Friday, January 29, 2021

Book Spotlight Fridays! All Because of You

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56


Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.


This week my spotlight book is:

All Because of You






About the book:

Madison’s plans have fallen to ashes.

Because here she is, back in Walker Beach taking over her late aunt’s hardware store . . .

. . . and falling for the gorgeous bad boy from high school.

Again.

You know—the same jerk who made Madison’s high school days a living nightmare. The one who, somehow, doesn’t remember her.

But if the sparks flying between them are any indication, this time he will.

For the first time in his life, Evan is on the straight and narrow. He’s up for a promotion and helping Walker Beach recover from an economic downturn.

But doing the right thing for the town might mean putting the woman he loves out of business.

Yep. Evan’s in trouble—in more ways than one.

And though Trouble used to be his middle name, this time there’s no easy escape.

You’ll love this enemies-to-lovers sweet romance, because everyone enjoys stories about redemption and second chances.

Get it now.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Two weeks.  She only had to endure Walker Beach for two weeks.

Friday 56

Would she stay and fight? Or would she go on with her life - move away from here - to become the person she'd intended to be before she'd returned to Walker Beach?

My thoughts so far

I'm enjoying this series...romance is not usually my go to genre...but this series has more depth than just the normal boy meets girl, fall in-love, break-up and make-up plots.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday: New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2020

 


 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Hosted by 


New authors I discovered in 2020:



I've discovered this author via my favourite author, Susan May Warren, who started this program of helping new authors publish by using her Deep Haven setting and helping them with their own story.  Her debut delivered a sweet romance and broken characters on a path to healing. 


I’m Rachel Russell, a freelance writer and novelist.

When it comes to novels, nothing beats an inspirational romance. (I’m biased.) Add in some adventure, redemption, and hope, and you’ve got the makings of an epic story.

My heroes and heroines are imperfect people. The exciting part is to see how they grow through the course of the novel.

Set in the beautiful state of Oregon, you’ll discover the mountains, valleys, coastline, and desert of this great state. When you finish the last page, my hope is that not only will you feel like you’ve been here, you’ll feel like you know the people here, too.

The truth is, I always wanted to be a writer, but I’m also super practical. I pursued a degree in biology with a chemistry minor and then, promptly went into law enforcement. What? Yep, I did. But God had a master plan, and He has guided the tapestry of my life, moving me on from law enforcement, weaving in a husband and two children, bringing me back to the desire of my heart. And so, I write.

In December 2017, I began working with Susan May Warren at My Book Therapy through Novel Academy and Storycrafters program. Her instruction and mentoring have revolutionized my writing and it’s been an honor to learn from her and the MBT staff.

I’m also a voracious reader, avid equestrienne, and believe humor is one of God’s greatest gifts to us.

I’m a member of Oregon Christian Writers and a blogger for My Book Therapy’s Learn How to Write a Novel blog.


2.  Susan Sleeman

I won a free copy of the first book in Susan Sleeman's latest series.  But after reading this, I definitely want to read her backlist (which is long 😀💪) as well.


Susan is the bestselling author of over thirty-five Christian/inspirational and clean reads romantic suspense and mysteries and has sold over a million books. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books.

Today, Susan channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com.

Much to her husband’s dismay, Susan loves to look at everyday situations and turn them into murder and mayhem scenarios for future novels. If you’ve met Susan, she has probably figured out a plausible way to kill you and get away with it. Don’t worry, she’d never follow through on it.

Susan currently lives in Oregon, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. She and her amazing husband have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying her grandson, reading, gardening or working on TheSuspenseZone.com.










3.  Steven James

This author was on my TBR for years and I had great expectations which I could confirm was 100% met.  His Thriller was crazy good and had me gasping a few times! The rest of the Patrick Bowers series on my 2021 list. 


STEVEN JAMES

Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

His latest novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, released on October 8, 2019.

Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book EVERY WICKED MAN one of their “Best Books of 2018,” says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game,” and RT Book Reviews promises that “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Steven deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights. As critically-acclaimed novelist Ann Tatlock put it, “Steven James gives us a captivating look at the fine line between good and evil in the human heart.”

Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades and has spoken more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. His short fiction has appeared in many publications, including the New York Times.

Steven’s groundbreaking books on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE and TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL, have both won Storytelling World Awards. Widely recognized for his story-crafting expertise, he teaches regularly as a Master Class instructor at ThrillerFest, North America’s premier training event for suspense writers.

In his podcast The Story Blender, he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now on www.thestoryblender.com.

When Steven isn’t writing or speaking, you’ll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking dark roast coffee near his home in East Tennessee.


Mary Connealy's westerns were fun and filled with strong women.  She had me laughing quite a few times. 



Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.


I love suspense and always excited when I meet a new author.  And I found Lynn H Blackburn with her first series, so can gladly wait for any new releases.

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, releases 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.



This author is now my "out of comfort zone" author.  Her Lyrical writing is beautiful.



