Sunday, September 29, 2019

Book Review: Trapped by Lillian Duncan

About the Book

Book: Trapped

Author: Lillian Duncan

Genre: Romantic Suspense (Christian)/Stand Alone

Release Date: September 27, 2019

Angelina Matthews has everything—rich, famous and beautiful—until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a madman, wearing only a T-shirt. The dirt is his—the blood is hers. Tormented and tortured, she cries out to God. Help comes in the form of Nate Goodman. When their paths cross months later, Nate discovers Angelina is still trapped—not in a basement but in the memories she can’t escape. Nate knows all about being trapped—and getting un-trapped. As an ex-Chicago cop he’s had his own demons to wrestle, but his faith helped him to move forward. He reaches out to Angelina whose paranoid delusions have her trapped still. But are they delusions?

Click here to grab your copy.

My Thoughts

Trapped by Lillian Duncan is a phenomenal work of romantic suspense. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I have read many books in this genre and I was interested in the premise of this book. I am in awe of the author’s ability to create terrifying situations that seem way too real. Even though I am used to this genre, I had to put this book down many times because it was a bit too intense, especially for reading right before bed. Ms Duncan created a whole cast of characters that were not only interesting but also very suspicious. While reading this book, I kept considering different culprits and never really settled on one up until all was revealed at the end. Readers who love suspense and can deal with very suspenseful, terrifying situations would love this book. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

About the Author

Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband and a menagerie of pets. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

Her goal is to write stories that entertain but also demonstrate God’s love for all of us. To learn more about her, visit www.lillian-duncan.com as well as her devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.

More from Lillian

TRAPPED is my latest suspense novel. And suspenseful, it is! With just the right about of romance to make it even better.

You can’t help but love Nate Goodman—small-town policeman, believer in truth, justice, and Jesus—comes back home to the sleepy town of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio to work because nothing ever happens—until it does.

Angelina Matthews has everything. She’s rich, famous and beautiful until the day she’s kidnapped and trapped in a basement with a madman. Tormented and tortured, she cries out to God.

Help comes in the form of Nate Goodman.

When their paths cross months later, Nate discovers Angelina is still trapped, not in a basement but in the memories she can’t escape. As an ex-Chicago policeman, Nate knows all about being trapped—and getting un-trapped so he reaches out to help. Between the two of them, they have more than their fair share of problems. But that’s what makes the story exciting.

I have a philosophy when it comes to writing. If I find it boring so will the readers! That means I cut out the boring parts and focus on the action. I loved writing this story with all its twists and turns.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 28

Babbling Becky L’ Book Impressions, September 28

Livin’ Lit, September 29

Genesis 5020, September 30

Through the Fire Blogs, October 1

Inspires by fiction, October 1

Spoken from the Heart, October 2

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, October 3

Avid Reader Nurse , October 3

Maureen's Musings, October 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4

For Him and My Family, October 5

CarpeDiem, October 6

Blogging With Carol, October 6

Bigreadersite , October 7

Betti Mace, October 7

Texas Book-aholic, October 8

janicesbookreviews, October 9

Inklings and notions , October 9

Mary Hake, October 10

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 10

A Reader's Brain, October 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lillian is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and one of her eBook (readers choice)!!

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/e958/trapped-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Book Review: Frost Heaves by Alana Terry

About the Book

Book: Frost Heaves

Author: Alana Terry

Genre: Contemporary Christian mystery/suspense

Release Date: March 15, 2019

Jade will do anything to rescue her daughter.

Even risk her own life.

Or take someone else’s…

Jade’s a single mom with one goal: to give her daughter a happy childhood, free from the fears and abuse Jade experienced growing up in a cult.

Even though she broke free from her traumatic and dangerous past, Jade is still haunted by fiends … both seen and unseen … and by secrets some people will try to silence forever.

A fast-paced, can’t-stop-reading Christian thriller set in the heart of rural Alaska, Frost Heaves is real, relevant, and almost impossible to put down.

Just like you’d expect from award-winning author Alana Terry.

Grab your copy today.

(But you might want to read it with your lights on.)

Click here to grab your copy.

My Thoughts

Frost Heaves by Alana Terry is the latest book in the author's Alaskan Refuge series. Jade is a young mom struggling to make a life for herself and her daughter after escaping from a cult. When her daughter is kidnapped, it is a race against time to find her. I found the kidnapping of her daughter terrifying. I think the author did a wonderful job creating suspense about the kidnapping and how serious it would be to have a lost child in Alaska. The story moved fairly quickly and was a good read overall. The cult elements could have been a bit more developed. I love the Alaska setting of this novel and the author's ability to bring it to life. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

About the Author

Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.

