Deadly Christmas Pretense

(Love Inspired Suspense)

by Dana Mentink

Description

A cowboy to her rescue…

but she’s not who he thinks she is.

Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?

Biography

Dana Mentink is a national bestselling author. She has been honored to win two Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion, and a Reviewer's Choice award. She's authored more than thirty novels to date for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming. Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her at www.danamentink.com

My Perspective ~

Dana Mentink is my favorite author of Love Inspired Suspense. She knows how to develop a fast paced plot with unpredictable events throughout her stories. Deadly Christmas Pretense is no exception. It can be easily read as a stand alone story, but I love the connections in her series. Family is closely knit and loving, and kindness and acceptance are wonderful features throughout. Selflessness and reaching out to others are examples to cherish as the author weaves her stories around family, friends, community and strangers.

Suspense is high and unpredictable throughout Deadly Christmas Pretense. There's no room for boredom in this book, and there is no clue as to what will reveal itself on the next page! An easy, quick read, I was swept into the adventures and the spirit of Christmas as the plot developed. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

An Amish Christmas Kitchen

(3 Novellas Celebrating the Warmth of the Season)

by Leslie Gould

Jan Drexler

Kate Lloyd

Description

As the weather grows cold and the nights grow long, the cheer and warmth of the Christmas season is one thing all readers can find comfort in. This collection from bestselling Amish fiction novelists Leslie Gould, Jan Drexler, and Kate Lloyd finds the beating heart at the center of the holiday and offers three novellas that celebrate family, faith, and especially the sights and smells of a bustling holiday kitchen.

Leslie Gould tells the story of how, in the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a young Amish woman finds unexpected comfort and hope in a yearly baking tradition surrounding the local Lancaster Christmas market. Jan Drexler offers a sweet tale of a shy Amish woman who decides to use her gift for sweets to woo a local Amish boy with her beloved Christmas cookies. And Kate Lloyd offers a heartwarming tale of a woman's unexpected discovery about the truth of her past, and the warm and welcoming Amish family table she finds herself invited to on Christmas.

My Perspective ~

The Amish celebration of Christmas is focused on the birth of Christ, with family and togetherness of greatest importance. Unlike other American cultures the Amish center their celebration around their faith, without the addition of material items. Baking and family activities are the family traditions that bind them together at this special time of year.

The three novellas in this book reveal the traditions listed above, and the opening of their hearts to others outside their community. Amish life and beliefs are described for the reader to see the inside of the Anabaptist home and family unit. Each of the three authors chose a different approach centered in the hub of the Amish home, the kitchen. Recipes are included, and the camaraderie of the family unit is expressed through the telling of these stories. 

If you love Amish fiction with a bit of romance, and are looking forward to Christmas and all the trimmings, this is an excellent addition for your reading time. The novellas are light and easy reading, and will leave a warm spot in your heart! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

The Amish Bride

(The Women of Lancaster County #3)

by Mindy Starns Clark 

& Leslie Gould

Description

Bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould offer readers The Amish Bride, Book 3 in the Women of Lancaster County series, which tells the stories of young Plain women as they explore their roots, connect with family, and discover true love.

Ella Bayer and Ezra Gundy are in love and hope to marry someday, but she is a young Mennonite woman while he is an Amish man. Though both Plain, one of them will have to forsake what they believe to embrace another way of life.

Hoping some distance will cool the relationship, Ezra’s family sends him to work at an Amish dairy farm in Indiana. But Ella disregards what her family wants and follows Ezra. In short order she finds a place to live, a job in a bakery, and an unexpected but budding friendship with a handsome Amish farmhand, Luke. When a family tragedy forces Ella back to Pennsylvania, she must face all she’s been running away from. And once she has made peace with those around her, she has an important decision to make: Whose Amish bride will she become—Ezra’s or Luke’s?

Biographies

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of numerous books, both fiction and nonfiction, including Whispers of the Bayou, The House That Cleans Itself, and the #1-ranked The Amish Midwife. She has received numerous honors, including two Christy Awards and an RT Book Reviews' Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and have two grown daughters. 

