Live Without You

Piper Redding is a loner, but lonely. Everyone she loves has abandoned her and opening her heart to others is just asking for more pain. She can’t help but blame herself for her brother’s tragic death six years ago, and in her guilt, she shuts herself off from the world. No one could love her—not even the God who promised to be there for her but wasn’t.

For paramedic Ezra Bryant, failure is not an option. He’s had enough of it, and only by God’s grace is he able to put it behind him. But when a traumatic event brings Piper’s greatest fear and Ezra’s failures to light, can they use that event to allow God to mend their broken pieces? Can love triumph over fear, and grace over guilt?

My thoughts: This was a beautifully written story of loss, learning to trust, and love that strikes on some deep topics throughout the course of the short story. I enjoyed getting to know Piper and Ezra as their friendship brought to light their heartbreaks and questions for God. The characters are delightful and I thought that the story was a beautiful one of God's love for us, even when life is tough. I appreciated the discussions that Piper and Ezra have together as they work through their grief and learn to trust God and forgive themselves. This is an excellent story to pick up!
I received this story from JustRead tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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Danger on the Ranch Review and Giveaway!

Her child’s life is on the line

A Roughwater Ranch Cowboys story

After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.

My thoughts: This book was so suspenseful! I liked that the reader is dropped right in the middle of the action from the first page, with Mitch hiding from his brother. Dana does a fabulous job of bringing the characters to life and showing how hard it would be to find out that your husband is a serial killer and for people to think that you knew what was going along all along. Jane is a wonderful character protecting secrets of her own; I enjoyed getting to know this strong heroine! This is a excellent, suspenseful read.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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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 a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, Harvest House and Woman’s World Magazine. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. 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, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana
We’re kicking off a new cowboy series, but this one is going to take you for a wild ride! Set on a ranch that’s sandwiched between the sea and the hills required me to do some on site research of course! I spent quite a while in this gorgeous area of California, looking for cattle. (You can see the zany results in my video.) I found the cattle, and also the perfect setting for this first book. It’s a creepy one, I’ll warn you, as hero Mitch Whitehorse comes face to face with the serial killer brother he sent to prison….and his desperate ex sister in law. Saddle up and enjoy the story! God bless!

For a complete list of the blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package that includes a gorgeous insulated lunch bag, a copy of Danger on the Ranch (winner’s choice of format), and a $15 Amazon gift card!!

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

Bipartisan Love Review and Giveaway!

Does time truly heal a broken heart?
Cody thought it had until she walked into the diner like she owned the world and back into his life as if she owned him.
Can betrayal ever be completely forgiven?
Cindy thought it could until she saw him with the bleached blonde. Her Cody!

Separated eighteen years, Cody Wayne Buckmeyer and Cindy think they can put the past behind them and work toward a common goal, a congressional seat . . . but is that possible?

My thoughts: Bipartisan Love is a fun trip back in time to the 1960's political scene. Cindy has never gotten over Cody, but tries to put those feelings aside when she helps him run for Congress. Especially now that Cody is engaged and has moved on with his life... or has he? This is an enjoyable read about politics, secrets, and love during a difficult time in history. I appreciated how Caryl writes about the difficult subjects that went along with that time period, like the more open acceptance of drugs, free love, and the Vietnam war. I feel like she handles the subjects well.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

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About the Author:
Praying her story gives God glory, award-winning, best-selling author Caryl McAdoo loves revisiting beloved characters in her novels. And her readers are glad she does! She’s blessed that her titles earned over fifty-percent 5-Star ratings and eighty-five to ninety percent 4 & 5-Stars! With forty-four novels (thirty-four in the last four-and-a-half years), it’s obvious she loves writing, but singing the new songs the Lord gives her also rates high. (Listen to a few at YouTube.)
Married to Ron, her high school sweetheart, she counts their four children and eighteen grandsugars life’s best blessings. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl
I totally enjoy revisiting characters from previous stories! That’s one reason I love writing ‘Family Sagas” like the Texas Romances that has ten full length novels and Cross Timbers Romances with two books and counting! The third launches this coming September.
In BIPARTISAN LOVE, we get to spend time again with the Buckmeyers—Travis and Emma Lee from Texas Romance Book Ten CHIEF OF SINNERS. My heart could barely leave these dear people after book ten, so I’ve written a few “Companion Books” (five and counting ) that go with the Texas Romance series—either going back to meet ancestors or forward for their descendants or just more stories with the characters you already love.
Readers first met Cody Buckmeyer and his kissing cousin (by marriage) best friend Cynthia Kramer as pre-teens in SON OF PROMISE. In that story, Emma Lee, so longing to be a mom, gets her heart’s desire in Cody, her husband’s son she’s never known about. The two youngsters became fast friends, but Cindy went overseas when LBJ gave her father an ambassadorship.
It’s been eighteen years, and Cody’s engaged to another. After her letters stopped, he gave up all hope. A liberal Democrat, Cynthia comes home after working in Hubert Humphries’ losing bid for the presidency, and wants Cody, a conservative Republican, to run for a Congressional seat with her as his campaign manager!
How’s this supposed to work?

