Spotlight on 'Inferno' by Lisa Phillips

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Today I am highlighting the final book in an epic series which has me thinking about endings.  I always feel bittersweet when it comes to endings.  I always feel sad when things end but then I get excited about what's to come on the horizon.  It truly is all about perception and lately I've been cherishing the things that are ending, book series included, and feeling hopeful for the future.

I hope you enjoy the excerpt from this Christian Romantic Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Inferno by Lisa Phillips hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Inferno 

Series: Benson First Responders #9 

Author: Lisa Phillips 

Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC 

Release Date: September 4, 2024 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

BIG CITY CRIME. SMALL TOWN HEROES

An epic finale. 

Detective Samantha Jesse is determined to hold on to what she has. Whenever she gets too happy, life corrects that mistake and takes the joy from her. Her new partner, Detective Romeo Alvarez, was there the day of the biggest correction, but despite his assertions, that doesn’t mean they’re forever connected. Unless her worst fears come true and he changes his ways because he fell in love at first sight with her sister, Bristol. As if Samantha needs that complication in her quiet life. 

A love rekindled. 

Fire Department Captain Julio Espinoza-Vasquez has never let go of the love of his life. Raised by deaf parents, he sees the world in ways no one else around him ever will. And he’ll put it all on the line to protect his colleagues—the family that the department has given him. When a spate of suspicious fires and one death make it clear something is happening in Benson, Julio lands on an inter-department task force. Working with Samantha is his one shot at getting her back. 

As the hunt for the arsonist turns to targeted attacks, Julio puts it all on the line to save Samantha while she investigates these deadly crimes. Only together can they uncover the culprit. But not before Benson becomes an inferno. 

Each Benson First Responders book is a stand-alone Christian Romantic Suspense.

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Spotlight on 'What's the Story, Morning Glory?' by Julie Lessman

Happy Friday Bookworms!

I first want to send out all the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Helene.  My mother and stepfather, as well as several other family friends live on the west coast and in northern Florida and did not evacuate. Yesterday was terrifying for me as I watched the hurricane approach and was getting updates from my parents as well as the news.  Water rising, clouds swirling, tide quickly rising, and waters rushing toward their home.  I know this is just the beginning as the damage is assessed and so many further inland are now dealing with Helene's wrath and my prayers are with you all.

Today I am casting the spotlight on another devotional that has a unique twist that I think you will enjoy so enjoy the excerpt below and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for What's the Story, Morning Glory? by Julie Lessman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: What's the Story, Morning Glory?
Author: Julie Lessman
Publisher: Julie Lessman LLC
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Memoir Devotional (half fiction/half nonfiction)

“DEAR LORD, JULIE ... OUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN THIS BOOK!" 

My heart went out to my sweet husband as he walked into our kitchen one day with a noticeable gulp, ashen-faced after reading my latest novel.“Yes, I know, babe,” I said with a repentant smile and a conciliatory hug, “but nobody really knows that.” 
Ahem. Until now ... 

Trust me, "What’s the Story, Morning Glory? A Memoir Devotional with a 'Novel' Approach to Practical Christianity" is not a book I wanted to write. As a novelist, I have never been partial to nonfiction, either reading it or writing it, but I had little choice when God convinced me otherwise through a number of point-blank arm-twistings I couldn’t deny and not-so-gentle proddings from family and friends. 

Despite all the encouragement, I wasn’t really sure where to begin. “It will be fiction and nonfiction combined,” the Holy Spirit whispered within, and just like that, the idea for this book took flight. First, I would tell my “real” and very personal story behind the life-lesson stories in my novels, then I would follow it up with the excerpt from my books where I teach that same life lesson to my characters, finally culminating in corresponding Scriptures, a bulleted “Takeaway” list, and a related prayer. 

