Simply Susan

‘Her Alaskan Return’ by Belle Calhoune

March 28, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About the book**
To truly come home,

She must face the reason she left…

Moving back to her Alaskan hometown was an easy decision for soon-to-be-single mom Autumn Hines. It’s the perfect place to raise her baby. When her path crosses that of her old flame, widowed fisherman Judah Campbell, new sparks are ignited. There’s just one thing standing in their way: Autumn has a secret. Revealing it could set them free, but can she find the courage to speak the truth?

**From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.**

**Serenity Peak**

About the Author
Publisher’s Weekly Best Selling Author Belle Calhoune was born and raised in Massachusetts, one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library fed her hunger for books, particularly romance novels and mysteries. A member of the RWA (Romance Writers of America) Honor Roll, Belle has written over 40 books. Her novel, An Alaskan Christmas, has been made into a television movie by Brain Power Studios, to be featured on UPtv in October of 2019.

My Rating: 4 stars

This was the first book I had read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Good characters that were believable and a nice plot. I will read more by this author. My thanks to the publisher for an electronic copy of this book.

https://amzn.to/3Z8Ky6I

‘When Tomorrow Came’ by Hannah Lindler

March 21, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About The Book**
**They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return**

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

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 Rating: 4 Stars**
Hannah Lindler’s debut novel was outstanding, so I was very keen to read her second. She does a Regency well and I sure love a good one. She has crafted some fine characters with an in-depth story line. I was reading it every chance I got and now I’m looking forward to her next novel. My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley.

Print length

412 pages
Language

English
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publisher

Barbour Fiction
Publication date

April 1, 2023
File size

4143 KB
https://www.amazon.com/When-Tomorrow-Came-Hannah-Linder-ebook/dp/B0BVP6119Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A8O72FLTWLRD&keywords=when+tomorrow+came&qid=1677511260&s=digital-text&sprefix=when+tomorrow%2Cdigital-text%2C103&sr=1-1

‘Honor’s Mountain Promise’ (Hearts of Montana) by Misty M. Beller

March 6, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About the book**
***They both want a new start, but nothing prepared them for this treacherous journey.***

Finally on the right side of the law, Aaron Long expected his life to take an upward turn. Instead, he ends up with a bum leg and driving a freight wagon through the wild Rocky Mountains. At least he has the joy of his newfound faith in God. The last thing he expects in the middle of an urgent delivery to Settler’s Fort is to discover a woman begging him to take her the opposite direction. She’s heavy with child, so he can’t leave her, but neither can he take her where she wants to go.

Katie Barlowe has never had control of her life. Especially not when her parents married her off to a successful businessman who was determined to start a ranch in the faraway Montana Territory. Now she’s a widow left on her own in these breathtaking but treacherous mountains. She’s determined to forge a better future for herself and the new life growing inside her. To do so, she needs to get back to civilization before the babe is born. When she finally finds a freighter to take her the first leg of the journey east, all seems to be falling into place. Then the driver is killed and she’s left with a stranger who’s unwilling to take her farther than a tiny mining town, far from Fort Benton and the steamship she’d hoped would carry her home.

When Aaron and Katie set out through the mountain winter, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get one of her bestselling novels FREE here: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

Learn more at http://www.MistyMBeller.com.

I love the inspirational historical books Misty Beller writes so much. She always fascinates me with her attention to detail and good plots, not to mention her wonderful characters. I can’t wait for the next one.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.

Language

English
Sticky notes

Not Enabled
Publisher

Misty M. Beller Books, Inc.
Publication date

March 7, 2023
Page Flip

Not Enabled
Word Wise

Not Enabled

https://amzn.to/3Xtcxgl

‘Under Fire’ (Defend and Protect) by Lynn H. Blackburn

March 4, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About the book**
USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend–and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.

Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president’s protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light.

Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves *and* protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?

Sparks fly as award-winning romantic suspense writer Lynn H. Blackburn closes out her Defend and Protect series with this explosive tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and relationships restored.

About the Author

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas!

Lynn’s titles have won the Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award. Her newest series kicked off in March 2021 with Unknown Threat, Book 1 in the Defend and Protect series.

