Saturday, June 6, 2020

The Story Hunter by Lindsay A. Franklin

About the Book

Book: The Story Hunter

Author: Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre: Christian Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Release Date: May 19, 2020

Redeeming the past is a fatal quest.

In the wake of a deadly coup, the capital city of Urian has descended into chaos. Heartbreak and bloodshed await Tanwen and her friends as they discover the unlikeliest leader now rules Tir.

If they want to save the realm, Tannie and the Corsyth weavers must rescue Queen Braith and unmask the Master, ending the strife once and for all. But the success of their hunt depends upon an ally no one trusts.

The Master has a new target in sight: fragile, trauma-scarred Digwyn, whose unique weaving ability could turn the tide of any war. When the desire for vengeance proves too powerful for Digwyn to resist, Tanwen must face a terrifying truth: the fate of Tir rests in the hands of a volatile, shattered girl.

My Thoughts:

I had not read the previous books in this series, but quickly realized that it was a necessity so I stopped reading and got the previous two books (you have to do this to understand everything). The author did a wonderful job in this conclusion. The characters grew and changed so much over the trilogy and became friends that I grew to love.

I truly couldn't put this down and some of the twists were wonderful (and some heartbreaking). Friends can become family and loyalty thicker than blood. I know I'm going to have my 12 year old read the books soon and recommend it to some of his friends. There are some hard topics but they are handed wonderfully. Overall, it was a great series.

This was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via CelebrateLit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Franklin, Lindsay2018 - Author Photo Lindsay A. Franklin is a Carol Award–winning author, freelance editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their precious geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed marsupial named Wombatman.

More from Lindsay

Someone asked me recently where my story ideas come from. In fact, that’s one of the author questions I get asked most often. Honestly, the answer is different for every single project I’ve worked on, every single thing I’ve written. I’ve gotten ideas from news headlines, from dreams, from random musings while washing dishes. I even got an idea for a novel from a throwaway remark made by an editor teaching a workshop (that’s how The Story Peddler started).

The idea for The Story Hunter started with a title that turned into a girl.

After The Weaver Trilogy was acquired, my publisher and I brainstormed a list of titles for books two and three in the series. My editor loved the title The Story Peddler and wanted to keep that format for subsequent books. On his brainstorming list was the title The Story Thief. Obviously, this title did not make it all the way to publication. The middle-grade best-selling series Story Thieves wasn’t on our radar at the time, and once it was, I knew we would have to work with a different title (and I absolutely love the title The Story Hunter, so there’s no lingering sadness over here). But the moment I saw that phrase, The Story Thief, a new character popped into my head. It was one of those rare instances when a complete person arrives in my imagination all at once. I knew who she was, what she wanted, and what her unique gift would be. She was Diggy, my story thief, and I knew book three would belong to her.

There were many things I loved about writing this final installment of The Weaver Trilogy but none more than getting to write my story thief’s journey. That’s her hand on the cover of the book, stealing lightning and battling her inner monsters. Though I knew who Diggy was the moment I imagined her, I wasn’t sure how her story was going to end until I wrote it. I can recall saying to my best friend during Hunter’s writing process, “I don’t know if Diggy is going to be okay.” Her backstory is very difficult and deeply personal to me. When we’re facing the kind of odds Diggy is facing, sometimes we don’t win. And even if we do, rarely do we come out unscathed. So I built the book around that question: is Diggy going to be okay? And I didn’t know the answer until I scribbled it down on my outline.

When readers reach The End for the final time in this series, I hope they will feel I’ve done Diggy’s story—and the stories of all my beloved Weaver characters— justice.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 30

Fiction Aficionado, May 30

Through the Fire Blogs, May 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 1

Mia Reads, June 1

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

For the Love of Literature, June 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 3

Inklings and notions, June 4

For Him and My Family, June 5

deb’s Book Review, June 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Blogging With Carol, June 7

Kathleen Denly, June 8

Hallie Reads, June 9

Remembrancy, June 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 10

Worthy2Read, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lindsay is giving away the grand prize package of a signed set of The Weaver Trilogy paperbacks, set of four character cards with art by Laura Hollingsworth, set of three Weaver-themed Novelly Yours candles (The Corsyth, The Cethorelle, and The Craigyl), an “I Ship It Mor” enamel pin designed by Dust & Pages, Custom tea tins from Adagio Tea (Braith’s Blend and Diggy’s Spikefruit), and an assortment of bookmarks, stickers, and art prints!!

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/fab3/the-story-hunter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, June 5, 2020

Dragon School: Episodes 1-5 by Sarah K. L. Wilson and Narrated by Jigisha Patel

Dragon School: Episodes 1-5 audiobook cover art

Book Description:

A disabled teen, an empathetic dragon, and a bond that will save the world.

