Tuesday, May 21, 2019

"Act of Valor" by Dana Mentink -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Act of Valor

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2019

A True Blue K-9 story …When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't realize that it was part of a series (the True Blue K-9 Unit) and there is an overarching storyline that goes from the first book (which I missed) through the rest of the books in the series. I will be looking for the rest of the books so I can keep up with what is going on in the lives of the people I met. I liked the characters and felt they had realistic responses to things. There were plenty of twists to keep things interesting. I felt the book was well written and flowed well.

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 forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Barbour, and Harvest House. 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, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Cops and killers and beagles, oh my! It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus! Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles! Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those! The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star! It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Genesis 5020, May 16

Multifarious, May 17

Through the Fire Blogs, May 17

Lighthouse Academy, May 17

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 18

Blogging With Carol, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 19

Carla Loves to Read, May 19

Wishful Endings, May 20

EmpowerMoms, May 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 20

Remembrancy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Hallie Reads, May 22

Among the Reads, May 23

Moments, May 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 24

Just Your Average reviews, May 24

Real World Bible Study, May 25

Pause for Tales, May 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Bigreadersite, May 27

janicesbookreviews, May 27

Inklings and notions, May 28

Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, May 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of the book, a beagle coloring book, and an 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/e012/act-of-valor-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Act of Valor" is available in paperback:

Series: True Blue K-9 Unit
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (May 7, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 133567957X
ISBN-13: 978-1335679574
Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.9 x 8 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 1201 KB
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (May 1, 2019)
Publication Date: May 1, 2019
Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
Language: English
ASIN: B07GTMDDF2

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.

Monday, May 20, 2019

"The Refuge" by Ann H. Gabhart -- Book Review

About the Book
When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It's meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique--and lonely--position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family?

My Thoughts

I have read a few books set in Shaker communities. They had unusual beliefs and it is intriguing to read books set there. "The Refuge" was written in first person when it followed Darcie Goodwin, but third person when it followed Flynn Keller and Leatrice Keller. I felt as though I was there in Harmony Hill with Darcie and Ellie and Genna. They felt like friends by the end. I found the book to be well written and that it flowed well. The romance was mostly non existent and they just ended up together without being able to see their love grow or anything. I would have preferred to see more interactions between them. I liked the addition of the children in the story.

"The Refuge" is available in paperback:

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Revell (April 30, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800729277
ISBN-13: 978-0800729271
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 13399 KB
Print Length: 397 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800729277
Publisher: Revell (April 30, 2019)
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07NDMSWB8

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, May 15, 2019

"More to Love" by Robin Helm --Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: More to Love

Author: Robin Helm

Genre: Christian Historical Sweet Romance

Release Date: February 12, 2019

“She is tolerable, I suppose, but there is rather too much of her to tempt me.” Overhearing Mr. Darcy’s rude dismissal of her shocks and mortifies Elizabeth Bennet to the core. She is living her worst fear, and it galvanizes her into action. Soon, the gentleman cannot keep his eyes from her, but can she forgive his thoughtless judgment of her appearance and character? Especially since he faces a worthy competitor for her attention? Who will win the lady’s hand, along with the right to love her through thick or thin?

My Thoughts

I had previously read Robin Helm's story that was a part of "A Very Austen Valentine". It is the sequel to "More to Love". I did not know this at the time, and reading "More to Love" explained why Mr. Darcy was fixing up the Dower House in that story. "More to Love" starts very much like Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and then diverts onto its own path. It is an imagining of what would have happened if a key events were slightly altered. It was fun to have phrases from Jane Austen's story appear in this book. I liked getting to see how Mr. Darcy felt. I also liked the twists to the story that Robin Helm included to make the story unique and things weren't a "given" just because they happened in the original story. I look forward to reading more books by Robin Helm.

About the Author

Robin Helm’s books reflect her love of music, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy: Guardian, SoulFire, and Legacy (Christian paranormal romance); the Yours by Design series: Accidentally Yours, Sincerely Yours, andForever Yours ( ChristianTime Swap romance), and Understanding Elizabeth (Christian Regency romance). She contributed to A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1, an anthology featuring like-minded authors, in 2017, and A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2, in 2018. New releases for 2019 include More to Love, a stand-alone Christian historical sweet romance dealing with body image; Lawfully Innocent, a Christian historical U.S. Marshal romance book in the Lawkeepers series; Maestro, a Christian historical sweet romance featuring a brilliant musician and his student; and A Very Austen Romance: Austen Anthologies, Book 3. She lives in sunny South Carolina where she teaches piano and adores her one husband, two married daughters, and three grandchildren.

