About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch: Review & Giveaway


ABOUT THE BOOK

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?


Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

Click here to read an excerpt.

MY THOUGHTS.....


Do you remember the anticipation of waiting for Christmas to come, so that you could see what was in that one beautiful present? That's how I've felt waiting for this third book in the Serendipity & Secrets series, and I must tell, I'm not disappointed! Author Erica Vetsch has given me, and her many other fans, a wonderful gift with this story that introduces Captain Charles Malvern and Lady Sophia Haverly, and reunites us with special friends from The Lost Lieutenant and The Gentleman Spy.

Vetsch has a special affinity for the Regency era and she easily transports readers to that time of spacious estates, lavish parties, and Lords and Ladies. The Indebted Earl has a beautiful setting and an intriguing plotline that is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected complications. I was especially tantalized by Charles's inheritance of not only an estate, but three young girls in need of a home. How does a bachelor deal with an instant family? Perhaps find someone willing to enter into a marriage of convenience? Little does he know what's in store when Lady Sophia says yes!

I loved watching Charles and Sophia progress from needing each other, to respecting each other, and finally, genuinely liking each other. They are both people who have trust issues. Are there deeper feelings waiting to be explored?

I found myself reading The Indebted Earl quickly so that I could discover the outcome, but I will read it again. Very slowly, so that I can truly savor this delightful story! If you're a fan of Regency fiction, you will want to read The Indebted Earl.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publishers. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 



 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Erica Vetsch 
is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor)Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).




GIVEAWAY




Click HERE to Enter the Giveaway



Know Your Bible Journal for Women by Barbour Staff

Know Your Bible Journal for WomenABOUT THE BOOK

You want the most from your time alone with scripture. . .
this Know Your Bible Journal for Women provides both simple guidance and ample space for you to jot down your reflections.
 
Based on the three-million-copy bestseller Know Your Bible, this journal describes the who, what, when, where, and why of each biblical book. And it allows you to share your thoughts and feelings, creating a treasured record of your own walk with God.
 
The Know Your Bible Journal for Women is presented in a beautiful package featuring

a flexible textured binding
two-color interior printing
stained page edges
a ribbon marker

There are everyday Bible helps for everyday spiritual growth.

Recommended Online Retailers...



MY THOUGHTS.....

Bible journaling has become very popular and this new journal from Barbour Books is a great way to get started. The Know Your Bible Journal for Women allows you to record your thoughts as you read through your Bible, and it offers helpful prompts to spur your thinking, along with special sections such as Quotable Quotes (scripture) and Unique and Unusual (trivia facts). About five pages are allowed for each book of the Bible, and each page has a space at the bottom to write your notes.

This journal is also visually appealing, with a soft cover covered in beautiful flowers, colorful pages, and a ribbon bookmark. This Know your Bible Journal for Women is a wonderful addition to your own worship time, and it also perfect for gift-giving.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Amish Midwives: Three Stories by Amy Clipston, Shelley Shephard Gray & Kelly Long

Amish Midwives: Three StoriesABOUT THE BOOK

From bestselling authors of Amish Fiction come three sweet stories about new life, hope, and romance. 

Bundles of Blessing by Amy Clipston

Lost in grief after the death of her husband, Kristina Byler gave up remarrying and found comfort and purpose in becoming a midwife. She is surprised when Aidan Smoker—her ex-boyfriend and the man she was sure she’d one day marry—moves back to the community after living in Ohio for the past eight years. They’re both certain there’s too much pain in their shared past for them to have a future, but they keep finding themselves drawn together. As Kristina helps other women bring children into the world, she starts to wonder if a family of her own might be possible after all.

A Midwife for Susie by Shelley Shepard Gray

Haunted by secret guilt after a tragic accident, Joanna Zimmerman is sure she’s left midwifery behind her. She keeps to herself, certain this is for the best. Her childhood friend Dwight Eicher knows that Joanna hasn’t been herself lately, but every time he’s tried to talk to her about what’s wrong, she’s avoided his questions. When his sister, Susie, becomes pregnant, Joanna must decide if she can find the courage to return to the job she once felt so called to. Meanwhile, both Dwight and Joanna face romantic feelings that have the potential to change their friendship forever.

Christmas Cradles by Kelly Long (Also in An Amish Christmas)

When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp. 


Three sweet contemporary Amish romances
Stand-alone novella collection
Book length: 80,000 words
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
 


MY THOUGHTS.....

