hiding on a lawman’s family ranch is her last hope.
After her mother is killed, Melissa Morgan’s shocked to learn she’s spent her life in witness protection. Now it’s US marshal Miles Avery’s job to keep her and her little boy safe. And with a mole in his agency, the only way to evade the killer is to hide Melissa on Miles’s family ranch…and pretend she’s his wife for the holidays.
About Virginia Vaughan Award winning author Virginia Vaughan lives by the motto ‘It’s not hoarding if its books’. Always the kid with her nose stuck in a book, becoming a multi-published author hasn’t stopped Virginia from continuing to grow her own collection of favorite reads. Her family has refused to help her move anymore because of the sheer number boxes of books, but she’s no quitter. She’ll keep buying books and, the next time she moves, hire a moving van.
If you love stories where romance intersects danger and faith, subscribe to Virginia’s email list at http://eepurl.com/dtFeVP and be the first to know when a new story arrives.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
‘God, I don’t know where to turn.’
Melissa is stunned to learn that she has been in witness protection nearly all her life when her mother is killed. Now there is a mole in the WITSEC program and US Marshal Miles Avery is tasked with keeping widow Melissa and her 3 year old son safe. And that’s mighty hard to do when you don’t know who to trust and everywhere you go for safety, you are found.
This second book in Virginia Vaughan’s series is non stop suspense and will keep you guess until the end. Recommended,
*My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.
Publisher: Love Inspired Publication Date: October 1,2020 Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Decades after her parents’ murders, Penelope McGregor’s grateful the killer’s finally been identified—until he comes after her. Now Detective Tyler Walker and his K-9 partner, Dusty, must protect Penelope and catch the culprit…while making sure his little girl stays out of the crosshairs. But can the single father outplay a killer whose endgame will leave no one safe?
About Dana Mentink Dana Mentink is a national and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, Harlequin Heartwarming and Sourcebooks. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at http://www.danamentink.com.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
You are lovable and loved because God said so.’
Twenty years ago Penny McGregor’s parents were murdered in front of her and the killer gave her a stuffed animal. Now, the killer has been identified and he’s coming after her and her brother, a K-9 officer. Detective Tyler Walker and his own K-9, Dusty, are charged with protecting Penny, not an easy thing to do because this is a vicious killer who seemingly cannot be stopped. Will Tyler, a single father, be able to keep both Penny and his own daughter safe with a killer who is determined to achieve his goal?
Dana Mentink once again takes her readers on a high suspense filled novel. I am a dog lover and I love reading about K-9 cops and this series fits the bill perfectly. Populated with good characters and dogs, how could it not be a great book? Loved every minute. Recommended.
*My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. The review is entirely my own.
Publisher: Love Inspired Publication Date: October 1, 2020 Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
In a town battered and bruised by war, one woman embarks upon an impossible search–and one man must face the past in the very place that almost destroyed him.
Tennessee, 1866. According to the last letter Irish immigrant Catriona O’Toole received from her twin brother, Ryan, he was being dispatched to Franklin, Tennessee, where–as a conscripted Confederate soldier–he likely endured the bloody Battle of Franklin that claimed the lives of thousands. Catriona leaves behind the lush green of their Irish homeland in search of him, with nothing to her name except the sum of cash Ryan sent to their family. Now the sole provider for her seven-year-old spitfire sister, Nora, Catriona hopes to reunite the siblings–the only surviving members of their devastated family.
Wade Cunningham is a former Federal soldier who now works for the newly formed United States Secret Service and is trying to uncover counterfeiting rings in the postwar South. In order to infiltrate their sophisticated enterprise, he must pose as a former Confederate in Franklin–a town where counterfeit greenbacks run rampant. When Wade meets Catriona, he is immediately intrigued by her and the little redheaded scamp in her care–but what he doesn’t anticipate is that the cash in Catriona’s possession is some of the most convincing counterfeit money he’s ever seen. Soon the object of Wade’s affection is also the suspect in a major crime–one he’s expected to prosecute.
With rich historical detail and multifaceted prose, USA TODAY bestselling author Tamera Alexander tells a riveting tale of truth, betrayal, and unlikely romance that unveils the many shades of God’s perfect redemption.
