Review + GIVEAWAY: A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon

A Field Guide to Homicide
By Lynn Cahoon
A Cat Latimer Mystery #6
Kensington, 2020


Summary

Cat Latimer and her writer’s retreat group go on a hiking trip—but a murderer has been lurking off the beaten path…

Cat’s sweetheart, Seth, is going all out on an outing into the local mountains—for the benefit of the writing group Cat’s hosting at her Colorado B&B. But when they try to identify some plant and animal life, they find death instead. The body belongs to a man with a gold claim a few miles away. Instead of striking it rich, he’s been struck down.

To his surprise, Seth recognizes the victim from his military days—and up to now believed he’d already died during his last tour of duty. Now Cat has to solve this mystery before the killer takes a hike…

Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play

My thoughts

Every now and then I come across a gem in the cozy mystery genre, and that’s how I would describe A Field Guide to Homicide by Lynn Cahoon. It’s rich in setting, character depth, and storyline. Although new to the series, I still found this sixth mystery easy to pick up and follow, but I recommend starting from the beginning and enjoying the character development – as I plan to do.

The author may not be able to tell you what day it was,

but they could tell you when a plot point happened

and what they decided to do about it.

Cat Latimer and her business partner, Shauna, run a Colorado B&B with support from Cat’s boyfriend, Seth. I found the world of writing fascinating – from all the helpful tips, to the retreat for writers that they are hosting as the story begins. This is something readers and writers alike will greatly enjoy. Of course, murder quickly rears its ugly head during the first hiking event of the retreat, and things get even more interesting from there.

What I liked most is the complexity of this story – not only from the mystery itself, but from secondary themes. Shauna finds her passion in cooking, but also has a difficult and disappointing relationship with her brother. Cat’s uncle is in law enforcement, as is his girlfriend from Alaska, and both are involved in different ways in the murder investigation. Cat and Seth, former high school sweethearts, seem to be finding happiness now, but Seth erects invisible walls when it comes to his Army years. What makes this murder so interesting is that the victim was a man that Seth served with, but who was supposedly killed in combat ten years earlier. Very little is known at first and I loved how everything gradually unfolds, beginning with the victim’s journal.

I loved everything about A Field Guide to Homicide and found it hard to put down. Storyline and writing are impressive, and the characters kept me wanting to come back for more. It’s also a clean read – no profanity or graphic scenes.

Highly recommended.

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

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      Lynn Cahoon is the award-winning author of several New York Times and USA Today bestselling cozy mystery series. The Tourist Trap series is set in central coastal California with six-holiday novellas releasing in 2018–2019. She also pens the Cat Latimer series available in mass market paperback. Her newest series, the Farm to Fork mystery series, debuted in 2018. 
      She lives in a small town like the ones she loves to write about with her husband and two fur babies. Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com.

Goodreads │ Twitter │ Facebook │ Amazon │ Website

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Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Freedom in the Mountain Wind by Misty M. Beller

About the Book

Book: Freedom in the Mountain Wind
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: January 14, 2020

The last epic journey before her life changes forever.

Susanna Wilkins will do anything to make her father’s final dream come true, including trek along the path Lewis and Clark explored into the untamed wilds of the Rocky Mountains. Every mile is more crucial now that lung cancer is stealing Pa’s last days faster than she can come to terms with losing him. The journey becomes harder than she ever expected, but paddling upriver through fierce rapids and fighting hungry grizzlies isn’t what terrifies her the most.

Beaver Tail endured more than he can stand from the women in his Blackfoot camp, but the last disaster gave him the final shove he needed to join this band of brothers searching for one of their group who’s gone missing. The last thing he expected was to find a white woman and her sick father stranded at the base of massive waterfall. His plan is to help them carry their oversize canoe and supplies, then leave them to their strange mission. Yet, the more he learns about the pair, the more he realizes his life is about to be derailed—again.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.

Click here for your copy.