I'm Amanda. Just a girl redeemed, whose God has spun words into my heart. This is where I share them. My hope is for this place to reflect His refuge, a safe place of encouragement for you. Brew a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and sit a while; I'm so glad you're here!











Yes, I'm very late to the game with this one, but totally enjoyed Anne of Green Gables, another series I hope to complete in 2021.

This author was a nice surprise.  If you want books both male and female will like, this will probably also be one.  You need to read carefully because he drops subtle hints in an unique way for that final reveal!


Christy and I married in 1993. If you include dating, I’ve known and loved her for more than half my life. She is and always will be the home for my heart. We have three boys. Charlie, John T. and Rives. Folks often ask me, which of my books do I like the best. You might as well line up my sons and ask me who I love the most.

My hobbies are bow hunting, working out (a blend of old school stuff and martial arts, called Fight Fit) and Tae Kwon Do. In October 2012 I earned my black belt but I’m still the least flexible person you’ve ever met. The guy that trains me, laughs everytime I start warming up. My boys are far better at Tae Kwon Do than I but I doubt they have as much fun – I get to do and watch. They just do.

I also like to write, but that’s another story.  



I enjoyed this Regency meets mystery/suspense plot and will definitely read more by this author.

Meet Sarah


Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.


This author is another one whose name I see among all my Goodreads friends and I enjoyed my first book by her.  Looking forward to read more by her.





Rachel Hauck is a New York Times Bestselling, award winning author living in sunny central Florida with her husband, a pastor.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Book Spotlight Friday! Cast the First Stone

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56


Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.


This week, I have chosen my current read as my spotlight book:

Cast the First Stone




About the book:

One case haunts him. One chance to fix the past. One mistake could cost him everything.

Ex-Minneapolis Police Detective Rembrandt Stone walked away from a career he loved—just the price of being sure he can come home to the wife and daughter he cherishes. But he can’t shake the deep regret over a case left behind.

When his mentor, the former Chief of Homicide dies and leaves Rembrandt with a box of cold cases and a mysterious watch, he finds himself thrust into a world he recognizes—a world from twenty years ago—the same world he’s woken from in a cold sweat a hundred times. But is it a dream, or some kind of twisted reality?

If he solves the case that plagues him, and justice is finally served, will it destroy the life he loves?

Strap in for a mind-bending, time travel thrill ride in Book One of this riveting new series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

From the creative pens of USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren*, award-winning author James L. Rubart**, and new voice, David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

It's the regrets that keep me awake.

Friday 56

I feel the passionate, darkly focused Rembrandt I've left behind working his way to the surface.

My thoughts so far

I'm only in the early chapters of this book but have great expectations.  This will be my first time-travel novel and the series consists of 6 books which will release like every second month this year.  I hate waiting for next books in a series, so this is a great bonus!  This book releases Feb 9 and is at a special pre-order price right now up to release day.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Review: Only You

Only You Only You by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This is currently free on: https://sunrisepublishing.com/free-prequel/

Oh, to revisit Deep Haven is like going to your most comfy place where you feel safe and loved.

"A small town also knows your mistakes, your past, and your secrets," he said, a wry lift to his mouth. "But they love you anyway."

Seth had a special place in my heart since I've met him in the Christiansen family series. He was one of those heroes who you also wanted to win, though you rooted for the other guy a tiny bit more.

Ree was quite a dynamic character and in search of an ending she deserves. "You don't have to have epic to have meaningful, Ree. Meaningful is how you live your life every day. Your choices."

Susan May Warren again brought a bold full bodied story in a short Novella, filled with characters to love, journeys you can learn from and a gasping event I did not see coming. It was great to revisit old favourite Deep Haven citizens and meet a few new ones, friends and family I hope to keep seeing in the new Deep Haven series. The first story Still the One (Deep Haven Collection, #1) by Rachel D. Russell was a sweet story about second chances and worth the read!

Review of Book 1: Still the one

View all my reviews

About the book:

He ran from his broken heart…

Seth Turnquist never thought his heart would mend after being shattered by his former love, Amelia Christiansen. But three years away from Deep Haven fighting fires as a smokejumper have burned her away, leaving fresh soil for a new love. Still, he’s ready to put Deep Haven in his rearview mirror for good, which means selling the custom log home he built for Amelia and walking away from the family business. But what he doesn’t realize is that the seeds for a second chance have already been planted…

She loved him from the sidelines…

Ree Zimmerman couldn’t let herself love Seth—not when he was her best friend’s boyfriend. And after Amelia broke his heart, there simply wasn’t anything left in him for Ree except friendship. But that never stopped Ree from dreaming of a happily ever after with the lumberjack from Deep Haven. When he returns home for his grandfather’s birthday, she’s not about to let him walk away, again…

Return to Deep Haven in this charming homecoming story about the second chances that await us when we let the past go.


About the author:

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: Tate

Tate Tate by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

“Senator Jackson doesn’t know what kind of trouble she’s hired on.”

I loved Tate - that bad boy who actually hides behind a tough exterior but is a softie at heart and is just searching for his place and purpose in this world. The fight in chapter 1 was epic and I feared for Tate's life and just loved that Knox lived up to his legacy - always shows up!

