In Places Hidden (Golden Gate Secrets #1) by Tracie Peterson

On her way to San Francisco to find her brother, Caleb, who went missing three months ago, Camriann Coulter meets Judith and Kenzie, who both have their own mysteries to solve in the booming West Coast city. The women decide to help each other, including rooming together and working at Kenzie's cousin's chocolate factory.

Camri's search for her brother, an attorney, leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, a handsome Irishman who was saved from a false murder charge by Caleb. Patrick challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but he knows more about what happened to her brother than anyone else. Together, they move closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance. But as the stakes rise and threats loom, will Patrick be able to protect Camri from the dangers he knows lie in the hidden places of the city?

 Amazon 


About The Author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

Website  


My Review

This read had me mesmerized, and quickly page-turning, and I had to have answers. Now I’m looking for the next book in this series, and hope those who are so evil get there just due.
What a wild, sinful, and immoral city San Francisco was, and although this is a fictional book, it does have a lot of historical fact.
Can you image back in the early 1900’s receiving, or not hearing from your brother who is about two thousand miles away, and not knowing where he is, or if he is even alive. This is why Camri Coulter is in the West, and she meets two women while traveling there, in rather dire circumstances, and takes them under her wing and offers them shelter.
So many life lessons here, and you will be quickly caught up in this story, with evil so prominent you will have to wonder who is going to come out alive at the end. So many people hurt, and why? Greed.
Don’t miss this one!

I received this book through the Publisher Bethany House reviewer program, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Chance at Forever (Teaville Moral Society, #3) by Melissa Jagears

Mercy McClain joined the school board to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child. When the worst offender from her school days applies for a teaching position, she is dead set against it. Yet Aaron Firebrook claims to be a changed man. Can he earn Mercy's trust--and her support for the challenges to come?


About The Author

The purpose of my writing life is to produce God pleasing quality entertainment for myself at minimum. I am commanded in 1 Cor. 10:31 that all I do must glorify God, in Heb. 13:15 that my life should be an outpouring of praise and in Phil. 4:8 to dwell on wholesome thought. My goals for writing are to improve the mind and creativity that God has given me through exercise, to portray Christians in a positive, realistic light to the world if a work is so blessed as to be published, and to write quality fiction. I will only write what I want to read. I will not lay down my “pen” until I can truly say, “I have done my best and have no more.”



My Review

We are in the early 1900’s in Kansas and the author puts faces on bullies, and by doing so we try to understand how someone does what he does. We also see how these bullies respond when God is finally in their lives, and watch transformations, and keep reading as you will be shocked!
This book touches on some tough subjects, alcoholism, prostitution, bullying, and those that judge and don’t live their faith, but wait there are others that seem to be willing to share all that they have to help those less fortunate.
I love that one of the main characters has been born with a disability, and you really never notice it throughout the story. The other main character was abused as a child and took out his frustration and feelings on others, why should they be happy if he wasn’t.
With this complex cast of characters, we are soon caught up in this small town and the drama of one person feeling they are superior to another because of where they are born, and where they were made to live.
I really love the way these people touch the lives of the misfortunate, and in the end, make their own lives better, a don’t miss read!

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

His Risk (The Amish of Hart County #4) by Shelley Shepard Gray

New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings us another compelling suspense in her Amish of Hart County series, this time featuring an undercover English DEA agent who will do anything to protect the Amish girl he loves.

Calvin Fisher left the Amish community at fourteen and never looked back. Only his brother’s illness can bring him back to Hart County.  Now, as Calvin works to make amends, he meets Alice, a local nursery school teacher, and falls hard for her. But he has a secret that could threaten the happiness he’s finally found.

Alice shouldn’t like—or want—Calvin. He’s English, has a questionable past, and an even more questionable job. Still, she can’t help being intrigued. Though Calvin assures Alice that he’s worthy of her, she’s torn between surrendering to her growing feelings and steering clear of him.

When a sudden surge of criminal activity alarms the community and even targets Alice, Calvin fears that his double life has put everyone he loves at risk. As for Alice, she can’t help but wonder if the brave and honorable man she’s lost her heart to is far more dangerous than she could ever imagine.