The Carnton novels are standalone novels, meaning they are part of a series but can be enjoyed individually. Christmas at Carnton, a novella With This Pledge, book 1 Colors of Truth, book 2 Book 3 coming Summer 2021
About Tamera Alexander One of today’s most popular writers of inspirational historical romance, Tamera Alexander writes novels that USA Today calls “a full on HIT!” (about A Lasting Impression) and Publisher’s Weekly describes her writing as “so vivid, one can almost hear the music resonating off of the page” (about A Note Yet Unsung).
Tamera is an author and inspirational speaker whose novels have garnered or been short-listed for numerous awards, including the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award, the Carol Award, Bookseller’s Best Award, National Reader’s Choice Award, Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill Award, and the HOLT Medallion, among others. Her books have been translated into Dutch, German, Polish, Romanian, Slovakian, and Portuguese.
Tamera enjoys living in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels.
As hard as it is to face the truth, it’s even harder to live with a lie.’
In 1866 Franklin, Tennessee, Catriona O’Toole arrives with her little sister Nora to search for their brother Ryan. His last letter to Catriona said he was conscripted as a Confederate soldier. He also sent a large amount of money for their family to make a life in the US. When Catriona arrives, she learns of the horrific battle of Franklin and fears the worst. She has to find a way to make a new life now.
Wade Cunningham, former Federal officer and now a member of the newly formed Secret Service returns to Franklin to uncover counterfeiting rings in the South, which is very prevalent. He has to pose as a Confederate, an abhorrent act to him. Then he discovers that the cash Catriona carries is some of the best forgery he has ever seen.
‘No matter the debate among his own countrymen, he could not and would not, abide living in a nation where fellow human beings were bought and sold like cattle.’
Book two in Tamera Alexander’s Carton novels is a most wonderful addition to this series. These Carnton novels are so moving, totally grabbing my heart with the intensity of the words she has set forth on these pages. Gripping is a good word to use to describe this book. Alexander’s research is impeccable and she brings this history to life in her readers’ minds. Absolutely compelling, this book held me captive till the last page. And I shed many tears during the reading of it.
Much of the history in this book is not easy to read, but Alexander handles it in such a respectful way that it brings honor to that grievous time in our nation’s history. And I highly recommend her website for even more information about Carnton and the events that took place there in November of 1865 during the battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It is absolutely fascinating and heartrending at the same time. Tamera Alexander has written a masterpiece. Her heart is in this book. I very highly recommend.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The most memorable Christmases are the ones you don’t expect…
Will welcoming them for Christmas
have him wishing for more?
Judd Wilson lives a solitary life…until he learns Nicole Taylor and her infant triplets need somewhere to stay. The cabin on his ranch is the perfect solution, but now his quiet Christmas alone feels a lot more crowded. Recently widowed, Nicole questions her swiftly developing feelings for Judd, even if the older man is wonderful with her babies. Is she ready to take that leap again?
About Jill Kemerer
Jill Kemerer is an author and freelance writer. A multi-published inspirational romance novelist with Harlequin Love Inspired, Jill also writes nonfiction books, blogs, and articles. Her essentials include coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, her mini-doxie, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. For more information, please visit her website https://jillkemerer.com
My Rating: 4 Stars!
‘He wasn’t going to risk everything with the one woman he couldn’t afford to lose.’
A widowed mother of triplet infants and an older than her rancher. She is mourning her husband who died a year ago and needs her independence. Judd offers her a cabin to live in for free. The town thins they are an item. He thinks he is much too old for her and doesn’t have anything to offer her. Such a gentle , unassuming, and courageous hero Judd is. This was the most precious story. And Judd is a most wonderful hero. I loved every minute.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
Publisher: Love Inspired Publication Date: September 29 , 2020
Devotional Inspiration Especially for Kindred Spirits
The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.
This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!
About The Author
Rachel Dodge is the author of Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen (Bethany House 2018) and the Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-By-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits (Barbour 2020). Rachel teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen’s World blog and Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping families to grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the study of God’s Word. A kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns. She makes her home in California with her husband and their two children.
My Rating: 5 Stars1
This book is soooo precious! If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, then you absolutely must get this devotional. It is priceless. Each devotion starts with a scripture, then a short passage from the beloved novel, with an application for your life today. Then a prayer and another scripture. It is just truly a wonderful devotion. I have a digital copy but I will buy the physical copy. It is so good. Truly, this is a great help in my quiet time I cherish each one.
