SPLITTING HARRIET by Tamera Leigh, Reviewed by Kim

Before I begin gushing about this story, I have a warning and a confession. The warning first. You really need to have a large bag of Jelly Belly’s on hand, you will need them! The confession? I’m sure I ate more Jelly Belly’s during the reading of this book than I have in the last 15 years! Not even kidding. This is the 3rd story, of 4, that I have read in this series by Tamara Leigh, and I have loved them all! These stories all have the same feel to them, but they are totally stand alone reads.

Once again, Tamara Leigh hits it out of the park! She gives you a bit of everything! There’s humor, lovable characters, including great secondary characters, sweet romance, and a depth that is unexpected and touching at the same time.

Maddox and Harriet totally compliment each other. They both have done things in the past that they are not proud of. The people they are now show just how much a person can change and grow with God’s help. There’s also the great message that once we ask God for forgiveness, He forgives us! The problems usually arise because we have trouble forgiving ourselves.

I highly recommend this story-actually anything that is written by Tamara Leigh. I’m kicking myself for not reading this series sooner!

*I purchased this book so I'm under no obligations. 

Back Cover Blurb:
ONCE UPON A TIME, I WAS A REBEL. AND I HAVE THE TATTOOS TO PROVE IT.

Did I mention I’m also a preacher’s kid? That’s right. And like the prodigal son after whom I modeled myself, I finally saw the error of my ways and returned to the fold. Today my life is all about lead me not into temptation. When I’m not serving as Women’s Ministry Director at my father’s church, I’m working at Gloria’s Morning Café. I even have worthy goals, like saving enough money to buy the café, keeping my Jelly Belly habit under control, and never again hurting the people I love. No more parties. No more unsavory activities. And no more motorcycles.

You’d think I was finally on the right track. But since my dad’s replacement hired a hotshot consultant to revive our dying church, things aren’t working out as planned. And now this consultant says I’m in need of a little reviving myself. Just who does this Maddox McCray think he is? With curly hair that could use a good clipping, a tattoo that he makes no attempt to hide, and black leather pants, the man is downright dangerous. In fact, all that’s missing is a motorcycle. Or so I thought. But if he thinks he’s going to take me for a ride on that 1298cc machine of his, he can think again. Harriet Bisset is a reformed woman, and she’s going to stay that way. Even if it kills me!

Available in digital ebook, paperback and Audiobook:
Buy Splitting Harriet at Amazon

 

SUMMER BY THE TIDES by Denise Hunter, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"If you're not careful, . . . . fear can rob you of the most wonderful gifts life has to offer."

Fear . . . Maddy Monroe knows all about it. Being unfairly jilted will do that to a woman. . . . since she has lost both her hopes and her dreams in the same day, unless a few missed phone calls can convince her that it's possible to move forward. It seems that Maddy's vivacious grandmother has gone missing, warranting a trip from the city to the coast, where the past has the potential to wreak even more havoc, as three stubborn sisters are positioned to collide.

Connor Sullivan is faintly aware that the three siblings descending on the beach cottage next door have been estranged for years. It's not his business what happened in their past, his primary concern is that they become as curious as he is about their grandmother's disappearance. Without any effort on her part, it's the youngest sister Maddy that snags his attention; her apparent mistrust of his intentions are written all over her pretty face. Having been widowed for the past three years, women have been off of Connor's radar, but that pattern seems about to change, as surely as the summer tides.

Enjoy each authentic sentiment in this story, as a family struggles to make sense of their past; slowly unraveling the painful secrets that have severely crippled their relationships with each other. Can forgiveness take center stage? Will the truth set them free?

*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to review, nor provide a favorable review.

BackCover Blurb:
One of Southern Living's "25 Beach Reads Perfect for Summer"
One of Woman's World's "Best New Books"
 
A Summer of Low Tides Could Expose Years of Family Secrets
When her grandmother goes missing from the family beach house, Maddy and her estranged sisters converge in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma in the home where their family broke apart is a struggle Maddy is not in the mood to face, especially since she's recovering from her ex-boyfriend's betrayal.

