Dead Man's Watch

 

Half-sisters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman stumble into another mystery in this second book in the Watch series. When a former acquaintance of Kathryn’s is accused of murder, she and Cece go on a mission to prove his innocence by finding the real killer. But things are never what they seem in this tangled web, and Kathryn’s spunky determination to solve the mystery pushes her closer and closer to a deadly climax.

Join the adventure as these two young women commit themselves to live up to the quote from the Jerusalem Talmud: “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

 My thoughts: This is a wonderful cozy style mystery to pick up and enjoy! I loved reading the second book in the series (I would recommend reading the series in order, since they are about the same mail characters), since they both kept me guessing until the end! I love mysteries like this that are hard to put down, since there is just so much going on to try to figure out. I highly recommend picking this series up and getting to know Ceve and Kathryn.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kay DiBianca is a bestselling author who loves to create literary puzzles for her readers to solve. Her characters come to life as they struggle to solve mysteries and create relationships amidst the ongoing themes of faith and family. Her first novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, won an Illumination Award for General Fiction and an Eric Hoffer Award for Mystery. The second book in the Watch series, Dead Man’s Watch, was released in September 2020.

Kay is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. An avid runner, she can often be found at a nearby track, on the treadmill, or at a large park near her home. Her background in software development fuels her fascination with puzzles and mysteries, and her dedication to running helps supply the endurance and energy she needs to write about them!

Kay and her husband, Frank, live, run, and write in Memphis, Tennessee.

You can connect with Kay through her website at https://kaydibianca.com.

 

More from Kay

RUNNING AND WRITING

I’m a runner. Over the years I’ve discovered so many benefits from running, including improved health, good outlook, sense of well-being, and even a spark to creativity. That’s a lot to get from an investment in a pair of running shoes!

Of course, running is also a great metaphor for life. This one sport exemplifies so much that we experience in our lives: success, failure, injury, joy, and pain. So, it’s not surprising that although my books are not specifically about running, they contain running scenes.

I got the idea for my first mystery novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, while I was out running. The first chapter of that book introduces the main character, Kathryn Frasier, as she runs a five-miler while training for a marathon. Kathryn deals with the sorrow of her parents’ recent deaths by putting in hard miles on the trails around the fictional town of Bellevue. As I wrote that narrative, I could almost feel Kathryn’s effort, her struggle to maintain pace, the pain in the final sprint, and the satisfaction of finishing well.

The second book in the series, Dead Man’s Watch, takes place just a month or so after the first one. Kathryn continues her training by running a half-marathon race. Once more I run with her as she experiences the elation of being in the lead pack (I’ve never been there!), the exhaustion as the miles build up (I do know about this), and a dramatic event as she nears the finish.

I hope readers will see the analogy between the Kathryn’s experiences on the trails and her efforts to try to solve the mysteries in each story. I’m working on the third book in the series now. I haven’t written any running scenes yet, but I’m sure Kathryn’s going to insist on putting one in.

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 18

Blogging With Carol, March 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21

deb’s Book Review, March 22

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

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Mary Hake, March 24

Inklings and notions, March 25

Older & Smarter?, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Pause for Tales, March 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 31

Bizwings Blog, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kay is giving away  the grand prize of a $25 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/10987/dead-man-s-watch-celebration-tour-giveaway

Awakened

 

Every girl has a secret she hopes the light will never find—but the demons already have.

As four high school girls are faced with life-altering decisions, their new-found faith will be tested. Although warrior angels are assigned to guard and assist the unlikely friends, they must rely on their faith to withstand the evil Duke Astaroth and the beast’s demonic horde.

Now that their spiritual eyes are open to daily battles between unseen forces of good and evil, lives are at stake.

• Lifelong friends Krystal and Bryce are finally an official couple. But can their love survive the greatest trial they’ve ever faced?
• Since Mackenzie’s mentally ill mother was hospitalized, she secretly worries that her deepest nightmare may come true.
• While best friends Tammi and Sadie continue healing from their abusive pasts, each wrestles with temptations that threaten to undermine their recovery.

Can beauty arise from the ashes of despair and loss? 

Will the girls embrace who and whose they truly are?

 My thoughts: Awakened is the fourth and final book in the Beauties from Ashes series that has followed several high school friends as they deal with challenges and spiritual warfare through high school. I thought that Beckie Lindsey did a fantastic job of bringing the spiritual battle that is going on all around us to life. Sometimes it is easy to forget what is going on in the spiritual realm, and I appreciated the reminder. I also thought that she did a wonderful job of handling some difficult subjects. I highly recommend this series, though there are some trigger warnings. The books are better suited to teenagers and should be read in order, since it is an ongoing story.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Beckie Lindsey is an award-winning author of the Beauties from Ashes series, poet, blogger, and the editor of Southern California Christian Voice, a division of One Christian Voice, a national news syndicating agency. She is a major coffeeholic and enjoys a good book with a cat on her lap. She also loves to hike and hang out with family and friends. Beckie and her husband, Scott have three adult children, two adorable cats, and live in California.

