Tuesday, January 30, 2024

New Book Against All Enemies by Vannetta Chapman

 

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Monday, January 29, 2024

Fatal Witness: (Romantic Suspense K-9 Thriller Cold Case) by Patricia Bradley


 Book Description:  As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.

Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.

Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.

My Thoughts:  THIS cold case story will not only keep the reader on the edge of her seat but it will keep the reader trying to read as quickly as she can turn a page.  
Not only is this story a real page turner it also has all the markings of a first rate murder investigation.  
The suspense of Dani Bennett's life from the time her parents were murdered to fast forward to the day her grandmother sends a K-9 officer, Mark Lassiter, to track Dani down.  This is where the story begins...if Mark is trying to find Dani who else is trying to find her to keep the secret and the murder of her parents quiet.
Dani decides to see of she can regain her true life but someone doesn't want anyone to know what happened all those years ago.
The suspense/mystery in this story was incredible.  
Patricia Bradley hits out of the ballpark with this book 2 of Pearl River Novel. 
be sure to read book 1 too.  The books are stand alone but you won't want to miss one!

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

The Persistent Road by Tim Bishop

 

Book Description:  There’s always an escape. Sometimes you need to search long and hard for the right one.

After losing all he once cherished, Doug Zimmer follows his wife’s parting bread crumbs and rides up the Pacific coast—on a bicycle. Armed with a revolver and only a vague plan to get through the months ahead, he aims to end his depression one way or the other.

As spiritual forces wrangle for his soul, he pedals eastward across America. He meets Lauren Baumgartner—a younger adventurer with a vibrant spirit—and a band of zealots who confront his aversion to religion. Accompanying Doug are not only sunny days and the beauty of nature but also the perils of the road, fellow travelers with their own stories, and the hollow silence of solitary campsites playing host to unseen creatures of the night.

A jarring episode on a climb through a treacherous pass brings Doug face-to-face with life and death. Will Doug’s adventure deliver him from loneliness and lament . . . or hurtle him to an abrupt end?


My ThoughtsTim Bishop is a brand new to me author.  I found him on a book site.

I love to meet new authors through their books.  

This is an intriguing story.  

It merits a read since it echoes so many things and thoughts so many people go through.

Sometimes we, as people, need to understand what others are going through so that we may understand what we need to do in life.

I found Doug Zimmer a likable guy who is going through a rough patch in life.

This may the book you need to read and find out the struggles Doug faced are struggles you may be facing but there is a good answer.


 

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 

 

It's getting cooler in our neck of the woods and time for soup.
Here's one of our favorites!

**Even though this is a crockpot soup, if I forget to put everything in the crockpot in the morning I just make it on the stove top using the same ingredients but I cook it for 45 minutes and then the last 30 minutes with cream cheese.  It's still great!

Paula Dean's crockpot potato soup recipe

Combine 1 bag frozen hash browns ( I use the small, diced hash browns)

2 (14oz) cans chicken broth, 1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2c chopped onion

 1/3tsp black pepper

Cook in crock pot on low for 5 hours. 

**Must be last **Stir in 8oz block of cream cheese, cook 30 minutes, stir occasionally.

Garnish with bacon bits, onions and/or shredded cheese.

OH!SO!GOOD!!

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

The Catch (US Marshals, Book 3) by Lisa Harris

 

 

Book Description:  After a harrowing attempt on a judge's life at the courthouse, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding a missing woman and an endangered child in connection to the murder of the judge's wife. What seems like a fairly straightforward case becomes hopelessly tangled when the marshals discover that the woman they are searching for is not who they think she is.

Madison and Jonas are forced into a race to find the woman and the child before the men who want her dead discover her location. And in a final showdown that could cost her everything, Madison will come face-to-face with the person who murdered her husband.

