Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Sheila has read 4 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Lethal Danger ( Guardians Unleashed #4) by Jerusha Agen-Christian Romantic Suspense Book Review

Lethal Danger Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Lethal Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Lethal Danger

Title: Lethal Danger
Series:
Guardians Unleashed #4
Author:
Jerusha Agen
Publisher:
SDG Words
Release Date:
April 25, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them. 

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk. 

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped. 

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others—including God—to survive?  

Lethal Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)



My Review

Lethal Danger, the fourth book in the Guardians Unleashed series by Jerusha Agen, readers meet up again with the Phoenix K-9 team. 

Jazz and her K-9 companion Flash, are members of the Phoenix K-9 Security group assigned to patrol the Tri-City Fair. Sabotage threatens the fairgrounds where Jazz's Aunt is the manager and her personal connection to her aunt heats up the investigation. 

Hawthorn, a mystery thriller author is doing investigative work as a security guard. He joins forces with Jazz to unravel the mystery surrounding his sister's boyfriend's death years ago. Both of the characters are written as complex individuals facing very similar challenges, and their developing relationship is at the story's center. 

Lethal Danger is a fast-paced novel brimming with action, suspense, mystery, a cult presence, and budding romance. The plot keeps readers totally engaged, with surprises and twists until the very end. Along with the intrigue, themes of forgiveness, redemption, and faith, particularly in Christ, are interwoven throughout the storyline. While each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone, readers may want to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the connections between the characters. Don't miss this great suspense story that will keep you guessing until the final page.

PURCHASE LINKS: 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

Hidden Danger  Covert Danger   


About the Author

Jerusha Agen

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com. Connect with her there to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed paperback of Lethal Danger, a Lethal Danger mug, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, a Lethal Danger magnet, plus more fun swag!

Lethal Danger JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 29, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 3, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Saturday, April 27, 2024

There Goes the Groom By Esther Hatch-Victorian Rom Com Book Review


 Book Synopsis

Catching a husband has never been so complicated.

Matthew Harrison has only one task in life: to marry money. After failing miserably in London, his family takes matters into their own hands by arranging his marriage to the wealthy Lucy Bateman. But when he meets Lucy for the first time, his resolve to save his family from ruin crumbles. Lucy looks to be nothing more than a child, and he cannot fathom going through with the union. Without a thought for the consequences of his actions, he runs away.

Lucy Bateman didn’t like the idea of an arranged marriage, but she agreed to save her sister from suffering the same fate. However, when she played a trick on her groom-to-be by sending her younger sister to meet him in her place, he fled without a word. Now, three years later, Lucy stumbles upon her long-lost fiance working as a cart driver. Fate has given her a second chance and this time there will be no tricks… other than pretending to be someone else entirely in order to convince him to come home and marry her.

This book was originally available in a shortened form as part of a promotion.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bowker (April 14, 2024)
  • Genre: Regency Romance/Humorous Fiction 
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 234 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1736747851
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****



My Review

What do you do when faced with a runaway groom? Well, you follow him even if three years have passed. Lucy Bateman sets off to pursue her intended, Baron Matthew Harrison, a man she was arranged to marry, him for money and her for a title. To get to know him without revealing her identity, Lucy disguises herself and gradually, day by day, she forms a bond with him. Their story is told with humor and charm and has many amusing moments involving geese, rain, mud, and a horse-drawn wagon. 

Esther Hatch skillfully blends Victorian and romantic comedy elements (giving you Victorian Rom-Com), creating a tale of romantic tension and witty dialogues. Lucy is a fascinating heroine, showing great strength, loyalty, and an adventurous spirit as she does everything to capture Matthew's heart. 

As you read this series you will be taken on a heartwarming and humorous journey of people pursuing love and happy endings. There Goes the Groom is a must-read for fans of historical romance with a touch of humor.

****Meet Author Esther Hatch****

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week.

Visit her at estherhatch.com.


~*~*~*~*Purchase There Goes the Groom~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback:https://amzn.to/3xNWAdj

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4d51pz0


Friday, April 26, 2024

Some Kind of Truth By Westly Smith-Thriller/Murder Mystery Book Review

Some Kind of Truth by Westley Smith Banner

SOME KIND OF TRUTH

by Westley Smith

April 8 - May 3, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

Book Synopsis:

Some Kind of Truth by Westley Smith

A mysterious video. A cold case. A reporter hunting for answers to both.

