Review: Material Witness by Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy's Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer's boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.

This time it's a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he's looking for something or someone. If they can't figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie's close circle of friends may be next.

Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure ... this time it's nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.

My Review

I enjoyed the friendship of Deborah, Callie and the others as they handle the upheaval in their community and lives. This book has all the elements of a cozy mystery, with an Amish setting mingled with their Englisch neighbors. I had read the first book in the series quite a while ago, so it took me some time to sort out all the names and get a feeling for who's who again. It was overwhelming at first with everyone being introduced along with bits about their backstory while new plot threads are simultaneously beginning. Eventually all that settled down and the layers of the story unfolded along with a little romance, which I'm always a fan of!

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.

Don't miss the previous books in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series . . .

Review: An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

When Katie Bender's fiance died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn't know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can't afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent--and ultimate--battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Sworn to protect what God has ordained, the mighty angel Elias appears to them as a mysterious visitor. And with his guidance, Katie and Seth find the courage to take the first small steps toward the life, and love, they were destined for.

My Review

The first scenes of the book were exciting with the tornado- Katie rescuing the children and ensuring their safety in the schoolhouse cellar, aided by Seth as he joined them from a nearby field. The heavenly help from the angel Elias was lovely and I liked the way he provided guidance and promptings. When the stress of the aftermath descends, Katie and Seth are snappy and rude to each other, and somehow it doesn't let up, even though they are both attracted to each other and keep feeling the need to help one another. I wasn't feeling their chemistry at all. It was over a third of the way into the book that we learn Elias isn't the only otherworldly character influencing the members of the community- enter the demon Razzen. This is where I began to lose interest. I continued reading to see if the relationship between Seth and Katie would begin to develop past immature jabs, but the plot continued to be hijacked by the paranormal battle between angel and demon with the Amish characters as their pawns. There are some spiritual lessons to be learned but the storytelling style just wasn't my cup of tea.

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.

Review: The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart.

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn—unbeknownst to Linnea—to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all—falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

My Review

I love the setting of traveling to Colorado in the 19th century. Linnea is highly intelligent with her botany research, but has a tendency to find herself in dangerous mishaps while in the wilderness- some were humorous but others were more harrowing. Flynn's role of unofficial bodyguard allows for frequent proximity, while driving cattle and exploring the terrain. Of course, his secret arrangement with her father foreshadows the misunderstanding that will inevitably come... I enjoyed this journey and adventure with the McQuaids and getting to know the members in the family more, as well as the complex dynamics between them. I really felt for Flynn with the pressures that are on him, and the expectations that he struggles with. Linnea is also trying to prove herself, but while some accidents can be explained, others cannot, bringing an element of mystery and suspense. The romance was a little too up and down for me, but I did enjoy the spiritual thread of faith woven in.

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.

Don't miss the other books in the Colorado Cowboys series . . .

Review: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Sophie has spent a lifetime guarding her heart and a long-held secret. It will take all of her courage to speak the truth and embrace the future God has planned for her.

The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.

Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.

They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship.

My Review

The stunning cover first caught my eye with this book. I didn't realize it was the third in the series, and while it can technically be read as a stand alone, I feel like I missed some character development from the previous books since the author referred to Sophie's past and her relationship with the Caldwell's quite a bit. Sophie grew up in the local orphanage and doesn't have good memories there, but has thrived and become skilled in journalism and newspaper printing. I admired her work ethic and her passion for influencing the world for good, especially by advocating for the downtrodden. Sadly I lost interest in the story when the writing style failed to keep me connected to the characters and the plot. There was some foreshadowing of future complex dynamics but the pace was just too slow for me. I think this book would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction and small-town settings.

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.

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Her Darkest Secret
Author: Jessica R. Patch
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired TRADE
Release Date: June 28, 2022
Genre: Christian, Psychological Thriller with a romance thread

When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her. 

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona. Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

EXCERPT

Rhyme easily blended in with the rest of the onlooking crowd.

Asa Kodiak.

The name alone gave him a sour taste on his tongue, but things couldn’t have panned out any better. Kodiak’s new girlfriend was in charge of the crime scene. Not that it would have mattered who had been lead—Kodiak would have been called in once they saw Jenny’s body. Saw the feather.

Asa was right now seeing it. A million thoughts flying through his thick skull—one in particular.

Before the day was out, Kodiak would call for Fiona. Tell her he needed her back in Memphis to work the case, but she’d know that it was Rhyme who had actually beckoned her.

It was time to come home.

To him.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Patch of Hope devotions in her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com. She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent at Books & Such Literary Management. 

