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Monday, October 31, 2022

My Thoughts - Wreathed in Disgrace Author: Robin Patchen

 

About the Book

Book: Wreathed in Disgrace

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

Release date: October 18, 2022

A famous actress, a protective bodyguard, a festive Christmas season, and a killer…or two…on the loose.

Everybody believes movie star Denise Masters abandoned her family to pursue her dream, but the truth is much more complex. For years, she’s longed to return to Coventry to repair her relationship with her daughter, but contractual obligations–and fear of being rejected–have kept her away. When a serial killer targets Hollywood actors, Denise decides to spend the Christmas holidays in New Hampshire. She will finally face the disgrace of her past.

Private security agent Jon Donley figures the woman he’s been hired to guard will turn out to be a paranoid, privileged prima donna. Instead, the more he gets to know Denise, the more he likes her. But he’s not being paid to get involved with her. His job is to keep her safe while he figures out what links her to the other victims.

But the serial killer on the west coast isn’t the only danger they face. A second one is closing in fast, threatening not just Denise but the little girl she’ll stop at nothing to protect.

Romance, suspense, and a New England Christmas. Don’t miss the next installment of the addictive Coventry Saga.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

 

More from Robin

On Becoming a Hero…

 

I’ve been contemplating this story since I wrote the first book in the Coventry Saga, Glimmer in the Darkness, and discovered that little Ella’s mother had abandoned her family. She was such a bad mother, in fact, that she didn’t even come home when Ella was kidnapped.

Obviously, Denise Masters was not heroine material.

Or so I thought.

But Denise has been whispering in my ear for a couple of years now, telling me her secrets. Turns out, she doesn’t just play a hero in the movies. She’s learning to be a hero in real life. In Denise’s case, that means facing the ghosts of her past, ghosts that chased her away from home, from the people she loved most in the world.

To outsiders, it looks like Denise has everything a person could want—fame, money, and success. But all she really wants is a relationship with the daughter she adores, the daughter she left because she couldn’t see another way.

Have you ever been there, so deep in the muck that you can’t find your way out? So lost that you think the best option—the only option—is to escape? Have you ever believed that your problems—whether caused by someone else or by your own choices—were unsolvable?

That’s what Denise believed for years. That one foolish choice—which led to a myriad of other foolish choices—had permanently disqualified her not just from being a good mother but from being worthy of love.

And then she met Jesus, and He changed everything. He pulled her out of the mire and set her on solid ground. He gave her the longing and the courage to face the people she’d disappointed.

The serial killer preying on Hollywood actresses is the impetus she needs to return to Coventry just as the community ramps up for the Christmas season.

But Denise’s attempt at escaping one killer puts her squarely in the path of another.

This story won’t be much fun for Denise, though I have a strong suspicion she’s going to really like the hunky bodyguard, Jon Donley. (If you read Lineage in Corruption, you might remember Jon.)

For us who get to read it, it’s going to be great fun. I hope you’ll check it out!

My Thoughts

Wreathed in Disgrace is book eight in the Coventry Saga series that is written by Robin Patchen. I have not read the whole series, just some of the books. This can be read as a stand alone book - but some of the characters were introduced in previous books. Each book that I read in the series it gets better and better. 

Denise Masters has returned home to spend Christmas with her family and to face the disgrace of her past. Everyone feels that she has abandoned her family (including her daughter) when she took off to be a big movie star. She has been featured in previous books - but there is enough recap that you will not feel lost. She is unaware that her manager has hired someone to protect her until a shot rings out and Bodyguard Jon Donley moves her out of harms way. She finds out that there is a serial killer who is targeting young actresses and now she is in their sites. Denise's ex husband, Reid is making things very difficult for Denise to reconnect with Ella. 

I love how Jon and Denise work together - I loved seeing their characters interaction and the way their relationship grows. The author has also packed so much action and suspense into this story that you will not want to put this book down. I have loved getting to catch up with my friends in Coventry and meet new people along the way. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 


Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 22

For Him and My Family, October 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

Genesis 5020, October 24

Betti Mace, October 25

Inklings and notions, October 26

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 28

Holly’s Book Corner, October 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 31

deb’s Book Review, November 1

Blossoms and Blessings, November 2

Spoken from the Heart, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Blogging With Carol, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and a copy of Lineage of Corruption!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2224f/wreathed-in-disgrace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, October 30, 2022

My Thoughts - All I Want for Christmas Author: Fay Lamb

 

About the Book

Book: All I Want for Christmas

Author: Fay Lamb

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: November 21, 2021

A wedding headed for disaster,

A crime syndicate bent on destruction,

And a bunch of hungry alligators.

Knee deep in preparation for her best friend’s Christmas wedding, Abigail Brewster reels when her estranged younger sister returns to Mullet Harbor. She brings secrets, intrigue, and trouble along with her—a crime syndicate set on goals that would destroy the harbor. And Abigail is in the middle of their scheme.