Pittsburgh crime reporter, Steve James, returns home to find a mysterious package waiting outside his apartment door. At first, Steve fears the package could contain a deadly threat from a local mob boss pressuring him to retract his story, which helped put him behind bars. Instead, Steve finds a junior driver’s license belonging to Rebecca Ann Turner, a teenager who went missing from a party twenty-five years ago, and a USB flash drive containing a video of her murder.

Horrified by the contents inside the package, Steve is determined to find out what happened to Rebecca and why someone dragged him into uncovering this mystery. But as Steve sifts through the clues and weaves his way around those trying to prevent him from exposing the truth, he continues to struggle with personal issues stemming from his time as a war correspondent in Afghanistan, where he was filmed being tortured and nearly executed by the Taliban, making what happened to Rebecca all the more personal.

Some Kind of Truth Trailer:

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Published by: Wicked House Publishing
Publication Date: February 2, 2024
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 9781959798309 (ISBN10: 1959798308)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.**** 


My Review

Some Kind of Truth by Westly Smith is an unforgettable novel that will captivate you with its raw and gritty narrative and powerful imagery that I promise will stir up strong emotions in readers. The author skillfully litters breadcrumbs throughout the story, keeping readers hooked. Even with some violent and gruesome scenes, putting down this book proved very difficult. The shocking ending ties all loose ends together, and looking back everything that happened made perfect sense. 

In my review, spoilers will not be revealed to make sure potential readers have a powerful experience. However, I will share some key themes including secret packages, USB flash drives, kidnappings, torture, murder, lies, betrayals, a spooky old farmhouse, nightmares, and encounters with reporters, police, and the mafia. 

The main character Steve James, has had a turbulent life history, making him a character that lingers in the reader's memory for a long time. Certain chapters may be harder to digest, and I caution readers not to read this book at night like I did because certain chilling scenes will linger in your mind. Nightmares anyone? 

Some Kind of Truth is a thrilling blend of murder mystery and horror, taking readers through a dark journey seeking justice, and redemption while pushing limits of moral integrity and facing monstrous enemies.

Read An Excerpt:

CHAPTER ONE

The package was marked…

ATT: STEVE JAMES of the PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE

…and wrapped in brown butcher’s paper as if it were a poor-man’s version of a Christmas present.

Steve had received anonymous packages before, some with leads to run down, others with incriminating evidence from a source he was working with. However, this package had not been delivered to the Pittsburgh Tribune like it should have been. It was left outside his apartment door.

Perplexed, Steve lifted the package, gingerly, from the floor. It was light and about six inches long by four inches wide. He shook it, but nothing moved inside.

He had not been expecting a delivery, certainly not one to his home by an anonymous person. His guts tightened into an uncomfortable, disconcerting knot. Turning, he looked down the hallway, to where the back stairwell led out to the rear entrance of the apartment building. Sunlight shone through the single window at the end of the hall and cut a sharp blade-like angle of light onto the floor. Dust particles floated in the air as if recently disturbed – maybe by the deliverer of the package.

Someone could have gotten into the building by the rear entrance, made their way up to Steve’s apartment, dropped the package by his door, and slipped back out before anyone noticed. He did not live in one of the new high-rises being built around Pittsburgh – apartments that came with all the security bells and whistles – but rather an old turn of the century building on the lower east side of Pittsburgh. The rent was cheap, and the landlord damn-near nonexistent, especially when it came to the safety and upkeep of the building. It was what Steve could afford on a reporter’s salary.

He looked back at the parcel in his hands. The sense of unease continued to coil his stomach. Was he being targeted like reporters after 9/11, with anthrax-sealed packages delivered to their homes and offices? Possibly.

The fact that his article “MOB IN PITTSBURGH” had helped put Anthony Palazzo, a local money launderer affiliated with the New York-based DeLuca Crime Organization, behind bars could have something to do with the mysterious package outside his door that afternoon. Again, he wondered what was inside and cautiously shook it, like a kid trying to figure out the present under the wrapping on their birthday.

Nothing moved, nothing rattled inside.