About the Author

      Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. 
      She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy. 
      God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

 

More from Misty

When God Directs a Google Search…

      I’m a history lover, but you may have guessed that since I write historical romance stories. 😊 Most of my books are set in the Rocky Mountains during the mid-1800s, but as I began brainstorming ideas for this new series, my heart became drawn earlier to the earlier part of the century—a time period with which I wasn’t quite as familiar with the history. 
      I love when God orchestrates even the most mundane part of our lives, including Google searches! During one particular search (I can’t even remember what I was originally looking for), I stumbled across part of a journal entry from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which trekked across Montana during the time period I was looking into. I’d forgotten that expedition had even entered the territory that would later become Montana, but now I was fascinated. 
      After finding an audiobook of the abridged journals of Lewis and Clark, I happily listened to almost 19 hours of fascinating stories from the Corp of Exploration’s journey up the Missouri River and across the mountains to the Pacific Ocean, then back mostly the over the same path they’d come. The stories the men told were so amazing, and the detail of their trials so absorbing, I’ve actually re-listened to the audiobook twice! Many of the true tales wouldn’t be believable in fiction, but as I listened, my mind formed the premise for Freedom in the Mountain Wind: a father/daughter duo who sets out almost two decades after Lewis and Clark’s journey, determined to retrace the steps of that famous expedition. 
      I hope you enjoy this story as much as I loved writing it! And whether you’re a history lover or not, I pray that you too will be touched by this “epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.”

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f49e/freedom-in-the-mountain-wind-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, January 15 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Daysong Reflections, January 15

My Devotional Thoughts, January 15

Genesis 5020, January 16

Blossoms and Blessings, January 16

Connect in Fiction, January 17

SPLASHES of Joy, January 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 17

Emily Yager, January 18

Deanne’s Book Thoughts, January 18

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, January 18

A Baker’s Perspective, January 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 20

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 20

Mary Hake, January 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 21

Wishful Endings, January 21

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 21

Pause for Tales, January 22

Bigreadersite, January 22

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 22

Through the Fire Blogs, January 23

Betti Mace, January 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 23

Older & Smarter?, January 24

For the Love of Literature, January 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25

Rebecca Tews, January 25

For Him and My Family, January 25

She Lives to Read, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26

Inklings and notions, January 26

Blessed & Bookish, January 27

janicesbookreviews, January 27

deb’s Book Review, January 27

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Hook Me In A Book, January 28

Review + GIVEAWAY: Statue of Limitations by Kate Collins

Statue of Limitations
By Kate Collins
A Goddess of Greene St. Mystery #1
Kensington, 2020


Summary

In this delightful new series by the New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mysteries, Athena Spencer comes back home to work with her crazy big Greek family at their garden center. But she never expected a return to her roots would mean protecting her family from murder...

After her divorce, Athena has returned to coastal Michigan to work in her family’s garden center and raise her son, while also caring for a mischievous wild raccoon and fending off her family’s annoying talent for nagging. Working alone at the garden center one night, Athena is startled by a handsome stranger who claims to be the rightful owner of a valuable statue her grandfather purchased at a recent estate sale.

But she has even bigger problems on her plate. The powerful Talbot family from whom her pappoús bought the statue is threatening to raze the shops on Greene Street’s “Little Greece” to make way for a condo. The recent death of the family’s patriarch already seemed suspicious, but now it’s clear that a murderer is in their midst. Athena will have to live up to her warrior goddess namesake to protect her family from a killer and save their community from ruin...

Kensington – Amazon – B&N  – Kobo

My thoughts

I enjoyed the previous series by Kate Collins, Abby Knight’s Flower Shop Mysteries, and can say that she has created another delightful series that begins with Statue of Limitations. There’s so much to like – the coastal Lake Michigan setting, the quaint stores and community of Sequoia, a larger than life Greek family, and Athena herself. The family members are appealing, funny, caring, and a little crazy, which makes them all the more endearing. I especially enjoyed the sister named Delphi and would love to know her better.

Having returned to Sequoia after a divorce, Athena works in her father’s garden shop, where the plot centers around the questionable origins of a Greek statue and a mysterious stranger named Case. The chemistry between Athena and Case is wonderful and a romance is definitely brewing. The story’s pacing is steady and builds as Athena investigates two murders in an effort to prove Case’s innocence.