*I received this book from Barbour Publishing through Net Galley and was not required to leave a review. All opinions in this review are expressly my own.
Publisher: Barbour Publication Date: November 1, 2020
Dangerous Convicts. Deadly Dinosaurs. The secret encoded in her DNA lies between them …
Dedicated reptile expert Oakley Laveau loves the thrill of wrestling a ’gator. But her dream job at the swamp tour slips away when she’s charged with a crime she doesn’t remember: her best friend’s murder. Sentenced to life on a secluded isle, she’ll have to battle violent criminals and genetically modified dinosaurs to uncover the truth.
As soon as she steps on the island, she’s swept up by the charming leader of a gang of convicts and his dubious offer of protection. But it’s hard to heed his warnings when somewhere in the dino-infested rainforest hides a witness who knows the shocking facts behind Oakley’s amnesia.
Hunted by humans and beasts, can Oakley expose the truth before she meets a bloody end?
Extinction Island is the first book in the suspenseful Jurassic Judgment sci-fi series. If you like fearless heroines, action-packed adventures, and a touch of romance, then you’ll love Janice Boekhoff’s thrilling novel.
About Janice Boekhoff Blessed with an insatiable curiosity and a low tolerance for boredom, award-winning author Janice Boekhoff (pronounced Beau-cough) has worked more than twenty jobs ranging from Loan Consultant (important, but mortgage paperwork makes her sleepy) to Landfill Environmentalist (literally her smelliest job) to Research Geologist (the job that gave her the best tan and the most adventures).
She began writing as a way to express all of the unique ideas colliding in her head. A Midwest native, she now writes from Eastern Iowa where she lives with her hubby, three basketball-loving kids, and one adorable Vizsla (that’s a dog in case you weren’t sure.)
My Rating: 5 Stars!
An author friend recommended this book and I preordered it. Mainly because the preorder price was only .99. Hey, gotta be honest. So it showed up on my kindle and I opened it last night. Stayed up far too late reading it, but couldn’t stop! It was incredibly exciting even from the opening. The premise of sending death row prisoners to an island of genetically changed dinosaurs was just enough to pull me in. Danger is absolutely everywhere, especially when said prisoner is a woman. Wow! This is a super fast and exciting roller coaster ride. Total adrenaline laced excitement.
I just warn you: there is a huge cliffhanger because it’s part of a series. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. Awesome adventure.
Taking care of her family is a blessing, but Britt thought there would be more to life–like falling in love . . .
Being the youngest of three sisters isn’t always easy for Britt Chandler, especially when her older sisters have successful lives and hers is still on hold. She put everything aside to care for her dying mother, but now their mother is gone. Just as her life finally has a chance to blossom, her sister is ordered on bed rest during a difficult pregnancy, and it looks like God is again calling Britt to be a family caregiver–and nothing more.
Rafe Stuart is unable to forgive himself for a childhood mistake that had grave repercussions. And no matter how many lives he saves now as a first responder, he can’t ever seem to do enough penance to free his soul from that decades-old tragedy. There definitely isn’t room in his wounded heart for love; it’s much too dangerous.
When these two struggling souls encounter each other, sparks fly. But they’re both scared the fire that might result could destroy them–and the others around them. How can they begin to trust God to have the best for them and real purpose for their lives beyond what they’ve dreamed . . . or feared?
About Deborah Raney:
DEBORAH RANEY’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, thirty-five books, and numerous awards later, she’s still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA’s RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
‘It was beyond frustrating to have circumstances always dictating her life. When would she ever get to make a choice about how her life looked?’
Deborah Raney brings the last book in her Chandler Sisters series and she saved the best for last, in my opinion. Britt’s story is poignant, sad, hopeful, redemptive, and joyful, all rolled into one. I love how she learns that sometimes, just sometimes, God works quite well in the midst of our own disappointments.
Britt Chandler already has her hands full when she realizes that once again she must set aside her desires to care for her pregnant, on bed rest sister. Just like she had cared for her mother as she was dying. Britt wonders if she will ever get to live her live the way she wants to. In the midst of this, she meets Rafe Stuart, an EMT who talked her through her sister’s pregnancy emergency. Rafe had a voice that calmed her fears and helped her through a harrowing time. Rafe has been through a terrible childhood mistake and has never forgiven himself. He feels he doesn’t deserve a chance at love. Britt definitely doesn’t have time for love. But they each feel a definite pull towards the other. Can they trust God in the midst of this turmoil? Could He just have something for them in this difficult season?