Steve knew he should leave the package alone; place it back on the floor where he found it, call the police, and have them look at it first. That was the smart thing to do. The right thing to do. There could be anything inside meant to bring him harm, especially nowadays, when reporters were being unfairly besieged for spreading false information to the public.

Against his better judgment, Steve forced the apprehension away like a fly at a picnic, tucked the bundle under his left arm, fished his keys from his jacket pocket, and opened the apartment door.

Once inside, he closed the door and peered through the peephole to the hallway. Still, the hall was empty, and no one passed by. Again, he felt the skin on the back of his neck prickle, and the hairs stand on end with nervousness.

Why was the package left and what was inside? Steve wondered.

Turning away from the door, he moved into the kitchen. He placed his laptop bag on the counter beside his keys, then removed a Zippo lighter and a pack of cigarettes and placed them beside the laptop bag. He put the brown package beside his things. It looked odd on the countertop, as if it were some evil present that had been left at his home – a gift from Satan himself.

There was nothing out of the ordinary with its appearance. Other than the handwritten address, there were no other identifiable words or labels on the outside. Gooseflesh rose across Steve’s body. Whoever delivered the package knew who he was, where he worked, and where he lived.

Normally, Steve had all large packages sent to the Tribune’s mailroom. He didn’t trust his landlord, Horace Baker. The slimeball charged an extra ten dollars a month to hold deliveries larger than what could fit into the small gold mailboxes in the lobby. He called it a ‘holding charge.’ Steve was sure it was illegal, a scheme to get more money from the tenants.

Steve was not about to pay the extra money. He had heard stories from others in the building that when they received their packages some were opened, searched, and sometimes things were missing. Of course, Baker claimed it was how the parcels arrived.

This particular package, sitting ominously on his countertop, should never have made it to his floor.

Or maybe it IS from Palazzo, Steve thought. It could have been a scare tactic to get Steve to retract his story, setting Palazzo free from prison, while simultaneously clearing the DeLuca Family of any wrongdoing. For all Steve knew, there could be a small explosive inside the box, just big enough to rattle his cage but not kill him. Or, if they wanted to get the job over with, they could have laced it with anthrax, just like reporters received after 9/11.

Yet, he wasn’t so sure Palazzo or the DeLuca Family were ready to make that kind of move against him. At the moment, Palazzo and the DeLuca Family were letting their mob lawyers handle the process through the courts with a defamation and source exposure lawsuit on Steve and the Pittsburgh Tribune.

No, Steve was confident it was delivered by someone else. But who? And more importantly, why?

He pulled a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey from the cupboard along with a small glass and poured himself a healthy snort.

Just to quiet the demons, Steve thought bitterly, taking a swig. Just to quiet the demons.

He studied the package while swirling the brown liquor around in the glass, knowing he should leave it alone and call the police. But intrigue was sinking its fangs into his mind, poisoning his thoughts with fantasies of what dwelled inside its dark recesses.

Someone knew Steve well enough to know he could never leave a mystery alone. He thumbed one of the cigarettes out of the box, popped it into his mouth and lit it with the Zippo lighter. He inhaled deeply. Smoke filled his lungs. Calmed his nerves. Helped him think straight – so he thought.

What’s inside? a shadowy voice spoke from the alcoves of Steve’s mind, pulling him from his reverie. He could not argue with this strange, archaic voice. He desperately wanted to know what was inside the package. Taking a long drag on the cigarette, he let the smoke out slowly between his teeth with a low sssss.

What to do? What to do?

There was only one thing to do.

Setting the cigarette in the ashtray, Steve picked the package up. He felt that familiar chill of disquiet crawl over him, like cold skeleton fingers walking up his spine, vertebra by vertebra.

“Enough of this guessing-game shit,” Steve said and tore the heavy brown paper away, exposing a white box underneath which resembled something a pastry would come in. The lid was sealed shut with a single piece of Scotch Tape.

Steve knew no one would send him sweets – maybe anthrax, maybe a bomb, but certainly not sweets. In a career that spanned more than twenty years as a crime reporter for the Tribune, Steve had made more enemies, like Anthony Palazzo, than friends. Such was the life, he supposed.

He peeled the Scotch Tape from the box and then lifted the lid slowly, as if a venomous snake were about to spring out and bury its sharp fangs into his face. With the box lid cracked, he peered inside.

