Tuesday, October 3, 2023

A Traitor in Whitehall (The Parisian Orphan) by Julia Kelly

 

1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s old friends, spots Evelyne on a night out, Evelyne finds herself plunged into the world of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.

However, shortly after she settles into her new role as a secretary, one of the girls at work is murdered, and Evelyne must use all of her amateur sleuthing expertise to find the killer. But doing so puts her right in the path of David Poole, a cagey minister’s aide who seems determined to thwart her investigations. That is, until Evelyne finds out David’s real mission is to root out a mole selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies, and the pair begrudgingly team up.

With her quick wit, sharp eyes, and determination, will Evelyne be able to find out who’s been selling England’s secrets and catch a killer, all while battling her growing attraction to David?

 

About The Author

 


Julia Kelly is the international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical mystery novels about the extraordinary stories of the past. Her books have been translated into 13 languages. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home before settling in London.

 

My Review


I really enjoyed this story of the secret underground bunker where the war effort was being fought. When I was finished, I sure wouldn't have wanted to work there, but it gave a great idea of what these people were going through to defeat the evil that was overrunning Europe.
We put faces to these people and I could just picture fresh on the job Evelyne, and she is putting her sharp mind to work, in more ways than one.
There is a slight romance beginning, but it is so beginning you really don't realize. David Poole and Evelyne are in some was thrust together and end up feeling each other out in the quest for answers to a murder, and the leaking of secrets.
You soon find yourself ducking the bombs that are rocking their underground conclave, and then we see the destruction!
The answers come, was I surprised, yes, but some were questionable in the beginning, but this does become complex, but there is an enemy to be fought.
Now I can't wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St. Martin's Press, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Against the Wind (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #2) by Amanda Cabot


 Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?

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, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than forty novels. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading.

 

My Review


 

This is the second book in this series, and just as good as the first, I recommend you read the first one, but this can be read alone!

This is sister Louisa's story, and she comes home! Will she stay? Well she doesn't arrive alone, and with her big heart willing to help those in need, Josh Porter ends up in her care.

Sometimes we don't see what is right in front of us, and sometimes righting past wrongs becomes more important!

We are offered some sweet romance, some very questionable happenings, and sadly some really bad occurences. Was I surprised at whom was responsible? Oh yes, I figured it was someone else.

This was a page turner, and hate waiting another year for the next book, but well worth the wait!

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

Into the Fire (Undaunted Courage #1) by Irene Hannon

 

As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers.

When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance--and maybe even their lives--go up in flames?

Amazon 

 

About The Author


 Irene Hannon is the best-selling author of more than 35 novels. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine and the Daphne du Maurier Award for mystery/suspense. Irene and her husband make their home in Missouri, USA. Irene invites you to visit her at her website, www.irenehannon.com

 

My Review


 As usual this author offers a page turning, holding your breath, heart in your throat read, and she sure didn't disappoint with this one!

Was I surprised as the facts unfold, and we find out whom has been committing the murders, oh yes, never suspected!

This is Bri's story, an arson investigator, and as the story opens one of their own has died and ATF has been called in, not happy, but surprised she likes Marc Davis!

We learn a lot about these folks live and what makes them tick, along with being gifted with a budding romance.

Bri walks with limp, but she goes about her job with all she has, she was previously a smoke jumper, she is one tough cookie. As we learn most of these two characters background, your respects and like goes up.

This is a great Christian Suspense read, now I can't wait for the next!

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

Monday, October 2, 2023

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman (A Salem B&B Mystery) by Traci Wilton

 


Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman (A Salem B&B Mystery)
by Traci Wilton

About Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman


Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman (A Salem B&B Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Setting – Massachusetts
Kensington Cozies (August 22, 2023)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496741374
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496741370
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BNWG9V65

Saturday night at the movies has some added flair now that Darren and Elise Shultz are reopening one of Salem’s classic theaters. Charlene is delighted to help the couple with their venture, and Darren has lined up a cult classic double-header featuring Lon Chaney in The Wolfman. But things get hairier than expected when Elise starts to choke on her popcorn mid-movie—and once the lights go up,
she’s dead . . .