The mystery is well crafted and kept me eagerly turning pages. Tension arises as the powerful and controlling Talbot family moves forward with plans to tear down the Greek shops on Greene Street and build a condo complex. The seemingly accidental death of Talbot Sr., who had decided not to raze the Greek section, arouses Athena’s suspicions when his assistant is murdered. I wasn’t all that surprised at the revelation of guilt, but it was so much fun getting there!

Athena’s Greek blog adds a spark to the story – a blog which her family reads religiously and adores, but has no idea who writes it and fails to see themselves in the descriptive characters. Statue of Limitations is a delightful mystery and I am eager to spend more time with this family. The only negative for me was the totally unnecessary use of mild profanity, which lessened my enjoyment. A clean read otherwise.

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

_________________________

      Kate Collins is the New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mystery series. After publishing numerous historical romances, Kate penned the long-running mystery series, three books of which were made into Hallmark movies starring Brooke Shields. 
      An Indiana native, Kate graduated from Purdue University with a master’s degree in education. When not growing roots at her computer, Kate loves to garden. Other passions include yoga, reading, spending time with family and friends, sampling great wines and fine dark chocolate, and enjoying every moment of life. 
      Kate lives in Northwest Indiana and Key West, Florida. Visit her online at KateCollinsBooks.com.

Website │ Facebook

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Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Rocks and Flowers by Cynthia Hilston

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Rocks and Flowers in a Box by Cynthia Hilston, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


Here’s a new historical romance by Cynthia Hilston,
#2 in the Lorna & Triatan series …

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rocks and Flowers in a Box
Author: Cynthia Hilston
Series: Lorna & Tristan #2
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: December 21, 2019

The wedding bells for Lorna and Tristan Blake toll doom right as the honeymoon begins with an unexpected turn in Tristan’s health. 

While World War II winds down, Lorna receives a letter from the War Department informing her that the brother she thought killed in action is still alive. She is overjoyed, but his return will dredge up a devastating secret about their parents’ tragic death –a secret that could destroy her new marriage and threaten her husband’s physical and mental well-being. 

What unfolds is balancing act of keeping the faith and shattering the pieces of the life she’s worked so hard to put back together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository

EXCERPT:

Context: After her husband, Tristan, threw an old address book away because he wants nothing to do with his family, Lorna sneaks out after he’s gone to bed to retrieve it.

      I sat in my dad’s old armchair as the clock struck midnight that evening. Tristan went to bed hours ago, his snores traveling from our bedroom into the living room. I fiddled with my brother’s dog tag, the chain smooth from everyday wear. Nearly a year had passed since I’d received the awful news of Chucky’s death in Tunisia. I smiled ruefully, kissed the dog tag, and placed the chain around my neck.
      In the months that followed his death, I’d received his belongings in the mail, followed by his Purple Heart and his life insurance policy. The money had meant little to me, a meager replacement that would never fill the void left by the loss of my last family member. I’d opened an account at the local bank and left the money, in the hopes of one day giving it to my children, telling them it was from their uncle, a man they would have loved as much as I had.
      One brother. That was all I’d had. Tristan had at least two brothers still living and likely sisters as well. Tristan’s siblings were probably scattered around the country. Do they have children? Does Tristan know or care if he’s an uncle?
      I shook my head. What was the matter with me? I was meddling in things best left alone, but as I stood and slid into some shoes to step outside, something prodded me to keep moving. In the black of night, I glanced around, as if I were a thief sneaking about and hoping not to get caught. No movement came from my house, so I continued to Tristan’s house, all the way to the back yard. The stones crunched underfoot as I approached the trash cans.
      “If I were smart, I would’ve brought a flashlight,” I muttered.
      The closest can was piled to the brim. With only the moonlight as my guide, I scanned the contents. My eyes fell on a black book. It was almost too easy as I grabbed it. I returned to the house and sat at the kitchen table with the light on over the sink. The book weighed heavy in my hands like I was hoarding an illegal substance. I opened it. On the inner cover, a name and address written in thick, loopy letters stared back at me: Stephen Richardson, 145 Stephens St., Cleveland, OH. I ran my fingers over the words. Tristan’s original name, before the accident. I read more pages. After a few minutes, I yawned, my eyesight going blurry. I stood and tucked the book into the back of the ironing board cupboard. The last thing Tristan ever did was the ironing.
      I joined my husband in bed a minute later. As I pulled the sheet up to my chin, the warmth emanating from his body almost burned me.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia Hilston is a stay-at-home mom of three young kids, happily married, and lives in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. Writing has always been like another child to her. After twenty years of waltzing in the world of fan fiction, she stepped away to do her debut dance with original works of fiction. Visit her website for more information.

