This epic journey is not at all what she expected. Joel Vargas can’t believe he’s lost his older brother in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains after surviving their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic. And he can’t shake the feeling that Adam—his only living relative—is in dire trouble. No matter what the cost, he and his band of friends won’t stop until Adam is found. He’s not sure if two Indian women they meet on the way will be a help or hindrance. After the devastating loss of her daughter and husband to a grizzly attack, Elan is desperate to find an escape from her grief. As she and her friend journey from their Nez Perce camp, through the mountains and toward the great river, a band of white men is the last thing she expects to find, especially as winter blows in full force. When the dangers increase, accomplishing Joel’s mission becomes the only hope for all their survival. If the elements don’t consume them, Elan has a feeling life will never be the same for any of them. From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and intense adventure.
About Misty M. Beller
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://www.subscribepage.com/s8n2o1
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family–both immediate and extended–is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.
‘She longed for a God she could live for. A purpose for her life.’
Misty Beller just keeps getting better and better. With each book of hers I read, I love her writing more. This time she brings us book two in her Call of the Rockies series. It is full and rich, wonderful characters, plenty to keep any reader captivated and with a wonderful ending. Yet that ending teases of more to come in this series and this reader can’t wait!
Can two baristas track down a gunman after the espresso shot heard ‘round the world? When Marissa witnesses an attempted murder during the 4th of July parade, it starts a battle for her independence. She is forced to hide out in a safehouse, leaving her co-owner, Tandy, to run their coffee shop, track down the criminal, and, worse, plan Marissa’s wedding. Thankfully Tandy has help, but can she really trust the P.I. in a bow tie, her new deaf barista who acts more like a bartender, or a wedding planner who’s keeping secrets? The threat on Marissa’s future goes from bad to worse when her bridal gown is covered in blood. Though her fiancé, Connor, agrees to give up his identity to join her in the Witness Protection Program, Marissa refuses to wave the white flag. Instead, she enlists Tandy to help her fight for truth, justice, and the Americano way.About Angela Ruth Strong Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK. Get to know her even better at http://www.angelaruthstrong.com.My Rating: 4 Stars! ‘There’s a fine line between fearless and senseless.’
Angela Ruth Strong takes us for another wonderful mystery in her CafFUNated series, starring the friends duo of Marissa and Tandy. This time around, someone has it in for the sweet clumsy Marissa and Tandy is trying to discover the culprit. I confess I did not guess whodunit at all! I loved seeing all these folks again and their little town is certainly one folks would want to visit. So, put your feet up, grab a cup of coffee (or tea) and settle in for a wonderful cozy mystery. I certainly hope there is more to come!
*My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinion here in this review is my own.
Forming a joint task force, Canada border officer Kaylin Poirier and police constable Hudson Steeves have one objective: take down a drug-smuggling ring trying to sell a new lethal product. But when the smugglers come after Kaylin and Hudson, this mission becomes more than just a job. Can they live long enough to solve the case?About Darlene L. Turner 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.My Rating: 3 Stars! ‘She needed proof of God’s existence. She just couldn’t believe in an entity who supposedly watched over her.’
In Darlene L Turner’s debut, a Canadian constable and border officer join forces to bring down a drug smuggling ring. But at every turn they are thwarted in their attempts. And threatened. Even injured. How can they hope to accomplish this task if they are being hunted down and nearly killed at every turn?
Turner has written a believable novel populated with good characters and a plot that holds the reader’s interest. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own. I am pleased to announce that Darlene L. Turner has graciously provided a signed copy, along with bookmarks, for my giveaway. Please follow the instructions and enter to win a copy. Comment on this blog post. Leave your full name. Leave your email in a non spam formula. Contest ends Monday morning, April 6th. Winner will be notified via email and have 24 hours to respond.
What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?
Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity. About Michelle Griep I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I’ve been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write–except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
‘God, You have rescued me before. Will You do so again?’
Michelle Griep is an author I will read just on the strength of her name alone. So when I saw this one, I knew it was going on my list! She specializes at this genre, although she is equally good at all genres, switching effortlessly back and forth between theme.
Maggie Lee, opera star, has run away from the stage and taken a house on the lonely moors in southern England. One day, her maid discovers a half dead man, beaten brutally, nearby. Together they haul him to her house and try to tend him. Little does Maggie know that Oliver Ward is an escapee from Dartmoor Prison and that the constable there has done this horrific beating. Said constable is on the warpath to find Oliver and soon shows up at Maggie’s door. Oliver hides in a closet and finds the very expensive jewels that he was arrested for! What an amazing turn of events. However, both Maggie and Oliver are both innocent of this deed and now join forces to set out and prove they are both innocent, even though they are sure to encounter much danger on the way to doing just that.