My Thoughts:  I enjoy/love stories penned by Lisa Harris.  
This is the third book in the US Marshals trilogy.  I loved them all but this story really brings it all together and answers all this questions the reader has from books 1 & 2.
It would be best to read the first two books.  So much information and all the history of what is going on will make the story in book three so much easier to understand.
This is probably my favorite read of all the three.  The story line is intriguing and quite mysterious. I had a difficult time deciding and guessing the whodunit part.  Actually the story is so well written that I didn't guess.
Oh!  And the action and adventure was incredible but, yet, so believable.  I felt like I was on the run with Madison and Jonas.  Who by the way, are the most absolute best couple.  
The romance is well played and not over done.  Just good to the core people who like each other without all the gooey junk.
What a read for suspense lovers!

Happy Book Birthday to Mary Alford

Monday, January 22, 2024

Don't Close Your Eyes (The first book in the Hallowed Halls series) by Mary Alford

 


Book Description: Seven years ago, FBI Profiler Megan Iluak tapped into the mind of a serial killer—and nearly became his last victim. Her FBI colleague and then husband, Jack, put everything he had into finding the killer, but the case took its toll on Megan and Jack and destroyed their marriage. With her heart in shambles, Megan fled to the small Inuit village where she was from in remote Alaska, but vivid nightmares of the killer won’t let her go so easily. And soon, her dreams take a fresh and frightening twist from nightmare to reality.


Jack thought he’d made the right decision by letting Megan go and not fighting for their marriage. He believed she was better off without him after he’d almost gotten her killed. Now, with a new set of murders matching their closed case, there’s only one person who understands this killer enough to bring him in, and that’s Megan.

Jack wasn’t expecting all the old feelings he thought he’d buried down deep to resurface when he sees Megan again. Nor is he prepared to come face-to-face with Megan’s secret. The one 
that raises the stakes impossibly high.
My Thoughts: THIS book! If you love suspense this is the book for you!
Do you believe in second chances?  We serve a God of second chances.  Sometimes second chances are what makes us more clear in our love and our purpose for living.
Megan Iluak is an FBI profiler.  She tapped into the mind of a serial killer and it nearly cost her her life.  It seems that everything began to fall around Megan as this nightmare thrust her into a flee from the nightmare mode.  
She feels her marriage is over and runs to the village in remote Alaska where she used to live. But the nightmares get worse and it seems that her nightmares are becoming her reality!
Jack, her husband/ex-husband, thought he should let Megan go.   He realizes it was a mistake.
Lots of suspense!  A fantastic read!  Don't miss this story!

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Dangerous Ranch Threat by Karen Kirst


 Book Description:  Peril on the ranch.  A serial killer on the loose.

An unknown enemy’s dead set on killing cattle rancher Cassie West—and she doesn’t know why. But when Cassie discovers several murder victims bear a striking resemblance to her, it’s clear that there’s a serial killer at large…and she’s the next target. She’ll have to rely on temporary ranch hand Luke McCoy to keep her safe. But can she and Luke expose the killer before they exact vengeance?

My Thoughts:  I love reading about ranches.

Karen Kirst pens a fantastic suspense story with a lot of action and suspense all revolving around a serial killer and a ranch.  

The ranch owner, Cassie West, doesn't realize someone is after her until dead women resembling her are found deceased.  Then she realizes she needs help and protection.  Enter her ranch hand Luke McCoy.  

What a read!  Loved all the action and the romance.

Friday, January 19, 2024

Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford

Book Description:  Can this officer stop a trafficking ring?
Or will deadly criminals stop her first?
A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever—not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk… 
My Thoughts:  Mary Alford is one of my favorite christian suspense/thriller authors.
In Deadly Mountain Escape she pens a story that has the reader turning the pages as fast.as.a.finger.can.move.
I loved Charlotte Walker.  She's smart and savvy and knows her limits.  So, as she chases deadly criminals she realizes she can't do this on her own.  that's when she comes across rancher, Jonas Knowles.  Together they are better than one 
The suspense in this story made my heart race.  The story line is is true to life. I felt as if Charlotte and Jonas may not make it.  And in chapter 15, "They both knew the odds getting through the rubble was next to impossible, but she was right.  If they remained here and did nothing, they'd be dead."  See what I'm talking about...suspense at its best!
Don't miss this fantabulous story!