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Her Darkest Secret, Brain Games WHODUNIT:  Solve Crime Scene Puzzles Book, & a Shine cross necklace!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 28, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 5, 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

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review: Glittering Promises by Lisa T. Bergren

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

For Cora Kensington, the Grand Tour was to be the trip of a lifetime. She discovered the family she never knew she had and may have even found the love she longs for in Will. Yet her life has just become infinitely more challenging ...

Hounded by the stubborn pursuit of Pierre de Richelieu and journalists chasing the beguiling story of the newest American heiress, Cora fights to remain true to her past, reconcile her present, and still embrace her future. But as Will struggles with her newfound wealth, Cora begins to wonder if their love is strong enough to withstand all that threatens to pull them apart.

As she glimpses the end of the tour, Cora knows it's time to decide who and what defines her ... and who and what does not.

My Review

Since the books in this series pick up where the previous one left off, I read them all in order one right after the other. And I felt like it was the journey that would never end! The first book is my favorite where we get to know the characters, the intriguing premise of the plot, and begin the travels of the Kensingtons and Morgans. I enjoyed the romance between Will and Cora in the second book, when she decides between Will and Pierre. The internal angst over her identity and relationship with her new family becomes a bit trying, but I appreciated the element of faith that was woven in. This third book left me feeling disconnected from Cora and Will, tired of the little dramas, and began skimming until the plot picked up with some danger and intrigue. The details of the countries and specific locations they visited were interesting at first but I eventually became weary of the descriptions. Overall I enjoyed the story but felt that it would have been more appealing as one or two books. 

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 first two books in the Grand Tour series . . .

Review: A Cowboy Christmas by Linda Goodnight, Ruth Logan Herne

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Second chances at love

A duet of Christmas cowboy romances 

 

Rancher Caleb Girard never thought he deserved Kristen Andrews. But when his ailing foster father brings her home as his nurse, Christmas blessings could surprise them all in Snowbound Christmas. 

 

After a tragic loss, Ty Carrington tries to hide from the world on his Idaho ranch...until Jessica Lambert and her adorable daughter sneak into his life and his heart in Falling for the Christmas Cowboy.

My Review

I love Christmas stories and will read them any time of year! This is a great duo of stories and I enjoyed the warm spirit of the season in them. They both had great plots and characters, and while the romantic tension wasn't as strong as I usually like, I still appreciated the gentle sweetness of the connection between the leading couples. I enjoy the writing style of both these authors and recommend this book to fans of inspirational holiday stories for a quick and pleasant read.

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.

Blog Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Catching Hope 

Author: Kathy Cassel 

Publisher: Haven Point Publishing 

Release Date: March 22, 2022 

Genre: Teens/YA, Christian 

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger. 

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR KATHY CASSEL 

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a mom of eight--two by birth, one by marriage, and five by adoption—and grandma to six. I love sharing adventures with them whether it’s scuba diving a shipwreck, traveling to a new place, or simply hanging out at the beach together.

What do you do besides writing?

I learned to scuba dive and ride a motorcycle to better relate to character I’ve been creating in my mind for quite a while. So now I love to spend time on my cycle (I switched to a three wheel Can Am Ryker recently to make it safer for the little ones) or scuba diving. I also deliver parcels for the Post Office to support my hobbies.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

This story takes place in Haiti, and I traveled to Haiti several times while in the process of adopting twins from an Orphanage in Port au Prince. I spent time online looking up some of the places in Haiti because things changed a lot after the earthquake in 2010. Some of the places in the book are fictional and some are real.

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?

I often have a picture in my mind of what the characters look like, but there isn’t always someone in real life they resemble or it may be someone from years ago.

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

I actually work better with it quiet, which my teens find very strange.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

There is always hope. No matter what happened in the past, never give up on hope. God already knows about the past “junk” in our lives, and he still has a perfect plan for us.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

My third YA novel just released, and now I’m taking a short break from YA to work on an underwater crime scene novel. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Kathy Cassel is the author of eleven books for Christian preteens and girls and three Young Adult Fiction books.

Kathy grew up in northern Indiana, lived on three different continents while her husband was in the USAF, and now lives in the Florida Panhandle. She and her husband have eight children, five of whom are adopted, three from Haiti and two from the United States. They also have six grandchildren. Kathy’s favorite activities are those that involve traveling and adventures that include her children and grandchildren. In order to better relate to the characters in her stories, Kathy has done things such as whitewater rafting, certify in scuba diving, and get her motorcycle endorsement. She draws the line at sky diving. 

CONNECT WITH KATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 BAM card gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.