Book Spotlight Friday! The Nature of a Lady

 

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 cover just screamed "Read Me".

The Nature of a Lady

About the book:

1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

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

Book Beginnings

He was a prince at sea.

Friday 56 (22%)

It came a few steps closer, peering up at her with wide golden eyes.

My thoughts so far

I'm enjoying the characters and mystery and intrigue the author has set up so far.

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Review: Berserker

Berserker by Camille Elliot
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

WAIT! If you have not yet read book 1, Archer, please go and read that first since the action and story picks up right where book 1 concluded. This book were full of action, action and more action - the fighting scenes were very well written and I could "see and feel" each punch, kick or knife thrown.

Some questions were answered but more questions where left open as well. I enjoyed getting to know the team better, meeting new members and the revelation of Prince's identity took me by surprise. Jack is a very twisted villain, but the partner was even creepier.

This regency crossed with "marvel" is totally different. If you enjoy traditional regency, this is not it, but if you want regency with a twist not yet seen before, try this series.

Looking forward to the next book in this serial.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

Review of Archer (Volume 1)

About the book:

Part two in a Christian Regency Romantic Adventure epic serial novel with a supernatural twist
Lady Wynwood’s Spies volume 2

A dire situation

Mr. Solomon Drydale and his team are reeling. After only a single act of mayhem by underworld lord Apothecary Jack, one of their group is down and another is missing.

An urgent plea

Desperate, Sol acts on his forbidden knowledge of an agent for the Crown who is known only to the highest levels of government—le petit prince, master of disguises. He defies his superiors and asks the Prince for help.

A hazardous hunt

Now, the team must learn to work with a new member to save one of their own. But time is running out before Jack finds him and breaks him—and puts all of their lives at risk.

PLEASE NOTE: This is the second book in the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series, an epic serial novel. Each volume has a completed story arc, but this is NOT a stand-alone novel and the story continues in volume 3.

About the author:

Regency romance with Zondervan under her pen name, Camille Elliot, Camy writes Christian romantic suspense with Love Inspired Suspense as Camy Tang.

Camy writes Christian romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and cozy mystery as Camy Tang and Regency romance under her pen name, Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii but now lives in northern California with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog. She graduated from Stanford University in psychology with a focus on biology, but for nine years she worked as a biologist researcher. Then God guided her path in a completely different direction and now she’s writing full time, using her original psychology degree as she creates the characters in her novels. In her free time, she’s a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of her church’s Sunday worship teams. She also loves to knit, spin wool into yarn, and is training to (very slowly) run a marathon.

Review: The Bride Collector

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker
My rating: 💛💛💛

Ted Dekker is an author where I found his books is either great or a bit of a miss for me. This book started out great and me trying to find time to read this, but somewhere it started to feel dragged out and the love between Brad and Paradise felt a bit too quick for the facts provided. The psychological parts about how the killer thought and made decisions were interesting and was probably one of the reasons why I kept reading.

I also liked the theme about that we are all God's favourites and He loved us all.

The supporting characters also added to an interesting and enjoyable story.

View all my reviews

About the book:

FBI Special agent Brad Raines is facing his toughest case yet. A Denver serial killer has killed four beautiful young women, leaving a bridal veil at each crime scene, and he's picking up his pace. Unable to crack the case, Raines appeals for help from a most unusual source: residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a private psychiatric institution for mentally ill individuals whose are extraordinarily gifted.

It's there that he meets Paradise, a young woman who witnessed her father murder her family and barely escaped his hand. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Paradise may also have an extrasensory gift: the ability to experience the final moments of a person's life when she touches the dead body.

In a desperate attempt to find the killer, Raines enlists Paradise's help. In an effort to win her trust, he befriends this strange young woman and begins to see in her qualities that most 'sane people' sorely lack. Gradually, he starts to question whether sanity resides outside the hospital walls...or inside.

As the Bride Collector picks up the pace-and volume-of his gruesome crucifixions, the case becomes even more personal to Raines when his friend and colleague, a beautiful young forensic psychologist, becomes the Bride Collector's next target.

The FBI believes that the killer plans to murder seven women. Can Paradise help before it's too late?

About the author:

Ted Dekker is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil. Ted lives in Austin with his wife LeeAnn and their four children.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Aftermath

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

I love Terri Blackstock and am super excited for her new book releasing May 11th:

About the book: Aftermath

Criminal attorney Jamie Powell will accept the consequences for defending her lifelong friend, Dustin, when he’s accused of setting the bombs that killed dozens at a local political rally. But she hasn’t seen him since he aged out of foster care, and he’s always lived on the edge. Can she still trust him?

As Jamie investigates his case and the people in his life, she realizes the facts coming to light could be devastating. Someone is setting him up . . . but proving it might destroy Dustin more than the accusation itself. Dustin overcame his childhood, but how can he overcome this? 