 

More from Beckie

Why I write YA and the BFA series

I believe a teenager still exists inside each of us.

We hear a familiar tune from our “glory days” and are instantly tapping our toes. Mentally, we’re back in high school —poofy bangs, scrunchie, neon off-the-shoulder sweatshirt — and all. Oh, wait. That’s me back in the ‘80s!

Ah, yes. There is something wonderfully awful about those coming-of-age years.

From the first kiss to the first breakup, there are memories we cherish and some we don’t care to ever revisit. Being a teen can be exciting, confusing, painful, joyous, or even all of those things at once!

No matter how different your teenage experience was from mine, one thing is true for us all: these years have an enormous impact on who we become as adults. We can all sympathize with the plight of puberty and the longing for independence and acceptance. Yeah, there’s still a teenager in all of us!

These are the reasons I write YA.

My hope is to use the power of storytelling to move past barriers and open hearts to accept how much God loves and desires a personal relationship with us.

At every age, we all need the grace and love of Jesus.

In the Beauties from Ashes (BFA) series, I write about relatable characters with difficult issues and traumatic pasts to enlighten readers about the unseen spiritual battle referred to in Scripture. Each character has a secret that has left them vulnerable to the battle in an invisible realm where demonic creatures fight to keep them chained to their pasts and angels of light work to free them.

The characters and their issues are complex, just like real life. In fact, some of the topics are often considered too taboo to talk about openly. But what is left in the dark, festers and grows. It is only in the light that we can be free. In the BFA series, readers experience the character’s quest for truth, love, grace, and freedom while hopefully finding the same for themselves.

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, March 20

Nancy E Wood, March 21

Blogging With Carol, March 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 22

Texas Book-aholic, March 23

Inklings and notions, March 24

Remebrancy, March 25

For Him and My Family, March 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 27

deb’s Book Review, March 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 30

Stories By Gina, March 31 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 1

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Beckie is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/1098a/awakening-celebration-tour-giveaway

Heaven and the Afterlife

 

What lies on the other side?

In this relevant and life changing story, Kathy Carmichael details her experiences so that you may share, learn and receive comfort from them.

Imagine being given the opportunity to meet with Angels, Saints and Jesus Christ face-to-face. Imagine watching the recently-passed step through the Pearly Gates. Imagine knowing that if you ask, God and Jesus can be an intimate part of your life. This isn’t your typical self-help book, yet reading about these events may change you and your life forever.

Journey to heaven in this firsthand account of the Glory of God and the afterlife.

Wires and tubes were connected to almost every available space on Kathy’s body as she lay in her hospital bed awaiting surgery. In the days leading up to her illness and then later post-surgery, Kathy experienced incredible supernatural events. She has been tasked with sharing what happened to her with you, bringing you evidence of the afterlife.

In this inspiring spiritual flight to Heaven and back, you will learn more about prayer, blessings, miracles and the generous love and understanding available to each of us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1

*Have you had a near-death experience also known as an NDE?
*Has an angel ever brought you a message, protected you from harm, or visited you?
*Has your soul ever been transported to Heaven?
This book explores events such as these, and you will learn you are not alone. You may come to a deeper and abiding love for God and humanity. It’s likely you will no longer have as much fear relating to death or dying. Heaven, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are real.

This volume also includes bonus material such as:
*Thinking About Heaven: Reader Questions
*Map of Near-Heaven and parts of Heaven
*Meaningful Scripture and Quotes
*Photos relating to Kathy’s life and hospital stay
*Foreword by John Carmichael

 

My thoughts: This book is an excellent, true account of what Kathy went through when she was ill, with getting a taste of heaven and the afterlife. I'm sorry that she had such a rocky road to get to the point where she had surgery and then with her recovery, but I appreciate that she shares her experiences in this book! This book is such a great reminder of what we need to be focusing on right now, and not all the craziness that was this past year. This is a wonferful, thought provoking book to pick up! 

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

With a deep and abiding love of our Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who came into this world to save us, Kathy Carmichael is compelled to share her astounding spiritual experiences with others. She believes part of her mission on this Earth is to help people feel better, whether it’s through her writing or her (at times, sophomoric) sense of humor.

A USA Today bestseller and award-winning author, she lives on a canal along Florida’s west coast with her Scottish husband of over 40 years, one son, two cats, a part-time grand-dog, and a bevy of dust bunnies and seagulls.

Kathy has written primarily comedic clean/sweet romance, cozy mysteries, and non-fiction articles and workshops. She has been recognized by the American Library Association’s Booklist magazine with starred reviews in both the Mystery and Romance genres. Kathy is well-known for her fiction-writing seminars, including her short synopsis workshop.

