tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36811474778613715602024-03-19T01:47:16.482-07:00Book Reviews from an Avid ReaderReviews of a variety of books, with emphasis on the Christian genre.Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.comBlogger4666125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-82629788968160600202024-03-17T05:54:00.000-07:002024-03-17T05:54:28.790-07:00Struck Dead by Andrea Kane Blog Tour Book Review<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSBytIVQKiyOqSvMKBmOJYq1D64ctW8_sU2Pe4-VBkQGZjVt1_XgBtIYp-pv4dL_w2GHSc-1mxbjphLTOMnMIPgEcewgfeP0N-tsWPlS9jjAHe4C23oYfgf4mSTaLKwH0oBKCtSinshKzWEoj4kDczgNnxvNLWlQE2yF8p2tWOAFy8csaTzTfQ8lqrYo/s851/struck-dead-by-andrea-kane--banner-r.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="851" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSBytIVQKiyOqSvMKBmOJYq1D64ctW8_sU2Pe4-VBkQGZjVt1_XgBtIYp-pv4dL_w2GHSc-1mxbjphLTOMnMIPgEcewgfeP0N-tsWPlS9jjAHe4C23oYfgf4mSTaLKwH0oBKCtSinshKzWEoj4kDczgNnxvNLWlQE2yF8p2tWOAFy8csaTzTfQ8lqrYo/w400-h225/struck-dead-by-andrea-kane--banner-r.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>Struck Dead</i></h2>
<h3>by Andrea Kane</h3>
<h4>March 4 - 29, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh018WF6qp19lAwAeGx-2OdkVD87EAhLojiXgBDQ6DcSPVTyrfRBI8IrBdUafAYMTpEOMBeeRE-HQ0WrCCR6usP_ar-xXz2nYXClGIbVciMkHm_gX-jI1unzjEuuUAn0Mw_-d7q0IxAWhDc7tx_LLWoDI3Lj3T0e11ACb4IaXpIYSipjI8tgOGP0v87gYw/s224/Struck-Dead-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="150" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh018WF6qp19lAwAeGx-2OdkVD87EAhLojiXgBDQ6DcSPVTyrfRBI8IrBdUafAYMTpEOMBeeRE-HQ0WrCCR6usP_ar-xXz2nYXClGIbVciMkHm_gX-jI1unzjEuuUAn0Mw_-d7q0IxAWhDc7tx_LLWoDI3Lj3T0e11ACb4IaXpIYSipjI8tgOGP0v87gYw/s1600/Struck-Dead-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The fragile line between life and death… Families that will never be the same…</h4>
<p>When a tragic hit-and-run takes the life of a hardworking family man, multi-millionaire Christopher Hillington becomes the prime suspect, and the whole city of New York alights with speculation as to what happened.</p>
<p>But before the NYPD can establish Hillington’s guilt, he himself is brutally murdered in his own home. As he lays dying, he scrawls the name Casey Woods with his own blood, and the Forensic Instincts team is drawn into a complex mystery that has placed its president in the sights of a desperate killer.</p>
<p>A millionaire’s life is full of secrets and suspects. So as the baffled NYPD investigates Casey for the murder, and the body-count ratchets up, Casey herself becomes another potential victim. The FI team’s hardcore investigation has them twisting and turning through suspects and secrets, where the stakes intensify―and so does the collateral damage. As Casey and the team get closer to finding the killer, the unthinkable happens, and the life of one of FI’s own hangs in the blood-stained balance.</p>
<p>They say dead men tell no tales, but blood doesn’t lie. Peeling back layer after layer of deception, the team will cross whatever lines are necessary to solve the case, get justice for the families, and make their team whole again…unless the relentless killer gets to them first.</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
have enjoyed this series. The characters making up Forensic Instincts
are the driving force in the enjoyment of this series. From a
clairvoyant to tech savvy people, they all work together in unusual
ways to investigate a mystery. The investigation in this novel is
intense as at risk is one of their own. I like how they dance around
the line between legal investigation and necessary but illegal work,
such as hacking to get records and other information often police
detectives don't even think about.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
like how Kane balances the work of the investigation with personal
aspects of the FI people. I have read several books in the series and
I have become engaged in the ongoing personal stories. While this
novel is down the line in the series, there is enough back story that
it can be enjoyed on its own.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
is a great addition to the series with plenty of action, a good
mystery and a fitting resolution. It looks like there will be a new
member of the team and new adventures in the future. I've enjoyed
this series and I'll be watching for them.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 5/5 stars.</span></p><p>You can read my review of previous books in the series: <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2022/04/at-any-cost-by-andrea-kane-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">At Any Cost</a></i>, <a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2020/03/no-stone-unturned-blog-tour-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><i>No Stone Unturned</i></a>, <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2019/03/dead-in-week-by-andrea-kane-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">Dead in a Week</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2017/09/a-face-to-die-for-by-andrea-kane.html" target="_blank">A Face to Die For</a>.</i></p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Suspense Thriller<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Bonnie Meadow Publishing<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> March 2024<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 384 <br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9781682320631 (ISBN10: 1682320634) <br />
<b>Series:</b> Forensic Instincts (#10)<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/xeD7Z" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/IirNy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/7Cjk6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/lJRXY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </p>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h4>1</h4>
<h6>Offices of Forensic Instincts<br />
Tribeca, New York<br />
Main conference room<br />
Monday, 9:40 a.m.</h6>
<p>Casey Woods, the president of Forensic Instincts, stood at the head of the oval table, her jaw having dropped. She pressed her iPhone closer to her ear, and tried to reconcile herself, both to who the caller was, and the reason for her call.</p>
<p>She certainly didn’t sound like the Angela King that Casey knew. And why in the name of heaven was she reaching out to Casey, of all people?</p>
<p>Angela repeated her original demand: “I need you to meet me now—as in drop everything and get over here.” This time her voice was commanding but shaken.</p>
<p>Shaken? Angela King?</p>
<p>Casey’s mind raced.</p>
<p>Angela was a high-powered and aggressive criminal defense attorney at Harris, Porter, & Donnelly. A virtual barracuda. Rumor had it that she was next up to make partner. No surprise. She successfully defended the richest of the rich, from corporate executives, to wealthy entrepreneurs, to “businessmen” with rumored links to Organized Crime—a fact she chose to overlook since they were affluent enough to pay her fees. She and Forensic Instincts were on opposite sides of law enforcement. They’d battled it out more than once the criminals that FI had helped catch becoming the very criminals Angela would defend.</p>
<p>Needless to say, the FI team and Angela weren’t friends.</p>
<p>And yet, here she was, calling Casey on an urgent, time-is-of-the-essence matter—one she seemed incredibly high-strung about.</p>
<p>“Casey?” Angela repeated. “Did you hear me?”</p>
<p>Casey lowered herself into a chair. “I heard you. What is this about? And why me, of all people?”</p>
<p>“You’ll see for yourself,” Angela replied. She rattled off the address of a luxury skyscraper on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “Hurry. I’m jeopardizing my career by waiting to call 9-1-1. I can’t wait much longer. But you have to view the scene first and later provide me with some answers. No more questions. Just come. I have a key to the building’s back door. I’ll let you in. We’ll use the freight elevator.”</p>
<p>Casey’s common sense was urging her to refuse. 9-1-1 meant a crime scene, and questions meant involving her. Both those things were screaming for her to stay away. She pushed aside that inner voice. She was too intrigued to refuse. “I’m on my way.”</p>
<p>She shrugged into her wool winter coat as she called John Nickels, Forensic Instincts’ number one on their security team. Then, she blew out the front door, not waiting to fill the FI team in on where she was going. There was no time. Plus, they’d only try to talk her out of it.</p>
<p>Holiday decorations were glistening everywhere, and tiny snowflakes danced in the air.</p>
<p>Casey didn’t notice any of it.</p>
<p>John pulled around a few minutes later, and Casey hopped into the car, gave him the address, and urged him to hurry.</p>
<p>With a brief nod, John was on his way, navigating the FDR Drive in record time. He got Casey to her destination in thirteen minutes. He dropped her off around back, far from the doorman’s view. Then, he waited to return her to the brownstone once her meeting was over, as per her instructions.</p>
<p>Angela was pacing inside the building, and opened the door to let Casey in the moment she saw her. No matter how dire the occasion, Angela always looked stunning. An Armani cobalt blue pants suit that set off her dark skin, matching four-inch Louboutin heels, and long wavy black hair styled at the highest end salon. She carried herself like a queen. In short, she was a knock-out.</p>
<p>Now she looked more rattled than Casey had ever seen her.</p>
<p>“Let’s go,” she said. She led the way to the freight elevator, where she and Casey rode up.</p>
<p>“Tell me what’s going on,” Casey stated flatly.</p>
<p>Angela didn’t answer. She glanced at her Apple Watch, her gaze snapping up as the elevator stopped on the twenty-first floor.</p>
<p>The doors slid open.</p>
<p>Angela paused only long enough to ensure that Casey was right behind her. Then, she strode down the hall, made a turn, and halted in front of Apartment Twenty-One B. She unlocked the door, pulled Casey inside, and faced her to offer the first few words of an explanation.</p>
<p>“This is the home of my client, Christopher Hillington. We had a nine-thirty AM meeting scheduled to be held here.”</p>
<p>Casey’s brows rose. Christopher Hillington was a renowned and phenomenally wealthy managing director of the private equity firm YNE. He was also a major suspect in a vehicular homicide, and Casey knew through various news sources that he’d been questioned several times by the NYPD and was on the verge of arrest.</p>
<p>“I see you know of him,” Angela said. “Given the circumstances, I’m not surprised.” She gestured toward a breathtaking sunken living room. “In here.”</p>
<p>Casey bit back her question about what Angela had just said. She sensed she was about to get her answers. So she remained silent.</p>
<p>The two women stepped down and Angela stood to a side and waited.</p>
<p>Casey got the full view immediately.</p>
<p>Christopher Hillington’s body was crumpled on the Oriental carpet beside his desk, blood pooling out around him. His head was bashed in, clearly having been struck multiple times by a heavy object. The bloodied sledge hammer lying next to the body was obviously the murder weapon. Judging from the damage done, the killer had been, not only determined, but brutal.</p>
<p>Casey eyeballed the scene, feeling sickened as well as confused. She was about to ask Angela what this horrific scene had to do with her when she spotted the letters, written in blood, on the lower edge of the desk, right beside Hillington’s outstretched arm.</p>
<p>She walked over, careful not to touch anything, squatted down, and squinted. The two words were completely legible, and they made Casey’s blood run cold.</p>
<p>Casey Woods.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Struck Dead</i> by Andrea Kane. Copyright 2024 by Andrea Kane. Reproduced with permission from Andrea Kane. All rights reserved.</p>
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<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWslHpDPl8zNdt5Jhs4aVBchg2qUXz-kNGduWuqzCvSD2uLp-i13HY3n943xfLw_xFCuCBlwS8P5WgFfNl7IjVEBpuERNqIhyphenhyphen5OzHFYszj7Mez-i9DxhyFF4WrTekrgZRzimpNG_LnsQmxSErUSKw_L4fqKTIdEXyzh_yuy1v2Z6IC5LgzSPiORut-RU/s180/Andrea-Kane.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="120" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWslHpDPl8zNdt5Jhs4aVBchg2qUXz-kNGduWuqzCvSD2uLp-i13HY3n943xfLw_xFCuCBlwS8P5WgFfNl7IjVEBpuERNqIhyphenhyphen5OzHFYszj7Mez-i9DxhyFF4WrTekrgZRzimpNG_LnsQmxSErUSKw_L4fqKTIdEXyzh_yuy1v2Z6IC5LgzSPiORut-RU/s1600/Andrea-Kane.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><b>Andrea Kane</b> is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty-two novels, including eighteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.<br />
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, <em>Run for Your Life</em>, became an instant New York Times bestseller. <br />
She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including <em>No Way Out</em>, <em>Twisted</em> and <em>Drawn in Blood</em>.<br />
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, <em>Struck Dead</em>, showcases the dynamic, eclectic team of investigators as they hunt down a desperate killer who’s threatened one of their own. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, <em>The Girl Who Disappeared Twice</em>, followed by <em>The Line Between Here and Gone</em>, <em>The Stranger You Know</em>, <em>The Silence That Speaks</em>, <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/the-murder-that-never-was-by-andrea-kane/"><em>The Murder That Never Was</em></a>, <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/face-die-andrea-kane/"><em>A Face To Die For</em></a>, <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/dead-in-a-week-by-andrea-kane/"><em>Dead In A Week</em></a>, <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/no-stone-unturned-by-andrea-kane/"><em>No Stone Unturned</em></a>, <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/at-any-cost-by-andrea-kane/"><em>At Any Cost</em></a>, and <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/struck-dead-by-andrea-kane/"><em>Struck Dead</em></a>.<br />
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include <em>My Heart’s Desire</em>, <em>Samantha</em>, <em>Echoes in the Mist</em>, and <em>Wishes in the Wind</em>.<br />
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages. <br />
Kane lives in New Jersey with her family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan.<br />
Author Hometown – Warren, New Jersey<p></p>
<h3>Catch Up With Andrea Kane:<br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/ZOL1S" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.AndreaKane.com</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/Ax1Dw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/fZNLK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/wYMdl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @authorandreakane</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/SJz6T" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter/X - @andrea_kane</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/U69wt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @AuthorAndreaKane</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!<br /><!--start LinkyTools script-->
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<h2>Don't Miss Your Chance to Win! Enter Today!</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Andrea Kane. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5><div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/tysf4b/struck-dead-by-andrea-kane" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span>
</p></div>
Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-48812706752992240912024-03-16T05:55:00.000-07:002024-03-16T05:55:35.841-07:00The Big Lie by Gabriel Valjan Blog Tour Book Review<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkE4764MptRNJS3dDxirjtfAVPoAOv8TA2AM8MTeuRLMYTS8WwDCO6hLvkmoPsohFiAjhsSb6Rb4qeWXj07iopPlFX3fgHR3YaJDItuMIXFDx2s79Odc31IYU-AhQJfMoNr8-d0-s7S-GnZGVaro_O2RGCCXK8TAGvD15qYeK6jSAXGiYVqm4Kg6XiOU/s851/the-big-lie-by-gabriel-valjan--banner-r1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="851" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkE4764MptRNJS3dDxirjtfAVPoAOv8TA2AM8MTeuRLMYTS8WwDCO6hLvkmoPsohFiAjhsSb6Rb4qeWXj07iopPlFX3fgHR3YaJDItuMIXFDx2s79Odc31IYU-AhQJfMoNr8-d0-s7S-GnZGVaro_O2RGCCXK8TAGvD15qYeK6jSAXGiYVqm4Kg6XiOU/w400-h225/the-big-lie-by-gabriel-valjan--banner-r1.png" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>THE BIG LIE</i></h2>
<h3>by Gabriel Valjan</h3>
<h4>March 11 - April 5, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2jDr1gEgbsz9c2Gh5p_O-foqtktqEW-tPkf0yMEXQCEL_yVTMYNJKRvwR1b7LTZOzWQRa-GYMIfw0EpXYQ1Rpj-OBshUXBnY_7RL89IlnHdCertdqccPFYnyYlPDrp5_MHqMdB0o2Q3VUmt9vlDmPRo_1Lcsx1RCZ9ds2EYAfJsNXYHoaVGYoK_fdFc/s225/The-Big-Lie-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="150" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2jDr1gEgbsz9c2Gh5p_O-foqtktqEW-tPkf0yMEXQCEL_yVTMYNJKRvwR1b7LTZOzWQRa-GYMIfw0EpXYQ1Rpj-OBshUXBnY_7RL89IlnHdCertdqccPFYnyYlPDrp5_MHqMdB0o2Q3VUmt9vlDmPRo_1Lcsx1RCZ9ds2EYAfJsNXYHoaVGYoK_fdFc/s1600/The-Big-Lie-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>A Shane Cleary Mystery</h3>
<h4>LOST: Poodle. Standard. Black. Studded collar. No tags. Goes by the name of Boo.</h4>
<p>Sun Tzu may have said, ‘Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer,’ but he didn’t live in Boston, and he’s not Shane Cleary. Shane’s latest and most unexpected client, while not quite an enemy, is Southie’s most dangerous criminal. Everything screams he shouldn’t take the gig, finding the gangster’s lost dog, but Shane can’t resist the promised ‘bonus.’</p>
<p>His cat, Delilah, is against it, and his girlfriend, Bonnie, the lawyer, doesn’t know.</p>
<p>Life is neither easy nor simple for Shane. Bonnie asks for his help on a pro bono case, his friend Bill requests a sketchy background check, and a mafia henchman makes a peculiar request. Shane can’t help but think his client just might kill him anyway after he finishes the job.</p>
<p>Does Jimmy know a Truth that will change Shane’s life, or is it a Big Lie?</p>
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<h3>Praise for <i>THE BIG LIE</i>:</h3>
<p>"Gabriel Valjan writes in a voice not heard since the golden days of the noir novel. His tough characters—good guys, bad guys, and confused folks just caught in the whirlwind—sparkle like the facets of a dark jewel, and his images linger in the mind after the book’s long over." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ SJ Rozan, best-selling author of <em>THE MAYORS OF NEW YORK</em></span></p>
<p>"If Raymond Chandler were alive today, this is the story he’d write: Great characters, a noir-ish plot that never flags, writing that sizzles, and a relevant tale of the ways in which justice is, sadly, not blind." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Mally Becker, Agatha nominated author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/the-turncoats-widow-by-mally-becker/">THE TURNCOAT’S WIDOW</a></em></span></p>
<p>"Whip-smart, pacy, and full of curves. A worthy addition to the PI oeuvre." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Colin Campbell, Acclaimed author of the Jim Grant thrillers</span></p>
<p>"When you begin a crime novel with PI Shane Cleary getting hired by a gangster to find a stolen pooch, a standard poodle named Boo, there are several ways you can go, and most of them are downhill. Fortunately, Gabriel Valjan is at the helm of <i>THE BIG LIE</i>, which guarantees it heads in the right direction. Up. The dialogue is snappy, the retorts witty, and along the way we meet a host of unforgettable characters--hey, it’s Boston, what else would you expect?" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Charles Salzberg is the award-winning and Shamus Award nominated author of <em>SECOND STORY MAN, <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/canary-in-the-coal-mine-by-charles-salzberg/">CANARY IN THE COAL MINE</a> and the Henry Swann series</em></span></p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Who
knew that being asked to find a missing dog would lead to so much
adventure. But then, since the dog was owned by a mob boss, adventure
was sure to follow.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">These
PI novels featuring Shane Cleary are unique in that Shane blends a
life of being an acquaintance of mob bosses, an ex-police officer who
had alienated fellow police officers by being truthful, and the
significant other of an attorney. That makes for a complicated and
tightrope walking kind of life and it all comes together in this
novel. Although this novel is down the line in the series, it reads
pretty well on its own with enough back story included to make sense
of the action.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Valjan's
writing style is clear and entertaining. The pace of this novel is
consistent as Shane gets into all kinds of trouble. We are taken into
the murky world of mob influence, wondering of Shane will make it
through in one piece. He is also involved preventing the railroading
of a young black accused of theft. The two plot elements are woven
together to make an engaging novel centered on the character of Shane
as the driving force. The tight dialogue and relationship
interactions he has with Bonnie are good additional aspects of the
novel.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
recommend this novel to readers who would like an adventure into the
underworld of Boston in the 1970s featuring a realistic and
determined hero.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series: <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2020/03/dirty-old-town-blog-tour-and-giveaway.html " target="_blank">Dirty Old Town</a></i>, <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2021/02/symphony-road-by-gabriel-valjan-blog.html" target="_blank">Symphony Road</a></i>, <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2022/03/hush-hush-by-gabriel-valjan-blog-tour.html " target="_blank">Hush Hush</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2023/03/liars-dice-by-gabriel-valjan-book-review.html" target="_blank">Liar's Dice</a></i>.</span></p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Hardboiled Detective Mystery <br />
<b>Published by:</b> Level Best Books <br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> March 2024<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 175<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 978-1685125301 <br />
<b>Series:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/NmBDc" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Shane Cleary Mystery</a>, Book 5 <br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/prMRF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/Oglyd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/fhYYs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bookshop</a> </p>
</blockquote>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h4>CHAPTER ONE:</h4>
<h6>BROTHER RAT</h6>
<p>“A dog? You want me to find a dog?”</p>
<p>“That’s right.”</p>
<p>The head lifted, and eyes the color of Windex evaluated me. The slice of light from the streetlamp through the curtains behind him revealed a revolver on the armrest and a pair of pliers in one hand, which he squeezed to strengthen his grip. He used them to extract teeth from his victims. Whether he did it when they were alive or dead added to the legend and menace of Southie’s most infamous son. Another man stood near him.</p>
<p>I’m told life serves you the same lesson over and over until you learn what you need to learn before the next thing comes along. I’ve also been told that karma never forgets an address. Jimmy was proof of both. He almost killed me but didn’t. I should’ve killed him, but I couldn’t because he was protected, and not by the mob. A stained badge shielded the man sitting in my chair, in my apartment in Union Park.</p>
<p>My landlady had called me at Bonnie’s place. She told me I had visitors, and they wanted a word with me. She said Jimmy made a point to pet her two Corgis and offered her some advice. The thug recommended a brand of dog food so her dogs wouldn’t gain more weight. He emphasized canine physical fitness, which was pure Jimmy since he was a fitness nut.</p>
<p>Jimmy had muscles because like most of the young lions in Southie, he lifted weights. He sported a veined neck, muscular arms, and a thick chest trapped inside a tight polo shirt. I knew if I couldn’t take him, I was confident he’d feel me for days. We both weighed about 165 pounds, but I had a smidge more height to his five-eight. I had one more advantage over Jimmy, I could stand my ground and take a hit. Jimmy, like most jockeys of the weight room, walked around with toothpicks for legs because he neglected to train them. His pant leg rode high enough for me to eyeball pasty shins, black socks, and sneakers. No ankle piece there. </p>
<p>I read the room as I came in. The situation would play out in one of two ways. One is someone pulled a trigger, and my last thought was either part of the hardwood floor or, my brains were spaghetti against the wall and ceiling. The second option was I lived, forced to listen and learn how to avoid the same situation again. Like I said, a lesson in life and karma.</p>
<p>Jimmy murmured something to his bodyguard. It was low and slow, the kind of soft and secretive Irish whisper you’d expect in a bar’s last hour. I assumed he’d told his man to wait outside because the guy moved past me. The door to my apartment opened and closed. I didn’t see his face but caught a glimpse of the feet. Construction boots.</p>
<p>The pair of pliers indicated the chair near me. “Sit.”</p>
<p>“I prefer to stand.”</p>
<p>“Suit yourself.”</p>
<p>I peeled my jacket off, so he’d know I was armed. His eyes admired the holster. I knew what he was going to say, so I said it before he did. “Same rig as Steve McQueen in <em>Bullitt</em>.”</p>
<p>“Cross-draw don’t seem bright or effective.”</p>
<p>“Want to test me?”</p>
<p>His right hand pulsed with the pliers. A blued steel .357 slept on the left armrest of my favorite chair. His choice of firearm was an older model, not the kind Dirty Harry would carry, but it got the job done. Jimmy was right-handed, but that wasn’t the point. His eyes flashed, as a way to taunt me, and then focused. “Nah, I don’t feel lucky today, and all I want is for you to find my dog.” </p>
<p>“On second thought,” I said, “I think I’ll take that seat.”</p>
<p>“Excellent, we can have a civilized conversation then.”</p>
<p>I get all kinds of crazy for clients because my retainer and daily rates are reasonable. Paranoid businessmen hire me because they suspect a partner or a favorite employee is a thief. Neurotic spouses hire me because they see a frequent-flyer for a phone number on the bill from Ma Bell, or odd charges on their dearly beloved’s statement from American Express. Bonnie told me family law was the worst, and I agreed, but it pays the bills. </p>
<p>I’ve listened to more sob stories and provided more free advice than Ann Landers. In short, I’ve handled embezzlement, fraud, infidelity, and on occasion, missing persons, in addition to arson, murder, and narcotics. But this pitch to find a canine—a variation on a missing person or property—was new. </p>
<p>Jimmy, who didn’t like to be called Jimmy, was an extortionist, a murderer, and South Boston’s premier gangster, so it was hard for me to picture him heartsick over the absence of man’s best friend.</p>
<p>He said, “Don’t you have a cat?”</p>
<p>“Delilah.”</p>
<p>“Delilah, that’s right. You would be upset if she went missing, wouldn’t you?” His hand waved, pliers and all. “There’s a name…Delilah, as in Samson and Delilah. A female dog is called a bitch, but I never did learn what they called a female cat.”</p>
<p>“A molly.”</p>
<p>“You know, I’ve never cared for cats. Loyalty issues, moody and temperamental.”</p>
<p>“Rather ironic coming from you. Cats are excellent judges of character.”</p>
<p>“And what do you think your Delilah would say about me, if she could talk?”</p>
<p>“You wouldn’t want to know. Can we wrap this up?”</p>
<p>Delilah, he didn’t know, could talk. Sort of. She blinked once for Yes, twice for No, and meows were extra for emphasis. If she’d seen Jimmy now, she’d turn banshee and caterwaul profanities.</p>
<p>“You want me to find a dog?”</p>
<p>“A dog.”</p>
<p>“Your dog?”</p>
<p>“My dog.”</p>
<p>Jimmy had never been talky, or loud, but he commanded every room he was in with an unnerving silence. He neither drank nor smoked or used drugs. His mother was alive, and he looked after her like a doting son. His brother was successful on the other side of the tracks, in politics, and Jimmy went out of his way not to cast a shadow on <em>frater eius</em>. </p>
<p>“I’m aware that Shane Cleary doesn’t need my money. I know he does all right as a landlord for his Greek friend, with steady income from tenants, and this PI thing is something he does for kicks, to try to make life interesting.” </p>
<p>Those blue eyes sparkled in that truant light while he talked about me.</p>
<p>“Are you suggesting all that could vanish if I don’t take the case?” </p>
<p>“Not at all,” he said. “All I’m saying is I know things about you; things you might not know about yourself, things like personal history, and I don’t mean your falling out with the Boston Police Department.”</p>
<p>“Good to know, but I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”</p>
<p>“You were too good for them, like you’re too good to work for that dago in the North End.”</p>
<p>“And there it is. I earn my money, and you know it, Jimmy.”</p>
<p>“Yeah, you do. I had to say it before you tell me my money is no good.”</p>
<p>“Money makes the world go round,” I added.</p>
<p>“That’s right. Money does, and it’s all-American as apple pie.”</p>
<p>“I know your story, and you say you know mine. What if I don’t care what you know?”</p>
<p>“I do, and you will care about what I know. Speaking of I do, how come you haven’t asked that lawyer broad you’ve been seeing to marry you?”</p>
<p>“She doesn’t believe in marriage, and none of your business.” </p>
<p>Jimmy was a career criminal, and not someone I would associate with domesticity. Women close to him have disappeared, and yet there was little to nothing in his jacket for other misdeeds, thanks to his agent friend. Any priors going back to his teen years—like larceny, a spatter of robberies with a dash of assault and battery—was smoke on the water.</p>
<p>“Work this one case for me, Shane. It’s all I ask. I’ll pay you your rate and throw in the personal history as a bonus, if you’ll find my dog.”</p>
<p>“Personal history?”</p>
<p>“You haven’t read or seen it. Trust me, this is something you don’t know.”</p>
<p>“You said it yourself. I don’t need the money. As for your teaser about history …what if I don’t care?”</p>
<p>He stared at me. He was Windex and I was dirty glass.</p>
<p>“You will, I promise. That’s your problem in life, Shane Cleary. You care, and this one time, Jimmy is gonna set you straight.” </p>
<p>Jimmy was volatile as a bucket of gasoline, he liked to test boundaries. All he needed was fumes and a lit match. Like the time someone called him Old Blue Eyes in one of the taverns on Broadway. The poor souse probably meant it as a compliment after one too many beers. Jimmy didn’t see it that way. He especially hated Sinatra, the way he detested all Italians, so he stomped the guy’s face in. </p>
<p>His eyes glanced down at the weapon under my arm. The holster was such that the gun pointed up at the armpit. His eyes met mine. “Did you know my old man lost an arm? Crushed between two rail cars. You would’ve liked him, Shane. He was a quiet, proud man, what we would call socially conscientious today He’d clerk here and there at the Naval Yard, but he never worked a full-time job after he lost that arm.”</p>
<p>“Tough break.”</p>
<p>“Our fathers had something in common.” </p>
<p>Being Irish was my first thought, but I waited for it through tight teeth. I wanted to punch him in the face for making any comparison between us. I thought, I should’ve killed him when I had the chance. I wouldn’t lose sleep over it, either.</p>
<p>“We’re alike, you and I,” he said.</p>
<p>“First the teaser and now, flattery. I’ll bite. How do you figure we’re similar?”</p>
<p> “We’re both damaged. You came home from the war changed, like your old man.”</p>
<p>I couldn’t resist. “I went to Vietnam. What’s your excuse?” </p>
<p>That made him smile and say, “Know how we’re alike?”</p>
<p>“Don’t know, Jimmy. Maybe, some people would call us rats: me for my time with the BPD and you, well, you know.” </p>
<p>His face didn’t flinch or register emotion.</p>
<p>“We’re alike because we both believe we’re doing the right thing.” </p>
<p>I waited for the rationalization, how what he was doing with the FBI helped South Boston, his people, the maligned Irish. Jimmy was a psychopath, and his line of thinking was a special aisle at Toys “R” Us.</p>
<p>“I’m doing my part to clear this town of those wop bastards. No different from you cleaning the stables at the Station House, like when you testified against that crooked cop.”</p>
<p>“People within the department were crooked, Jimmy. He killed a black kid and staged the scene. There’s a difference.”</p>
<p>“‘Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto.’ Say what you will. Call me an informant. A snitch. Call me a rodent with whiskers and sharp teeth, but go look in the mirror, and tell me what you see, Brother Rat. Tell me how we’re not alike.”</p>
<p>“For starts, I was an only child. You weren’t.”</p>
<p>“You’re right. My brother, the smart one, helped me as best he could, like that teacher, that professor helped you.” He snapped his fingers. “What was his name?”</p>
<p>“Lindsey. Delano Lindsey.”</p>
<p>“Did you know I taught myself the classics? I did it, with a library card. See, we’re both strong on initiative and self-education. You look to me like you’re a man hot for Shakespeare. I bet you can quote something from the Bard. How ’bout it?”</p>
<p>“‘The Prince of Darkness is a gentleman.’ <em>Lear</em>.”</p>
<p>Jim wagged a finger. “That’s good, but let’s talk shop now.” </p>
<p>“Talk about your dog?”</p>
<p>“No, personal history. Your old man went the way of Hemingway, didn’t he?”</p>
<p>My blood rose. Several long seconds died between us, about the amount of time it took for one of Ray Guy’s punts to land downfield. </p>
<p>“I’ll let you in on something you didn’t know about the day he did a Hemingway.”</p>
<p>Through clenched teeth, I told him, “I know all I need to know about my father, thanks.” </p>
<p>“Do you? ‘To you your father should be as a god.’ <em>Midsummer Night’s Dream</em>.”</p>
<p>Jimmy rose and took his jacket. He dropped the pliers into a pocket and hung the jacket over his left arm. He inserted the gun into his waistband behind him. I sat there numb, confused, and intrigued. He said his man was outside, waiting in the car. Jimmy drove a black Mercury Grand Marquis.</p>
<p>He reached the door when, against my better judgment, I asked the question that betrayed my interest in the bait, his lure about personal history, “Where was the last place you saw the dog?” </p>
<p>“Roxbury. Dog groomer.”</p>
<p>Jim rattled off the address while my mind tried to picture him dropping off his pet in the black section of town. I had to ask him. “This dog have a name?”</p>
<p>“Boo.”</p>
<p>“As in <em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em>.”</p>
<p>“Righto.”</p>
<p>“One last thing,” I said. “Breed?”</p>
<p>“Poodle. Standard. Black. Studded collar. No tags.” </p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>The Big Lie</i> by Gabriel Valjan. Copyright 2024 by Gabriel Valjan. Reproduced with permission from Gabriel Valjan. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnD-kqNjDNHpT3yUHo6lTvChiDJt3GWzjJ2omuaPkz4Bf8HauGHtu7u3Jdi89DBFEUGYc3qsaqwtbTuI08a9FHcU2rx6mj-IOVGl1klIYiuh4Qip9w4HQF09wCYtNS-nJbYTqDO07i7QfzfyXW55xj0Reb3wnWyytd0yeJh7DR-G1HyXzKnVJcH4GvGQ/s160/Gabriel-Valjan.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="130" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnD-kqNjDNHpT3yUHo6lTvChiDJt3GWzjJ2omuaPkz4Bf8HauGHtu7u3Jdi89DBFEUGYc3qsaqwtbTuI08a9FHcU2rx6mj-IOVGl1klIYiuh4Qip9w4HQF09wCYtNS-nJbYTqDO07i7QfzfyXW55xj0Reb3wnWyytd0yeJh7DR-G1HyXzKnVJcH4GvGQ/s1600/Gabriel-Valjan.jpg" width="130" /></a></b></div><b>Gabriel Valjan</b> is the Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, Silver Falchion and Shamus nominated author of the Shane Cleary mystery series with Level Best Books. He received the 2021 Macavity Award for Best Short Story. Gabriel is a member of ITW, MWA, and Sisters in Crime. He is a regular contributor to the Criminal Minds blog. He lives in Boston’s South End and answers to a tuxedo cat named Munchkin.<p></p>
<h3>Catch Up With Gabriel Valjan:<br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/U3VW2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GabrielValjan.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/y5vt5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @gvaljan</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/4ulvo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @gabrielvaljan</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/0d6Tu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter/X - @GValjan</a><br />
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<p><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Photo: Gabriel Valjan, credit Peter Rozovosky</em></p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! <!--start LinkyTools script-->
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span><span style="color: black;">
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Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-40853144746623280752024-03-14T05:49:00.000-07:002024-03-14T05:49:30.967-07:00Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles by Elizabeth Crowens Blog Tour Book Review<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLveGvtSR-fXABeYD9SHLFE83gx8MonM6zdmIZo8x3eK4IuglZiSGWzFEQ2Bg3v8nuIuw42wKVGk-sTMwrZ-bedoQJ7wvEFvxYPUBREpz2UCNYon5h1h9f2rve6-zyhyOsXrTP8ItUPsCfNkRjZcghhaAIKdeG7dL-vkT0i8eCk57u7Y3mljAjwYEjzA/s851/hounds-of-the-hollywood-baskervilles-crowens--banner-.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="851" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLveGvtSR-fXABeYD9SHLFE83gx8MonM6zdmIZo8x3eK4IuglZiSGWzFEQ2Bg3v8nuIuw42wKVGk-sTMwrZ-bedoQJ7wvEFvxYPUBREpz2UCNYon5h1h9f2rve6-zyhyOsXrTP8ItUPsCfNkRjZcghhaAIKdeG7dL-vkT0i8eCk57u7Y3mljAjwYEjzA/w400-h225/hounds-of-the-hollywood-baskervilles-crowens--banner-.png" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles</i></h2>
<h3>by Elizabeth Crowens</h3>
<h4>February 26 - March 22, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTAAN7WyFlUqHzXzhHI9s2F98vYFdu_Zlwrcyftkp27z5oGuxO-SCCPq9ZEfRlXh2RydpEfvy8wui45WLLLHfX8aPdjdJwaXsIavhEg_ZJKi6gheR5QaVypWCF9lmI5uLfzubXZMmENRWl38zMIJZSVqrerpL1Nfk7iyoZa_jtFlMGQEJBvokXjpVVtM/s888/Hounds-of-the-Hollywood-Baskervilles-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTAAN7WyFlUqHzXzhHI9s2F98vYFdu_Zlwrcyftkp27z5oGuxO-SCCPq9ZEfRlXh2RydpEfvy8wui45WLLLHfX8aPdjdJwaXsIavhEg_ZJKi6gheR5QaVypWCF9lmI5uLfzubXZMmENRWl38zMIJZSVqrerpL1Nfk7iyoZa_jtFlMGQEJBvokXjpVVtM/s320/Hounds-of-the-Hollywood-Baskervilles-cover.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>“Sherlock Holmes has lost his dog? We have bigger crimes to solve. Go find him yourself!” That’s what the Los Angeles Police Department told Basil Rathbone. The City Pound ridiculed him as well.<p></p>
<p>Asta, the dog from the popular <em>Thin Man</em> series, has also vanished, and production for his next film is pending. MGM Studios offers a huge reward, and that’s exactly what young private detectives Babs Norman and Guy Brandt need for their struggling business to survive. Celebrity dognapping now a growing trend, Basil also hires them to find his missing Cocker Spaniel.</p>
<p>The three concoct a plan for Basil to assume his on-screen persona and round up possible suspects, including Myrna Loy and William Powell; Dashiell Hammett, creator of <em>The Thin Man</em>; Nigel Bruce, Basil’s on-screen Doctor Watson; Hollywood-newcomer, German philanthropist and film financier Countess Velma von Rache, and the top animal trainers in Tinseltown. Yet everyone will be in for a shock when the real reason behind the canine disappearances is even more sinister than imagined.</p>
<p>Jump into <em>Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles</em>, Book One of the Babs Norman Golden Age of Hollywood Mystery series, Finalist in the Killer Nashville Claymore Awards for Comedy and First Prize winner in the Chanticleer Review’s Mark Twain Awards for Comedy and Satire.</p>
<h5>Get ready for its sequel, <em>Bye, Bye, Blackbird</em>, featuring Humphrey Bogart and the cast of <em>The Maltese Falcon</em>.</h5><!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Praise for <i>Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles</i>:</h3>
<p>"I heartily enjoyed Elizabeth Crowens latest book <em><strong>HOUNDS OF THE HOLLYWOOD BASKERVILLES</strong></em>. This comedy-mystery is set during the golden age of Hollywood. Crowens’ detectives, Babs Norman and Guy Brandt, believe the case (involving dognapping and other nefarious doings) could put them on the map—especially with a star client like Basil Rathbone and suspects such as Myrna Loy, William Powell, Nigel Bruce, Dashiell Hammett, Lillian Hellman—and more. A nice look behind the scenes of the dream factory known as MGM and Hollywood in its glory days with a delicious whodunit with witty repartee to boot. This book is a real winner." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Charles Tranberg, author of <em>MURDER OVER COCKTAILS: THE THIN MAN FILMS</em></span></p>
<p>"Move over, Holmes and Watson. Stand aside, Nick and Nora Charles. Make room for PI Babs Norman and her Guy Friday, Guy Brandt! Author Elizabeth Crowens deftly combines humor, excitement, and epic name-dropping in this entertaining adventure set in Hollywood’s Golden Age." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Carla Coupe, editor of <em>Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine</em>, member of the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes and The Baker Street Irregulars</span></p>
<p>"Elizabeth Crowens’ <em>Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles</em> is a thrilling and hilarious romp through the days of Old Hollywood. If you ever wanted to jump into the screen and spend time with Nick Charles and Sherlock Holmes, this is the next best thing. I, for one, can’t wait for more adventures with Babs and Guy! Delightful!" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Phoef Sutton, Emmy Award-winning producer of <em>Cheers</em>, author of the Crush novels, and co-host of the <em>Film Freaks Forever</em> podcast</span></p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">This
is a mystery steeped in the 1940s world of Hollywood. Many of the
stars of the day make an appearance and there are many references to
movies of the time. Babs is an unusual PI, getting into all kinds of
trouble trying to find the missing dogs. She manages to alienate her
partner then get him back. She is relentless in her bumbling
investigation, however, leading to a suspenseful final confrontation.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">The
plot contains many layers as more than one mystery is included. The
story line wanders a bit between the missing dogs and other possible
nefarious deeds of war so the narrative becomes a bit confusing.
