Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: The Firefighter's Twins by Heidi McCahan

Welcome to The Firefighter's Twins Blog Tour and giveaway,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Firefighter's Twins
Author: Heidi McCahan
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

One single dad plus twin toddlers
A formula for her new family?

Since his wife left, fireman Shay Campbell has focused on work and his twin toddlers. But the lovely Natalie McDowell is making him rethink that decision.

She’s great with his boys, and they adore her. But he can’t go through losing someone again.

Will a dream job offer win Natalie’s heart, or does it belong to Shay and the twins?  

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository | Harlequin




MY THOUGHTS

With her debut novel for the Love Inspired line, Heidi McCahan has proved herself to be an author to watch. The Firefighter’s Twins has the sweet romance you would expect, but there’s so much depth and complexity to this story.

Set in the small-town community of Meadow Springs, North Carolina, we meet Shay – a firefighter with scene-stealing twin boys, as the title indicates – and Natalie, an event coordinator on her family’s farm. I loved the creativity of these events and was pulling for Natalie to achieve her dream of being able to devote herself to wedding events at Magnolia Lane barn.

Natalie and Shay have great chemistry and I enjoyed the way their relationship evolved beyond the heartbreaking events in their past. One strength of this story is the realistically-portrayed relationships that drive the narrative … such as those between siblings, parent/young children, and grown children/aging parents. Another strength is that of coming together in an effort to help, as church and community did in building the home for a veteran family in need.

I appreciated how spiritual gems are gently woven into the story. A thought that especially resonated with me is these words of Natalie’s sister, Tisha … “Sometimes you have to trust that God will provide, even if His provision doesn’t look like you think it should.”

Contrary to the way many endings feel rushed, The Firefighter’s Twins comes to a very satisfying conclusion, from the way Natalie and Shay get together in the last chapter, to an epilogue that takes place one year later.

Highly recommended. Within the Love Inspired line of books, 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book through Just Read Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi McCahan is the author of Covering Home, Unraveled, and Love Flies In. She is also an active RWA member and currently serves as secretary of the North Carolina chapter of ACFW. Heidi won the 2014 Idahope contest, and was a 2015 finalist in Harlequin’s Blurb 2 Book contest. 

A Pacific Northwest girl at heart, she was transplanted in the South several years ago, and currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and three boys. Heidi is a huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, and can often be found enjoying a good cup of coffee and a great book. 

The Firefighter’s Twins, her first novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, is available now.  

CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Google+ | Newsletter

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(photo by Heidi McCahan)

Heidi McCahan has put together a FABULOUS giveaway for readers! One winner (US only) will receive:

-- Magnolia Market tote bag
-- Hearth & Hand Magnolia Notepad + tell your story pencil
-- 4 magnetic bookmarks
-- $25 Amazon Gift Card
-- Gratitude journal + lists notebook
-- weekly planning pad
-- Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt
-- Falling for You by Becky Wade
-- The Firefighter's Twins by Heidi McCahan

Giveaway will run from midnight June 1, 2018 through 11:59pm June 11, 2018. It is subject to the policies found here.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along with the tour for more chances to win! Grab the schedule at JustRead!

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Title: Treacherous Trails  
Author: Dana Mentink  
Genre: Inspy Romanctic Suspense  
Release Date: March, 2018  

Falsely accused… 

Can she escape the real killer? 

In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

CBD │ B&N │ Amazon

My Thoughts

Set in the heart of California’s gold country, Treacherous Trails is an adrenalin and emotional ride if there ever was one – and from the very first page, no less. The villain is pure evil and we’re pretty sure of his identity all the way, so it’s figuring out who all is involved and seeing them captured that keeps you turning the pages. Dana Mentink’s writing flows smoothly and it was hard to put this book down.

I need to confess that I’m not much of a suspense fan, but I enjoyed Dana Mentink’s dog lover’s series so much that I wanted to try this genre, and I was not disappointed. What I like so much about Mentink’s writing is that, even in suspense, she creates rich characters with realistic backstories that make you care about them. Ella and Owen are appealing lead characters who are easy to connect with, and I loved the romantic tension between these two. Owen is a fascinating blend of cowboy and military, and Ella’s devotion to her disabled sister is moving. I was confident that Owen and Ella would get together in the end, but the feeling of Ella’s brother that Owen’s wartime experience made him unsuitable husband material added good conflict.

On a spiritual level, there’s a great quote on p. 90 that I keep coming back to again and again …

“Someone told me taking up your cross and following

Jesus means you sometimes say no to what your heart wants.”  

- Ella

Both Ella and Owen have to deal with loss of personal dreams in one way or another, and their struggle reflects what the self-denial Christ asks of us might look like. Good food for thought in this story.

I enjoyed Treacherous Trails very much and look forward to more of Dana Mentink’s stories. Just a personal request here … Dana has a great sense of humor and I long for more sweet, funny stories like the dog lover’s series!