More from Alana

While my childhood was spent in the lower 48 states, my husband and I moved to Alaska and this beautiful state has now become the place I call home. Even though adjusting to rural living (we moved to a town with only 400 residents) took some getting used to, I have grown to love everything about Alaska.

In fact, I love it so much, I thought to myself, “I want to share the beauty of where we live with my readers.” And the best way I could think of to do that was to write a three-book, standalone series showcasing some of the wonderful things about Alaska living.

However, it wouldn’t be an Alana Terry series without a lot of exciting, fast-paced suspense readers have grown to love. Identity Theft, Termination Dust, and Frost Heaves are filled with action, adventure, mystery and even a little bit of romance.

Three different stories. All set in my beautiful state of Alaska. With all the action, adventure, suspense, and underlying hope that readers have come to love.

One reviewer described Frost Heaves as “… full of suspense, covered with faith and truth, and sweetened with a touch of romance.”

I wrote these books to share my love of Alaska as well as God’s love and redemption with others. And I hope you’ll turn the last page satisfied, but ready for more.

If the Alaska Refuge Christian Suspense series is your introduction to Alana Terry books, you’ve read all three in the series (in any order), and you’re ready for more action, I’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Stern. Read Unplanned, Book 1 in the 9 book series. Once you get started, I’m sure you won’t want to put it down.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 24

Robin’s Nest, September 24

Livin’ Lit, September 25

Avid Reader Nurse, September 25

Genesis 5020, September 26

Betti Mace, September 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 27

Carla Loves To Read, September 28

Quiet Quilter, September 28

For Him and My Family, September 29

Mary Hake, September 29

The Becca Files, September 30

Blogging With Carol, September 30

Godly Book Reviews, October 1

April Hayman, Author, October 1

Inklings and notions , October 2

CarpeDiem, October 2

A Reader’s Brain, October 3

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 3

janicesbookreviews, October 4

As He Leads is Joy, October 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 5

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Texas Book-aholic, October 7

Maureen’s Musings, October 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away the grand prize of a $30 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/e954/frost-heaves-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Book Review: Tasting Grace by Melissa d'Arabian

Tasting Grace by Melissa d'Arabian is a special book. I started reading an early review copy of this book in early June and immediately knew it was something special. I've been waiting for the chance to share it, since I realized that June was a bit early! This is a book with concepts about food that the world has lost, concepts the world desperately needs. Food is not the enemy. Food is meant to be shared and savored. There is so much here in this book. It is full of pearls of wisdom to ponder again and again. Pick up this book and savor it. You won't be disappointed! I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Book Review: Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble

About the Book

Book: Strands of Truth

Author: Colleen Coble

Genre: Suspense

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?

Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Click here to get your copy.

My Thoughts

Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble is the latest book by a talented mystery writer. I have been a fan of Colleen Coble's writing for quite a while. Her books are consistently well-written and have suspense at every turn. Once you start reading, you will not be able to put this one down! I love how Ms Coble makes each book unique. With so much progress in DNA these days, this novel makes perfect sense in today's world. What if you found your relatives but they wanted to kill you? Set in Florida, this novel has interesting information about sea life and how it is used in research and in art. The characters have deep longings for love and family and these themes will resonate with all readers. Readers of romantic suspense will adore this book, but I would recommend it widely to readers of many genres. Ms Coble's ability to spin a fantastic story would appeal to all readers. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: colleencoble; Facebook: colleencoblebooks; Twitter: @colleencoble.

Read a Premium Excerpt

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?

Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?

Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author

“As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series

“Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception

“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author

“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series

“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, September 3

Inspired by fiction, September 3

EmpowerMoms, September 3

Blogging With Carol, September 3

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4

My Devotional Thoughts, September 4

Christian bookaholic, September 4

KarenSueHadley , September 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Susan Cornwell, September 5

Inside the Wong Mind, September 5

Godly Book Reviews, September 5

Through the Fire Blogs, September 6

Emily Yager, September 6

Older & Smarter?, September 6

Blessed & Bookish, September 6

Andrea Christenson, September 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7

Avid Reader Nurse, September 7

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 7

The Becca Files, September 8

Blossoms and Blessings, September 8

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 8

Mary Hake, September 8

Spoken from the Heart, September 9

Betti Mace, September 9

Back Porch Reads, September 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 9