Readers learn some about animals in movies and how they are trained
along with many interesting facts about movies and the books upon
which they are based.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">Crowens'
writing style requires concentration as the dialogue is frequently a
bit unusual and the plot movement is sometimes fragmented. I often
wondered how a scene fit in to the overall movement of the action. I
was impressed with the amount of research that must have been done to
provide all the references to period people, movies and events.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">This
is a novel for readers who appreciate an unusual mystery set in the
golden time of Hollywood movies. Readers of Sherlock Holmes will also
like this historical romp.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span> My Rating: 4/5 stars.</span></div><p>
</p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Golden Age of Hollywood Humorous Mystery <br /><b>Published by:</b> Level Best Books<br /><b>Publication Date:</b> March 2024 <br /><b>Number of Pages:</b> 299<br /><b>Series:</b> A Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery, Book 1<br /><b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/uZrMB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/mGh0H" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kindle</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/TsSyN" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p>
</blockquote>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border: 3px groove 800000; height: 250px; margin: 20px; overflow: auto; padding: 20px;">
<h4>Chapter 1</h4>
<h6>Flea Circus Hollywood, 1940</h6>
<p>Babs bundled Miss Marple in a beach towel. Otherwise, she would get clawed. Her disgruntled partner flinched from fleabites while holding a box of kittens. She looked around the vet’s waiting room to see if she recognized anyone, but all she noticed were an unknown house frau with a French-cut Miniature Poodle, a uniformed nurse with a Cocker Spaniel, and a frumpy elder with a Shirley Temple hopeful hugging her Saint Bernard.</p>
<p>The front door flew open, revealing a tall, thin, but athletic gentleman with his chestnut hair slicked back. His striking profile rivaled classic sculptures, except for the sweat which dripped down his forehead. Under one arm were photostat flyers. Under the other, a folded-up copy of Daily Variety. Both featured photos of dogs.</p>
<p>Guy poked Babs in the ribs to get her attention. “Recognize him?”</p>
<p>She observed the newcomer, who explained his dilemma in haste to the assistant, but most of what Babs could see was from behind. “Who?”</p>
<p>“Rathbone…Basil Rathbone.”</p>
<p>“The actor who plays Sherlock Holmes?”</p>
<p>“Shush. Don’t advertise it to everyone on Sunset Boulevard.”</p>
<p>In a whisper, he disclosed the highlights of the actor’s resume. “That, and Captain Blood, A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and more, not to mention quite a bit of theater. If we keep it discreet, maybe we can find out why he’s here.”</p>
<p>Basil approached the lady with the cocker and asked if he could scratch him under his chin. “Such a handsome boy. My Leo looks a lot like him, except his coat is a deep red rather than brown.”</p>
<p>He pointed to the bulletin board with listings for lost pets and adoptions and handed the front desk assistant his entire stack. “I’ll have more printed. Please give them to all of your clients. If I can’t find my poor Leo, I don’t know what I’ll do.”</p>
<p>Babs saw this as an opportunity to get acquainted. She sprang from her seat, clutching the hissing fuzzball wrapped like a jellyroll. “Maybe I can help in your search.”</p>
<p>Basil narrowed his eyes. “Do I know you?”</p>
<p>“Babs Norman.” She attempted to extend her hand for a proper introduction, but struggled with the snarling feline. “Cast as an extra in The Adventures of Robin Hood.”</p>
<p>“Ah…with Errol Flynn, in the days when the studios always had me play the villain.”</p>
<p>She gleaned from the subtle shift on his face he didn’t care for his co-star.</p>
<p>He eyed her with sudden skepticism. “Refresh my memory. What scene were you in? Almost all parts were male.”</p>
<p>“When Sir Robin of Locksley revealed to Maid Marion that he saved the lives of desperate villagers. I played a peasant wife, but my back was toward the camera.”</p>
<p>“What a shame,” Basil said.</p>
<p>Babs blushed. “I used to be an actress, but not anymore.”</p>
<p>“What do you consider yourself now?” Basil asked.</p>
<p>The vet’s assistant came between them. “Miss, maybe he desires privacy.” He ignored Babs and asked Basil. “Sir, have you filed a report with the pound?”</p>
<p>“I tried, but I have little faith they can help. Everyone laughed and said, ‘Sherlock Holmes has lost his dog!’”</p>
<p>Babs cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention. First, she addressed the rude assistant. “Excuse me, but you interrupted us before I could answer his question.” Then she turned to Basil. “The reason I’m no longer an actress is now I’m a private investigator. The gentleman next to me is my associate, Guy Brandt.”</p>
<p>Basil dismissed the employee’s well-meaning intervention. “Such an odd transition from acting. What compelled you to get into that business?”</p>
<p>She lowered her head. “It’s a long story.” He didn’t need to know the truth about her father’s murder. “I also have an acute talent for finding things, whether they are people…or pets.”</p>
<p>“You have an actual private investigator’s license?” Basil asked.</p>
<p>“In my purse.” She tried to fish it out while wrestling with the cat, who broke free from her grasp. Between Guy and another staff member, they corralled the anxious tabby into a handheld cage.</p>
<p>“I’m so sorry.” Babs looked around at the bedlam of barking dogs. “This stray doesn’t want to nurse her kits, and I think she has—”</p>
<p>“Fleas.” Basil scratched his arms. “Looks like we’re both having kittens.”</p>
<p>She also felt an oncoming rash. “Come again?”</p>
<p>“Ha! It’s a peculiar old English expression. People believed a witch’s curse caused painful pregnancies, but instead of a child, they thought the woman had kittens inside her, clawing to get out. Since I’m not expectant, it shows my uncomfortable position in more ways than one.”</p>
<p>Babs flushed; aware this was an awkward introduction for a potential client. Meanwhile, staff members brought the kittens into the back for examination.</p>
<p>She plucked her ID and her business card out of her purse. “B. Norman, Investigations. In case you need proof.”</p>
<p>He put down his copy of Daily Variety to accept her card. Babs swiped his tabloid, attracted by a photo of another dog on its cover.</p>
<p>“Someone else’s dog is missing.” Babs read the article out loud. “Skippy, the wire-haired Fox Terrier known as Asta in the Thin Man movies, has vanished. Production is supposed to start on the next film featuring the lovable detectives Nick and Nora Charles. A one-thousand-dollar reward. No questions asked.”</p>
<p>Guy whistled. “That’s one hefty jackpot.”</p>
<p>Basil looked at her business card one more time. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’ll match that for the return of my red cocker. My wife will think I’m insane. I was offering one hundred.” He showed them his flyers. “For you, as professionals, I guess I’ll make an exception, since now it looks like I have serious competition from producers with studio funds. Is that enough of an incentive?”</p>
<p>“Our agency is on Hollywood Boulevard, close to La Brea,” she said with a confident smile.</p>
<p>“Let’s say I stop over tomorrow on the way to the studio. Perhaps I should trust your expertise if you say you’re so good with animals.”</p>
<p>Babs nodded and forced herself to contain her excitement. “Sir, do you mind if I borrow your newspaper?”</p>
<p>“Keep it,” Basil said. He handed her both his copy of Daily Variety and several of his flyers.</p>
<p>After he left, she turned to her partner. “Who says we can’t go after both Asta or Skippy and Leo?”</p>
<p>The vet returned with the verdict. “There’s no doubt your adult cat has a case of fleas, which might have also infested your furniture. The kittens are another matter. They’re too young to eat food on their own. The obvious issue you overlooked is the adult is not their mama, because she’s a he. Not so obvious with his long and thick matted fur. That’s why he wouldn’t nurse the little ones.”</p>
<p>Babs turned red. “I can’t believe I was so caught up in the moment that I overlooked something that simple.”</p>
<p>“A coincidence, I’m afraid. You must’ve put two and two together when you found this fellow near a box of abandoned kittens,” the vet explained. “The newborns will need around-the-clock attention, and Old Tom will need a few flea baths before he’s ready to go back to anyone’s home.”</p>
<p>Babs grimaced. She looked at Guy and then back toward the vet. “Can’t play nursemaid while running a business.”</p>
<p>“Don’t worry.” The vet reassured her. “Leave them here. My staff will handle it. We’ll find good homes for all of them.”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles</i> by Elizabeth Crowens. Copyright 2023 by Elizabeth Crowens. Reproduced with permission from Elizabeth Crowens. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p><b>Elizabeth Crowens</b> has worn many hats in the entertainment industry and has a popular Caption Contest on Facebook. She has three award-winning alternate history novels. Awards include 2020 Leo B. Burstein Scholarship from the MWA-NY Chapter, New York Foundation of the Arts grant, an Eric Hoffer Award, Honorable Mention in the Glimmer Train Awards, and two grand prize and five first prize Chanticleer Awards, including Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles, the first in her Babs Norman Hollywood series, which is also a Killer Nashville Claymore Awards finalist and part of her three-book publishing deal with Level Best Books</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Elizabeth Crowens:<br /><a href="https://pictbooks.review/au3FRAUw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ElizabethCrowens.com</a><br /><a href="https://pictbooks.tours/rpGMT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br /><a href="https://pictbooks.review/jolXmrhY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @ECrowens</a><br /><a href="https://pictbooks.review/3GD2ANMv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @crowens_author</a><br /><a href="https://pictbooks.tours/ISscN" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter/X - @ECrowens</a><br /><a href="https://pictbooks.tours/5YfLZ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @thereel.elizabeth.crowens</a></h3>
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Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-26915574087610380882024-03-12T05:32:00.000-07:002024-03-12T05:32:16.790-07:00Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing by Lisa R Howeler Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHAg1whOjkUrjSxpDr7AMlV-nKRc8buFXu3-_MSd4AGBEeItLcc2foivEITId7eTp3jZw4JueYK4undhbWqxaYISTuN34C497oZHzGqHTK5TX0AoYP8AsPtrJ0PMazTcwiwESoYSRES9J2aykk8B1ciTiD3cPGWCx8pR3YGb51DhASMM6-Fmy9Uu5bcc/s851/gladwynn-Grant-Gets-Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHAg1whOjkUrjSxpDr7AMlV-nKRc8buFXu3-_MSd4AGBEeItLcc2foivEITId7eTp3jZw4JueYK4undhbWqxaYISTuN34C497oZHzGqHTK5TX0AoYP8AsPtrJ0PMazTcwiwESoYSRES9J2aykk8B1ciTiD3cPGWCx8pR3YGb51DhASMM6-Fmy9Uu5bcc/w400-h148/gladwynn-Grant-Gets-Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAO6RuWnS_ibpEpw_WONXT1iDWVQa-JpMIAvinb_pacZp3f2yqr9yKCyQEK1Xy6X0NUZ6BKqTeoTb7F6c7nJRkrd1KCoDPRbkSc96BOE-5qwRdAvsJF2U-dbPz1yHCMjGQDfz1gopxnBFb713_kNPkGTrxpPmilPc3fCg1IU6R_zBehxKlwv9jiK2kg/s228/Gladwynn-Grant-Gets-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="150" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdAO6RuWnS_ibpEpw_WONXT1iDWVQa-JpMIAvinb_pacZp3f2yqr9yKCyQEK1Xy6X0NUZ6BKqTeoTb7F6c7nJRkrd1KCoDPRbkSc96BOE-5qwRdAvsJF2U-dbPz1yHCMjGQDfz1gopxnBFb713_kNPkGTrxpPmilPc3fCg1IU6R_zBehxKlwv9jiK2kg/s1600/Gladwynn-Grant-Gets-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book: </strong>Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Lisa R. Howeler</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Clean Cozy Mystery</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>July 11, 2023</p><p><strong><em>A little bit of mystery, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart</em></strong></p><p>After being laid off from her job as a librarian at a small college, Gladwynn Grant isn’t sure what her next step in life is. When a job as a small-town newspaper reporter opens up in the town her grandmother Lucinda Grant lives in, she decides to take it to get away from a lot of things – Bennett Steele for one.</p><p>Lucinda has been living alone since Gladwynn’s grandfather passed away six years ago and she isn’t a take-it-easy, rock-on-your-front-porch kind of grandma. She’s always on the go and lately, she’s been on the go with a man who Gladwynn doesn’t know.</p><p>Gladwynn thought Brookstone was a small, quiet town, but within a few days of being there, she has to rethink that notion. Someone has cut the bank loan officer’s brakes, threatening letters are being sent, and memories of a jewelry theft from the 1990s have everyone looking at the cold case again.</p><p>What, if anything, will Gladwynn uncover about her new hometown and her grandmother’s new male friend? And what will she do about her grandmother’s attempt to set her up with the handsome Pastor Luke Callahan?</p><p>Find out in this modern mystery with a vintage feel.</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/3OsQRiA" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
is an enjoyable cozy mystery. I like Gladwynn as an amateur sleuth.
It is her character that makes this cozy mystery work. The transition
from being a research librarian to investigative reporter for a small
town newspaper makes for fun reading. The mystery is a bit complex
and involves a cold case burglary as well as current nefarious
activities. The novel is a light read with no heart throbbing
suspense nor heartbreaking tragedy.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Howeler
adds personal interest to the story by Gladwynn having to face an old
boyfriend trying to restore their relationship. Gladwynn also
develops good relationships with a few local men indicating the possibility
of future romance.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
recommend this cozy mystery. It has fun main and support characters
and some good sleuthing by Gladwynn. I look forward to reading about
more of her adventures.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYc_YNDT1JUx8tPErJgzm4I6Kqrxaj1SiQ1CCIWctKN12yAEIAMoiQHEtB6Dj61tQUgxKesKKRU6N7tv0s9H3ogh4_WfXbrZQpa9nyaoSTc1pWN03u9hYkhP3_llClpBCRIDqMcR9_7u0YXfroFFGOTNfszZW-0rNv9BMs_iW48TSpYJjsEkTacYXLmk/s184/Lisa-Robinson-Howeler.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="130" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYc_YNDT1JUx8tPErJgzm4I6Kqrxaj1SiQ1CCIWctKN12yAEIAMoiQHEtB6Dj61tQUgxKesKKRU6N7tv0s9H3ogh4_WfXbrZQpa9nyaoSTc1pWN03u9hYkhP3_llClpBCRIDqMcR9_7u0YXfroFFGOTNfszZW-0rNv9BMs_iW48TSpYJjsEkTacYXLmk/s1600/Lisa-Robinson-Howeler.jpg" width="130" /></a></strong></div><strong>Lisa Robinson-Howeler</strong> is a writer and photographer from Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband and two children, her dog Zooma and her two cats Pixel and Scout. She is a former small-town newspaper reporter. She is also a wife, blogger, and a homeschooling mother. She blogs about fiction, faith, photography, and life.<p></p><h1><span underline="">More from Lisa</span></h1><p>I can’t say that Gladwynn Grant’s character is based completely on my grandmother, but, in some ways, I did. I named her Gladwynn after my paternal grandmother who I grew up living over the creek and through the woods from.</p><p>Gladwynn was her middle name but I’m not really sure how she spelled it because she never really used it. She usually just wrote G. as the middle initial. When we did a search on Ancestry, we saw that some spellings on her documents were Gladwin and some were Gladwyn. I guess her family wasn’t sure either, but if I remember right (I don’t have the document right in front of me) on her birth certificate it was spelled Gladwin.</p><p>I liked the spelling of Gladwynn with a “y” and two “n’s” though so that is how I spelled Gladwynn’s name for the books.</p><p>My grandmother was tough and to the point. She wasn’t mean but she didn’t pull punches. She was not super maternal or affectionate. Again, though, she was not mean.</p><p>She lived through the Great Depression and raised children during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.</p><p>Her youngest, my dad, was in the Air Force when Vietnam broke out. He was never sent overseas but he helped build bombs and work on airplanes during that time.</p><p>She knew about hardship, trials, and heartbreak. Her husband died of cancer when he was in his 60s and she spent the next 35 years without him. She began to lose her eyesight to macular degeneration in her 80s.</p><p>None of what life threw at her stopped her from living her best life.</p><p>She still traveled and kept her house and property up. At the age of 86 I caught her on a ladder cleaning out the gutters. Around the same age she marched down the dirt road in front of her house with a walking stick and told the township road workers to make sure the drainage pipe they were putting in didn’t run into her field and flood it.</p><p>If she was afraid of things, she didn’t show it very often.</p><p>My family lived with her while I was in college and I learned so much about how to preserve and live a happy and fulfilled life despite the tragedies or trials of my life.</p><p>When I started thinking about writing a cozy mystery series, I wanted the main character to be a lot like grandma, but also more affectionate and sentimental than my grandmother seemed at times.</p><p>I only remember my grandmother telling me she loved me once or twice in my life, but I know she did because she showed it in her actions toward me.</p><p>I wrote Gladwynn to be bold and tough, but also to be affectionate and open with her feelings – a lot like my grandmother, but also a little different.</p><p>I think my grandmother would love the idea that I am writing a series of books based on her name and partially on her personality.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/owhkhqhrgrq4rwfv/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw0ZEXi9K4JAw298n-OulRDH" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/owhkhqhrgrq4rwfv/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, March 12</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/z2hghnh3p3lo3ptp/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw2Tkm_sH6UD9s9ZxvJK2Js3" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/z2hghnh3p3lo3ptp/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, March 13</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/p8heh9hzgzq9zxsq/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob2xseXNib29rY29ybmVyLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw2aqfOj4eIHzKFopPHLm2bP" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/p8heh9hzgzq9zxsq/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob2xseXNib29rY29ybmVyLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Holly’s Book Corner</a>, March 13</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/x0hph6hw9wqnwxf5/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw0wlTWOda0s6VKtlatSnjX6" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/x0hph6hw9wqnwxf5/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, March 14</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/6qheh8h7n79p7xto/aHR0cHM6Ly9sdWFubmFidWJibGVzLndpeHNpdGUuY29tL2Rldm90ZWRob3Bl&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw1jUv9oWL2ju5Js6qSKf3fD" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/6qheh8h7n79p7xto/aHR0cHM6Ly9sdWFubmFidWJibGVzLndpeHNpdGUuY29tL2Rldm90ZWRob3Bl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Devoted To Hope</a>, March 15</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/58hvh7hmkm65mxc6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw1iNZEtHgCDtgkNj9Z01Fuj" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/58hvh7hmkm65mxc6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, March 16</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/25h2hoh242m72ws3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw3p4zUr0SJikWDVWyAbexdC" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/25h2hoh242m72ws3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, March 17</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/g3hnh5h363qe38fr/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw3naFqkvalfDtfB82MnSzSN" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/g3hnh5h363qe38fr/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, March 18</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/9qhzhnhpzp5gpoa9/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw3BfWSrN1b_YpajqA4xSEMr" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/9qhzhnhpzp5gpoa9/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, March 19 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/3ohphkh747pq7pir/aHR0cDovL3d3dy53YWxzaG1vdW50YWlucHVibGlzaGluZy5jb20vYmxvZw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw09ad0Wq4vG3UkKslbhNRCE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/3ohphkh747pq7pir/aHR0cDovL3d3dy53YWxzaG1vdW50YWlucHVibGlzaGluZy5jb20vYmxvZw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mornings at Character Cafe</a>, March 19</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/48hvhehr6rx0r3ax/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29rbG9va3NieWxpc2EuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw3X5o8KRI5E9as_iXPSDo9f" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/48hvhehr6rx0r3ax/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29rbG9va3NieWxpc2EuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Looks by Lisa</a>, March 20</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/reh8hoh0w06qm9h2/aHR0cHM6Ly9qZWFubmluZWJlbm5ldHQuY29tL2FuLWF1dGhvcnMtdGFrZS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw1BhB7b-XA6VGRRDq5n8hzE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/reh8hoh0w06qm9h2/aHR0cHM6Ly9qZWFubmluZWJlbm5ldHQuY29tL2FuLWF1dGhvcnMtdGFrZS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">An Author’s Take</a>, March 21</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/8ghqhohlqlrgo2ck/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw3gKkEyrSE-QKtSFtrdHFfJ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/8ghqhohlqlrgo2ck/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, March 22</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/vqh3hrhpepwno4sg/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw0jm_cRh8HEc3LZK4DwSchY" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/vqh3hrhpepwno4sg/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogging With Carol</a>, March 23</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/l2hehmh363xolvt6/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw048REeFh8ovcoyd0Jn9f7U" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/l2hehmh363xolvt6/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pause for Tales</a>, March 23</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/m2h7h5h8m84o37tm/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw0Iyv68bMCRmzNAa6J7G4Rv" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/m2h7h5h8m84o37tm/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lily’s Corner</a>, March 24</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/dpheh0h080pqe7sm/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw37b-S6q76qDylwm2BLghHV" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/dpheh0h080pqe7sm/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For Him and My Family</a>, March 25</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/e0hph7h0q0rk7ka8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl&source=gmail&ust=1710274763894000&usg=AOvVaw0qkC2X9JUHRZsU0ohCgmZB" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/0vu828573et9hoemk8nalhwew8k55/e0hph7h0q0rk7ka8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Hake</a>, March 25</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAgsSjS_uQk6c8Q0nuiPk-NISDwZcW2dJAvanMsPftfs9B9RxeJeIPPnFx5Da4EuCcJt0WIXrDYhJ0oqPKn721igV94J0Q9tWnU8JOaBpi3J9dY2Bb7ZIW31cUvpJriQawSRdV9sx5Ing20vftVg9Y_xTZvr9oU2FaYF7oXJMO4myxuKqHf-Ytur_ytM/s251/Gladwynn-Grant-Gets-Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="251" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAgsSjS_uQk6c8Q0nuiPk-NISDwZcW2dJAvanMsPftfs9B9RxeJeIPPnFx5Da4EuCcJt0WIXrDYhJ0oqPKn721igV94J0Q9tWnU8JOaBpi3J9dY2Bb7ZIW31cUvpJriQawSRdV9sx5Ing20vftVg9Y_xTZvr9oU2FaYF7oXJMO4myxuKqHf-Ytur_ytM/s1600/Gladwynn-Grant-Gets-Giveaway.png" width="251" /></a></div><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><b>To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!</b></p><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><b>Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</b></p><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7a8/gladwynn-grant-gets-her-footing-celebration-tour-giveaway" style="background-color: white; box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://promosimple.com/ps/2a7a8/gladwynn-grant-gets-her-footing-celebration-tour-giveaway</span></a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-69180923055933420442024-03-12T05:25:00.000-07:002024-03-12T05:25:19.746-07:00Never Fall Again by Lynn H Blackburn Book Review<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Book:</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv-YflmLzkimBs84Ry2Jid8-aypIx6cfkrNM5kriKTTU4wGDNjTH2-VEPRmOCoJqprwwOUxqNw-0D5RXX22KjyRF9WF0vFJEJTO1KjoCWiuD5gioSnprjAerLlJI_BD51SHBqkK4RpVQBXadPJRavnaAe6B_kK_AeXRqavenmGuPm3GASJy1hnbJjMv8/s231/Never-Fall-Again-cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="150" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv-YflmLzkimBs84Ry2Jid8-aypIx6cfkrNM5kriKTTU4wGDNjTH2-VEPRmOCoJqprwwOUxqNw-0D5RXX22KjyRF9WF0vFJEJTO1KjoCWiuD5gioSnprjAerLlJI_BD51SHBqkK4RpVQBXadPJRavnaAe6B_kK_AeXRqavenmGuPm3GASJy1hnbJjMv8/s1600/Never-Fall-Again-cover.png" width="150" /></a></div>Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. After serving as the artist-in-residence, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home in which to grow up.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;" /><span face=""Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">Former Marine Callum Shaw always knew he would someday join his family's construction business in Gossamer Falls. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. The beautiful artist who has hired him to build her new house is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. He's loved--and lost--someone like her before.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;" /><span face=""Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">When Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire, it becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but from whom? Cal will have to risk his heart again if he has any hope of protecting them.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can read an excerpt <a href="http://cdn.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/book-resources/files/Excerpt_9780800745363.pdf?1699385082" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My Review:</span></h4><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">This
inspirational romantic suspense has an emphasis on romance. The
mystery takes a back seat and there is really no suspense until near
the end. There is lots of small town drama, however. The romance is
very interesting and moves at a reasonable pace. A Christian faith
message is included but it is not overbearing.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">It's
the characters that makes this novel engaging. Both Landry and Cal
have been hurt deeply, presenting serious obstacles to romance. I
really like how Blackburn created events so the two had to work
through their individual issues and be drawn to each other. And my
favorite character was Eliza, the little five year old who is a most
delightful child.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">Blackburn
has also added a number of secondary family characters with troubled
pasts, people in need of the kind of healing and promise of a future
Landry experienced in this novel. I think that means there will be
more entertaining novels in this series and I'll be watching for
them.</span></span></p>
