Monday, April 23, 2018

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Julie by Catherine Marshall




Julie
By Catherine Marshall
Gilead Publishing
Reissue Date: April 17, 2018
Summary

 Will the dam hold?

 Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could endanger the entire community.

 Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.

 When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested. Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?
Purchase Links*:
*affiliate links


 My thoughts

 Drama, corruption, suspense, inspiration …

 Julie by Catherine Marshall is totally different from the outstanding Christy, yet is a powerfully entertaining read in its own way. This is a character-driven story that shines the light on the Depression years in the small-town community of Alderton, Pennsylvania. It’s really a coming-of-age story of 18-year-old Julie, an idealistic young woman with the goal of being a reporter.

 Several years in the writing, this novel is filled with moving and fascinating historical detail. I especially enjoyed the story of Big John, told by family friend Dean. Class divisions are vividly contrasted and we see the controlling power of big business. I found Julie to be an engrossing read and highly recommend it.  [I haven’t quite finished and will update when I do.]

 I received an electronic copy of this book through Just Read Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
_________________________
Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders.

 Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership.

 A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.
____________________

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win …
-- $25 Amazon Gift Card
-- Bookmark Swag
-- Necklace (exact or similar & *subject to change)
-- Print Copy of Julie

 (Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE


JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page

April 23
Backing Books
Beautifully Broken 
Glamamamas Goodies
Glimpse of Our Life
The Power of Words
Remembrancy
Just Commonly
Book Reviews by Steph


April 24
All of a Kind Mom
Amanda In PA
Locks, Hooks and Books
Two Points of Interest
This Chattanooga Mommy Saves
Savings in Seconds
Veronica's 'Views
Meagan Davenport
Faery Tales Are Real


April 25
As We Walk Along the Road
Texas Book-aholic
Book by Book
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Bibliophile Reviews
Moments
Quilting Along Life's Way
Girls in White Dresses
Mom 2 Mom Connection


April 26
A Baker's Perspective
Impressions In Ink
A Room Without Books is Empty
Christian bookaholic
Mocha with Linda
Lighthouse Academy
Running Through the Storms 
Coffee Addicted Writer
Live. Love. Read.
Thoughts from Mill Street
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae


April 27
For the Love of Books
I'm Hooked on Books
She Lives to Read
Becky J Miller
Jami's Words
Ponderings of a Poet & Procrastinator
Have A Wonderful Day 
Pause for Tales
Hope for Today's Heart
Neverending Stories
Jen Around the World
Maureen's Musings
Singing Librarian Books
Splashes of Joy 
My Full Cup

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Saturday, April 21, 2018

Review + GIVEAWAY: The Marmalade Murders by Elizabeth J. Duncan




The Marmalade Murders
By Elizabeth J. Duncan
A Penny Brannigan Mystery #9
Minotaur Books, 2018
Summary

 The latest book in an award-winning mystery series, celebrated for its small-town charm and picturesque Welsh setting and starring amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan.

 The competition is friendly and just a little fierce at the annual Llanelen agricultural show as town and country folk gather for the outdoor judging of farm animals and indoor judging of cakes, pies, pastries, chutneys, jams and jellies, along with vegetables, fruit and flowers. But this year, there’s a new show category: murder.

 Local artist, Spa owner, and amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan agrees to help with the intake of the domestic arts entries and to judge the children’s pet competition on show day. When the president of the Welsh Women’s Guild isn’t on hand to see her granddaughter and pet pug win a prize, the family becomes concerned. When a carrot cake entered in the competition goes missing, something is clearly amiss.

 A black Labrador Retriever belonging to the agricultural show’s president discovers the body of the missing woman under the baked goods table. A newcomer to town, a transgender woman, is suspected, but amateur sleuth Penny Brannigan believes her to be innocent. She sets out to find the real killer, but when a second body is discovered days later, the case is thrown into confusion, and Penny knows it’s up to her to figure out what happened—and why.



My thoughts

 The Marmalade Murders by Elizabeth J. Duncan is a well-written, utterly satisfying cozy mystery, book #9 in one of my favorite series. The author has a gift for conveying the beautiful Welsh scenery and making you feel the setting with your senses. The main characters could be someone you’d meet in your neighborhood, and the mystery is well crafted as backstories are slowly revealed. Although part of a series, this story stands alone.

 As a lead character, Penny Brannigan is someone I’m very comfortable with. Penny, co-owner of a Spa in Llanelen, Wales, is an expatriate Canadian who feels she still needs to prove she belongs to the community after 30 years of residence. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Penny and Florence, who has a similar need. The framework of Llanelen’s agricultural show provides some great scenes, such as Penny’s judging of the children’s animal contest. Some fascinating historical detail is revealed on a coach trip to Speke Hall in England.

 The Marmalade Murders has all the elements I enjoy in a cozy mystery. The mystery itself is easy to follow as layers of information are peeled back. Penny’s friendship with a police detective provides a vehicle for the sharing of information, which seems logical for this small rural community. I had no idea as to the killer’s identity and enjoyed the way everything unfolded.