Fun Friday

 

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas are the quick and easy way to get that apple pie flavor any time you want! It is an amazing fast dessert perfect for fall!
 Servings 4
 Author Parrish

Ingredients

  • 8 Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas
  • 8 tbsp tbsp caramel
  • 2 cups apple pie filling
  • cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

  1. Start with Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas and place it in a greased pan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of caramel.
  3. Next add 1/2 cup of the pie filling.
  4. Top with another tablespoon of caramel.
  5. Top with another tortilla and spray the top of that one with cooking spray or melted butter.
  6. Flip the quesadilla over when first side is brown.
  7. While second side is cooking sprinkle top side with cinnamon and sugar.
  8. When second side is done cooking place onto plate that has a layer of cinnamon sugar on it.
  9. Slice in 4ths and serve!

Recipe Notes

Servings: 4

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Sunrise (Sky King Ranch) by Susan May Warren

 

Book Description:  Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him.

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.

 
When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

My Thoughts:  Echo Yazzie, what a name!  What woman! She works for the DNR. So, when one of her fellow researchers goes missing, she decides she can go find him.  But with her past and the people that would love to kill her, Dodge Kingston knows he needs to follow her and keep her safe from harm.

Poor Dodge he seems to always be one step behind when it comes to Echo and understanding women.  But he tries and he has the muscle to help. After all he is a pararescue jumper.  Gotta have a lot of muscle to pull that off.

Echo seems a bit rogue and sometimes the doesn't have the best internal GPS.  Like a lot of women she gets lost.  Dodge to the rescue!

Susan May Warren does seem to know Alaska.  Sh writes accurately and in detail about the state and the bitter cold that can kill a person.  Makes the reader feel that she is there in the great state of Alaska. 

This is a fairly good page turner.  A lot of action and some romance.

A great read!



Monday, January 15, 2024

In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson

 

Book Description:  When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?
When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.

My Thoughts:  A debut author, Abigail Wilson, takes into the regency era with mystery, suspense and a touch of class.
It's been awhile since I've read a regency romance but it's the New Year and a new author so this makes for a great read!  and the book cover is fantastic as well...inviting the reader to come on a journey of mystic.
Sybil Delafield is taking on a new job as companion to Mrs. Chalcroft but little does she know that this will be the ride of her life.
Danger, mystery, and a bit of romance.
This is a great read for all fans of mystery.....not just for regency romance readers.
Sometimes one must take a chance in life.  Chance meetings are, sometimes the best of meetings.  Such is the case for Abigail Wilson.
The twisting and turning of events keeps the reader turning the page in anticipation of the next event.
A grandastic new read!

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Double Take (Lake City Heroes Book #1) by Lynette Eason

 

Book Description:  Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

My Thoughts:  Lynette Eason is one of the best christian suspense.thriller authors.  
When one begins her story just know that you won't be stopping soon.
Double Take is such a story.  It begins with a bang and just keeps going.  So much takes off from the very beginning and keeps the reader turning the page to keep up with Lainie Jackson and James Cross.

Lainie's story is quite intriguing all on its own.  And that's where the majority of this read surrounds but Detective James Cross has some issues that he brings into the story too.

When Lainie and James cross paths, Lainie needs help and James is right there to help her.

Lainie feels that she shot her ex in fight but his face keeps popping up and it seems that he is put to kill her. But Lainie knows it's not her ex.  That's where she and James are taking on the mystery and trying to save Lainie's life too.

Lainie's story is quite unusual and, yet, it rings true.  

This is a fantabulous story and one not to be missed.

*THis book was provided for review by Revell*

The Devoted Life by Marjorie Weaver

  

Book Description:  This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great! 

My Thoughts:   Every December I begin to think of what journal/devotional I'll use for the new year.
This year I chose The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson.
I was so excited when I received it.  It's a pearl pink color...not a tan color like the picture indicates.  It's beautiful!
I know this devotional is geared for girls but this year I wanted something a little different.
It's divided into 31 sections and each section has a devotional, Scriptures for going deeper and then journal prompts.  Journal prompts allow one to write down what is going on in life.
This is imitation leather but it's so nice.  I love the thin line feel, not bulky at all.
At the back of the book are pages with places to color and draw or write whatever on wishes.
This is absolutely beautiful!  And would make a lovely gift, too.

