Special Blog Tour and Giveaway! Expedition: Still Life with guest post by author Dani Pettrey

Charm City

Welcome to Charm City and the first stop on the Expedition: Still Life Tour. If you haven’t checked out the contest I’m running during this fabulous blog tour, drop by my contest page for all the details. Over the next few weeks, we’ll “visit” many places and each stop will include a different giveaway.

Baltimore is home to the Chesapeake Valor gang, as well as myself and my family. It’s also home to over half a million people including a wealth of artists throughout years such as Edgar Allen Poe, Frederick Douglass, Laura Lippman, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Dashiell Hammett, and Francis Scott Key.

Baltimore is divided into a number of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own feel and vibe, bringing a unique thread to the beautiful tapestry that makes up Baltimore. Here’s a sampling of the beauty from Charm City:

“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

~Edgar Allen Poe

“One and God make a majority.” ~ Frederick Douglass

“And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave/O're the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

~Francis Scott Key

It had to be you. ~ Billie Holiday

Baltimore Mural

Attribution: (Handout photo, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts)

-- Chris Kaltenbach

Copyright © 2017, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication

Artist: Lyle Kissack Location: 592 Presstman St. Year: 2007

http://www.raoulmiddleman.com/gallery.html

Special thanks to Dani Pettrey for her guest post about Baltimore and the exciting Expedition: Still Life blog tour and contest! Learn more about Dani and the Chesapeake Valor series below (which I loved!), and don't forget to enter both giveaways- one here on Heidi Reads... and the tour Grand Prize!
 

Author Dani Pettrey

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a sigh-worthy romance novel. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent” of romance (USA Today).

Dani’s adventure-focused Alaskan Courage series climbed the CBA bestseller lists, with Submerged staying in the top twenty for five consecutive months. The five-book series also won multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others. She turns her attention to crime and law enforcement in her home state of Maryland in her new Chesapeake Courage series, starting with Cold Shot, which Library Journal called, “a harrowing and thrilling ride.” For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.

Check out my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

 

Don't miss Cold Shot, the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series!

Check out my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

www.danipettrey.com

Giveaways!

To be entered to win a Starbucks gift card, just answer the question below in the comments section. Thanks again for joining me on this expedition.

What’s your favorite city to visit and why?

(Contest ends April 30, 2017)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this artistic tour of Charm City. Thanks so much to Heidi for hosting the first stop on the Expedition: Still Life. Be sure to grab your passport stamp to be entered to win the Grand Prize by entering your information here:

Collect The First Stamp!

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Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

The Grand Prize is an Expedition: Still Life vintage leather travel tote full of locally-procured goodies (and some of the Chesapeake Valor gang’s favorites) to help you travel in coordinated style. It includes the following:

•         Autographed copy of Still Life (to read on your next trip)
 
•         Still Life Tote Bag (for carrying around all your sightseeing gear)

•         Still Life Disposable Camera (to take pictures of your travels)

•         Still Life Magnetic Picture Frame (to share your travel pics on your fridge)

•         Milk Makeup Sleep Mask & Cooling Gel Insert (to help you rest and keep your eyes looking refreshed)

•         L’Occitane Floral Cherry Blossom Voyage Set (in honor of cherry blossom season)

•         Blush Infinity Scarf (to keep you traveling in style)

•         Collapsible Water Bottle (to keep you hydrated)

Review: A Temporary Family by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When Tilly Hargreaves and her three nieces are stranded at his small stagecoach station in an abandoned town and threatened by outlaws, Nolan West must protect them. And the only way he can do that is by pretending he's married to Tilly. But can the former solider, whose only wish is for solitude, stop himself from growing attached to his temporary family?

Tilly knows the charade is necessary to keep her and the girls safe, but now her heart is in danger. The longer she pretends the stoic station agent is her husband, the more genuine their union feels. Nolan believes he's better off alone, but Tilly's certain that if he'd only open his heart to his make-believe family, he'd want to claim them as his for real.