For a complete list of the blog stops, go here!

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away
Grand Prize – $50 Gift Amazon Card
1st Prize – Signed, Paperback copy of CHOICE of all my books
2nd Prize – Signed copy of Bipartisan Love
3rd Prize – eBook copy of Bipartisan Love
and
4th Prize – eBook copy of CHOICE of all my books!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

The Martin Family Set

Take a trip to Louisiana and get swept away in the romance of it all as the members of the Martin family each find their happily ever after. The Martin Family box set is a complete series that contains five full-length, sweet romances by bestselling romance author Brooke St. James.


Book One - Loved Bayou: Jacob Fox, son of the notorious Neil Fox, wanted nothing more than to disappear. There had been a media frenzy during the arrest of his parents and their subsequent deaths, and Jacob couldn't escape all the negativity surrounding the ordeal. He decided to buy a house in south Louisiana on a private, wooded lot in the middle of the bayou so he could drop off the face of the earth for a while.

He certainly hadn't come to Louisiana to make friends.

That seemed to be working pretty well until he met Alex Martin. She simply wanted to offer a little southern hospitality at first, but eventually she realized she might be the only person who could help Jacob rediscover the man he used to be.


Book Two – Dear California: Martin Outfitters had a potentially lucrative partnership in the works with a clothing company based in California. A face-to-face meeting with the owner was all they needed to seal the deal. Cole Martin was confident he could take care of business, and he offered to make the trip.

When his father suggested he take a vacation on the West Coast after the meeting, Cole refused. He was solely focused on securing the partnership so he could get back home.

Everything was going according to plan, until he met Olivia.

"Rescue me," was the first thing she said to him, and well, with Cole being a Southern gentleman and all, that was exactly what he did.


Book Three – My One Regret: Wynn Martin had an opportunity to move to Austin and fulfill her dreams as a musician. Although it meant she'd have to drop out of school and leave her friends and family behind, she felt like it was the right decision. She also trusted that her new boyfriend would help make it a smooth transition.

But sometimes change comes hard and swift and leaves you feeling blindsided. Wynn was about to discover this reality.

It was in the midst of this storm that she realized she needed to deal with her biggest regret. If she could only set things straight with Ryan Collins, everything might return to normal.


Book Four – Broken and Beautiful: Claire King wasn't really the type of girl who was looking for romance. She had to deal with some issues from her past before she could even begin to think of getting into a serious relationship.

Though she had grown up with the Martin boys, Claire never entertained the idea of a romantic encounter with either of them. In her mind, they were off limits. In fact, some might even say they were out of her league.

When an interesting chain of events ignites a hidden spark with Cam Martin, Claire would begin to question everything she knew about herself. Ultimately, it seemed that loving Cam was not an option. But convincing herself of that might prove to be harder than she expected.


Book Five – Back to the Bayou: Back to the Bayou is the fifth and final installment in the Martin Family Series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Amelia Martin was the youngest of three girls. Both of her older sisters had already found their soul mates, and Amelia felt like she was well on her way to that with Hank Marksberry.

Hank seemed to have everything she was looking for. He was handsome, intelligent, and would undoubtedly have a successful career. Amelia decided to bring him home during Christmas break to meet her family, thinking it would be the beginning of their happily ever after.

The only problem was that Hank could never compare to Caleb Reeves. When Caleb unexpectedly appeared at the airport to offer Amelia and Hank a ride, she was faced with a lifetime of memories and feelings she had managed to avoid since she'd left home.

My thoughts: I loved this set of stories about the Martin family! I enjoy books that have the theme of family throughout them, so I enjoyed getting to know each of the Martins as they sought to find true love (or, when true love sought to find them!). I love the variety of stories that this set offers, each of the characters are unique and delightful to get to know. You can read each book as a stand alone story.
These books are written in the first person, and they can be a bit over the top when describing the romance. There are some triggers in the stories as well.
I received this book from Clean Wholesome Romance. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.


