Friday, April 30, 2021

"Present Danger" by Elizabeth Goddard -- Book Review

About the Book


Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.


When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series.


My Thoughts


I found the book to be well written with a nice pace. I enjoyed the setting in the National Forest. I was drawn in to what was going on and wanting to know what was going on. I had a theory on who was behind the artifacts, but I was not completely correct (They were involved, just not the way I thought). I liked Terra and Jack and seeing them work together. There was a small amount of a biblical faith element. I look forward to reading more books by Elizabeth Goddard in the future.




About the Author 


Elizabeth Goddard has sold over one million books and is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 40 romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery The Camera Never Lies--a 2011 Carol Award winner. She is a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense finalist for her Mountain Cove series--BuriedBackfire, and Deception--and a Carol Award finalist for Submerged. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.


"Present Danger" is available in paperback:
  • Publisher : Revell (April 6, 2021)
  • Language : English
  • Paperback : 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 : 0800737989
  • ISBN-13 : 978-0800737986
  • Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.96 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:
  • ASIN : B08CJ86MT4
  • Publisher : Revell (April 6, 2021)
  • Publication date : April 6, 2021
  • Language : English
  • File size : 7009 KB

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

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

"Gold Rush Bride: Hannah" by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Book Spotlight and Excerpt

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  Gold Rush Bride Hannah

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: 05/18/2021

Recently widowed, she’s doesn’t need another man in her life. He’s not looking for a wife. But when danger thrusts them together, will they change their minds...and hearts?


Hannah Lauman’s husband has been murdered, but rather than grief, she feels...relief. She decides to remain in Georgia to work their gold claim, but a series of incidents make it clear someone wants her gone...dead or alive. Is a chance at being a woman of means and independence worth risking her life?


Jess Vogel never breaks a promise, so when he receives a letter from a former platoon mate about being in danger, he drops everything to help his old friend. Unfortunately, he arrives just in time for the funeral. Can he convince the man’s widow he’s there for her protection not for her money?


Gold Rush Bride: Hannah is the first book in the exciting new series Gold Rush Brides. Steeped in romance, intrigue, and history, the story will keep you turning pages long into the night.


EXCERPT

She’d put her foot down when Quinn suggested they build a soddy, but some days the tiny two-room abode didn’t seem much better. With only one small window next to the door, the interior remained dim except on the sunniest of days. 

“Hello, the house!” A shrill voice sounded in the yard.

Hannah stepped to the doorway and waved.

Glenda Thompson, the wife of another miner a few claims away waddled toward her, the woman’s swollen stomach evidence of her late-term pregnancy. She carried a towel-wrapped bundle. “Good afternoon, Hannah. I made several loaves of bread and thought y’all might be able to use one.”

“Real bread sounds heavenly. We’ve been eating biscuits with most of our meals. Quinn will be thrilled.”

The petite blonde woman handed her the loaf, then rested her arms on her belly. “Where is that husband of yours? I didn’t see him on my way over. Thought he’d be down at the water with the rest of the boys sifting through the sand.”

“He went into Gainesville. Should be back any time.”

“Another trip to the bank?” Glenda’s eyebrow lifted. “Y’all must be doin’ better than the rumors say.” 

Hannah shrugged. “Quinn’s no Stephen Girard. We won’t be financing the government any time soon.”



MISSED PAST EXCERPTS, GO HERE:


 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.


Tuesday, April 27, 2021

"The Matchmaker's Best Friend" by Kari Trumbo -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Matchmaker’s Best Friend

Author: Kari Trumbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: March 30, 2021

“You’re just like a brother to me. I don’t like you in that way.”

When they dated ten years ago as teens, it almost destroyed their friendship. So Pen Reese did the only logical thing.  She lied about how she felt—and still feels—about him.

She’s still paying for that lie.

A brilliant plan to set Mike and a friend up and get over him has one problem.

It’s breaking her heart.

When Pen pushed him away, Mike Gaines assumed she just didn’t understand his faith. People like her persnickety aunt even claim he’s part of a cult—ridiculous, but it’s true. Still, if she wants him to play the part of a big brother, fine. At least he can stay close this way.

At first, Pen’s attempt to set him up with one of her close friends hurts. But what if it’s the perfect opportunity to show her what she’s missing if she sees him with someone else?

In this friends-to-more-meets-second-chance romance, The Matchmaker’s Best Friend continues the Elnora Island romances of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

My Thoughts

I got frustrated with Pen quite often throughout this book with her continual choice to disregard what Mike told her about his feelings. As a 'marriage of convenience' book, it was not like any others of that trope that I've read. I liked the biblical faith element throughout the story. I would have liked to get to know more about Mike's beliefs, but I will look it up online. I look forward to reading more Independence Islands books.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Where western meets happily ever after.

Kari writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.
Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn’t) South Dakota.

Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.

 

More from Kari

Pen is Mightier than the Sword

Especially in sparkly, stacked espadrilles and pink power suit. Don’t let Pen Reese’s pink façade fool you, she’s a businesswoman to the core, with a heart of gold. She has built a party planning business from the ground up, and she’s about to create another.

Pen is one of those characters that I could just see CLEARLY as I was writing. She is about ninety percent Elle Woods from Legally Blonde and ten percent a close personal friend. I heard her voice in my head. I could hear her talking as I wrote the book. Her personality was perfect for the energetic party planner.

I’m sure if I put a character description up without context or clarity many people wouldn’t want to read the book, they would write Pen off as shallow. But she’s not. She’s heartbroken.

Do you still remember your first love? Maybe you still care for them? Pen fell hard for her first love and no matter how professional she is or how many lavish weddings she plans, she can’t forget the one wedding she’ll never get to create. Her own.

Pen things that if Mike falls for someone else, goes off and gets married, she’ll finally be able to move on. So, she sets a plan in motion. That’s when her world completely falls apart and you see the tender parts of Pen that she doesn’t show to just anybody.

She is a very complex character and I hope she touches you like she touched me.

I hope you enjoy Pen’s tale of matchmaking gone wrong.

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 14

Books and Everyday Life, April 14

Labor Not in Vain, April 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 15

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 15

lakesidelivingsite, April 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 16

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 17

Rebekah Reads, April 17

Artistic Nobody, April 17 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

A Novel Pursuit, April 18

She Lives To Read, April 19

deb’s Book Review, April 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 20

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, April 20

Splashes of Joy, April 20

Aryn the Libraryan, April 21

For Him and My Family, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 22

Blogging With Carol, April 22

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

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 23

CarpeDiem, April 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 24

Connect in Fiction, April 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 25

Simple Harvest Reads, April 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inklings and notions, April 26

Godly Book Reviews, April 26

Batya’s Bits , April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 27

Blossoms and Blessings, April 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/10acd/matchmaker-s-best-friend-celebration-tour-giveaway



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

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Roof Construction: Beginning

 Dan's side of the garage started leaking several years ago and the 3 season porch has been leaking for many years, but we didn't have the money to get it fixed. This year brought the stimulus money and now we finally could get it done. I was going to wait until it was all finished to post about it, but I decided that would be too many pictures to deal with. 

The Before:























The green is not carpet, it's moss!







April 14:
(Remove old fascia and soffits)





April 16:
(Build the front porch extension)