Tuesday, July 19, 2022

The Deadly Shallows

 


A deadly attack.
A stolen weapon capable of immense destruction.
A painful secret that threatens to tear two hearts apart.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges.

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

"This action-packed thriller is sure to please."--
IRENE HANNON, bestselling and award-winning author

"I love Dani's writing, and The Deadly Shallows is one of her best! Tightly written and dripping with tension. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough."--CARRIE STUART PARKS, bestselling and award-winning author of Relative Silence
My thoughts: While I have enjoyed this whole series, I think that this book might be my favorite yet! The story is fast paced and I love how there is more going on with side characters, setting it up for the next book. I also loved that there is more than one mystery going on. This book kept me guessing! While this one is a stand alone, I recommend reading the series in order, since the previous characters are mentioned, as they are part of the same team. 
I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

Lineage of Corruption

 


In the world of big money and big politics, nobody walks away unscathed.

The people of Coventry never suspect that Josie Smith, owner of the local coffee shop, is the daughter of a powerful senator. She went to Washington to serve constituents, but her desire to do good morphed into a desire to win at all costs. When one of those costs grew too heavy to bear, she changed her name and left DC, vowing to never get involved in politics again. But when her father becomes his party’s lone voice standing against corrupt policies, his enemies will do whatever it takes to get his vote, and Josie finds herself caught in a familiar web of dirty tricks.

Thomas Windham never planned to run for office, but when Coventry’s disgraced mayor is replaced by a dishonest appointee, he feels he has no choice but to throw his hat in the ring. He doesn’t have a chance against the well-known politician, that is until he meets Josie, who knows more about running for office than a typical cafĂ© owner would.

When Josie finds herself in danger, they form an alliance—his protection for her wisdom. The election becomes secondary as Josie’s adversaries close in. But can Josie and Thomas come out victorious against enemies determined to get what they want at any cost?

Don’t miss this pulse-pounding Christian romantic suspense that’ll keep you reading late into the night.

 My thoughts: Another wonderful, suspenseful read by Robin Patchen! I have enjoyed this series and the variety of mysteries that it has provided for my enjoyment. In Lineage of Corruption, Josie is a senators daughter trying to live a normal life. When her quiet life is placed in the public eye, she is forced take precautions to keep her out of harms way. I enjoyed the fast pace and the twists and turns of the story. This is a wonderful mystery to pick up and enjoy!

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

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

 

More from Robin

Boston’s Logan Airport was about an hour from the little town in southern New Hampshire where I grew up. I remember pre-dawn drives, sitting in the backseat of our station wagon with my big sister and my little brother on our way to catch a flight. My dad was an airline pilot, so we traveled a lot in those days.

My parents always had a news station playing in the background. The anchor would read the news, and then Mom and Dad would discuss it at length while we tried to doze in the backseat.

They didn’t agree on everything, but they always saw eye-to-eye on politics.

My parents separated when I was a teenager and ultimately divorced. Even today, when they’re in a room together—they get along very well well—their conversations often drift to what’s going on in Washington.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always been interested in national politics.

My kids hate it when I talk about this policy or that vote. My husband would much prefer to discuss sports or work or…pretty much anything else. But I’ve always loved politics—the wrangling, the power plays, the backroom deals we can only guess at.

Talk about high-stakes drama on a worldwide stage. Hmm, I’m a suspense writer. Maybe it’s not that shocking that I love politics.

Lineage of Corruption doesn’t take place in the hallowed halls of Washington DC, nor are most of the characters in the story big players in the political scene. No, my story takes place in central New Hampshire, and its main characters are a coffee shop owner and a mayoral candidate. But that coffee shop owner’s father is a senator, a senator who’s being pressured to vote yes on a bill he vehemently disagrees with.

His enemies are willing to do whatever it takes to secure his vote, even if it means threatening his daughter.

So, it’s not exactly a political thriller. But it is all about big money and big names grappling for position in the world’s most powerful nation.

Which I personally think is super fun. To write about, anyway. In reality, politics has gotten way too rancorous and destructive for my tastes. Don’t worry—I won’t be lecturing you about what you should believe. I don’t honor one party or one president while throwing the other under the bus. In fact, I don’t mention either party or any actual politicians by name in the entire book.

This story isn’t about pushing my personal beliefs. It is about examining the lengths to which some people are willing to go to secure their own personal agendas.

(And it’s about man and a woman who fall in love, which is also super fun.)

I sure hope you’ll check it out.

 

Oh, and Josie, the coffee shop owner, loves to cook. Here’s a recipe she makes for the hero. It’s a great summertime meal and happens to be a staple at the Patchen household.

 

Linguine Caprese

 

4 ripe large tomatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 lb. mozzarella cheese (I use the small mozzarella balls (also called pearls), but any whole-milk mozzarella, cut into chunks, will do)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp. dried basil (or 1 cup cleaned, fresh basil, cut into strips)

Enough olive oil to coat all of the above—about ¾ cup

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lb. linguine

Freshly grated parmesan

 

Combine tomatoes, cheese, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover and let sit at least two hours at room temperature.

 

Cook linguine according to package directions.