Sixteen-year-old Amel arrived at Dragon School just like everyone else - with a dream to ride dragons and join the Dominion Dragon Riders.

But Amel has a crippled leg, and Dragon School training is grueling. Before she can even become an initiate, she must complete her first flight on a dragon.

Can Amel survive First Flight and become a Dragon School initiate, or will her dreams dash on the rocks below?

This audiobook contains episodes 1-5 of Dragon School:

Dragon School: First Flight
Dragon School: Initiate
Dragon School: The Dark Prince
Dragon School: The Ruby Isles
Dragon School: Sworn

My Thoughts:

I've been listening to this set of books in my car along with my kids. We love them. They need to be listened to in order because the stories build on each other and if you try to start in the middle of the series, you will wi be lost. Amel is a cripple and is determined to become a dragon rider. Her determination and strength is amazing. I love Reolkin (sorry if I misspell names, I'm listening to the audiobooks). Her dragon is absolutely amazing. Their minds connect unlike any of the others in her class and it is magical.

Unfortunately for her, Dragon School has to go through a significant change in a short amount of time and she is tossed into the deep end before she's ready. There is so much that happens in these first five books that I couldn't say too much without giving things away. I will say the author has surprised me with Amel's ailment and not magically fixing it immediately, which is what I expected. Rather it is an integral part of the story and how she has to overcome it is amazing. If at some point, the ailment is fixed, great but I think the author has done a great job with not taking the easy way out from the start.

I do love the romantic spark the author has put in here. There is always a mystery or a question of loyalty and I love that Amel is determined to do right and not let others sway her concept of right and wrong. She wants to understand things and not just be lead around like a child. She grew and changed a lot in these first stories and we've already started the second set so I cannot wait to see where the author takes all of the characters I've grown to love!

It's a 5/5 for me. My children (ages 5, 10, and 11) ask for the book to be turned on immediately when we get into the car and I love sharing these stories with them.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Standoff by Patricia Bradley

Standoff (Natchez Trace Park Rangers #1)

Book Description:
The Natchez Trace National Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, the oldest town on the Mississippi River. It's the perfect road for a relaxed pleasure drive. Unfortunately for Luke Fereday, it's also perfect for moving drugs.

Sent to Natchez to infiltrate the organization at the center of the drug ring, Luke arrives too late to a stakeout and discovers the body of his friend, park ranger John Danvers. John's daughter Brooke is determined to investigate her father's murder but soon finds herself the target of a killer who will do anything to silence her.

Luke will have his hands full keeping her safe. But who's going to keep him safe when he realizes he's falling – hard – for the daughter of the man he failed to save?

My Thoughts:
Loved this book from start to finish. Brooke absolutely doesn't believe her father's death was a suicide. In fact, she is going to prove that it wasn't. Luke is an old love interest, and also undercover. This book has a lot going on and the author does a wonderful job of keeping it balanced. Romance, suspense, twists, and turns are all there and keep you glued to the page.
I loved the setting of the story. The author did a wonderful job of making you feel the surroundings (think hot and humid). The chemistry between Brooke and Luke was great. The fact that I was not certain who the bad guy was, even though I had plenty of suspects and the author provided hints here and there. I was still surprised. It was great and I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Absolutely a 5/5.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Escape by Heather Renee

Escape (Elite Supernatural Trackers Book 3) by [Heather Renee]

Book Description:

Family isn't always everything.

I should be dead. I was pretty sure I did die—at least for a few seconds—but thanks to having the right kind of friends, I get another chance to gain my freedom back. Except now I'm in even more danger than before.

Putting the risks aside, I've convinced the Fabled Four to stick around instead of running away so we can hunt down the Luccovinos before they do the same to us. With Jaxon being more protective than ever, it makes the task difficult at times, but he's also the only thing keeping me sane as we continue to grow closer.

As everything comes to an end, the truth about who I am isn't easy to accept and neither is knowing who to trust. But as I face off with a family I never knew existed, there is one thing I'm convinced of.

I'm going to kill every single one of them.

My Thoughts:

Yes! This was the conclusion I was waiting and hoping for! Nixie may still be my favorite character, but I do love them all. I'm hoping the author will write a spin-off series with some of the other characters as the focus with the others popping by to catch up. Just saying Heather Renee-- hint, hint!

I was excited to get the final book in this series and it truly did not disappoint. Cara is still an amazing main character and I love how she comes into her own in this. The guys are still hot and wonderful, and there is growth in all the characters really. There are battles, and twists that I enjoyed. Overall, it was just a wonderful series and I'm going to miss this world completely.

It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, May 18, 2020

Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson Narrated by Sybil Johnson

Back cover blurb:

Two DEA agents.
One undercover mission.
Lives changed forever.

The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.

A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them?
Or will they die trying?

Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this audiobook. Kara and Jeff were a great pair to get to know. They weren't well acquainted until Kara's cover is blown (literally) with a major drug cartel in Florida. Then they are partnered for a job that sends both of them out of their comfort zone. Luckily both have ties to where they are sent but that can be both a benefit and a detriment.
I like that I didn't KNOW who the bad guy was. I could guess and think I knew but it wasn't immediately apparent. I also liked watching the characters develop as people and as partners. There are obvious feelings there on both parts but they are professionals and must act the part. Especially when acting means pretending to be a couple.
It was good. 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyrosejohnsonauthor/

Bio:

Kimberly Rose Johnson is the 2018 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice winner for short contemporary novel. She’s married to her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Kimberly’s hobbies include reading, watching chick flicks, playing the piano, long walks with her hubby and their yellow lab, drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate.

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/2IwGKXG

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Dark Water by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Book: Dark Water
Author: Christy Barritt
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: January 28, 2020

A FORMER NAVY SEAL HAUNTED BY HIS PAST

Colton Locke can’t forget the black op that went terribly wrong. Desperate for a new start, he moves to Lantern Beach, North Carolina, and forms Blackout, a private security firm. Despite his hero status, he can’t erase the mistakes he’s made.

A WIDOW WITH SECRETS

For the past year, Elise Oliver hasn’t been able to shake the feeling that there’s more to her husband’s death than she was told. When she finds a hidden box of his personal possessions, more questions—and suspicions—arise. The only person she trusts to help her is her husband’s best friend, Colton Locke.

THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

Someone wants Elise dead. Is it because she knows too much? Or is it to keep her from finding the truth? The Blackout team must uncover dark secrets hiding beneath seemingly still waters. But those very secrets might just tear the team apart.

My Thoughts:
I devoured this book. Elise's husband was killed on a mission, but there was a lot more going on than she ever realized. The horror after his death with him being accused of being a traitor was even worse. She finds some of his hidden personal effects and suddenly someone wants her dead.
Colton didn't know his best friend had hidden evidence, but he put his life on hold the moment Elise showed up on his doorstep. I liked the tension between the two of them. There is always the knowledge that Colton was her husband's best friend, but there were other issues at play as well. I loved that the book never slowed down and I loved all the characters. I can't wait to see more from the Blackout team!
It was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”
A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold more than two million copies, and two are currently being developed as movies.
Christy’s books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.
Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs.
For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com.

More from Christy

Dark Water is the fourth series in the Lantern Beach Universe. When I created the fictional island of Lantern Beach, NC, I had no idea how popular it would be. I’ve fallen in love with the people there, and they feel more like friends than fictional characters.
Dark Water is about a group of former Navy SEALs who band together to former an elite private security firm. But they all share secrets, as well as guilt over the death of their SEAL leader. In order to move on, they must find answers.
I introduced Colton Locke in the last book of the Lantern Beach PD series—Plan of Action. I knew he needed his own book and that I wanted to develop his character more. That turned into a four-book series featuring Colton and three of his friends. Blackout contains suspense, mystery, and romance—all of my favorite things!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

For Him and My Family, May 1

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 2

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 2

KarenSueHadley, May 3

Read Review Rejoice, May 3

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 4

Genesis 5020, May 4

Through the Fire Blogs, May 4

She Lives To Read, May 5

deb’s Book Review, May 5

Remembrancy, May 6

Britt Reads Fiction, May 6

Emily Yager, May 6

Betti Mace, May 7

Hookmeinabook, May 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 8

Splashes of Joy, May 8

Inklings and notions, May 8

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Just Your Average reviews, May 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 10

Because I said so– adventures in parenting, May 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 11

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 12

Spoken from the Heart, May 12

Lights in a Dark World, May 12

Blossoms and Blessings, May 13

CarpeDiem, May 13

With a Joyful Noise, May 14

Live. Love. Read., May 14

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christy is giving away the the grand prize package of a signed copy of Dark Water and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/fa62/dark-water-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, May 11, 2020

Absolute Zero by Ireland Gill Narrated by Sarah Stevens

Book Description:
Saving the dead isn’t as simple as promised. It was supposed to be a standard routine…that is, until we discovered that I was the first Soldier of Light to receive visions of the souls’ worst sins. The very sins that put them in the Dark Realm with the devil. Sins that are unforgivable.
Hayden, my sexy guardian angel, tells me there are consequences if I don’t save these lost souls. But how do I save souls that have committed such despicable acts, especially when I have to live through their death in order for them to move on? To make matters even more complicated, the devil believes he sees a darkness in me that matches his own. And to tell you the truth…I fear he may be right. Because each soul I must save makes me despise the world I’m forced to live in even more.
The one silver lining keeping me grounded is Hayden, until I come face to face with a secret he’s kept from me since the beginning.