 British mysteries are a favorite of mine, both to read and watch on TV. There’s a wonderful website called Stop You're Killing Me, which is how I discovered this series several years ago. It’s a mystery database where you can search in many ways – such as location, job, award nominees/winners – and I’ve found some real gems in the British section.

 The Marmalade Murders is a great addition to the award-winning Penny Brannigan series and I hope there will be many more stories. Highly recommended to cozy mystery fans.

 I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
_________________________
Elizabeth J Duncan is the author of two mystery series – Shakespeare in the Catskills and the Penny Brannigan mystery series set in North Wales. She is a two-time winner of the Bloody Words Award for Canada’s best light mystery and lives in Toronto.

 Website │ Facebook │ Twitter





GIVEAWAY

 One winner will receive a print copy of The Marmalade Murders!

 To enter the drawing, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here letting me know that you shared. And I’d love to know if you have a favorite cozy mystery series. Thank you!

 BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Thursday, May 3. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.

 Eligibility: US residents

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Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Chicken Culprit by Vikki Walton




Chicken Culprit
By Vikki Walton
Backyard Farming Mystery Series #1
Morewellson, LTD, 2018
Summary

 Finally healing after her heart-breaking divorce, Anne Freemont is ready to put the painful past behind her.

 Discovering an old Victorian for sale in the small mountain town of Carolan Springs may be just what she needs. The beauty of Colorado beckons, so Anne heads west to start her new life.

 Yet, before Anne’s completely settled in, her neighbor is found dead in his compost pile. What’s worse is that Anne’s quirky young neighbor, Kandi Jenkins, could be the killer. When Kandi begs for her help, Anne feels she has no choice but to help the young woman.

 However, she finds herself quickly at odds with the local sheriff. And while she uncovers more of the community’s secrets, she’s also exploring her awakening feelings for Sam Powers, the town’s deputy coroner.

 Once Anne starts looking at who could be the real killer, the suspect list keeps getting longer and longer. It seems that Carolan Springs is a place of many secrets. But who would want to murder Ralph and who’s willing to kill again to keep their secret?



My thoughts

 I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, but was intrigued enough by the cover and description to try this new-to-me author, and I’m so glad I did! Chicken Culprit is uniquely different from other cozy mysteries that I’ve read and I love Vikki Walton’s fresh voice and style. With this first book in her homesteading series, she has created a setting and community of characters that feel real and I’m very eager for more. In short, Chicken Culprit is a story with lots of heart and it goes on my favorites list.

 The author’s writing flows smoothly across the page, with a ready wit that I enjoyed. Carolan Springs, Colorado, has a small-town feel that is beautifully conveyed. Whether it was Anne’s Victorian house, Kandi’s home next door, or Hope’s medical practice in the town, I was quickly transported into the Carolan Springs community. I wasn’t familiar with the theme of homesteading, or backyard farming, and found it fascinating as well as informative.

 The well-crafted mystery had an emotional touch and, like Anne, I pretty much suspected everybody and loved how it all unfolded. But the strength of this story is one of character depth and relationships, setting it apart from most typical cozy mysteries. Anne is a strong and appealing protagonist with a compelling backstory. And Kandi, her sweet neighbor who can’t help interjecting the word “like” into almost every sentence, is absolutely precious. The friendship between these two drives the story, making it unforgettable. There’s one scene that I found especially moving – the town’s welcome party for Anne.

 I enjoyed everything about Chicken Culprit, a real gem in the cozy mystery genre, and am eager for more stories.

 Highly recommended.

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

_________________________
Vikki Walton is a suburban homesteader aka the Havensteader. She has chickens, gardens, and bees and is a certified permaculture designer. She’s also the author of nonfiction books.

 She loves to travel, is a global house and pet sitter and when not out in the garden or hiking in beautiful Colorado, is plotting her next mystery.

 Website │ Facebook │ Facebook - Havensteader


GIVEAWAY

 What a great giveaway! Please help spread the word by clicking on this link and sharing my Facebook post. Thank you!

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Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Bachelor Remedy by Carol Ross


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Bachelor Remedy
(Seasons of Alaska #5)
by Carol Ross
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s the most unconventional woman he’ll ever meet…

and the cure for a perennial bachelor?

 Raised by her healer grandfather, former army medic Ally Mowak knows her alternative approach to traditional medicine puts her at odds with most of her Alaskan town. That includes Tag James, the rugged transport pilot with the sprawling family and political ambitions. Ally couldn’t be more wrong for the aspiring senator. Then why does everything feel so right when they’re together?



My Thoughts
Bachelor Remedy is a sweet romance, as one would expect from the Heartwarming line, but there’s an unexpected complexity and depth in this story that I loved. Carol Ross is an excellent writer and her words flow smoothly across the page with wisdom and emotion. Family members from previous books in this series are involved, but this story easily stands alone.

 Family relationships, the close bond Tag’s family shares, is one strength of this story. Setting is another, for Ross has the ability to pull you right into the rugged and majestic beauty of Rankins, Alaska. Characterization and storyline are also strong, making Bachelor Remedy a compelling blend of all these elements.