  • Imitation Leather: 208 pages
  • Publisher: Shiloh Run Press 
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1683226879
  • ISBN-13: 978-1683226871

Monday, January 8, 2024

The Blended Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

 


Book Description:  Sadie Kuhns has a lot happening in her life. She is creating a unique quilt by blending a traditional Amish pattern with a Hawaiian pattern as a tribute to her time spent in the islands, and she is working on a self-published book. But her relationship with Wyman Kauffman has stagnated after six months of courtship. He can’t seem to commit to a profession that would secure a future, and he is jealous of the time Sadie gives to her own pursuits. Is there really any reason to drag this courtship out? 

My Thoughts:  Ahh!  The trials of budding romance.  Except that poor Sadie seems to have a bit more of the trial then most.  Her relationship with Wyman seems to budding and thriving and then nothing!  A nothing more than 'hi' relationship.
Sadie like most Amish young women knows how to quilt and do it well.  The only thing is Sadie has been to Hawaii, remember the Hawaiian Quilt?  Now Sadie wants to make a quilt putting Hawaii and her Amish roots together.  What a grand idea!  Sadie also wants to self publish a book. But her relationship or lack or relationship with Wyman seems to keep all her projects and thoughts on the back burner.
As the story evolves so does the relationship of Sadie and Wyman evolve with all of its ups and downs.
Sadie learns to overcome and Wyman learns to be productive.  Quite a gut story.


Friday, January 5, 2024

Fun Friday

 

With all that is going on this CrAzY world do you ever feel like 
you're jumping cliffs?
Do ever feel out of control?
Ever feel like things will never be the same?
See the person jumping?  He is not afraid.
Simply because he knows who holds him.
And He holds you, too.
Dear friend, Don't fear.  Love conquers all.
He holds you in the palm of His hand.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

New Book Coming Soon! by Mary Alford

“That’s far enough.” A flashlight beam pinned them in place.
Jonas jerked his head toward Charlotte.
“We can’t let them take us,” she said under her breath. He understood what she meant. They’d have to fight for their freedom.

A Reluctant Bride (An Amish of Birch Creek Novel) by Kathleen Fuller

 

Book Description:  She never wanted to marry. He hopes to make amends for past wrongs. Can love find a way to heal both of their hearts?
Sadie Schrock swore she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry—she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents are ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man—the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.
Aden knows what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with the guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can’t let her down—even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.
Working alongside Aden at the store, Sadie realizes he isn’t the same boy who once betrayed her. Just when Sadie starts to let her guard down and perhaps develop feelings for her new husband, dangerous secrets are revealed. Now everything Sadie has worked so hard to protect is threatened, and she must find a way to save her family—and herself.

My ThoughtsSometimes it's great to pick up a novel that is fresh and thought provoking.  Yes, A Reluctant Bride is a thought provoking Amish read.  Why is it thought provoking?  I'm so glad you asked, reader.  It's thought provoking because the story is about an Amish woman who does not want to marry.  Not wanting to marry in the Amish community is kind.of.like not wanting to drive in the English community.  Just kind of hard to understand.
Sadie does not want to marry.  She is content taking care of the family business...and then everything changes in a  flash!  Her parents are killed by a reckless driver.  Both her parents are gone! And her youngest sister is seriously hurt and is in the hospital.  
Mounting hospital bills seem like a huge mountain that will never be conquered.
Sadie then realizes that she will need to marry for the sake of her family. 
As she works alongside Aden her once boyfriend, she realizes that he isn't the young man that betrayed her all those years ago.  In fact, she marries Aden and begins to feel that he is the man she was meant to marry.
And then secrets and more dangerous secrets come to the front of their marriage.  
Kathleen Fuller writes a fantastic novel of the Amish world that is filled with secrets, love and faith!