 In her spare time - what spare time? - she devours books, watches Supernatural and Outlander, pets her orange kitty, looks at the stars, drinks wine or coffee with good friends, and dreams of what other stories she wishes to tell.

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 24, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Grand Finale Blitz + GIVEAWAY: Dawn King by Janalyn Voigt

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

. . . DawnKing is the fourth book in the series and wraps up many story threads from earlier books. It can be read as part of the series for a fuller experience or read as a stand-alone. Following the stops on this blog tour will offer you glimpse into the lives of engaging characters within a vivid storyworld.

—Janalyn

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Elcon and Mara had been among those who’d escaped with him from Torindan. If he had anything to say in the matter, they would yet avoid capture. Surviving a clash with two of Freaer’s finest seemed unlikely, but Kai could delay the assassins.

The giant raptor birds flapped their ragged wings and snapped the air with pointed beaks in a display of ferocity. Sunlight gleamed along their rider’s swords, no doubt honed to wicked sharpness.

Kai’s skin crawled. Garbed in the red of Freaer’s elite assassins, the welke riders glared at him across the intervening distance, a space closing with alarming speed.

Uplifting Reads - Excerpt

The assassins took turns punishing Kai, allowing him no rest.

Flecht’s sides heaved but bore Kai without balking. Kai faced his tormentors, panting like an old man. Neither he nor his wingabeast could go on like this. If the assassins took his life they might spare Flecht.

Kai bowed his head and waited for the end to come.

Paper Ink & Lizard - Review

"As the last book in the series, DawnKing had a very triumphant and satisfying ending. . . . I enjoyed DawnKing just as much as I enjoyed the rest of the series and I recommend you pick up this series today!"

Locks, Hooks and Books - Excerpt

Something felt wrong.

A grove of strongwoods lifted twisted branches against the deepening sky. The trees bordered a meadow thick with undergrowth. Anything could be hiding in there.

She should go back. Curiosity lured her onward. The bend wasn't far. She started forward, darting glances into the shadows. The sensation of someone watching crawled over her skin. Mara’s steps slowed. She should persuade Rand to come back with her.

Movement flickered at the edge of her vision.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

". . . This book lived up to my hopes and expectations.

The best part is there is a happily-ever-after for several of the characters. Two of them, in particular, made me very happy. :) If you follow the series you should know what I mean. If not, you should read it to find out."

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt

“What shall we do with him?” A burly man, one of several who remained beside Rand, asked in gruff tones.

“Blindfold him.” The outlaw leader gestured with his head. “Take him to camp.”

“Must we?” the burly man screwed up an eye. “I’ve an idea he’s trouble.”

“You’re probably right, Trader, but he and I need to finish our talk.” He circled Rand, looking him up and down. “Something tells me he’s not who he seems.”

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

“Milady…” Eathnor moved to her side. “My brother is doing everything within his power to help the Lof Shraen.”

“Except remove him from this cave.” Dorann’s frustration came through despite the soft tone he used.
Anders’s eyes gleamed as he glanced back from the cave entrance, where he stood guard. “Do we dare risk leaving?”

“It might save the Lof Shraen’s life,” Eathnor answered, “but at the risk of ending it. With Pilaer’s warriors searching the forest for those fleeing Torindan, we could all be killed.”

Remembrancy - Review

"In the fourth and final book in her Tales of Faeraven series, Janalyn Voigt weaves a story of a group of people split apart, surrounded by danger, and all trying to arrive at once destination. . . . I was pleased to find that Voigt managed to resolve everything I’ve been following since book one. Plus, she did it in a way that left me satisfied with the end results."