Amy Clipston, Shelley Shephard Gray, and Kelly Long are all beloved Amish authors, and reading a story by any of them is a treat. Finding a book with all of them? Absolutely joy unspeakable! The three novellas in Amish Midwives all center around dedicated midwives who help deliver sweet babies, but haven't experienced the joy of having their own children. These heartwarming tales share hope, faith, and the wholesome values that are synonymous with Amish living, while exploring the different stages of love. From the excitement of new love to the thrill of love the second time around, Amish Midwives is a book to savor and enjoy. It is the perfect choice for fans of Amish romance!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was never required to write a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

Monday, March 29, 2021

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot

ABOUT THE BOOK

Though she hopes for a quiet, uncomplicated life for herself, Dorothy Clark wants nothing more than to stir others up. Specifically, she dreams of writing something that will challenge people as much as Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin seems to have. But in 1850s Mesquite Springs, there are few opportunities for writers--until newspaperman Brandon Holloway arrives, that is.


Brandon Holloway has seen the disastrous effects of challenging others and has no intention of repeating that mistake. Instead of following his dreams, he's committed to making a new--and completely uncontroversial--start in the Hill Country.

As Dorothy's involvement in the fledgling newspaper grows from convenient to essential, the same change seems to be happening in Brandon's heart. But before romance can bloom, Dorothy and Brandon must work together to discover who's determined to divide the town and destroy Brandon's livelihood.

With this second novel in the Mesquite Springs series, bestselling author Amanda Cabot invites you to discover the healing power of truth.
 

MY THOUGHTS.....

"Here I am, the woman who wanted to change the world with her words, but I rarely put my deepest feelings into words."

"Those are the hardest words to express, because they are the most important."


Dorothy Clark has always wanted to be a writer, but writing for a newspaper isn't what she had in mind. It may have been, however, the best decision that she's ever made because it allows her to become better acquainted with the owner, Brandon Holloway. Arriving in Mesquite Springs, hoping for a fresh start, Brandon soon encounters unsettling events that threaten him and the other residents of this small Texas town during the 1850s.

I enjoyed seeing Dorothy and Brandon as they formed a friendship from their working relationship, and I longed for them to find a deeper connection. There are several other characters, and an adorable dog named Nutmeg, who add interest to the story, plus a villain who evokes both anger and pity. The addition of danger, intrigue, and strong faith elements make this a book that you won't soon forget!

Dreams Rekindled is a wonderful historical fiction novel that stresses forgiveness and second chances, and I look forward to seeing what is ahead for Mesquite Springs, Texas.

I received a copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than thirty-five novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.

Website     Facebook     Twitter     Blog


Indescribable for Little Ones by Louie Giglio: Review & Giveaway


ABOUT THE BOOK

Discover the wonders of God's creation! Bestselling author and pastor Louie Giglio brings
 Indescribable for Little Ones, an interactive board book that will introduce the littlest readers to God's amazing world. Young children will be awestruck as they pull tabs and turn a wheel to reveal that everything, from the ants on the ground to the stars in the sky, was made by God.


Louie's popular kids' devotional, Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science, has touched hundreds of thousands of families by sharing incredible scientific facts alongside the wonder of God's majesty. Now this same message is made easy for little ones, focusing on four areas of creation:


Space
Earth
Animals
People

This STEM-themed board book:


Is perfect for little hands and motor skills development with interactive pull tabs and wheels
Would be a brilliant gift for baby showers, birthdays, Easter baskets, and holiday gifting
Includes fun facts and Bible truths

Check out these other books in the bestselling Indescribable Kids series:


Indescribable
How Great Is Our God
 

Purchase Indescribable for Little Ones HERE


MY THOUGHTS.....


It's hard to find any reason to dislike this book! It's a sturdy board book that's perfect for little hands, but my seven year old granddaughter loves it because of the interaction with the spinning wheel and pull tabs. She's now reading on her own but she still thinks that Indescribable for Little Ones is "cool" and the fact that it explains science along with God's Creation makes it a great learning tool!

Author Louie Giglio has an unique way of relating to children and illustrator Nicola Anderson shares bright, colorful pictures to enhance this story that begins with the formation of the universe, and continues until God created humans. Indescribable for Little Ones is a wonderful resource that gives parents and children the perfect opportunity to read together, and talk about, God's marvelous Creation!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no requirement for a positive review. These are my own opinions.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Louie Giglio
 is the pastor of Passion City Church and the original visionary of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus. 