<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;">I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.</span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My rating: 4/5 stars.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Author:</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcp5bhJwjz7C0jRzPCdUv_2tjZxXgPAARZ0XnIL7vksPnuk4veXe7UI7yks1UEbnRlRDjKqXgZSUh6IN9FQ375eO4ASyIhlYsoWjJnQOsIKZnmKiiX-VVtUkbEQQPUeIPMiCI2UQAmVgBv9GV6swaiHr1SYtgaf6dZqfPALs18JUXM-VGS8TDTZKvT3s/s171/Lynn-Blackburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="130" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcp5bhJwjz7C0jRzPCdUv_2tjZxXgPAARZ0XnIL7vksPnuk4veXe7UI7yks1UEbnRlRDjKqXgZSUh6IN9FQ375eO4ASyIhlYsoWjJnQOsIKZnmKiiX-VVtUkbEQQPUeIPMiCI2UQAmVgBv9GV6swaiHr1SYtgaf6dZqfPALs18JUXM-VGS8TDTZKvT3s/s1600/Lynn-Blackburn.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>Lynn H. Blackburn</b><span face=""Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121;"> is the award-winning author of </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;">Unknown Threat</i><span face=""Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;">Malicious Intent</i><span face=""Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">, and </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121;">Under Fire</i><span face=""Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at <a href="http://www.LynnHBlackburn.com" target="_blank">www.LynnHBlackburn.com</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Lynette Eason</span>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Revell, 352 pages.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.</div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-29157894240983380562024-03-11T05:58:00.000-07:002024-03-11T06:12:33.496-07:00Wet, Warm and Noisy by David Willson Blog Tour Book Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH8qacblQ9FKSwGMcotxmwT7_51yzC134Gf8zOmR7cwZJvQWrgAnyKcdylX66kPH6Xs4jgdBWMtqN3RDBb0IYsONOVgyR5s8QoUzpsGdSBK7B2LThlQdxJ0odN42NiBc3WK3reiLU36QUuP48fmYc3LW4Pco6OStmazUdE2hl-r0NDgjUr_cxhqTvbG8/s851/wet-warm-and-noisy-by-david-a-willson--banner-r2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="851" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDH8qacblQ9FKSwGMcotxmwT7_51yzC134Gf8zOmR7cwZJvQWrgAnyKcdylX66kPH6Xs4jgdBWMtqN3RDBb0IYsONOVgyR5s8QoUzpsGdSBK7B2LThlQdxJ0odN42NiBc3WK3reiLU36QUuP48fmYc3LW4Pco6OStmazUdE2hl-r0NDgjUr_cxhqTvbG8/w400-h225/wet-warm-and-noisy-by-david-a-willson--banner-r2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>Wet, Warm and Noisy</i></h2>
<h3>by David A. Willson</h3>
<h4>March 4-29, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0ReH-Req0HQ_2M3qYKnTOKZedquWrc3xTx8fTw6k9XSufKUAqNRT0qvLLdbmULWYF6yeMWl29_C6bsXAZPpu4dN-XojxvX480p-0Rv2PEbAifNhxJB_r8CRaV5ID57Pj1ki8f6KpwuaTEu4Ncwesj-UoX0lLs3uYTOWEpsD8WyZxfls65UmfTlQylLg/s240/Wet-Warm-and-Noisy-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="150" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0ReH-Req0HQ_2M3qYKnTOKZedquWrc3xTx8fTw6k9XSufKUAqNRT0qvLLdbmULWYF6yeMWl29_C6bsXAZPpu4dN-XojxvX480p-0Rv2PEbAifNhxJB_r8CRaV5ID57Pj1ki8f6KpwuaTEu4Ncwesj-UoX0lLs3uYTOWEpsD8WyZxfls65UmfTlQylLg/s1600/Wet-Warm-and-Noisy-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>A supernatural crime thriller set in Alaska, the Last Frontier...</h4>
<p>Surrounded by the unforgiving climate of the frozen north, Jake Ward, a tenacious Alaska State Trooper Investigator and cancer survivor, is on a relentless quest to regain his health and return to full-duty status.</p>
<p>But Ward's world takes a bone-chilling turn during a routine polygraph examination when a woman escapes custody, leaving an officer critically injured. What started as an ordinary investigation transforms into a complex web of intrigue, where medical experimentation and consciousness collide.</p>
<p>In "<i>Wet, Warm, and Noisy</i>," Willson masterfully blurs the boundaries between law enforcement and the supernatural, leading readers on a heart-pounding journey through a realm where the tangible and the mysterious intersect. With time slipping away, can Ward decipher the enigmas that defy reason, or will forces that transcend human experience overwhelm him?</p>
<p>Author David A. Willson, with over two decades of experience as an Alaska State Trooper, brings a rare authenticity to crime fiction that will both enlighten and captivate you. Prepare yourself for an electrifying thriller that challenges the very foundations of our reality.</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Cutting
edge technology uses quantum physics principles, such as quantum
computing. But what about the brain? Does the human mind function in
the quantum realm? Brains are too wet, warm, and noisy to house quantum
activity, it would seem, yet experiments suggest they do.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Willson
has crafted a captivating novel exploring the possibility of quantum
activity in the brain and doing experiments to investigate the
possible advances from studying it. The experiments also explored near death
or actual death experiences. Through these experiences, Willson shows
the reality of a realm beyond our physical one.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Willson's
writing style is an easy one to read and I liked the consistent pace
of the action. I recommend this novel to those who would like a good
blend of science fiction, mystery, and police procedure blended into lots of suspense.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3><span style="font-family: inherit;">Book Details:</span></h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Speculative Crime Thriller<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Seeker Press<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> March 2024<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 236<br />
<b>ASIN:</b> B0CR4BV1XP <br />
<b>Series:</b> A Jake Ward Novel, 1<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/1Fj00" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/RByfy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </p>
</blockquote>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h6>Palmer, Alaska - Today</h6>
<p>Cool springtime winds kicked up across the shooting range just outside the Palmer city limits. Behind the long mound of dirty ice and gravel that served as a backstop, the majestic Chugach mountains, half-covered in snow, stood proudly in the distance as two men faced a target stand. The target was cardboard, the outline of a human torso stapled to two upright posts. The men were real, however. One was an Alaska State Trooper firearms instructor serving as range master. The other was Trooper Investigator Jacob Ward.</p>
<p>The shot timer sounded and Ward’s right hand went to his hip. In a fluid motion, his thumb defeated the retention mechanism and his fingers clasped the handgrip to free the .40 caliber Glock pistol from his belt, then pointed it toward the target. At least he hadn’t gotten hung up on the holster this time.</p>
<p>Grip. Clear. Rock-and-lock. </p>
<p>Almost a second had already passed when his left hand moved from its place on his solar plexus to the pistol, completing his grip on the gun. The smack step.</p>
<p>He pushed it forward to the target, closing one eye as he focused on the front sight. The look step.</p>
<p>He imagined his index finger pulling the slack off the trigger as he prepared to deliver two shots, center mass, but couldn’t be sure, because he couldn’t feel it. Not even a bit.</p>
<p>Pop. Pop.</p>
<p>Two shots. One had gone early, and hit wide of the target because his presentation was terrible. It’d been too long since he’d been to the range and the results were showing. Then, of course, there was the other issue.</p>
<p>He aimed the gun higher, focusing on the head of the paper target. </p>
<p>Focus.</p>
<p>His finger started to pull back again when the shot timer beeped again.</p>
<p>Pop.</p>
<p>Too late.</p>
<p>“Overtime,” the range master said, as if Jake didn’t know. It was his third penalty in as many rounds. “First shot went off early, which wouldn’t be a problem if you had a better presentation, but it’s wide. And slow.”</p>
<p>“Yeah.”</p>
<p>“Fingers still numb?”</p>
<p>“Nah,” Ward lied, then turned back and forth, doing his safety scans before inserting a full magazine and replacing the pistol into the holster at his hip. Frustrated and nervous, he needlessly adjusted his hearing protection. A breeze swept across the range, startling him as it brought a chill to his shaved head. Maybe he should have worn something warmer than his State Trooper ball cap, but the blue BDUs and cap were as close to a uniform as he could get until he got approval for full duty. He wanted to feel like a Trooper today. In a bad way.</p>
<p>“Are you pushing this too soon? The Captain is happy to keep you on light duty for a while yet.”</p>
<p>“If I don’t get out here and just do it, I’ll never qualify. Neuropathy or not.”</p>
<p>“True. But with three overtimes already, I’m not sure you’re gonna make any progress with a qual course today.” The burly range master took a step closer, a concerned look on his face. Ward had rarely seen the man show any feeling - he was all business. “Everyone knows you shoot well, but you’ve had a rough go lately. You’ll get there, but not all at once. Let’s ditch the course and do some slow presentations. Dry practice, maybe. Fundamentals.”</p>
<p>But Ward didn’t move, instead squaring up to the target. It wasn’t just the neuropathy and numb fingers. He had weak toes and shaky hands. And shaky confidence. But he wouldn’t get his mojo back by sitting at a desk. And pity didn't help one bit.</p>
<p>“Suit yourself,” the range master said, then let out a huff and took a step back. He paused a moment, then raised his voice back to range levels. “Again, fail to stop drill at seven yards. Five seconds from the holster.”</p>
<p>Ward focused, his eyes drilling a hole in the target where he wanted the shots to hit.</p>
<p>“Shooter ready!”</p>
<p>The timer sounded.</p>
<p>* * *</p>
<p>The drive to work along the Glenn Highway was uneventful, other than a speeder that insisted on doing eighty-five, tailgating everyone who dared occupy their lane. If he’d been driving his assigned vehicle, Ward would have activated his emergency lights and pulled the punk over for a friendly conversation. But light duty status means no Trooper rig unless you have special permission, not even an unmarked one. And no gun, at least until he could qualify.</p>
<p>The occasional wind gust caused Ward’s blue Chevy pickup to sway within the lanes, distracting him from the sound of the political commentary streaming through the truck’s speakers. The talk radio host paused for a news report announcing a shooting at a gas station in Anchorage last night, municipal budget cuts, and something about a missing college kid. There would always be crime, and therefore, plenty of job security.</p>
<p>The traffic got thicker as Ward traveled through Eagle River, Anchorage’s closest suburb, then even worse as he exited off the highway onto Muldoon Road. Muldoon became Tudor Road, and he turned into the parking lot of the Alaska Bureau of Investigation.</p>
<p>He parked the truck and came through the side entrance, stopping at the break room to see if the coffee was rolling yet, hoping that a fellow caffeine addict had beaten him to work today. The empty pot announced no such luck. A few minutes later, he welcomed a steady stream of black goodness into the pot and he was on his way down the hall to the office.</p>
<p>The Alaska Bureau of Investigation’s Technical Crimes Unit was a modest space in a boring, rectangular building in east Anchorage. What happened between those walls, however, was anything but boring. One sergeant, two civilian techs and three investigators were involved in some of the biggest criminal investigations in Alaska. Even when they didn’t have primary case responsibility, they provided critical support to other officers. It was the variety that had attracted Ward to this kind of work. Sure, he had a talent for technology, which helped get the job, but that wasn’t why he was here. What attracted him was the fact that no two days were ever the same. He could write a search warrant for a child exploitation case in the morning, then do a forensic computer exam for a homicide case before lunch. He might kick a door on a building search, only to be called away to sit shotgun in a helicopter, acting as a spotter for a search and rescue. The variety of work duties assigned to an Alaska State Trooper Investigator was unparalleled.</p>
<p>Unless you were on light duty.</p>
<p>“Ward!”</p>
<p>It was Sergeant Ballack down the hall, shouting from his office. Ward got to his feet, snagging his notebook and a pen on the way out of his cubicle. That shout always came with some ‘other duty as assigned,’ or so the trooper saying goes.</p>
<p>As always, the sergeant’s office smelled old, musty maybe. He didn't know if it was Ballack’s bad cologne or his shampoo, but then his sense of smell kinda sucked. Chemotherapy will do that to ya.</p>
<p>The Sergeant turned to face Ward as he entered, grabbing a few papers off his desk as he did so. The man had quite the glorious head of hair and it probably took some pretty fancy conditioner to keep its form, adding a good three inches to his already impressive height.</p>
<p>“Whatcha got for me, boss?”</p>
<p>“Have a seat,” Ballack said. He was impeccably dressed, as always, with a sharp red tie and blue tailored suit. “How ya feeling?”</p>
<p>“I’m fine.”</p>
<p>“Ward, you’re not fine. Cut the crap. Nobody who’s battling pancreatic cancer is fine. Serious. How are you?”</p>
<p>“Surgery went well enough. Chemo is over and my oncologist thinks I’ve got a shot. Neuropathy is getting better every day. I’m ready for full duty, sir.”</p>
<p>“My wife has a friend that works at a cancer clinic. She said you’re not out of the woods till you hit five years. Is that right?”</p>
<p>Heck, I’d love to make it five years. A few months ago, I thought I was toast.</p>
<p>“With pancreatic, it comes back fast, or it doesn’t come back at all. If I make it two years, I’m probably ok.” He didn’t tell him about the other problems, though. Digestive issues causing low energy, the numb fingers and toes, memory lapses, concentration, yada yada. Ya can’t kill cancer cells without killing a lot of other stuff, apparently.</p>
<p>“Don’t rush it, ok?” Ballack put down the papers. “I can keep you busy on light duty for a long time.”</p>
<p>Not the words he wanted to hear, and standing in the Sarge’s office discussing death and light duty, which was almost as bad, tested Ward’s patience.</p>
<p>“What do you have there, Sarge?”</p>
<p>“Polygraph. You game?”</p>
<p>“Absolutely. What’s the case?”</p>
<p>“Palmer patrol picked up some crazy chick on grave shift. Ahem. I mean, ‘a person in crisis.’ She tried to break into a warehouse a couple of nights ago. Then she babbled about being kidnapped, something about a kid, all kinds of nutty stuff.” Ballack rolled his eyes. “I’m thinking poly her, see if she’s cracked. If her claims are legit, we’ll follow up. What do you think?”</p>
<p>“I’ve been looking for some actual police work to do.” He reached for the paper.</p>
<p>“Find out about the kidnapping. If it happened at all. If you get admissions about why she was trying to get into the warehouse, well, that’s really the target.”</p>
<p>“We rarely run polygraphs on victims.”</p>
<p>“She’s full of crap. She’s a doper who tried to rob a building and we want to know why. Poly is a pretext for interrogation on the burg.”</p>
<p>“That’s fine. I haven’t run a poly in months and I’m going blind on all those public information requests you keep handing me. It’ll give me something real to do.”</p>
<p>Ward moved to walk out of the office.</p>
<p>“Ward.”</p>
<p>He turned back.</p>
<p>“Take it easy, son.”</p>
<p>“It’s a polygraph, boss.” Ward furrowed his brow. “I’ll survive.”</p>
<p>“Sergeant Vance told me about the range.”</p>
<p>Crap.</p>
<p>“Don’t push it, Ward. I’m not talking about the polygraph, or the range. Just in general. Bodies take time to heal and you’ve been through hell.”</p>
<p>He has no idea. “Got it, boss.”</p>
<p>“I mean it. We’ll wait for you to be strong.”</p>
<p>Ward bit his lip, trying to hold back, but the pity was too much for his pride. “I got it, ok? Got it. You care. Everyone cares. Don’t rush it. Loud and clear. I’m good.”</p>
<p>Then he walked out of the room.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Wet, Warm and Noisy</i> by David A. Willson. Copyright 2024 by David A. Willson. Reproduced with permission from David A. Willson. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn6hI4drPEad9M1qzca8iABuGs8YN2jA7Pgvo-gtUiwOzDULxSS7opKX3YFP1F5Gf4etpXROYcTomRRjtr8-7Hvb5df-P19PWO529_5U3_NU9yJvapuqOQVG0oWBHGN86X1JxJ-qb49d06_UswxE53W5EZeHwjn1iYR67ZjlKI0IK4Gg4OuCe7rXnU6c/s140/David-A-Wilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="140" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn6hI4drPEad9M1qzca8iABuGs8YN2jA7Pgvo-gtUiwOzDULxSS7opKX3YFP1F5Gf4etpXROYcTomRRjtr8-7Hvb5df-P19PWO529_5U3_NU9yJvapuqOQVG0oWBHGN86X1JxJ-qb49d06_UswxE53W5EZeHwjn1iYR67ZjlKI0IK4Gg4OuCe7rXnU6c/s1600/David-A-Wilson.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><b>David A. Willson</b>, a retired Alaska State Trooper with more than two decades of service, brings unmatched authenticity to his crime fiction. During his career, he served as a certified police instructor, polygraph program coordinator, court-certified computer forensics expert and supervisor of both Major Crimes and Technical Crimes units. With over a decade in an investigative capacity, he supervised thousands of felony cases, chasing Alaska’s most dangerous criminals.<p></p>
<h3>Catch Up With Our Author:<br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/EOvIt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.DavidAWillson.com</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/TFMz0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/9Aen0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @DavidAWillson</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/asGdN" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @DWillsonAuthor</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!<br /><!--start LinkyTools script-->
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<h2>Win Big! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for David A. Willson. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span>
</p></div>
Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-76227899445246201562024-03-09T05:50:00.000-08:002024-03-09T05:50:12.042-08:00Never Fall Again by Lynn H Blackburn Blog Tour Book Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>Never Fall Again</i></h2>
<h3>by Lynn H Blackburn</h3>
<h4>March 4-29, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS9Poe6N9LhgXJDtXwGi5D8gXmzIK8_K0GnUMAQN3ByLnyi1eojvS8tNxvuS6k8Xj8YQEZY3obvF1zoyc7_aE45wjDRl_0Leam2cRPN9nOZy4Y6egxoLqIws_ZmFkNy5XuvKwmarjQ5xFr6FJKu-0hAoSfq2eyZuzkKprIzP6OyjDTAvcLf0emnqHZSY/s231/Never-Fall-Again-cover.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="150" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS9Poe6N9LhgXJDtXwGi5D8gXmzIK8_K0GnUMAQN3ByLnyi1eojvS8tNxvuS6k8Xj8YQEZY3obvF1zoyc7_aE45wjDRl_0Leam2cRPN9nOZy4Y6egxoLqIws_ZmFkNy5XuvKwmarjQ5xFr6FJKu-0hAoSfq2eyZuzkKprIzP6OyjDTAvcLf0emnqHZSY/s1600/Never-Fall-Again-cover.png" width="150" /></a></div>Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven's guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.<p></p>
<p>Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family's business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can't bear to lose like that again.</p>
<p>Before construction on the house can begin, Landry's pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger--but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.</p>
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<h3>Praise for <i>Never Fall Again</i>:</h3>
<p>"What a fabulous story with characters who will live in your head--and heart--long after the last word." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Lynette Eason, award-winning, bestselling author of the Lake City Heroes series</span></p>
<p>"Lynn Blackburn's voice is unrivaled! A must-read." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Elizabeth Goddard, bestselling author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/cold-light-of-day-by-elizabeth-goddard/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cold Light of Day</a></em></span></p>
<p>"This book had it all--a delicious romance, obsession, found family, redemption and reconciliation, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the kind of ending we all root for!" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling and RITA Award-winning author</span></p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> This
inspirational romantic suspense has an emphasis on romance. The
mystery takes a back seat and there is really no suspense until near
the end. There is lots of small town drama, however. The romance is very interesting and moves at a reasonable
pace. A Christian faith message is included but it is not
overbearing.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">It's
the characters that makes this novel engaging. Both Landry and Cal
have been hurt deeply, presenting serious obstacles to romance. I
really like how Blackburn created events so the two had to work
through their individual issues and be drawn to each other. And my
favorite character was Eliza, the little five year old who is a most
delightful child.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Blackburn
has also added a number of secondary family characters with troubled
pasts, people in need of the kind of healing and promise of a future
Landry experienced in this novel. I think that means there will be
more entertaining novels in this series and I'll be watching for
them.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Romantic Suspense <br />
<b>Published by:</b> Revell<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> March 12, 2024 <br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 352<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9780800745363 (ISBN10: 0800745361)<br />
<b>Series:</b> Gossamer Falls, Book 1 <br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/gO2ZH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/gAmk9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/eItIx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/2WFci" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/Bz2j2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baker Book House</a></p>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>They passed several offices before they reached an open door. </p>
<p>“Maisy. Stay.” That same deep voice from the intercom floated to the hallway. </p>
<p>“Oooh! A dog!” Eliza dashed into the room. </p>
<p>Her little sprite was fast and already halfway across the office before Landry realized what was happening. “Eliza, wait!” Fortunately, she stopped at Landry’s words. </p>
<p>“I know, Mommy. Never touch a dog without permission. I just want to see.” </p>
<p>Eliza turned her big brown eyes toward the man who had come around his desk and knelt beside a dog now quivering with excitement. </p>
<p>The man—Callum Shaw, she assumed—met her daughter’s eyes and said, “Your mom’s right. You can’t ever rush at a dog, even dogs as gentle as this big baby. But if it’s okay with your mom . . .” </p>
<p>His eyes, which were as blue as the Carolina sky, now met hers. There was humor and gentleness. And shadows. Something dark flitted across his gaze. But then he blinked and it was gone. </p>
<p>Landry nodded her permission, and he turned all his attention back to her daughter. “This is Maisy. She’s a golden retriever. She’s three years old. She loves long walks in the woods, sunbathing, peanut butter, and belly rubs.” He demonstrated the belly rub. Maisy melted under his touch, and Eliza crept closer. “You can pet her. Maisy doesn’t bite my friends.” </p>
<p>Eliza dropped to her knees beside Callum and held out her hand toward Maisy’s nose. </p>
<p>Maisy took a quick sniff and rewarded Eliza’s good behavior with a lick. Callum stayed where he was until it was clear to everyone that Eliza and Maisy were set, then he rose to his feet and extended a hand. “Ms. Hutton.” </p>
<p>“Landry. Please.” </p>
<p>“Landry. A pleasure.”</p>
<p>Landry kept the contact brief. “Sorry, my hands are rough.” She turned them palms up. “Hazards of the job.” </p>
<p>Why had she said that? What did it matter if her hands were a bit on the crispy side? She didn’t have to prove anything to this man. Embarrassment crept across her and burst through her pores, heating her neck and face, and now she had no idea what to do with her hands. Should she put them down? Tuck them behind her back?</p>
<p>Callum glanced at her hands and turned his own up. “Same here.” He heaved a dramatic sigh. “It’s to my eternal despair that I’ll never land that hand modeling contract I’ve always hoped for.” </p>
<p>His easy humor made it automatic to tease him back. “Well, there’s always ditch digging.” </p>
<p>“Good point. If this construction gig doesn’t work out, I’ll have something to fall back on.” Callum turned his attention to Eliza. “And I gather your name is Eliza?” </p>
<p>She giggled with the abandon unique to happy children. “That’s right, but sometimes Mommy calls me Liza or ZaZa, but never Lizzy because that’s too close to Landry, and it gets confusing.” </p>
<p>Landry tried to keep a straight face as Eliza parroted what she’d heard Landry say too many times to count. </p>
<p>“It’s a pleasure, Ms. Eliza.” Callum pressed a hand to his chest. “I’m Cal Shaw. I’ll answer to Callum, but not LumLum because”— he dropped his voice to a stage whisper—“that’s just not dignified.”</p>
<p>Eliza’s laughter filled the room. Bronwyn hadn’t been wrong about Cal Shaw. He was very good with children. Even now, he kept his attention on Eliza. “Are you good here with Maisy while your mom and I talk?” </p>
<p>“Yes, sir.” </p>
<p>Cal grabbed a legal pad and pen from his desk and took the chair opposite the one he directed Landry to sit in. From their seats, they could both see Eliza and Maisy. </p>
<p>She waited for him to start the conversation, but maybe she was supposed to go first? </p>
<p>“She’s a beau—” </p>
<p>“Land—” </p>
<p>They both stopped talking, and his smile seemed genuine as he nodded to her. “Please. Go ahead.”</p>
<p>“I was going to say your dog is beautiful.” She willed her body to stop flushing scarlet, but it refused to cooperate. She didn’t have to see herself to know that her face, neck, chest, and even her feet were on fire. This was why she did best behind the walls of The Haven. She could interact with the patrons there with minimal difficulty. But put her out in public, and she became a tongue-tied, socially inept disaster. </p>
<p>Cal’s grin held mischief, and he leaned toward her. “If all goes as planned, she’ll be pregnant soon. I bet Eliza would love a puppy for Christmas.” His voice was cajoling and teasing, but at least he had the good sense to keep it too low for Eliza to hear. </p>
<p>He winked in a way that was friendly and not flirtatious, and Landry understood why Bronwyn liked him so much. He leaned back and in a normal voice said, “I gathered from your conversation with Carla that you’re going to build nearby.” </p>
<p>“Yes. I have three acres on the edge of Pierce land.” She watched him carefully as she spoke and was unsurprised when his grip tightened on the pen at her words. </p>
<p>“How long have you lived in Gossamer Falls?” </p>
<p>“Long enough to know the Pierce and Quinn families don’t get along.”</p>
<p>
</p><p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Never Fall Again</i> by Lynn H Blackburn. Copyright 2024 by Lynn H Blackburn. Reproduced with permission from Lynn H Blackburn. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cvM-KsLeoOvCr8L_v9a7qITYwe8NqPp0O5Dubmu7mrfCWwgN7KX_XFa65DlihHnuH1ZN8VtzvfH7b9VI_VEOF4H_1vEi5oHFrAZAmfAux3yNMN4bR1wNxjgYI8gWgheaOyv7JOfSP2MaX1rlEG296I4glzgMCI9flVLrhnAYIyj42NnE_Sp6NYMVyLg/s171/Lynn-Blackburn.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="130" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cvM-KsLeoOvCr8L_v9a7qITYwe8NqPp0O5Dubmu7mrfCWwgN7KX_XFa65DlihHnuH1ZN8VtzvfH7b9VI_VEOF4H_1vEi5oHFrAZAmfAux3yNMN4bR1wNxjgYI8gWgheaOyv7JOfSP2MaX1rlEG296I4glzgMCI9flVLrhnAYIyj42NnE_Sp6NYMVyLg/s1600/Lynn-Blackburn.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><b>Lynn H. Blackburn</b> is the award-winning author of <em>Unknown Threat</em>, <em>Malicious Intent</em>, and <em>Under Fire</em>, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.<p></p>
<h3>Catch Up With Our Author:<br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/3iccr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.LynnHBlackburn.com</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/Yewm7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/u2iux" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @LynnHBlackburn</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/9KDN0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @lynnhblackburn</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/3rxze" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter/X - @LynnHBlackburn</a><br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/cRmhp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @LynnHBlackburn</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!<br /><!--start LinkyTools script-->
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<h2>JOIN IN ON THE GIVEAWAY!</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Revell & Lynn H Blackburn. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5><div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/h2ihtj/never-fall-again-by-lynn-h-blackburn" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span>
</p></div>
Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-298637476376377712024-03-08T10:54:00.000-08:002024-03-08T10:54:02.992-08:00The Pathway to Success by Joyce Meyer Book Review<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DNYgHAqogAWQHhP9tPpYzkTMHHvHO6zMbWfpAo75lQYwguzj-7zAovvIg82FN-HPh2SNQF1m-pIfvTbgKEtZzilesQF_fUZQrBKP4HKpOP75c0uiDY7si0zCqtgeJMlAwsggbOzzRFTYgVzDBPJNbAZe6PObYjRnZap8Db9rcPfQp7VYztsSvrjvy10/s223/The-Pathway-to-Success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="150" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DNYgHAqogAWQHhP9tPpYzkTMHHvHO6zMbWfpAo75lQYwguzj-7zAovvIg82FN-HPh2SNQF1m-pIfvTbgKEtZzilesQF_fUZQrBKP4HKpOP75c0uiDY7si0zCqtgeJMlAwsggbOzzRFTYgVzDBPJNbAZe6PObYjRnZap8Db9rcPfQp7VYztsSvrjvy10/s1600/The-Pathway-to-Success.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>About the Book:</span></h4><div><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
world tells us that having a good job, owning your own business,
money, fame, and influence are all important for a successful life.