Raney writes with such deep heart issues, including real life situations that we all face. She doesn’t do fluffy stories, but wonderfully rich, full of life stories. I read this one in a day. Recommended.
*My thanks to Kregel Publishing and the author for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
Years ago, Elizabeth Hart took down a human trafficking ring in the Rocky Mountains with a single blog post—and now someone wants revenge. But her ex-fiancé, Officer Riggen Price, won’t let anyone hurt her or his newly discovered son. With the threats only escalating, can Liz trust the man who broke her heart…and live to give their family a second chance?
About Stephanie M. Gammon Stephanie M. Gammon fell in love with romantic suspense as a Sherlock-obsessed girl with bookshelves full of Grace Livingston Hill novels. She’s been writing ever since and placed third in the 2019 Daphne Du Maurier contest for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. Living in Cincinnati with her police lieutenant husband, four kids, two dogs, and one sassy parakeet, she owns a business-writing company and spends free time blogging about faith.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
‘The hair on his arms prickled. Something didn’t feel right.’
I really like inspirational suspense and read a lot of it, so when I saw this book, but a new-to-me author, I decided I’d give it a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute. Stephanie M. Gammon’s debut novel is really very well done. She has crafted believable characters and a good plot, one I had no clue about, and there was a surprise twist thrown in to catch the reader off balance, too. I will definitely be reading more of her work. Recommended.
Step into True Colors — a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned. The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.
About Pepper Basham Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with a southern Appalachian flair. Her books have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inpsys, and the ACFW Carol Awards, with The Thorn Healer selected as a 2018 finalist in the RT awards. Both her contemporary and historical romance novels consistenMy Rating: 4 Stars!
I’ve outrun a lot of things in my time, but I’ve never been able to outrun a guilty conscience, an achin’ heart and the judgment of God.’ (Grandaddy Sutphin)
I am totally enjoying this series of books by Barbour Publishing, True Colors. All feature actual crimes but fictionalize them in some way. I look forward to each one. Pepper Basham does this one proud. I was so captivated, I did my own research into the Courthouse Massacre. And her addition to the story is so wonderful! I loved Jeremiah and Ava’s story. I recommend not only this author, but this series.
*My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .
A beautiful noblewoman with a terrible secret, and a prince subjected to slavery.
Upon the death of her wealthy father, Lady Gabriella is condemned to work in Warwick’s gem mine. As she struggles to survive the dangerous conditions, her kindness and beauty shine as brightly as the jewels the slaves excavate. While laboring, Gabriella plots how to avenge her father’s death and stop Queen Margery’s cruelty.
Prince Vilmar of Scania enslaves himself in Warwick’s gem mine as part of a royal test to prove himself the most worthy of three brothers to become the king’s successor. Amidst the hardships, he doesn’t anticipate his growing compassion for the other slaves, especially tenderhearted Gabriella.
As the annual summer ball looms nearer, Gabriella sets into motion her plan to end Queen Margery’s evil. When Vilmar learns of Gabriella’s intentions, he resolves to come to her aid and fight against Warwick’s queen. But doing so may require him to give up his chance of becoming Scania’s next king, perhaps even cost him his life.
The real Cinderella story.
The Fairest Maidens Book 1: Beholden (Sept 2020) Book 2: Beguiled (Oct 2020) Book 3: Besotted (Nov 2020)
About Jody Hedlund Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
My Rating: 4 stars!
‘Slay your enemies with the greatest weapon of all: kindness.’
I love, love, love Jody Hedlund’s medieval stories! She truly excels here, and though this genre is young adult, they are totally interesting to this adult. Each book in this series, releasing in September, October, and November, is based on a popular fairy tale. This is is the real Cinderella story. It will seriously hold your interest all the way through. I am an adult who has never tired if fairy tales.
* My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
The Lost Princesses Prequel Novella: Always Book 1: Evermore Book 2: Foremost Book 3: Hereafter
The Noble Knights Prequel Novella: The Vow Book 1: An Uncertain Choice Book 2: A Daring Sacrifice Book 3: For Love and Honor Book 4: A Loyal Heart Book 5: A Worthy Rebel
For a complete list of Jody’s novels, visit her Amazon page or website – jodyhedlund.com
Simply Susan 