Review ~ The Blizzard Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #11) by Susanne Dietze

A Blizzard Changes Everything

Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.

Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.

All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?


Purchase:
Amazon
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Isn't that just the most beautiful cover??? 

Barbour Publishing has produced some exquisite covers for this series 

and I have to say this is my favorite, by far!!

My Review

4 STARS!!!

The Blizzard Bride is a winsome historical novel in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I loved Dash! He's a great guy and has a super protective streak that I found romantic. His sense of humor was something I especially enjoyed too. Abigail tended to be a bit obstinate but that just made Dash shine all the more in my book. :-)

Dietze's fans are sure to find lots to like in this story filled with intrigue, mystery, romance and faith. I received a copy from the author and publisher. All views are my own. 

Leave a comment and let me know if you've read any of the books in this series. I've read several and Susie's book is definitely one of my favs.

Book Spotlight & Excerpt ~ A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague + Giveaway @JustReadTours

 

Welcome to the Blog + Quote Tour (and Giveaway!) for A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Promise to Keep 

Author: Melony Teague 

Publisher: Anaiah Press 

Release Date: January 21, 2020 

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.

Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.

Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melony Teague writes contemporary romance with a dash of humor, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words, and she believes everyone has a story to tell. Melony is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the co-author of As the Ink Flows, a devotional for authors. Her fiction debut, A Promise to Keep releases, Jan 21, 2020. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in Toronto with her handsome husband, their two teenagers, and does the bidding of her two adorable cats.

CONNECT WITH MELONY:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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EXCERPT

Michael McCann had promised himself he’d never set foot in Point, New York, again, let alone the high school. But May was typically a slow month for him and his team, so he’d made the trip. However, the dread churning in his stomach was worse than when he executed a complex rescue extraction. And not just because Claire had sweet-talked him into helping the setup committee secure all the balloons to the makeshift dropped ceiling in the gym. Once he finished with the decor, he planned to escape for a walk around town.

But now, while roaming the halls in search of the custodian and his ladder, he’d found Savannah outside his senior classroom. He hadn’t meant to startle her, but when he’d called her name, she’d jumped and twirled to face him. Her eyes were as wide as a mama deer caught in the jeep’s headlights. The familiar spike of adrenaline surged in his veins, and he waited for her to recognize him. She was more beautiful than ever.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a prize package including Mocktails book, 4 pins: 2 x Embrace Life, 2x Be Original, 1 large pretty napkin (tropical flowers), 1 small cocktail napkins (with maple leaves on them), A Promise to Keep bookmarks and an Amazon gift card $10 value!

Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 20, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 27, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open to US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Any affiliate links in this post belong to Just Read Tours.

Review ~ The Way of the Brave (Global Search & Rescue 1) by Susan May Warren

Paperback, 352 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

About the Book

Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure--and his injuries--has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team, but he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what's needed to prevent another tragedy--but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They'll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

Leap into action with this high-octane, breakneck new series from bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Purchase:

Amazon

My Review

4 STARS

Fans of Susan May Warren will certainly be wooed by majestic language, beautiful word pictures, and deep faith themes. If you aren’t familiar with climbing techniques and equipment, you might become overwhelmed with all the jargon. I know I sure did. Warren writes The Way of the Brave as if she has literally faced the mountain and all its treacherous terrain and wild weather and survived only by the grace of God.

A major factor that kept me glued to the pages is how Warren builds connections between characters. She is one of the best when it comes to the intricacies of relationships. Orion and Jenny challenged and encouraged one another both physically and spiritually. In the darkest moments, when life and limb were literally on the line, they never gave up on God or each other and not only did their relationship strengthen but most important of all, their faith was rejuvenated. Characters Jake and Aria haven’t discovered God’s amazing grace yet so I am looking forward to that love story in book two, coming June 2020.

I received a copy from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

Happy Reading,

The Good Old Days of Raising Chickens

Smithy & Gracie

A Chick Magnet

The Chick Inn

Heavy Traffic

 

Gracie

Smithy

No Place Like Home

The Rewards

Review ~ On Wings of Devotion (The Codebreakers #2) by Roseanna White

Paperback, 400 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

Purchase:
Amazon
CBD

I am not affiliated with Amazon or CBD. Links are a courtesy only.

My Review

5 STARS!!!

"You'll either be a villain or a hero, Phil. Try to pick the right one, will you?"

On Wings of Devotion is an incredible story of compassion and redemption! White has significantly raised the bar in Christian fiction with this one. Even with a tad slow start, it didn’t take long for Phillip and Arabelle to take purchase in my heart. Both so different and yet so in need of the other; their love story is one that I will long remember.

This book has a strong Christian theme expertly woven throughout. Phillip’s agony over “The Incident” is palpable and blots out any color in his life…until Arabelle.  

Arabelle Denler has an incredibly strong faith in the Lord and her compassionate nature is prominent as a nurse. She’s seen the atrocities and toll war takes on soldier’s so it’s only natural she recognize the deep hurt in “Black Heart” Phillip Camden.

I’ve always known White has a special gift when it comes to writing conversion scenes but the way she built up the emotional tension and turmoil leading to Camden’s conversion is exceptional. And may have caused a tear or two.

I was delighted to see Barclay Pearce and “the girls” (from White’s Shadows Over England series) make brief appearances. It definitely deepened my pleasure in the story. I hope they show up in the next book too.

Roseanna White fans are going to love this newest offering! It’s brimming with danger, intrigue, and romance. If you haven’t read her books, I highly recommend them.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ Waiting for You (The Spencer Family Book 1) by Andrea Boyd + GIVEAWAY!!!