If we don’t have them, we feel like a failure. But even when we
achieve them, we still end up unhappy, unfulfilled, or lonely.</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">God
wants us to be successful, but His definition of success is not the
same as the world's definition. The truth is, God’s way of
achieving the dreams and desires that truly fulfill us and bring
genuine joy to our lives is very different—and that is what we
need.</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In </span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Pathway to Success</span></i></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
you will discover a deeper understanding of what it means to seek
success God's way. Through her practical, relatable insights based on
God’s Word, beloved Bible teacher Joyce Meyer reveals how to
actively pursue the keys to true, lasting success. Full of rich
encouragement and timeless wisdom, </span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Pathway to Success</span></i></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> will
allow you to refocus your life and fulfill your God-given destiny as
you walk out the purpose He’s planned for you.</span></span></strong></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My Review:</span></h4><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">We
want to be successful but God's idea of success is not the same as
the world's. Meyer helps us understand what it means to be successful
in God's eyes, basing her teaching on the Bible. The Bible not only
tells us what success is but also the pathway to that success. That
pathway is more about character and integrity than about
accomplishments.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><strong>“<span style="font-weight: normal;">Put
[God] first at all times, and you will succeed beyond anything you
can imagine,” Meyer writes. (58) She helps us understand the
importance of our words and thoughts. She encourages us to determine
our priorities according to biblical principles and reminds us the
necessity of discipline and self-control. Loving others is the number
one call on our lives, Meyer writes. Loving others is the most
important thing we do. (128)</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">Meyer
shares her own journey to ministry success. She reminds us traveling
along the pathway to success will be a long journey. Excellence along
the way is a necessity. I highly recommend this book to those
desiring to know what success is in God's eyes and how to be on the
pathway toward it.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">My
rating: 5/5 stars.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPE_ICyyeKroQ50QhiWiJHPjzx5qzWvJu1qTZc0lNYlZZnn1DRrlm9HmJetTGbdZVq-H1jr3h_94Sr3dBD4wROUSu9Nzz8Aupd9pwS3P8YRDK416PYvsvn3vFz6UiysJIEwkKgRXnZc8lq1ETbHq8gqze1QIycyBvpIL1SB-m-IaFLzzyrDKEmzqFaeE/s196/Joyce-Meyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="120" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPE_ICyyeKroQ50QhiWiJHPjzx5qzWvJu1qTZc0lNYlZZnn1DRrlm9HmJetTGbdZVq-H1jr3h_94Sr3dBD4wROUSu9Nzz8Aupd9pwS3P8YRDK416PYvsvn3vFz6UiysJIEwkKgRXnZc8lq1ETbHq8gqze1QIycyBvpIL1SB-m-IaFLzzyrDKEmzqFaeE/s1600/Joyce-Meyer.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>About the Author:</span></h4><div><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong><span style="color: #04090b;">Joyce
Meyer<span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a #1 </span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">New
York Times</span></i></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> bestselling
author and one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. Her
broadcast, </span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Enjoying
Everyday Life</span></i></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #04090b;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
airs daily on hundreds of television networks and radio stations
worldwide. Meyer has written nearly 100 inspirational books and holds conferences throughout the year, speaking to thousands around
the world.</span></span></strong></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">FaithWords, 224 pages.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.</div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-18528542522872591042024-03-07T05:39:00.000-08:002024-03-18T12:08:03.765-07:00The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus by Kurt Brouwer Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDku6ArAh3NFei7CqBVjBox-V0oRuX5nwHvsdrsswcoH2j72NQSPquf7vmXNsq6x7X6k-E9FCL6_GVzcC5U7AM_m9IxyYZM6rC3FKHBurNUrG5DOywwQbGXZ_HCIuF5EGxqTCLp10id95SBHdKeU795jjvaefmG9Lkfjhorr1oWWUsxqquX4nrMAl_w8M/s851/exile-in-ephesis-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDku6ArAh3NFei7CqBVjBox-V0oRuX5nwHvsdrsswcoH2j72NQSPquf7vmXNsq6x7X6k-E9FCL6_GVzcC5U7AM_m9IxyYZM6rC3FKHBurNUrG5DOywwQbGXZ_HCIuF5EGxqTCLp10id95SBHdKeU795jjvaefmG9Lkfjhorr1oWWUsxqquX4nrMAl_w8M/w400-h148/exile-in-ephesis-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWm2D2VV69OggnVgopYxiL4uoKPSSaD70mAiTHgFlc0oWrZT7sJNuOemeYxlJVL2IiQgFWfhQhQS2xtu3_o192LJZ43K10hanHpoqw-b1Qlrb1aKs4RMWNfHV72u6JG6qiy1XzJ5ZhHS20L-Zif2xUm2DduX2gO8DEvwyathl0NZ_nmozZYNBN338AOg/s239/Exile-in-Ephesus-cover.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="150" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWm2D2VV69OggnVgopYxiL4uoKPSSaD70mAiTHgFlc0oWrZT7sJNuOemeYxlJVL2IiQgFWfhQhQS2xtu3_o192LJZ43K10hanHpoqw-b1Qlrb1aKs4RMWNfHV72u6JG6qiy1XzJ5ZhHS20L-Zif2xUm2DduX2gO8DEvwyathl0NZ_nmozZYNBN338AOg/s1600/Exile-in-Ephesus-cover.jpeg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book: </strong>The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Kurt Brouwer</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Christian Historical Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>March 15, 2024</p><p><strong>He awoke jailed in squalor…</strong></p><p><strong>Would he complete his final mission?</strong></p><p><strong>Or would he fail to record the story only he could tell?</strong></p><p>The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating Christian historical novel from Kurt Brouwer.</p><p>After surviving imprisonment, John faces his greatest challenge–exile in the distant city of Ephesus. Struggling with grief and despair over the destruction of Jerusalem, John doubts his ability to complete the mission entrusted to him by Mary—to write the true gospel account of Christ’s life.</p><p>But in Ephesus, John finds unexpected allies—Timothy, Priscilla, and Tychicus, who share his passion for spreading the message of God’s love.</p><p>As John shares the good news of Jesus, he makes dangerous enemies, including the influential high priest, Alexander Cosmo, who will stop at nothing to suppress the growing Christian faith.</p><p>Amid opposition from without and internal divisions from within the early church, John must contend with those pressuring believers to adopt Jewish law and compromise the radical teachings of Christ.</p><p>When tragedy strikes those close to him, can John’s fragile hope be rekindled? Will he finally show the world all the signs, miracles, and events he witnessed on his journey with Jesus?</p><p><strong>Don’t miss this page-turning story of faith, courage, and love.</strong></p><pre>Click <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Disciple-Exile-Ephesus-ebook/dp/B0CW1C5SCM/" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
novel is a good continuation of a fictional later life of the
disciple John. I like how Brouwer weaves into the story actual
historical events, such as the fall of Jerusalem. Included in the
novel are also a number of insights into the early church, such as
the meeting of believers for worship and instruction and the
confrontation of heresy. He puts a human aspect on controversies like
eating meat dedicated to idols. Guilds reflected pagan worship and
Christians would face not being able to work if they maintained their
Christian beliefs. My favorite part of this novel was John saying or
hearing snippets of what would become his gospel.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
is an entertaining novel that provides an interesting possibility of
the kind of life and ministry John had in the years following the
death and resurrection of Jesus. Brouwer has done a great deal of
research to provide readers with a realistic fictional account of the
later life of John.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the third book i</span>n this series. You can read my reviews of the earlier books: <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-last-disciple-by-kurt-brouwer-book.html " target="_blank">Crisis in Jerusalem</a></i> and <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-last-disciple-escape-to-antioch-by.html " target="_blank">Escape to Antioch</a></i>.</p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPhuwSZyJ5xSQTSiO4VgypfzUxJ9xKZH9WxtrdFaHlHBI8MDixRjqOy-lcifLlxYrfpgFfcyG9NV86_-c6C-LSBO7knZF4EWNbR0qDllRoHWd14-WQM8SgJO96V2wsmipO9RiJyFbGBxC0skLT_fPvcsZucjP0yoDtUv-qPcTNvPC1CaGRPgRXsjXtGk/s134/Kurt-brower.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="120" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPhuwSZyJ5xSQTSiO4VgypfzUxJ9xKZH9WxtrdFaHlHBI8MDixRjqOy-lcifLlxYrfpgFfcyG9NV86_-c6C-LSBO7knZF4EWNbR0qDllRoHWd14-WQM8SgJO96V2wsmipO9RiJyFbGBxC0skLT_fPvcsZucjP0yoDtUv-qPcTNvPC1CaGRPgRXsjXtGk/s1600/Kurt-brower.jpg" width="120" /></a></strong></div><strong>Kurt</strong> is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church on the Big Island of Hawaii. He also loves to write. In addition to all the usual temptations writers face, Kurt has to fight off the lure of beautiful beaches, pounding surf, great weather, and lush golf courses. Can you imagine?<p></p><p class="”StandardCxSpMiddle”">Despite those temptations, he writes The Last Disciple series of Christian historical novels and he regularly writes blog posts.</p><p class="”StandardCxSpMiddle”">A few years ago Kurt did a study for his church on the Apostle John. That little project got him hooked on the man who started out life as a fisherman and then became the last disciple of Christ. The more Kurt learned about John, the more he wanted to know.</p><p class="”StandardCxSpMiddle”">If you’ve ever been obsessed by anything, you’ll understand that he couldn’t stop researching the life of John and all those around him. And the result of all that research is:</p><p class="”StandardCxSpMiddle”"><b><i>The Last Disciple Series</i></b></p><p class="”StandardCxSpMiddle”">The Last Disciple is a series of Christian novels based on the Bible and Christian history. The first in the series: <b><i>The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem</i></b>, begins in the year 62 AD. In it, you walk with John through the streets of Jerusalem. See how he faces multiple crises and comes to understand what it is to stand alone and lean only on the Lord.</p><p class="”StandardCxSpLast”">This book, <b><i>The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus </i></b>is the third in the series, with two more books planned. Kurt is now writing the fourth book, <b><i>The Last Disciple: Gospel of John.</i></b></p><h1><span underline="">More from Kurt</span></h1><p>It all started one day when I learned that the Gospel of John was published fifty years after Jesus died. Fifty years! What did John do all that time? Where did he live? Why did he wait?</p><p>But wait, there’s more. On the Cross, Jesus placed his own mother under John’s protection. How long did John take care of her? Where did they live?</p><p>I think you can tell I got a little obsessive about this man, who outlived all the others to become the last disciple.</p><p>In fact, that very phrase, the last disciple, came to me early one morning when I was reading about John and Peter going to Samaria in Acts 8. John lived so long that he outlived all the others and became the last disciple.</p><p><strong>The Youngest Disciple</strong></p><p>What do we know about John? He walked with Jesus when he was very young, probably a teenager or very early 20s. He and Andrew were the first disciples of Christ. Before that, they both followed John the Baptist.</p><p>Anyone who reads the New Testament would know John as:</p><ul><li>The son of Zebedee, his father, and Salome, his mother</li><li>Brother to the disciple James</li><li>A fisherman on the Sea of Galilee</li><li>He and his brother James were friends and even fishing buddies with Peter and his brother Andrew</li><li>Youngest of the 12 disciples.</li><li>Author of five books of the Bible:<ul><li>The Gospel of John 80-90 AD</li><li>The Letters or Epistles of John 90-95 AD</li><li>The Book of Revelation 95-98 AD</li></ul></li></ul><p>But after the mention in Acts 8, that’s it for John. Radio silence for nearly 50 years. Why did it take him so long to write the Gospel of John? And that is the very question I seek to answer in The Last Disciple Series.</p><p><strong><em>The Last Disciple Series</em></strong></p><p>The Last Disciple is a series of Christian novels based on the Bible and Christian history. The first in the series: <strong>The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem</strong>, begins in the year 62 AD. In it, you walk with John through the streets of Jerusalem. See how he faces multiple crises and comes to understand what it is to stand alone and lean only on the Lord.</p><p>This book, <strong>The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus </strong>is the third in the series, following <strong>The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch</strong> and <strong>The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem. </strong></p><p>I’m now writing the fourth book, <strong>The Last Disciple: Gospel of John</strong>.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/vqh3hrhpo6ze9etg/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872150000&usg=AOvVaw3GDu7ApX5-6pGoFTj35QDi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/vqh3hrhpo6ze9etg/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, March 2</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/dpheh0h0exl89dum/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuam9kaWV3b2xmZS5jb20vYmxvZw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872150000&usg=AOvVaw2THxk30agyCBSiyjk4eSwe" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/dpheh0h0exl89dum/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuam9kaWV3b2xmZS5jb20vYmxvZw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet</a>, March 3 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/z2hghnh3ezqp2vbp/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872150000&usg=AOvVaw3CXgcpQMIImn8VGQlMy6pJ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/z2hghnh3ezqp2vbp/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, March 4</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/dpheh0h0exl89pbm/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709819872150000&usg=AOvVaw1bi7eX2WybwGKvfK4yiOs8" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/dpheh0h0exl89pbm/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, March 5</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/z2hghnh3ezqpq9sp/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb21lbnRzLW9mLWJlYXV0eS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709819872150000&usg=AOvVaw2wppRUFjwT_UfG5I7XjcA4" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/z2hghnh3ezqpq9sp/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb21lbnRzLW9mLWJlYXV0eS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Beauty in the Binding</a>, March 6 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/x0hph6hwem595pa5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872150000&usg=AOvVaw2sJpy15cSPSHpaPISGeYiH" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/x0hph6hwem595pa5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, March 7</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/6qheh8h7l4mnmwbo/aHR0cHM6Ly9zaGVsaXZlc3RvcmVhZC5jb20vY2F0ZWdvcnkvYm9vay1yZXZpZXdzLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw2BXX8ouuG8BOFRL44mIhC4" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/6qheh8h7l4mnmwbo/aHR0cHM6Ly9zaGVsaXZlc3RvcmVhZC5jb20vY2F0ZWdvcnkvYm9vay1yZXZpZXdzLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">She Lives To Read</a>, March 8</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/25h2hoh23xk4koc3/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw0q5w2IeCGMqCyzDVh5eA3V" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/25h2hoh23xk4koc3/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For the Love of Literature</a>, March 9 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/qvh8h7hrd39o98tl/aHR0cHM6Ly9leHBsb3Jpbmd0aGV3cml0dGVud29yZC5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw1Icr3h8d548bZbnGeOFrCv" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/qvh8h7hrd39o98tl/aHR0cHM6Ly9leHBsb3Jpbmd0aGV3cml0dGVud29yZC5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Exploring the written word</a>, March 9</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/g3hnh5h3m24643cr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw1P-YBPBDn7ahKu3uirg_wV" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/g3hnh5h3m24643cr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogging With Carol</a>, March 10</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/9qhzhnhpd8ozodh9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw0Y-5bBJZs62kftms_wVKRK" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/9qhzhnhpd8ozodh9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, March 11</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/n2hohvh3v4z6zrb6/aHR0cHM6Ly9yYmNsaWJyYXJ5LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw0nfT8vWw0VDHV2hV09wD8f" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/n2hohvh3v4z6zrb6/aHR0cHM6Ly9yYmNsaWJyYXJ5LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">By The Book</a>, March 12 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/48hvhehrm3464khx/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw0eD2gXA-Ck56y3WNphwhZm" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/48hvhehrm3464khx/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a>, March 13</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/reh8hoh0mpgwg4b2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saWdodHNpbmFkYXJrd29ybGQud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw3WUSnYmawmfGoxO2Qfsoxy" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/reh8hoh0mpgwg4b2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saWdodHNpbmFkYXJrd29ybGQud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lights in a Dark World</a>, March 14</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/08hwh9hd243g3eul/aHR0cDovL2tpZC1saXQubGlicmFyeS1sYWR5LmJsb2cv&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw3mXTF0FuciE1wshH1hNIdw" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/08hwh9hd243g3eul/aHR0cDovL2tpZC1saXQubGlicmFyeS1sYWR5LmJsb2cv" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Library Lady’s Kid Lit</a>, March 15 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/l2hehmh3lp868ms6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl&source=gmail&ust=1709819872151000&usg=AOvVaw00teJrkPpR_FoJgMUAkL7s" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqg07luzhqg6l966/l2hehmh3lp868ms6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Hake</a>, March 15</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-16725273547113575642024-03-03T05:26:00.000-08:002024-03-03T05:26:33.260-08:00Black & White by Justin M Kiska Blog Tour Book Review<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwd3zeTfvvaXPx5aKnnKqcT7FERZ9NI0dl2cXL86ra8DjFVyrzmultV8TQKJUQjzDjo-y09InOwBFg5Le1ILLUQpjwWLTxGaMyGIxHHBQuacoq9_2ip5SYeEiywMelcSgUQyTyDl4ZZh2MC8mSHQq8RO1cKYG1FUXz9mxzdt7O8IS97EnhD7OXUnyNCo/s851/black-&-white-by-justin-m-kiska--fi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="851" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwd3zeTfvvaXPx5aKnnKqcT7FERZ9NI0dl2cXL86ra8DjFVyrzmultV8TQKJUQjzDjo-y09InOwBFg5Le1ILLUQpjwWLTxGaMyGIxHHBQuacoq9_2ip5SYeEiywMelcSgUQyTyDl4ZZh2MC8mSHQq8RO1cKYG1FUXz9mxzdt7O8IS97EnhD7OXUnyNCo/w400-h225/black-&-white-by-justin-m-kiska--fi.png" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>Black & White</i></h2>
<h3>by Justin M. Kiska</h3>
<h4>February 19 - March 15, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGBM1FdIPppjWMj9hSX-qjyknpOH2dfHkiBvw2Jnfk8RM85c_cVdfYh_txnVeYLCQvb6QzAXBq9Ob8Y8ap-ATuY4MO_Ra7__VTAbvjgf36lRyFr13N8_SxtujyNP34cmM2M0wYuTf3B2Kpjg5Y0SpevuYMg_gDVXdty8Pb28lVQX5z1E6oVvgu-wA04s/s239/Black-&-White-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="150" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGBM1FdIPppjWMj9hSX-qjyknpOH2dfHkiBvw2Jnfk8RM85c_cVdfYh_txnVeYLCQvb6QzAXBq9Ob8Y8ap-ATuY4MO_Ra7__VTAbvjgf36lRyFr13N8_SxtujyNP34cmM2M0wYuTf3B2Kpjg5Y0SpevuYMg_gDVXdty8Pb28lVQX5z1E6oVvgu-wA04s/s1600/Black-&-White-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Parker City, 1985 . . .</strong><p></p>
<p>A picturesque spring morning takes a disturbing turn when the frozen body of a young woman is discovered in a field on the outskirts of the city. As Detectives Ben Winters and Tommy Mason arrive on the scene, they have no idea upon what type of an investigation they are about to embark. With no identification, no breadcrumbs to lead them to the girl’s origins, or even a cause of death, they face a daunting task ahead as they take on their latest case.</p>
<p>As the investigation lingers in limbo, a surprise revelation connects it to a mysterious chapter from Parker City’s past. One that Tommy's own uncle was a part of four decades early as a debonair private investigator working for the venerable Stride Detective Agency, tenaciously searching for the missing daughter of a former diplomat. It's a connection that binds two generations of detectives in an intricate web of intrigue.</p><h5>In this captivating new installment of Parker City Mysteries, both investigations unravel simultaneously, forging an unbreakable link between the past and the present. As Ben and Tommy navigate their way through the case, they must confront the truth to a secret that has remained concealed for far too long.</h5>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
enjoyed reading this historical novel with dual mysteries decades
apart. It was refreshing to read of a murder investigation without
all the modern forensic technologies. Both mystery investigations
required the old fashioned dedicated investigative techniques. I
appreciate the parallel plot developments although we do know the
ultimate life and death outcome of the older mystery before it is
solved in that time. I like to learn about something when I read a
novel and I found out about Nazi art looted by U S servicemen.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
is an entertaining historical mystery. While it is part of a series,
it reads well on its own. It's a good book for any lover of
mysteries.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">I
have read two of the previous books in the series and you can read my
reviews of them: <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2022/02/vice-and-virtue-by-justin-m-kiska-blog.html " target="_blank">Vice & Virtue</a></i> and <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2023/03/fact-fiction-by-justin-m-kiska-book.html " target="_blank">Fact & Fiction</a></i>.</span> </span></p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Police Procedural<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Level Best Books<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> February 2024<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 300<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> Coming Soon!<br />
<b>Series:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/MMlBh" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Parker City Mysteries</a>, Book 4<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/8YHc7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/zmZyj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></p>
</blockquote>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>Stepping out of the car, the weather was so nice, Ben left his suit jacket laying on the backseat where he’d tossed it before leaving the station. But, as he always did when he was about to enter a new crime scene, he placed his hand on the Smith & Wesson on his hip. The weight of the cool metal helped to center him so he could focus on whatever he was about to be confronted by. It reminded him how important his work was and the duty he believed so much in. It was thinking like that that earned Ben a reputation of being a Boy Scout. An idealist who truly wanted to protect and defend the people of Parker City. He always wondered how some people could make that sound like a bad thing. </p>
<p>Some of the older members of the department liked to live in a gray area of the law, while Ben tried his very best to always do what was right. It’s when what was right fell into those gray areas that Ben needed to rely on his partner to help make sense of what needed to be done.</p>
<p>Trying to imagine what they’d been called out for he knew no two crime scenes were ever the same. Sure, elements could be similar. There was always a tragedy overshadowing them, but each was unique. Which is why Ben walked into each with a completely open mind and a keen pair of eyes trying to take in every single detail. It was always the details that cracked a case. Which meant one never knew how important the smallest piece of evidence could really be. If something was out of place, it was important until it wasn’t. That’s how he thought. And sometimes-and this was often the more confusing part-the absence of something was just as important. If not more. </p>
<p>“Not putting your jacket on?” The voice of Ben’s partner, Tommy Mason, came from the other side of the car. “I didn’t realize this was a casual crime scene.” </p>
<p>Ben raised an eyebrow and shook his head.</p>
<p>The two were always picking on one another. It’s what they did. It’s what made their friendship so strong. When it came to what to wear as police detectives, there was a continuing debate between the two. Ben felt a suit and tie was most appropriate. Not only did it look more professional and attract a certain level of respect but, with his clean-cut babyface, it helped him look a little older than his thirty years. Though not much. Tommy, on the other hand, saw nothing wrong with wearing jeans and a T-shirt under a leather jacket. While he looked like a cop on one of the popular crime shows on television, Ben always pointed out that that was Hollywood’s version of a police detective. Since Ben technically was his supervisor and commanding officer, Tommy begrudgingly put a tie on every morning. Most days though, he usually left it loose with his collar wide open. Ben still took it as a victory.</p>
<p>Blowing a cloud of smoke into the air, Tommy dropped what little remained of his cigarette on the ground and stamped it out before taking his corduroy jacket off and tossing it back into the car. If Ben didn’t have to wear his jacket at the crime scene, he sure as hell wasn’t going to wear one.</p>
<p>“Doesn’t this feel much less constricting,” he asked with a grin. “And it’s so much easier to get to our guns in the event we’re in danger.”</p>
<p>“Shut up,” Ben said as he started toward the cluster of men in the field.</p>
<p>“I’m just saying. If your life was in danger, it would be so much easier for me to shoot someone to save you–which you know I would do–if I didn’t have to worry about my jacket getting in the way. Those few precious seconds could save your life one day. Natalie would agree.”</p>
<p>Stopping and turning to look at his partner a few steps behind him, Ben asked, “Why exactly do you think it would have to be <em>you</em> saving <em>me</em> and not the other way around?” </p>
<p>“Because that’s just the way it is,” Tommy answered very matter-of-factly. “Think about how many times I’ve saved your life?”</p>
<p>Ben’s forehead wrinkled, a puzzled expression appearing on his face. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m the one that saved <em>you</em> at least two times that I can think of in the last year alone.”</p>
<p>“Clearly we remember things very differently.”</p>
<p>“You’re a pain in my ass. You know that, right?”</p>
<p>Smiling the thousand watt smile for which he was known, Tommy answered, “I like to think that I keep you grounded.”</p>
<p>So was the way of Detectives Ben Winters and Tommy Mason. More often than not, they sounded like an old married couple bickering about one thing or another. Completely devoted to one another, they were closer than brothers. They’d grown up together, gone to school together, joined the academy together, and when the order was given for a new Detective Squad to be created within the Parker City Police Department, they were tapped for the job. </p>
<p>As it was, for the last four years, they were the <em>only</em> two members of the department’s official criminal investigation team. Though Parker City was by no means a hotbed of criminal activity, they’d been involved in several major investigations which rocked the city. Two of which even attracted the national spotlight, making the pair famous for a few minutes. Most police officers could go their entire careers without being involved in the types of cases which had kept them up at night, but the two young men had earned their detective shields through trial by fire.</p>
<p>Catching his foot in a clump of thick weeds, Ben knew if he tripped and landed in the dirt, Tommy would never let him hear the end of it. Thankfully, he was able to quickly regain his balance and keep himself upright.</p>
<p>His hope that Tommy didn’t see the awkward contortion the lower half of his body performed to avoid hitting the ground was dashed when from behind him he heard the sarcasm-laced comment, “As graceful as a gazelle.” Which was then followed almost immediately by the unmistakable sound of something hitting the dirt. Hard.</p>
<p>“Sonofa…”</p>
<p>Ben turned in just enough time to see Tommy jumping to his feet and dusting off his pants.</p>
<p>“Not a single word,” Tommy admonished, vigorously shaking his head. “I’m well aware Karma’s a bitch.”</p>
<p>Deciding to take the highroad, Ben valiantly stifled the laugh fighting to burst free.</p>
<p>“You’ve got a little bit of something there on your…” Ben started, pointing to his partner’s pant leg.</p>
<p>“Shut it!” Tommy said. At which point Ben couldn’t contain himself. The laughter won and overpowered him. </p>
<p>As the two detectives reached the other men standing in the field, they recognized one of the patrolmen as a new officer who’d just recently joined the department and the other was one of Tommy’s least favorite people on the planet, Buck LuCoco. An overweight, lazy throw-back to the days when the police in the city did as little as they needed to. Neither Ben nor Tommy understood how he was still on the force. Or why he wanted to be with his attitude.</p>
<p>“LuCoco, Brown,” Ben said giving the uniformed officers each a quick nod of his head.</p>
<p>“How is it, Buck,” Tommy began, “whenever a body drops in this town, you’re the first man on the scene?”</p>
<p>“Just lucky, I guess,” LuCoco said, mopping his sweaty brow with a wrinkled handkerchief from his pocket. “It could also be that the scumbags in this city do their dirty work at night and since I’m the first one outta the door in the morning, I get the call. Either way, it’s crap. I tell ya!”</p>
<p>“Being that it’s after lunchtime already–,” Tommy began to say before Ben placed a hand on his arm, giving him the signal to let it go.</p>
<p>Then, turning to the younger officer who appeared quite eager to give his report to the department’s chief detective, Ben asked, “What have we got?” </p>
<p>“This is Sam Ruppert,” Brown introduced the man, referring to his notebook. “He’s one of the city’s engineers. He was doing some routine work out here this morning when he found the body of a young female. D.O.A.”</p>
<p>Turning to Ruppert, a tall, beefy guy in a flannel shirt, jeans, and work boots, Ben took his own notebook from his shirt pocket. “Morning, Mr. Ruppert. I’m Detective Ben Winters. You’re with the city?”</p>
<p>“Public Works Department,” he said in a gravelly voice. “Almost fifteen years now.”</p>
<p>“What brought you out here today?”</p>
<p>“The city’s getting ready to do some work in this field and I needed to take a few quick measurements. We’ve been out here every day for the last week. I thought I’d be here and gone in a few minutes. Then I found…” His voice trailed off as he looked away toward something another twenty or so feet away.</p>
<p>“What did you find?”</p>
<p>“A body. She wasn’t there yesterday. I know that for a fact because I was here all day with a couple other guys. We were all over this place. We’d have seen her for sure.”</p>
<p>Pointing at the mound the engineer was staring at, Tommy asked, “Is that the body?”</p>
<p>“Uh-huh.”</p>
<p>“Did one of you cover her up or did you find her like that?” Ben asked, referring to the tattered, green checked blanket.</p>
<p>“She was like that,” Ruppert said taking a deep breath. “At first, I thought it was someone in a sleeping bag or something. Thought maybe they’d slept out here last night. Sky was clear. They could see the stars. But when I got close and hollered, there was no… She didn’t move. When I got up close I saw... Geez. I’ve never seen anything like it. This isn’t how I thought my day was gonna go.”</p>
<p>Other than the occasional funeral, it was true, the average person didn’t have much exposure to dead bodies. But there was something in the way the man was acting that made Ben think there was more to the story. He was too shaken up. If one could be too shaken up after finding a dead body on the job. </p>
<p>“What is it you’ve never seen before?” Ben inquired, interested to hear the conclusion to Ruppert’s story. </p>
<p>“Oh, I think you should just see for yourself, Detective” LuCoco said interrupting, a twisted smirk on his fat face.</p>
<p>“What is it, LuCoco? Just tell us.” Tommy had no patience for the man. There was a time he used to hide his contempt, now he didn’t even try. Not that LuCoco was very observant. Or he just didn’t give a damn.</p>
<p>“Sirs,” Officer Brown interrupted, “let me show you.”</p>
<p>Walking the group over to the covered body, Brown knelt down and, using a handkerchief he’d had in his pocket, pulled the blanket back revealing the naked body of a beautiful young woman with dark wavey hair. But something wasn’t right. Not that the naked body of a woman in the middle of a field was right. But in this instance, it was her skin.</p>
<p>“What the hell?” Tommy’s reaction matched what Ben was thinking. “She’s blue.”</p>
<p>Blue wasn’t entirely accurate, but it was pretty close. The skin was a pale hue, almost white. And there was a frosty sheen to it, with small ice crystals visible around her eyes and mouth. Little droplets glistened on her eyelashes.</p>
<p>“She’s frozen,” Brown said, looking up at the detectives. </p>
<p>“It was cool last night,” Tommy said, kneeling down himself to get a better look, “but not cold enough to freeze to death.”</p>
<p>“No. I mean, she’s frozen like a block of ice.”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Black & White</i> by Justin M. Kiska. Copyright 2024 by Justin M. Kiska. Reproduced with permission from Justin M. Kiska. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LkvdLK6FEmyT01fgVLfKzAcZa9azEfhRmEoRrLI6VPtLZrlS3smW3TTtg2eHK1o454GofgTXGxsW17CsClrGrmursPRrcg7_Dgz3xDP_4mqn53XBREZDX8RvnMVdxN_Ibc02MDvQmLARvEDO_YbYMHdK8EfsPnmRg_Z3yFu1B02VbIPBHE4IwRDLPME/s168/Justin-Kiska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="120" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LkvdLK6FEmyT01fgVLfKzAcZa9azEfhRmEoRrLI6VPtLZrlS3smW3TTtg2eHK1o454GofgTXGxsW17CsClrGrmursPRrcg7_Dgz3xDP_4mqn53XBREZDX8RvnMVdxN_Ibc02MDvQmLARvEDO_YbYMHdK8EfsPnmRg_Z3yFu1B02VbIPBHE4IwRDLPME/s1600/Justin-Kiska.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>When not sitting in his library devising new and clever ways to kill people (for his mysteries), Justin can usually be found at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, outside of Washington, DC, where he is one of the owners and producers. In addition to writing the Parker City Mysteries Series, which includes <strong><em>Now & Then</em></strong> (Finalist for the 2022 Silver Falchion Award for Best Investigator), <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/vice-virtue-by-justin-m-kiska/"><strong><em>Vice & Virtue</em></strong></a>, and <a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/fact-fiction-by-justin-m-kiska/"><strong><em>Fact & Fiction</em></strong></a>, he is also the mastermind behind <strong><em>Marquee Mysteries</em></strong>, a series of interactive mystery events he has been writing and producing for over fifteen years. Justin and his wife, Jessica, live along Lake Linganore outside of Frederick, Maryland.<p></p>
<h3>Catch Up With Justin M. Kiska:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/46OTkKJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JustinKiska.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/46E8XnY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3SVg1tf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @JMKiska</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/40XHAUC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @JMKiska</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3GoqPZa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter/X - @JustinKiska</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/30ZpvuY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @JMKiska</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and more!<br /><!--start LinkyTools script-->
<br /><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=312612&type=basic">Click here</a> to view <i>Black & White</i> by Justin M. Kiska Tour Hosts.<div><br /><h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span>
</p></div>
</div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-37153660234227010882024-03-01T18:58:00.000-08:002024-03-01T18:58:55.301-08:00The Diabolical by David Putnam Book Review<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Book:</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCayxFdoD1XJPg5I4XNWAr3sNDAY6r6Z3FREL6A1UtI7qwRESCF_rTE_iBEn7hzzn4ZnpIt39SY3ACZv4FF3c1YRBsXsA5P6eFPK5Klb1skBd31WDl_OJ09LMsxbKYV5cHUIECay9ObVRhxEC_VKLToupydh_DbxIhTU7J-eDT0cvghDbRTbNcNQKdfw/s222/the-diabolical.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="150" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCayxFdoD1XJPg5I4XNWAr3sNDAY6r6Z3FREL6A1UtI7qwRESCF_rTE_iBEn7hzzn4ZnpIt39SY3ACZv4FF3c1YRBsXsA5P6eFPK5Klb1skBd31WDl_OJ09LMsxbKYV5cHUIECay9ObVRhxEC_VKLToupydh_DbxIhTU7J-eDT0cvghDbRTbNcNQKdfw/s1600/the-diabolical.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><br />Ex-cop, ex-con Bruno Johnson is hiding from US law enforcement in Costa Rica with his wife, Marie, and the twelve children they rescued from toxic homes in south central Los Angeles. Bruno works at the Lido Cabana Bar at the Punta Bandera Hotel, and his friend, Karl Drago, is getting married on the beach right outside. After the festivities, Bruno and Marie go skinny dipping in the ocean, but they’re quickly interrupted by a visit from law enforcement.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">A shooting has just occurred at El Gato Gordo nightclub, and the victim is a prominent local figure and Bruno’s close friend. The chief of police asks Bruno to help investigate, but the stakes are higher than ever—if Bruno doesn’t find the shooter, the chief will turn him over to US authorities.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Everything is complicated further when Bruno becomes a victim of a crime himself, realizing that someone else may be after him. Bruno has to juggle the police investigation with figuring out who’s targeting him—if he drops the ball, it might be the last thing he ever does.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My Review:</span></h4><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">This
is a good addition to the ongoing saga of Bruno. He is a complex
character, rescuer of endangered children, among other pursuits.
Bruno's location in Costa Rica is a hideout for many evading the
law. Many of the people he knows are not who they claim to be.