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. 

Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. 

You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! 

Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 12

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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 12

Daysong Reflections, April 13

Karen Sue Hadley, April 13

Janices book reviews, April 13

Book by Book, April 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 14

History, Mystery & Faith, April 15

C Jane Read, April 15

The Power of Words, April 15

To Everything a Season, April 16

Among the Reads, April 16

Genesis 5020, April 16

A Baker’s Perspective, April 17

Two Points of Interest, April 17

Carpe Diem, April 18

Cafinated Reads, April 18

Maureen’s Musings, April 19

Simple Harvest Reads, April 19 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, April 20

Have A Wonderful Day, April 20

Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting, April 21

proud to be an autism mom, April 21

Bibliophile Reviews, April 22

A Greater Yes, April 22

Texas Book-aholic, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 24

Red Headed Book Lady, April 24

Bigreadersite, April 24

margaret kazmierczak, April 25 (Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, April 25

Remembrancy, April 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!

Click the image above or the link below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Cowboy Christmas Guardian

About the Book:

Name of book: Cowboy Christmas Guardian
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Isnpy Romance Suspense

Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she’s from the family that he’ll never forgive for his wife’s death. 

As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won’t back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts:

Suspenseful, romantic, spiritual, heartwarming … I loved everything about Cowboy Christmas Guardian! I’m not normally a suspense fan, but wanted to read this book because I had greatly enjoyed Dana Mentink’s writing in another series, and am so glad I did.

On a suspense level, this is a fast-moving, action-packed story, hard to put down even for a minute. But what I liked best is the family relationship element. Barrett is the first member of the Thorn family who captured my heart, followed by three other intriguing brothers – making this a series to anticipate. Chemistry sparks immediately between Barrett and Shelby, in spite of a past event that makes any kind of relationship highly unlikely, until their faith in God enters the picture.

Dana Mentink has crafted a highly entertaining story that also includes interesting facts about gold mining. Within the Love Inspired line, 5 stars.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty-five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. 

Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four-book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. 

California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter!

https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d3

Review: Wilderness Reunion

Wilderness Reunion
By Elizabeth Goddard
Wilderness, Inc. #4
Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, 2017


Summary

After stumbling on a drug operation, Alice Wilde races through the woods as bullets whiz past, using her skills as a wilderness guide to elude her pursuers. But she doesn't stay safe for long once one of the armed men recognizes her…and starts stalking her.

When the sheriff asks her to guide his men and photojournalist Griffin Slater—her ex-boyfriend—to the crime scene, though, she can't refuse. Alice knows Griffin's just there for a story, but after the two of them are separated from the rest of the group, he's the only person who can save her. And with someone willing to do anything to hunt them down, Alice must put aside their past if she wants to survive.


My thoughts

Wilderness Reunion is an edge-of-your-seat page turner, filled with non-stop action – also impossible to put down. With Elizabeth Goddard’s distinctive gift for conveying vivid imagery and bringing characters to life, I was transported into the Oregon wilderness and caught up in Alice and Griffin’s story from the very first paragraph.

Suspense isn’t my genre of choice, but I’ve consistently enjoyed the Wilderness, Inc. series. For one thing, the stories I’ve read are more action packed than filled with scary suspense or terror. Secondly, in a genre that isn’t known for its character depth, Goddard creates well-rounded characters that readers can immediately connect with.

Blossom Bar, Rogue River

Wilderness Reunion takes place in Oregon’s wilderness, and I could “see” its wildness, rugged beauty and majesty as I read. In the river rafting scenes, I could almost hear the water churning and roaring around me. Griffin, a photojournalist who captured the tragedies of the world, felt he was damaged goods because of all the horrors he had witnessed. Wonderful romantic tension is created when Alice, who literally finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, is forced to rely on Griffin in a life-or-death situation – and both struggle with emotional baggage from their past relationship.

Wilderness Reunion stands out to me because it calls attention to a growing and dangerous problem in our country today –marijuana farms located in remote wilderness areas. Goddard writes at the end: “I wanted to raise awareness of the devastation that’s being inflicted on public lands in our beautiful country. Not only are illegal marijuana farms catastrophic to the land, the wildlife and water, but they’re dangerous to people, especially nature enthusiasts.”

I thoroughly enjoyed Wilderness Reunion and look forward to Elizabeth Goddard’s next series.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She’s a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense for her books BURIED and BACKFIRE in the Mountain Cove series.

A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time. She currently makes her home in Minnesota with her husband and children.

Website │ Facebook │ Twitter │ Pinterest

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): The Renegade's Redemption

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Renegade's Redemption

by Stacy Henrie

Inspirational Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

July 1st 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Refuge for the Outlaw

When Tex Beckett arrives at Ravena Reid's farm, he's eight years too late for the elopement they'd once planned—and it's far too early to win her forgiveness. He's seriously wounded, though, and she can't turn him away, though she knows better than to trust him. Yes, it's wonderful having help with the farm, and with the orphans she fosters, but if she opens her heart, she'll get hurt again when he leaves. And Tex always leaves.

