A Murderous Charade (Relentless Society Mysteries #1) by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen-Book Review

 Book Summary

A timeless villainy, a growing love, and the couple who battles them both . . .

Miss Marianne Beaumont, a spinster, and her younger sister are on their way home from a night at the theater when they come upon a townhouse fire. They stop to help the victims, including Mr. James Harcourt, a confirmed bachelor, and his parents Sir and Lady Harcourt. Although Mr. Harcourt distrusts the beau monde, he accepts Marianne’s ministrations. That should have been the end of their association, but then a folded piece of paper shaped like a chameleon slips out of his mother’s sleeve. It’s an ornament Marianne has come across only one time before—next to her father’s dead body.
Recognizing that ornament—an orikata—might at last help her catch her father’s killer, Marianne joins forces with Mr. Harcourt. He has a penchant for solving mysteries and has been searching for the elusive criminal who uses that identifier.
Together—with a chaperone, of course—their investigations take them from one baffling clue to another. But the closer they get to finding their answers, the more they discover that all isn’t as it seems, and the dangers are more sinister—and personal—than they’d realized.

A gripping Regency cozy mystery packed with romance and secrets.

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C2S6NN9R
• Genre: Romantic Mystery Suspense
• Series: Relentless Society Mysteries #1
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ RKH Press L.L.C. (April 20, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 249 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985127041

• ****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

A Murderous Charade is a very unusual mystery. The clues when given were not always apparent. To me, I really liked that as a reader I couldn't figure out things within the first half of the book. One aspect of the book that was very intriguing was the many "Secret Societies" that are found in this novel. You don't learn very much about them until nearly the end. It's great how things are set up for book #2 in the Relentless Society Mysteries. The author ramps up the intrigue enough that you can't wait to read the next book in the series.

The romance and the mystery are very well-balanced in this novel. I liked how both aspects blended well as the story unfolded. Marianne is such a kind and loving character as she takes care of others but also has a brave and gutsy side to her while she is keeping her secrets close to her chest. James is amazing as he is well known and high in the ton. James is also holding many secrets of his own that influence so many of his decisions. This novel is full of danger, mystery, and clean, budding romance. It will leave you wanting more of the twists and turns that make this new series such a fun one to keep you involved. I'm ready for book two and to learn more about the Relentless Society.

****Meet Author Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen****

With twists and turns galore, Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen's romantic suspense ​novels reflect her signature mix of great characters, swoony romance, and intriguing suspense. She has also had dozens of fiction and nonfiction published in magazines and internet venues. She is a member of SCBWI and Storymakers, and she worked for a combined total of fifteen years on the boards of the Storymakers and The Teen Writers Conferences. She enjoys teaching about writing, and she loves to hear from her readers. To learn more about Ronda, subscribe to her newsletter, or contact her, visit her website at rondahinrichsen.com.

~*~*~*~*Purchase A Murderous Charade~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3DTq4Xb

Kindle-https://amzn.to/44NvqPe

Hidden Amish Target: An Amish Country Justice Novel By Dana R. Lynn-Romantic Suspense Book Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Hidden Amish Target 
Series: Amish Country Justice #16
Author: Dana R. Lynn
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 25, 2023
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.****

She’s an accidental witness. 

Now she’s running for her life… 

Witnessing a murder puts a target on Molly Schultz’s back, and now she’s on the run from a gunman dead set on silencing her. She turns to family friend Zeke Bender for help, but when Molly’s identity and location are exposed, they’re left with a criminal among her Amish community. Can Zeke safeguard Molly long enough to catch the culprit—or will they fall prey to their merciless hunter?  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Review

Hidden Amish Target by Dana R. Lynn ( Amish Country Justice #16) was a very exciting story. Molly Schultz witnesses a murder and from there, she is on the run. As an Amish woman, life is different and things aren't handled the same as an "English" woman would. There is no car or cell phone to help you while on the run.

This book amazed me with how things got started with a bang within the first few pages. I wasn't expecting that. Poor Molly, with an injured leg, thankfully finds help from an old family friend Zeke Bender. Both Zeke and Molly have been through several traumatic things in their lives. As they come together to find a killer and keep Molly alive, they grow closer and a lot of healing takes place. 

Hidden Amish Target is filled with danger, excitement, suspense, faith-filled moments, and of course blossoming clean romance. This book is under the "Love Inspired Suspense" line and it lives up to its name. This quick-read novel keeps you guessing and leaves you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The story was gripping and I didn't want to put it down. You don't have to have read other books in the series, but I know I'll be going back to read the others. 

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

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

more Amish Country Justice series titles

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~*~*~*~*Meet Author Dana R. Lynn~*~*~*~*

Dana R. Lynn is an award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group.