Trouble seems to follow him around and in this novel Russian agents
play a part. My favorite character, though, was Waldo, a helpful
canine sidekick.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">Putnam
writes from his own experiences on the force and I really like his
Author's Note at the end explaining that. There is lots of violence,
blood and death in this novel. While it is part of a long running
series, it reads pretty well on its own. The are enough bits of
backstory included to understand Bruno's history and current actions.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Author:</span></h4><div><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="color: #192930;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="color: #192930;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynqF_NaLZJVII-8wlmcwYCo9xnhumwpKh2XTaOqG3yZ42HAKytGRsMJcqxmsJr3maUZS5XYtENOZq9OGL0SBh8GDClTTN3mccwmonkbadClh_YzjUVOAPbOUx_8wR6-rcQqVTYV8tnb2mTFaHqRw5RGhfcMlCScw-IPsKeVeT-BB31UzFT2zmP8oVYQE/s179/david-putnam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="120" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynqF_NaLZJVII-8wlmcwYCo9xnhumwpKh2XTaOqG3yZ42HAKytGRsMJcqxmsJr3maUZS5XYtENOZq9OGL0SBh8GDClTTN3mccwmonkbadClh_YzjUVOAPbOUx_8wR6-rcQqVTYV8tnb2mTFaHqRw5RGhfcMlCScw-IPsKeVeT-BB31UzFT2zmP8oVYQE/s1600/david-putnam.jpg" width="120" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="color: #192930;">During
his law enforcement career, “Deputy Dave” Putnam worked primarily
in California on teams for Patrol, Investigations, SWAT, Narcotics
(street level and majors), Violent Crimes, Criminal Intelligence,
Internal Affairs and the Detective Bureau.</span></span></span><p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #192930; font-family: verdana;">He
rounded out his law enforcement career with a few years in the
Hawaiian Islands as a Special Agent–part of a real-life “Hawaii-50”
team.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #192930; font-family: verdana;">He’s
now retired from law enforcement and spends his time growing organic
California avocados and writing, with his wife Mary and their three
dogs.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oceanview Publishing, 320 pages.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.</div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-27766193741196230912024-02-28T05:07:00.000-08:002024-03-16T16:08:49.459-07:00Who Brought the Dog to Church by Tracy L Smoak Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpnSJkbdkLe2hrZtKuDhsB8XwI_dfHr1s4Gk2g1tiYhmM2hFv80b1sxnU2dPuCpLEKDv09tZ1s04_5ksiPn7ZA8QiqpBG73qtSW80R7UPnfLJow24PqACluLXWKT5ugNeGRb_6E63KI7dNThJGc0oJmytMLIiCp9jzXn2uZY5RNwvmQwOhz366R82l4Y/s851/who-brought-the-dog-to-church-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpnSJkbdkLe2hrZtKuDhsB8XwI_dfHr1s4Gk2g1tiYhmM2hFv80b1sxnU2dPuCpLEKDv09tZ1s04_5ksiPn7ZA8QiqpBG73qtSW80R7UPnfLJow24PqACluLXWKT5ugNeGRb_6E63KI7dNThJGc0oJmytMLIiCp9jzXn2uZY5RNwvmQwOhz366R82l4Y/w400-h148/who-brought-the-dog-to-church-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0J8pMreEAzs6gJjSIyXo0_LKyYU_dVi7A0mybpeYW-hPIu91JzEUU8DvFwuI2qzcaW7c2Z7lIAt4jXfBioTQ2CqTgTl1JghXJTI0EomX-rSUC7d9mIh1Kgx8Lz2szCz7nSDRL0nEAM0i0_uUnNYGn3WNIrX0CqEBTP1PpwNkc_waT-WtNh_SmiuChOM/s231/Who-Brought-the-Dog-to-Church.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="150" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0J8pMreEAzs6gJjSIyXo0_LKyYU_dVi7A0mybpeYW-hPIu91JzEUU8DvFwuI2qzcaW7c2Z7lIAt4jXfBioTQ2CqTgTl1JghXJTI0EomX-rSUC7d9mIh1Kgx8Lz2szCz7nSDRL0nEAM0i0_uUnNYGn3WNIrX0CqEBTP1PpwNkc_waT-WtNh_SmiuChOM/s1600/Who-Brought-the-Dog-to-Church.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book:</strong> Who Brought the Dog to Church?<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Tracy L. Smoak</p><p><b>Genre:</b> Christian Contemporary Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>June, 2023</p><p>Betty is sure that Ida Lou does not belong in their church when the woman shows up to the Good Friday service with her small dog in tow. But before she knows what’s happening, Betty is pushed into helping the woman as she deals with the sudden hospitalization of her husband. Having lost her own husband just one year ago, Betty is chosen as the perfect person to help walk through this valley with the newcomer—along with the other women of the WUFHs (Women United For Him).</p><p>Sarah McAdams knows her husband loves her. He just loses his temper sometimes. It comes with the stress of being a highly recognized police officer. But when Sarah makes the decision that this is not the life she wants for her young son, will she be able to get out alive? Where can she go? And who will help her?</p><p>God works in mysterious ways—and through ordinary people. The town of Prosper is about to experience some drama—and it all starts with a dog who comes to church.</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/48UfKLR" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Smoak has given readers a delightful novel, one I thoroughly enjoyed. Her writing style is compelling and engaging. There is some humor, such as a prayer chain getting information totally wrong. There are also some serious issues addressed, such as domestic violence and the death of a spouse. Small town politics is countered with church women committed to the truth and helping one another.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The characters are well developed as we see the events through several individual's eyes. I loved how we get the thoughts of each of them and how information and nudging from the Holy Spirit changes critical complaints to compassionate concern, such as with Betty. And giving extraordinary courage, as with the wildly dressing Letitia, going nose to nose with an egotistical police chief.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The plot is well crafted to show how God works through circumstances and people to move to the reconciliation of those estranged. That one needs to submit to God for that to happen, however, is clearly shown. I really liked how various people, from a recent immigrant to the town's mayor, came together in the end to ensure protection for the vulnerable. There is a bit of suspense but no romance. (It wasn't needed.)</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This is a well written debut fiction effort. I am impressed with it and hope to see more novels from Smoak.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My rating: 5/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaqVgbww4aNHhcFqsItKtGgL6PYXRwPkNpPYyeVCDfo6qmmMFHIclsaDG5ACMmT331Vdcpa2dfZrf32OR4In2QRBUuxW46N3-6ADrdmRTfIWmJf-y5OSKLhQd8kKyHuvBpc9jFlOFyHUWDurNzWa55m39132bjXTv5fO-nD-o9GKx7DGB_ReLo2itUPk/s173/Smoak-Tracy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="130" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaqVgbww4aNHhcFqsItKtGgL6PYXRwPkNpPYyeVCDfo6qmmMFHIclsaDG5ACMmT331Vdcpa2dfZrf32OR4In2QRBUuxW46N3-6ADrdmRTfIWmJf-y5OSKLhQd8kKyHuvBpc9jFlOFyHUWDurNzWa55m39132bjXTv5fO-nD-o9GKx7DGB_ReLo2itUPk/s1600/Smoak-Tracy.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>A native Floridian, <strong>Tracy L. Smoak</strong> grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak writes for <em>Guideposts</em>. Ambassador International released her debut novel, <em>Who Brought the Dog to Church?. </em>Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled <em>Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.</em><p></p><p>She loves photography and authored two hardcover devotionals with her original nature art (<em>Living Water to Refresh Your Soul – </em>tranquil lake scenes; and <em>Arranged with Love</em>– floral landscapes).</p><p>Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home, she leads small-group Bible studies. She is an active member of Word Weavers International.</p><h1><span underline="">More from Tracy</span></h1><p>What secrets are hidden behind your neighbor’s door? What do <em>you</em> try to hide?</p><p>The idea for this contemporary fiction began in a small country church during an Easter prayer vigil a decade ago. As I sat in the pew late at night, I heard a strange scratching noise. When I turned to locate the sound’s source, I saw a woman across the aisle with a little Yorkie.</p><p>The vigil was silent, so I didn’t approach the lady, but I did wonder why that pooch accompanied her in the sanctuary. That scenario, connected with others in my weekly involvement in several volunteer roles, sparked imagination. We judge appearances and may completely miss needs of the heart. Do we know our neighbors?</p><p>Experiences as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence started me wondering how do people get free from damaging situations? What are the obstacles holding them back?</p><p>Serving as a Stephens Ministry leader in my home church exposed me to people suffering loss. How are we to stand with those crushed with grief?</p><p>Another volunteer role helping immigrants settle in the U.S. reminded me of the difficulties they face. How can one fill out an online job application when a person relocates from a refugee camp with no electricity and never has had a computer?</p><p>The story’s heart is learning to really see, and know, our neighbors. Three women and their friendships reveal how doing good unites a community. Through comic misunderstandings and risky undertakings, the characters show us how to be Christ’s hands and feet.</p><p>Short videos to introduce the main characters can be viewed at <a href="”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kuEoU7pFvU&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=1″">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kuEoU7pFvU&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=1</a>.</p><p>Audio book excerpts can be found at <a href="”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwxqS2mNisI&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=9″">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwxqS2mNisI&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=9</a>.</p><p>Video resources for survivors of domestic violence are at <a href="”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Aq2myofjo&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMd0mkdKujmZeq7iKDzi8IoQ&index=2″">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Aq2myofjo&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMd0mkdKujmZeq7iKDzi8IoQ&index=2</a>.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/dpheh0h0ep5wzvbm/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw0V3C-0UpKxnFwkezvCDqxY" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/dpheh0h0ep5wzvbm/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 28</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/e0hph7h07r4w9vh8/aHR0cDovL2xpZ2h0aG91c2UtYWNhZGVteS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw3KALz5pjC2IDgJ6gG2x3Iy" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/e0hph7h07r4w9vh8/aHR0cDovL2xpZ2h0aG91c2UtYWNhZGVteS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lighthouse Academy Blog</a>, February 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/7qh7h8ho9nzpv5az/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw0s_sTrb_MstX9fhYwwfCKw" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/7qh7h8ho9nzpv5az/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, March 1 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/owhkhqhrwqol3vbv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw0TMfhStlu6EssKYroQo3ud" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/owhkhqhrwqol3vbv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, March 1</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/z2hghnh3elwr92hp/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw3NJqrU3ayRAx1ULLxTSJ3H" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/z2hghnh3elwr92hp/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, March 2</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/p8heh9hz4qx5knhq/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw0l8_YopQUsyLW0U18eHrQH" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/p8heh9hz4qx5knhq/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, March 3</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/kkhmh6hlnxm2gpul/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw1693RkYYcJs9H-7dp93gAc" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/kkhmh6hlnxm2gpul/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, March 4</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/58hvh7hmg67opeu6/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw3SZQ_HN5xThsweYPu_iLV9" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/58hvh7hmg67opeu6/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pause for Tales</a>, March 5</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/qvh8h7hrdkn277al/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw1SBYE_jt9iZtcoSD4z0mIG" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/qvh8h7hrdkn277al/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Artistic Nobody</a>, March 6 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/n2hohvh3v7r58ki6/aHR0cHM6Ly9sb3Rzb2ZoZWxwZXJzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw1Hjc_l7EDuPONCWUJalbPE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/n2hohvh3v7r58ki6/aHR0cHM6Ly9sb3Rzb2ZoZWxwZXJzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lots of Helpers</a>, March 6</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/reh8hoh0m6xv20i2/aHR0cDovL2NvdmVybG92ZXJib29rcmV2aWV3LmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw1fZZEda_hvDDBVO20AEekn" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/reh8hoh0m6xv20i2/aHR0cDovL2NvdmVybG92ZXJib29rcmV2aWV3LmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a>, March 7</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/m2h7h5h834e0g2fm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw1kmQqOO8_xnX7VrAIDOc_t" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/m2h7h5h834e0g2fm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fiction Book Lover</a>, March 8 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/owhkhqhrwqolkvcv/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw0fnF02sh-S1RL5oA_GmKT6" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/owhkhqhrwqolkvcv/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, March 9</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/kkhmh6hlnxm2dptl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw2hgGK89IMdRsC5JwvjcwS0" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/kkhmh6hlnxm2dptl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For Him and My Family</a>, March 10</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/3ohphkh73pz929tr/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2tzaXJlYWQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw3pSmMQ48H8ib_ESgx3J051" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/3ohphkh73pz929tr/aHR0cHM6Ly9teWJvb2tzaXJlYWQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Books I’ve Read</a>, March 11</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/reh8hoh0m6xv30b2/aHR0cHM6Ly9naXJsc2lud2hpdGVkcmVzc2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709150642590000&usg=AOvVaw2xsEWg97yzMvaE4GA99V39" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/68uz7znr6da8hkz3gogaohzdklokk/reh8hoh0m6xv30b2/aHR0cHM6Ly9naXJsc2lud2hpdGVkcmVzc2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Girls in White Dresses</a>, March 12</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-36295295365283894322024-02-27T16:55:00.000-08:002024-02-27T16:55:44.067-08:00Forged in Peril by Kendra Warden Book Review<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Book:</span></h3><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-WqyBQ53ZAzR9mC4UuuECOTatj0NicM9PUAOP5YgAkjF-SXCz5C1aYPOWz8jmqZVH0vYX4UtS0id0mB_4oBqIQTTAXk-v8KXxve8tMoxwtsIvQIsmJ-cP1M6h3L1e-YvrH90HTGT1plKiZK81Au0NSnR7vFLGV1IA9nVkKASeh9WlNfmQyX8zGrDNb4/s240/Forged-in-Peril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="150" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-WqyBQ53ZAzR9mC4UuuECOTatj0NicM9PUAOP5YgAkjF-SXCz5C1aYPOWz8jmqZVH0vYX4UtS0id0mB_4oBqIQTTAXk-v8KXxve8tMoxwtsIvQIsmJ-cP1M6h3L1e-YvrH90HTGT1plKiZK81Au0NSnR7vFLGV1IA9nVkKASeh9WlNfmQyX8zGrDNb4/s1600/Forged-in-Peril.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ambitious paralegal Bristol Chaplin knows that achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer won’t be easy, but there’s a price that even she isn’t willing to pay. When a dark secret threatens to destroy her career, she’s forced to seek help from the man she thought she’d left behind forever.</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Private security operative Cameron Forge is content to spend his life serving God and protecting the innocent. But as the woman who broke his heart brings danger straight to his doorstep, he realizes that keeping her safe might be his toughest mission yet.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With hidden threats lurking behind every shadow, they have no choice but to uncover the truth about who is hunting Bristol before it’s too late. Even if it means putting their lives–and hearts–on the line.</span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My Review:</span></span></h3><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">I
am impressed with this debut. The character development was crafted
rather well. Bristol is a good heroine even if she was contrary on
occasion. That she and Cameron had a history allowed some romance
obstacles to quickly develop. Warden's writing style is clear and
kept my interest to the end. The plot was pretty well crafted
although I was surprised that an informative revelation near the end
clarified the villain and the reason for the suspense. The
information was previously hidden. I prefer a more subtle lead up to
the villain identification with hints along the way.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">This
is a good debut effort. There will be more novels about the Forge
brothers and I will be looking for them.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Author:</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #373e3e; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kendra Warden</b> lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, three young children, two cats, and a whole lot of books. She's passionate about (very) early mornings, long walks, and buffalo sauce. She loves to write exciting suspense stories that encourage readers to trust in the protection and love of Jesus.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fearless Faith Press, 300 pages.</span></p><p>I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Book Sirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.</p><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></span></span></p><p></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-85678454076245464072024-02-27T05:19:00.000-08:002024-02-27T05:19:42.254-08:00What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W7S0PHhN8s0FqJGLuYw9CyYHeskUkZzzt-zqO-epei5sMCXMOoLebkF6Y7gknnC-cAo4vzPPhOHi_RwVtHCWJic1vKnlLQi459sagUPsjYS9J0o5r2CSmn2uOMbt6jYiFpSWrp-77JIaLbJkxkWObXfRGwCCB0ZqJJLIqJ9R5iK1K7I09BDm1nw9Tuk/s851/what-i-promise-you-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0W7S0PHhN8s0FqJGLuYw9CyYHeskUkZzzt-zqO-epei5sMCXMOoLebkF6Y7gknnC-cAo4vzPPhOHi_RwVtHCWJic1vKnlLQi459sagUPsjYS9J0o5r2CSmn2uOMbt6jYiFpSWrp-77JIaLbJkxkWObXfRGwCCB0ZqJJLIqJ9R5iK1K7I09BDm1nw9Tuk/w400-h148/what-i-promise-you-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhsINdbL9Di7aT40Gtwp6HRv-8rKGkdaGVRO7C7ipgtlq5uSD0FesnZLDpuRiV7Pen40XwtaY0LmKnpfEAaVp0N1LGyW9I67Mbp82b3tD6Lb70XgsIq15rwWCv1CB4MESz_zv0CQwtJBxtQhrdbYdJ07e6DR8TiQZ4rilDUhRKfSXhKzmc9_FFDrOloY/s228/What-I-Promise-You-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="150" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhsINdbL9Di7aT40Gtwp6HRv-8rKGkdaGVRO7C7ipgtlq5uSD0FesnZLDpuRiV7Pen40XwtaY0LmKnpfEAaVp0N1LGyW9I67Mbp82b3tD6Lb70XgsIq15rwWCv1CB4MESz_zv0CQwtJBxtQhrdbYdJ07e6DR8TiQZ4rilDUhRKfSXhKzmc9_FFDrOloY/s1600/What-I-Promise-You-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book: </strong>What I Promise You<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Liz Tolsma</p><p><b>Genre:</b> Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>February 1, 2024</p><p><strong>A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France</strong></p><p>1942<br />Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.</p><p>2022<br />Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/47zI9WB" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Tolsma
has given readers another informative and entertaining novel focusing
on one aspect of efforts to save Jewish mothers and children
from death during WW II. I really appreciate Tolsma's note at the end of the book
identifying the historical facts upon which she wove her fiction.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">There
are a number of issues explored in this novel. One issue is the time
and effort needed to recover from from a traumatic experience and the
false guilt experienced when helpless to prevent the tragedy. Other
issues include still birth and ancestry issues. The most interesting
issue for me was discerning God's will in a calling and not trying to
live a friend's dream nor live to the expectations of others.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
book is a good one for readers who like finding out more about WW II
and the courageous heroes who put their own lives in danger to help
others. There is a good faith message and a little bit of romance as
well.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUDNtjcexyTud6UmLT-zEo5vHiCG5TaGzOOPWAo5mxoe-Gr5U8G2c3ZWMLrnfFldiyG83mpj9hl7xSSi7BQrMxwyXx2jqmCSh6djqglmsXnPz6U87a2fKk9vPs91ZxNnv1E9zqf5hJGHGIKIfmdRFeE3ZkVwQKGgTqXVMBPBjpKh88aX2NLAqxmjMG5M/s180/Liz-Tolsma.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="120" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUDNtjcexyTud6UmLT-zEo5vHiCG5TaGzOOPWAo5mxoe-Gr5U8G2c3ZWMLrnfFldiyG83mpj9hl7xSSi7BQrMxwyXx2jqmCSh6djqglmsXnPz6U87a2fKk9vPs91ZxNnv1E9zqf5hJGHGIKIfmdRFeE3ZkVwQKGgTqXVMBPBjpKh88aX2NLAqxmjMG5M/s1600/Liz-Tolsma.jpg" width="120" /></a></strong></div><strong>Liz Tolsma</strong> is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.<p></p><h1><span underline="">More from Liz</span></h1><p><strong>The Story behind the Cover of <em>What I Promise You</em></strong></p><p>In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for <em>What I Promise You. </em>While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.</p><p>That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.</p><p>Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote <em>What I Promise You, </em>but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/g3hnh5h3mqpo5zhr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw3vQ5bISgQhv21FRTet7-xp" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/g3hnh5h3mqpo5zhr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 27</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/3ohphkh73pz9l7ir/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlmZW9uY2hpY2thZGVlbGFuZS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw1C6V1MxviUrl0iTppuHieR" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/3ohphkh73pz9l7ir/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlmZW9uY2hpY2thZGVlbGFuZS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; 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color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lighthouse Academy Blog</a>, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/m2h7h5h834e0ppcm/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw1tcw5bDMWZG0ahRqkM9Lbh" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/m2h7h5h834e0ppcm/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 29</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/e0hph7h07r4wg8t8/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw273HsU8FUsA7HMk6GPiOQR" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/e0hph7h07r4wg8t8/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For Him and My Family</a>, February 29</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/owhkhqhrwqolv0sv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9tYWNlYmV0dGkv&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw1IbjoCX1I2mHdYiUTbaVY0" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/owhkhqhrwqolv0sv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9tYWNlYmV0dGkv" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Betti Mace</a>, March 1</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/p8heh9hz4qx50vuq/aHR0cHM6Ly9sdWFubmFidWJibGVzLndpeHNpdGUuY29tL2Rldm90ZWRob3Bl&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw02Pyc1JDlW2Prb8Wyt8kJI" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/p8heh9hz4qx50vuq/aHR0cHM6Ly9sdWFubmFidWJibGVzLndpeHNpdGUuY29tL2Rldm90ZWRob3Bl" style="box-sizing: inherit; 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color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, March 2</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/g3hnh5h3mqpo8zsr/aHR0cDovL2FiYmFzcHJheWVyd2FycmlvcnByaW5jZXNzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw3P6GGld3Ko8vcdLAqzhqoq" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/g3hnh5h3mqpo8zsr/aHR0cDovL2FiYmFzcHJheWVyd2FycmlvcnByaW5jZXNzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess</a>, March 3</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/9qhzhnhpd593vgt9/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw1EkEECD3kc83Ua10vE_Ebh" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/9qhzhnhpd593vgt9/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, March 3</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/3ohphkh73pz957tr/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw1OhV7f19V-Ubq8nF3cgiFq" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/3ohphkh73pz957tr/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, March 4</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/n2hohvh3v7r59vh6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw0eHq-l5Ao9epiZwplrkt-S" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/n2hohvh3v7r59vh6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogging With Carol</a>, March 4</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/48hvhehrmxgqd6ux/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw2frUJXeWDynvFottegA-Cf" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/48hvhehrmxgqd6ux/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, March 5</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/wnh2hghwq0gv2gi7/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw0EDBTq3scx7KJIc594_8bO" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/wnh2hghwq0gv2gi7/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lily’s Corner</a>, March 5</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/reh8hoh0m6xvlns2/aHR0cDovL2JpendpbmdzYmxvZy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw2DIGJrJbyUiygBo6vmKSrB" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/reh8hoh0m6xvlns2/aHR0cDovL2JpendpbmdzYmxvZy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Bizwings Book Blog</a>, March 5</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/08hwh9hd2lzw6nal/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw1YZXhWL62Osxu4dd3HAoNI" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/08hwh9hd2lzw6nal/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">lakesidelivingsite</a>, March 6</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/8ghqhohlor9p6zbk/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw3uSV8OwBfDu8UL7FJSAuxC" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/8ghqhohlor9p6zbk/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, March 6</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/vqh3hrhpowg390fg/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw1TNo2REPf6HFefJk7TCM9A" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/vqh3hrhpowg390fg/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, March 7 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/l2hehmh3lxrvm7a6/aHR0cDovL3NvdXRoZXJuZ2FsbG92ZXN0b3JlYWQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw0F6zossYm26M7NbJ7C2SCs" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/l2hehmh3lxrvm7a6/aHR0cDovL3NvdXRoZXJuZ2FsbG92ZXN0b3JlYWQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Southern Gal Loves to Read</a>, March 7</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/m2h7h5h834e06pim/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw27HLDNxJBrusxNcYMyRRAi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/m2h7h5h834e06pim/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, March 8</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/dpheh0h0ep5w99fm/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYS53aXhzaXRlLmNvbS9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw29yURZHcxBsJkW4QtTSntJ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/dpheh0h0ep5w99fm/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYS53aXhzaXRlLmNvbS9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYQ==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A Good Book and Cup of Tea</a>, March 8</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/e0hph7h07r4w38t8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw2Hd0HBPj3cByfuHAY5XtUg" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/e0hph7h07r4w38t8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a>, March 8</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/7qh7h8ho9nzp2ncz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWVzaGlzdG9yeWNsYXNzcm9vbS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw36XKfi0ZQNXIXX0_HMyf8l" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/7qh7h8ho9nzp2ncz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWVzaGlzdG9yeWNsYXNzcm9vbS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Connie’s History Classroom</a>, March 9</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/owhkhqhrwqolm0fv/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob2xseXNib29rY29ybmVyLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw2allkKU3G6Hctfkv4XFROe" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/owhkhqhrwqolm0fv/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob2xseXNib29rY29ybmVyLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Holly’s Book Corner</a>, March 9</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/z2hghnh3elwr2ztp/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw0ba92LEo4s6BbvS5qfQZ01" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/z2hghnh3elwr2ztp/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pause for Tales</a>, March 10</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/x0hph6hweq3d58s5/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWJvcm5vdGludmFpbi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw2dImTuax_uUT5tYd-lUdLT" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/x0hph6hweq3d58s5/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWJvcm5vdGludmFpbi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Labor Not in Vain</a>, March 10</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/6qheh8h7l9o6mkfo/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW5lZWstbGl0dGxlaG9tZXNjaG9vbG9udGhlcHJhaXJpZS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw3lzT8e-JwJwM1tVHOYk4UP" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/6qheh8h7l9o6mkfo/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW5lZWstbGl0dGxlaG9tZXNjaG9vbG9udGhlcHJhaXJpZS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Little Homeschool on the Prairie</a>, March 11</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/kkhmh6hlnxm2k5il/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmVjY2Fob3BlLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw0AuLzQegzHaGQJD9RXufFE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/kkhmh6hlnxm2k5il/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmVjY2Fob3BlLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Becca Hope: Book Obsessed</a>, March 11</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/58hvh7hmg67or0a6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saWdodHNpbmFkYXJrd29ybGQud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1709079918827000&usg=AOvVaw2VPQ_skopsx3aDA8lp56Nu" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/8kunlnwvg7toh0z7vw5skhzp9r599/58hvh7hmg67or0a6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saWdodHNpbmFkYXJrd29ybGQud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lights in a Dark World</a>, March 11</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QN32whS0_4vXyO6BkxgKVGkmHBBV_GkW1Yv3o0PVVwGJK9o8m-UG_MPgF1grBnQMPujUiQSgm3xg0Ev6oP-i-notudAbqvLYbFA8PQV-Sou1VS1sbQdYIv6SawrnXbf1CUGpALDkJ6ExEwclMSYXcNPeDn1tOjfydI-KvyP8vj6gMtyhzCf_8NB02A4/s251/What-I-Promise-You-Goveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="251" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QN32whS0_4vXyO6BkxgKVGkmHBBV_GkW1Yv3o0PVVwGJK9o8m-UG_MPgF1grBnQMPujUiQSgm3xg0Ev6oP-i-notudAbqvLYbFA8PQV-Sou1VS1sbQdYIv6SawrnXbf1CUGpALDkJ6ExEwclMSYXcNPeDn1tOjfydI-KvyP8vj6gMtyhzCf_8NB02A4/s1600/What-I-Promise-You-Goveaway.png" width="251" /></a></div><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><b>To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print copy of the book!!</b></p><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><b>Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</b></p><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #686868; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: large; outline: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank">https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-8256407832276471582024-02-23T05:24:00.000-08:002024-03-12T14:25:30.442-07:00Ephesians by Joy Suzanne Hunt Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZknB6KdEFEDqTwbAD8txSAfCj_G8I6cpkfvW0xunWQvti6jrwxL8NxYLNtB1qM4EJE55skIeHVWvJfmouXSgumxMD9Ef7iSCkjQusA8xZxQOxrNAlf_2vLtXBhcO4kXk4RuWstUkfA3TbRHhtR9z1fG1J7_gRiz3Acdtjna6W7X0-X7dpm1bdnv5IIE/s851/ephesians-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZknB6KdEFEDqTwbAD8txSAfCj_G8I6cpkfvW0xunWQvti6jrwxL8NxYLNtB1qM4EJE55skIeHVWvJfmouXSgumxMD9Ef7iSCkjQusA8xZxQOxrNAlf_2vLtXBhcO4kXk4RuWstUkfA3TbRHhtR9z1fG1J7_gRiz3Acdtjna6W7X0-X7dpm1bdnv5IIE/w400-h148/ephesians-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprGBE9HePvdpQal0l9yB-xj8T594WA5PetYdDC2Lj0G4B5Lrb9pESqCtzIWsL7X4uBRMg2mqBL2uMsAL8F665VoQqdewNbZ3gUp5KR1tX8ET4AFS2NzQY7tPi26rJChwuDrlGJlBQWCt_OVmC2eipTfDmBACnoOgYoO63kk8anNLdCCBuu3cIPDRgBBw/s225/Ephesians-Cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="150" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprGBE9HePvdpQal0l9yB-xj8T594WA5PetYdDC2Lj0G4B5Lrb9pESqCtzIWsL7X4uBRMg2mqBL2uMsAL8F665VoQqdewNbZ3gUp5KR1tX8ET4AFS2NzQY7tPi26rJChwuDrlGJlBQWCt_OVmC2eipTfDmBACnoOgYoO63kk8anNLdCCBuu3cIPDRgBBw/s1600/Ephesians-Cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book: </strong>Ephesians (Real World Bible Study)<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Joy Suzanne Hunt</p><p><b>Genre:</b> Bible Study Guide</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>December 15, 2023</p><p>God’s Word + YOUR Real Life</p><p>If you’ve ever had trouble building a Bible study habit or understanding God’s Word for yourself, you’re not alone. But God’s Word was actually written about real life, for real life! It’s meant for the real world!</p><p>Connect with God’s Word in 15 min a Day</p><p>Whether you’re a Bible Study veteran, or you’re brand new and don’t know where to start, this study guide is for you. In this study, you’ll learn the steps to understand Scripture for yourself and connect it to your life and community. Each week, you’ll complete 5 days of study on your own (in manageable chunks that allow you go to deeper if desired), followed by a group session to explore the text with friends or family, because we interpret Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit and community.</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/3RRDtWg" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">The
book starts out with a good teaching on Bible study in general, such
as the steps in determining the meaning of a passage. That, and the
well defined plan for daily study, makes this a good book for new
Christians. I like the format of five days of personal study and then
one day of group gathering. I like the way the daily personal study
is designed so one can do a minimum or go deeper with additional
reading and questions. One may want to have a journal nearby to
record thoughts on the Scripture reading and the answers to the
questions. Hunt has also provided a verse or small passage each week
for memorization, giving ideas for memorizing in a related online
resource.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Ephesians
is one of my favorite books in the Bible and I recommend this study
to all who would like to understand it more fully.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRrOJ3CzpXUe_XJ0ARjUykusZpFUOykH4lT4Rg_yuvFyHLGMWNR-EV6KQjcNAXbP3s5jBaTjVrFEHupdaAAfPPLCc2w0EcxzfybeXxDjEP-LQHppZy6v9LBYYY9f6gMZ75KFaAowvaCO7CBTvUG6lnk-tyBXSfNQoz0ZDqAD6taG7zIdTi9tOyyZHTpQ/s150/Joy-hunt.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="130" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRrOJ3CzpXUe_XJ0ARjUykusZpFUOykH4lT4Rg_yuvFyHLGMWNR-EV6KQjcNAXbP3s5jBaTjVrFEHupdaAAfPPLCc2w0EcxzfybeXxDjEP-LQHppZy6v9LBYYY9f6gMZ75KFaAowvaCO7CBTvUG6lnk-tyBXSfNQoz0ZDqAD6taG7zIdTi9tOyyZHTpQ/s1600/Joy-hunt.jpg" width="130" /></a></strong></div><strong>Joy Suzanne</strong> <strong>Hunt</strong> is the Pastor of Adult Education for CityWide Mosaic Church in Temecula, CA and a professor with SoCal School of Ministry. Her mission is to equip men and women to take ownership of their lives, faith, and finances. When she’s not teaching, writing, or coaching, you can find her walking her Temecula neighborhood, trying out crockpot recipes, or playing board games with friends.<p></p><h1><span underline="">More from Joy</span></h1><p>As a Bible college professor, I’m always looking for books written “by the seminary guys but for normal people,” meaning that I want the best scholarship and teaching out there, written in a way that everyone can understand. (Let’s face it: even if you’ve been to grad school, chances are reading someone’s PhD dissertation isn’t actually fun for you.)</p><p>And as a pastor, I choose study guides for our small groups that help teach members <em>how</em> to study the Bible and give them a framework to build Bible study into daily life. My favorite study guides pull in great background information and teach hands-on study skills, and are structured in a way that helps readers to spend time in God’s Word every day (whether they spend 5 minutes or 30). This study was born from our church calendar: all of my favorite study guide series’ are 13-week studies, and I needed to plan for a small group series that would last 7-8 weeks. What do you do when you can’t find the book you want? You write it, of course!</p><p>This study guide is built around the “3 Steps to Interpret a Bible Passage” that I’ve been teaching to my School of Ministry students for years. If you’ve never looked into the historical context of a passage on your own and made the connection to our lives today, you’re in for a treat. Getting into the context really makes God’s Word come alive for us and it helps guide how we handle difficult topics. I hope this study leaves you hungry for more – and armed with the tools to encounter and interpret God’s Word for yourself every day.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/x0hph6hwe2dq2lf5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw2ygo6ivmaf6bjF7VVEMpEs" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/x0hph6hwe2dq2lf5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 23</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/dpheh0h0e6wp67sm/aHR0cDovL2xpZ2h0aG91c2UtYWNhZGVteS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw2nliDt1Z47mGGQR9e6dts-" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/dpheh0h0e6wp67sm/aHR0cDovL2xpZ2h0aG91c2UtYWNhZGVteS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lighthouse Academy Blog</a>, February 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/owhkhqhrw9lq9whv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw2FooVvBZEh79HysUARGNWh" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/owhkhqhrw9lq9whv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 25</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/p8heh9hz465q6xuq/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw2f2h0BnyEVRP29tYuZ8utc" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/p8heh9hz465q6xuq/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 26</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/kkhmh6hlnw2xwrcl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw3yiBDy-e1lXnQ86i17x1YX" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/kkhmh6hlnw2xwrcl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 27</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/25h2hoh2390m9wf3/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw023jIDiapSCyCvUnST1-Mx" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/25h2hoh2390m9wf3/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 28</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/qvh8h7hrdw2kw5bl/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw18N6C6TJANaBOEA_NwA7Zu" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/qvh8h7hrdw2kw5bl/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Godly Book Reviews</a>, February 29</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/3ohphkh73m9pmpbr/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw38UnKqbH-EoqH-lpKkxQwH" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/3ohphkh73m9pmpbr/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, March 1</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/08hwh9hd2ewlroul/aHR0cHM6Ly9iZWNhdXNlaXNhaWRzb215YWR2ZW50dXJlc2lucGFyZW50aW5nLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw1heRAcG2a55YHtVa6ZQrYq" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/08hwh9hd2ewlroul/aHR0cHM6Ly9iZWNhdXNlaXNhaWRzb215YWR2ZW50dXJlc2lucGFyZW50aW5nLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting</a>, March 2</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/l2hehmh3l2vx7vu6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw0aGBv2cBguZJ8gy5PIw05a" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/l2hehmh3l2vx7vu6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Batya’s Bits</a>, March 3</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/dpheh0h0e6wpn7sm/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb21lbnRzLW9mLWJlYXV0eS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw10W6PM1qSKJx8CbGsHbvTf" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/dpheh0h0e6wpn7sm/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb21lbnRzLW9mLWJlYXV0eS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Beauty in the Binding</a>, March 4 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/7qh7h8ho9lpn5oiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw1wOIQPLNZH9mcJg4OIclov" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/7qh7h8ho9lpn5oiz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Artistic Nobody</a>, March 4</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/owhkhqhrw9lqdwsv/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw2w0oE4eolbhg7Mq27kfDoA" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/owhkhqhrw9lqdwsv/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a>, March 5</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/p8heh9hz465qoxaq/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnludGhlbGlicmFyeWFuLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw1xZL0TmjKRzCwOg3y93GOs" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/p8heh9hz465qoxaq/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnludGhlbGlicmFyeWFuLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Aryn The Libraryan</a>, March 6</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/kkhmh6hlnw2xvril/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9zc29tc2FuZGJsZXNzaW5ncy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw3Dt3VNvxBQeUffcr0U_cPc" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/kkhmh6hlnw2xvril/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9zc29tc2FuZGJsZXNzaW5ncy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, March 7 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/25h2hoh2390mwwu3/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl&source=gmail&ust=1708616103278000&usg=AOvVaw3axaQqeFC-85YqB4L028Zs" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/v8uo2opw7qsrhxl7m2osghzxl28ll/25h2hoh2390mwwu3/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Hake</a>, March 7</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><p center=""></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></span></span></p><p></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-26906450591732164512024-02-22T18:38:00.000-08:002024-02-22T18:38:34.343-08:00Murder in the Library by Anita Davison Book Review<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Book:</span></h4><div><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CKMzdUqXuFgTkFyga8nZ3Snjw4QEOvI4qiWzZNoJaykcamg9TYZ5OAKMqlPfaALNOvFvnGT9CWf5R5jI4FJ4nrXUlPL-Sf-1HL_f5hkmnltemWjdtyk5Beg7KjwGZAvs6pBFwCPI6NvYJAI52RH6VPlF-JU1cgXm5uCNzlhgbNJGrcye6xw1qyUJbCI/s230/Murder-in-the-Library.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="150" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CKMzdUqXuFgTkFyga8nZ3Snjw4QEOvI4qiWzZNoJaykcamg9TYZ5OAKMqlPfaALNOvFvnGT9CWf5R5jI4FJ4nrXUlPL-Sf-1HL_f5hkmnltemWjdtyk5Beg7KjwGZAvs6pBFwCPI6NvYJAI52RH6VPlF-JU1cgXm5uCNzlhgbNJGrcye6xw1qyUJbCI/s1600/Murder-in-the-Library.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></div><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">April
1916 and Hannah volunteers at the Endell Street Military Hospital as
part of her war effort and to pass the time waiting for Darius
Cliffford, whose Secret Service Bureau work will hopefully help end
the war.</span></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">When
Hannah finds the body of a soldier in the Library one morning, no one
seems to know what he was doing there and in a building containing
five hundred injured soldiers, where does Inspector Farrell begin
looking for a killer?</span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">Hannah
offers her services gathering information for the overworked
policeman, but cannot resist doing some detective work of her own.
When a young nurse goes missing, no one takes it seriously but Hannah
is convinced there is a connection.</span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">Her
search takes her and her Aunt Violet to Lowestoft - are the answers
on the Sussex coast?</span></span></span></strong></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><strong><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></div><h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My Review:</span></h4></div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">This
historical mystery set in WW I England immerses readers in the
period. We read of anticipating the U.S. entering the war even though
President Wilson was against it. The American sentiment began to
change as the Germans began attacking non-military ships. I think
that informative setting is the strength of the novel.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">The
mystery was a little different as it was solved about half way
through. But there was another mystery, sort of, with a missing
woman. That is resolved with a suitable bit of suspense near the end.