Instead of finding something harmful, the box contained a USB Flash Drive secured in white tissue paper. Two words were handwritten on the front of the flash drive in black magic marker:/p>

PLAY ME!

Steve frowned. Why would someone send him a flash drive anonymously? Did it have something to do with the Palazzo story he’d spent the better part of two years working on? Some missing information that would, without a shadow of a doubt, ensure that Palazzo stayed behind bars for the rest of his life?

Or was it something unrelated?

Steve didn’t know.

Then he noticed the USB was not the only item inside the box.

Tucked beside the flash drive was a small piece of white plastic. Removing the plastic from the box, Steve found it was about the size of a credit card and coated with a reddish-brown dirt. He rubbed his fingertips together feeling a gritty dust, like a fine sand. Turning the card over revealed it was a Pennsylvania Junior Driver’s License issued to a Rebecca Ann Turner of 428 Water Street, Abbottstown Pennsylvania. Her birthdate was 10/02/1982. The issue date on the card was 11/23/1998 — twenty-six years ago. The top right-hand corner, where the expiration date should have been, was broken, the plastic chipped away, forever lost to time, leaving a jagged edge that looked sharp enough to slice through flesh.

The driver’s license photo of Rebecca Turner showed an attractive sixteen-year-old girl with blonde hair and bright blue eyes that sparkled with life. Her face was long, narrow, and innocent, holding the optimism of youth. Her beaming smile radiated from the picture, enhancing her natural beauty and charm. According to the driver’s license, Rebecca was born in 1982, which would make her forty-two years old now. But Steve got the sickening feeling that Rebecca did not live to see her forty-second birthday.

He looked back to the flash drive resting inside the box. He was unsure how the driver’s license and the USB were connected, but he was certain they were, or they would not have been delivered together.

What’s on the flash drive? Steve wondered anxiously. His heart began to race, and his palms grew moist with sweat. A horrible notion rushed through his mind that something awful had happened to Rebecca Turner, something the USB would ultimately reveal.

“H-holy shit,” he said aloud; the shudder in his voice surprised him. Someone wants you to find out what happened to this young lady, Steve ol’ Boy, and expose the truth.

Reaching for the cigarette in the ashtray, he brought it to his lips and inhaled. The smoke settled on his lungs with a comfortable bite that he relished.

He looked back to the box; his eyes lingered on its contents. Possible scenarios played across his mind as to why someone would want him involved. But none of these thoughts made much sense at the moment.

Steve took another drag and stubbed the cigarette out in the ashtray. He had smoked it down to the filter as he often did; a haze of heavy, thick smoke hovered around the ceiling. He picked up the glass of whiskey and finished it in one swallow, and then poured himself another – three fingers worth this time. His mouth had gone bone dry, but he wasn’t sure another shot – even three fingers worth – would wet his whistle.

The demons inside were growing, and Steve needed to calm them. Or, at least, he continued to tell himself that on a nightly basis.

Warily, he lifted the USB from the box. Dare he view whatever was on it, or call the police and let them handle the situation?

He shook the thought off. His reporter instinct had taken over. He needed to know what was on the USB, how it connected with the girl on the junior driver’s license, and why he was chosen to unravel this mystery before going to the police.

***

Excerpt from Some Kind of Truth by Westley Smith. Copyright 2024 by Westley Smith. Reproduced with permission from Westley Smith. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Westley Smith

Westley Smith had his first short story, Off to War, published when he was just sixteen. Recently, he has had short stories featured in On the Premise, Unveiling Nightmares, and Crystal Lake Entertainment. He was the runner-up contestant in the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine’s “Mysterious Photograph Contest,” where his name was featured in the magazine. He sold his debut thriller, Some Kind of Truth, to Wicked House Publishing, it was released on February 2nd, 2024.

Catch Up With Westley Smith:

 

 

Tour Participants:

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Thursday, April 25, 2024

Where Is My House?: A Picture Book About Different Animal Habitats For Kids Ages 2-7 By Mia Keen-Book Review


 

Book Synopsis

“Where is My House?” - A Delightful Journey of Discovery for Kids!

Embark on an enchanting journey with Harry, a curious little hamster, in the children’s book “Where is My House?”. This delightful tale takes young readers on a captivating adventure through various animal habitats, from the cozy den of a bear to the buzzing hive of bees, the lofty tree hollow of a squirrel, and finally, to Harry’s perfect burrow.