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Spelled

Rosie is fairly certain that there’s nothing wrong with putting a love spell on a foreign prince. At least she hopes there's not, because such a drastic measure is necessary in order for her to ensure that the perfect fairy tale romance she’s dreamt about her entire life includes her own prince charming. As the heroine in her story, she won’t be deterred by well-meaning friends, royal betrothals, hungry dragons, or the intriguing guard who stands in her way.

Luckily, Rosie has access to an enchanted bakery and a recipe book of spells, one of which will ensure she’ll win the royal heart she desires. Unfortunately, no story is complete without a few obstacles, and Rosie’s comes in the form of a most formidable foe—a stoic guard whom Rosie may or may not be developing feelings for, one who is committed to thwarting her at every turn. But nothing will stand in the way of Rosie’s happily ever after. After all, what harm can a simple love spell do?

Inspired by "The Frog Prince"

My thoughts: This is such a fun, imaginative retelling of the story of The Frog Prince! I fell in love with Rosie and her prince throughout the course of the story. I wasn't sure what I thought of Rosie at first, but she quickly won me over with how unique and mischievous she is. The banter is loads of fun, and the story is unique and delightful. If you enjoy clean fairy tale retellings, then I highly recommend this one!
I received this book through Clean Wholesome Romance. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Interested in reading this book? Go here!

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The Cabin Review and Giveaway!

Leah Kettridge’s writing career is over before the first book lands on the shelf, when a famous author has claimed she’s stolen his work. If it wasn’t for a story brainstorming luncheon with her sister, he’d have never overheard her conversation about the novel she was writing. Who will she ever trust again if not her most favorite writer? And what about the one fabulous date they had before she knew what a traitor he was?
Keenan Brinner has it all. He’s a best-selling author who’s only headed toward more greatness. And he must be the most gorgeous guy Leah’s ever seen. But he’s also a liar and a cheat.
When they end up at the same cabin to write, emotions explode. But an unexpected snowstorm traps them deep in the mountains. Is he bent on destroying her in more ways than one? How will love find them amidst all their anger and distrust?

My thoughts: I liked the premise of this book, but felt like it could of been longer and had more to the ending, since it ends abruptly. I enjoyed Leah as a character, with her quest to pick up the broken pieces of her dream to become a writer by retreating to a cabin to work on another story after the first one is stolen by a famous author. When she arrives at the cabin, ready to work, she has the rude surprise of her nemesis already inhabiting the cabin-her cabin. The story takes an unexpected twist from there!
Though too short, in my opinion, this book was interesting and I enjoyed the premise.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

About the Author
Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Her next novel, Fateful Fall, releases August 9, 2019.

More from Erin:
Glittery snow. The perfect cabin in the mountains. And sworn enemies trapped together. How could anything go wrong?
Welcome to the cabin where writers like to go to get away from the noise and bother of life to write. I hope you don’t mind the two guests already here. They’re stuck together after one stole the other’s novel. But the famous one has firsts rights to the work. Who’d dare believe he’d be the perpetrator of the crime? Or is it the newbie writer who longed to be known for more than her graphic designs who plagiarized?
Stay and enjoy a mug of instant coffee and some potted meat. And make sure to bring in your warmest blanket, since this eclectic home has lost power in the storm.
You’ll also find a complementary cordless phone with no connection for your accommodations.
Enjoy your stay! And take a moment to check out our amenities folder laden with an expert below.

Read an excerpt from The Cabin
Betrayal is such a benign looking word on paper. In real life it could kill a person. Like me. I was dying on the inside as I flipped from one page to the next of the bestselling novel in my hands. And all because of Keenan Brennan—the hottest bestselling author I knew and dated some time ago. Yet some part of me kept praying it wasn’t true as I pressed into the sofa cushion and continued to read.
It just couldn’t be.
But the book with the startlingly dark cover said it all.
“No, no, no.”
Hot tears stung my cheeks as I ripped the well-designed cover off the book and then launched it across the living room. It smashed against the refurbished brick wall and landed with its pages bent. Good. It deserved a worse fate than just bent pages.
How? When had he stolen my book idea?
I face-planted my palm against my forehead. “At the restaurant.”
Why didn’t I keep my big fat mouth shut and tell my sister Aeris the storyline in the privacy of my home? Tears stung my eyes. Who’d have guessed my lowdown almost boyfriend would stoop so low. He didn’t need my work.
I stared across the room, not focusing on the heap of a good—terrible—book. Well it was on the NYT bestselling list. Not bad for a nobody writer like myself. And since it was my story—not his—then I allowed myself a moment of self-satisfaction.
My gaze dropped to the torn book. I had to take another look. Couldn’t it be a coincidence? Maybe the rest of it was different. In a scramble, I grabbed it up and found the page I last read.
By chapter forty there was no doubt.