My Thoughts:
This book is the second in a series and is not a stand alone. You need to read book 1 before trying to start this one. I had some issues with this book, the narrator did a great job and I enjoyed the voices she gave the characters. My issue was the book pace. It was either dragging or gripping. There was no in between.
I enjoyed the book, so don't think I didn't. I just got frustrated at it's pacing. The twist at the end was good and I enjoyed that so that makes me hope book 3 will answer questions and have more action. I'm thinking this book was more a stepping stone for the next book to be amazing.
It was a 3/5 for me.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this audiobook. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Of Dreams and Sorcery by Heather Renee

Of Dreams and Sorcery (Royal Fae Guardians, #1)

Book Description:
When a talking owl tells Kali she's more than just an average eighteen-year-old, her mind is convinced she's gone crazy. Once she finally accepts his words as truth, she spends an entire year conditioning her body for all that is to come on her next birthday. Except, when the day arrives, she realizes her little friend left a few things out...

Kali is the first descendant in decades to be born from two royal fae lines, but being special isn't always a good thing. Even though she's been training for the last year, Kali's ill-prepared to face the threats headed her way, and she'll need someone to show her how best to defend herself.

That's when Callen steps in, and once again, nothing is as it seems. Even though something about him draws her in, they butt heads at every opportunity. With Kali's future on the line, she does her best to concede to the changes in her new life, but being the hero Arvayta wants her to be isn't as easy it sounds.

My Thoughts:
This is the kind of book you want to start when you have time to sit down and read because you will absolutely not want to put it down. I love the images that flood my mind from the author's descriptions. She has a unique style and I just get sucked in to every book she writes.
Kali is a wonderful character that I loved. Ryland, well he is a twit, but I'm thinking he will grow on me. The whole way Kali is spun into her new world and reality, just wow. Overall, I loved the book and I cannot wait until I can read more.
5/5 for me and bring me more!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, May 1, 2020

Anchored by Death by Catherine Finger

About the Book

Book: Anchored by Death
Author: Catherine Finger
Genre: Christian Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: June, 2017

Police Chief Jo Oliver needed a little time to herself. But when her escape to Wisconsin turns deadly, she teams up with FBI agent Nick Vitarello, hoping to catch the Bow Tie Killer. Their romantic past and complicated present leads them into uncharted territory as they match wits with a psychopath bent on destroying everything they hold dear.

My Thoughts:
This was a good book. It was the first in the series for me so I felt a little lost at the start but I soon figured things out. Jo is on vacation from her job as police chief because of a horrible experience. That also put in jeopardy the adoption of her daughter. Their interactions were super sweet and I loved seeing that.
Unfortunately, Jo can't even get away from the job on vacation because she finds a dead body on the golf course. Jo is a new Christian and she has some good friends around her. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense throughout the book. Overall, I enjoyed it. I do want to go back and start at the beginning of the series and reread this one to see what I missed that I might have picked up having read the first two.
It was a 4/5 for me. I will be reading more from this author.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.

More from Catherine

Thank you for your interest in the Jo Oliver thriller series. Today we celebrate Anchored by Death—book three in the series. The basic plot for this book came as a result of an FBI workshop I attended on how profilers track killers. A particular method was presented that really stuck with me. As I thought it over, I had the idea to combine a map of Wisconsin with the tracking technique I had learned, and I actually built the crime scenes around the theory. I then created a killer who would do the sorts of things I had mapped out, and in that order. This was a satisfying challenge for Josie and I enjoyed my research jaunts throughout Wisconsin while writing the chase and takedown scenes.
When Josie’s off the clock and spending time with family and friends, you can catch our heroine in the kitchen. Ever since her infamous Flourless Chocolate Cake appeared in Anchored by Death, fans have requested the recipe. For the epicurean readers, here is the recipe she used when preparing this special treat:
Ingredients:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 ½ sticks butter
¼ salt
6 eggs, room temp
1 ½ cups sugar (white granulated or brown will do)
Confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder for dusting top and cake stand
How To:
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare springform or regular round pans with nonstick spray or butter and flour.
Melt chocolate, butter, and salt—microwave will work in a pinch—or add all to heatproof bowl and place over small saucepan of simmering water to melt without burning. Set aside to cool
Beat eggs and sugar until light and thickened, around 6-8 minutes. Fold in melted chocolate mixture until completely combined.
Pour batter into buttered and floured cake pan—springform or regular round—and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 90 minutes, until a toothpick comes out wet but relatively clean.
Allow cake to cool completely before removing from pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and cocoa—Jo used a stencil for a quick and pretty design.
Thanks again for celebrating Anchored by Death—and know that I appreciate you. Readers are a special breed. As a lover of the written word and an author, I invite you to enjoy the read.