Remy Arneaux doesn’t understand the reason for Susan Brewster’s return, and maybe that’s due to the brain fog from his concussion. But he does know enough not to trust her and not to let her near Abigail. The self-centered woman would only hurt her . . . again. Abigail has had enough pain, even from him. Still, he made a promise to escort someone else to the wedding. And with the promise is a secret that begins to rip his relationship with Abigail apart.

According to Mayor Herb’s edict, nothing is allowed to mar this occasion for his only granddaughter. Not heartbreak, not tirades from a spoiled young woman, and not threats from organized crime.

But what about their attempts to make good on their threats . . .

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Fay Lamb is the only daughter of a rebel genius father and a hard-working, tow-the-line mom. She is not only a fifth-generation Floridian, she has lived her life in Titusville, where her grandmother was born in 1899.

Since an early age, storytelling has been Fay’s greatest desire. She seeks to create memorable characters that touch her readers’ hearts. She says of her writing, “If I can’t laugh or cry at the words written on the pages of my manuscript, the story is not ready for the reader.” Fay writes in various genres, including romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary fiction.

 

More from Fay

Writing is supposed to be fun, right? Well, for a while, writing was the last thing I wanted to do. And when you have two series contracted and many other books waiting in line to be written, that’s a big problem.

 

I’m sure that I’m not the only person on the face of this earth who recently placed fun in a jar and hid it away for at least a week, maybe a month, maybe even a year. Heck, some of us may have fun still hidden away.

 

I truly thought I’d lost my sense of humor. And then I sat down to be purposeful in my writing. Abigail tiptoed onto the page (literally), and then the quirky denizens of Mullet Harbor worked their magic and the story unfolded before me. Abigail and her hero, Remy, may have had some difficulties in life, but for me, I had the time of my life.

 

When I finished writing All I Want for Christmas, I sat back and I marveled that I had not lost that sense of humor, especially not in my writing. I recalled that in all my writing life, when things were bleakest, my writing brought a smile, and I have always wanted it to bring a smile to others.

 

Mission accomplished. Humor has been removed from the hiding place and firmly installed back into the funny bone, and my prayer is that the readers will allow Mullet Harbor to bring a little humor—and suspense—to their lives.

My Thoughts

 All I Want for Christmas is written by  Fay Lamb. This is the second book in the series, I have not read the first and I would highly recommend reading them in order so that you can grasp the full story. Abigail Brewster is less then happy when her estranged sister comes back to Mullet Harbor. Her sister has brought secrets and trouble with her. 

Susan and Abby have a lot of heartbreaking interaction. Susan, who is angry about a lot of things lashes out at Abby. Abby does not believe everything that Susan has been telling her, and Susan knows she is not lying.

The whole town is shocked when Susan comes back - some are intrigued and some are nervous for what she might say. Will the wedding that Abby is helping prepare for bring the whole town some healing and forgiveness.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 23 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Inklings and notions, October 25

deb’s Book Review, October 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 27

By the Book, October 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

For Him and My Family, November 1

Vicky Sluiter, November 2 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Fay is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of All I Want for Christmas!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2224e/all-i-want-for-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, October 29, 2022

My Thoughts - Blessings in the Bargain Author: Kari Trumbo

 

About the Book

Book: Blessings in the Bargain

Author: Kari Trumbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 27, 2022

Despite a career in logistics, Courtney is unprepared to get lost at sea…

A fated trip to the docks with her closest pal Annie leads to disaster. Ship Captain Lex Ford agrees to take Courtney and two of her friends on what was to be a quick trip to test a new boat. A dangerous storm traps them against a reef, damaging communications and stranding them at sea.

Lex knew this was a bad idea…

He hated having people on his ship with him. Ever since his partner left, he doesn’t share his life with anything but the seagulls. So, when Courtney’s friend Rafe offers him a deal on a new boat, he’d rather ignore the offer.

His heart isn’t ready for how he feels about Courtney, and watching her brave the elements after the storm makes him want to protect her. But the last woman he loved just walked away. And what about their age gap? He’s far older than her. The Lord is good at turning bad situations for good, but can even He make this mess right?

This Breakers Head novel is Kari Trumbo’s final novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kari Trumbo is the creator and co-author of the best-selling Christian Historical Romance series, Cutter’s Creek; selling over 200,000 copies. She has published over 45 titles in seven series. When she’s not writing, editing, plotting, or managing, she home schools her children and pretends to keep up with them. She loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up with a fluffy blanket when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with my husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.


My Thoughts

Blessings in the Bargain is written by Kari Trumbo. This is part of the Independence Island Series. The series is written by a variety of authors but tied together with the Island theme. I loved this book because it reminded me of Gilligan's Island. A short trip at sea, turns into  a disaster when a storm catches them off guard. Suddenly we find our cast of characters stranded. Captain Lex prefers seagulls to human interaction. He is wounded from his previous relationship. He reluctantly agrees to take Courtney and two of her friends on a short trip. 

I love how drawn Lex and Courtney were to each other. Lex was so impressed with the way she handled stressful situations. Courtney has been introduced in previous books, but a very backdrop character. I loved seeing her story shine through. She has battled a lot of insecurities. 

