Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "Under Fire" by Linda Shenton Matchett

About the Book

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Book title: Under Fire

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Release date: July 25, 2017

Genre: Mystery

Journalist Ruth Brown’s sister Jane is pronounced dead after a boating accident in April 1942. Because Jane’s body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. During her investigation, Ruth becomes suspicious about Jane’s job. Eventually Ruth follows clues to war-torn London. By the time she uncovers the truth about Jane’s disappearance, she has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters and the IRA – all of whom may want her dead.

My Thoughts  "Under Fire" drew me in and I wanted to just keep reading. Ruth Brown was a spunky woman who I enjoyed getting to know. It was different with the book only following Ruth's point of view, especially since the last several books I've read included multiple character's point of view (more than just the traditional hero and heroine). Every time Ruth met someone, I tried to figure out if they were someone that would help or hinder Ruth's quest to find the truth about Jane's disappearance. There were twists and turns I did not expect. The faith element was well done and well placed. I loved all the well researched historical details in the book. I look forward to reading more about Ruth's exploits as a war corespondent and amateur sleuth.  

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, and author. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader. She is author of several romance novellas and novelettes. Under Fire, the first in her trilogy about amateur sleuth/war correspondent Ruth Brown, has just been released by eLectio Publishing (electiopublishing.com).

Guest Post from Linda Shenton Matchett

Writers are often asked where they get ideas for their stories. Many authors start with a “what if” scenario (e.g. what if the fate of a world lies in the hands of a young man who must return a ring of great power to its place of origin: The Lord of the Rings). Other authors find inspiration in news articles (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express). I begin my stories by creating the main character.

As a former Human Resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women’s employment and enjoy reading about those who trail blazed in industries and positions formerly dominated by men. When I was trying to decide what my protagonist should do for a living, I knew she needed a job that allowed her freedom of movement, but nothing seemed to fit until I saw a museum exhibit about women war correspondents. Of the 1,600 journalists who received government accreditation, only 127 were female.

In order to get a sense of what these women experienced (derision, hostility, sexual harassment, and more) I read their memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and articles. As an accredited correspondent they were supposed to received meals, transport to the front, and transmission of their articles. Many military officers refused to take the women into combat zones, so they had to get there any way they could, such as Martha Gellhorn who stowed away on a hospital ship and hid in the head to reach Normandy and cover D-day. It is my hope that Under Fire honors these brave and tenacious women in some small way.

Blog Spots

It’s Storytime with Van Daniker, September 14

Blogging With Carol, September 14

Avid Reader Book Reviews September 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16

cherylbbookblog, September 17

Carpe Diem, September 17

A Reader’s Brain, September 18

Bigreadersite, September 18

Blossoms and Blessings, September 19

The Fizzy Pop Collection, September 19

Janices book reviews, September 20

Back Porch Reads, September 20

A Baker’s Perspective, September 21

Just the Write Escape, September 21

Pause for Tales , September 22

Have A Wonderful Day, September 22

Lights in a Dark World , September 23

Connie’s History Classroom , September 23

Karen Sue Hadley, September 24

Vicky Sluiter, September 25

Daysong Reflections , September 25

Mary Hake, September 26

Ashley’s Bookshelf September 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize consisting of:
copy of the book, Box of English Tea, Typewriter notepad, and Rosie the Riveter socks!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c221

"Under Fire" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: eLectio Publishing (July 24, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 163213408X
• ISBN-13: 978-1632134080
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 2432 KB
• Print Length: 266 pages
• Publisher: eLectio Publishing, LLC (July 25, 2017)
• Publication Date: July 25, 2017
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0743MS95H

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.