When tests reveal Elise’s popcorn was poisoned, Detective Sam Holden eyes her husband as the guilty party. Charlene doesn’t believe Darren would hurt his wife—even if his company’s specialty seasoned salts were sprinkled on the fatal snack. But who else had a motive to do something so unsavory? With a little help from Jack, the handsome ghost who haunts her B&B, Charlene delves into the ill-fated couple’s past. And the more she learns, the more Charlene wonders if this time, she’s bitten off more than she can chew . . .

About Traci Wilton

From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone. Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, co-written as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it’s her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean.

Author Links

Website https://www.tracihall.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tracie.hall.35/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/traciella/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Traciwiltonauthor/

 Twitter https://twitter.com/tracihallauthor

Amazon https://amazon.com/author/tracihall

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tracihallauthor/

Kensington  https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author/traci-wilton/

 Purchase Links – AmazonB&NAppleKobo 

by putting others in my life I can help and who help me, and by putting His work in front of me to do.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 2 – RUFF DRAFTS – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 2 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 3 – Bigreadersite – REVIEW  

October 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

October 4 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 4 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 5 – Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 5 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 6 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT  

October 6 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

October 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 7 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 8 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

October 9 – Brooke Blogs – RECIPE

October 9 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

October 10 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

October 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 11 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

October 11 – Lady Hawkeye – RECIPE

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Celebrate Lit Presents: acob’s Well Author: Urcelia Teixeira

 

About the Book

Book: Jacob’s Well

Author: Urcelia Teixeira

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense

Release Date: April 28, 2023

“A mother knows. At least, that’s what everyone told her. That she’d know when something was wrong. Feel it. Deep inside as if there was an invisible cord that had stayed behind the day she brought her son into this life.

Well, they were wrong. Dead wrong.

She didn’t know her son at all. But then, he didn’t know her either.”

©Urcelia Teixeira – Excerpt Jacob’s Well. All rights reserved.

Dark secrets swirl around the small coastal town of Weyport as Mary-Jean Foley discovers just how far she would go to protect her son.

Even with a new sheriff in town. Even when her husband doesn’t agree. Even when she thinks God isn’t looking.

But how far is too far and at what cost?

As newly appointed small-town Sheriff Angus Reid settles into Weyport, it doesn’t take him long to discover just how corrupt his new town is. With a desk full of suspicious open cases and too much to prove, he is determined to rid his town of crime and win the hearts of his people.

But when two teenagers suddenly go missing, it lays bare sinister secrets and emotional ties that threaten to derail his investigation.

And as the case untangles, the secrets buried deep within the coastal borders of the tight-knit community slowly bubble to the surface.

Determined to find justice for the missing boys and their families, he races against the clock to find them. Unbeknownst of the dark forces that rage against him.

Then he gets a call that a body has been found…

If you enjoy suspenseful, twisty secrets and lies mystery novels that are rooted in faith and leave your heart in your throat, you will have a hard time putting down this page-turning Christian mystery and suspense novel.

Get ready to be taken on an emotional journey through a town where it seems everyone has a secret.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

As the author of a dozen plus Christian suspense thrillers, Urcelia Teixeira writes to first and foremost, bring glory to God. Then, to delight, entertain, and encourage her readers by creating pulse-pounding stories that are infused with inspiration and biblical truths.

Readers have said her books are “addictive and impossible to put down!”

They describe her work as being “prolific and well written stories that keep you in suspense,” and love her “imagery and attention to detail” that swoop them into the minds of her characters ” as if watching a blockbuster movie!”

Many of her readers appreciate the clean action scenes and love that her “faith shines through in her writing as she stays true to herself, giving pause to contemplate.”

 

More from Urcelia

Many years ago God gave me a prophetic scripture through which He named me Hephzibah (meaning ‘My delight is in her’). Some time after that, life happened and for a long while I felt unworthy of that name.  But, God showed me grace in this area for the nearly ten years that followed and, although I never aspired to be a writer, I wrote my first ever book on a bucket list whim in December 2017. Somehow it evolved into a series, but, while writing the fifth book in my Alex Hunt adventure thriller series, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and directing me into using my God-given talent for enhancing His Kingdom instead.  I obeyed and wrote the final book in that series, The Caiaphas Code, as my statement of faith before switching to writing Christian mystery and suspense instead.  Two days later, the idea for Every Good Gift was born and the day I finished writing the last sentence of this book, I heard the Lord whisper in my ear, Hephzibah, Hephzibah, over and over.  That has been the most noteworthy highlight of my short career so far: knowing that I have pleased God.