For a complete list of blog stops, go here.

Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Erin is giving away a themed basket that includes a copy of The Cabin!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link here to enter.

Don't Blame the Mud

For young readers and families, Don’t Blame the Mud (New Growth Press) paints a vivid and accurate picture of sin and God’s plan of redemption. Written by best-selling children’s author Marty Machowski, this beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children how to recognize the lure of temptation and the truth that bad choices lead to bad consequences.

One day, Max takes the muddy path along the creek home, disregarding his mother’s reminder to keep his school clothes clean. After crashing into a mud puddle, he tries to hide his mistake and discovers the stain of his sin goes deeper than the mud he can wash away. In this lovable, relatable, and heartwarming tale, Max learns his heart needs to be cleaned, and Jesus is the only one who can wash away his sin.

By clearly articulating the gospel, Don’t Blame the Mud helps parents create an environment of confession so kids can own up to their own mistakes—in the freedom of Christ—rather than place the blame elsewhere. Parents, teachers, and caretakers can help children identify with the real-life draw of temptation and the real-life consequences of sin, understanding the value of God’s salvation through the cross. Instead of teaching kids how to deal with a problem, Machowski uncovers the real issue of sin and provides a gospel answer.

My thoughts: My kids are loving this book! It has sparked some excellent conversations about why the boy blames the mud and then gets in trouble for the choices that he made. While I don't agree with the theology that babies are born sinners, I did think that this book was an excellent story to use as a teaching tool for my family. I was surprised at just how often my kids are picking this book up and wanting it read to them again! I recommend giving this book a try.
I received this book from New Growth Press. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.

Q: Why did you choose to personify sin and temptation as the character Mud?

I wanted a situation that would work for all kids, all around the world, no matter what culture they came from. From my experience, just about every kid in the world has heard his or her mom or dad say, “Don’t get your clothes dirty,” and all kids have faced the decision as to whether or not they are going to obey that command. I remember times as a kid where I chose to play football in a muddy field, telling myself I could keep my good school clothes clean, only to end up getting them muddy. That’s where the idea for the story came from. In fact, in the first draft, I had Max playing football in a muddy field—a picture of me as a kid.

I wanted a fun character that would bring interest to the story and help children identify with the real-life draw of temptation and the real-life consequences of sin. The Mud character does both of those things.

Q: Why is it important to teach young children about sin?

Without an understanding of sin and the holiness of God, our children won’t understand the value of God’s salvation through the cross. Unless you see that you have a problem, you don’t think you need a solution.

Q: How should parents use the story with their children?

I think Don’t Blame the Mud is a story families can read again and again. The theological explanations at the end of the story are designed to help children understand the underlying biblical truths presented by the story. So,
reading Don’t Blame the Mud again and again will help children learn those underlying truths.

Q: What advice would you give parents who desperately want to see their children become Christians and follow Jesus, but their children aren’t responding like Max in your story?

I wanted Max to become a Christian in the story as a part of the gospel presentation to teach children how the gospel is meant to affect us. But yes, you are correct to point out life is rarely that simple. I would reassure parents with the words of the Apostle Paul, who encouraged the Galatians, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ESV).

For parents with struggling children, I wrote a devotional book to encourage them called Parenting First Aid. In it I share my own personal parenting stories and tales of folks I’ve met along the way. I connect the stories to scriptures in a way that’s designed to blow a fresh wind of faith into the struggling parent’s heart.

Q: Don’t Blame the Mud is your first venture into writing a short picture book. How was the experience different than the other books you have written?

Even though there are far fewer words in Don’t Blame the Mud than any of my other books, it took me ten times as much time per word to write. I took the better part of six months and hundreds of hours writing Don’t Blame the Mud. I have more than twenty rewrites in my working files. It started out as a rhyming book similar to Dr. Seuss since it’s a book for that audience, an early reader book for the younger elementary grades.

However, I later changed it back to prose as I didn’t want to have to force the important sections to rhyme. I left a few of the rhyming lines in the book as I think they help those lines to stand out.