Adventures Thru Wonderland - Review

"I really love how this series is written, and I enjoyed this one perhaps most of all! So many twists and turns, and I loved all the surprises!"

Tell Tale Book Reviews - Review

"Whether you have a child in need of some good reading, want to read the book(s) aloud to your family, or if you yourself enjoy fantasy tales, the Tales Of Faeraven have you covered. It's an excellent series and one that I would not hesitate to recommend."

Among the Reads - Excerpt

She stirred as if irritated. “I didn’t seek you out to talk about Searcher, if that’s what you mean.”

He glanced up, surprising an expression of sorrow on her face. “What do you want with me?” He went on in a softer tone.

Her chest rose and fell on a sigh. “Only to say goodbye. We’ll ride for Cobbleford soon.”

Jypsylynn - Review

"Overall, this story is thrilling, dramatic and thought provoking with courageous sincere characters. The journey is imaginative and unique, and the author beautifully renders the background setting. It has been my pleasure to read each book, and I recommend for anyone looking to start a new series in the new year."

ACME Teen Books - Kids, YA & NA Too! - Review

"All in all, I was pleased with how it ended and how Janalyn pulled the entire series together. With four books, that took some serious skill on her part. . . . If you enjoy a good fantasy series, I recommend this one. It has all the requisite characters and elements with plenty of ups and downs to keep you on your toes then pulls together beautifully in the end."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

DawnKing
(Tales of Faeraven #4)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 342 Pages
February 1st 2020 by Pelican Book Group

A prince marked for death, a princess without a kingdom, and a world at war.

Unlikely travelers band together to accomplish the impossible—bring peace to their kingdom. But traitorous forces are at work, and a treacherous hand is destroying everything they accomplish.
Honor and soul-searching bring the travelers to hidden truth, and when a sacrifice is made, the broken-hearted band of misfits must cleanse the evil from their midst to free their world...or lose everything.

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Pelican

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Janalyn Voigt is a writer and professional speaker with a photography habit and a passion for travel. Her unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and fantasy creates worlds of beauty and danger for readers. Tales of Faeraven, her epic fantasy series beginning with DawnSinger, carries readers into a land only imagined in dreams. She is represented by Sarah Joy Freese of Wordserve Literary.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Facebook Fan Group
Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | Instagram

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Tales of Faeraven bookmark and a $15 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
Ends January 29, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review + GIVEAWAY: The Matchmaker's Rogue by Regina Scott

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Matchmaker's Rogue
(Grace-by-the-Sea #1)
By Regina Scott
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 272 Pages
January 8th 2020

Grace-by-the-Sea: Where romance and adventure come home.

Polished Jesslyn Chance has one of the most enviable positions in the little Regency coastal village of Grace-by-the-Sea. She is the hostess of the spa, arranging introductions and entertainments and playing matchmaker to the ladies and gentlemen who come to take the waters, promenade through the shops, and dance at the assembly. But when a rogue returns from her past, Jess finds herself suddenly at sea.

Always an adventurer, Larkin Denby left Grace-by-the-Sea to right the wrongful death of his father. Now he’s back on a mission: to identify the mysterious Lord of the Smugglers who allegedly sails from Grace Cove and takes England’s secrets to France. But Grace-by-the-Sea is the perfect little spa town, run by the still oh-so-perfect Jesslyn Chance. When the village’s future is threatened, Jess must work with Lark to solve the mystery and protect the town’s own. In doing so, the matchmaker of Grace-by-the-Sea may just find that the best match for her is the rogue who stole her heart years ago.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

My thoughts

Whether it’s historical or Regency romance, Regina Scott always delivers an entertaining, solid story. Regencies are a strong suit for her, however, and I loved The Matchmaker’s Rogue, which begins a new series set on the Dorset coast.