 

Drain pasta and immediately toss with the tomato mixture. Serve at once with grated parmesan cheese. (Goes great with crusty white bread on the side.)

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 18

Genesis 5020, July 18

An Author’s Take, July 19

Inklings and notions, July 20

Betti Mace, July 21

For Him and My Family, July 22

Blossoms and Blessings, July 22

Texas Book-aholic, July 23

deb’s Book Review, July 24

lalkesidelivingsite, July 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 26

Blogging With Carol, July 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27

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

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 30

Spoken from the Heart, July 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Inheritance of Secrets, and a previous book in the series!!

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/1f7f4/lineage-of-corruption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, July 10, 2022

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip

 


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.

Debut author Sara Brunsvold delights with this emotional multigenerational story that shows that the very best life is made up of thousands of little deaths to self. You'll want to be just like Mrs. Kip when you grow up!

My thoughts: I love a story that introduces some history that I didn't previously know much about, as well as one that challenges me to be a better person. The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip managed to fit in both of those categories! While the book is set in a city that is near and dear to my heart, I didn't realize how instrumental it was in opening its doors to refugees in years past. So, I enjoyed learning more about that through this story!

I also really enjoyed Mrs. Kip, since she is such a fun, spunky character! I love how she shows Aidyn that, just because you are in your twilight years, doesn't mean that you can't make a difference. She is truly a delightful character! 

This is a wonderful debut novel! I look forward to reading more of Sara Brunsvold's stories in the future.

I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review.

Learn more here! This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, July 8, 2022

Her Cowboy Wedding Date

 



Her Cowboy Wedding Date JustRead Blog + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Her Cowboy Wedding Date by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Her Cowboy Wedding Date
Title: Her Cowboy Wedding date 
Series: Three Springs Texas 
Author: Cari Lynn Webb 
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 
Release Date: June 2022 
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance   

Could this cowboy… Be her wedding date?

Maid of honor Tess Palmer has two weeks to plan her cousin’s wedding. She will do anything to make the ceremony perfect…even if it means wrangling best man Carter Sloan’s help. The cynical cowboy would rather focus on his business than wedded bliss, and widowed Tess isn’t looking for a second chance at love. But could planning a trip down the aisle bring the two of them together?   

My thoughts: While this is the 3rd book in the series, I didn't read the previous two before jumping in and found it to be an enjoyable stand alone story. The epilogue may of made a bit more sense had I read the whole series, but I didn't feel like it detracted from the story.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story! Tess is bent on helping her cousin have the wedding she always wanted. As she works together with Carter, she finds that there is more to him that just an infuriating stick in the mud. As the two of them grow closer, their friendship challenges some of them to work through some things in the past. 
I enjoyed this sweet, western story!
I received this book from Just Read Tours. This is my honest review. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

cari lynn webb 

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

CONNECT WITH CARI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and signed copies of the first two books in the Three Springs, Texas series!

Her Cowboy Wedding Date JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 6, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Heirlooms

 


Answering a woman’s desperate call for help, young Navy widow Helen Devries opens her Whidbey Island home as a refuge to Choi Eunhee. As they bond over common losses and a delicate, potentially devastating secret, their friendship spans the remainder of their lives.

After losing her mother, Cassidy Quinn spent her childhood summers with her gran, Helen, at her farmhouse. Nourished by her grandmother’s love and encouragement, Cassidy discovers a passion that she hopes will bloom into a career. But after Helen passes, Cassidy learns that her home and garden have fallen into serious disrepair. Worse, a looming tax debt threatens her inheritance. Facing the loss of her legacy and in need of allies and ideas, Cassidy reaches out to Nick, her former love, despite the complicated emotions brought by having him back in her life.

Cassidy inherits not only the family home but a task, spoken with her grandmother’s final breaths: ask Grace Kim—Eunhee’s granddaughter—to help sort through the contents of the locked hope chest in the attic. As she and Grace dig into the past, they unearth their grandmothers’ long-held secret and more. Each startling revelation reshapes their understanding of their grandmothers and ultimately inspires the courage to take risks and make changes to own their lives.

Set in both modern-day and midcentury Whidbey Island, Washington, this dual-narrative story of four women—grandmothers and granddaughters—intertwines across generations to explore the secrets we keep, the love we pass down, and the heirlooms we inherit from a well-lived life.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this time split story that tells the story of a family on Whidbey Island. I enjoyed the theme of family, gardening, and stepping out in faith. I especially enjoyed Helen's story, as she is thrown into a situation that she didn't foresee, but one that she rises to. I thought that Helen's story was the stronger of the two, but that could be because I didn't connect with Cassidy and her waffling on what to do with the farm. The story does come together nicely though.

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

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Blueberry Bungalow

 


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.

 My thoughts: I enjoyed this sweet story of second chances, set in a small town! Maci has decided that it is time for a fresh start by moving to a quaint little town, hoping to spark some creativity and take a step forward in grieving. I can only imagine how hard that would be! I enjoyed the characters and getting to know both Maci and Wade, as they gravitate towards one another and work together to solve a couple of mysteries in the quiet little town. This is a wonderful, sweet romance to pick up and enjoy!

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

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 425Âş 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  350Âş 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