Since 1997, Passion has gathered collegiate-aged people at events across the US and around the world, and it continues to see eighteen- to twenty-five-year-olds fill venues across the nation in pursuit of living for God’s glory. 

In addition to the collegiate gatherings of Passion Conferences, Louie and his wife, Shelley, lead the teams at Passion City Church, sixstepsrecords, Passion Publishing, and the Passion Global Institute. 

Louie is the national bestselling author of Not ForsakenGoliath Must FallHow Great Is Our GodIndescribableThe ComebackThe Air I Breathe, and I Am Not But I Know I Am. 

Louie and Shelley make their home in Atlanta, Georgia. 

 You can learn more at his Website or by following him on Facebook   Twitter  Instagram      

GIVEAWAY

Please click HERE for a chance to win your own copy of Indescrible for Little Ones.


View all my reviews

Unknown Threat (Defend and Protect, #1) by Lynn H. Blackburn

Unknown Threat (Defend and Protect, #1)ABOUT THE BOOK

US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.




MY THOUGHTS.....

This book starts out with a bang, and I mean that literally. Two Secret Service agents are shot, and then almost killed, when both of their cars are rigged to explode. From then on, it's a race to find who targeted Luke Powell and his co-worker, Zane Thacker, and who killed three of their fellow agents. An intense investigation begins, with FBI agents joining the search, and Luke finds himself working along side of Faith Malone, the lead FBI agent in the case. They've known each other before, but will their working together create another explosive situation?

I had the pleasure of reading all three of the books in the Dive Team Investigations series, and they made me a forever fan of Lynn H. Blackburn. This author shares excitement, suspense, and strong faith messages in her books, and Unknown Threat is certainly no different. Blackburn has a knack for creating unique characters who are both fragile and strong, and she always gives them a chance to grow emotionally and spiritually. She also creates plots that leave you wondering "just how did that happen?" I was kept guessing until the end and I look forward to seeing what's in store for the other characters in this new Defend and Protect series.

Unknown Threat
is a fantastic read and I recommend it to all who enjoy enjoy heart-racing and page-turning Christian romantic suspense.

I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own opinions.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Lynn H. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children.

Her Dive Team Investigations series includes Beneath the Surface and In Too Deep (a Fall 2018 Okra Pick and 2019 Selah Award finalist). The conclusion to the series, One Final Breath, released in September 2019. She is also the author of Hidden Legacy and Covert Justice which won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel.


Learn more about Lynn H. Blackburn 


Zippy's Special Gift by Therese Van Ryne: Review & Giveaway with iRead Book Tours



Join us for this tour from Mar 15 to Apr 9, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Zippy's Special Gift by Therese Van Ryne
CategoryChildren's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
PublisherMascot Books
Release date:   Mar, 2021
Format available: hardback
Content Rating:  G for everyone.
 
Book Description:

Zippy the Zebra doesn't like her stripes. She doesn't want to stand out! Follow Zippy as she embarks upon a thrilling adventure with her animal friends that helps her realize everyone is perfect just the way they are. Profits from the sales of Zippy's Special Gift will be donated to one of Zebra Technologies strategic charitable partners, Bernies Book Bank, a non-profit organization that changes the story for under-served children and helps them read their way to a better life! Learn more at www.berniesbookbank.org.

 Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N
Mascot Books
add to goodreads

MY THOUGHTS.....

Zippy is a zebra who has many friends, but none of them look like her. Her mother wisely tells her that "Your stripes are a special gift that never ever end!" She goes on to explain that "Your friends all have special gifts, too, and that gives them each their style."

Author Therese Van Ryne and illustrator Walter Policelli offer children a delightful book filled with rhyming text and beautful pictures, and it's a story that both entertains and educates. A duck, dog, frog, monkey, and owl each talk about what makes them different, and what makes each of them special.

This book is a charming way to show children that even if they aren't like other kids, they are all special. Zippy's Special Gift helps reinforce that differences help set them apart, and these differences should be considered gifts! It also encourages kindness and acceptance.