The characters are done rather well and add interest with their
relationships.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">This
is a good novel for readers who would like a mystery set in WW I
England with lots of good setting description and interesting
characters.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can read my review of the first book in this series, <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2023/09/murder-in-bookshop-by-anita-davison.html " target="_blank">Murder in the Bookshop</a></i>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Author:</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpRtXfDHyPB_T7UrSTxzaNN_7GppM9J9TBpSiHP33di5fBk3eQBGsSIEC8lRJZF_EQJevSQILlEqd71uOL_rU4w7n8GVWONfPQb1IkZWNCOUUqkh9q-FdwxokjBnkz55zUYn1xT7_p_yc-uri5ZZ5nM6xYyX4mATGlwKLzOlUmcguPNE-jYend7m3p_k/s173/Anita-Davison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="120" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpRtXfDHyPB_T7UrSTxzaNN_7GppM9J9TBpSiHP33di5fBk3eQBGsSIEC8lRJZF_EQJevSQILlEqd71uOL_rU4w7n8GVWONfPQb1IkZWNCOUUqkh9q-FdwxokjBnkz55zUYn1xT7_p_yc-uri5ZZ5nM6xYyX4mATGlwKLzOlUmcguPNE-jYend7m3p_k/s1600/Anita-Davison.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><div>Anita's first published novels were set in the 17th Century, about The Woufe Family of Loxsbeare in Exeter during the Monmouth Rebellion and the Glorious Revolution. Royalist Rebel, based on Elizabeth Murray, later the Duchess of Lauderdale during her youth in the English Civil War.</div></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anita's current works are the Flora Maguire Mysteries, a series of Edwardian Cozy Mysteries published by Aria Fiction. The first book is Flora's Secret set on an Atlantic Steamship in 1900, followed by Betrayal at Cleeve Abbey, A Knightsbridge Scandal, The Forgotten Children and The Bloomsbury Affair which was released in November 2018.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Her novel, Envy The Wind set on Prince Edward Island in the year 1905, was written as part of the Canadian Historical Brides Series published by BWL Publishing, Canada in July 2018.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Boldwood Books, 266 pages.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.</div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-23908258786310381352024-02-21T05:49:00.000-08:002024-03-12T14:24:56.011-07:00The Marine's Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLaylLR-R04VyRqk0erUjl-dLuBnfKvFx1VJFWITPoVgkj6F8nyIQ1MFp19opYO-CziowVjTKvgi2CPBz0JeyuKn81UEXqgbwTOTZxTV7e0fDvcK_n3VmLgKgcA8cE4u6yw7GdnyL_Iw_cy2Tx2SB15zUoMXgfevVM2zirPqmFjvN1cRWApnizTZksUM/s851/The-Marines-deadly-reunion-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLaylLR-R04VyRqk0erUjl-dLuBnfKvFx1VJFWITPoVgkj6F8nyIQ1MFp19opYO-CziowVjTKvgi2CPBz0JeyuKn81UEXqgbwTOTZxTV7e0fDvcK_n3VmLgKgcA8cE4u6yw7GdnyL_Iw_cy2Tx2SB15zUoMXgfevVM2zirPqmFjvN1cRWApnizTZksUM/w400-h148/The-Marines-deadly-reunion-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBh6pFFRjXs6K1JshiUKXHkLUH-u9CRSvijY4Rjja-AGPgTub8n_5BIA1r_IvHcvI7vm_5YKV8g3P_Qyc0dSEgVc-KgONyex-mGSxx23Km4U4LjNTN_XHamK-0UrIM8f69m-EOjWoaiHRrmcwLkQWukSgc6Nd03ougwiHIUpQ9gGfBKTqRZoxtC_DbSQ/s236/The-Marines-Deadly-Reunion-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="150" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBh6pFFRjXs6K1JshiUKXHkLUH-u9CRSvijY4Rjja-AGPgTub8n_5BIA1r_IvHcvI7vm_5YKV8g3P_Qyc0dSEgVc-KgONyex-mGSxx23Km4U4LjNTN_XHamK-0UrIM8f69m-EOjWoaiHRrmcwLkQWukSgc6Nd03ougwiHIUpQ9gGfBKTqRZoxtC_DbSQ/s1600/The-Marines-Deadly-Reunion-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book: </strong>The Marine’s Deadly Reunion<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Loretta Eidson</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Inspirational Romantic Suspense</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>December 26, 2023</p><p>When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister, and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe . . . before the killer finds them?</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/48veKxQ" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review </h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
liked the protagonists in this action packed novel of romantic
suspense. Daria is a strong female police officer and she combines
efforts with an equally strong ex-marine, Jake. Initial tension
between the two melts as they must work together to solve a mystery
and stay alive in the process.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">There
is a great deal of suspense in this novel, some of it caused by the
lack of due diligence by law enforcement. An example is leaving a
woman and child unprotected when there are dangerous people on the
loose. Of course, trouble follows. There are a number of twists in
the plot as new villains are revealed almost to the very end.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">There
is a strong faith message and a solid romantic element as a childhood
friendship is rekindled. This is a good novel for those who enjoy
inspirational romantic suspense.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcvEmCt0oKngLIn0L7PoxOwaieh1Sq7Zi50_9v5ktzUf48PO0O3M82tWVbOINlWtjYt3okIvQYS1Dda5zzfztT1q6oUyZb0oLUzBbOREdmbSFQm0pZJ9wiKgIEvCgO5JskzUaGsQYgQfXCAiG0thAKuKF2Dy7kUCdys_F8ZIoRZR6QfXDEC1KlSBMXE0/s130/Loretta-Eidson.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="130" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcvEmCt0oKngLIn0L7PoxOwaieh1Sq7Zi50_9v5ktzUf48PO0O3M82tWVbOINlWtjYt3okIvQYS1Dda5zzfztT1q6oUyZb0oLUzBbOREdmbSFQm0pZJ9wiKgIEvCgO5JskzUaGsQYgQfXCAiG0thAKuKF2Dy7kUCdys_F8ZIoRZR6QfXDEC1KlSBMXE0/s1600/Loretta-Eidson.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>Award-winning author <strong>Loretta Eidson</strong> loves writing inspirational romantic suspense. Her first novel, <em>Pursued in the Wilderness, </em>published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense<em>, </em>won the <em>2023 Romance Novel of the Year</em> award in AWSA’s (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) Golden Scroll Awards and was a <em>finalist</em> in the 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Director’s Choice Award in General Fiction.<p></p><p>She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys challenging her characters to trust God in all things. Loretta is an AWSA Certified Coach for aspiring writers, and she lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.</p><h1><span underline="">More from Loretta</span></h1><p>One of the fun parts I enjoyed writing in The Marine’s Deadly Reunion is the interaction between US Marine, Jake Fisher, and his eighteen-month-old niece, Emma. He knows nothing about caring for a baby. He thinks if he isn’t hungry, Emma isn’t either. During one scene, he glances at her in the rearview mirror. She had tossed everything out of her diaper bag and found her juice cup. He grins, thinking this little human is self-sufficient and they’ll get along just fine.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/reh8hoh0m4m8mdf2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw0yg9-TtatVEpf2p2AIsWqH" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/reh8hoh0m4m8mdf2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 21</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/m2h7h5h83v3r34bm/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw20OAF4eRkRk_FdnP7watEe" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/m2h7h5h83v3r34bm/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pause for Tales</a>, February 22</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/6qheh8h7lzlqn6io/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw0a4lpjurJxXm4n1d9hplJv" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/6qheh8h7lzlqn6io/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 22</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/g3hnh5h3mrmv6msr/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw1gEWCaW2387_m1AE81vVYl" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/g3hnh5h3mrmv6msr/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 23</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/wnh2hghwqnqzxnb7/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw3Z8S69_w-tNoUM_Er6WaAX" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/wnh2hghwqnqzxnb7/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, February 24</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/8ghqhohlozo4qvck/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw2tfnKLgHTQ7SLCBYD8ffJi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/8ghqhohlozo4qvck/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 25</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/l2hehmh3lelg68a6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw3jVT6fD1DeIxW4OfnvG-m0" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/l2hehmh3lelg68a6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, February 26</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/dpheh0h0eve382hm/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw0xEMg7qeQBMtnEFXAnZ0es" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/dpheh0h0eve382hm/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 27</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/e0hph7h0767xqzu8/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVsb2Z0eXBhZ2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw1QW3rKFvcdh3-MSYgo8Cjw" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/e0hph7h0767xqzu8/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVsb2Z0eXBhZ2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Lofty Pages</a>, February 28</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/x0hph6hweoeg3zf5/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9tYWNlYmV0dGkv&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw3fr0JLlGD9lu96cyR2TA1v" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/x0hph6hweoeg3zf5/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9tYWNlYmV0dGkv" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Betti Mace</a>, February 29</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/25h2hoh23635d7t3/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlmZW9uY2hpY2thZGVlbGFuZS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw2E0k5Yjh5uhLL1FddHZOh3" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/25h2hoh23635d7t3/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlmZW9uY2hpY2thZGVlbGFuZS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Life on Chickadee Lane</a>, February 29</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/qvh8h7hrdzdxnril/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw2yj128ADUarDt7UlxEY7mT" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/qvh8h7hrdzdxnril/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For Him and MY Family</a>, March 1</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/n2hohvh3vmvdres6/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob2xseXNib29rY29ybmVyLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw2Uf8qy5jSlDAPLA-sE8kud" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/n2hohvh3vmvdres6/aHR0cHM6Ly9ob2xseXNib29rY29ybmVyLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Holly’s Book Corner</a>, March 2</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/8ghqhohlozo49vik/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVsYWtydWVnZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw0OuuwgSjd34ZrMb6EDrMMt" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/8ghqhohlozo49vik/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVsYWtydWVnZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Paula’s Pad of Inspiration</a>, March 3</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/dpheh0h0eve352hm/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw3N0abcQXpHYNNBdMcRJZd5" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/dpheh0h0eve352hm/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, March 4 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/z2hghnh3eneg04up/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw1u1hKzVdzNZvPasyZrKJ8a" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/z2hghnh3eneg04up/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Hake</a>, March 4</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/dpheh0h0eve3rwam/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYS53aXhzaXRlLmNvbS9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYQ%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708551724355000&usg=AOvVaw0Zr3tE_n6BbLup5Pp6pS8j" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/27u9g9qxophohv6zr0xu3hr54qw44/dpheh0h0eve3rwam/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYS53aXhzaXRlLmNvbS9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYQ==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A Good Book and Cup of Tea</a>, March 5</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-41500005358504114952024-02-20T05:46:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:24:48.648-08:00Playing Dead by TG Wolff Blog Tour Book Review<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-39z6j21NoGOq90B32Yj1wEO5sFfL2WLLYje4EpsVEtvoQv-B9r3zXR1rilGpRGgWvjjLS327h7lHmfSjxV0wPlKiLnA8J8aTXERrboY0NZr9OOivd3mtJd64SLpbjdtYSjngQCeIgbCcVt8fn-4815kgAIdsWMCchrPtouNWJ2xJJd-fxYrU_1y3oo/s851/playing-dead-by-tg-wolff--cover--banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="851" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-39z6j21NoGOq90B32Yj1wEO5sFfL2WLLYje4EpsVEtvoQv-B9r3zXR1rilGpRGgWvjjLS327h7lHmfSjxV0wPlKiLnA8J8aTXERrboY0NZr9OOivd3mtJd64SLpbjdtYSjngQCeIgbCcVt8fn-4815kgAIdsWMCchrPtouNWJ2xJJd-fxYrU_1y3oo/w400-h265/playing-dead-by-tg-wolff--cover--banner.png" width="400" /></a><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>Playing Dead</i></h2>
<h3>by TG Wolff</h3>
<h4>February 19 - 23, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgCe-q5bLYcgluMLndTpoW8eeSyaBzj0eMAOxfeVfq9T_6xvuEkf-ZU4koSnhF8qPTkClZKHKRP5PZmSpYN4w0e0UqS0sWodJJ5d22fLs56-FxW26mgqwmMNhhD0Ap9M9eucIJphmlxHcNwjQyJ1TiNG3dZqdM0wQcRkUnL9FtRKtweMwDIaLHPepw9c/s231/Playing-Dead-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="150" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgCe-q5bLYcgluMLndTpoW8eeSyaBzj0eMAOxfeVfq9T_6xvuEkf-ZU4koSnhF8qPTkClZKHKRP5PZmSpYN4w0e0UqS0sWodJJ5d22fLs56-FxW26mgqwmMNhhD0Ap9M9eucIJphmlxHcNwjQyJ1TiNG3dZqdM0wQcRkUnL9FtRKtweMwDIaLHPepw9c/s1600/Playing-Dead-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The nightmare is over. Alexander “Rotten” Carter is dead. But when his body is dumped in Cleveland Homicide Detective Jesus De La Cruz’s neighborhood, there are more questions than answers. Rotten was dressed up like the king of hearts, right down to the dagger in the suicide king’s temple. The elaborate staging is perplexing at the same time seems to be sending a message.<p></p>
<p>As Cruz investigates, he discovers Rotten Carter was more complex than the simple villain he had painted him to be. So is his murder, which is related to the deaths of his two lieutenants months prior. Both were strangled and found, with playing cards in their mouths. Jacks.</p>
<p>As the body count climbs, connection tie back to a dead CI and an accident that made a cop a widower. A web becomes apparent with one man in the middle: Narcotics Detective Matt Yablonski. But is he the spider or another fly?</p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
enjoyed this police investigative procedure novel. For those of us
who have come to be engaged in De La Cruz's life, this is a good
addition to his continuing story. Wolff has managed to strike a
balance between the police work and Cruz's personal life. I like his
commitment to his friend, Yablonski, and the relationship he has with
his finance, Aurora. The investigative procedure is an experience in
following every lead possible, including the use of medieval fighting
implements.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Much
of the personal relationship drama we read about in this novel is
rooted in previous books in the series. While this novel reads well
on its own, De La Cruz is an engaging character and reading the
earlier books would be fun too. Wollf's writing style is a pleasure
to read and this is a good novel for those who like to know as much
about the detectives as their work in solving the murders.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">You
can read my review of the previous book in this series, <i><a href="https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/2022/04/razing-stakes-by-t-g-wolff-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">RazingStakes</a></i>. </span></p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Mystery <br />
<b>Published by:</b> Down & Out Books<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> February 2024 <br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 398 <br />
<b>Series:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/DeLaCruz" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The De La Cruz Case Files</a>, Book 4<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/Hdt6y" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://pictbooks.tours/4PfMa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </p>
</blockquote>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>The crime scene was around the corner, no more than ten houses from Cruz’s own. Two streets came together at a sharp angle, creating oddly shaped yards. An island was formed at one of the peaks, surrounded by roadway. It was the length of one of the yards facing it. Geometric colors showed brightly in the morning sun, giving the landscape a third dimension it didn’t naturally have. Cruz approached, his mind transforming the lines and shapes into the macabre corpse.</p>
<p>“I called 9-1-1 and, thankfully, no one else has come out,” Binnie, the girls’ father, said. He stood guard over the island in worn sweatpants and a sweatshirt. He was barefoot.</p>
<p>“Aurora kept the girls. She’ll settle them down.”</p>
<p>“Good. I didn’t want them to see this, not any more than they had.” Binnie turned until he and Cruz were side by side. “The island was part of the city’s Color the Corners Chalk Festival. It took the artist two days to do it.”</p>
<p>That explained the background, a mosaic reminiscent of a stained-glass window, but not the character on it. Cruz thought Francie’s description of a costume was accurate. The victim, male, White, was in his twenties. The torso was covered by a tunic, the kind a knight might wear. Instead of regal, the tunic was decorated with hearts in groups of twos and threes, some facing up, others down. The costume was thin fabric. Details were printed on, not embroidered. The legs were dressed in a pair of tights, the red color coordinated with the tunic. The feet were bare.</p>
<p>The arms were bare as well. One was bent at the elbow with the hand resting on the lower abdomen. The other was positioned upward. The hand curled around the hilt of a long dagger, the blade buried in the head. It was an unnatural position that forced the wrist, elbow, and shoulder out of a flat alignment.</p>
<p>Cruz rounded to the base of the figure. He recognized it. “Someone made him into the king of hearts. Better get shoes on, Binnie,” he advised as vehicles began arriving at the scene. “This isn’t going to be quick.”</p>
<p>“I’ll put some coffee on,” he said and headed to the house directly behind them.</p>
<p>There was no estimate on when the man had died. His body temperature was lower than was naturally possible given the weather. The nighttime low bottomed out around fifty degrees. The body was low forties. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner would use methods more sophisticated than temperature to estimate time of death.</p>
<p>A cursory review of the body found no cuts, wounds, or contusions aside from the knife in the head. The blade had been driven in above the left ear. The handle was wrapped in leather, the complicated over-under weave spoke of skill and craftsmanship. Cruz examined the round, silver ball at the end and found it to be slightly flattened and marred with scratches.</p>
<p>Something about the position of the mouth drew Cruz’s attention. He applied pressure on the chin, opening the jaw. Inside was the white edge of folded paper. Widening the opening, he gently pulled. The folded item came easily. It wasn’t paper exactly. It was thicker. Coated. He turned it over, both sides printed in a blue elaborate pattern reminiscent of…a playing card.</p>
<p>He unfolded it, revealing the king of hearts.</p>
<p>Rising, he compared the body position to the card. It was a match.</p>
<p>He pictured the man resting his head on a table. His killer standing over him, holding the dagger in position with one hand and using a hammer in the other to drive the point deep. There were no defensive signs. It was as if the man simply lay down and allowed the knife to be driven into his head. The ME would tell him if the man was incapacitated via drugs or other means.</p>
<p>Wherever happened, it didn’t happen here. Beneath the body was the chalk of the drawing. The lines separating the colors were disturbed directly beneath but even that was minor. There was minimal transfer to the back of the clothing. The man was set in place, not dragged, which meant either multiple people were involved or one person strong enough to handle a body. The man was average to short with sinewy arms and legs. Cruz put him in the 160-pound camp.</p>
<p>Ready to tackle the timetable, Cruz went up the short walk to where Binnie waited with a cup of coffee.</p>
<p>“It’s nice and hot,” he said, holding out the insulated Cleveland Browns cup.</p>
<p>Cruz went up one step to accept. “I appreciate it. Tell me what happened this morning.”</p>
<p>“You know, Cruz, I can’t tell you much. I was dead asleep when Sunny screamed. You know how it is, one second out cold, then wide awake. I went to the front door. I could tell there was something on the island but not what it was.” He pointed to the screen now hiding the crime scene. “It didn’t make sense until I was nearly to the sidewalk. I told the girls to go get you and ran back in the house to get my phone. I didn’t even think about shoes. I called 9-1-1 and waited for you or them to arrive.”</p>
<p>“What time was this?”</p>
<p>Binnie pulled out his phone and searched for outgoing calls. “Eight minutes after seven. The sky was light but the street still dark. You know. You arrived just a few minutes later.”</p>
<p>Cruz did know but wanted details to supplement his own observations. “What about cars on the street? Anyone leaving the area? Any vehicles that didn’t belong?”</p>
<p>His witness thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Everything was quiet. I didn’t even see anyone walking their dog yet.”</p>
<p>“I had someone go house-to-house. Anyone who was awake was in their kitchen or backyard. There was no answer next door. Any idea where your neighbor is?”</p>
<p>“Metro General Hospital. He works first shift in the maintenance department. He left at twenty to seven. When he started his car, I woke enough to read the clock and decide it was too early to get up.” Binnie pointed to a pair of patrol officers waving their way. “I think they want you.”</p>
<p>“We’re close to wrapping up here. Let me see what they need, then we’ll go to my house. I need to ask your daughters a few questions.” Cruz left the porch, turning his attention to the officers. “What do you have?”</p>
<p>“The victim has been identified as Alexander Carter, age twenty-seven,” the leading officer answered. “His listed address is his parents’, but he’s spent a lot of time as a guest of the county. In and out for possession, assault, petty theft. He’s—Detective?”</p>
<p>Cruz stalked to the protective tent.</p>
<p>“Detective? Cruz?” The officer hurried to keep up.</p>
<p>Cruz took a knee next to the dead man’s shoulder and studied the face. He’d seen it in pictures a dozen times, only twice in person. In every case, the eyes had been narrowed with hate, the chin tipped up in challenge.</p>
<p>“Do you know this guy?” the officer asked.</p>
<p>“Not just me. We’ve been after Rotten Carter since July. Send me the information on his next of kin. I’ll make the trip after we wrap here, and I follow up with the girls. Go back through the neighborhood, see if anyone here knows our vic.”</p>
<p>The officers left the tent to execute orders while Cruz studied the man he daydreamed about killing. Without the attitude he wore like skin, Rotten Carter had a clean-cut look. He didn’t have ink tatted across his body or battle-earned scars saying the man fought his way through life. He could have been a family man with a white-collar job.</p>
<p>He could have been an ordinary guy earning an honest living.</p>
<p>But he wasn’t.</p>
<p>Rotten Carter was a mid-level dealer who had been on Cleveland police’s radar for years. His sister, Natasha “Sasha” Carter was a confidential informant to Cruz’s best friend, Narcotics Detective Matt Yablonski. Sasha snitched with her brother’s permission or at least knowledge. She fed information on Rotten’s competition, keeping her brother’s territory solid.</p>
<p>One day last January, Sasha got in touch with Yablonski and asked for a meetup. She didn’t follow their normal protocols, wanting Yablonski to come to her place. He arrived at the agreed upon time and found Sasha overdosing. Yablonski called for backup and began CPR. Rotten walked in and misread the situation. While Rotten and Yablonski fought, Sasha died.</p>
<p>Rotten blamed Yablonski. He focused his energy and resources on finding the man who killed his sister. Bad luck or bad timing put Rotten in the same place at the same time as Yablonski, and Yablonski’s wife, Erin.</p>
<p>Rotten saw his opportunity for revenge and took it.</p>
<p>That night, Erin and Aurora were driving to a restaurant for a celebratory night out. Rain poured down, making the street dark and the road slick. There was no evidence Rotten Carter tracked Erin’s car through downtown Cleveland. There was no proof Rotten drove the car and instigated the crash. There were no witnesses to point to Rotten as the reason Erin Yablonski was dead and Aurora’s legs might never be the same.</p>
<p>And yet there was no doubt.</p>
<p>Alone in the tent with the corpse of the man he hated, Cruz felt empty. This didn’t fix a damn thing. And now, it would be his job to find the killer who had done him and the rest of the city a favor.</p>
<p>Cruz didn’t want the job, but he wasn’t going to pass it on. He was going to use it to his advantage and prove Rotten Carter was behind the crash.</p>
<p>Closure. That’s what he could give Aurora and Yablonski.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Playing Dead</i> by TG Wolff. Copyright 2024 by TG Wolff. Reproduced with permission from TG Wolff. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBChA2dMuWyh4XGvpubJmDK9jc3_x1JksqbV_6BWfqYPlwwxd4T6KBg-pRXUaPpe_Nrrum7OBhW2CYCvKXxn724lIWTNP2DTo0u4SNlLtqKr8ny1Yg7XwdfgDCtJdaNjziY76Z5FtCG2XKHSZPZZSG_yq3ovMhXMYc0bV732xmYNIkPkXA_QaQfmOf7Q/s179/TG-Wolff.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="120" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBChA2dMuWyh4XGvpubJmDK9jc3_x1JksqbV_6BWfqYPlwwxd4T6KBg-pRXUaPpe_Nrrum7OBhW2CYCvKXxn724lIWTNP2DTo0u4SNlLtqKr8ny1Yg7XwdfgDCtJdaNjziY76Z5FtCG2XKHSZPZZSG_yq3ovMhXMYc0bV732xmYNIkPkXA_QaQfmOf7Q/s1600/TG-Wolff.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><b>TG Wolff </b>writes mysteries that play within the gray area between good and bad, right and wrong. She specializes in puzzles, giving you everything you need to solve the mystery. Diverse characters mirror the complexities of real life and real people, balanced with a healthy dose of entertainment. TG Wolff is the co-creator and co-host of <em>Mysteries to Die For</em> podcast. She holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.<p></p>
<h3>Catch Up With TG Wolff:<br />
<a href="https://pictbooks.tours/TGWolff" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TGWolff.com</a><br />
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<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!<br /><!--start LinkyTools script-->
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<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p></div>
Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-73356829431919027852024-02-17T06:04:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:25:38.256-08:00When Legends Rise by Daphne Self Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ua6tAEl-dg0fQSuetIec8zJsP5sQan3aVBo3sagwRsWYBl4MIFSgHhzN8NehfN_WpZWrVwyIpXDdnoBlcGTlPgskOvlM5kS0xa1-DU_M9yu27xXMd63w_UkpelRu5ZsAfLlPoqQ64SjD5YhQzZ0aoz107l3Ig8ypcSpkvkini3_KurRrjuXtGm-PhCM/s851/when-Legends-rise-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ua6tAEl-dg0fQSuetIec8zJsP5sQan3aVBo3sagwRsWYBl4MIFSgHhzN8NehfN_WpZWrVwyIpXDdnoBlcGTlPgskOvlM5kS0xa1-DU_M9yu27xXMd63w_UkpelRu5ZsAfLlPoqQ64SjD5YhQzZ0aoz107l3Ig8ypcSpkvkini3_KurRrjuXtGm-PhCM/w400-h148/when-Legends-rise-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzEtFNFf5gpYbNYl38I6SD0xmQoPIN5_QZ03ZMmHBizFxFnz5H0Ex66ZDQ7rOyJ2iMKhqCvR2-rFlSpXySUHQ6IE0m9zB5LrKNL-6cT2mWfUqgEeGdZTuPN1sTKCtffaiUu4cY64J22cQPosoFOQ3v82AgcI5QzIXNu0M9ekene7qcay0xzaBV6JV6PM/s231/When-Legends-Rise-cover.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="150" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzEtFNFf5gpYbNYl38I6SD0xmQoPIN5_QZ03ZMmHBizFxFnz5H0Ex66ZDQ7rOyJ2iMKhqCvR2-rFlSpXySUHQ6IE0m9zB5LrKNL-6cT2mWfUqgEeGdZTuPN1sTKCtffaiUu4cY64J22cQPosoFOQ3v82AgcI5QzIXNu0M9ekene7qcay0xzaBV6JV6PM/s1600/When-Legends-Rise-cover.png" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book:</strong> When Legends Rise<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Daphne Self</p><p><b>Genre:</b> Science Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>July 26, 2022</p><p>He is now one of them. Genetically altered . . . Designed to kill . . . Trained to eradicate . . . Until he became more. Juliet 7-A was the top elite assassin for the Global Federated Territories until an ambush deemed him beyond salvaging. He was scheduled for decommission. His only recourse for survival is a new identity and his search for the one friend he had―a friend who defected and deserted him. Those he once hunted will save him. Yet it comes with a price. A price that demands much of him. What happens when an assassin awakens?</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/3tk4I3w" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
is an entertaining science fiction novel and is, perhaps, one that
retells the story of Saul of Tarsus. Julius is an assassin for the
Federation determined to eradicate Christians. Like Saul, he comes to
a point of realizing his need for reconciliation with God. Self has
added much more to the story, however, such as a touching romance.
She addresses several issues in the novel, like the stamina of
Christians under deadly persecution, the struggle for character
transformation, the need for the help of others, and healing from
traumatic childhood experiences. Plus, there's a good deal advanced
technology and shoot 'em up encounters.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">There
is lots of action and the consistent pace kept me reading. I am not
sure I understood most of the technological jargon and devices used
but it made for fun science fiction experience. I would have liked a
little more world building as I had difficulty visualizing some of
the rooms, tunnels, and other settings. There is a solid faith
message so this novel will appeal to Christians who love adventurous
science fiction.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI9_f7M98tdkpQ3nXcqFRT3AThMqMrgY01MWi0OJ8jqt9L9k2BYDuwx1cYQy7dQtwV-RNNQW__eP_cynme3LElwavoS5vCwz47UbznjdzJxE3s0ixd2jqRJp_ovpUuQFMgTUqRiS7-3B6dWmoU15M4E_sqy5Tja7yuZGO7VenYqH_0yEO05omiOZ9L3o/s168/Daphne-Self.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="130" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI9_f7M98tdkpQ3nXcqFRT3AThMqMrgY01MWi0OJ8jqt9L9k2BYDuwx1cYQy7dQtwV-RNNQW__eP_cynme3LElwavoS5vCwz47UbznjdzJxE3s0ixd2jqRJp_ovpUuQFMgTUqRiS7-3B6dWmoU15M4E_sqy5Tja7yuZGO7VenYqH_0yEO05omiOZ9L3o/s1600/Daphne-Self.jpg" width="130" /></a></strong></div><strong>Daphne Self</strong>, formerly published under the name D.M. Webb, resides in Iowa. As a Mississippian transplant, she spends her days in the Midwest state writing, editing, reading, antiquing, and planning adventures. She pursues her dream as an editor and author with one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name. Daphne is also an avid reader who devours book in many genres. As a long time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and Realm Makers, she volunteers her time helping published and unpublished authors.<p></p><h1><span underline="">More from Daphne</span></h1><p>It started as an idea back in the late 90s. It came to fruition in May 2021. The inspiration was this: salvation is free. That began the questions of: what if someone committed horrible acts, what if that person was indoctrinated and changed, what if when faced with the truth how would he react, and finally, what story from the Bible would work for my character? Of course, the story of Saul of Tarsus (Paul) came to mind. Blood was on his hands, yet he found salvation in Christ. And the story of Samson gave a bit of a parallel to my story, too.</p><p>I wrote this book before the show <em>Halo</em> was released, yet I had been playing the <em>Halo</em> video game for years. I’ve always enjoyed the backstory of Master Chief, so the main character of <em>When Legends Rise</em> is a bit like Master Chief John-117. Plus, if you have seen <em>The Mandalorian</em>, then you will see a few common themes between my book and that show. There’s also a bit of a Star Trek vibe in that I use “tech” speak and plausible science.</p><p>And what began as one book has now evolved into a 5-book series titled <em>Legends of Light</em>. Book two, <em>What Legends Become</em>, releases in June 2024 and follows the family and the continuing story of salvation, persecution, faith, and hope.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/48hvhehrrxw9owax/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw0_1msCCoQYK7e2wqIvvtSB" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/48hvhehrrxw9owax/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 17</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/wnh2hghww0m4znt7/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw20JWVslL_0gJoM2hg3h6Pe" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/wnh2hghww0m4znt7/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, February 18</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/reh8hoh006k78ds2/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw1GfVXIttjkIHPi762XtTaL" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/reh8hoh006k78ds2/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 19</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/08hwh9hddlnx8ral/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw3hjEojxZCZqK0hOTukK8yv" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/08hwh9hddlnx8ral/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Artistic Nobody</a>, February 20 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/vqh3hrhppwm459ag/aHR0cDovL21hZGlzbXVzaW5nc2Jsb2cud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw05MyiarY3pUE4ktgZ36oF8" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/vqh3hrhppwm459ag/aHR0cDovL21hZGlzbXVzaW5nc2Jsb2cud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Madi’s Musings</a>, February 20</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/m2h7h5h88429r4hm/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw22lfwBsd6Sj4AYRe2CZlDD" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/m2h7h5h88429r4hm/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 21</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/dpheh0h00pdk32fm/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw0pxHkdxnVVY0L5-vRcwZYg" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/dpheh0h00pdk32fm/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 22</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/owhkhqhrrqxl33hv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2lzaGZ1bGVuZGluZ3MuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw1uh47dUdpG2SUZ9ZuaVGFQ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/owhkhqhrrqxl33hv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2lzaGZ1bGVuZGluZ3MuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Wishful Endings</a>, February 23</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/p8heh9hzzqr5k2aq/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw3OFZLG7aD_MFIcK1dFauYE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/p8heh9hzzqr5k2aq/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 24</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/6qheh8h779x6v6ho/aHR0cDovL2V4cGxvcmluZ3RoZXdyaXR0ZW53b3JkLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw3uRicCkEj5WMhD020ns6sm" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/6qheh8h779x6v6ho/aHR0cDovL2V4cGxvcmluZ3RoZXdyaXR0ZW53b3JkLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Exploring the Written Word</a>, February 25</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/25h2hoh22ml0r7s3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw2ji2EnLvHmtWbO1oR2J9PI" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/25h2hoh22ml0r7s3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogging With Carol</a>, February 26</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/g3hnh5h33qgo7mhr/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw0Q0juONpCtEQZ2LFyVT5nf" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/g3hnh5h33qgo7mhr/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pause for Tales</a>, February 27</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/9qhzhnhpp543kzc9/aHR0cHM6Ly9ndWlsZG1hc3Rlcjk3LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw3htup61NMUzJ9-5kyEI_7D" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/9qhzhnhpp543kzc9/aHR0cHM6Ly9ndWlsZG1hc3Rlcjk3LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Guild Master</a>, February 28 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/3ohphkh77px96zfr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVsb2Z0eXBhZ2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw1wbk6Aj2IE4n0XC_jd5N1C" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/3ohphkh77px96zfr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aGVsb2Z0eXBhZ2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The Lofty Pages</a>, February 28</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/n2hohvh33725wef6/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw1uPRASwbbxkk1kauRONnbc" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/n2hohvh33725wef6/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, February 29</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/48hvhehrrxwqzwtx/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1708203676654000&usg=AOvVaw2ZJS-A4oFlH-WoQ2vjPR2-" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/k0u4942gv5b6hdr2e0xflh8wnq777/48hvhehrrxwqzwtx/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fiction Book Lover</a>, March 1 (Author Interview)</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-50501649713965083482024-02-14T05:27:00.000-08:002024-02-27T05:21:13.852-08:00Small Town Secrets by Lillian Duncan Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KU38JnHf-rQR2o9vES94HemnW0sKieNRhB0COqPNS00t67nbSeN1y-YElrzTYUOe_nXJ9ZhfzovxsjiMBc-chVuNes-vuO_sFJ7_6nxEoHABmcNqjnOeRTO5ta_T69WEMNcjYh5rXyWEI675YpZxLNk-HLQy3XNwiMVJlw5amIsgZSyqCnK9FdJTMO0/s851/small-town-secrets-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KU38JnHf-rQR2o9vES94HemnW0sKieNRhB0COqPNS00t67nbSeN1y-YElrzTYUOe_nXJ9ZhfzovxsjiMBc-chVuNes-vuO_sFJ7_6nxEoHABmcNqjnOeRTO5ta_T69WEMNcjYh5rXyWEI675YpZxLNk-HLQy3XNwiMVJlw5amIsgZSyqCnK9FdJTMO0/w400-h148/small-town-secrets-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoArcfc_1sFclpDRnD7unPd2tJz5btFs3oL8ultx4o8xqbqKfMKSpfe8slioWzX2LmdR-PsbwEvA3T6dw7tjTAE_LEVMZJry692k0YO_NsayZm6rMLoqw2d_WDNSCCMSP1FVxSQMt1ZI82c-NQqfAHWbx9FAbKIOvvrVDtrbpMTdjviyL9v5Sqvi0Hns/s225/Small-Town-Secrets-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="150" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoArcfc_1sFclpDRnD7unPd2tJz5btFs3oL8ultx4o8xqbqKfMKSpfe8slioWzX2LmdR-PsbwEvA3T6dw7tjTAE_LEVMZJry692k0YO_NsayZm6rMLoqw2d_WDNSCCMSP1FVxSQMt1ZI82c-NQqfAHWbx9FAbKIOvvrVDtrbpMTdjviyL9v5Sqvi0Hns/s1600/Small-Town-Secrets-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book:</strong> Small Town Secrets<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Lillian Duncan</p><p><b>Genre:</b> Christian—Romantic Suspense</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>October 13, 2023</p><p>On the surface, Shady Valley looks like the ideal all-American place to live with beautiful flowering trees lining both sides of the street as you enter the picturesque town. Neighbors help neighbors. Doors are often left unlocked.</p><p>Serious crimes are practically nonexistent— almost but not quite!</p><p>But like all small towns, everyone knows everyone, which means everyone knows everyone’ s business, and not everyone in Shady Valley is what they appear to be. Some have secrets— deadly secrets— that they hide behind the masks they wear.</p><p>When Angie McVey disappears on her wedding day, rookie officer Cami Martine is determined to find her best friend, but there are no leads to follow. Angie seems to have disappeared into thin air.</p><p>If Cami is to bring her best friend home, she will need to discover the deadly secrets of her friends and neighbors to find the one who wears the biggest mask.</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/3tkEUnJ" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
was happily surprised by this mystery. There is lots of action and
the plot moves at a good pace. Duncan's writing style makes for good
mystery reading. The characters are developed well. I really liked
Cami's commitment to her job. I was a little puzzled by Zack and
didn't initially like him at all but his character came out well in
the end. While there are some red herrings, there are enough obvious
clues that I figured out the villain long before Cami did.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
think this might be the first novel I have read by Duncan. I liked it
and will be looking for more from her.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong><em></em></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32xkPNrN2aIizG_LA2yOdxpqW9hUuJxgPvoyO387Zs2Omrc9uW57H_q17_g5A_g-ISaZnfE3Ss8EGMM5ptP3nvxs3hZ4oztHOMElALoIA7LFwFUDTaKXGedwUrk39b2hA-mRZ8ClxyhwDu-s5mmDwMLU0r4JGxBBWuSdKNa4hEAiJH9PVN0FwQ5VWZ6o/s163/Lillian-Duncan.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="130" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32xkPNrN2aIizG_LA2yOdxpqW9hUuJxgPvoyO387Zs2Omrc9uW57H_q17_g5A_g-ISaZnfE3Ss8EGMM5ptP3nvxs3hZ4oztHOMElALoIA7LFwFUDTaKXGedwUrk39b2hA-mRZ8ClxyhwDu-s5mmDwMLU0r4JGxBBWuSdKNa4hEAiJH9PVN0FwQ5VWZ6o/s1600/Lillian-Duncan.jpg" width="130" /></a></em></strong></div><strong><em>Lillian Duncan… turning faith into fiction.</em></strong><p></p><p>For years, my tagline was “stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem” since I wrote Christian suspense and mystery novels.</p><p>In 2012, I heard the words, “you have bilateral brain tumors.”</p><p>I had no idea how much those words would change my life, but they did. When life changes for a writer, their writing changes as well. So I wanted my tagline to reflect the new me. I still love to write suspense and mystery novels but also have branched out into other genres.</p><p>In spite of being diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors and a rare genetic disease (Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), God continues to strengthen me and give me peace and joy as well as the blessing to be able to continue to write.</p><p>I’m a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with my husband and a menagerie of pets. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, I believe in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.</p><p>My goal is to write stories that entertain but also demonstrate God’s love for all of us.</p><h1><span underline="">More from Lillian</span></h1><p center="">Small Town Life VS. City Life</p><p>I spent most of my growing up years in the country, then I moved to a larger city for college and then an even larger city for much of my adult life. And then I slowly made my way back to the area I grew up in. I’ve spent the last twenty-two years living in the quaint little town of Shreve, Ohio.</p><p>Shreve has two gas stations, one stop light and zero fast-food restaurants! I love living in Shreve. Is there a difference between small town life and city life? Absolutely.</p><p>Big cities have a lot to offer. You won’t get any argument from me about that. Museums, your choice of restaurants, plays and concerts. But small towns have a lot to offer as well. Neighbors that know each other’s names a sense of community, peace and quiet, and low crime. Oh, and did I mention peace and quiet?</p><p>I know people love living in big cities, but I’ll stick to small town life. And that’s why most of the books I write are set in small towns—not always but most of the time.</p><p>My latest book, SMALL TOWN SECRETS, is based in the fictional small town of Shady Valley, but definitely resembles my hometown of Shreve, Ohio. Except nothing this exciting happens in Shreve–which is a good thing. That’s why I like living there.</p><p>But nothing happening would make for a boring book so Shady Valley has a few secrets–secrets that could kill!</p><p>On the surface, Shady Valley seems to be the ideal all-American place to live with beautiful flowering trees lining both sides of the street as you enter the picturesque town. Neighbors help neighbors. Doors are often left unlocked.</p><p>Serious crimes are practically nonexistent—almost but not quite!</p><p>When Angie McVey disappears on her wedding day, rookie officer Cami Martine is determined to find her best friend. Unfortunately, there are no leads to follow.</p><p>Angie seems to have disappeared into thin air.</p><p>But not everyone in Shady Valley is what they appear to be. Some have secrets—deadly secrets—that they hide behind the masks they wear. If Cami is to bring her best friend home, she will need to discover the deadly secrets of her friends and neighbors and find the one who wears the biggest mask.</p><p>SMALL TOWN SECRETS is a fast-paced mystery and suspense novel that will keep you turning pages past your bed time. By the way, the book will also be available as a Large Print book as well.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/owhkhqhrrvxm4ziv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw3g7LOfLe2IMymziBpkMAGV" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/owhkhqhrrvxm4ziv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 10</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/p8heh9hzz0rwz3sq/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw3mmjS3plXMOtmTJHqb7W2t" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/p8heh9hzz0rwz3sq/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 11</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/qvh8h7hrr5emr8ul/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw3OH9auD0ev80AhBpVd1-A_" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/qvh8h7hrr5emr8ul/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Artistic Nobody</a>, February 12 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/9qhzhnhppm4vpdt9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw30tuDQDPsl2tf76782nL3M" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/9qhzhnhppm4vpdt9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Hake</a>, February 12</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/08hwh9hdd5n6deal/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw28h4ueA9skA1DN7b0Ui0nk" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/08hwh9hdd5n6deal/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 13</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/l2hehmh339qm3mf6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw0ZNGjPD05andDeS-QQ_x7k" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/l2hehmh339qm3mf6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 14</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/e0hph7h00gm30dh8/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw0PejuntULAL7t6ytJVJ8XD" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/e0hph7h00gm30dh8/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, February 15</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/z2hghnh33v52e9hp/aHR0cDovL2JpZ3JlYWRlcnNpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw2FLreXYQfKFHnurR9ta9vD" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/z2hghnh33v52e9hp/aHR0cDovL2JpZ3JlYWRlcnNpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Bigreadersite</a>, February 16</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/p8heh9hzz0rw43fq/aHR0cHM6Ly9ndWlsZG1hc3Rlcjk3LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw1fsq5rQZQ_xns3va-4boA1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/p8heh9hzz0rw43fq/aHR0cHM6Ly9ndWlsZG1hc3Rlcjk3LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Guild Master</a>, February 17 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/x0hph6hww6kvepa5/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw3XQ6cOv389Nus8nrlkCKHp" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/x0hph6hww6kvepa5/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 18</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/6qheh8h77gx8lwto/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw2hX4L12k6Pun1b-R21mwsV" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/6qheh8h77gx8lwto/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fiction Book Lover</a>, February 19 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/kkhmh6hllqz0n2al/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw0OLg0ngTgPL4R5-_kQKfyw" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/kkhmh6hllqz0n2al/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogging With Carol</a>, February 20</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/qvh8h7hrr5emd8al/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw3cZQcMAXhPRZSZj2qoliEh" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/qvh8h7hrr5emd8al/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Because I said so – adventures in parenting.</a>, February 21</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/9qhzhnhppm4vddu9/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw3wbXdaVYQ4czjeGJn8OKI9" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/9qhzhnhppm4vddu9/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, February 22 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/n2hohvh33p29vri6/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw0EHEC2K_lE5QgCfSHSI2-G" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/n2hohvh33p29vri6/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, February 22</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/reh8hoh00rklm4i2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707958714721000&usg=AOvVaw3YLKk_aBwpzhcbZ2vBFkIm" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/xmudgd63nwa6hropzl6i5h0w67lll/reh8hoh00rklm4i2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For Him and My Family</a>, February 23</p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p><p center=""><br /></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-78337137250030678612024-02-13T14:43:00.000-08:002024-02-13T14:43:39.071-08:00Hammers and Homicide by Paula Charles Book Review<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Book:</span></h4><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAGAZfsW8wD55rSk4IlQwIMw0JxvKYqoayDvCLJmpSuVa-b6AZ4Vk5OV4Q5XU-2_Cr2qu_NLqWZJEngud9JiJxopE9Rt1Bn96mYk-KqLtuw817m2dM4Ec39Zim9ipNUKjLmiWbZWDQcRMdt_kPHb5yzp54BWyDWi73N4E1MF7gaqJdhliQezCUbBObLU/s225/Hammers-and-Homicide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="150" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAGAZfsW8wD55rSk4IlQwIMw0JxvKYqoayDvCLJmpSuVa-b6AZ4Vk5OV4Q5XU-2_Cr2qu_NLqWZJEngud9JiJxopE9Rt1Bn96mYk-KqLtuw817m2dM4Ec39Zim9ipNUKjLmiWbZWDQcRMdt_kPHb5yzp54BWyDWi73N4E1MF7gaqJdhliQezCUbBObLU/s1600/Hammers-and-Homicide.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recent
sexagenarian widow Dawna Carpenter thought running her own hardware
store after the death of her husband was hard enough. With her adult
daughter, April, moving back into town, and Darlene, the annoying
boutique owner next door to her shop poking around, Dawna has her
hands full. But when she finds a dead man in the bathroom of her
store, with a framing hammer by his side, she’s in way over her
head.<br /><br />The victim, Warren Highcastle, was a land developer who
was looking to purchase the old theater in town to build a new hotel.
