Love in Cripple Creek (Cripple Creek Series Book 4) by Sara R. Turnquist

 

Betsy Callaway hasn’t been the most upstanding person in Cripple Creek. Her first love married, leaving her jaded…and she has now passed the acceptable age for marriage. Sent to be a governess in Denver, her plans are derailed when the stagecoach is met with bandits. In the midst of the chaos, she is reunited with a man she knew as a boy. And the barbs come out.

Nikolai "Nick" Hammond left Cripple Creek to pursue his own dreams, but something about Betsy calls to his heart and draws him back home. The antics that ensue between the pair and the obstacles they face--including their own stubbornness and becoming entangled in a bank robbery--threaten to keep them on separate paths, but their draw to each other pushes them together. 

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About The Author

I'm a coffee lovin', word slinging, Historical Romance author who's super power is converting caffeine into novels. I love those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires me. Well, that and a good love story.

But of all the love stories I know, mine is my favorite. I live happily with my own Prince Charming and our gaggle of minions. Three to be exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning.

Happy Reading!

Free e-book at http://SaraTurnquist.com/list

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraRTurnquist

Twitter: @sarat1701

 

My Review

What a great read to get lost in, and yes I did. We are back in Crippled Creek Colorado, and with Betsy Callaway, whom if you've read any of the previous books, was so unlikeable!
Did my opinion of her change? Well, when we meet her and see what is happening to her, a little, but you really need to read the whole story.
We also meet Nikolai "Nick" Hammond, and then his family, and I loved him, but something is not right here, and again you need to keep reading, answers will come.
We are offered the Callaway family, some sweet romance, some forced romance, robberies, and kidnapping, so there is a lot of action here!
This book will grab you and not let you go!
I received this book through the Love in Cripple Creek Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.

So True a Love by Joanna Barker

 

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society—and the last woman one would suspect as having worked as a private investigator. But she has hung up that dangerous hat to live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of an armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as his keen mind, quick wit, and determination to keep her out of danger muddle her progress—and her heart.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

Joanna Barker firmly believes that romance makes everything better, which is why she has fallen in love with writing Regency romances. When she’s not typing away on her next book, you’ll find her listening to podcasts, eating her secret stash of chocolate, or adding things to her Amazon cart. She thinks being an author is the second-best job in the world—right after being a mom. She is just a little crazy about her husband and three wild-but-lovable kids.

 

My Review

 

This was a great read to get lost in, it is the second book in this series, but can be read alone. Will say I loved the first book too!
This is Verity's story, and since a mishap a few months ago she has been lying low, but when she and her friends are attacked, well she is no longer retired.
Enter Nathaniel, Mr. Chivalry, a man that is sure there for her when danger appears.
This is a read that has it all, from some sweet romance to running from danger, and I was not suspecting the outcome to the very last!
Will be looking for more in this series! 

I received this book through the Publisher Shadow Mountain, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Freedom Through the Narrow Gate by Mark David Pullen

 

Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine. 

Jacob, inspired by his grandfather’s tale of “The Legend of the Great Mouse,” longs for an adventure of his own. When he steps beyond the village with his friend Rudy on a simple blackberry hunt, they are unexpectedly captured by the feared Swamp Rats. Inside this dangerous realm, they meet an unexpected ally, a rat burdened with guilt and yearning for redemption. As the story progresses, Jacob and his new friend’s destinies intertwine as they discover deeper truths about family, friendship, and the transformative power of forgiveness. 

However, lurking in the shadows is the sinister Caine, an escaped lab rat who grows increasingly unhinged as the situation unfolds. As Jacob navigates the swamps, he and his allies must confront Caine’s dark ambitions. Will they be able to outsmart this formidable foe, or will the story of their adventure in tragedy? 

Perfect for young readers who love tales of camaraderie, redemption, and high-stakes adventure, Freedom Through the Narrow Gate is a heart-stirring continuation of the world introduced in The Oasis King.