Available in digital ebook, paperback and audiobook
Buy Summer by the Tides at Amazon
Buy Summer by the Tides at Christianbook.com


 

THE KILLING TIDE by Dani Pettrey, Reviewed by Nicole Cook

“He was drawn to her like the tides were to the moon.”

“He’d done exactly what he vowed not to do. He’d fallen in love with her all over again.”

The Killing Tide, the first installment in Dani Pettrey’s new Coastal Guardians series, is an action-packed romantic suspense novel that takes readers on an extremely dangerous and thrilling ride and keeps them highly invested in the storyline until the very last page. Dani Pettrey is a favorite author of many romantic suspense readers because of her thrilling storylines, her swoon-worthy heroes, and her ability to weave the characters’ faith seamlessly into her novels.

Gabby Rowley finds herself in extreme danger after her work as an investigative reporter leads to $30 million in cocaine being seized by the DEA and a major drug dealer being sent to prison. After Gabby faces an attempt on her life, her brother Noah, a special agent in the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and other members of his team are enlisted to provide protection for her. As Noah, Finn, and the rest of the CGIS team investigate the suspicious death of a Coast Guard officer, the case becomes more complex and dangerous than they ever anticipated. Sparks continue to fly between Finn and Gabby, as unresolved feelings from the past resurface. The chemistry between Finn and Gabby is off the charts, and the romantic storyline will have readers swooning.

Readers will become familiar with the entire Coast Guard Investigative Service team in the novel, and it is heartwarming how this team of special agents has a family-like dynamic and supports each other during the good times and the bad. There are many new characters introduced at the beginning of the novel, which is typical in the first book of a new series, but readers will quickly fall in love with the entire CGIS team. These characters will undoubtedly be featured in future installments of the Coastal Guardians series. Gabby and Finn’s faith helps them face the difficult situations they encounter in their daily lives, and even in their deepest struggles and moments of doubt, God is always with them.

The Killing Tide is highly recommended for readers of romantic suspense, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Rachel Dylan, Natalie Walters, and Elizabeth Goddard, and fans of TV shows such as NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Hawaii Five-0. Readers will be eagerly anticipating the second book in the series, The Crushing Depths, to discover more about their favorite members of the Coast Guard Investigative Service team.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Additional Quotes:

“The ocean settled her soul like nothing else. Being near God’s creation reminded her of His sovereignty and majesty. Setting the moon in the sky to control the tides . . . it awed her. Jesus walking on water, calming the storm . . . Knowing He tamed something so wild and free settled her soul in a way nothing else did.”

“God had most definitely made a masterpiece with Finn Walker. Combining his stellar physique with green eyes, a strong jaw, and chiseled cheekbones made it hard not to sigh when he walked in a room.”

Back Cover Blurb:
When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter--and Finn's boss's sister--Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she's back, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?



Author Bio:
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than a half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award.

From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves--full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.

Available in digital ebook, paperback and hardcover:
Buy The Killing Tide at Amazon
Buy The Killing Tide at Christianbook.com

THE YELLOW LANTERN by Angie Dicken, #INTERVIEW by Paula Shreckhise plus Reviews by Trixi and Paula!

The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken is a book in the series True Colors, Historical Stories Of American Crime. 

 




Paula here, and thrilled to chat with AUTHOR ANGIE DICKEN!
What is the first time you remember wanting to be an author?

Angie: I have been writing and dreaming up stories since elementary school. When I was ten, I wrote chapters of a fairytale for the little girl I babysat. I'd read new chapters each time I'd babysit. I never thought I'd be an actual author--I went to college for architecture/landscape architecture. But, even then, I would write poetry and stories when I had the chance. :)

Paula: What genre or time period do you most like to read?