Dorset

The year is 1804, during the Napoleonic Wars, the setting is the idyllic town of Grace-by-the-Sea, a quaint coastal village built around the healing mineral waters of a local spa, and whose very name calls to me. There’s a perfect blend of history, romance, mystery, and humor,  with the action being steady rather than fast paced – which I loved, as it gave me time to know the characters well. Certain aspects of this story, such as the Dorset setting and smuggling theme, reminded me of the writing of one of my favorite gothic romance authors, Victoria Holt.

Lark and Jess are appealing lead characters, so easy to connect with. Jess, who finds fulfillment in helping others, is an ideal hostess for the spa and its guests. She has a natural feel for people, and uses that intuitiveness to arrange friendships and sometimes even courtships … “On any given day, she kept as many as three dozen people healthy and happy.” Yet for all her interaction with people, at times she seemed to be the type of person who finds themselves alone in a crowded room. Lark, who grew up in the area and cares for Jess, returns after eight years with the assignment of capturing a smuggling ring suspected of operating out of Grace-by-the-Sea. Memories resurface for both of them, with Jess sensing that “Lark was a storm cloud on the horizon, promising wind, rain, an upset to conditions.” I loved the sweet romance and chemistry between them, as Lark found the home he didn’t realize he’d been missing.

The Matchmaker’s Rogue is filled with charming and sometimes quirky secondary characters. I adored Jess’s aunt, Maudie, and always felt her folklore allusions to trolls, mermaids, fairies, etc., might hold a little truth. In addition to the criminal element of smuggling, there’s also the concern of spies and passing of England’s secrets to Napoleon. The author skillfully aroused this reader’s suspicion of almost all of Grace-by-the-Sea residents, including the local vicar, magistrate, and even Jess’s own brother. There’s also some interesting history involved in the political aspects of the conscripting of soldiers and the value of small-town militias.

The ending arrives at a very satisfying conclusion, with the village coming together in a unique way. Very little is quite as it seems on the surface! I hated to leave Grace-by-the-Sea and its many endearing characters, but there’s the promise of much more to come.

Recommended.

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



About the Author

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t sell her first novel until she learned a bit more about writing. Since her first book was published, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She now has more than forty-five published works of warm, witty romance.

She loves everything about England, so it was only a matter of time before she started her own village. Where more perfect than the gorgeous Dorset Coast? She can imagine herself sailing along the chalk cliffs, racing her horse across the Downs, dancing at the assembly, and even drinking the spa waters. She drank the waters in Bath, after all!

Regina Scott and her husband of 30 years reside in the Puget Sound area of Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. She has dressed as a Regency dandy, learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research, of course. Learn more about her at her website.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Bookbub | Facebook | Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive print copies of all six books in Fortune's Brides series (Never Doubt a Duke, Never Borrow a Baronet, Never Envy an Earl, Never Vow for a Viscount, Never Kneel to a Knight, and Never Marry a Marquess)

US only

Ends January 29, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review + GIVEAWAY: Legion by Shadia Hrichi

About the Book

Book: Legion
Author: Shadia Hrichi
Genre: Bible Study
Release Date: Oct 8, 2019

How far will Jesus go to rescue one lost soul?

Tormented, chained, and living in a graveyard, the man known only by the name of the demons that tormented him had no one to help him–no one to intercede for him. No one but Jesus. Climb into the boat with Jesus as He heads into enemy territory. Witness Jesus’s power and passion as He battles violent storms and armies of demons in order to rescue . . . one . . . lost . . . soul.

Through this six-week, action-packed Bible study, you will experience God’s relentless love as you celebrate the impassioned Savior Who moved heaven and earth to rescue you.

Click here for your copy!

My thoughts

I am excited to have discovered the Bible studies written by Shadia Hrichi and highly recommend her work. Hrichi is very knowledgeable about Scripture and biblical culture, personable, and a clear communicator. And best of all, she covers unusual topics – people and subjects that wouldn’t normally pop into your mind when you think of doing a Bible study – but with life-changing messages that speak to the heart.