I received a copy of this book from the author via iRead Book Tours. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


Meet the Author:

Zippy’s Special Gift is Van Ryne’s debut children’s book. She currently serves as the Global Director of PR, Thought Leadership and Advocacy for Zebra Technologies. One of PR News’ 2019 Top Women in PR, Van Ryne also has experience as a journalist, editor and producer, reporting nightly from Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

connect with the author: instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads

 
Tour Schedule:

Mar 15 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Mar 15 - Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 16 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 16 - Character Madness and Musings – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Mar 16 - A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Mar 17 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 19 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Mar 19 – Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 22 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Mar 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 23 - The Bespectacled Mother – book review
Mar 24 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Mar 25 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 26 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Mar 29 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Mar 30 – The Book Review Crew – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 31 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Mar 31 – michellemengsbookblog – book review / author interview / giveaway
Apr 1 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Apr 2 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / guest post / giveaway
Apr 5 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Apr 5 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Apr 6 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
Apr 7 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Arp 8 – Laura's Interests – book review / giveaway
Apr 8 - My Journey Back the Journey Back – book review / giveaway
Apr 9 -  I'm Into Books – book review / giveaway
Apr 9 - Books for Books – book review

Enter the Giveaway: 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


 View all my reviews 

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Braced for Love (Brothers in Arms #1) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE BOOK

Left with little back in Missouri, Kevin Hunt takes his younger siblings on a journey to Wyoming when he receives news that he’s inheriting part of a ranch. The catch is that the ranch is also being given to a half brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin’s supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life.

But danger seems to track Kevin along the way, and he wonders if his half brother, Wyatt, is behind the attacks. Finally arriving at the ranch, everyone is at each other’s throats and the only one willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, a nearby schoolmarm.

Despite being a long-time friend to Wyatt, Winona can’t help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin–and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody’s dangerous plot. Will they all be able to put aside their differences long enough to keep anyone from getting truly hurt?

Buy on Amazon

Buy at Baker Book House

MY THOUGHTS.....

Kevin Hunt is the main focus of this western that is sometimes funny, often mysterious, but always enjoyable! Author Mary Connealy includes fights, ambushes, and unknown villains, but there's also a sweet romance that grows between Kevin and Winona Hawkins, the schoolmarm who finds herself torn between her long-time friend Wyatt and this new guy that's shown up at Bear Claw Pass, Wyoming. Kevin is such a kind character and I found his devotion to his two younger siblings especially endearing. Their mother's death thrust him into the role of father when he was just fifteen, and he's done his very best to provide a home for Molly and Andy! Now, he has to accept that his father had more than one wife and apparently, more than one son!

Braced for Love is a delightful story filled with memorable characters, intriguing suspense, and many laugh-out-loud moments. There's also a strong faith message, and many mentions of prayer, as Kevin, Wyatt, and Falcon Hunt struggle to accept that they are family!

This is the first book in the new series, Brothers in Arms, so I'm 'bracing' myself for more fun and adventure, and the chance to learn more about Wyatt and Falcon. No one does romantic comedy better than Mary Connealy and I definitely recommend Braced for Love to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. 

Learn more at her 

Friday, March 26, 2021

Dead Man's Watch by Kay Dibianca: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

About the Book



Dead Man’s Watch

Author: Kay DiBianca

Genre: Cozy mystery

Release date: September 2020

 Half-sisters Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman stumble into another mystery in this second book in the Watch series. When a former acquaintance of Kathryn’s is accused of murder, she and Cece go on a mission to prove his innocence by finding the real killer. But things are never what they seem in this tangled web, and Kathryn’s spunky determination to solve the mystery pushes her closer and closer to a deadly climax.

Join the adventure as these two young women commit themselves to live up to the quote from the Jerusalem Talmud: “Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....


What do you do if you believe that your friend has been wrongly accused of murder? If you're Kathryn Frasier, you set out to prove his innocence, and you do your best to solve the intricate puzzle of clues that surround the case. Dead Man's Watch allows readers to reconnect with Kathryn and her half-sister CeCe Goldman, as they diligently work to solve this case, and it gives these sisters a chance to deepen their recently discovered connection.

Author Kay DiBianca throws in twists and turns, and many complicated clues, to make this a must-read for mystery lovers, and she uses Kathryn's ability to solve puzzles and CeCe's acting talents to help in solving the mystery. She also shares many mentions of faith and trust, including the powerful reminder that "Saving one life is like saving the whole world."

Dead Man's Watch
is the second book in the "The Watch" Series and a watch is once again a part of the plot. Interesting characters and some light romance add to this book's appeal, making it a perfect read for all who enjoy cozy mysteries.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. A positive review was never required. These are my own thoughts.

View all my reviews

 

About the Author

 Kay DiBianca is a bestselling author who loves to create literary puzzles for her readers to solve. Her characters come to life as they struggle to solve mysteries and create relationships amidst the ongoing themes of faith and family. Her first novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, won an Illumination Award for General Fiction and an Eric Hoffer Award for Mystery. The second book in the Watch series, Dead Man’s Watch, was released in September 2020.