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Animals from Books

Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I love animals.  And when a book includes a beloved pet which is just there for the characters, it just warms my heart.  Here is a few books I've read which immediately came to mind when I saw this topic.

1.  Without a Trace

I just love Samson, Bree's Rescue Search Dog.

2.  Distant Echoes

Trained Dolphins who saved the day!  Since Dolphins is my favourite animal, I don't really have to say more 😍

The next three I loved because it is about military working dogs and the author did a great job of showing what challenges they also deal with:

3.  Trinity: Military War Dog

4.  Talon: Combat Tracking Team

5.  Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog

6.  Ocean's Apart

Sometimes, a dog is the only friend who can provide comfort and companionship.

7.  Love at first bark

If you enjoy sweet romance, this was a sweet novella with a small doggy creating a few laughs.

And some books I still need to read which includes some animals as important characters:

8.  Hunted

9.  Winning the Gentleman

10.  Justice Mission

Review: Blackberry Beach

Blackberry Beach by Irene Hannon
My rating: 💛💛💛

Most things in life are a mixed blessing. The question is whether the good parts outweigh the bad.

This was my first visit to Hope Harbor but it will not be my last. I’m definitely going to start this series from the start before the next release next year. Even though I haven’t read the other books in this series, I did not feel lost and this book can be read as a stand alone.

Ok, so not sure if this is on the editor, author or publisher, but the summary of the book made it sound a lot different to what actually played out.

But cloudy days serve a purpose too. Without them, we'd take sunshine for granted.

Katherine and Zach - I enjoyed how their relationship developed, however, I would have liked to ‘see’ more of the connection. Aunt Stephanie’s love story felt like it had more ‘spunk’. However, I loved how Katherine and Zach was there for each other and pushed each other to confront difficult decisions or situations. I did wanted Katherine to put Simon in his place quite a few times!

For those who have been raised well, the heart is the best compass at any crossroads.

Fans who enjoy contemporary fiction, with a dash of mild romance, will enjoy this one.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you to come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than

50 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

Review: The Escape

The Escape by Lisa Harris
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was a really good and different suspense. I’ve found myself listening to the first half of the book in one go, and if it wasn’t for work meetings and life, I would probably have finished it in one day.

This series seems to be one which needs to be read in order. The main plot about finding the escaped convicted was concluded and resulted in a thrilling ride with the author having me doubt who is guilty or innocent. There was also a side plot about Maddie’s husband’s murder which is still left open, after a crazy twist at the end, which will continue in the next book. I have no idea what is going on there and looking forward to discovering answers.

I liked the characters and am looking forward to continue with this series.

*I listened to this on scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest.

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead - and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear - and will do anything to stop them.

This high-octane game of cat-and-mouse from bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris will have your heart pumping as you try to catch a fugitive with nothing to lose.

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.

She has almost forty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.

Review: Every Crooked Path

Every Crooked Path by Steven James
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

This book was extremely difficult to read because of the subject matter - the author did a great job though, being sensitive and only giving enough information to know what is being done to the children is horrific, but not too much that images is stuck in your mind. After this book I want to keep my boys close and behind safe locked doors! I think this is definitely an important book for awareness.

I LOVED Tessa and Patrick’s building relationship! And loving Christie as well.

The twists and turns were great and the cliffhanger at the end makes me very glad that I already have the next book available.

Francis was also a very well written supporting character! His internal struggle was really well written.

If you enjoy thrilling suspense with lots of twists and turns, you should give this author a try.

View all my reviews

About the book:

Who is the Piper? . . .
 
Special Agent Patrick Bowers returns in an electrifying prequel to the Bowers Chess series from critically acclaimed, national bestselling novelist Steven James.
 
A mysterious suicide and a series of abductions draw Patrick into a web of intrigue involving an international conspiracy where no one is who they appear to be and the stakes have never been higher.
 
Soon, Patrick discovers that the secret to stopping the Piper’s current crime spree lies in unlocking answers from an eight-year-old cold case—and the only way to do that is by entering the terrifying world of the conspirators himself.
 
Dark, probing, and chilling, Every Crooked Path takes an unflinching look at the world of today’s cybercrimes and delves into a parent’s worst nightmare as it launches a new chapter of Patrick Bowers thrillers.

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

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, was a finalist for an International Book Award in the sci-fi category.

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.

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. He also hosts the biweekly podcast, The Story Blender.

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.

Weekend Wrap-up: April 25th

 

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:

Yes, I've finally finished the Steven James book.  It was very good but was about a very difficult subject matter, which was basically the reason for taking a but longer:

Currently reading

Yes, I am Still busy with Ted Dekker - but the end is in sight...

Next up:

Some historical stories in my upcoming line-up:

What are you reading this week?