As a notorious bank robber, Tex is used to danger. Yet reuniting with the only woman he's ever loved is the riskiest thing he's ever done. All he wants is to stay with Ravena and the children. But can he build a new start before his past catches up with him?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository
Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay│BAM│IndieBound

My Thoughts

I don’t have time to read as many Love Inspired stories as I’d like, but I always read Stacy Henrie’s stories. She’s a solid, smooth writer who creates well-rounded characters and tells an engaging story. The Renegade’s Redemption brings Tex, a notorious robber, together with his former sweetheart. We met Tex’s identical twin, Tate, in the previous book, The Outlaw's Secret (click on title for my review), but this story can stand alone.

She’d never marry an outlaw,

and he couldn’t change what he was.

Renegade and redemption … now that’s a winning combination for me! Redemption is at the heart of our Christian walk, and who doesn’t like a repentant “bad boy”? The road for this unlikely pair seemed impossible, and I loved how everything was resolved. I so admired Ravena’s hard work and love for her family of orphans; she just had to learn to trust again. Tex was a flawed character for whom bad choices and actions came out of a spirit of fear. I was quickly drawn to Tex and rooted for him to find peace, forgiveness, and happiness because none of these were assured.

Each child is richly drawn, vulnerable, and simply stole my heart. Henrie created some great family scenes that revealed Tex’s heart for children, such as his playing of the harmonica one evening and when sweet Ginny confided her nightmares to him. Spiritual themes are woven into daily lives and I was particularly moved by Tex’s honest and humble talk with the Lord toward the end.

I enjoyed The Renegade’s Redemption very much and look forward to much more from Stacy Henrie.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Other Books in the Series

The Outlaw's Secret

by Stacy Henrie

Christian Historical RomancePaperback & ebook, 288 pages

February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise 

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right? 

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay│BAM│IndieBound

About the Author

Stacy Henrie has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

July 5th: Launch
July 6th: Hearts & Scribbles & Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
July 7th: Heidi Reads... & I Am A Reader
July 9th: Sylv.net & deal sharing aunt
July 10th: Rockin' Book Reviews & Reading Is My SuperPower
July 11th: Singing Librarian Books & Katie's Clean Book Collection
July 12th: Mel's Shelves & Cafinated Reads
July 13th: Getting Your Read On & Wishful Endings
July 14th: Paulette's Papers & The Power of Words
July 16th: Tell Tale Book Reviews
July 17th: Dixie and Dottie & Brooke Blogs
July 18th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive  copies of The Express Rider's Lady and The Outlaw's Secret, and a $10 Amazon e-gift card (US only)

- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)

- Ends July 22nd

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Review (+ Tour Giveaway): The Outlaw's Secret

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Outlaw's Secret

by Stacy Henrie
Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right?

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Harlequin

My thoughts

There’s nothing typical about Stacy Henrie’s newest release and she has become one of my favorite writers in the Love Inspired line. The Outlaw’s Secret has it all – character depth, humor, romance, suspense, and rich historical detail. It’s well written, entertaining, and refreshingly unusual in storyline.

The story starts off in a somewhat humorous fashion, with the heroine orchestrating something that I can’t imagine doing in a million years – and it works. Essie and Tate are extremely appealing characters. Essie is intelligent, insightful, and a quick study who uses knowledge gained from research to help in tricky situations.

As Essie begins interviewing the gang members, the feel of this story changes subtly. Wanting to delve into the outlaws’ pasts and explore the people and circumstances that contributed to their current way of life, she gradually uncovers a hidden complexity in these characters. “Outlawing wasn’t the adventurous, carefree career she’d imagined or unknowingly penned into her novels … They were people with feelings, regrets, hopes and fears. Just like her.”

The romance between Tate and Essie is sweet, and there’s a real chemistry between them.  Spiritual gems are a natural part of the story as Essie and Tate learn some valuable life lessons.

The Outlaw’s Secret is a fun and entertaining read. Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

 

Tour Schedule

February 1st: Launch

February 2nd:

Bookworm Lisa, Rockin' Book Reviews, Katie's Clean Book Collection & Hearts & Scribbles

February 3rd:

Reading Is My SuperPower, I Am A Reader & The Power of Words

February 6th:

Seasons of Humility & Kathleen Denly

February 7th:

Getting Your Read On & Wishful Endings

February 8th:

Mel's Shelves & Falling Leaves

February 9th:

Singing Librarian Books & Colorimetry

February 10th:

i blog 4 books & Zerina Blossom's Books

February 12th:

Tell Tale Book Reviews

February 13th:

Heidi Reads... & The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

February 14th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive print copies of LADY OUTLAW and THE EXPRESS RIDER'S LADY + $10 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)
- Ends February 18th

a Rafflecopter giveaway