Thursday, October 20, 2022

Guest Post: The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey

The Danger With Diamonds JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 
The Danger with Diamonds Title: The Danger with Diamonds 
Series: Falcon Point Suspense #1 
Authors: Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey 
Publisher: Covenant Communications 
Release Date: October 10, 2022 
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romantic Suspense

Some secrets are worth keeping. Others are not.

When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.

As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm that he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly links Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle to the crime. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

GUEST POST WITH AUTHOR SIAN ANN BESSEY


If you were to ask any two co-authors how writing a book together worked, each pair would probably give you a different answer. When Traci and I wrote Heirs of Falcon Point with Paige Edwards and A. L. Sowards, we learned that our writing styles are remarkably compatible. We also enjoy a close friendship. Those two things made all the difference as we took on the task of writing this new book together.

We live on opposite sides of the country, so plotting for this book involved many Zoom calls. In general, we took it in turns to write the scenes, but occasionally the order shifted as we discussed which character’s POV was best suited for a particular scene. We each created two main characters and wrote from their points of view. The author who created the character had final say on the character’s actions and speech, no matter who wrote the scene. Interestingly, we hardly ever needed to make any of those types of changes because we both understood each other’s characters well enough to know how they would act and what they would say.

Neither of us creates detailed, overarching story plots when we write, so our plotting was done in 6-10 scene increments. Traci rarely knows who her bad guy is before she’s three-quarters of the way through writing her books, but after some friendly persuasion on my part, she discovered him a little earlier than usual in this novel. By the time we reached the latter part of the story, our focus turned to making sure we pulled all the threads in the story together to create a satisfying conclusion.

As far as the location for this book goes, we both enjoy traveling, and felt that Vienna was the perfect place to set this story. The fact that we’ve both visited the city made it easier to describe the specific locations mentioned in the book, along with the food and the Austrian culture. Admittedly, neither of us has actually attended a ball at Schonbrunn Palace, but we loved doing it vicariously through our characters, and hope our readers will enjoy the experience too.



 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

 

Traci Hunter Abramson Sian Bessy

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe). Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality - best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary - Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and recently retired from coaching high school swimming.

Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English. She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist. Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Connect with Sian by visiting sianannbessey.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 


 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of The Danger of Diamonds, and book-themed swag (including stickers, bookmark, and postcard).

The Danger with Diamonds JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 17, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 24, 2022. 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours





Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Book Tour & Giveaway: Range by Ronie Kendig

Range JustRead Blog + Review Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Range by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 
Range Title: Range 
Series: The Metcalfes #3 
Author: Ronie Kendig 
Publisher: Task Force Press 
Release Date: September 30, 2022 
Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense

He's back and he's out for blood

Fed up with living in the shadow of his brothers, Range Metcalfe struck out to carve a name for himself—one written in the blood of many a terrorist. Now, he’s targeting the notorious Madam of Kandahar, who has trafficked children and women. Finally given the green light, he captures her and quickly finds himself entrenched up in a deadly encounter that forces him into the Afghan wilderness—with the madam. 

Ten years trapped in human trafficking and five of those spent overseeing a compound, Kasra Jazani has little left of her soul. No longer able to live with herself, she takes matters into her own hands and coordinates an escape, a massive coup against the man who has kept her and so many others captive. They flee into the night—right into the fierce and capable hands of American operators, who ruin everything and put lives at risk. Livid, she knows death is coming for them, because she also holds a very dangerous, very powerful secret: the name of the man at the top of the trafficking ring. Now that monster wants her—and her American protector—dead.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

EXCERPT


CIA SAFEHOUSE , KANDAHAR PROVINCE , AFGHANISTAN
 
“SOMETHING EATING YOU?”

Arms folded as he propped against the wall outside the interview room, Range trained his focus on the woman sitting on the other side of the one-way glass. “She gave up too easy.”

Pike joined him. “Who cares as long as we have her, and now a couple dozen women and children freed of her.”

Though Range nodded, it still didn’t add up.

“What?”

“Something’s not right.” He peeled off the wall and faced the onetime master chief. “You’ve seen it—these women are terrified to flee. Yet we infiltrated a heavily fortified compound and find them ... what? Escaping.” He shook his head. “Doesn’t add up.”

Pike studied him for a long second.

“I’m not overthinking it.”

“It’s what you do best.” Laughing, he slapped Range’s shoulder. “Relax. We got them—her. She’s there and she’s not going anywhere.”



 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Connect with Ronie by visiting roniekendig.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Range and an Operation Underground t-shirt.

Range JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 18, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 25, 2022. 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours




Monday, October 17, 2022

Review & Giveaway: The Holly and the Ivy by Sarah M. Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, Anneka R. Walker



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Spend the holidays with four of your favorite historical romance authors, whose stories of Yuletide romance will brighten the season with humor, hope, and the promise of true love.

“The Holly and the Ivy” by Sarah M. Eden

As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on Nurse Robbie’s heart.

“Hiding Christmas” by Esther Hatch
Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine’s English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg for the help of the one man she cannot abide.

“A Twist of Christmas” by Dana LeCheminant

A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences.

“A Season to Love” by Anneka R. Walker

Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.


