible takes us on one family’s journey as they decide to serve our country in the military. Darren and Heather Turner are a loving couple with three beautiful children who both feel the call to serve; Darren as a chaplain and Heather focuses on a ministry for military wives. We are walked through their decision to take this path, Darren’s orders and deployment, and the events that take place at home and abroad during their time apart.

I have always been amazed and very thankful to our soldiers and their families and for the sacrifices they make for this country. Through the Turner’s story we get a sidelines view of how difficult it is for families to be separated for long periods of time, the danger our soldiers face, and the difficulties in coming back home after facing harrowing circumstances and the losing of comrades. Everyone has been changed.

This is a book based on the movie, Indivisible, which is based on the Turner’s real life. I look forward to viewing this movie and to thank God everyday for the courage and strength our military has.

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

We are excited to announce that this book is going to be a major motion picture!

About the Author

Bestselling author Travis Thrasher has written over 50 books and worked in the publishing industry for over twenty years. He has written fiction in a variety of genres, from love stories and supernatural thrillers to young adult series. His inspirational stories have included collaborations with filmmakers, musicians, athletes and pastors. He’s also co-written memoirs and self-help books. His novelizations include Do You Believe? and God’s Not Dead 2. Upcoming releases in 2018 include The Black Auxiliary about the lives of the other 17 American black athletes who competed with Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

More about Indivisible

This book is based on a true story, so we’d love for readers and moviegoers to meet the real Darren and Heather Turner:

Darren and Heather Turner both grew up in Georgia, and met in 1999 when Darren was working in campus ministry at the University of Georgia. (Darren is still a Bulldog at heart.) Heather was working as a recruiter for an organization that sends English teachers overseas, and Darren had just returned from a year teaching English in Mongolia when they met. Married that same year, they served another six years together in campus ministry and added three children to their family.

Through the husband of a friend of Heather’s, Darren learned that opportunities existed for service as a military chaplain. In 2006, Darren completed seminary, was commissioned in the Army, and deployed almost immediately. Their family’s experiences from this timeframe are the basis of the new movie INDIVISIBLE. Darren, who is on active duty, and Heather are passionate about serving military families, marriage counseling, and leading marriage retreats. The Turners currently live in North Carolina with their children Elie, Samuel, and Meribeth. 

Learn more about the Turners!

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, October 4

The Becca Files, October 4

A Baker’s Perspective, October 5

Robin is Bookish, October 5

The Power of Words, October 6

Christian Bookaholic, October 6

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 8

Inklings and notions, October 8

God’s Little Bookworm, October 9

Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

A Reader’s Brain, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Book by Book, October 10

Just the Write Escape, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 11

Real World Bible Study, October 12

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 12

Bibliophile Reviews, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 13

For The Love of Books, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

Cafinated Reads, October 15

All 4 and About Books, October 15

Spoken from the Heart, October 16

Janices book reviews, October 16

Maureen’s Musings, October 17

A Diva’s Heart, October 17

Bigreadersite, October 17

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Travis is giving away a grand prize that includes the Indivisible novel along with a devotional!!

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/d627/indivisible-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review: Imagine The Fall of Jericho by Matt Koceich

To Purchase

About the Book:

The last thing fifth-grader Jake Henry remembers (before the world as he knew it disappeared) is napping at summer camp. What happens next can't be explained as Jake finds himself surrounded by massive stone walls that rise up all around him—in ancient Jericho! Imagine. . .The Fall of Jericho is the third release in an exciting epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12.

My Thoughts:

Imagine the Fall of Jericho is another intense installment of the Imagine series aimed for pre-tweens. This one takes Jake behind the walls of Jericho as he witnesses the culture and the coming of the Israelites outside of the wall. He is able to meet some friends and tries to warn them and works with them as the coming of Jericho’s judgement is very near.

In our time Jake is a very lonely boy and doesn’t have any friends. He cares very much for these friends he now has as he knows only too well what is coming their way. As you can imagine they at first do not believe him but he is strange to them and his dire warnings begins to open their eyes.

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

Reviewed by Ron