Join Griep as she builds the excitement and tension in yet another wonderful novel from her very talented pen. I found myself gasping quite often. And hating a certain nasty individual. She takes us on quite a ride and I now look forward to her next offering.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Pecca Gallegos moved to the tiny town of Walton, Georgia, to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her. When a series of strange circumstances evolve into threats, Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally–her stubborn patient.
Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the undiagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action. But Colton’s involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer–and more deadly–than they realized.
With this suspenseful new story, Natalie Walters welcomes you once more to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name–but no one knows your secret.
My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling. (less)
My Rating: 5 Stars!
‘Even Lazarus had to die before the Lord could do his work.’
Natalie Walters’ debut novel, the first in her Harbored Secrets series was wonderful and I was happy to have found a new author to read. Book two was good and further cemented my decision to follow Walters. With the finale to the series, she has done her best work ever! This was the perfect ending! She has crafted wonderful characters, a great plot and the best cast of secondary characters a reader could want. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my very own.
Publisher: Revell Publication Date: March 31, 2020
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through unique stories of historical romantic suspense. Collect them all and be inspired by the hope that always finds its way even in the darkest of times.
Based on real events beginning in 1797 — Rachel Taylor lives a rather mundane existence at the way station her family runs along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. She attends her friend’s wedding only to watch it dissolve in horror has the groom, Wiley Harpe, and his cousin become murderers on the run, who drag their families along. Declaring a “war on all humanity,” the Harpes won’t be stopped, and Ben Langford is on their trail to see if his own cousin was one of their latest victims. How many will die before peace can return to the frontier? About Shannon McNear Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. A Midwestern farm girl who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, for more than two decades before being transplanted to North Dakota, she’s a military wife, mother of 8, and a member of ACFW and RWA. When not cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.
My Rating: 5 Stars!
‘These men–it’s like they ain’t even men. Ain’t got the heart God gave ordinary human beings.’
This series has been good for the most part, but this one is outstanding! Shannon McNear has taken a true crime story and turned it into a read that is both riveting and horrifying at once. Telling the tale of Micajah and Wiley Harpe, often considered the earliest documented serial killers in the United States, she is absolutely fascinating and her research is truly impeccable, with even more for the reader to learn in the afterword.
Beginning in 1797 on the American frontier, these men tore a path of brutality and destruction everywhere they went. McNear doesn’t shy away from recounting their evil deeds, either. Her words are hard to read at times, but truly fascinating to this history buff, who had never heard of the Harpes. She weaves a fictionalized account of Rachel Taylor and Ben Langford into the story, as Ben rides with several posses intent on bringing these true monsters to justice.
This book was incredibly well written and totally held my interest throughout. If you’re a lover of true crime stories, this one is one you definitely should read. Recommended.
*My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion in this review is entirely my own.
Before I Called You Mine Synopsis Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there’s only one match she’s committed to now—the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency’s requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.
Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.
With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.
Nicole Deese’s eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award Winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and Inspy Awards. Both these books are from her best-selling Love in Lenox Series. Her newest contemporary romance, Before I Called You Mine, from Bethany House Publishers has recently received a starred review from Booklist.
When Nicole’s not sorting out characters and plots of her own, she can usually be found reading near a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest (most often while sipping on a sparkling water). She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two towering-over-her teen sons, and her princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
‘God’s way is rarely easy, but it’s always better than mine.’
Lauren Bailey is committed to international adoption and has agreed to remain single, per the agency’s requirements. After all, she has had enough failed relationships. But then Joshua Avery shows up as a substitute teacher in the school she teaches at. Lauren doesn’t want to like him, but it surely seems as if God has placed him in her path. Will Lauren before to choose between the very deepest desires of her heart? Would God do that to her?
Nicole Deese once again pulls out all the stops with an emotionally charged novel that had me fighting tears more than once. What a precious and God honoring story. Recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my own.
Giveaway Instructions:
Due to postage, giveaway is only open to the 48 contiguous states. To enter, please leave a blog post comment, including: Your full name Your email in a non-spammy formula. For example: susan (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Your entry will not count if you do not follow the instructions. Contest ends Thursday, April 2, 2020. You will be notified via email. If no response within 48 hours, another name will be chosen. Thanks so much!
Praise for Before I Called You Mine
“A Carol Award-winner, as well as a RITA and Inspy nominee for her inspirational romance novels, Deese is also an adoptive parent, which shapes her latest novel. . . . Deese’s involving novel is full of genuine feeling and compelling challenges.”
Booklist starred review
“Nicole Deese will crack your heart wide open with this funny, tender, and brilliant story about a woman who finds herself forced to choose between two great loves. I could not put it down.”
Kara Isaac, RITA Award-winning author of Then There Was You
“Before I Called You Mine is Nicole’s finest work yet. Thoroughly engaging with charming characters you’ll want to call friends, an authentic emotional storyline that will touch every part of your heart, and, as expected, exquisite writing that will leave you captivated long after the book is finished.”