She is a frequent conference speaker and has taught writers all over the country. Lynn lives in South Carolina with her true love and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after by signing up for her newsletter at LynnHBlackburn.com and @LynnHBlackburn on Bookbub, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

**My Rating 4 stars**
I have really enjoyed this series very much. I have really been looking forward to Zane and Tessa’s story and I was not disappointed at all. The plot was great and the characters well done. My thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.

Book 3 of 3

Defend and Protect
Print length

350 pages
Language

English
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publisher

Revell
Publication date

March 7, 2023
https://amzn.to/3S0sut8

‘Forged In Love’ (Wyoming Sunrise) by Mary Connealy

March 1, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About The Book**
**When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?**

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages and Sophie’s daughters, and has man other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.

Find Mary online at:

Her website: maryconnealy.com

Her blog for aspiring writers: Seekerville

Her blog for lovers of western romance: Petticoats & Pistols

Mary is on Facebook at facebook.com/maryconnealy

And Twitter at twitter.com/maryconnealy

I am always happy to see Mary Connealy has a new book out. I haven’t missed one if hers in many years. She is a huge favorite. She begins a new series here a d has a realky good plot. And I loved the dog so much. Connealy always entertains me and I love hee work so much. Her hero here was so great.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book.

Print length 297 pages
Language English
Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
Publisher Bethany House Publisher

https://amzn.to/3YpJJWU

‘A Cry in the Dark’ by Jessica R. Patch

February 28, 2023 susansnodgrass

Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.
But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.
And they’re not talking…

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…

About Jessica R. Patch
Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at http://www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

**My Rating: 5 Stars!!**
‘She realized she had no hope. No light. No salvation.’

How do I even begin to write a review for a book that completely captivated me during the reading?
I’ve pondered that a while and still don’t believe I can do it justice. I’ve been a Jessica Patch fan
since I read her first book. Which, by the way, I’ve read three times. I’ve re-read many of her other
books, too. She’s good. And she is able to switch genres effortlessly. Her rom coms are so much fun.
Then she can totally slay a suspense novel. (No pun intended.)
When she wrote the first book in this series, Her Darkest Secret, she showed us how deep her talent went. I loved that book and felt she did her very best work there. Now, with this one, Patch has proven her talent knows no bounds. She is absolutely stunning here. She is totally adept at a crime/suspense novel. I’m serious. This is way better than Criminal Minds. She takes her readers into that dreary Kentucky holler and I immediately felt as if I were there with the characters. The atmosphere was just electric with tension. I felt the despair of many of the residents, trapped in a life that had no meaning and with no way out that they could see.

‘No one thought anything bad could happen to them. Until it did.’
Patch has also created one of the strongest, toughest, female characters I believe I’ve ever read in the character of Violet Rainwater. Violet, whose entire life has been so hard and devoid of human love. And Violet doesn’t believe that God could even love her. Patch has woven a spiritual thread here that is mighty to see and read. And also to feel deep down in your heart. And the secondary characters of the FBI group are wonderful. I certainly look forward to reading Tiberius Granger’s story some day. Hopefully.

‘No one had ever prayed for her.’

Jessica Patch has more than proven that she has a powerful talent. I knew that, but this was absolutely outstanding! Bravo and well done! This is definitely one for the keeper shelf.

My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.

Language
English
Publisher
Love Inspired Trade
Publication date
February 28, 2023
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PVJG5SJ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i10

‘Deadly Vengeance’ by Jodie Bailey

February 22, 2023February 22, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About the book**
The easiest way to murder someone

is to make sure they don’t exist…

Someone has erased profiler Gabe Buchanan’s identity…and now they’re trying to kill him. And although Chief Warrant Officer Hannah Austin betrayed him in the past when she was undercover investigating his friend, now she’s his only hope to stay alive and restore his name. With the clock ticking down, can they track down the killer who wants to silence him permanently?

**From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.**

About the Author

Jodie Bailey is the USA Today Best-selling author of novels about freedom and the heroes who fight for it. Jodie is also a public speaker and teacher who packs her novels with the knowledge she’s gained as an Army wife.

Jodie Bailey grew up in Eastern North Carolina, where she developed a love for golden sand and the Atlantic Ocean. She started writing stories as soon as she learned how to put sentences together, and spent her childhood and teen years making her best friends’ dreams come true on paper.