Thus, What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity was born. A memoir devotional that when combined with scenes from my novels, becomes a “novotional” where I relate the life lessons God personally taught me through His Word. I am simply a child of God who applied these lessons and Biblical precepts to every situation in my life and consequently, saw nonstop answers to prayer and blessings galore. It is my profound hope and prayer that through my own very simple and personal stories and examples, I can do the same for others. Therefore, the format for each chapter of this book will be as

1. The Real Story (How I learned and applied the spiritual lesson in my own life)
2. The Novel Story (The scene where I teach the spiritual lesson to my characters)
3. The Scripture Story (Scriptures applicable to the spiritual lesson)
4. The Takeaway Story (Bulletized points for spiritual lesson in easy-to-read/apply format)
5. The Prayer Story (Specific prayer related to the spiritual lesson)

I pray this bottom-line, albeit somewhat quirky, 1-2-3 devotional blesses you as much as God's spiritual life lessons have blessed me! 

Hugs,
Julie Lessman  

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Spotlight on 'K-9 Ranch Protection' by Darlene L. Turner

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

How are you doing today?  I am down trying to pass a horrible kidney stone, so I am going to keep today's post short and sweet and share an excerpt from a novel that is celebrating its book birthday today!!

I hope you enjoy the little sample from this Inspirational Romantic Suspense and don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: K-9 Ranch Protection
Series: Crisis Rescue Team #6
Author: Darlene L Turner
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A killer on the loose. 

A K-9 keeping watch. 

Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows holds the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer? 

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Spotlight on The Christy Award Finalists 2024

Hello Bookworms!

Every year I look forward to hearing about the finalists for The Christy Awards and this year there are some incredible finalists, and I have all the finalists here for you AND a special finalist giveaway at the bottom of this post from JustRead Tours!

This is a long one so go grab your favorite beverage, sit back, relax, and enjoy the blitz!

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2024, organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to the 2024 Finalists!

About the Gala

The Christy Award Gala will be held on Thursday, November 14 at 7 pm central in Downers Grove, Illinois, at the DoubleTree Conference Center, just outside Chicago. Winners from each category, plus the Christy Book of the Year and Amplify Award, will be announced during the celebration.

Hosted by award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry, the Gala will feature the induction of award-winning speculative author Sharon Hinck into the Christy Hall of Fame with remarks from inaugural Hall of Fame novelist Lynn Austin. The evening will also include a keynote from Amanda Barratt, author of 2023 Christy Book of the Year Within These Walls of Sorrow and the presentation of this year’s awards by last year’s winning authors: Sharon Hinck, Amanda Barratt, Sara Brunsvold, Laura Frantz, Elizabeth Goddard, Kristi Ann Hunter, Anna Rose Johnson, Linda MacKillop, Katie Powner, and Sara Watterson. 

In addition, the literary imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien will be honored throughout the evening by poet, scholar, and Anglican priest Malcolm Guite; accomplished agent of many of the industry’s award-winning speculative titles Steve Laube; and WaterBrook editor, who is the founder of the International Inklings Day Substack, Jamie Lapeyrolerie.

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Spotlight on 'Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers' by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier

Hello Bookworms!

2024 began with the loss of our family pet.  After eleven years of bringing joy to our hearts our Yorkshire Terrier crossed the Rainbow Bridge and her remains sit on my mantle.  Not a day goes by that I do not think about my girl and her loss is constantly felt by me and my family.  There is something about pets, especially dogs, that touch my spirit, which is why this adorable devotional that I am featuring today caught my eye.

I am sharing an excerpt from this unique devotional that I hope you will enjoy and, as always, don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

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Title: Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers
Authors: Michelle Medlock Adams, Wendy Hinote Lanier
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Juvenile Christian Non-Fiction/Devotional

Can Dogs Really Teach Us More About God? 

Award-winning authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier say yes! That’s why they’ve teamed up to offer Paws-itive Inspirations—a great way to help dog lovers connect with God and learn more about their favorite breeds.  

Paws-itive Inspirations will have kids and adults alike digging up treasures about their favorite pups, as well as discovering new breeds and learning important biblical truths in every devotion. Each Fido-themed entry encourages readers to dig deeper into God’s Word as they uncover fascinating facts about our canine friends. The 90 devotions cover different dog breeds and include: 

    

    Unleashing the Truth (key Bible verses)
    Digging Deeper (self-reflection questions)
    Fido 411 (interesting tidbits about the breed)
    Weekly Tail-Waggers (activities to reinforce each lesson)  

Paws-itive Inspirations blends faith, fun, and canine facts to give readers a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The interactive format makes for a meaningful and memorable faith journey!  