Kay is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. An avid runner, she can often be found at a nearby track, on the treadmill, or at a large park near her home. Her background in software development fuels her fascination with puzzles and mysteries, and her dedication to running helps supply the endurance and energy she needs to write about them!

Kay and her husband, Frank, live, run, and write in Memphis, Tennessee.

You can connect with Kay through her website at https://kaydibianca.com.

 

More from Kay

RUNNING AND WRITING

I’m a runner. Over the years I’ve discovered so many benefits from running, including improved health, good outlook, sense of well-being, and even a spark to creativity. That’s a lot to get from an investment in a pair of running shoes!

Of course, running is also a great metaphor for life. This one sport exemplifies so much that we experience in our lives: success, failure, injury, joy, and pain. So, it’s not surprising that although my books are not specifically about running, they contain running scenes.

I got the idea for my first mystery novel, The Watch on the Fencepost, while I was out running. The first chapter of that book introduces the main character, Kathryn Frasier, as she runs a five-miler while training for a marathon. Kathryn deals with the sorrow of her parents’ recent deaths by putting in hard miles on the trails around the fictional town of Bellevue. As I wrote that narrative, I could almost feel Kathryn’s effort, her struggle to maintain pace, the pain in the final sprint, and the satisfaction of finishing well.

The second book in the series, Dead Man’s Watch, takes place just a month or so after the first one. Kathryn continues her training by running a half-marathon race. Once more I run with her as she experiences the elation of being in the lead pack (I’ve never been there!), the exhaustion as the miles build up (I do know about this), and a dramatic event as she nears the finish.

I hope readers will see the analogy between the Kathryn’s experiences on the trails and her efforts to try to solve the mysteries in each story. I’m working on the third book in the series now. I haven’t written any running scenes yet, but I’m sure Kathryn’s going to insist on putting one in.

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 18

Blogging With Carol, March 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21

deb’s Book Review, March 22

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

Texas Book-aholic, March 24

Mary Hake, March 24

Inklings and notions, March 25

Older & Smarter?, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29

Pause for Tales, March 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 31

Bizwings Blog, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kay is giving away  the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10987/dead-man-s-watch-celebration-tour-giveaway

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thursday, March 25, 2021

The Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Breaking and Entering : Review & Giveaway

 


FUN BOOK FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Virginia town outside a mysterious government facility, four homeschooled teenagers investigate a series of murders and other crimes while wrestling with challenges of faith, family, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

A tragic explosion devastates the town of Steven’s Mill, Virginia. Was it an accident or was it part of a larger plot to take over the town and shut down the work going on at the secret command center?

This first book in the “Mount Hideaway Mysteries” series of books and movies sets the stage for all the action and adventure to come.

This series features gripping drama and entertainment from a faith-based perspective. Teens and adults in the stories wrestle with tragedy, danger, and relationships while they also pursue their relationships with God.

The books and movies in the Mount Hideaway Mysteries series include...
•    Strong, virtuous female characters
•    Encouraging portrayals of Christians and Homeschoolers
•    Parents who are intelligent and engaged with their children
•    Lots of action, adventure, and mystery!

Get first 2 chapters free HERE

Check out the Mount Hideaway Website HERE

MY THOUGHTS.....


"Father God, we're in a mess. Maybe we should have listened or asked for help. Right now, we're not even sure if we're doing the right thing. But we need to know you're there with us. That you've got this even if we don't."
"Just help us, please."


This is just one of many prayers in Breaking and Entering, the first book in the Mount Hideaway Series. Four teenagers find themselves involved in investigating some mysterious occurrences in Steven's Mill, Virginia, and it's apparent that there are evil forces involved. As they seek answers for the corruption and murders in their hometown. they are given a glimpse of what being an adult means. Will they succeed in saving Steven's Mill?

This is a great book for avid readers, but it's also a terrific story to attract reluctant readers. It's filled with danger, excitement, and suspense, and the four homeschooled teen characters are especially appealing. I like that they are portrayed as normal teens, sometimes plagued with doubts and insecurities, but also possessing unique talents. Bethany, Amy, Rose, and Jamie share a special friendship, and working together, they make a formidable team.

Parents will appreciate that this clean, young-adult mystery shows teens and their families in a loving, Christian relationship. It does, however, end in a cliff-hanger!

I received a copy of this book from FrontGate Media. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own personal thoughts.