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

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****Enter the Giveaway****

(2) winners will win a $10 dollar Amazon gift card & print copy of Hidden Amish Target!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 1, 2023. 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 for print copy. Digital copy available instead for CAN. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

How Sweet It Is (A Deep Haven Novel) By Andrea Christenson- Contemporary Romance Book Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for How Sweet It Is by Andrea Christenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Book Details

Title: How Sweet It Is 
Series: Fox Bakery #1
Author: Andrea Christenson
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

****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.****

Book Summary

Sometimes the sweetest moments in life are made from the most familiar and ordinary ingredients. 

Robin Fox is living out her dreams working in a gourmet bakery in Paris. She thought she’d live there forever, but when her relationship with her boss sours, those dreams crumble. She finds herself back home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, caring for her grandparents’ rundown bakery while they’re away. But she vows that when they return in six weeks, she’ll trade this ordinary life for the one she left behind. 

Sammy Johnson has never gotten traction in any area of his life. This hasn’t improved in the almost two years since the accident which nearly killed him. Although his heart is still beating, it contains little passion for the life he’s living in Deep Haven. But that begins to change when he offers to help his former high school friend, Robin. 

Working together to keep Fox Bakery from going under, they find more than friendship is simmering between them. But when the six weeks are up, will Robin follow her old dreams back to the glamor of Paris or will she discover how sweet it is to be loved in Deep Haven? 

Return to Deep Haven with the Fox Family, where Robin and Sammy find that small town life isn’t ordinary after all.

My Review

It's been a while since I've read a contemporary romance. I'm so glad that this is the book I chose to read. 

How Sweet It Is showcases two high school friends living very different lives. They both have hopes, dreams, and fears that are steering them in certain directions in their lives. Robin Fox is working in a high-class bakery in Paris. Things are going well for Robin until an act of betrayal brings her back to the small town of Deep Haven. 

Sammy Johnson is trying to recover physically and mentally from a terrible accident where people considered him a hero, but all he felt was guilt and shame. 

Once Robin and Sammy meet up again they both start having feelings for each other that started years ago. Robin doesn't want to stay in Deep Haven working at her grandparent's bakery. Sammy doesn't want to leave his hometown. The heat is on as they can't help wanting to be around each other. The slow-burn romance revolves around neither wanting to openly admit their feelings for one another. Robin is confused as she still has the pull to move back to Paris to fulfill all of her cake-decorating dreams in her own bakery. Sammy wants her to choose him by staying in Deep Haven. 

I loved Robin and Sammy's interactions and banter. I loved seeing Sammy's journey leading to his healing. I also loved all of the people in the town of Deep Haven. I know I'll need to go back and read the previous books based in this quaint town. If they all have that "Feel Good" feeling you get when you finish the book, I need more of that. How Sweet It Is was a fun and fulfilling, clean romance. 

~*~*~*~*Purchase How Sweet It Is~*~*~*~*

HERE:

 Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Also Available

     

     

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****Meet Author Andrea Christenson****

Andrea Christenson lives in the Midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on, bake bread, eat cheese, and watch Netflix—though not usually all at the same time. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.

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

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Enter the Giveaway

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of How Sweet It Is and a $10 Gift Card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 17, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2023. 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

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

The Cash Countess by Samantha Hastings-Victorian Romance Book Review

 Book Summary

Rapunzel meets "Downton Abbey" in this sweet Gilded Age romance!

Miss Cordelia Jones is an American Princess, but her story is no fairytale.

Eighteen-year-old Cordelia Jones is locked in her tower until she promises to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham. Cordelia doesn’t want to leave her American home or Stuyvesant Bradley, whom she has loved since childhood. But Stuyvesant leaves on a trip and Cordelia is pressured by her overbearing mother to marry a stranger.

Coerced into a loveless marriage, Cordelia finds herself an alien in a decaying English country house where customs and manners are so different from home. Worst yet, accidents seem to befall her at every corner. The more she begins to care for her husband, the more perilous her life becomes. Is she unlucky, or is someone trying to kill the newest cash countess?

Book Details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C9SH165P
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (July 1, 2023)
• Genre: Victorian Romance
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 270 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8393473105

• ****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

I was very excited to read a fiction story with a real-life premise. It is described as Rapunzel meets "Downton Abbey" and it definitely hits the mark. The first time I picked up the book I read it for three hours straight, so I can clearly say that I was hooked from the beginning. 

The main characters come from two different countries. Cordelia is an American Heiress and Thomas is a Lord in England with a run-down home and out of money. Cordelia is "forced" to marry Thomas and she becomes a Cash Countess. Now you would think that the spoiled princess and the high classed Englishman would at first have no chemistry but this wasn't true. I can tell you that they both went from being cordial, to working as partners, and then to true husband and wife.