Dawna and April, worried about the implications of the crime scene at
the hardware store, put themselves on the case. They soon learn that
Warren had made quite a few enemies in his short amount of time in
town. As the suspect list starts growing, so too do the threats
against Dawna and April. Can Dawna and April <em>nail
</em>the
killer before they strike again?</span></span><p></p></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My Review:</span></h4><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">This
is a fun cozy mystery for those who like a small town flavor. What is
a person supposed to do when someone is murdered in your store? You
have to find out who did it. The characters were developed well and
are likable.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">I
was a little surprised at the paranormal aspect of the novel. I did
not understand from the summary that it would be included. While this
is a good read on its own, there are several hints to more novels in this series.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About the Author:</span></h4><div><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0H5CnH18O6zszW_MEZUk4m2F78wKAsNAT6Ca_eJH6iiKkA0XSA7NRhPEokUygjfrVDka0kIDpjEu1OZWwGRc-WujT1oEisCgFRHsntmy1YwciHKCWGhxo4x83yo4ACivHu0gUWs9Z5xt8MdCaQQ7do9uS28kc8kE7uUZyIhgAP0QwI3VhnVTeYgxp4k/s147/Paula-Charles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="120" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0H5CnH18O6zszW_MEZUk4m2F78wKAsNAT6Ca_eJH6iiKkA0XSA7NRhPEokUygjfrVDka0kIDpjEu1OZWwGRc-WujT1oEisCgFRHsntmy1YwciHKCWGhxo4x83yo4ACivHu0gUWs9Z5xt8MdCaQQ7do9uS28kc8kE7uUZyIhgAP0QwI3VhnVTeYgxp4k/s1600/Paula-Charles.jpg" width="120" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>When
<b>Paula Charles</b> isn’t writing under the towering trees of the Pacific
Northwest, she can be found in the garden with her hands in the dirt
or sitting on her front porch with a good book and a glass of iced
tea. She has a love for small towns, ghost stories, and pie. During
her childhood, she grew up in a town suspiciously resembling the
fictional Pine Bluff, Oregon where she trailed behind her grandmother
in the family’s hardware store until her grandmother would get fed
up and put her to work counting nails. She is a member of Sisters in
Crime, and also writes mysteries as Janna Rollins. Paula lives on a
small farm in Southwestern Washington with her husband, two furry
dogs, two naughty goats, a handful of cackling chickens, a teeny tiny
bunny rabbit, and one adventurous kitty cat.</span></span><p></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Crooked Lane Books, 288 pages.</span></p></div><div><br /></div><div>I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.</div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-23598715627458087202024-02-12T05:23:00.000-08:002024-03-06T06:26:32.775-08:00One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey Blog Tour Book Review<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekrirwwRfNkR8eKtGkNeWsgA9oGEWawA1MeCf9up5QuZFd8AfG7WVf48ugLV0ewnzBe9NpqVOq1jvFM9vEDG0BWh2RY0Wj90JxbbO8lrLfLju2z8jZiJMs8Rvzr_Zy3mIwWnn1I5zIwb3mSpY28IYDgviHnWA9PNt_bP56CHIhfSrv-tD8vsgDfVabZQ/s851/one-wrong-move-by-dani-pettrey--FI.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="851" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekrirwwRfNkR8eKtGkNeWsgA9oGEWawA1MeCf9up5QuZFd8AfG7WVf48ugLV0ewnzBe9NpqVOq1jvFM9vEDG0BWh2RY0Wj90JxbbO8lrLfLju2z8jZiJMs8Rvzr_Zy3mIwWnn1I5zIwb3mSpY28IYDgviHnWA9PNt_bP56CHIhfSrv-tD8vsgDfVabZQ/s320/one-wrong-move-by-dani-pettrey--FI.png" width="320" /></a><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><i>One Wrong Move</i></h2>
<h3>by Dani Pettrey</h3>
<h4>February 2 - March 1, 2024 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
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<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI4N6diaCvR8PJLrpmwiYZDAP93cqt6vKjIvB-_IpEvCCo8Hg8tq84GtnkfdqGZhoPDKSQK2Zdacmp5QEBRpQUfofFwe5mUIiolsxDufVIB1CXHeQNIKnLn1Sm-fl16Qzrfpl5GqLt7qQ6IzOg-DGq_CEPgJ6RHqPGxfAeyjGZj2JoO2JsjfKh6B96Zw/s231/One-Wrong-Move-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="150" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI4N6diaCvR8PJLrpmwiYZDAP93cqt6vKjIvB-_IpEvCCo8Hg8tq84GtnkfdqGZhoPDKSQK2Zdacmp5QEBRpQUfofFwe5mUIiolsxDufVIB1CXHeQNIKnLn1Sm-fl16Qzrfpl5GqLt7qQ6IzOg-DGq_CEPgJ6RHqPGxfAeyjGZj2JoO2JsjfKh6B96Zw/s1600/One-Wrong-Move-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Taunting riddles.<br />
A deadly string of heists.<br />
Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.</h4>
<p>Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.</p>
<p>Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.</p>
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<h3>Dani Pettrey captivates with...</h3>
<p>"An intense blend of suspense, love, and faith." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>Booklist</em></span></p>
<p>"Wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likeable characters." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ <em>Publishers Weekly</em></span></p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h2><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">There
are two cases being worked in this novel and the action alternates
between them, sometimes within a chapter. There are also passages
covering the villains. I found reading this novel required a little
more concentration than usual to keep the three narratives straight.
The two cases certainly meant there was double the action and
suspense.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
really liked the characters. Andi and Christian are both strong
people. Each has a past that must be overcome. I liked how the
romance develops between the two. The subtle romance and work of
Deckard and Harper provided additional action and suspense. I liked
the initial animosity between Deckard and Andi and that Deckard was
willing to re-investigate the case that ruined her career. There
are several good supporting people too, characters for succeeding
novels, I hope.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
have come to be quite taken with the entire MacLeod family and the
ranch complex. I hope the other family members become main characters
in future novels. There is a very strong Christian faith message
included, making this novel a rewarding inspirational romantic
suspense to enjoy.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 5/5 stars.</span></p><blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;"><h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Romantic Suspense <br />
<b>Published by:</b> Bethany House Publishers<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> February 6, 2024<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 400<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9780764238482 (ISBN10: 0764238485)<br />
<b>Series:</b> Jeopardy Falls, Book 1<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3QS9sFj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/47KsHXU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/47Dogih" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/47K4Fw6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3GaLSP2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baker Book House</a></p>
</blockquote>
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<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<h4>PROLOGUE</h4>
<p>He inhaled the stiff resolution of her death. She’d seen Cyrus. Remembered him. Now he’d need to silence her before she could mention Cyrus to anyone at the gallery. The imbecile should have been more careful, but that’s why he was in play. To assure things went according to plan, to remove anyone who stood in their way, and when it was done, to take out Cyrus and Casey. That he would delight in. Cyrus had been a pain in his rear as far back as he could recall. Casey. He was just a lamb to the slaughter, unfortunate fool.</p>
<p>Enrique released a smooth exhale, then inhaled the spicy scent of the girl’s perfume wafting on the stiff October breeze—whistling through the wind tunnel the long row of downtown businesses made.</p>
<p>Killing her would alert Cyrus to his presence in the States, but, perhaps it would keep him on his toes. Someone needed to.</p>
<p>Maintaining a good distance from his prey, Enrique followed as she meandered through the shops, wearing one of those recyclable grocery bags slung over her shoulder. A baguette and fresh flowers peeked out of the top. She made another stop, this time popping into a coffee shop. He kept walking, stopping a handful of stores down on the opposite side of the street, and waited, letting the other shoppers meld him into the crowd.</p>
<p>A cup of coffee in hand, the girl emerged.</p>
<p>He turned back to look in the storefront before him, waiting until she was far enough ahead for him to resume following. Nearly a fifteen-minute walk out of town, in an isolated patch of wind-stirred mesa, sat a two-story adobe building. Four exterior doors, each with a letter on it. Apartments.</p>
<p>Watching from behind a copse of trees, he waited while she retrieved her keys from her pocket, opened the bottom exterior door on the right, and disappeared inside. He held back, awaiting nightfall. He glanced at his watch. Not long. He surveyed the building, using binoculars to peer through the sheer curtains of her unit. A light in the bedroom shone, and slips of it spilled from what he could only assume was the adjacent bathroom.</p>
<p>He smiled.</p>
<p>The sun dipped below the horizon, and soon darkness shrouded the land. Time to move. Heading around to the back of the building, he found a sliding door to her unit. Easy enough. He jimmied the lock and eased inside.</p>
<p>Water ran in the bathroom, but a voice carried in song from the other side of the apartment. “Carry on Wayward Son.” Interesting choice.</p>
<p>He moved with stealth, approaching what he discerned was the kitchen. A teakettle whistled as steam from the open bathroom door filled the space. The girl turned the corner, dressed in a robe, a teacup in her hand. Her eyes locked on his, and panic flashed across her face as the teacup fell and shattered on the floor.</p>
<p>He smiled. Time to have some fun.</p>
<h4>ONE</h4>
<p>“Wait here,” Cyrus ordered.</p>
<p>“Why?” Casey asked—though pawn suited him better. As much as it galled him, Cyrus needed the insipid man. Needed his skills. For now. But when they were done, so was he. “Why?” he asked again.</p>
<p>Cyrus gritted his teeth. So incessant. He shook out his fists. Only a handful of locations to go and the questions would cease. <i>He</i> would cease. “It doesn’t take two of us to get what we came for,” he said, hoping Casey would accept the answer and let it drop, but he doubted it. “I’ve got this. Two of us will only draw more attention.”</p>
<p>“Fine.” Casey slumped back against the van’s passenger seat.</p>
<p>The imbecile was pouting like a girl. And, that knee. Cyrus wanted to break it. Always bouncing in that annoying, jittery way. The seat squeaked with the rapid, persistent motion. He shook his head on a grunted exhale. If Casey didn’t settle . . . if he blew their plans. Cyrus squeezed his fists tight, blood throbbing through his fingers. Too much was at stake. His own neck was on the line.</p>
<p>He turned his attention to the task at hand. “I won’t be long,” he said, surveying the space one last time before opening the van door. The lot behind them was dead, the building still. He climbed out, his breath a vapor in the cold night air. He glanced back at their van, barely visible in the pitch-black alley.</p>
<p>Shockingly, Casey remained in the passenger seat, his knee still bouncing high.</p>
<p>He shut the van door as eagerness coursed through him. The thrill and rush of the score mere minutes away. Just one quick job and then it was finally time.</p>
<p>He slipped his gloved hands into his pockets. A deeper rush nestled hot inside him, adrenaline searing his limbs. His fervency was for the kill.</p>
<p>He moved toward the rear of the restaurant, where the rental rooms’ entrance sat. His gloved fingers brushed the garrote in his right pocket, and he shifted his other hand to rest on the hilt of his gun. Which way would it go? Garrote or gun? Anticipation shot through him. Rounding the back of the building, he hung in the shadows and then stepped to the door and picked the lock—so simple a child could have done it. But what had he expected of a rent-by-the-hour-or-day establishment?</p>
<p>Opening the door, he stepped inside the minuscule foyer and studied the two doors on the ground level. Nothing but silence. He found the light switch and flipped off the ceiling bulb illuminating the stairwell, then crept up the stairs, pausing as one creaked. He held still, his back flush with the wall, once again shadowed in darkness. Nothing stirred.</p>
<p>Reaching her room, he picked the lock, stepped inside, and shut the door, locking it behind him.</p>
<p>She was asleep on the shoddy sofa, a ratty blanket draped across her. Getting rid of her now might be easier, but what fun was it killing someone while they slept? And he needed to make sure she had the items.</p>
<p>He stood a moment, watching her chest rise and fall with what would be her final breaths, then he knocked her feet with his elbow.</p>
<p>Her eyes flashed open as she lurched to a seated position. She rubbed her eyes. “You’re late.”</p>
<p><i>Less chance of witnesses.</i></p>
<p>“You have the items?”</p>
<p>She nodded.</p>
<p>“Get them. We’re in a hurry.”</p>
<p>She got to her feet and headed for the bedroom.</p>
<p>He followed.</p>
<p>To his surprise, she climbed up on the dresser and reached for the heating vent.</p>
<p><i>Huh.</i> She was smarter than he’d expected, yet not bright enough to know what was coming.</p>
<p>Pulling the dingy grate back, she retrieved a black velvet pouch and a bundle of letters held in place by a thick rubber band.</p>
<p>“Hand them over,” he said.</p>
<p>She hopped down and hesitated. “I get my cut, right?” She clutched the items to her pale chest.</p>
<p>“You’ll get your cut,” he said, wrapping his hands around the garrote.</p>
<p>She released her hold. Taking the bag first, he slid it into his upper jacket pocket, then slipped the letters into his pant pocket. “Good job.”</p>
<p>She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her creamy neck. “Thanks.”</p>
<p>Restless energy pulsed through him.</p>
<p>“Are we done here?” she asked, shifting her stance, her arms wrapped around her slender waist.</p>
<p>“Just about.”</p>
<p>“What’s left to do?” she asked, her head cocked, and then she stilled. She took a step back. So she’d finally figured it out.</p>
<p>“No.” She shook her head, backing into the paneled wall. In one movement, left hand to right shoulder, he spun her around and slipped the garrote over her head.</p>
<p>He’d intended to give her the option—the easy way with a gunshot to the head or the hard way with the garrote. But the hard way was far more pleasurable, giving him the best elated high.</p>
<p>It really was a shame. She was a pretty thing.</p>
<p>Five minutes later, he was back in the van, leaving the body behind.</p>
<p>“You got everything?” Casey asked as they pulled onto the street, their headlights off.</p>
<p>Cyrus smiled and handed both items to him. They were a go. The appetite for what was to come gnawed at Cyrus’s gut, but in a good way. It was time to feed the anticipation that had been growing in him for nigh on a year. It was time to scratch that itch.</p>
<h4>TWO</h4>
<p>Christian’s hands gripped the rock face. Granules abraded the tender flesh beneath his nails, leaving them raw. Pushing up on the ball of his foot, he strained, his fingers searching for the crag. Finally, his hand landed on the cold surface—only three inches deep. On a sharp inhale and slow exhale, he lunged upward—only the slightest hold kept him from the hundred-foot drop to the forest below. His foot landed on the next hold, and he settled, his muscles hot in the brisk dawn air. Blood throbbing through his fingers, he shifted the weight onto the balls of his feet.</p>
<p>Mapping the next route in his head, he leaped for the next hold. Air replaced the solid rock for the breath of a second, and searing adrenaline crashed through him as the hold slipped away. His pulse whooshing in his ears, he slid down, finally grabbing hold of a crag on his rapid descent. His fingers gripped hard—the only thing holding his body weight and keeping him from the ground far below.</p>
<p>He examined the cliff, looking for a foothold. Something. Anything. Adrenaline raked through him, quivering his arms. <i>Not good.</i> Time held motionless until he anchored his foot on a narrow ledge, small rocks shifting under the soles of his climbing shoes. He kept his weight on the ball of his foot while scanning for a new route up. He exhaled as he found it, but it was going to require another leap of faith.</p>
<p>Releasing his hold, he lunged for a more solid handhold. Gripping it, he worked his way up to another ledge—this one deep enough to settle comfortably onto.</p>
<p>His breathing quickened by the climb, he turned and pressed his back against the volcanic rock—cool against his heated and perspiring skin—and exhaled in a whoosh. Talk about a close one. He smiled. One more adventure down.</p>
<p>He held for a moment, taking in the morning light spreading across what seemed an endless sky. Man, he loved this view. Narrow shafts of sunlight streamed down through the early morning fog, lighting the yellow-and-orange foliage ablaze. Everyone talked about the beautiful fall colors in New England, but for him nothing beat fall in New Mexico, and it was peak season.</p>
<p>He sank into the silence. Only the occasional chirping of birds in the trees below rushed by his ears on the stiff, mounting breeze.</p>
<p>The brilliant orange sun rose higher above the horizon, its rays glinting off the rushing water of the swift creek at the bottom of the valley—chasing away the fading chill of night and replacing it with renewed warmth of the coming day.</p>
<p>“Ain’t Worried About It” broke the silence with its melody. Who on earth was calling so early? He prayed nothing was wrong. It was the only reason he kept his cell on him while climbing—in case there was an emergency and his family needed him.</p>
<p>He shimmied the phone from the Velcro pocket on his right thigh and maneuvered it to his ear without bothering to look at who was calling. “O’Brady.”</p>
<p>“I need you here now!” Tad Gaiman’s voice shook with rage.</p>
<p>Why on earth was Tad calling him so early? Why was he calling him, period?</p>
<p>Tad’s heated words tumbled out. “My gallery’s been robbed!”</p>
<p>“What?” Christian blinked. There was no way. The security system upgrades he’d installed made it impenetrable, or so he’d thought.</p>
<p>“Do you hear me? My gallery has been robbed!”</p>
<p>“I do.” He kept his voice level. Tad was frantic enough for the both of them. “Which gallery?” The man owned three.</p>
<p>“Jeopardy Falls.”</p>
<p>The one in their hometown? Crime was nearly nonexistent in their small ranching, lately turned tourist, town of five hundred. “Take a deep breath and calm down so you can focus.”</p>
<p>“Calm down?” Tad shrieked, and Christian held the phone away from his ear. Even his sister Riley couldn’t hit that high of a pitch. “Did you not hear me? My gallery’s been robbed.”</p>
<p>“I hear you. Let me call you back.”</p>
<p>“Call me back? You cannot be serious!”</p>
<p>“I’m balanced on a ledge on Manzano.”</p>
<p>“Of course you are.” Tad scoffed.</p>
<p>“I’ll call you when I’m on the road.”</p>
<p>“And how long will it take you to get here? This is a DEFCON 5 situation.”</p>
<p>Christian shook his head. Clearly, Tad had no idea what he was talking about. DEFCON 5 meant peacetime.</p>
<p>“Christian! How soon?”</p>
<p>“I need to climb down and make the drive back to town. I’ll see you in an hour.”</p>
<p>“An hour!”</p>
<p>“We’ll talk through it on my way in.”</p>
<p>Scaling down the rock face as fast as he could, Christian reached his vintage Bronco.</p>
<p>Climbing inside, he clicked on the Bluetooth he’d installed. It’d cost a lot, but in his line of work, he needed to be able to talk while on the road chasing down a case. He shook his head, still baffled that anyone had beat the security system.</p>
<p>He dialed Tad.</p>
<p>Normally his drive along the winding dirt roads through the mountains was calming, but not today.</p>
<p>Tad picked up on the third ring.</p>
<p>“Okay,” Christian said, swiping the chalk from his hands onto his pants—the climbing towel too far to reach. “Walk me through it. Did the alarm go off?”</p>
<p>“The one on the security system you said couldn’t be beat? No!”</p>
<p>Christian took a stiff inhale. How on earth had someone gotten through the door without the key fob? The fob . . . “Tad, do you have your key fob?”</p>
<p>Silence hung thick in the air as Christian’s Bronco bumped over the ruts in the dirt road, the drop-off only inches from his tires. He rounded the bend, and the road—if it could be deemed one—widened. “Tad?” he pressed.</p>
<p>“Okay, fine. I don’t have it.”</p>
<p>“Where is it?” Christian asked as he headed for the main road that led back to Jeopardy Falls.</p>
<p>Tad swallowed, the slippery, gulping sound echoing over the line. “I think the woman I spent last night with after the gala took it.”</p>
<p>“Riley mentioned she might attend the gala, but she couldn’t make it.”</p>
<p>“It was well attended.”</p>
<p>“And the woman you mentioned?”</p>
<p>“I met her at the gala.”</p>
<p>“She’s not local?”</p>
<p>“I’ve never seen her before last night.”</p>
<p>“So she just strolled into the gala?”</p>
<p>“Yes. It was a semiprivate affair. I sent out invites but welcomed anyone, given it was Friday Night on the Town.”</p>
<p>Their small town had instituted the night on the town for one Friday a month about a year ago, and it had really drummed up business for the eclectic downtown shops.</p>
<p>“Let’s shift back to the gallery,” Christian said. “I’m assuming you used Alex’s fob to get into the building?”</p>
<p>“No. I can’t get in.”</p>
<p>“Why not?” Christian pulled out onto the paved road.</p>
<p>“I can’t reach Alex, despite the fact she’s supposed to open this morning.”</p>
<p>“Okay . . . so walk me through what happened with the fob.”</p>
<p>“I woke up and that . . . woman was gone, and the fob wasn’t where I’d left it. I searched my place, but it’s not there, so I rushed to the gallery. I stopped at Alex’s place on the way, but no answer. She is so—”</p>
<p>“Settle down, Tad. Let’s think this through. Do you think Martha would let you into Alex’s place if you explained the situation?” Maybe the landlady would understand. Jeopardy Falls was a small enough town where everyone knew everyone, which was still taking time for him to get used to. To be known. Well, known at what he was willing to show, which wasn’t much.</p>
<p>“I’m not leaving my gallery. Not until I get inside and see what damage is done. You get the fob from Martha.”</p>
<p>Christian furrowed his brows. “If you can’t get in the gallery and the alarm didn’t go off, how do you know it’s been robbed?”</p>
<p>“Because I can see the three front cases through the porthole windows in the door. They’re open and empty.” A sob escaped Tad’s throat, though he tried to cover it with a cough.</p>
<p>Christian exhaled. “All right. I’ll call Martha, but she might not feel comfortable letting us in.” It was a lot to ask. “Actually, I think in this case, it’s best to have Sheriff Brunswick to reach out to Martha.”</p>
<p>“That’s a good idea,” Tad said. “Give him a call.”</p>
<p>“Wait?” Christian tapped the wheel. “He’s not there yet?”</p>
<p>“No.”</p>
<p>“Did he give you an ETA?” Maybe Joel was on another call. Their county was large, and with only him and one undersheriff, they had a lot of ground to cover.</p>
<p>“I haven’t called him yet.”</p>
<p>Christian’s brows hiked. “You called me before the sheriff?” Where was the sense in that?</p>
<p>“You put the supposedly impenetrable system in. I want to know what went wrong. And I need you to get me inside if we can’t get Alex’s fob.”</p>
<p>“Me?” Christian tapped the wheel.</p>
<p>“You installed the system, so surely you know how to beat it. And, regardless, you’re the one the sheriff calls when they need a locksmith or safecracker on a case. Though you’re quite more than a simple locksmith, aren’t you?”</p>
<p>Christian stiffened. “Meaning?”</p>
<p>“Whoever did this obviously had knowledge of the system.”</p>
<p>“And . . . ?” Christian tightened his grip on the wheel, his knuckles turning white.</p>
<p>“As far as I’m concerned, you’re to blame.”</p>
<p>Christian swallowed the sharp retort ready to fly and took a settling breath instead. “I’ll be there in twenty.”</p>
<p>He disconnected the call before Tad could throw another barb in his direction. He knew all too well how those stinging barbs felt, but this time he was innocent.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>One Wrong Move</i> by Dani Pettrey. Copyright 2024 by Dani Pettrey. Reproduced with permission from Bethany House Publishers. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ70WSx_EB-TFzv3NO0Pd1070nxck1-FKsl_PkU2y4o4XlELC4Uepgs2ucof3tcO-srRxdRjlKpW_m4_PPPE0JFYtox2unoGL-rTRtmgLT9JjqJ4-pFsXsaThY4d9lWHX_amd4hqqGkGtk9cRVVPxhh704fo2vOkb_74rLsdgKtDI5doBtYgg_JIHO07k/s131/Dani-Pettrey.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="130" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ70WSx_EB-TFzv3NO0Pd1070nxck1-FKsl_PkU2y4o4XlELC4Uepgs2ucof3tcO-srRxdRjlKpW_m4_PPPE0JFYtox2unoGL-rTRtmgLT9JjqJ4-pFsXsaThY4d9lWHX_amd4hqqGkGtk9cRVVPxhh704fo2vOkb_74rLsdgKtDI5doBtYgg_JIHO07k/s1600/Dani-Pettrey.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><b>Dani Pettrey</b> is the bestselling author of the Coastal Guardians, Chesapeake Valor, and Alaskan Courage series. A two-time Christy Award finalist, Dani has won the National Readers' Choice Award, Daphne du Maurier Award, HOLT Medallion, and Christian Retailing's Best Award for Suspense. She plots murder and mayhem from her home in the Washington, DC, metro area.<p></p>
<h3>Catch Up With Dani Pettrey:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/46jXwle" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DaniPettrey.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/40MpF3i" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3R9y6RZ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @DaniPettrey</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3sToeTY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @authordanipettrey</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/47uomZu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @DaniPettrey</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!<br /><!--start LinkyTools script-->
<br /><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=312526&type=basic">Click here</a> to view <i>One Wrong Move</i> by Dani Pettrey Tour Hosts
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<div style="text-align: left;"> </div>
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rtttest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p></div>
Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-22822798243243891702024-02-09T05:43:00.000-08:002024-02-27T05:22:03.725-08:00Refuge of Grace by Tracy L Smoak Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhuiTddLklsCbOdDE4oSMfnlWoBprE9LEOsZTXhvRqA4dKdt7vXYf6LCCero-Pm2TQZjYhvL7LV4qGOWt3fuk6TYhxn_wcGJcUJau2y3SGms4g8HWIgAAfF0TXNwRczS6Hu_7B-mmRUWsx_pC2hnhIaViFPJstpBYttQrGcyZJ8GuYT5OyF9SMSz54k8/s851/refuge-of-grace-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhuiTddLklsCbOdDE4oSMfnlWoBprE9LEOsZTXhvRqA4dKdt7vXYf6LCCero-Pm2TQZjYhvL7LV4qGOWt3fuk6TYhxn_wcGJcUJau2y3SGms4g8HWIgAAfF0TXNwRczS6Hu_7B-mmRUWsx_pC2hnhIaViFPJstpBYttQrGcyZJ8GuYT5OyF9SMSz54k8/w400-h148/refuge-of-grace-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kg004d85GeQPPqufahwrVNySDXzI9C_hIGlWixApQhaCJ-l4Ur9xHWkmDnjrT0gD3yH4eHoADFpfrLTEABw0kuzjshRz2LHhyI2d_JDKdy2TtWsyxK3Q_yKGDF7V6lCUKJLmjkONw4uTPdkKRc8ey5G_48IE30cZbMJjNZ-D2b43peX_jEH8h3jCqnM/s226/Refuge%20cover.Tracy%20L.%20Smoak.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="150" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kg004d85GeQPPqufahwrVNySDXzI9C_hIGlWixApQhaCJ-l4Ur9xHWkmDnjrT0gD3yH4eHoADFpfrLTEABw0kuzjshRz2LHhyI2d_JDKdy2TtWsyxK3Q_yKGDF7V6lCUKJLmjkONw4uTPdkKRc8ey5G_48IE30cZbMJjNZ-D2b43peX_jEH8h3jCqnM/s1600/Refuge%20cover.Tracy%20L.%20Smoak.png" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book:</strong> Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Tracy L. Smoak</p><p><b>Genre:</b> Non-Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>September, 2023</p><p><strong>”This book is a life-saving manual meant for any soul who has bottomed out and can only look up for help.”</strong><strong><br />– George Firehammer</strong></p><p>Need a stronger connection with God? A safe place?</p><p>Anyone hoping for straight talk to bring Jesus close will find refreshment in Refuge of Grace. Learn from a fresh look at 22 little-told Bible passages via Tracy L. Smoak’s engaging storytelling and vivid imagery.</p><p>These scriptures offer true comfort in your everyday struggles. From hearing Gomer’s perspective about shame to imagining Jesus arriving in a Rolls Royce for the family reunion, you will know God’s working on your behalf-right now.</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/475Xo9y" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review:</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Smoak
gives readers another great collection of devotions centered on God's
promises and His steadfast presence in our lives. She imaginatively
recounts experiences of many Bible characters and then shares lessons
we can learn from them. We learn to trust God when surrounded by
enemies from the life of Jeremiah. We are encouraged to stay close to
God and listen for His word, realizing resolution may take decades.