Giveaway Closed!!!
Wendy Newcomb won the ebook Waiting for You!!!

About the Book

Responsibility—that one word sums up Wade Spencer’s existence since his father’s death. Thrust into the role of head of the family, he’s keeping the farm running and his younger siblings in line. When a life-threatening illness attacks his momma, he readily steps in to support her. Sure would be nice to have someone by his side to help carry the load, but all that responsibility hasn’t left much time for dating. Or maybe it’s just his reserved nature holding him back.

Dani Connor had gotten everything she ever dreamed of as a child. Married her high school sweetheart, had a sweet little girl she could shower with all the love she’d been denied by her own parents, and built a life far away from the farm. When those dreams come crashing down, she realizes that back at home on the farm is where she should have stayed.

It doesn’t take long after Dani’s return to Shiloh for Wade to realize she’s the one God has in mind, but Dani will have to get over past hurts and take another chance if she wants Wade to be part of her new dreams.

About the Author

Andrea Boyd has always been a dreamer. Once her most awesome job of raising her wonderful children was over, she decided to take up the challenge of putting these dreams into words and sharing them with the rest of the world. Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC

Connect with Andrea at any of the following:

Web- http://andreaboyd11.wix.com/author 

Newsletter- https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f3g6z2

Twitter- https://twitter.com/andreaboyd111

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/andreaboyd11/?ref=bookmarks

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14689507.Andrea_Boyd

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/andreaboyd11/?hl=en

Bookbub- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-boyd

My Review

5 STARS!!!

Nevertheless, Your will, not mine, Lord.

I had so many emotions floating around while reading Waiting for You. Boyd brings complicated family dynamics out in full force. Wade Spencer is a man after God’s own heart and lives as such. At almost 30, he lacks dating experience that some might find weird but I thought it was a nice touch. He’s a kind, compassionate man with a killer sense of humor. He had me laughing one minute and the next in tears with the way he took such loving care of his mom, Leora, who is diagnosed with cancer.  

The Spencer children rally around their mom and the realistic portrayal of their reactions to her diagnosis really hit home. There’s a scene with Jolene (a Spencer sister) and her mom in the bathroom after one of the chemo treatments. Leora is sick and laying on the floor. Something happens (no spoiler) and Leora knows how emotionally vulnerable her daughter is at that moment. It brought me right back to the days I spent with my own mom during her cancer and chemo treatments. Let’s just say I was a blubbering mess and had to reach for a tissue.

If I get emotionally tied to the hero in a story, it’s a challenge for me to connect with the heroine. In this case, that’s Dani Sutherland. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments that I was cheering her on, and some of the scenes between her and her dad choked me up. But I just couldn’t relate to her. I can’t put my finger on it but I think it's because I'm so keen on Wade.

The supporting characters are exceptionally written. I liked how they each face obstacles and we get to see, for the most part, how those are handled.

I’m dubbing this book ‘country as cornbread’ because it clearly portrays much of the vernacular that is true to the Carolinas. In one scene, Wade has the windows down on his truck and Charlie Pride blaring on the radio. Back in the day my daddy liked to listen to Charlie Pride and it brought back fond memories.

I enjoyed every moment spent with the Spencer family and look forward to each of the siblings getting their own stories. Chase already has his in Mistletoe Kiss (Sweet Tea Holiday Collection). It’s a super cute novella you won’t want to miss!

My thanks to the author for an electronic copy of the book. I was not required to write a review. 

All opinions are my own.

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GIVEAWAY

The author is offering an ebook copy of Waiting for You to one of my blog readers! It will be in the form of a book code that anyone should be able to retrieve. That means if you live outside the US, you can enter!!! 

Leave a comment AND an email address!!!

Ends Jan 16!

Rebecca Reviews ~ End Game (Capital Intrigue #1 ) by Rachel Dylan

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them. 

Rebecca's Review

4 STARS!!!

"These people are willing to kill to protect their secrets."

One by one, members of the most highly trained branches of the US military are being murdered in cold blood; not to mention that one of their own is the prime suspect, although the Navy SEAL vehemently insists upon his innocence. When NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini and FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan form an investigative team to track down the killer or killers, the clues they unearth multiply into questions that quickly spiral out of control. They've stumbled onto something bigger than they ever imagined; including their own unexpected attraction.

"End Game" proves to be an exacting blend of story and character, and although the plot moves quickly, the reader has no reason to feel rushed in and out of the story. The secondary characters are beautifully layered in between the primary ones, and the inspirational elements; although light, are strategically placed. But what seals the deal, so to speak, is the brilliant plotting, which is nearly impossible to crack, which makes this "end game" all the more enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Review ~ Collateral Damage (Danger Never Sleeps #1) by Lynette Eason

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

About the Book

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.

Learn more about the author ~ Lynette Eason website

Purchase Link
CBD

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Collateral Damage is an intense start to Eason’s new Danger Never Sleeps series. Numerous twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Brooke and Asher are strong characters both reeling from trauma sustained in Afghanistan while serving in the US Army.

I enjoyed getting to know the backstory of each and watching how they navigated murky waters when dealing with PTSD. I felt like I gained a bit of perspective and compassion for our current and past military members.

Eason delves into a deep and dark stratum of society that completely took me by surprise. I was saddened and disturbed that some of the ‘enemies’ would be among those we normally think of as heroes. That left me slightly disheartened (as it should) but I did find the story mesmerizing.

I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense because watching Brooke and Asher’s relationship develop was endearing, and Eason’s criminals are chilling.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.