The action and fights were really well written in this story and I could "see" and "feel" each punch or kick.

Glo - though I loved her in book 1, her decisions and actions irritated me in this story. Tate gave her more second chances than what I think she deserved...

“Grief does that—holds us hostage."

I loved meeting Ford and Scarlett and looking forward to see more of them and what will happen with MJ in book 3. After meeting Tate in book 1 I thought he would be my favourite, but Ford is fighting hard for that position.

Enjoying this series and this should be read in order. 


About the book:

“He was sent here to kill you, wasn’t he?” Glo’s voice emerged in a whisper of horror.

Tate drew in a breath, and even Knox looked away as Tate nodded.

Oh, she knew it. Apparently, she had a type.

The kind of men who didn’t care what trouble—or death—might be waiting for them. Who turned their face to it and charged ahead.

The kind of men who died for what they believed in.

 The kind of men who would break her heart.

What will it cost this bodyguard to save the woman he loves?

*Susie writes a delightful story! - NYT bestselling author Dee Henderson.*

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over 65 novels, including the best-selling Montana Rescue and Montana Fire series.

Bodyguard Tate Marshall, has always been the family troublemaker

Maybe it’s his propensity to get entangled in other people’s problems. Now, he’s in over his head because he’s desperately in love with the woman he’s tasked to protect, the beautiful Gloria, “Glo” Jackson, daughter of US Senator and presidential hopeful Reba Jackson. A member of the country band, the Yankee Belles, Glo was targeted in a recent terrorist attack designed to deter her mother from running, and Tate will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means letting her go.

Country music artist Glo Jackson isn’t afraid of trouble…

Stubborn and brave, Glo isn’t about to hide from threats, at least the kind that won’t cost her heart. She’s already paid a terrible price for the war on terror, and she refuses to fall for a man who might die, especially because of her. Better to keep him away, even if it means sacrificing her heart.

But when danger threatens them both, what will they sacrifice to keep each other safe?

As the presidential campaign heats up and the threats deepen, so does the attraction between Tate and Glo. But what will it cost Tate to keep her alive? And what will Glo do to keep from losing another man she loves?

The gripping second installment of the Montana Marshalls series.

Action, drama, adventure, flawed individuals and emotional and spiritual challenges are hallmarks of Warren's books. - Christian Library Journal

Warren has a knack for creating captivating and relatable characters that pull the reader deep into the story. - Radiant Lit

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Length: 338 pages

About the author:

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Monday, January 18, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Meant to Read In 2020 but Didn’t Get To

 


 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Hosted by 


Books I planned to read in 2020 but didn't get to:


I have a long list of books I wanted to read in 2020, but didn't get to, either because I didn't have a copy yet, or time ran out, but more often the reason was that I just got distracted with other books.

Here is a few I really wanted to read in 2020 - some was released in 2020 and some are on my list for years - and will hopefully read soon in 2021:







4. Falcon





























Review: A Cliché Christmas

A Cliché Christmas A Cliché Christmas by Nicole Deese
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a cute story. Wes and his niece was so adorable. Their scenes were some of my favourites.

I liked Georgia, but didn’t really connect with her. She was a bit whiny, especially wrt her mom, but totally loved her Gran and their relationship.

This a cute feel-good story for Christmas time.

The narrator delivered an entertaining story which kept me engaged.

*I listened to this on scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:


2014 American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Award Finalist

Writing happy endings is easy. Living one is the hard part.



Georgia Cole—known in Hollywood as the “Holiday Goddess”—has made a name for herself writing heartwarming screenplays chock-full of Christmas clichés, but she has yet to experience the true magic of the season. So, when her eccentric grandmother volunteers her to direct a pageant at Georgia’s hometown community theater, she is less than thrilled. To make matters worse, she’ll be working alongside Weston James, her childhood crush and the one man she has tried desperately to forget.

Now, facing memories of a lonely childhood and the humiliation of her last onstage performance, seven years earlier, Georgia is on the verge of a complete mistletoe meltdown. As Weston attempts to thaw the frozen walls around her heart, Georgia endeavors to let go of her fears and give love a second chance. If she does, will she finally believe that Christmas can be more than a cliché?

Amazon link to buy - the audiobook is also included in Kindle Unlimited

About the author:


Nicole Deese's eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.

Sunday, January 17, 2021

Weekend Wrap-Up: January 18th

 

I'm joining Christian Bookshelf Reviews in this weekly weekend wrap-up idea which I first saw on her blog.

See which books I've read this week, currently reading and planning to read.


Books I've finished this week:


Thanks to a heat wave here which kept me from sleeping, I had another great week of reading:




Currently reading





Next up:



The next book I'm planning on reading is a bit different to what I normally read, but I'm so excited for this series which will be published every 2nd month or so, starting Feb:





What are you reading this week?

Can't Wait Wednesday! Love on a Whim

  Can't Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted by  Wishful Endings  that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about tha...