There is a lot of angst as the English servants cause problems for Cordelia. She has a problem fitting in with her American ways. There is also a mystery when attempts are made on Cordelia's life. In the meantime, Thomas and his bride start having real feelings for one another but are scared to admit it. 

There are so many other things that I can't tell you about because I hate spoilers. The beauty of reading a story is finding out things for yourself. Just know, that I loved this story, the characters, and how the slow-burn romance played out. There is an exciting ending that finishes the book perfectly. Any romance reader will be charmed by this new story written by the wonderful Samantha Hastings. 

****Meet Author Samantha Hastings****

Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She writes cozy murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Learn more at www.SamanthaHastings.com or connect with her on social media: Twitter @HastingSamantha, Instagram @SamanthaHastingsAuthor, and Facebook @AuthorSamanthaHastings

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Cash Countess~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3NUKy6d

Kindle-https://amzn.to/3JXHCos

Only a Trenza Away: A Tale of Trust and Strength by Nadine Fonseca, Illustrations by Camila Carrossine

 Book Summary

“In this cozy, comforting tale, the strength and love woven into Xia’s braids will always be there—even when he isn’t.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review

A little girl feels her father's love as he takes time to braid her hair each night and share imaginative bedtime stories.

Every night, Xiomara's (zee-oh-MA-da) papa delicately braids her hair before bed. As he gently tugs and twists and tightens her hair, father and daughter embark on imaginative and fun adventures as he makes up stories about Xia and her trenzas, or "braids" in Spanish.

In one story, her trenza becomes a sturdy twisted vine that she uses to bravely swing through the jungle. In another, her trenzas are jump ropes as she catches the beat to play double Dutch with the best players in the neighborhood.

But Xia worries what she would do if Papa was not there to help her in a real adventure—like starting a new school. Could the strength Xia needs already be woven into her braids?

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (August 8, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639930981
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639930982
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 8 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
• ****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.****

Book Trailer

https://www.facebook.com/reel/221374827038772

My Review

As a second-grade teacher, I'm always looking for new picture books to share with my class. Only A Trenza Away is such a wonderful book that can be shared with children in school, and especially at home. It is a book that brings generations together. This story shows the sweet relationship between a daughter and her father who braids her hair every night before bed. While braiding her hair he tells her stories that take Xiomara on adventures to places she's never been. 

Another thing wonderful about this book is what Xia's father tells her as he braids her hair into sections. He reminds her of the people who love her deeply, the many people who will need her love, and also to remember to love yourself exactly as you are now and who you hope to be. What super messages to share with children. Love is a universal language that all will be able to understand. This heart-warming book needs to be shared with families in all cultures. 

****Meet Author Nadine Fonseca****

Nadine Fonseca is on a mission to build a brighter, kinder, and more inclusive future, one young reader at a time. She founded Mighty Kind, an educational multimedia company for families that aims to use the simple and universal concept of kindness as a bridge to antiracist/anti-bias learning.

Follow Nadine HERE:

https://www.instagram.com/nadinemfonseca/

****Meet Illustrator Camila Carrossine****

Camila Carrosine is Brazilian and lives in São Paulo. She has been drawing since she was a little girl and grew up with pencils and paper. Camila graduated in fine arts and studied art direction. Camila considers herself a visual storyteller and loves to mix traditional and digital techniques in her illustrations. She divides her time between her children’s book projects and animated films. She loves books, traveling, and walking barefoot.

See more of Camila's work HERE:

https://www.camilacarrossine.com/

~*~*~*~*Purchase Only a Trenza Away~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://amzn.to/46RmLwH

Kindle-https://amzn.to/3Og6V7y

An Unwitting Alliance {Matchmaking Mamas Book 2} by Anneka R. Walker-Regency Book Review

 Book Summary

Cassandra Vail has but one objective at the Kellens’ ball: she must secure a proposal from her eminently suitable suitor. Instead, she finds her best-laid plans thwarted by another man―the handsome and thoroughly vexing Mr. Harwood. Thanks to his meddling, Cassandra is faced with an unthinkable consequence: her parents take matters into their own hands and betroth her to a complete stranger.

Tom Harwood meant only to deter a debutante from pursuing his friend. He wasn’t supposed to be entranced by her. He certainly wasn’t supposed to flirt with her. And he especially wasn’t supposed to engage the wrong woman entirely. To make matters worse, he’s offended Cassandra and before he has the opportunity to make amends, he finds himself the latest unwitting victim of the meddlesome Matchmaking Mamas. His parents have signed a contract for his hand in marriage, and it seems his mysterious betrothed is as opposed to the union as he is.