From Peter we learn to keep our eyes open to unusual opportunities in
finances and other areas of life.</span></span></span></strong></span></span></p><p>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">Those
are just a couple of the insightful devotions from Smoak. She
includes thoughtful reflection questions after each devotion as well
as a touching prayer. Readers who would like encouragement to
remember and trust in God's promises will find encouragement to do so
in this book.</span></span></p><p>
</p><p>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">My
rating: 5/5 stars.</span></span></p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UnavkrieFxI7z0hsfF7drExY9QNwivAsX5hnLosq9OpRbh_fimXHvRE_C1IRjeUEXQBAJqmhDoSbdHOJxKvLnfim6_BkX3JqKVHUr7GUwjr-odhQjQtQsnpmT6_UE9LCjNghG8p6kNw35LfQJkly8_Gqxm7u9iAmJ2lOAmujErtSygK3tGJZFAc2MXU/s173/Smoak-Tracy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="130" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UnavkrieFxI7z0hsfF7drExY9QNwivAsX5hnLosq9OpRbh_fimXHvRE_C1IRjeUEXQBAJqmhDoSbdHOJxKvLnfim6_BkX3JqKVHUr7GUwjr-odhQjQtQsnpmT6_UE9LCjNghG8p6kNw35LfQJkly8_Gqxm7u9iAmJ2lOAmujErtSygK3tGJZFAc2MXU/s1600/Smoak-Tracy.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>A native Floridian, <strong>Tracy L. Smoak</strong> grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak writes for <em>Guideposts</em>. Ambassador International released her debut novel, <em>Who Brought the Dog to Church?. </em>Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled <em>Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.</em><p></p><p>She loves photography and authored two hardcover devotionals with her original nature art (<em>Living Water to Refresh Your Soul – </em>tranquil lake scenes; and <em>Arranged with Love</em>- floral landscapes).</p><p>Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home, she leads small-group Bible studies. She is an active member of Word Weavers International.</p><h1><span underline="">More from Tracy</span></h1><p>When life knocks you down, where do you go for hope?</p><p>We all want to be brave, but sometimes circumstances overwhelm us. Health declines, bank accounts empty, and friends disappear. No matter the disappointments, one absolute certainty we can count on is God. He will stand with us through every adversity.</p><p>Ideas for <em>Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place</em> began at 3 a.m. on a January workday in 2021. I tossed and turned in bed, wondering how I could continue teaching in a public school under all the pandemic constraints. We wore masks, developed lesson plans for both in-class instruction and online modules, and juggled a revolving door of student quarantines with absences.</p><p>Fear surrounded us on all sides.</p><p>Others also struggled. My older son managed an emergency department in a large city and had to find ways to supply unprecedented needs. My younger son worked in the financial industry and watched markets reel. Neighbors lost jobs and income.</p><p>How could we model resilience and move forward?</p><p>I turned to the Bible for inspiration and studied stories about how believers overcame hardship. Six months and 22 chapters later—all the while teaching full time—this collection renewed hope and kept me going.</p><p>My prayer is that reading these Bible promises of God’s faithfulness also will empower you.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/dpheh0h0063gmqam/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw2_Mqxj4vyvim27Wx1gluGF" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/dpheh0h0063gmqam/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 9</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/e0hph7h00vxg20b8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw0sZMc5mH8x65qsE03ElrWX" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/e0hph7h00vxg20b8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Artistic Nobody</a>, February 10 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/7qh7h8hoolg7m9sz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw0qEiYdD3-AwurOhOoLT2ZS" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/7qh7h8hoolg7m9sz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 11</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/owhkhqhrr9zv7gtv/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw2PbCF24o07ZjEwihqBCCFd" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/owhkhqhrr9zv7gtv/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 12</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/z2hghnh336gv8wcp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw3O2BWitq1Z7OgohGyMSdYW" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/z2hghnh336gv8wcp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fiction Book Lover</a>, February 13 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/p8heh9hzz6v0l8fq/aHR0cHM6Ly9naXJsc2lud2hpdGVkcmVzc2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw0LOa80YHsgCZDMGpkFOEiQ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/p8heh9hzz6v0l8fq/aHR0cHM6Ly9naXJsc2lud2hpdGVkcmVzc2VzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Girls in White Dresses</a>, February 14</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/x0hph6hww2g6lkf5/aHR0cDovL2l0c21hbWFzYWZlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw1sYANtO4N9Irb9JTLuRhQD" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/x0hph6hww2g6lkf5/aHR0cDovL2l0c21hbWFzYWZlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Its Mama Safe</a>, February 15</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/dpheh0h0063gmvcm/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb21lbnRzLW9mLWJlYXV0eS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw3ieQ7VMgj68Fxn_SDBoJeQ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/dpheh0h0063gmvcm/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb21lbnRzLW9mLWJlYXV0eS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Beauty in the Binding</a>, February 16 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/e0hph7h00vxg2vs8/aHR0cHM6Ly9yYmNsaWJyYXJ5LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw3BESjpdW0mIn4UeWGi1MD-" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/e0hph7h00vxg2vs8/aHR0cHM6Ly9yYmNsaWJyYXJ5LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">By The Book</a>, February 17 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/7qh7h8hoolg7m5tz/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw0kn3P-ES1fcktcSE2-GKVp" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/7qh7h8hoolg7m5tz/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Hake</a>, February 17</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/z2hghnh336gv82fp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw1DIV0Yz0JSS2zd8oI_aGWd" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/z2hghnh336gv82fp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb3ZlcmxvdmVyYm9va3Jldmlldy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a>, February 18</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/n2hohvh33qdpokc6/aHR0cDovL2Ftb2Rlcm5kYXlmYWlyeXRhbGUubmV0Lw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw1-XsjdxO3vuogQOVkVNq1s" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/n2hohvh33qdpokc6/aHR0cDovL2Ftb2Rlcm5kYXlmYWlyeXRhbGUubmV0Lw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A Modern Day Fairy Tale</a>, February 19 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/08hwh9hdde8572ul/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw0W9ZUlUDdBtGjeZ29jmGY9" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/08hwh9hdde8572ul/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 20</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/dpheh0h0063g7vcm/aHR0cDovL3NpbXBsZWhhcnZlc3RyZWFkcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw0P1peYYq4ISHBEO4OET2AI" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/dpheh0h0063g7vcm/aHR0cDovL3NpbXBsZWhhcnZlc3RyZWFkcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, February 21 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/z2hghnh336gvd2hp/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707523728117000&usg=AOvVaw3sV3eUPflMR0oMv0RGl2fP" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/z2hghnh336gvd2hp/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, February 21</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/g3hnh5h339v5elbr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707523728118000&usg=AOvVaw0M7jgesBfJphXAXAn0Fa03" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/gku959p8rkh5hdrdlveurh5p37999/g3hnh5h339v5elbr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 22</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-34600096530107721022024-02-08T05:53:00.000-08:002024-02-27T05:22:32.494-08:00War Songs by Brett Nelson Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp4f4_jqCKxCrw-sA704-G3Zdx_Vdame5p6PRwRbfJ7kUVmCeEi8C1vXUTKVlv2Kexu9omw9uE86TKd6N-HaeXvfICWEOG_vnehUni-CWYaksXqjOJDPtdylhutej2kws0QAsLh3rn2VvShjqVZTLmdLGLXOzWGdz7ANJozJYBaQHzIhj2KSoZfu9iNA/s851/war-songs-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp4f4_jqCKxCrw-sA704-G3Zdx_Vdame5p6PRwRbfJ7kUVmCeEi8C1vXUTKVlv2Kexu9omw9uE86TKd6N-HaeXvfICWEOG_vnehUni-CWYaksXqjOJDPtdylhutej2kws0QAsLh3rn2VvShjqVZTLmdLGLXOzWGdz7ANJozJYBaQHzIhj2KSoZfu9iNA/w400-h148/war-songs-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Ne2WkNkXPmDgEQ8SSdVsUAiNBNjq6XaAfJ1ld1eFgap0s44nzhXelcoqvF4d9ywQyCnPoQn1fjDdAG1y0NuGguXSyLvMZHOVcRLBAgN81WCJzvyThGCH1KKfZLxXG6UFje2j2DoANUQk_rv-2yV8LcXHSe5EbGCEN0G4J3N6ZtfSvlR_0ywdcEXlwc/s239/War-Songs-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="150" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-Ne2WkNkXPmDgEQ8SSdVsUAiNBNjq6XaAfJ1ld1eFgap0s44nzhXelcoqvF4d9ywQyCnPoQn1fjDdAG1y0NuGguXSyLvMZHOVcRLBAgN81WCJzvyThGCH1KKfZLxXG6UFje2j2DoANUQk_rv-2yV8LcXHSe5EbGCEN0G4J3N6ZtfSvlR_0ywdcEXlwc/s1600/War-Songs-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book: </strong>War Songs<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Brett Nelson</p><p><b>Genre:</b> Contemporary Christian Fiction/Spiritual Warfare</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>February 6, 2022</p><p><strong><u>Trigger Warning</u>: </strong>WAR SONGS is free of profanity and sexual situations (There is some mild slang terminology spoken by fallen angels and certain human characters, ex: c**p, w**re, etc). Also, there is one short scene in the book that depicts violence with very minimal graphic details that could be triggering and/or upsetting for some readers.</p><p><strong>There is an invisible realm around us that we can neither discern with our eyes nor hear with our ears. This invisible realm is where the powers of darkness and light reside. They can see and hear us, but we cannot see and hear them.</strong></p><p>Jenner Alekson is a leader in his praise and worship band that travels extensively in the tri-state area of Cape Kennington, North Carolina. He makes little money in his chosen profession, yet the rewards he reaps in obedience to his call of ministry are eternal, and that’s enough for him.</p><p>Always happy with all aspects of his existence, Jenner is blindsided when his life suddenly catapults into turmoil, and he is thrust into a crossroads where discontentment, anger, and loss of desire to carry the gospel with his song takes root in an otherwise sheltered and stable life.</p><p>Unbeknownst to Jenner, his wife Hyacinth, and best friends Camden and Lucas, a spiritual war rages around them. The powers of darkness will try their best to derail Jenner’s spiritual walk, his marriage, his ministry, then ultimately his life.</p><p>Meanwhile across the country, rough and gruff long-haul trucker Arnold Collins leads a different kind of life. He’s a recovering drunk who chases women and is unhappy with an unloving, belligerent wife who could out-cuss any man who ever dared to challenge her. Without a warm and inviting place to call home, Arnold prefers the wide-open road before him.</p><p>As he rumbles across the terrain of small-town America one lonely night in his eighteen-wheeler, grumbling about his unfulfilling lot in life, he happens upon a radio preacher. Not interested in religion, he flips past the station with mutters of disdain, but for reasons he cannot explain, he is compelled back to it and hears a sermon he doesn’t understand but can’t get out of his mind.</p><p>Will the schemes of the powers of darkness pull Jenner away from the faith that means everything to him? And will the same powers prevent Arnold from finding the faith he needs but never wanted?</p><p><strong>Heaven and Earth, light and dark, good and evil, are about to collide in ways Jenner and Arnold and those they love could never imagine.</strong></p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/3GHEYB1" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This
novel introduces readers to the unseen world of spiritual warfare and
ultimately, heaven. We see how demons try to derail Christians in
their witness and daily lives, such as keeping them busy doing
religious acts rather than actually loving their neighbors. Nelson
covers many issues in the novel. We get realistic views of how
Christians behave under demonic attack, harsh bickering and crude
talk, depression, and more. We also get a realistic view of
non-Christians and their worldly pursuits, from seeking popularity to
getting drunk to the excitement of murder. Nelson includes extended
discussions on some topics like speaking in tongues and whether
Christians should drink alcohol. He also includes some spiritual
lessons, such as not judging others by appearance and the purpose of
trials, and the power of music and intercessory prayer in spiritual
warfare.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Because
so many issues are covered and lessons included, this is a really
long book. I would have preferred something a little shorter, perhaps
making it two novels. Nonetheless, this novel introduces a new
generation to the reality of the spirit realm those of us older
readers encountered in the exciting Frank Peretti novels of the
1980s.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1GqMDrXcjDV3vnfeT8IfkzMh6DstwJA71Iksm2t0dGW9FUzLRdApSXaBDa8JrkMM6ch6IvXyTnHHTLjc1AUi4ov7611mb9mWxEFIeuAMX82iDRg5ZmPQUlZEPS6vq6JVbnlsA9Asm5TtTy_q2oUDIz3hoK1WWx8Kcb56PN0yKZ1U7-KHuFxJyWE-d6U/s185/Brett-Nelson.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="130" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1GqMDrXcjDV3vnfeT8IfkzMh6DstwJA71Iksm2t0dGW9FUzLRdApSXaBDa8JrkMM6ch6IvXyTnHHTLjc1AUi4ov7611mb9mWxEFIeuAMX82iDRg5ZmPQUlZEPS6vq6JVbnlsA9Asm5TtTy_q2oUDIz3hoK1WWx8Kcb56PN0yKZ1U7-KHuFxJyWE-d6U/s1600/Brett-Nelson.jpg" width="130" /></a></strong></div><strong>Brett Nelson</strong> is an Amazon TOP 5 BEST-SELLING author. “When Raindrops Fall” and “War Songs” hit #4 and #2 respectively in the Christian fiction genre, and “A Christmas to Live For” hit #9 in Christian Fiction. He lives in Arkansas, where he was born and raised. He wrote his first novel in 2012, just to see if he could. His goal is to write stories of fiction that are clean, easy to read, fun, and that injects a layer of his faith into every novel. In short, he desires that his readers would finish every novel having experienced a tapestry of emotions from a good healthy cry, fits of amused laughter, soul-splitting inspiration, and everything in between. He has published five novels to date. Book #2 to “War Songs” will publish in Spring 2024, and he is also currently working on Book #2 for “When Raindrops Fall.”<p></p><p>His novel “A Christmas to Live For” won the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal in Christian Fiction in 2021, and “War Songs” won the Global Book Awards Silver Medal in Christian Fiction in 2022.</p><p>Other than writing, reading is one of his favorite things to do on a lazy, rainy day (or a sunny day, or at the beach, or…well, you get the picture).</p><p>He enjoys reading the novels of lesser known authors, because you never know when you’ll uncover a new favorite.</p><h1><span underline="">More from Brett</span></h1><p>“War Songs” was my fourth published novel, and I wrote it because I love books about spiritual warfare. The few that I’ve read, though, lean more on the occultic side than biblically based, which was what I wanted. Spiritual warfare isn’t pictures falling off walls for no reason, or seeing a shadow in the corner, or things that go bump in the night, which is how books that I’ve read tend to depict the subject of spiritual warfare. So, I decided to tackle the subject for myself and write a novel that I would want to read. I’m blessed to have received amazing email feedback about the book from all over the country and even from readers in Pakistan, Germany, the UK, and Canada.</p><p>One question that I’m asked a lot is how I came up with the unique angel and demon names (ex: Animi, Mataio, Roga, and Mortol, just to name a few.) In the book, I gave each demon a specific job and/or specialty (discouragement, anger, etc) then I researched the Hebrew/Greek root words for the emotions that the demons represented and created a name based off the root word. It made for some great demon names, even if I do say so myself.</p><p>As an author, I rarely use the names of people I personally know in my books. I like to use unique character names that no one in my life has, hence the names of my main characters in “War Songs,” Jenner and Hyacinth. To help find character names, I often go to baby name websites and search until just the right unique name comes along, and the minute I see it, I just know that will be the character’s name. That said, I have given a few special people in my life a shoutout in the books by using their name for a smaller secondary character then giving the character an outlandish personality that is nothing like the person whose name I used.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/vqh3hrhpp057kgug/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207742000&usg=AOvVaw2i-3diKm-xXZpKPfTIweRP" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/vqh3hrhpp057kgug/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 8</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/x0hph6hww2g67qa5/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207742000&usg=AOvVaw26OiF3m8QSblhgXGwUS2wA" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/x0hph6hww2g67qa5/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ0aXN0d3JpdGVyYW5kc3R1ZGVudG9obXkuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Artistic Nobody</a>, February 9 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/58hvh7hmmxe89eu6/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207742000&usg=AOvVaw16quZznASdU7q849F29TnA" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/58hvh7hmmxe89eu6/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 9</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/wnh2hghww7zprrh7/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw1lN7wd-b8035ieS_DklRRj" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/wnh2hghww7zprrh7/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 10</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/8ghqhohlld4vgqtk/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw1qx3C2ZIO8UVFSKQ9LNYGM" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/8ghqhohlld4vgqtk/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmljdGlvbmJvb2tsb3Zlci5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fiction Book Lover</a>, February 11 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/m2h7h5h885rpo2im/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw3JaWYh0_Qkc93BJB5p_vUo" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/m2h7h5h885rpo2im/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 12</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/dpheh0h0063gqvim/aHR0cHM6Ly9ndWlsZG1hc3Rlcjk3LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw2XtdBAJ_UGrZlkszHZcvWE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/dpheh0h0063gqvim/aHR0cHM6Ly9ndWlsZG1hc3Rlcjk3LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Guild Master</a>, February 13 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/7qh7h8hoolg705uz/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw1wgaQ6WwlN2YwzgKS9e3hl" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/7qh7h8hoolg705uz/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 14</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/p8heh9hzz6v09ntq/aHR0cDovL2FyZWFkZXJzYnJhaW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw395sNavjWWRHYsf7BaylK3" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/p8heh9hzz6v09ntq/aHR0cDovL2FyZWFkZXJzYnJhaW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A Reader’s Brain</a>, February 15 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/6qheh8h77rqgp3bo/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvci5ob21lLmJsb2cv&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw2N2QMbiUImDroWAKATyd89" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/6qheh8h77rqgp3bo/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvci5ob21lLmJsb2cv" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, February 16 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/58hvh7hmmxe85ea6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmVjY2Fob3BlLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw3IEFpxWzO_Hsog263sh-gE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/58hvh7hmmxe85ea6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmVjY2Fob3BlLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Becca Hope: Book Obsessed</a>, February 16</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/25h2hoh2295z2rt3/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw0cy4bD30TdIgoZCTu5SVzB" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/25h2hoh2295z2rt3/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lily’s Corner</a>, February 17</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/g3hnh5h339v53lcr/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw0xIqYTAoxdNTPdhQIIaUA5" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/g3hnh5h339v53lcr/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pause for Tales</a>, February 18</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/n2hohvh33qdp3kb6/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9zc29tc2FuZGJsZXNzaW5ncy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw0J4ffsYEdJbRBemBwbOROq" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/n2hohvh33qdp3kb6/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9zc29tc2FuZGJsZXNzaW5ncy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, February 19 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/48hvhehrrloer2hx/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw1zVPdwO_uvcpM1333NaHx9" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/48hvhehrrloer2hx/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Splashes of Joy</a>, February 20 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/wnh2hghww7zpwru7/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707419207743000&usg=AOvVaw07sF09ftpvaHCyD3Oi4yJz" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/75uvov4e2rf8hkqk6gxazhq02z666/wnh2hghww7zpwru7/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For the Love of Literature</a>, February 21 (Author Interview)</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p></div>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3681147477861371560.post-87949839169576437192024-02-06T05:40:00.000-08:002024-02-06T05:40:44.003-08:00Lacey's Star by Kay DiBianca Blog Tour Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbZ5rMvkhwinpJ5PtskN6p86XgfaJ92lt1KE5Q1WwQXjLB0GHc1P7v6GpLPkfqXOAwcOfCQgEbRGlg5-kut8Cljj82UIjkr3IoCFkkWqdzEsZFrvCZEqDEj5vxwV0xwo75k7EIXGzWCOhyhBc7stZQ36nz6l4cwB2-juR3VJwwWAjNP_FLwUkmitxRsE/s851/Laceys-star-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbZ5rMvkhwinpJ5PtskN6p86XgfaJ92lt1KE5Q1WwQXjLB0GHc1P7v6GpLPkfqXOAwcOfCQgEbRGlg5-kut8Cljj82UIjkr3IoCFkkWqdzEsZFrvCZEqDEj5vxwV0xwo75k7EIXGzWCOhyhBc7stZQ36nz6l4cwB2-juR3VJwwWAjNP_FLwUkmitxRsE/w400-h148/Laceys-star-banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRdikJxnw3_wKu6EYmv1ZawXMhNMMH3MrvvEbtfcR_btih5FF-p5ljQ1c1Wv8LPn9RGBVKgyq-RH2OJ7kf19yOZxJta3Z1W3iOqtiJMRNhxh6KuTPweJaKAxG7oNWPD5RTQzcuAykgmXOh_BmAkgI6ONjOnVCtQ6NpqRB-vf3XQnyQ1AI3Up6TvwakI4/s239/Laceys-Star-cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="150" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRdikJxnw3_wKu6EYmv1ZawXMhNMMH3MrvvEbtfcR_btih5FF-p5ljQ1c1Wv8LPn9RGBVKgyq-RH2OJ7kf19yOZxJta3Z1W3iOqtiJMRNhxh6KuTPweJaKAxG7oNWPD5RTQzcuAykgmXOh_BmAkgI6ONjOnVCtQ6NpqRB-vf3XQnyQ1AI3Up6TvwakI4/s1600/Laceys-Star-cover.jpg" width="150" /></a></strong></div><strong>Book: </strong>Lacey’s Star: A Lady Pilot-in-Command Novel<p></p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Kay DiBianca</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Christian Mystery and Romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>October 23, 2023</p><p>Private pilot Cassie Deakin lands in the middle of an unwanted adventure when she discovers her beloved Uncle Charlie has been attacked and seriously injured by thieves.</p><p>But Cassie has a problem. She doesn’t know who she can trust. Still, she’s determined to solve the mystery behind the assault on her uncle, so she reluctantly agrees to team up with Deputy Frank White, a man she definitely does not trust, to find the culprits.</p><p>But as Cassie and Frank peel back the layers of one mystery, they uncover a deeper and more sinister crime: the murder of an eight-year-old girl decades earlier. Armed with only a single, cryptic clue to the death of young Lacey Alderson, Cassie makes a crucial discovery that lands her in the crosshairs of a murderer.</p><pre>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/47CSlO9" target="_blank">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1 style="text-align: left;">My Review</h1><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
enjoyed this mystery. I liked Cassie as a heroine. She is an
accomplished pilot and a good amateur sleuth. I appreciate the
initially antagonistic relationship with Frank. The supportive
characters are well crafted, from a protective horse to a roommate
who is wonderfully giving. The mystery was well plotted with
contemporary aspects rooted in a death years ago. I like how a
cryptic clue led to solving the mystery.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">I
have read several of DiBianca's novels and they keep getting better.
I hope there will be more in the series.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">My
rating: 4/5 stars.</span></p><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnEjOMLfCWNdImTQaCcyTox-X6Qdm4f-INXpX6jMJ9sN_rgOjBttpZ2fcm-wuYLdRfjsKVpu362-n9SK8bcRraB3re72X92vIxJP8S9F1nfi8Vm0hZrkM8j6sLhhiBMdm6jXbEMEUALqJ1cxh-9B8UDZ3I-Kn2UncYCpf0xOXDzvKKF-reZd1cmp43bU/s157/Kay-DiBianca.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="120" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnEjOMLfCWNdImTQaCcyTox-X6Qdm4f-INXpX6jMJ9sN_rgOjBttpZ2fcm-wuYLdRfjsKVpu362-n9SK8bcRraB3re72X92vIxJP8S9F1nfi8Vm0hZrkM8j6sLhhiBMdm6jXbEMEUALqJ1cxh-9B8UDZ3I-Kn2UncYCpf0xOXDzvKKF-reZd1cmp43bU/s1600/Kay-DiBianca.jpg" width="120" /></a></strong></div><strong>Kay DiBianca</strong> is a former software developer and IT manager who retired to a life of mystery. She loves to create webs of intrigue for her characters to untangle as they search for the truth while dealing with the ongoing challenges of faith and family.<p></p><p>In addition to her latest book, <em>Lacey’s Star</em>, Kay has three published novels in <em>The Watch Mystery Series: The Watch on the Fencepost, Dead Man’s Watch, </em>and<em> Time After Tyme</em>. Her published short stories include <em>Lady Pilot-in-Command, The Clutter Busters, </em>and<em> The Money Tree. </em></p><p>Kay is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and the Collierville Christian Writers Group. She is an instrument-rated pilot and a regular contributor to the Kill Zone Blog. An avid runner, she can often be found at a nearby track, on the treadmill, or at a large park near her home</p><p>Kay and her husband, Frank, live, run, and write in Memphis, Tennessee.</p><h1><span underline="">Enjoy an Excerpt!</span></h1><p>I do not like handsome men. Not that I have much experience with them, but in my opinion, they’re self-absorbed and untrustworthy. Like the one sitting in the passenger seat of my Cessna 172 while I did the run-up prior to takeoff. Frank White.</p><p>Frank and I have shared only two experiences in the short time we’ve known each other. In the first one, I saved his life. In the second, he invited me to dinner and stood me up.</p><p>Now I’m not generally a person to hold a grudge, but being stood up is on my short list of unforgivable sins. So, when the company I worked for informed me I <em>had </em>to fly Frank to a meeting at my uncle’s farm a couple of hundred miles away, I turned my face into stone and took the assignment.</p><p>If Frank noticed my icy silence as I did the pre-flight check, he didn’t let on. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the little smirk on his face while he scrolled on his phone, his dark hair hanging down on his forehead. He needed a haircut.</p><p>The Newton Airport tower called down. “Cessna Three One Four Bravo Charlie, you’re cleared for takeoff on runway three-six.” After a brief pause, he added, “Have a nice flight, Cassie.”</p><p>Frank adjusted his headset when he heard the call from the tower and winked at me. I gave him a look I reserve only for the lowest forms of human life and focused my attention back on the flight panel.</p><p>“Roger that,” I said and repeated the instructions back to the air traffic controller. Then I added power and maneuvered Scout onto the end of the runway. Scout is the name I use for the little blue and white Cessna that was my father’s pride and joy. He taught me how to fly when I was a young girl, and he left the plane to me when he died.</p><p>My frustration evaporated as my aircraft responded to full power and accelerated down the runway. When we reached sixty knots, I gently pulled back the yoke, the nose lifted, and in one breathless moment, we were free from the earth.</p><p>This was a feeling I could never get enough of—the thrill of release as I watched the ground drop away. We climbed over the end of the runway, and meadows of goldenrod waved goodbye as we soared into blue heaven.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stop</span></h1><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/z2hghnh3ee40opap/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw2m_C1UU_k_Zh3ZX5HDvLZH" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/z2hghnh3ee40opap/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ib29rd29tYW5qb2FuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Book Reviews From an Avid reader</a>, February 6</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/kkhmh6hlnnd48ril/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw0DyUOr4hIFa7Xr4KRfA3oK" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/kkhmh6hlnnd48ril/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pause for Tales</a>, February 7</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/qvh8h7hrdd7q85cl/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw3FKA7J08ArW1HeIr3Cqpk7" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/qvh8h7hrdd7q85cl/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, February 8 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/wnh2hghwqq58rzc7/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw0Xlr-TolNz81xagEeQaXWn" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/wnh2hghwqq58rzc7/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 8</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/l2hehmh3ll0w3va6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9tYWNlYmV0dGkv&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw0Ys3z7OYUToEeP9Mz6DpAM" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/l2hehmh3ll0w3va6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9tYWNlYmV0dGkv" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Betti Mace</a>, February 9</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/7qh7h8ho99k3oobz/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw2R0bZLoA9vTnF9459xPA9s" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/7qh7h8ho99k3oobz/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 10</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/6qheh8h7llk07xbo/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw1dQuQ4xBJV_RsuFfvR0D-Z" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/6qheh8h7llk07xbo/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 11</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/9qhzhnhpddqnpoi9/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw0hESc4BDCmkPRRsi0r-TV1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/9qhzhnhpddqnpoi9/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 12</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/wnh2hghwqq58wzi7/aHR0cHM6Ly9qZWFubmluZWJlbm5ldHQuY29tL2FuLWF1dGhvcnMtdGFrZS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw1YQEhVRdam4emRGv-vH1sa" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/wnh2hghwqq58wzi7/aHR0cHM6Ly9qZWFubmluZWJlbm5ldHQuY29tL2FuLWF1dGhvcnMtdGFrZS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">An Author’s Take</a>, February 13</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/vqh3hrhpoox8o4ug/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw0p5qSTwHD1HxDtLVYTqEuJ" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/vqh3hrhpoox8o4ug/aHR0cHM6Ly9mYW1pbHltZ3JrZW5kcmEuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, February 14</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/e0hph7h077p57ku8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlmZW9uY2hpY2thZGVlbGFuZS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw2ZuF-1mRHVD9Q-E5mClyzE" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/e0hph7h077p57ku8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlmZW9uY2hpY2thZGVlbGFuZS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Life on Chickadee Lane</a>, February 15</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/z2hghnh3ee40epup/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw2lD2RZmH-TVgGxYg8weD2x" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/z2hghnh3ee40epup/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Blogging With Carol</a>, February 16</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/kkhmh6hlnnd4nril/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw3AjcmWV4bKSbzi0LNE1gjx" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/kkhmh6hlnnd4nril/aHR0cHM6Ly9mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">For Him and My Family</a>, February 17</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/g3hnh5h3mmdxm8hr/aHR0cDovL2Ftb2Rlcm5kYXlmYWlyeXRhbGUubmV0Lw%3D%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw01nK7SXzsdkV04y1DquaY-" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/g3hnh5h3mmdxm8hr/aHR0cDovL2Ftb2Rlcm5kYXlmYWlyeXRhbGUubmV0Lw==" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">A Modern Day Fairy Tale</a>, February 18 (Author Interview)</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/48hvhehrmm5km3tx/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw3xew947sgQJSz3L3JaRvYz" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/48hvhehrmm5km3tx/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Hake</a>, February 18</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/wnh2hghwqq58qzb7/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8%3D&source=gmail&ust=1707142428985000&usg=AOvVaw0rV2iylpHMcUoS-dmzQ-rM" href="https://click.convertkit-mail.com/38u545gz20akho0vk42brh5dnl2nn/wnh2hghwqq58qzb7/aHR0cHM6Ly90Ymxia3Jldmlld3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Lily’s Corner</a>, February 19</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway<br /></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznRSkrp49TEWTtjxFwRwh3HM69HdTx0ZLmrsFR377NA2t0a1yEb8A9LjtNXPFkAV45WsYx_lRpu-8Rsdm6WU9Pgz-2s1cgeA20DH4KWCWRd9n29wWDJXR7_d5Hz7raBWKlblqk4vuOdGYDqIYeoTMVqAB7Wch5otBaytV6zr9BAyLBMrPVTFNVZsj54E/s251/Laceys-star-giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="251" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznRSkrp49TEWTtjxFwRwh3HM69HdTx0ZLmrsFR377NA2t0a1yEb8A9LjtNXPFkAV45WsYx_lRpu-8Rsdm6WU9Pgz-2s1cgeA20DH4KWCWRd9n29wWDJXR7_d5Hz7raBWKlblqk4vuOdGYDqIYeoTMVqAB7Wch5otBaytV6zr9BAyLBMrPVTFNVZsj54E/s1600/Laceys-star-giveaway.png" width="251" /></a></div><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><b>To celebrate her tour, Kay is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book!!</b></p><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><b>Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</b></p><p center="" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/2a0c6/lacey-s-star-celebration-tour-giveaway" style="background-color: white; box-shadow: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #686868; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; outline: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://promosimple.com/ps/2a0c6/lacey-s-star-celebration-tour-giveaway</span></a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><span style="color: #222222;">My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)</span></span></span></p>Joan Nienhuishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07401635474445086666noreply@blogger.com7