Harry’s quest is not just about finding a home—it’s about understanding and appreciating the diverse homes of other animals. Each page introduces a new animal and its unique habitat, making this book a great educational resource for children to learn about animals and their environments.

Written with a gentle humor and filled with vivid descriptions, “Where is My House?” is sure to engage children’s imagination and keep them turning the pages. It’s a perfect read for kids who love animals and are eager to learn more about the world around them.

Whether you’re looking for children’s books about animal habitatsbooks about animals for kids, or a picture book about animals, “Where is My House?” is a charming addition to any child’s library. It’s not just a story—it’s a journey into the natural world.

Book Details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZLNQ6YX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (March 30, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8321134818
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 7 years
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

This was the perfect book for me to review right now. Currently, at school, I'm teaching my 2nd graders about Habitats. I found that even though the book's target age was 2-7, my students enjoyed the story. Children go on a fun journey with Harry the Hamster as he looks for his ideal home while meeting various animals living in their habitats. Throughout his journey, Harry discovers his uniqueness in choosing a home with none of them being his ideal home. The children were delighted when Harry eventually found his pefect dwelling. Additionally, the illustrations are bright and appealing making the story come to life.

"Where is My House" provides an enjoyable and educational experience, teaching children about animal homes and the importance of finding the right one. It is an excellent choice for read-aloud sessions in school or bedtime stories with parents.

****Meet Author Mia Keen****


Mia Keen is a passionate children’s book author whose heart is filled with whimsy and a mind that dances with imagination. Known for enchanting tales such as “Where is my house?” — a delightful exploration of animal habitats, and “A Colorful World” — a charming rhyme book that introduces children to colors.

Mia Keen believes in the magic of childhood imagination and aims to create heartwarming stories that resonate with little hearts. Dive into Mia Keen's whimsical world and let your imagination soar!


~*~*~*~*Purchase Where is My House~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://amzn.to/4baUOBy

Kindle-https://amzn.to/4baH1e1

Friday, April 19, 2024

An Unlikely Arrangement By Cindy Patterson-Historical Christian Romance Book Review

An Unlikely Arrangement JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unlikely Arrangement 

by Cindy Patterson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

An Unlikely Arrangement

Title: An Unlikely Arrangement
Series:
Brides of Biltmore #1
Author:
Cindy Patterson
Publisher:
Springbrook Press, LLC
Release Date:
March 11, 2024
Genre:
Historical Romance, Christian, Clean & Wholesome

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

In 1902, Abigail Dupree is but a breath away from her grand societal failure. To save her family from humiliation and financial ruin, Abigail becomes a bargaining trade in her mother’s eyes. A bargain that will extinguish Abigail’s last hope of a happily-ever-after. If only she could return to the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, she might have a chance to reunite with the only man who has the power to save her reputation. 

Garrett Barringer arrives in Charlotte, North Carolina to escape a past that no longer wants him. He takes an undisclosed position with Mr. Dupree. When it is revealed that part of Mr. Dupree’s purpose for bringing him on board is to chaperone his beloved daughter, Garrett abruptly discovers that he has taken on more than he bargained for. Abigail Dupree is more beguiling than any other woman he’s encountered, but he must resist his heart for the sake of propriety and to keep a promise made to her father. 

When her father hires Garrett Barringer, a man that seems far too young to be a lawyer, and possesses far too many favorable characteristics, Abigail resists his charm but cannot deny her heart is compelling her toward him. But she will not allow the man to ruin an opportunity she has waited for nearly five years. 

Garrett is suddenly aware what his life was and what it could become in the presence of Abigail Dupree. Will he be able to give up the woman who has stolen his heart, for her happiness? 

Abigail stands to lose all if Garrett Barringer sees past her physical beauty and uncovers the ugliness of her imperfect past. Will Abigail continue on the condemned path she’s fashioned for herself, or trust that God wants a future for her she never believed possible?  

My Review

The Christian Historical Romance, "An Unlikely Arrangement," is set in 1902 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The story unfolds through dual points of view, introducing Abigail Dupree, a young single woman whose mother strongly desires her daughter to marry. Abigail carries a burden from her past, filled with regret and self-doubt, believing herself undeserving of forgiveness for her sins, and resigned to marrying an unsuitable man. 