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Book Review of 'A Thieving at Carlton House' by Erica Vetsch

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Welcome to another fall week!  I had an amazing weekend with my family and now my heart is full, and it has me getting more and more excited for the upcoming holidays.  I hope everything is going well in your neck of the woods.

Today I am excited to share a Regency Mystery Romance from an author that I was just recently introduced to.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this series introduction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for A Thieving at Carlton House by Erica Vetsch hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Thieving at Carlton House 

Series: Of Cloaks & Daggers #1 

Author: Erica Vetsch 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: September 17, 2024 

Genre: Regency Mystery Romance

Unlikely alliances form when a killer is on the loose... but who can be trusted?

The Home Office has asked Sir Bertrand Thorndike to head an investigation into stolen royal jewels. And as with everything concerning the Prince Regent, discretion is paramount. 

It's the perfect chance for Bertie to step out of his brother's long shadow. Unfortunately, his superior, The Duke of Haverly, has a plan that makes him balk: in order to sell his cover, Bertie must play the part of a man looking for love, ready to reform his rakish ways. The duke is willing to let Bertie name his own investigative team, but his recommendation that the team include 

Philippa Cashel has Bertie on his guard. Does the duke--known for his behind-the-scenes machinations--have an ulterior motive? Philippa Cashel escaped her life as one of society's best-known courtesans, devoting her life to helping other women in dire straits. So when Sir Bertrand Thorndike approaches her about joining his team as an agent of the Crown, she is skeptical. Why her? She's focused on getting her school for underprivileged women up and running, not in cloak-and-dagger skullduggery. Her hope is that if she labors hard enough at her charity work, she might begin to feel worthy of God's forgiveness of her past. 

When one of Philippa's rescued girls is arrested for stealing the royal jewels and another is murdered, Philippa will risk partnering with Bertie to find the loot and stop the killer. 

Two brilliant minds--with two wary hearts--and one cunning deceiver are on a collision course in Regency England. 

Beloved Regency author Erica Vetsch begins this new series with all the elements that keep her readers coming back. From historical accuracy to rousing mystery to deep character faith journeys, A Thieving at Carlton House will please Regency lovers--and anyone else who loves a great story.

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Book Review of 'Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter' by Lisa Jordan

Howdy Bookworms!

Thursdays are one of my favorite days and today I am especially excited because my husband will be coming home from a business trip.  We also have some family fun planned this weekend that I have been looking forward to and the anticipation is palpable.  I love fall so much.

I am also excited to share my reflection on another Love Inspired romance that was one of my favorite reading escapes recently.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Clean Romance and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter by Lisa Jordan hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Bonding with the Cowboy's Daughter 

Series: Stone River Ranch #3 

Author: Lisa Jordan 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: August 20, 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

She’s left her old life behind

…only to find a new love waiting 

After a broken engagement, Callie Morgan decides to move to Aspen Ridge, Colorado, to fix up her late grandmother’s gift shop. But the shop is in bad shape and Callie runs out of money faster than expected. Old childhood friend and single dad Wyatt Stone comes to the rescue, offering her a job at his family’s ranch, Stone River Ranch. While their friendship is rekindled, will Callie ever risk loving again…even as Wyatt’s little girl is already stealing her heart?

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Book Review of 'Mossycoat' by Dawn Ford

Happy Thursday Bookworms!

In my quest to broaden my literary boundaries I recently read the novel that I am featuring today which was way out of my comfort zone.  Fantasy for me has always been a struggle but it's been awhile since I've read in this genre, and I am so glad that I got out of my comfort zone!  I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Christian Fantasy and let me know in the comments what genres are out of your comfort zone.

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for Mossycoat by Dawn Ford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Mossycoat
Series: Band of Unlikely Heroes #2
Author: Dawn Ford
Publisher: ScrivKids
Release Date: July 9, 2024
Genre: Chrisian Fantasy

Troll Princess Horra Fyd may have succeeded in getting the druid seed to the magical Weald forest in time to sprout, but she’s finding that getting her kingdom back in order is not as easy as she hoped. 

Oddar’s subjects are rebelling and trolls are mysteriously disappearing without a trace. Horra and her father King Divitri are at a loss on what’s happening, but they know who’s behind it all.