Angie: Actually, this has fluctuated over the years. I love reading historical fiction set in Europe or England, but while I am on deadlines for my own historicals, I can usually be found reading contemporary women's fiction. My favorite author right now is Katherine Reay.

Paula: What genre would you like to branch out into?

Angie: Historical Women's Fiction. I have some unpublished manuscripts that dig deeper into heroines discovering their identity in Christ during circumstances specific to the time period.

Paula: How long does it take you to write a book?
 
Angie: Depending on the book, I can get a rough draft written in 4 to 6 months. I might get it written earlier than that, but I love having plenty of time to really polish and make it shine. Rewriting is an important part of the process. :)

Paula: Do you like writing for novella collections or a novel better?

Angie: I have just finished my first novella for a collection that comes out in March. I have been pleasantly surprised by how fun it is to write a novella. I do love the journey of writing a novel, but I am not opposed to writing more novellas in the future!

Paula: Do you have a question for our readers?

Angie: What is your favorite time period and setting to read about? 

Paula: Thanks so much for being our guest, Angie!  

 PAULA'S REVIEW:
Josie Clayton learned the art of healing herbs from her mother. She also told Josie that the symbol of Lilacs is first love. “ Mother told her to always remember her first love — Christ, the Creator and Comforter.”

Josie has always tried to do what is right, even working to get her father out of debtors prison. Now forced into something illegal in order to once again save her father, Josie is conflicted. “She was stuck between two men- one whom she’d loved all her life, and one who stirred something inside her she’d never felt before. Her loyalty to one was an inevitable choice at the expense of the other. How could she choose between affection and her very own blood?”

“Josie walked beneath the shadow of a secret, one that would astound any kind, upstanding soul.”

She goes to work in a cotton mill run by Braham Taylor. Braham is trying to navigate the management of the mill and some troubling family situations.

When Josie is accused of something nefarious, will she be able to clear her name and win back the trust of one she holds dear?

The level of suspense didn’t seem to let up, making for a wonderful gothic tale about grave robbers.

This story never failed to keep my interest. I learned about early cotton mill work and the customs and attitudes of the early 1800’s. The author captured the era through the fascinating descriptions and the believable characters.

*I received this ARC book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*


TRIXI'S REVIEW:“What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?”

They call them grave robbers, body snatchers or resurrectionists. Those, who after the burial, stole a body in the middle of the night to perform medical procedures, all in the name of research. Or who killed when death was eminent, to quickly fill their need for a fresh body. It’s the unfortunate gruesome piece of our American history that I learned about in The Yellow Lantern. While it wasn’t my favorite subject to read about, Angie Dickens writing was superb and brought this era to life.

It’s a combination of fledgling love, a reluctant heroine forced to fulfill a need, an unaware cotton mill owner hero, and undertones of a gothic nature where you don’t know who to trust or believe. The last half of the book picked up the pace for me as it was a case of I-need-to-know-what-happens-right-now! I can’t say it had me glued to the pages throughout the whole book, but it certainly did at the end when all the pieces came together in a surprising manner.

I’ve only read this book in the True Colors (American Crime) series and I can’t wait to read the others.
*I received a complimentary copy of this from the author and I was not obligated to leave a favorable review. *
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BackCover Blurb:
The Yellow Lantern is seen as a symbol of light and life and if it is extinguished—Death!
In 1824, Josephine Clayton is considered dead by everyone in her Massachusetts village—especially the doctor she has assisted for several months. Yet, she is still very much alive.

After the doctor’s illegal dealing with his body snatcher to obtain her body, Josephine awakens, positioned as the next corpse for his research. To cover up his crime, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. They strike a deal—Josephine will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help the body snatcher procure her replacement.

At the mill though, Josephine is praised for her medical remedies among the other female workers, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager, Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?

Available in digital ebook, paperback and audiobook:
Buy The Yellow Lantern at Amazon
Buy The Yellow Lantern at Christianbook.com