Review: Bathsheba

Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a great conclusion to this series. My favourite is still Abigail, but Bathsheba was a close second. The author did a great job of bringing emotion to a well known Biblical story, especially with regards to Bathsheba and why she would have been more receptive to David's charm when she was in fact in a good and loving marriage with a God-fearing man.

I think what stood out for me in this one and what again just confirmed what I've learned through reading this in the Bible, is that God is a fair and just God - David's sin was punished and dealt with by God, but his promises to David still remained - just because David sinned didn't cause God to turn his back on him - But, David repented and was truly remorseful.

Fans of Biblical fiction should enjoy this book and series.

*I listened to this on Scribd.* 

View all my reviews

Review of Michal

Review of Abigail

About the book:

Bathsheba is a woman who longs for love. With her devout husband away fighting the king's wars for many months at a time, discontent and loneliness dog her steps-and make it frighteningly easy to succumb to King David's charm and attention. Though she immediately regrets her involvement with the powerful king, the pieces are set in motion that will destroy everything she holds dear. Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God-and David-forever? With a historian's sharp eye for detail and a novelist's creative spirit, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the passionate and emotional story of David's most famous-and infamous-wife. Smith uses her gentle hand to draw out the humanity in her characters, allowing listeners to see themselves in the three-dimensional lives and minds of people who are often viewed in starkly moralistic terms. You will never listen to the story of David and Bathsheba in the same way again.

About the author:

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and The Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Review: Abigail

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Abigail, for me, was such a strong lady of faith. Even in dire circumstances, she remained hopeful and steadfast in her faith in God. She was a trustworthy and faithful companion to David who stood grounded in God’s ways, even though she had times of temptation and failure to walk the narrow road.

I enjoyed this telling of Abigail a lot more than the first book in the series and am looking forward to reading about Bathsheba next.

I listened to the audio on Scribd and the narrator brought Abigail alive through her telling of this story.

View all my reviews

Review of Michal

About the book:

What price must she pay for true love? Her days marked by turmoil and faded dreams, Abigail has resigned herself to a life with a man she does not love. But when circumstances offer her a second chance at happiness with the handsome David, she takes a leap of faith to join his wandering tribe. Still, her struggles are far from over. How can she share his love with the other women he insists on marrying? Abigail follows the bestselling Michal and continues Jill Eileen Smith's rich story of David's wives.

About the author:

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and The Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Book Spotlight Fridays! Blackberry Beach

 

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.

I love Irene Hannon's suspense and this is my first book of the Hope Harbor series I'm reading, but enjoying her contemporary fiction.

Blackberry Beach

About the book:

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted--fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn't she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she'll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss--and he has no plans to change the life he's created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He's had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you to come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

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

Book Beginnings

They mystery woman was back.

Friday 56 (56%)

Had Katherine listened in on Stephanie's story this afternoon?  Not possible.

My thoughts so far

I'm enjoying this contemporary story of finding your true path.

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Can't Wait Wednesday: The Nature of a Lady

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Roseanna M White is fast becoming a favourite.  I'm enjoying her historical mysteries and her unique characters full of flavour 😁.  This one will be released on May 4th.

About the book: The Nature of a Lady

1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Colorful Book Covers

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

They say Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I think that is applicable to this week's theme.  Lately we are spoiled with stunning covers, but each reader will be drawn to different covers based on their specific tastes and preference.

These are just some of the covers which drew my eye which because it is so colourful:

1.  That Certain Summer

2. Glimmer in the darkness

3.  Some Bright Day

4.  Crazy for You

5.  Yours is the Night

6.  Blackberry Beach

7.  Hometown Girl

8.  Among the Poppies

9.  Never say goodbye

10.  Unfailing Love

Review: Present Danger

Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

The direction your life takes can often come down to one decision, one moment in time.

This was my first book by Elizabeth Goddard, though I do still have a previous series to read as well, which I sort of wish I have read before this book. This book stands alone, but we met the McKade's briefly and I think one main plot in the previous serious was mentioned in this book.

Okay, back to Present Danger. This story started out fast and interesting, and there was a brief slowdown of pace for me when they discussed all the Archaeological laws and regulations. However, it quickly picked up on the action, danger and twists and turns. There was one main twist which was revealed at the end which I guessed, but the author did a great job with all the other twists and turns so that I was totally invested to see who was behind everything. And the author had me guessing a few suspects wrong.

I enjoyed Jack and Terra's back story and interaction. I would have liked to see a bit more about a romantic relationship re-ignited in the present versus only being referenced to the past one to support the ending, but I enjoyed that the focus was mainly on the suspense plot with a romance as a sub-plot.

There was one mystery not yet resolved which I'm guessing will continue during this series, since all the characters in the books are connected to one main event.

Recommended to fans of romantic suspense.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series.

Amazon link to buy

About the author: 

With over one million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.