When the reluctant couple finally meets, they are shocked to realize they are not strangers after all. Can one miserable beginning be overcome, or has their future ended before it even begins?

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications; First Edition (July 11, 2023)
• Genre: Regency Romance/Historical Romance
• Series: Matchmaking Mamas Book 2
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524423483
• ****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

A Matchmaker: one that arranges a match.

especially: one who tries to bring two unmarried individuals together in an attempt to promote a marriage.

 Yes, this series is about a group of matchmaking mamas who want what's best for their children. Their children see it as meddling. This is where the fun and humor start. Author Anneka Walker has a way of writing such wonderful and memorable scenes. There were many where I was LOL, even on a plane to visit family in Arizona. 

An Unwitting Alliance is the story of Tom Harwood and Cassandra Vail. They meet by accident and find themselves betrothed against their will. Unfortunately at their first meeting, things go wrong and Cassie doesn't like Tom at all. With a very humorous letter, Cassie tries to dissuade Tom from the betrothal and staying at her family's home. Once "Teasing Tom" gets there, he realizes how untrue the contents of the letter are.

Some of my favorite things in the book include:

• Misunderstanding at a ball
• The above-mentioned letter
• Cassandra's siblings
• A basket full of kittens
• The Rebels
• Tom's good deeds & path to healing
• Witty Dialogue
• Slow-burn Romance
• A long-awaited kiss

I loved how cute Tom and Cassandra are together. The chemistry is strong from the beginning. The journey for both Tom and Cassie is wonderfully told as they navigate an alliance between them, with The Rebels help. Little do they know where it would lead them. 

This series is now one of my favorites and one that you should read. An Unwitting Alliance is a heart-felt, banter-filled romance that will delight you as much as it did me.

****Meet Author Anneka R. Walker****

Anneka R. Walker is a best-selling author of historical and contemporary romance. With humor and an abundance of heart, she crafts uplifting stories you won't soon forget. She is the proud winner of the Swoony Award, the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award, and winner of various chapter contests. Her books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, Historical Novel Society, Midwest Book Review, and Readers Favorite. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor's degree in English and history and hopes to never stop learning. She is a wife, proud mother of five, lover of Jesus, connoisseur of chocolate, and believer in happy endings. 

Learn more about Anneka and her books

HERE: https://www.annekawalker.com/about.html

{{{{Books in the Matchmaking Mamas Series}}}}

Anneka Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. 

~*~*~*~*Purchase An Unwitting Alliance~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3DfJHbC

Kindle-https://amzn.to/46M9x4n

The King's Feather {Under His Wings #1) by Amy Earls-YA Fantasy Christian Book Review

 

Book Summary

Rescue Mom. Handle The Prophesied Power.
And Don’t Fall in Love.
Sure. No Problem at All.

Pero Moshe’s mom vanished from their Oregon home, and the prophecy says it will happen to Pero, too. But when it does—and Pero is transported to an older universe, life gets more than a little nuts.

Throw in a bodyguard who is almost criminally cute, a corrupt and brilliant doctor who wants to steal Pero’s power and rule all of Moon City, and her mom showing up as a pawn in the whole thing. And all Pero wants is to grab her mom and go home.

But, uh, yeah, that’s not happening.

In the end, Pero is forced to choose between forgiveness or escaping with those she loves before a shout crumbles Moon City’s walls to pieces. And both choices come at a cost she’s not sure she’s willing to pay.

Book Details

• Series: Under His Wings #1
• Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Christian Fiction
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C3FH7NYM
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Portal Publications (May 31, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8987401705
• ****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

The King's Feather is a Young Adult Christian Portal Fantasy story. This is a story loosely based on the Biblical story of The Walls of Jericho. The main character Pero lost her mother at a very young age. As a teenager, she finds out that her mom is still alive and she has to go to another world to find her. This quest tries her so much and she learns a lot about her faith and how love is greater than fear. This book has so many wonderful messages for teens with questions about God and trusting him. I loved the words that Pero wrote in the years she was missing her mother...

    “I am loved. I am chosen. I am somebody’s daughter.

      And that is all I need.”

Teens will love this story as Pero faces challenges that help her learn and grow. This is a clean book with mild violence and dynamic good and evil characters. 

****Meet Author Amy Earls****

Amy Earls is a professor of first-year college students and holds a master’s degree in education for adult learners with a focus in writing. As a young adult Christian novelist, Amy writes and shares stories that encourage teens to grow in their own faith. Amy lives in Oregon’s bike-riding, Beaver-loving college town with stashes of dark chocolate, one husband, two daughters, and a never-dying goldfish.

Learn more about Amy and her book

HERE: https://www.amyearls.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase The King's Feather~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3D8fJGc

Kindle-https://amzn.to/3pQ8vn8