Because I said so and other adventures in parenting. , September 9

Moments, September 10

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 10

For Him and my Family, September 10

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, September 10

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

Retrospective Spines, September 11

Daysong Reflections, September 11

Christian Bookshelf Reviews , September 11

SusanLovesBooks, September 11

Remembrancy, September 12

Worthy2Read, September 12

Just the Write Escape, September 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, September 12

Bigreadersite , September 13

janicesbookreviews, September 13

As He Leads is Joy, September 13

Livin’ Lit, September 13

To Everything A Season, September 13

Simple Harvest Reads, September 14

Pause for Tales, September 14

For The Love of Books , September 14

Living Life Free In Christ, September 14

A Reader’s Brain, September 15

Quiet Quilter , September 15

Hallie Reads, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Inklings and notions , September 16

By The Book, September 16

Real World Bible Study, September 16

Patiently Waiting, September 16

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Book Review: As the Light Fades by Catherine West

As the Light Fades by Catherine West is a story about broken people who are looking for ways of becoming whole again. I love Catherine West’s books because she is not afraid of taking on the most difficult topics and she really explores the emotional complexity of these situations. In this book, she includes topics like Alzheimer’s, self-cutting, and domestic abuse. I thought the book was well- written with fantastic characters. But I expected a little more at the end. I think the story wrapped up a bit too quickly and easily compared to the situations at hand. Still, this is an amazing book and I recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Book Review: The Aftermath by Amy Matayo

The Aftermath by Amy Matayo is book 2 in the Love in Chaos series. I absolutely adored book 1 in this series, The Waves. I had great anticipation for this book and was not disappointed! I love that this book picks up the characters from the last book, but it can still be read as a standalone novel. This book could not be more different from the first book in the series in its setting and circumstances. However, it is absolute chaos that throws lives into upheaval and that is exactly the same as the first book. I love the characters in this book, I love the community that is found in the midst of disaster. I think no on writes a love story quite like Ms Matayo. She writes great romance. Overall, I was absolutely amazed by this book and I highly recommend it. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series!! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own. I also purchased a copy.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Book Review: Termination Dust by Alana Terry

About the Book

Book: Termination Dust

Author: Alana Terry

Genre: Contemporary Christian Mystery/Suspense

Release Date: March 15, 2019

An abusive father. A devoted sister. When danger strikes, she’ll walk through fire to protect her family.

Despite years of trauma, Kimmie’s faith has never faltered. And after her mom’s unexpected death, Kimmie risks everything to save her autistic brother from a life of neglect and abuse.

Caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous dilemma, she dashes out with her brother into the bitter Alaskan night. With the devil in pursuit and the law on her stepdad’s side, Kimmie must brave the perils of the freezing wilderness in a desperate attempt to finally reach safety.

Can Kimmie survive the daring escape, or has she doomed both herself and her brother to a frozen grave?

Termination Dust is a standalone novel in the unforgettable Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense series. If you like determined characters, harsh landscapes, and faith under fire, then you’ll love Alana Terry’s riveting novel.

Buy Termination Dust to dive headfirst into a gripping adventure today!

Click here to grab your copy.

My Thoughts

Termination Dust by Alana Terry is part of the Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense series. I read book one in this series and I was excited to pick up this one and read more. I really enjoy the way Alaska and its particular characteristics feature in this author's novels. And while I liked the first novel in this series, I loved this one so much more. This novel was full of suspense. The suspense kept coming and I had trouble putting this book down. The domestic violence in this novel was also very well described and hard to read at times. I think the author did a fantastic job at drawing in readers and not letting go. I look forward to more books in this series. I recommend this novel to readers that love suspense. I think it is a wonderful quick read that many would enjoy. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

About the Author

More from Alana

Something some of my fans may not know about me is while I grew up in the continental United States, I have made my home with my husband and children in Alaska for many years now. I have grown to love Alaska, which is probably why I was so excited to write this series about the Alaskan wilderness to share a bit of my favorite parts of Alaska with my readers.

In Alaska, we have a phrase that perfectly describes the fall season: Termination Dust.

That’s when the first snow falls on the mountains, signifying the end of summer. Fall in Alaska is beautiful. Orange on the tips of the trees lend a splash of color against the backdrop of unending green. For the first time since May, it gets dark enough to see the stars. If you brave the cold and happen to be awake at 1 am, you might even see some shooting stars.

I hope you enjoy reading about Kimmie and her autistic brother as much as I enjoyed writing their story. As with all my suspense novels, if you like determined characters, harsh landscapes, and faith under fire, get ready to dive headfirst into a gripping adventure today!