My Review

A lovely collection of stories filled with Christmas spirit in a Regency setting! The first story, The Holly and the Ivy will be enjoyed the most by readers of the author's Lancaster Family series, as it shows Adam from the first book, Seeking Persephone, as a young boy enduring the challenges that shape him as an adult. The parents from The Jonquil Brothers series (who we get to know in depth in the first book of The Gents series, Forget Me Not) play an important role in Adam's life and attempt to stabilize his cracked foundation with unconditional love even though they are not related. I love the message that we choose our family and adopt one another as we forge connections.
 
My favorite of this collection, Hiding Christmas taught me some fascinating historical details, like Christmas celebrations being taboo in Scotland! Kirstine's quick thinking gets her grandmother and her on the road to England for their celebration, but also gets her into a humorous quandary with a loaf of bread and the neighbor who is living the life she feels her brother should have had. I loved the journey both physical and mental that reconciles Kirstine to Isaac, and the sweet romance that develops when she lets go of the past and embraces a new relationship.
 
A Twist of Christmas provides a fun if implausible scenario with the main characters both choosing to swap places with another of a lower station in order to avoid their usual experiences at the house party. Of course, they fall in love with each other, but think the other is of the lower station and it won't work out. Some repetitive angst and a predictable outcome.   
 
A Season to Love brought more humor as Alice prays aloud in an empty church for a husband, and is answered by the local clergyman who sweetly helps her in her quest to find a match. They have lovely chemistry and naturally grow closer together during her time in the village. His sense of humor reminded me of a Henry Tilney, while Alice is awkwardly endearing yet confident in herself. A perfect conclusion to the book that left me with a smile on my face.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Giveaway
 
 

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Review: The Marriage Agreement by Renee Ryan


My rating: 3 stars / I liked it



Synopsis

Promoted to Wife?

Always the dutiful daughter, Fanny Mitchell surprised everyone when she broke her engagement. Now she's working at the fancy Hotel Dupree--and falling for the mysterious, handsome owner, Jonathon Hawkins. But when she and her boss are caught in an unexpected kiss at a ball, will her reputation be tarnished forever?

The son of a woman of ill repute, Jonathon knows that gossip can destroy lives in an instant. And he won't allow sweet, lovely Fanny to suffer the consequences. When he proposes a marriage of convenience, Jonathon believes he can keep his heart to himself. But the more time he spends with Fanny, the more he realizes he may just be in love--with his wife...


My Review

I enjoyed the premise of the story, with an unexpected marriage between two people who secretly admire each other in order to save their reputations. However, there is just so much unnecessary drama, especially when it goes against what the characters repeatedly think to themselves. That disconnect removed me from understanding the motivations of Fanny and Jonathan, and their early chemistry dissolved in the midst of the angst. The importance placed on society and society's opinion made Fanny seem shallow, but then she suddenly seemed to not care what society thought, but married in order to prevent her mother from suffering. Jonathan is the one who went through the biggest transformation as he struggled to overcome the stigma of his origins in his own mind. Being the last book in the series, there were plenty of previous characters that were drawn into the scenes, which readers who read the books in order would appreciate.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the previous books in the Charity House series . . .









Review: The Rancher's Texas Match by Brenda Minton


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

A Rancher's Mission

As a volunteer at the Lone Star Cowboy League Boys Ranch, Tanner Barstow helps the troubled young residents turn their lives around. When a local rancher dies and leaves his large property to the boys ranch, Tanner finds himself spending a lot of time with Macy Swanson, whose orphaned nephew, Colby, lives at the ranch. Tanner's attracted to the newcomer, but she doesn't fit his plans. Macy longs to have Colby come home with her, but the former city girl worries she won't be the mother he deserves. Can Tanner help her see that the future she and Colby need is right here—with him?


My Review

I loved the setting of a ranch where boys get the chance to learn how to cope with their trauma and heal. Macy and Colby are working toward reunification, and Tanner becoming more involved in their lives is a catalyst to help them move forward. It's heartbreaking that children go through such tough situations, and I'm thankful to the people who work in the industries that help them. Since this is the first book in the series, we are introduced to various characters at the ranch and in the community that will be featured in the following books. The subplot of suspicious trouble making which is blamed on the boys at the ranch by the local cantankerous lawyer isn't resolved but seems that it will be an overarching plot connecting the books. The healing and faith that Macy and Colby experience brought depth and sweetness to the story and I enjoyed their happily ever after.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Lone Star Cowboy League series . . .







Review: Healing the Cowboy's Heart by Ruth Logan Herne


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

A perfect match...or sworn enemies?
Only time will tell at Shepherd's Crossing.


Horse breeder Isaiah Woods can't believe his only ally in helping a neglected mare is the descendant of his family's bitter enemy--veterinarian Charlotte Fitzgerald. Despite the feud, Charlotte risks everything to save the horse. But as she falls for Isaiah--and the orphaned niece and nephew in his care--the mare isn't the only one who needs saving.


My Review

Isaiah and Charlotte have amazing chemistry which bumped my rating to five stars! I felt connected with their emotions, and loved their journey as their relationship progressed in the midst of familial and community strife. The themes of grief, redemption, and forgiveness are strongly portrayed in the lives of the characters. It was interesting to learn about equine care with Charlotte's occupation as a mobile vet, and the horses they rescue. Isaiah's Native American heritage also provided details that brought depth to the story. Great setting, great characters, great plot. Loved it!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Shepherd's Crossing series . . .