 I was quickly drawn to Ally and Tag, compassionate characters driven by a desire to help other people in their own ways. Conflict arises as Tag is being groomed to run for senator, while Ally practices the healing skills passed down from her grandfather. I was fascinated by this theme, as Ally strives for “a way for traditional and modern medicine to meet peacefully, to merge, even.”

 Other obstacles arise, such as age difference and an ex-girlfriend who wants Tag back, and seeing them work through it all simply makes for pleasurable reading. I loved Ally’s confidence, wisdom, and ability to speak her mind. One scene was especially moving, where, with Ally’s help, a cancer patient is able to take charge and live out her last months on her own terms. And I loved watching Tag learn to put his own wants and needs ahead of other’s expectations.

 I’ve only read one other book in this series, If Not for a Bee – which was also excellent, by the way – so I’m eager to read the stories in order now. Bachelor Remedy is a wonderfully entertaining read. Highly recommended.

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


Other Books in the Series



About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. 

 As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.



Tour Schedule
Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of Summer at the Shore (signed copy to US and Canada, ebook to international)
- 2 winners will receive a $5 Amazon e-gift card and an e-book of Summer at the Shore (open internationally)
- Ends April 25th

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Sunday, April 15, 2018

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









Karen Sue Hadley, April 13




Book by Book, April 14






C Jane Read, April 15





Among the Reads, April 16



Genesis 5020, April 16





Carpe Diem, April 18



Cafinated Reads, April 18




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



Pause for Tales, April 20







A Greater Yes, April 22





Artistic Nobody,
April 23 (Spotlight)





Bigreadersite, April 24



margaret kazmierczak, April 25
(Interview)




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!



















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Monday, April 2, 2018


          

        










Review (+Tour GIVEAWAY):  Bad Boy Rancher by Karen Rock


















On Tour with Prism Book Tours









































(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #3)

by Karen Rock

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 pages

April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming



He’s not the only one who needs saving…



But maybe they can save each other?



Dark, brooding, dangerous…and possibly suicidal. Renegade rancher Justin Cade was exactly the kind of man former army chaplain Brielle Thompson needed to avoid after escaping the horrors of Afghanistan with an honorable discharge—and PTSD. The whole point of moving to the remote Rocky Mountains of Colorado was to leave the darkness behind, not fall back into it. But falling she is…


























Other Books in the Series





Christmas at Cade Ranch











(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1)

by Karen Rock

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

November 7th 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming





The Christmas they never had.




James Cade has one priority: keep the family ranch running smoothly in the wake of his younger brother's death. With Jesse's ex, Sofia Gallardo, and her young son, Javi, stranded at Cade Ranch over Christmas, this task just got a lot harder. The longer Sofia and Javi stay, the harder it is to imagine the ranch without them. James couldn't save his brother from his inner demons, but he can give his nephew a secure future. Maybe more—if he can figure out how to trust Sofia, and stop feeling like he's betraying Jesse. Because trying to stop thinking about beautiful, determined Sofia is impossible.















Falling for a Cowboy











(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #2)

by Karen Rock

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 pages

January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming



Doesn’t he get that she’s blind?



Barrel racer Amberley James wants to join the premier rodeo circuit more than anything, but she faces the ultimate hurdle when she loses her eyesight to a rare genetic condition. All she’d ever wanted seems out of reach. Giving up is the only option…until her best friend and local hero Jared Cade steps in. The last thing she wants is Jared’s help. But his persistence at encouraging her to get back in the saddle is ridiculously annoying. And undeniably inspiring…










My Thoughts



I fell in love with this series with the first book, Christmas at Cade Ranch, and the stories
just keep getting better, maybe because I’m crazy about this family and look
forward to each return visit. The issues this story touches on are relevant and real - addiction, PTSD, survivor guilt. I won’t say that Bad Boy Rancher is my favorite (because they're all great), but I’ve definitely been eager for the troubled Justin’s story – and it is all that I expected and more.



The complexity and depth is so surprising, definitely
not your typical romance. The long-standing Cade/Loveland feud continues, but
with barriers gradually coming down in a moving way. Brielle’s Fresh Start
rehabilitation center is the foundation of this story, both from its outreach
to those in need, as well as Justin and Brielle themselves. Add into the mix a community fearful
of the center’s residents, and you have a rich and poignant story.



I knew that with his low sense of self-worth and
death-defying adventures, Justin’s story would be powerful, but so is that of Brielle,
with all that she witnessed in Kandahar and the guilt she secretly carries. Their
chemistry is palpable, but there’s so much more to their relationship. Bad Boy Rancher is a moving and highly
entertaining story in every way.



Highly recommended.



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







About the Author















Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. 



When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete. 



Learn more about her at http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5.



















Tour Giveaway















- 1 winner will receive print copies of CHRISTMAS AT CADE RANCH and FALLING FOR A COWBOY by Karen Rock, WISHES AT FIRST LIGHT by Joanne Rock, A SKY FULL OF STARS by Samantha Chase, WHAT IT TAKES by Shanon Stacey, and FAMILY TREE by Susan Wiggs (US only)

- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)



- Ends April 11th





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