Kathy loves hearing from readers.

 

More from Kathy

Many times as I sat down at my keyboard to work on this book, I have been encouraged by Holy Spirit to count my blessings.

Has anyone reminded you to count your blessings? If so, when you examine the numerous ways you’ve been blessed and begin to list the numerous blessings in your life, do you feel eternally grateful?

It’s part of our humanity that we tend to lose sight of those blessings while dealing with our day-to-day cares. Yet when we stop to think about how many good things are steadfast in our life, outside of the setbacks, gratitude washes over us.

I believe I was encouraged to look at my blessings as a means for me to overcome my obstacles. Healing from my physical ailments has been time consuming and difficult.

Yet, when I look at my blessings…

Like you, I have been blessed in a multitude of ways. Recently I have been blessed even more so. A large part of that blessing was my being allowed to remain alive and still walking God’s green Earth. An even bigger blessing was the amount of time I was granted to spend in Near-Heaven, which is a setting running immediately beside Heaven, and the glimpses I was permitted of Heaven itself.

Not everyone has such amazing opportunities, and even fewer have the chance to tell about it afterward.
 Please allow me to share my story with you.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 10

Texas Book-aholic, March 11

Cats in the Cradle Blog, March 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 12

For Him and My Family, March 13

For the Love of Literature, March 14 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 18 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, March 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 21

Through the Fire Blogs, March 22 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, March 23

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1095b/heaven-and-the-afterlife-celebration-tour-giveaway

Framed in Death Valley

 

Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

 My thoughts: I enjoyed this suspenseful story and the twists and turns that were in it!   Beckett and Laney have found the love of a lifetime in one another, but all that is threatened when Beckett is accused of murdering a guest at their Hotel. Due to Beckett's reputation from youth, it is easy for someone to frame him for the murder, which throws a major wrench in things when Beckett decides to try and protect his wife and unborn child by filing for a divorcee so they can create some distance from him. This is an excellent, suspenseful story that was fun to read! 

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle.

 

More from Dana

What’s up in Death Valley?

 

As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a  suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.

 

I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!

 

It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?

Blog Stops

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 16

Among the Reads, March 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

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

For the Love of Literature, March 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 18

Genesis 5020, March 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19

Betti Mace, March 19

Lighthouse Academy, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Bizwings Blog, March 20

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21

Inklings and notions, March 22

Remembrancy, March 22

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

For Him and My Family, March 23

Blogging With Carol, March 23

Older & Smarter?, March 24

Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

KarenSueHadley, March 24

She Lives To Read, March 25

deb’s Book Review, March 25

Through the Fire Blogs, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27

Labor Not in Vain, March 27

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

Pause for Tales, March 28

Blossoms and Blessings, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29

Daysong Reflections, March 29

Hallie Reads, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away  the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card, a set of six mini cactus candles, 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/1093d/framed-in-death-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

Philippa Holds Court

 

She’s capable of many things—including driving him mad.

At the start of their London Season, Philippa Clavering discovers her friend, Susan, is being pursued by the wrong gentleman and decides to turn Susan’s head to a worthier suitor. Not one to shrink from what she views as her duty and gift, Philippa sets plans in motion to bring about the happy ending her friend deserves. What she does not expect is to have Susan’s older brother watching—and criticizing—her every move.

After a respectable number of years on the town, Jack Blythefield is at last contemplating the idea of settling down. What he seeks is a compliant wife to provide him an heir or two and make his home comfortable while he spends his evenings at the club, where a man can get some peace. What he does not need is a termagant who sets his life on end with madcap schemes, which invariably involve his unwilling assistance.

However, when the reputation of Jack’s family is threatened, Philippa is the one he turns to. And as her most determined suitor grows assured of his conquest, Jack must decide if a comfortable and docile wife is truly what he seeks, or if he should throw down the gauntlet of his heart before Philippa closes court.

Philippa Holds Court is the second in the Clavering Chronicles series, after A Fall from Grace, and it is a clean & wholesome Regency romance, written in the traditional style. ♥

My thoughts: I enjoyed this story whole heartedly! I didn't know just how much fun of a character Philippa would be when I picked this book up. An unconventional young woman, she is much to interested in helping those around her find the right matches, as well as keeping true to her own ideas to think about settling down and making a match. Especially since her sister seems set to marry her off to someone who will advance her brother in law's career. When Jack Blythefield enters the picture, neither is what the other is looking for. Jack was a little hard to take at first, but he grew on me as he developed as a character. 

I loved how unique this story is, since it has more about the politics of the time than any other Regency style story I have read, and it carries off being interesting and informative without bogging the story down. I found the introduction to English Parliament and the Repelling of the Corn Laws to be fascinating. This is an excellent story to pick up and enjoy! 

I received this book from the author. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.