Garrett, employed by Abigail's father, appears as an immediately likable character who exemplifies gentlemanly traits in his clothing, speech, and above all, in his treatment of women. 

The slow-burning romance kindles as Abigail and Garrett find themselves repeatedly thrown together by chance, both trying very hard to ignore their growing emotions. Several characters in the story hold hidden truths. This aspect creates stumbling blocks for Garrett and Abigail as they navigate their evolving bond. Abigail and Garrett draw closer as they lower their defenses and reveal more of themselves.

 The inclusion of the Biltmore estate with the serene Blue Ridge Mountains the novel showcased its breathtaking natural splendor and added an intriguing element to the story. Including the Vanderbilts in the story was an enjoyable aspect. 

The novel's mixture of faith and forgiveness, particularly the theme of personal transformation was very meaningful to me. I am excited for more books in this series after reading this enjoyable redemption story by a new to me author.


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop| BookBub


About the Author

Cindy Patterson

Award-winning author Cindy Patterson believes in captivating romance and happy endings. In her stories, she loves to give glimpses of how God can use brokenness and make them whole. She reads a lot, drinks too much coffee, and wishes she had more time to write. Author of Chasing Paradise, Broken Butterfly, and Shattered Treasure, she loves to connect with her readers.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindypattersonbks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed print copy of An Unlikely Arrangement and other book related gifts!

An Unlikely Arrangement JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 16, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 23, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison-Christian Romantic Suspense Book Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Every Bird That Falls by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Every Bird That Falls

Title: Every Bird That Falls
Series:
two sparrows for a penny # 3
Author:
Sara Davison
Publisher:
Independently published through The Mosaic Collection
Release Date:
April 3, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

Lies have kept them apart for eight years.  

Now the truth could destroy them completely. 

Bomb squad leader Tag Monroe’s world is shattered when his sister and her foster sister are abducted by a human trafficker. Eight years later, the two of them have been miraculously freed. As thrilled as he is to be reunited with his sister, Tag has lingering questions. 

How did Jae-won Lin, the third foster sister, elude capture that night? Why didn’t she call the police or Tag to let them know what happened? And where has she been for the last eight years? He loved Jae once, but he can’t let her back into his life until he has more information. 

Unfortunately, time is running out. Someone powerful is coming after Jae, bent on revenge. If Tag can’t get to her before her mysterious pursuer, Jae could take the answers to all Tag’s questions to her grave. 

Along with any hope the two of them might have to find their way to each other again.  

The explosive Christian romantic suspense series two sparrows for a penny by multi-award-winning author Sara Davison continues with this on-the-edge-suspense love story that might finally answer the question: Where was Jae?  


My Review

I hadn't read the first two books in the series Two Sparrows for a Penny, but it didn't stop me from understanding the story quickly as Jae and her foster sisters, Tala and Rose are introduced. Their foster mother, Felicity, falls ill, making the girls want to leave together to avoid separation. However, they are ambushed by trafficking kidnappers, resulting in Jae getting injured as she escapes and Tala and Rose being taken. The story then jumps eight years ahead, moving between past and present smoothly. The plot maintained a good balance between past and present, making it easy to follow.

 The novel is suspenseful, well-written, and packed with drama, action, faith, and romance. It contains themes of human trafficking and grooming, though not in explicit detail, making it a book for a mature audience or to be read and discussed with teenagers. As I read, I knew I wanted to go back and read the first two books which told Tala and Rose's stories.

The emotional romance between Jae and Tag is full of longing and heartache but also stands out as the drama intensifies. Their resilience and courage make them a powerful duo. 

Every Bird that Falls is a moving second-chance romance focusing on found family, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I highly recommend this emotionally charged and intriguing book to fans of clean, Christian romantic suspense.


PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books In This Series

 


About the Author

Sara Davison

Sara Davison has a passion for writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats—and maybe swooning a little. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Cascade, Word, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


JustRead Publicity Tours

Monday, April 15, 2024

Fourth Wing [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros-Audio Book Review

 



THE EMPYREAN
Episode number Fourth Wing 
[Dramatized Adaptation]

by
Rating:
85%
 
Release Date: Dec 15, 2023
Approximate Running Time: 8 Hours
ISBN #: 9 7 9 8 8 9 0 5 5 1 0 3 0
Content Rating: Ages 18+
Genre: Fantasy
I listened to a copy from the public library! 