My Review

This western historical is full of suspense and danger throughout the entire book as Tilly and Nolan endure the occupation of the station by villainous outlaws intent on stealing a pending shipment of gold. It seems that nothing goes right for these two as they face obstacle after obstacle. I liked Tilly's cheerful spirit and how it contrasted sharply with Nolan's discouraged attitude, yet over time she helped him lighten the darkness that's plaguing him through her hope and faith. He helps her put things in perspective as well, and that kind of symbiotic friendship was lovely. Their romance is hesitant and full of doubts, and I appreciated that their friendship and support of each other stood strong in spite of that. I was quickly turning pages to see what would happen next and how they would manage to come out on top of such a rough and dangerous situation!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review & Giveaway: Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she's getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky... if only she wasn't too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone- even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she'll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called "The Recluse" confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he's misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God's gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there's always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

My Review

This is a suspenseful story, albeit a bit predictable, with plenty of character growth as Isaac, Hannah, and members of their families learn life lessons about compassion, family loyalty, and strength. Most of the characters' flaws are revealed at some point in the story, which makes them easier to relate to- knowing they aren't perfect and struggling with choices and behavior. The person that was the hardest to understand was Hannah's little sister Jenny, who feels uprooted and places the blame entirely on Hannah, but has secrets of her own that she fails to communicate to her family. Isaac is charming and likeable, and his attentiveness and protectiveness for Hannah only makes him more so as time goes on. The level the story is written on is a bit simple, without the depth of emotion I've been used to from recent Amish fiction I've read, but it was an entertaining book and one that I wouldn't have a problem recommending to ages teen to adult.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

   

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The next book to keep you up way past your bedtime? Shelley Shepard Gray’s Her Secret, a suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love with Isaac (the friendly Amish man who lives next door), more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

Enter to win a copy of Her Secret. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced April 3rd on the Litfuse blog!

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay

Ever since her debut novel Dear Mr. Knightley, I've been a huge fan of Katherine Reay's writing. It's thoughtful, deep, and introspective like women's fiction, but with elements of romance and hope that I can't do without ;) I feel transported while reading her books and when I'm done I feel like I've been on a remarkable journey with the characters. Her last book A Portrait of Emily Price was especially amazing! I'm so excited to read her next book The Austen Escape which will release this November.

Synopsis

After years of following her best friend’s lead, Mary Davies finds a whimsical trip back to Austen’s Regency England paves the way towards a new future.

Mary Davies lives and works in Austin, Texas, as an industrial engineer. She has an orderly and productive life, a job and colleagues that she enjoys—particularly a certain adorable, intelligent, and hilarious consultant. But something is missing for Mary. When her estranged and emotionally fragile childhood friend Isabel Dwyer offers Mary a two-week stay in a gorgeous manor house in Bath, Mary reluctantly agrees to come along, in hopes that the holiday will shake up her quiet life in just the right ways. But Mary gets more than she bargained for when Isabel loses her memory and fully believes that she lives in Regency England. Mary becomes dependent on a household of strangers to take care of Isabel until she wakes up.

With Mary in charge and surrounded by new friends, Isabel rests and enjoys the leisure of a Regency lady. But life gets even more complicated when Mary makes the discovery that her life and Isabel’s have intersected in more ways that she knew, and she finds herself caught between who Isabel was, who she seems to be, and the man who stands between them. Outings are undertaken, misunderstandings play out, and dancing ensues as this triangle works out their lives and hearts among a company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation.

Review & Giveaway: Sweet is the Work by Breanna Olaveson

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Young women serving as missionaries today are carrying on a noble legacy of faith and dedication that extends back to the early days of the Church. But who were the brave women who paved the way for modern-day sister missionaries? In Sweet Is the Work, author Breanna Olaveson delves into a previously unexplored history that demonstrates the unique ability of women to carry out the errand of angels. Discover the powerful experiences of twelve of the earliest sister missionaries, from the first single proselytizing women in 1898 to some of the well-known sisters in Church history who were themselves pioneering missionaries. The women highlighted in this volume demonstrate the valiant and noble history of sister missionaries in an account that is sure to inspire readers to boldly go forth to share the truths of the gospel.

My Review

This is a slim volume containing brief histories of the first female missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and women who shared the gospel in the capacity of their service. It was interesting to see how differently the church operated in the early days and the evolution of its organization. The trials and journeys of these sisters are inspiring and they are wonderful examples worthy of admiration and emulation. I especially enjoyed learning about Mildred E. Randall who served in the Hawaiian islands since I recently took my first trip there and was able to visit the temple on Oahu and learned some history of the first converts in the visitor's center there. I think the volume would have been more well-rounded if it had included words of testimony from the individuals but instead it focused on historical facts and accomplishments. I missed the spirit that declarations of faith bring. Overall is was fascinating and would be a thoughtful gift to any young woman or sister preparing to serve a mission, as well as a nice addition to your personal gospel library.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Follow the tour!

March 27th
Heidi Reads...