In college, she met the love of her life—a soldier who rides a Harley and jumps out of airplanes for fun. This prompted a whole lot of moving from place to place, and she had no idea how much those moves would work their way into her stories. For ten years, she pursued her second love, teaching. Now a full-time writer, she still teaches part-time because the kids keep her young and, every once in awhile, she needs some time away from the imaginary characters.

Jodie currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and a very stubborn pup.

**My Rating** : 5 Stars!
If you enjoy inspirational suspense, look no further. From the first chapter to the last, this one manages to keep the action ramped up very well indeed. Jodie Bailey has been a favorite since I first read a book by her and I very much look forward to each release. Recommended.

My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book electronically. The opinion here is my own.
Print length

222 pages
Language

English
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publisher

Love Inspired Suspense
Publication date

February 21, 2023
File size

2001 KB
https://amzn.to/3kECnjA

‘A Match in The Making’ by Jen Turano. Giveaway!

February 21, 2023 susansnodgrass

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention–and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

About the Author

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at http://www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

5 stars!

As usual, Jen Turano never fails to entertain me with her books. Her quite unique sense of humor always has me laughing loudly, and thoroughly enjoying every minute of her stories. I just don’t know how she does it. But she does and does it well indeed. A huge favorite of mine.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is expressly my own.

Print length 362 pages
Language English
Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
Publisher Bethany House Publishers
Publication date February 21, 2023
File size 6959 KB
https://amzn.to/3kf2j4Z

Jen has graciously agreed to give a copy away to anyone in the contiguous US. To enter, leave a comment on the blog post with your name and email. Winner will be notified in three days.

https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor/

‘Detecting Secrets’ by Sami A. Abrams

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About The Book**
Tracking the scents of the missing

might be the only way to save them.

Partnered with her air-scent dog and Sheriff Dennis Monroe, marriage and family therapist Charlotte Bradley is desperate to put an end to a black-market baby smuggling ring in Anderson County. Who is kidnapping the pregnant girls she counsels and taking their babies? As Charlotte searches for answers, she and Dennis must dodge gunfire and deadly attacks. But the sinister agenda they uncover just might include her.

**From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.**

**Deputies of Anderson County**

Book 1: *Buried Cold Case Secrets*
Book 2: *Twin Murder Mix-Up*
Book 3: *Detecting Secrets*

About the Author

Award-winning, Bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime with a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

If you love romantic suspense, go to Sami’s website and sign up for her newsletter to get the inside scoop at samiaabrams.com

**My Rating: 5 Stars!**
‘When was the last time God answered her prayers?’

I was drawn in immediately with this story and it held my interest throughout. I love it when this happens. Abrams has a great plot, believable characters, and great action throughout. For a suspense lover like myself, this is wonderful! I love how her characters relate between each other, too. And I was thoroughly surprised by the identity of the culprit. I never once even expected it to be who it was. Very well done!

My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
Print length

227 pages
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Language

English
Publisher

Love Inspired Suspense
Publication date

February 21, 2023
File size

2503 KB
https://amzn.to/3QqvDSo

‘Alaskan Avalanche Escape’ (K-9 Search and Rescue Book 9) by Darlene L. Turner

February 19, 2023 susansnodgrass

**About the Book**
Sabotage in the mountains…

Can this K-9 sniff out the truth?

After surviving a sudden avalanche, mountain survival expert Jayla Hoyt and her search-and-rescue K-9 discover that it was no accident—someone deliberately triggered the mountain explosion. To uncover the culprit, she’ll have to partner with Alaska park ranger Bryson Clarke, a man she doesn’t trust. But when the investigators become targets, can they capture the criminal mastermind…before they’re buried alive?

**From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.**

**K-9 Search and Rescue**

Book 1: *Desert Rescue* by Lisa Phillips
Book 2: *Trailing a Killer* by Carol J. Post
Book 3: *Mountain Survival* by Christy Barritt
Book 4: *Search and Defend* by Heather Woodhaven
Book 5: *Following the Trail* by Lynette Eason
Book 6: *Dangerous Mountain Rescue* by Christy Barritt
Book 7: *Wilderness Hunt* by Lisa Phillips
Book 8: *Alaskan Mountain Search* by Sarah Varland
Book 9: *Alaskan Avalanche Escape* by Darlene L. Turner

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at http://www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.