When Horra’s summoned back to the Weald to meet Rowan, the new druid warrior, she finds the woodgoblin a know-it-all stick in the mud. Rowan’s not impressed with the troll princess, either. However, after a suspicious magical fire destroys the Weald, they’re forced to rely on each other to venture out in a kingdom that’s becoming more dangerous by the day.

Will Horra and Rowan be able to set their differences aside to become a strong team? Or will they fall into the Erlking’s traps, stopping their mission before it even gets started?

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Spotlight on 'Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse' by Kate Tompkins

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I am very excited that you're here with me today and am also excited to shine the spotlight on this sweet novel. I hope you enjoy the except from the book and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse
Author: Kate Tompkins
Publisher: ‎ The Matthewsburg Manse
Release Date: October 26, 2023
Genre: Short stories/Poetry, Christian fiction, general fiction, rural fiction, wholesome fiction

When city girl Viv's husband Mark accepts his first pastoral charge in rural Matthewsburg, she wonders what to expect, and what will be expected of her. This collection of connected fiction stories, some humorous, some suspenseful, some even romantic, explores Viv's new life as she tries to find her place in the community while dealing with local gossip, old rivalries, suspected murder, sabotaged car shows, and more. Who says life in a small town is boring? 

"This book entertains us with our own humanity, we laugh at human foibles, nod our heads in the mutual pains of life's adventures. Interspersed are poems expressing poignant moments. These provide a place to rest, ponder and even smile before we are once again taken on the life journey of being a spouse in a small town parish. I found myself laughing out loud on occasion. This book is a wonderful read and leaves us with the feeling that life is good." - Nita Kotiuga, retired pastor, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University.

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Event Spotlight: Art of Writing 2024

Hello Bookworms!

Welcome to my second post of the day which I am uber excited to share with you!  It's that time of year for the annual Art of Writing conference and I have all the details for you, as well as an incredible giveaway from JustRead Tours, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this post and enter!

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2024, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Conference

The Art of Writing conference will be held on November 14 in Chicago at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, Chicago/Downers Grove. The focused four-session conference will bring together writers, storytellers, and publishing curators for training and connection. Hear from Christian publishers, agents, authors, and thought leaders on the Art of Writing for today’s market.

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Book Review of 'A Proposal for Her Cowboy' by Cari Lynn Webb

Happy Friday Bookworms!

I am so excited because today I have TWO blog posts for you!  I'm kicking off my double header with my thoughts on a sweet Clean & Wholesome Contemporary Romance that I'm sure you will enjoy as much as I did.  Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours and come back later for my second post of the day! Happy Friday!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Proposal for Her Cowboy by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Proposal for Her Cowboy
Series: Three Springs, Texas #7
Author: Cari Lynn Webb
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: August 20, 2024
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Family brought her home…  

Can love make her stay? 

Now that she’s finally back in Three Springs, Texas, Deputy Sheriff Lacey Nash wants nothing more than to reconnect with her nine-year-old daughter, Aspen. Carefree Caleb Sloan is just a distraction—even if he is surprisingly helpful. He not only pitches in to train Aspen for the junior rodeo contest, but he also makes Lacey feel both welcome in town and truly special. Though will that be enough for by-the-book Lacey…to let this fun-loving cowboy prove he’s ready for an instant family?  

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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Book Review of 'Lethal Standoff' by DiAnn Mills

Hello Bookworms!

Happy Fall Y'all! I can't believe September is already upon us! I've been hearing so many people say that the summer flew by, and I am in that boat. Where did the time go?? My head has been spinning and now we're in one of the busiest times of the year, so time is going to go any quicker.  Slow down please!

Today I am featuring a novel that is full of thrills! I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Romantic Suspense and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Lethal Standoff 

Author: DiAnn Mills 

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers 

Release Date: September 3, 2024 

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thriller

Justice can be elusive. Family secrets can be deadly. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle.

Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer. 

Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up. 

As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out. 

Award-winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness.

 

• Includes discussion guide for book groups.
• A clean contemporary thriller from Christy Award-winning author DiAnn Mills
• For fans of action-packed romantic suspense in the vein of Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Dani Pettrey
• From the popular author of Facing the Enemy

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