Tammy L. Gray, RITA Award-winning author
“A story about tough sacrifices, impossible choices, and the love that makes it all worthwhile, Before I Called You Mine is a captivating adventure of the heart that will stay with you–and maybe even change you–long after the final page.”
Bethany Turner, award-winning author of Wooing Cadie McCaffrey
“Beautiful, poignant, funny, and romantic–all wrapped into one heartwarming story. Deese knows how to spin a tale that makes you fall in love with the characters and feel like they’re friends. Before I Called You Mine will stay with you long after the last page.”
Christy Barritt, USA Today bestselling author
“With its unique right-love-wrong-timing premise, Before I Called You Mine is a novel that will keep readers ignoring their chores, reaching for their tissue boxes, and sighing with contentment. It’s fresh, soul-stirring, and wi
A year ago, ex-Delta Force operator Steven Roark left the rigors of combat behind to run fishing charters in Hope Harbor, decompress, and talk some sense into his kid brother. Business is good–but making peace with his past is more challenging than he expected.
First-grade teacher Holly Miller leads a quiet, low-profile existence–until she’s recruited to advocate for a cause that’s dear to her heart. When she solicits Steven’s assistance, sparks fly–especially after they find themselves on opposite sides of an issue that disrupts their placid seaside community.
As these two seemingly incompatible souls search for common ground, might they discover a deeper connection–and find that love can banish darkness and light the way to a future filled with promise?
Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you back to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.
Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 50 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers’ Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
‘God wouldn’t be interested in the likes of him.’
Irene Hannon once more takes her readers back to the quaint, peaceful, and encouraging town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. I’ve grown to love this place, even if I’m not a beach person. The residents work their way into your heart and you just can’t help but love them. My favorite is Charley, the taco man, who I’m convinced in an angel. Just my opinion.
This time in Hope Harbor, we meet Holly Miller and Steven Roark, both of whom have issues that plague them from time to time. Holly’s is physical, due to a birth defect, and Steven’s is emotional. Along the way, we hear from both the town’s pastor and the priest, who are completely endearing. I want to visit the priest’s meditation garden! Issues arise that have both Holly and Steven in turmoil and they have to search their hearts to determine if they can overcome these deeply felt emotional qualms if they are to even have a chance at a happily ever after.
Irene Hannon is always good. Just good. She delves into her characters’ hearts and gives the readers glimpses of what lies beneath. She also manages to incorporate plot lines of secondary characters into these wonderful Hope Harbor stories. This one’s was precious. Another great read from an author I love. Recommended.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion stated here is entirely my own.+
Publication Date: March 31, 2020 Publisher: Revel Publishing
Even a millionaire in disguise can’t hide his true heart.
He’s secretly worth millions of dollars…
But is he worthy of her trust?
Dylan Kingsley has learned to hide his millionaire status from strangers. So it’s no wonder Gabby Stover—his infant niece’s guardian—thinks he’s just another drifter. To prove his worthiness, Dylan takes a job as a ranch hand…and accidentally finds the purpose he’s been seeking his whole life. But could the truth steal Dylan’s chance at a happily-ever-after with Gabby and the baby?About Jill Kemerer Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling, multi-published romance novelist with Harlequin Love Inspired. Her essentials include coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, her mini-dachshund, 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!
‘Cowboys aren’t deadbeats. They’re strong and dedicated and they never quit.’
Jill Kemerer brings us book two in her Wyoming Sweethearts series and it’s so very good. We come to know and cherish two people who have been hurt in the past by those they loved and are scared to step out in faith again and allow love to enter their hearts. And we watch as God touches those hearts and helps them be able to receive love again. There was a section in this book that really ministered to a situation in my life, and truly spoke to me. I’m quite thankful for that. Don’t miss this one, folks. I look forward to more in this series.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher: Love Inspired Publication Date: March 17, 2020
He’s her best friend. She’s happy with the way things are. Too bad everything’s about to change.
Beaches of Trumanville: Book 3
When Tessa Braverman’s best friend, Gray Beach, attended his sister’s royal wedding without her, she insisted he take her to dinner.
Then he tried to turn it into a date.
And things got awkward.
Until her great-grandfather died.
But when the will is read and Tessa discovers what she’ll have to do to keep the family farm, awkward moves to a whole new level – including what might (or might not) have been a proposal from Gray’s brother.
When she suddenly finds herself married to Gray, she’s pretty sure their friendship is over.
Because Small Town Girls Don’t Marry Their Best Friends.
Unless the family farm is on the line.
Then all bets are off.When she’s not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids – and the dog – race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she’s teaching American Government at a local community college. She’s a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Carol Moncado is always a good read. This time she does the best friends turn into a couple trope and it really works well! I enjoyed it very much. I recommend this author so much.
*My thanks to the author for a copy of the book. My review is entirely my own opinion.
Simply Susan 