Both of the characters needed to realize they can trust another. They can heal and move forward and be happy. I loved how Courtney finally opened up to Lex about her past. It was so brave of her - and a huge step. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 19

Texas Book-aholic, October 20

Lily’s Book Reviews, October 20

lakesidelivingsite, October 21

An Author’s Take, October 21

She Lives To Read, October 22

Inklings and notions, October 23

deb’s Book Review, October 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 25

Holly’s Book Corner, October 25

Aryn the Libraryan, October 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 27

Blogging With Carol, October 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 30

Sylvan Musings, October 30

Blossoms and Blessings, October 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 1

For Him and My Family, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Celebrate Lit is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2224c/blessings-in-the-bargain-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - Reunion in Saltwater Beach Author: Julie Carobini

 

About the Book

Book: Reunion in Saltwater Beach

Author: Julie Carobini

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: June 22, 2022

From the author of Walking on Sea Glass … He’s a big city lawyer. She’s the small town beach girl who broke his heart. Any hope for a second chance expired twelve years earlier …

Jax Cooper returns to Saltwater Beach but has no plans to stay any longer than necessary. Once his mother’s estate is wrapped up, he’ll be on a plane back to Chicago—and hopefully to a future as the youngest law partner in his firm.

Addi Barrett never left the small beach town of Saltwater. She chose instead to dote on her ailing mother, help her father’s business, and find new friendships in old places. That didn’t mean she never had dreams of her own …

When a Cooper family member goes missing, a foster dog needs some lovin’, and a long-hidden secret bubbles to the surface, Jax and Addi find themselves thrown together over and over again.

Can they find their way to a second chance at love? Or will past hurts rise up to make happily-ever-after impossible?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

JULIE CAROBINI writes inspirational beach romances. She is the author of 22+ books across two names and is known for spunky heroines, charming heroes, quirky friends, and the secrets they keep. Her bestselling titles include Walking on Sea Glass, Runaway Tide, Finding Stardust, The Christmas Thief, and more. Julie has received awards for writing and editing from The National League of American Pen Women and American Christian Fiction Writers and she is a double finalist for the ACFW Carol Award. She lives on the California coast with her husband, Dan and their rescue pup, Dancer—not far from their young adult children. Grab a free short story here: https://BookHip.com/LWQFHGJ

 

More from Julie

Do you love a good secret? Me too. Some of my favorite books contain secrets just begging to be revealed. Add in a feel-good romance, some family drama, and a heaping dose of faith, and now we’re talking.

 

In Reunion in Saltwater Beach, Jax Cooper jetted away to college a dozen years earlier and rarely looked back. His best friend, Addi Barrett, stayed in the town of Saltwater, often wondering what might have been between the two of them. She also carried a secret she hoped never to revisit.

 

But that was before Jax returned home for his mother’s memorial. And his sister had a meltdown. And one of his brothers disappeared …

 

On a personal note, while writing this novel, I was unaware that my precious father would pass away just weeks before it released. Honestly, those months leading up to this story’s debut were … hard. But God!

 

I mention this because, during those last few weeks, my own brothers and I found ourselves talking on the phone or texting daily. Hourly at times. It was an intense time that brought us closer together as siblings—and showed our differences too.

 

Now I have an extra special place in my heart for the wild and wacky Cooper siblings. (Is it possible to feel a personal connection to a fictional family? Answer = yes )

 

Of course, I also found myself both fretting and rooting for Jax and Addi to, somehow, find their way to a second chance at love—despite the past that got in their way. And that’s no secret.

 

Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate you!

 

Julie

My Thoughts 

 Reunion in Saltwater Beach is a heartwarming Christian Fiction story that is written by Julie Carobini. This book drew me in within the first few pages and I became lost in the world of Saltwater Beach. Jax Cooper has returned to Saltwater Beach to wrap up his mother's estate. He wants to get in and out and does not want to be there any longer then needed. The rest of the Cooper family have gathered to mourn their mother and to celebrate her life. His mother, Melanie ran a doggy day care business. I loved that there were so many furry friends at the funeral. Things get complicated for Jax when  Chase Cooper goes missing and so many secrets start coming to light. 

Addi Barrett grew up in Saltwater Beach and has not left.  She stayed to take care of her mother and assist with her father's business. She and Jax used to be such great friends but lost contact with each other when Jax went off to college. Suddenly Addi finds herself wondering what would have happened if they stayed in touch. 

The characters in this story come to life off the pages. I felt so invested in this story. It's well written. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 24

Blogging With Carol, October 24

Texas Book-aholic, October 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 27

Inklings and notions, October 28

She Lives to Read, October 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 29

Splashes of Joy, October 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

lakesidelivingsite, November 2

deb’s Book Review, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 4

Mary Hake, November 4

Through the Fire Blogs, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

Cover Lover Book Review, November 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 and a copy of Reunion in Saltwater Beach!!
(eBook will be sent for an international winner)

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22250/reunion-in-saltwater-beach-celebration-tour-giveaway