Amazon 

 

 

About The Author

 

 My name is Mark David Pullen, and I am an author of Middle-Grade science fiction and fantasy novels. My stories are packed with non-stop action, pulse-pounding thrills, and a host of fun, colorful characters to guide you along your journey with the turn of every page. The primary hope I have for you, my readers, is that I may provide you with an imaginative escape from the daily grind of growing up and the struggles that go along with it. Secondly, I hope that through my writing, you learn to be brave and face your problems head-on instead of running away from them, just like the characters in my stories do. On a more personal note, I currently live in upstate New York, where I was born and raised. I live here with my wife, two children, and our crazy dog Toby. I love spending time outdoors, hiking, fishing, and hunting. I hope you will look around my page and check out all the neat features that show you what I am working on. After that, feel free to click the link and head over to my website. From there, you can sign up for my blog and my newsletter and stay up to date about what I’m working on next. Thanks again for stopping by, and I hope you will visit again soon!

 

My Review

 A story that shows how parents respond to disobedience, then survival. Life lessons for sure, but they come from some scary times.
A colorful array of characters are offered, and you’ll be surprised by whom comes to the rescue.
Being held captive, these mice, want to go home, this is their adventure, and the title of the book comes into play here.
There is danger here coming from a lot of directions, and then we wonder whom is going to survive. Right to the end we are looking for our way, and then there is forgiveness.
A book that will grab your attention and not let go, becoming a page turner for answers!
A great way to teach that disobeying can lead to danger.

I received this book through Through The Narrow Gate Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.

Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore

 

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.

 Amazon

 

About The Author

 

Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore

Website: HBMoore

X: heatherbmoore

Instagram: authorhbmoore

Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books

And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair

Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.

 

My Review

 This is a fictional read, but so well researched. We begin with Nancy Harkness as a sixteen year old, and with the flame that ignites in her for flying.
We are there as she blossoms from a young woman to adult hood, through losses and tragedy. I did love that at the end we were given updates on her life.
There is also a synopsis of each chapter in the back of the book.
We are given a beautiful love story, but the main focus is how much this woman did for other women, especially in the flight industry. Not uncommon now to see women pilots, but there was so much prejudice, and I'm shaking my head at the odd beliefs some of these powerful men had.
A great story to get lost in, and wanting to see how the filled the needs during WWII.
I enjoy books by this author she does a wonderful and thorough job!
I received this book through the Publisher Shadow Mountain, and was not required to give a positive review.

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin

 For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Hope College and Southern Connecticut State University to work as a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.

Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother, and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels have won Christy Awards for excellence in Christian Fiction: Hidden Places (2001), Candle in the Darkness (2002), Fire by Night (2003), A Proper Pursuit (2007), Until We Reach Home (2008), Though Waters Roar (2009) While We're Far Apart (2010), and Wonderland Creek (2011). She was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2013. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

 

My Review

 

We are back with Addie and Howard, they are married now, and Addie is trying to live a life of a wife, rather than a spoiled socialite.
This read is so heartwarming, and a beautiful Christmas story! There is even an antique creche!
The story is so much about giving, and with the giving comes the real meaning of Christmas.
From finding a precocious, if not challenging, eight year old little boy, to saving the life of a three year old girl.
This read did focus on the true meaning of Christmas and I loved immersing myself into the story, and one I could read each Christmas!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

 

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including Romantic Time's Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

 

My Review

 I loved this story, from beginning to in I was drawn in. A novella, and can even be read in one sitting.

Madison has come home, her sister Addie has been taking care of everything, but you get the feeling rather quickly see doesn't have her heart on the farm.

I loved Madison trying to replant all of those trees, and what happens, who comes to her aid.

This is a story of family relationships, lost relationships, and new family. Also throw in a bit of sweet romance and one sister calling "dibs". Really?

When this read ended, I really wanted more, I got so involved in McDowell and Thompson families!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills

 

Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer.

Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up.

As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out.

Amazon 

 

About The Author

 

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

Learn about all of DiAnn’s books and connect with DiAnn @ diannmills dot com.

 

My Review

This is a great Christian suspense read, and it quickly became a page turner for me.

We are given a hostage negotiator, Carrington Reed, and an Investigative Reporter Levi Ehrlich, and pair of brothers, Kendrick, that are holding people hostage, but there are a lot more characters to add to the mix.

A read that is filled with emotions, and faith, and just when you think things are wrapped up, oh no, and most I never saw coming. This one will hold you spell bound, and looking for answers, and yes, they do come, but surprise!

I have enjoyed many books by this author, and this one sure did not disappoint!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.