March 28th
My Book a Day
Bloggin' 'Bout Books

March 29th
LDS Writer Mom
Sweetly Made

March 30th
Bookworm Lisa
LDS and Lovin' It
The Things I Love Most
Fire and Ice Reads

March 31st
Singing Librarian Books

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Review: Courting Carrie in Wonderland by Carla Kelly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Struggling through college and balancing her summer job in Yellowstone Park with the Wylie Camping Company, Carrie McKay simply doesn't have time to consider romance. Spanish American War Veteran Sergeant Major Ramsay Stiles also isn't looking for love, busy with his own complicated affairs. But as the magic of Yellowstone starts making its way into their hearts, both begin to see love move up their priority list

My Review

My husband and I love to visit National Parks, so I was especially intrigued that this story was set in Yellowstone's early days as a National Park. The policies regarding animals, the road construction and bridge building, and the presence of the army made it a much different place than it is today. Still other aspects were recognizable- the loveliness of the wilderness, the geysers, the pervading sulfur smell, and the joy of camping. The story moved a bit slowly for me, but the blossoming relationship between Carrie and Ramsay moved things along and since I've always enjoyed the author's historical perspective and unique voice, I decided to sit back and just enjoy the trip ;) Carrie and Ramsay both have experienced trauma and the peace and light they bring each other make their relationship a special one. I liked the circumstances that allowed them to spend more time together, escorting a retired Broadway star who is superior and demanding, yet hides a sensitive past. The way Carrie and Ramsay deal with her show their deeper characteristics- dignity, compassion, and humor. The sweet banter and understanding between the two make their romance just lovely.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for “Borrowed Light,” “My Loving Vigil Keeping,” and “Softly Falling.”

Follow the blog tour!

March 14: Emmy Mom
March 16: LDS and Loving It
March 17: Kindle and Me || My Book a Day
March 18: Blooming With Books
March 20: Wishful Endings
March 21: Books and Benches
March 22: Robyn Echols
March 23: Heidi Reads
March 24: Mel’s Shelves
March 25: Deal Sharing Aunt
March 26: Jorie Loves a Story
March 27: Bookworm Lisa || Julie Coulter Bellon
March 28: Getting Your Read On
March 29: Singing Librarian Books || Rockin’ Book Reviews
March 30: Katie’s Clean Book Collection || Sweetly Made
March 31: Bookworm2Bookworm

Review: Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology by Heather Chapman, Paula Kremser, Mandi Ellsworth, Ashtyn Newbold

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons--whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.

Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
Though decidedly against marriage, when Ambrose Notley discovers it may win him his uncle's good opinion (and his inheritance), he marries the orphaned Kate Mowbray. But will Kate be able to break down the walls that Ambrose has built around himself?

First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
When Letty's sister and husband unexpectedly die, a greedy uncle threatens to steal custody of the children and their money. David, Letty's brother-in-law, marries Letty in the hopes of retaining custody of their niece and nephew. But will this love for show become something deeper?

The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
When Faith McKinney witnesses a crime she shouldn't have seen, she's forced into hiding to protect her own life.As part of this, her uncle arranges her marriage to small-town sheriff Geoffrey. But when the men searching for her find Geoffrey as well, will he be able to protect her?

Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
When a marriage arranged by chance brings Fanny and Percy together, they quickly learn that clashing personalities and battles of wit are not a recipe for a happy match. How could a marriage between quick enemies ever result in something such as love? But fate has a way of bringing even the most unlikely hearts together...

My Review

What a sweet collection of novellas! I love the marriage of convenience theme since it shows how two people can grow together in an often difficult and unusual situation. I enjoyed each story equally- I wasn't able to pick a favorite, but that's a good thing ;) The individuals in the stories were well fleshed out and had depth and a unique voice. I liked seeing the variety of writing styles from the authors and the settings were interesting as well- two were set in England, one was a western, and one was in New York. The romances are clean and heartfelt, with emotion and hope in the midst of the characters' desperation. I love stories like these that offer a sweet journey to happily-ever-after.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

“Unexpected Love” blog tour schedule:

 
March 14: Literary Timeout
March 15: Live to Read
March 16: Seeker of Happiness || Books & Benches
March 17: Rockin’ Book Reviews
March 18: Inklings and Notions
March 19: Kindle and Me
March 20: Hardcover Feedback
March 21: Writing Worm
March 22: Geo Librarian || Heidi Reads...
March 23: Getting Your Read On || Bookworm Lisa || Mel’s Shelves || Singing Librarian Books
March 24: Bookworm2Bookworm || Making Life a Bliss Complete
March 25: Kaki Recommends
March 26: The Things I Love Most
March 27: My Book a Day
March 28: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
March 29: Blooming With Books || Inklings and Notions
March 30: Jorie Loves a Story || Wishful Endings
March 31: The Dragon’s Nook