My heart and soul went into writing Jacob’s Well. I have three teenage sons, and raising them in a world filled with all kinds of temptation is not easy. They have to cope with so much more than we had to as kids: social media bullying, peer pressure to fit into a pretentious world that seems to intensify overnight, the lure of riches through online gaming or videos instead of education, to name but a few. But through the years, the pull of narcotics has remained the primary evil that threatens to destroy our children. I am blessed to have boys who aren’t scared to share their struggles with us and upon hearing a few of the stories about kids in their schools and our town, one of the main characters in Jacob’s Well was born. On the flip side, I have a mother’s heart and imagining what it would be like to watch your child go down the wrong path added in an entirely different element to the story, especially if that mother was a Christian. The spiritual and emotional battles that would rage within, the helplessness and desperation that come with wanting to do whatever it takes to save your son, the pride within your church community––these are all human responses. And that is how Mary-Jean Foley’s character was born.

Throw in a lawman and a villain in a coastal town where everyone has a secret and Jacob’s Well spilled out onto the pages!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24

For Him and My Family, September 24

Texas Book-aholic, September 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 26

Girls in White Dresses, September 27

Betti Mace, September 28

Pause for Tales, September 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 29

The Book Club Network, September 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 2 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 2

Cover Lover Book Review, October 3

The Sacred Line, October 4

Blogging With Carol, October 5

Lily’s Book Reveiws, October 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Urcelia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb9/jacob-s-well-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, October 1, 2023

New Leash on Life (Gone to the Dogs, #6) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

 


How Is a Missing Military Working Dog Related to Two Local Fires?
 
Snuggle with your trusty hound and settle into a small-town mystery in book 6 of the Gone to the Dogs series.
 
Air Force veteran Dr. Lane Bishop and Nora Hernandez’s romance has cooled. He is busy working as a researcher at the vet school, and she’s busy with her restaurant and opening an antique shop. What Lane hasn’t told her is his PTSD, which manifests mostly with nightmares, makes him believe he’s damaged goods. But that is about to change when he meets a stray pup that acts a lot like a military working dog.
 
When a tornado hits Brenham, there is damage in the downtown area and a fire is ignited in Nora’s new store. A Belgian Malinois dog is seen at the fire and later Lane sees him at a wedding venue where an explosion occurs. Not long after, a second explosion rocks Brenham and sends Nora and Lane on a hunt for the person responsible. Will the pair find the guilty party before more damage is done to the city’s landmarks? And will Lane find the words to tell Nora how much he loves her before it’s too late? 
 
Gone to the Dogs series:
Book 1 -
Off the Chain by Janice Thompson
Book 2 -
Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo
Book 3 -
Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Janice Thompson
Book 4 -
The Bark of Zorro by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Book 5 -
Every Dog Has His Day by Janice Thompson
Book 6 -
New Leash on Life by Kathleen Y’Barbo
 
About The Author

 

KATHLEEN Y'BARBO is a Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of more than one hundred books with two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Student and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and three very adorable Londoners.

To find out more about Kathleen or connect with her through social media, check out her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

 

My Review


 This is a read that really highlighted the senses of a dog. Of course, the dog is well trained, or so it is assumed.

This is the sixth book in this series, and it can be read alone, there are recurring characters, and the other books are so good!

This is Nora's story and her relationship Lane, and family and friends are wanting them, or Lane to make a decision!

Enter a solution, on a round about way, a tornado, fire, and unfortunately, drugs, but on the upside a beautiful well trained military dog, that in the end changes lives.

There is also a rescued cat, but there is a mystery, and as the facts unfold, wow, I really didn't see a lot of it coming!

Can't wait for the next book in this series!

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

Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder

 

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust--until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William's world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella's life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.

Amazon 

 

About The Author


Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In way of career, Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, National, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com


My Review


This was such a great read, loved the way the author's mind works, surprises abound!

There is a lot of jealousy here, greed, and outright hate! What a tale and quick thinking of an evil intent person, and yet someone who was guilty could have come to the aid of an innocent child.

There is a lot of action, and sure did keep my attention, and beware some people are not what they are pretending to be.

We are also given a bit of sweet romance, but can anything come from it.

I also love that there was an epilogue!

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

A Traitor in Whitehall (The Parisian Orphan) by Julia Kelly

  1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime Londo...