Amazon 


About The Author

I live in southern Ohio with my husband, two teenagers, and two dogs. My days are filled with busy activities like most any other mom and housewife. But I also love to write books.

Each morning, after my kids go off to school, I sit at my desk, look out my window, and dream of other places. The hours fly by as I make up people and places and drink way too much coffee.

Writing for Avon Inspire has truly been a dream come true. Being able to spend my days in my make-believe world of the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is a true blessing. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the Amish culture and tapping into my faith as I show each character’s progression toward a personal relationship with our Lord.

Before becoming a full time writer, I taught elementary school in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. A job transfer to Ohio led my husband to encourage me to finally give writing a try. After all, I had notebooks full of made up stories.

I’ll never forget that first book I typed in our unfinished basement. It was exciting to make up a story, but also very scary. I was also so embarrassed, sure someone would come out of the woodwork and point out that I wasn’t a ‘real’ writer. But I persevered, and sold my third manuscript.

Things have changed a bit. Now I have a real office of my own. (think old guest bedroom!) My walls are painted pink, and more than a couple of book covers decorate my walls. But my days are still the same. I wake up, dream about other people, and do my best to type out stories.

My Review

We are back in Hart County and with the second Fisher brother Calvin, we met him when he wasn’t very good, but now there is a real problem with his brother Mark.
I loved that the author has brought bad men, but we see them at their best, and others at their worst, we see some dark sides to being Amish, not all are people of faith.
The author has us with people that have some life changing decisions to make, and then life intervenes and some things change forever.
There is some sweet romance here, and others seem to be denied, but as the story unfolds your mind will try to work out the impossible, and then we hope for the best.
This is a story that quickly becomes a page turner, and when it is over, you will wish for more.

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

Write Now Literary Book Tours: March 22nd Book Blast

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WriteNow Literary Book Tours is pleased to be coordinating a blog tour for fiction authors AngeliaVernon Menchan, Michelle D. Rayford, Naleighna Kai and Pat Simmons. This book blast will run March 22, 2018.  Follow the tour here.   Book your own tour here.

 

                                                          About the Author

Naleighna Kai is a national bestselling and award-winning author of several controversial novels, contributor to a New York Times bestseller, and the E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction. She has penned Every Woman Needs a Wife, Loving Me for Me, Was it Good For You Too?, Open Door Marriage, She Touched My Soul, Rich Woman’s Fetish and other contemporary fiction novels that plumb the depth of unique love triangles and women’s issues. In addition to successfully cracking the code of getting published and landing a deal with a major publishing house, she continues to “pay it forward” by organizing the annual Cavalcade of Authors which gives readers intimate access to the most accomplished writing talent today. She also serves as CEO of Macro Marketing & Promotions Group which offers aspiring authors help with editing, publishing, marketing, and other services to jump-start their writing ambition. Additionally, she is Editor-in-Chief for Naleighna Kai’s Literary Café Magazine and Acquisitions editor for NK Recommends—a mail order book service that caters to a select audience. She was born and raised on the Southeast side of Chicago, the setting for most of her novels and where she is currently working on her next books: Slaves of Heaven and Mercury Sunrise.  

Website: http://www.naleighnakai.com

 

About the Book 

Michael “Magic” Arrington’s sudden fame and startling climb up the music charts skyrocketed him into the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour. While all was exciting and wonderful at the beginning, the shady undertakings of the music business caused his life to take a downward spiral, ultimately separating him from his family and his hold on reality. Then he met Maya. Maya Gervais has completely distanced herself from her past, even going as far as changing her identity to protect her from the one man who wants her dead. She is a civic-minded lawyer who champions for clients who are victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. So trusting someone enough to fall in love was never a consideration, especially since it could cost her much more than she was willing to give. After the two have a chance meeting at a concert, a daring escape leads to an exploration of pain and pleasure that sets them both on the path to healing and an into an unlikely romance. However, the path to blissful happiness is never an easy one, as they both have their own demons to confront, including Michael’s jealous manager and Maya’s reluctance to deal with things she would rather forget. She Touched My Soul is a gripping, engaging novel of loss, love, and everything in between.
 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2oE0IGn