Legion: Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me focuses on the Gospel of Mark’s account of Jesus healing the demoniac. I’ve been a student of the Bible almost all my life and am familiar with this story, yet am amazed at the freshness and so many eye-opening moments and I worked my way through this study. The demoniac’s story doesn’t actually begin and end in Mark, but rather goes back all the way to the days of Creation and why God allowed sin to enter the His perfect world. I loved Hrichi’s quote from commentator Victor Hamilton:

There are only four chapters in the Bible where Satan is not present, the first two and the last two. The Bible begins and ends with him out of existence. But between Genesis 3 and Revelation 20 he is a factor to be reckoned with.

Legion is spread out over six weeks, but can be done at any pace. It works well for either personal or group study, for new believer, seeker, or the seasoned Christian. Hrichi suggests varying levels of commitment, going from 15 minutes to 60 minutes a day. I suspect those starting out “light” at 15 minutes will quickly desire to spend more time delving into these lessons, for they are that good!

Legion begins in Genesis 1 and addresses the age-old question that causes so many to stumble … How could a loving God allow so much evil in the world? The three main sections are entitled The Bondage, The Battle, and The Blessing, ending with powerful teaching from Revelation. I really can’t say enough good things about this study, so I’ll just encourage you to try it for yourself – personally or in a small group.

Very highly recommended.

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

About the Author

      SHADIA HRICHI is a passionate Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She has received a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary as well as master’s in criminal justice from the State University of New York. 
      In addition to LEGION, Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including HAGAR and Worthy of Love. Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, and other events. Her insightful, witty, yet vulnerable teaching style reveals a compassion for the hurting, love for Jesus, and uncompromising commitment to the truth of God’s Word. 
      Visit shadiahrichi.com. 

More from Shadia

      If there is one universal truth, it is that every human heart longs for paradise. A perfect world without death, pain, or sorrow. A world at peace, where each of us is secure, treasured, and loved. But the reality is that the world as we know it will never deliver; it cannot. Scripture tells us that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). 
      As a result, you and I live in a broken world. A world that has been drifting off course ever since that slippery serpent enticed our first parents to reject God’s authority in that garden paradise so long ago. In that moment, they unwittingly handed over dominion of the earth to Satan on a silver platter. But this then begs the question. Why was God willing to risk rebellion in the Garden? And why would God allow His perfect creation to fall victim to the enemy’s schemes? And if God is good, why does He allow evil to exist? 
      Through this six-week study, you and I will explore the answers to these questions and more as we step into the fascinating story of the man known only by the name of the demons that tormented him. To be honest, I don’t know why I am attracted to the hard stories in the Bible. The messy stories. I suspect it stems, in part, from my own broken past. I can relate much easier to the broken people. The ones who experienced times when they felt unseen, or unloved, or unwanted. At the same time, their stories captivate my heart because when God reveals what He is doing behind the seen, His power and glory are displayed in ways that make my spirit soar! 
      So I invite you to come with me as we climb into the boat with Jesus and head into enemy territory. We will witness Jesus’s power and passion as He battles violent storms and armies of demons in order to rescue . . . one . . . lost . . . soul. Tormented, chained, and living in a graveyard, the man had no one to help him. No one to intercede for him. No one but Jesus. As a result:

• A demoniac becomes a disciple.
• A house of demons becomes a dwelling for the Living God.
• The chained becomes a champion of good news.

      You and I live in a world crying out for rescue. And just as Jesus was willing to cross the sea and rescue one man from the enemy’s chains, He crossed the heavens to rescue you and me from a fate even worse: eternal chains. But praise God that through His sacrifice for sin, Jesus conquered all the forces of evil and opened up the gates of paradise to all who embrace His mercy. So come with me. Let’s rediscover the God Who Rescues Me! 
      “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” —Colossians 1:13 NASB

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shadia is giving away the grand prize package of 1 book of Legion, 1 book of Hagar and a $50 gift certificate to two winners each!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f4a5/legion-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, January 21

Robin’s Nest, January 21

Genesis 5020, January 22

Older & Smarter?, January 23

For the Love of Books, January 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 26

janicesbookreviews, January 27

Quiet Workings, January 27

Inklings and notions, January 28

Aryn the Libraryan 📚, January 29

Godly Book Reviews, January 29

Through the Lens of Scripture, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Lights in a Dark World, February 1

D’S QUILTS AND BOOKS, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Emily Yager, February 3