More from Robin

Have you ever been judged on the basis of your appearance – what you weigh, how you dress, how you wear your hair or do your makeup? I am a professional dieter, and I have been on all of them. I lose, and I gain it back. I know the lengths a woman will go to after she overhears remarks about how she looks, so I relate to Elizabeth in More to Love in a way that’s a bit beyond my comfort zone.

Another aspect of this book which is personal is that I chose to base a supporting character on a wonderful, Christian lady at my church (with her permission). Mrs. Donna Bailey has been a constant encouragement to me in regards to my writing. She often gives me beautiful sugar cookies she painstakingly decorates with holiday themes. Mrs. Bailey is the housekeeper and dessert cook at Longbourn, and she helps Elizabeth through thick and thin, so to speak.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, May 13

Genesis 5020, May 14

Through the Fire Blogs, May 14

Carla Loves To Read, May 15

Blossoms and Blessings, May 15

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16

Just Your Average reviews, May 17

Hallie Reads, May 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 19

Pause for Tales, May 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 20

A Baker’s Perspective, May 21

Maureen’s Musings, May 21

My Devotional Thoughts, May 22

Remembrancy, May 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Texas Book-aholic, May 23

janicesbookreviews, May 24

Inklings and notions, May 25

A Reader’s Brain, May 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away

Grand Prize: a $25 Amazon gift card
1st Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2
2nd Place: An autographed paperback of More to Love
3rd Place: A set of three eBooks – Reader’s Choice of any three of my books!!

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/e270/more-to-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

"More to Love" is available in paperback:

Series: My Beloved, My Friend (Book 1)
Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: Independently published (February 9, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1794607110
ISBN-13: 978-1794607118
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 4308 KB
Print Length: 230 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1794607110
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07NJBCF5N

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.

Monday, May 6, 2019

"A Cuppa Trouble" by Angela Ruth Strong -- Cover Reveal and Book Review

About the Book

Can a couple of baristas chase down a car thief without spilling a drop of their favorite drink?

Plans for a Valentine's Day grand opening of a small town coffee shop go awry when the first customer is killed. Evidence points toward the victim being mixed up in a car theft ring, but shop owners Tandy and Marissa have reason to believe he was framed. An assortment of suspects--from a pink-haired heir to Tandy's charming ex--all seem to know a little too much about grand theft auto.

Without approval from either their boyfriends or the gum-chewing FBI agent in charge, the shop owners go on stakeouts, plan stings, and pursue justice in a high-speed car chase. If they don't find the killer soon, it might be more than their love lives in trouble.

My Thoughts

"A Cuppa Trouble" is the second CafFUNated Mysteries book. It pretty much starts up where the first book leaves off. It does a good job of filling you in on what happened in the first book, but I would still suggest reading them in order. I enjoyed getting to know Tandy and Marissa better, along with the secondary characters. Billie's advice about relationships and communication are great and very needed. The mystery kept me guessing with the twists. Early on, I did wonder, "Could it maybe be Person X?", but then I would abandon that thought only to circle back around to it. In the end, it turned out to *be* Person X behind everything. I found the book to be well written and that it had a nice pace. I look forward to reading more about Tandy and Marissa.

About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong writes light-hearted and life-changing love stories. The "light-hearted" part comes from her ability to get into interesting situations--such as a hamster ball race or riding on the shoulders of a unicyclist. The "life-changing" part comes from the power of God's love and the beauty of her very own romance. The "story" part comes from her passion for books that she got from her writer mama. And there's nothing else she'd rather do than share these stories with you. Find out more (than you ever wanted to know) at www.angelaruthstrong.com

"A Cuppa Trouble" is available in Kindle edition:

File Size: 3360 KB
Print Length: 235 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (July 1, 2019)
Publication Date: July 1, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07RDJ471F

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.

Friday, May 3, 2019

"Shadow Among Sheaves" by Naomi Stephens -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Shadow Among Sheaves

Author: Naomi Stephens

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: April, 2019

A Timeless, Beautiful Allegory of the Biblical Love Story of Ruth and Boaz

The Great Rebellion of 1857 was a remarkably bloody business. At a time when Britain’s imperial influence in India was sparking brutal clashes on both sides, no one could have expected Rena, an Indian woman, to marry a British officer—nor do they understand her decision to follow her mother-in-law to England after her husband’s tragic death.

Once the two widows are in Abbotsville, the stern yet compassionate Lord Barric attempts to help them despite his better judgment. Soon he is torn between the demands of reputation and his increasing desire to capture Rena’s heart for his own.

Which will he choose? Find out in Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens.