Book Synopsis
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

My Review
Here is my review of Fourth Wing - Dramatized Adaptation by Graphic Audio. I enjoyed reading Fourth Wing and was intrigued to explore the dramatized version. 
Most of the voice actors matched the voices I had imagined, although a few were slightly different. My favorite performance was by the voice actor for Tairn, who captured the essence of the mighty character perfectly. I particularly loved the deep, rich voice of LaMont Ridgell. 
After experiencing a Graphic Audio book, I found myself eager for more. My only issue was the chapter split in the middle of the story, which disrupted the flow. Fortunately, I could listen immediately and make a smooth transition to Part 2 since I was using The Libby App. 
I recommend giving the Dramatized Audio a chance if you enjoyed Fourth Wing; it offers an enjoyable experience while waiting for the Amazon series or Book 3. 

What other Dramatized Audio books have you listened to? Also, what do you recommend?

Purchase HERE: 

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Hidden Yellow Stars By Rebecca Connolly-Historical Fiction Book Review




 



Book Synopsis

Based on the true story of two World War II heroines who risked everything to save Jewish children from the Gestapo by hiding them throughout Belgium.

Belgium, 1942

Young schoolteacher Andrée Geulen secretly defies the Nazis in Belgium, who are forcing Jews to wear a yellow Star of David. Andrée is not Jewish, but she feels a maternal connection to her students, who are living in constant fear, and decides to take action. No child should have to suffer under such persecution. But what can one woman do against an entire army?

Ida Sterno is a Jewish woman who works with the Committee for the Defense of Jews in Belgium, a clandestine resistance group tasked with hiding children from the Gestapo. She wants to recruit Andrée because her Aryan appearance can provide crucial security measures for their efforts. Andrée agrees to join and begins work immediately by adopting a code name: Claude Fournier.

Together, Andrée and Ida, and their undercover operatives, work around the clock to move Jewish children from their families and smuggle them to safety through the secret channels established by the resistance. As each child is hidden, Andrée commits to memory their true name and history. Someday, she vows, she will help reunite as many of these families as she can.

But with the Gestapo closing in and the traitorous Fat Jacques who has turned from ally to enemy and is threatening to identify and expose any Jew he meets, Andrée and Ida must work even harder against increasingly impossible odds to save as many children as possible and keep them safely hidden--even if it might cost them their own lives.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (March 5, 2024)
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639932348
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****







My Review

There is a heavy emotional impact while reading Hidden Yellow Stars, because of its focus on the experiences of Jewish families in Belgium during World War 2. The story follows two remarkable women dedicated to aiding Jewish children in escaping the Gestapo and finding safe refuge. The story centers on the tireless efforts of The Committee for the Defense of Jews, risking danger at every turn to smuggle families to safety.

 Ida Sterno, a Jewish woman involved in the CDJ, finds schoolteacher AndrĂ©e Geulen, a young,non-Jewish woman who helped her students by concealing the yellow stars they wore. AndrĂ©e's Aryan appearance allowed her to safely escort children to hiding spots, even passing by Gestapo officers gathered in the street. There were many heart-stopping moments as they hoped for the children's true identity to stay concealed.

 Along with the courage and determination of Ida, AndrĂ©e, and other CDJ members, the story also shows the harrowing reality of families that were forcibly taken from their homes and the brutality of concentration camps. While not shying away from the horrors faced by many Jews, the storyline avoids getting into excessively graphic details, instead focusing on the bravery that was shown by these women in protecting the innocent children. 

The book not only educates on this tragic historical period but also highlights the courage of individuals who assisted those in need. Make sure and read the author's notes at the end of the book for further information and understanding. Rebecca Connolly's storytelling skills shine in Hidden Yellow Stars. You're immediately immersed in this powerful novel that I know will be in my top 10 reads of 2024. This impressive story should be read by all to remember the atrocities that took place and that we prevent them from happening again.


****Meet Author Rebecca Connolly****




~*~*~*~*Purchase Hidden Yellow Stars~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://amzn.to/4a6XO1H

Kindle-https://amzn.to/4cyfrZA