           About the Author Angelia Vernon Menchan is wife, mother, nana and mentor. Since January 2006, she has published 34 printed books and an additional 124 ebooks through her small publishing company, MAMM Productions. She is also the Co-founder of Honorable MENCHAN Media, through which she has published books for 15 authors to date. Her personal motto is, ‘There is abundance through God for all of us; we simply have to be open for our blessings.' In 2017 she decided to add her hallmark phrase “Just LOVE” to coffee mugs and tee-shirts. This phrase has taken on a life of its own! In addition, Angelia is a prolific public speaker and mentor to women of all ages.  She resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband and cover designer, Maurice Menchan.  

Website: http://www.angeliavernonmenchan.com


 

                       About the Book  Kent and Cina Markham are returning home to start their own business with the thirteen year old son, Kente. Kent has decided that though Kente is a good kid with great grades he is too soft. To correct that he tells Cina ‘hands off’ he’s taking over from there. Cina is miffed but concedes. The thing is who is really schooling whom? Not only that who assists Cina when Kent is mostly focused on his son? Schooling His Son deals with complex father and son and husband and wife issues, realistically.

  Genre:  Fiction

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2oJWlZp

            About the Author Michelle D. Rayford knew she wanted to write books the moment she won a literacy contest in the fifth grade. The writing seed was planted. It only took a couple of decades for that seed to bear fruit. Michelle was never good at gardening. Even while pursuing a degree in Business Administration, working a government job, getting married and having two daughters, the stories didn’t stop churning in her head. Some even made their way into print in the form of poems, short stories and blog posts. Michelle lives in a Southern city where she spends any free time reading, writing, listening to 80’s music and playing NBA2K.  She can be contacted at mdrayford@gmail.com or through her website www.michelledrayford.com

 

                               

                  About the Book  Adrienne always wanted a child. Too bad her husband, Logan, doesn’t. When Adrienne decides to have the baby, her marriage is tested in new ways. Her husband’s reluctant acceptance of their son comes at a price Adrienne doesn’t know she is paying. She has the life she always wanted. So, why isn’t she happy? Logan’s focus has always been on taking over the family law firm. Having a beautiful woman as his wife completes the picture. When a wealthy client comes to town, Logan seizes the opportunity to surpass his father and put the law firm on the map. If only he can keep his wife in line and his own secrets from coming out. When the past makes its way into the present, will the truth finally set Adrienne free?  

Genre: Fiction  Amazon: http://amzn.to/2GRYWYT                                                                                                                                                       About the Author

Pat Simmons has penned more than thirty-five titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a three-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.  

Website: http://www.patsimmons.net




                                                                About the Book

Three sisters living in three different cities (Baltimore, St. Louis, and Nashville) make a pact to share responsibilities for their aging relative after authorities find Aunt Tweet across state lines. Her destination had been a neighborhood grocery store. The siblings soon learn the definition of caregiver includes a cup full of patience, a slight sense of humor, and when to cry out for help. Women juggle between career and family all the time, but Tabitha Knicely (St. Louis) is struggling to find a balance. Romance is the last thing she is trying to add to her list. The Aunt Tweet she knew all her life is not the same one who is residing in her home when she accepts the role as a caregiver for six months. Overwhelmed can’t begin to describe her emotions. Marcus Whittington is an opinionated, successful business owner, but he has a soft side when it comes to the elderly. They remind him of good memories of his grandparents. When Aunt Tweet is the mystery woman who stakes out his porch, he becomes concerned that she is not being taken care of properly. He sheds his misconceptions about what Tabitha isn’t doing right when he discovers that every caregiver needs a caregiver. Marcus knows in order to win Tabitha's heart; he has to charm Aunt Tweet's too.

Genre: Christian Romance
Amazon

Releasing:  April 3, 2018. For information about this book visit the author’s website: http://www.patsimmons.net

Book tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours 

A Borrowed Dream (Cimarron Creek Trilogy #2) by Amanda Cabot

Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the town doctor's excessive bleeding treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek's dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life without love or family, a life where dreams rarely come true.

Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He's managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.

With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.

Amazon


About The Author

With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than thirty novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading. 

Website



My Review

This is the second book in this series that I have read and enjoyed, and now I cannot wait until next year for the third.
We are back in Cimarron Creek, Texas, and with the folks we have already came to love, and boy are we updated as we again spend our time with them.
This story does not disappoint, and even when I thought I knew answers, I was wrong, and then things changed again. We received answers to some questions that were asked in the first book, but as we leave this read we are on an adventure to learn more and start a new phase of life in this small community.
Come and welcome the new residents here, and see if they will be able to stay, and find out the secrets that abound here, and see how God touches their hearts.

I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Their Amish Reunion (Amish Seasons #1) by Lenora Worth

Return to Lancaster County Love blooms in the Amish Seasons seriesWidowed single mother Ava Jane Graber can't believe her eyes. Her first love is back in Lancaster County. Years ago, Jeremiah did the unthinkable: left the Amish--and her--for the Navy SEALs. Now the prodigal hero wants redemption from his community, his family and from the woman he never forgot. For the ex-soldier, becoming Ava's husband is his ultimate mission.

Amazon


About The Author

Lenora Worth has written 75 books for three different publishers. She reached a milestone when she received her 50th book pin from Harlequin. Her books have won both regional and national awards and she now has millions of books in print and is a NY Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Currently she is writing both Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense and Tule Publishing. Married to her childhood sweetheart, Lenora has two grown children and lives in Florida.

Website 


My Review

 

A story about forgiveness, and an unusual one in that our main Amish character is a former Navy Seal, and is wanting to step back into his old life in his safe community.
The author has him leaving behind a young Amish woman Ava Jane, who was madly in love with Jerimiah, and now this woman is a widow with two young children.
How does the community, including Jerimiah, who needs to forgive himself, and the basis of their faith, forgive? What an easy thing to say, but a really hard thing to totally do.
As we journey through this story we are able to live the daily of lives of these folks, and we watch a Jerimiah pours out his pain to his family, and in particular to his Dad. Will he find what he is looking for here, and will he be able to resume his religion?

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

Colors in the Bible and Numbers in the Bible by Museum of the Bible Books

In this energetic board book, children are taken on a colorful tour of beloved Bible stories. Little ones will learn about colors and be introduced to the world of the Bible as they read about the green trees in the Garden of Eden, the orange lions in the den, and the red flames of the burning bush. Created with fresh, modern illustrations, this colors primer is sure to captivate curious toddlers.

In this energetic counting primer, children are taken on a number-filled tour of beloved Bible stories. Little ones will learn their numbers and be introduced to the world of the Bible as they count one ark filled with animals, five stones picked by David, and the Ten Commandments written on stone tablets. Created with fresh, modern illustrations, this educational board book is sure to captivate curious toddlers.

• Age Range: 5 - 6 years
• Grade Level: Preschool and up
• Board book: 20 pages
• Publisher: Museum of the Bible Books; Brdbk edition (March 20, 2018)
• Language: English

My Review

Colors in the Bible is perfect for little hands, made of sturdy cardboard, and the filled with colors to draw your toddlers eye, and the beginnings of sharing your faith.
The pages are coordinated with the colors that they are referring to such as Orange, with a picture of an orange lion, and then on the opposite page the prose: Daniel was thrown into the den with Orange lions. Daniel 6:16.
The book consists of 20 pages, and each is color matched, tough-enough to be carried and dropped by those little hands. Sure, to be a hit with the eye drawing pages.

 

 

Numbers In The Bible is for your toddler to enjoy, and carry around. It is made out of very strong cardboard, and full of bright colors to draw their eyes in.
Once you begin turning the pages, the numbers go from one to ten, and each has a verse to correspond to the pictures presented. What a great way to introduce the bible to the little ones.
Not only will they be learning their numbers, and you can count along with them as each page has a picture to talk about, there is also a bible verse reference to share.

I received these books through Worthy Kids Ideas, and was not required to give a positive review