My Thoughts

I have read other retellings of the Ruth and Boaz story from the Bible, but none made me realize the depths of how out of place Ruth was among Naomi's people. I knew that the Isrealites did not like people from Moab, but somehow reading "Shadow Among Sheaves" made it more real to me. I appreaciated how Naomi Stephens used the same first initials for the main characters Rena/Ruth, Nell/Naomi, Barric/Boaz. There are alterations in the story, also, such as there was only one son and he died before the father. This makes it be its own story. I enjoyed reading the book and found it to be well written. I felt that the characters seemed real and believable. I find myself wanting to know what happened with Charlie, and Alice, and William. I look forward to reading more books by Naomi Stephens in the future.

About the Author

Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and now lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock.

More from Naomi

Read an Exclusive Excerpt from Shadow Among Sheaves:

She smiled, stepping closer and placing her hand on the horse’s wet snout. Samson was a pretty beast with wide, ponderous eyes and a few splotches of gray around his nose. The soft puff of air Samson snorted into her palm brought a delighted smile to her lips, and she gasped as he bowed his neck to nuzzle his nose against her stomach. She felt her smile leap into a grin. It was a delightful change, to feel joy so deep it finally showed.

Barric circled around Samson to stand beside her, his hands never leaving the reins. “He’s fond of you,” he remarked as Samson dropped his snout against her hip.

“Unsurprising, I suppose. Though he could also be searching you for a carrot.”

Surprised to hear Lord Barric speak so teasingly, and pleased by the gentle light she found in his otherwise tired eyes, Rena laughed her faint agreement. “That will teach me to come empty-handed, won’t it?”

Their smiles both dropped as a young, lanky stable hand came rushing out to take Samson, and Barric relinquished his hold on the reins, nodding his silent thanks.

As soon as the stable boy had disappeared with Samson, Bar¬ric glanced back at Rena. “Are you going home?” he asked, nodding toward the dusty road looping down the hill to William’s house.

She stepped back, realizing she had dawdled longer than she’d first intended. “Yes,” she answered. “I often come this way to avoid the other workers.”

“Might I walk with you?” He turned to hang his whip on a peg. “Just a short stretch of the road?”

Stunned by his request, and a bit suspicious of his motive, she nonetheless nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Barric drew up beside her, his even strides betraying no unease, though he was silent for some time as they made their way down the golden-colored hill.

“You have seemed tired these past few days,” he observed. Rena did not bother to deny it. She’d been working hard to keep up with the others, as Barric had told her she must, and felt wearier for it. She had tried to split her days in half, the mornings spent binding sheaves with the women and the afternoons spent picking for her own stores, but the work was backbreaking, and, as he had already pointed out once before, she was not used to hard labor. “I realize I haven’t really asked you how you are settling in,” he went on.

“Perhaps you’ve been too busy provoking me,” she answered before she could stop herself.

Barric’s eyebrow inched up as he slanted an approving smirk down at her. “Perhaps.”

Rena cursed her honest tongue. She must have been more tired than she thought, to speak so freely to a man of title. “I have been well,” she tried again, a bit more diplomatically. “The house suits us, if that is what you are asking.”

“The people here do not speak to you unkindly?”

“The people do not speak to me at all.” She had meant to sound casual, unaffected, but heard the hurt in her own voice she hadn’t been able to weed out. As Barric’s expression tightened, she hastened to amend, “Except for you, my lord. Of course. And the Wilmots.”

“They are good people,” he agreed quietly. “And will you be coming with them to the festival this evening?”

She hesitated. According to Alice, harvest home was a yearly tra¬dition, a night of raucous drinking and dancing to celebrate the close of the harvest. All of Abbotsville would be there—landowners, stew-ards, even tenant farmers and common laborers. But Rena was none of those things, and she and Barric both knew it.

“Come,” Barric teased, “do not tell me you are afraid to go. I would never have thought it of you.”

“I am not afraid,” she insisted. “I just had not thought about it.”

At her defensive tone, he smiled—a true smile—one that pinched the corners of his eyes and pressed grooves along the outer edges of his mouth. “You ought to come,” he decided. “Everyone in Abbotsville is welcome, and many are the men who would feel lucky to dance with you.”

But, of course, Lord Barric knew this was not true. The men in his fields regarded her mostly with contempt and made no secret of it— they would not count themselves at all lucky to dance with her. Was Lord Barric trying to offer her words of comfort? Or was he trying to convey a message?

Did he want to dance with her?

This was hardly a safe question, and so she asked another. “Do you dance, Lord Barric?”

When he met her gaze, so direct, she was all the more glad she had not stammered in her reply. The man walked a dangerous line whenever he deigned to speak to her. Far too close, she’d think, and then stern enough to cool her blood with a word.

He surprised her with another smile, this one a faint twist at the corner of his lips. “Perhaps you would have to come to find out.”