Leslie Gould is the best-selling and award-winning author of over thirty novels. She loves traveling, research, Shakespeare's plays, and church history. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon and are the parents of four children. http://www.lesliegould.com/

My Perspective ~

The above authors have coauthored several books, and I'm always amazed at the cohesiveness and flowing stories they create. There is no telling who is writing any specific portion of the story, and that's no easy feat! This Amish fiction tale is beautifully written, and original. I love the history that was interwoven throughout, and the lives of the characters in this book are varied. Characters are deep and believable, and relationships are realistic at all levels. There is no predicting which way this story will travel, and events throughout are emotional and credible. 

For readers who enjoy Amish fiction, this is above and beyond mainstream stories of that genre. The stories of the characters in The Amish Bride go much deeper than everyday life. I found this to be one of my favorite Amish stories because of the originality and depth created by these authors. I highly recommend The Amish Bride, and look forward to reading more from this series!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

Married to a Stranger

by Laura V. Hilton
GIVEAWAY!

Description

He marries her out of need. She marries him to escape. What does love have to do with it? 

When her father falsely accuses a stranger of dishonoring her, Bethel Eicher finds herself promised in marriage to a man she’s never met. Not exactly a dream come true, but since she has spent several years caring for her handicapped mother, she’s already considered an old maid at twenty-five—and she longs to escape her lonely life as permanent caregiver.

When newly-called Amish preacher Gideon Kaiser learns he’s been accused of a dishonorable act, he's horrified. But his wife died in childbirth and his baby needs a mother, so he figures marrying a woman he’s never met could be beneficial.

How can Bethel and Gideon possibly make their marriage work—especially when the truth behind the accusations is revealed?

Biography

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

My Perspective ~

I'm a big fan of Laura V. Hilton's Amish fiction. She creates characters and situations that are deeply uplifting and soul stirring. Married to a Stranger is based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and having lived in this state in the past the author paints a realistic picture of the area. 

The main characters in this book are portrayed with a realistic depth in character traits and personalities. Strangers thrust together in a marriage of convenience, the identities of both Bethel and Gideon in this unfamiliar situation are emotional, uncomfortable, and deeply personal. Hilton goes deep into the souls of her characters and creates a uniquely poignant presentation of the interaction between them, and lack thereof. 

This is a beautiful story of life and love, and the progression in a relationship that is uniquely deep. This is Laura V. Hilton's best yet! The story flows effortlessly as the reader becomes more involved with both Bethel and Gideon, and their difficult situation in life. I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Monday, 7-22-19.

Never Have I Ever

by Joshilyn Jackson

Description

New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson—”an admired writer who deserves to be a household name” (Kirkus Reviews)—displays her masterful talent in this dark and deliciously addictive tale of domestic suspense.

In this game, even winning can be deadly...

Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasures that come with it—teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirited fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant son. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy’s sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.

Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it’s naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way—a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.

When they’re alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn’t give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she’s going to make Amy pay for her sins. One way or another.

To protect herself and her family and save the life she’s built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can’t beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.

A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation, and love filled with dark twists leavened by Joshilyn Jackson’s trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgressions of our past come back with a vengeance.

Biography

Joshilyn Jackson is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of nine novels, including gods in Alabama, The Almost Sisters, and Never Have I Ever (July, 2019)

She lives in Decatur, Georgia with her husband and their two kids. She serves on the board of and volunteers with Reforming Arts, teaching creative writing inside Lee Arrendale State Prison, Georgia's maximum security facility for women. Through their education-in-prison and reentry programs, Reforming Arts fosters the development of critical and creative thinking skills, encouraging students to build livable lives. 

She's also an award winning audiobook narrator, performing most of her own work as well as novels by Lydia Netzer and Marybeth Mayhew Whalen.

My Perspectives ~

This is my first Joshilyn Jackson novel, but it won't be the last! I quickly discovered why her books are so popular! This psychological thriller is unpredictable, original and believable. This author pulls out all the stops toward making the reader experience numerous emotions throughout the entirety of this novel. My heart rate and respiration increased as events unfolded. The cast of characters is strong and convincing. My heart ached as I experienced Amy's story through her first person narrative of the destructive events in her young life. What doesn't kill us strengthens us, as evidenced by Amy's harrowing story. There is much more to reveal about this compelling and original story, but I won't spoil it for those of you who decide to experience this thrilling psychological drama on your own. I highly recommend Never Have I Ever! It's like nothing I've read before! Don't miss it!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through the Goodreads Giveaways program. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

A Reluctant Bride

The Bride Ships #1

by Jody Hedlund

Description

Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life. When she's offered an opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. After witnessing so much painful heartache and loss in the slums, the bride ship is her only prospect to escape a bleak future, not only for herself but, she hopes, someday for her sister.

Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves home and takes to the sea in order to escape the pain of losing his family. As ship's surgeon, he's in charge of the passengers' welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love. 

With hundreds of single men congregating on the shore eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?

Biography

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

My Perspective ~

A Reluctant Bride is an incredible journey from poverty stricken London, and the impossible living conditions in the slums. Mercy Wilkins finds her way to a bride's ship bound for British Columbia. Conditions on the ship are grim, and Mercy's only saving grace is that the ship's surgeon recognizes her compassion for those who need her. He requests her assistance in nursing the sick aboard ship, and the two share a unique camaraderie which develops into a strong attraction forbidden by Mercy's chaperones and the doctor's position in life.

Filled with danger on the high seas and plagued by seasickness among other serious illnesses suffered aboard the Tynemouth, the sadness and losses that Mercy suffered at home appear to have followed her aboard. Hedlund's cast is strong and well developed. True life situations are heart wrenching, but true strength of character is one of the highlights in those represented in this book.

A great deal of research was obviously undertaken in order for true life events to have been portrayed through Mercy's story. This is a fast paced tale of the torments of the time, and yet a blossoming love story creates a charming quality that surpassed my expectations. Don't miss this deeply touching story. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

Danger on the Ranch

by Dana Mentink!

Description

Her child’s life is on the line

A Roughwater Ranch Cowboys story

After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.

Biography

Dana Mentink is a national bestselling author. She has been honored to win two Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion, and a Reviewer's Choice award. She's authored more than thirty novels to date for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming. Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her at www.danamentink.com

My Perspective ~

Unpredictable, heart wrenching, suspense filled and chilling, Danger on the Ranch kept me reading until the late night hours! This may be my favorite of all of this author's books. Family connections are strong as they are in her previous books. That strength of family and love for others comes through faith and compassion. When someone has a need there's a support system already in place. 

One member of the Whitehorse family is evil to the core, a psychopathic killer who has escaped from prison, putting everyone at risk! It's nearly impossible to know who one can trust, as past events have colored perceptions of several characters throughout this book. Mitch Whitehorse becomes a protector to his brother's ex-wife and young child. He would rather take a bullet than let anything happen to either of them. 

I couldn't read fast enough to satisfy my curiosity regarding what could happen next! My heart rate increased as did my breathing, and I rocked my glider chair ever faster as the drama continued to build! I highly recommend this exciting, unpredictable book! It's one I won't soon forget!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

All Manner of Things

by Susie Finkbeiner
Review & GIVEAWAY!

Description

When Annie Jacobson's brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he hands her a piece of paper with the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know. 

In Mike's absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. As they work toward healing and pray fervently for Mike's safety overseas, letter by letter the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

Author Susie Finkbeiner invites you into the Jacobson family's home and hearts during a time in which the chaos of the outside world touched their small community in ways they never imagined.

Biography

Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She serves on the Breathe Christian Writers Conference planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women's events across the state. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.

My Perspective ~

This novel brought me back to my 18th year in 1967. Annie could have been the girl next door, someone I once knew. It was a fear filled time with our young men being drafted and enlisting in order to fight the war in Vietnam. Families were closely knit, but not without their problems and heartache. 

Annie's story takes place in West Michigan, a place I call home. Her Dutch heritage mimics my own, and the setting is familiar and filled with the conservatism of the Dutch that emigrated in great numbers to the area. Memories from the time period and the locale produced considerable nostalgia as I read the details of the Jacobson family and the obstacles they faced. A detailed and poignant depiction of the life and time brought me to tears on several occasions, but the love of family wrapped me in a warm blanket.

This author has a gift for developing a setting and characters that reflect life in its fundamental form, without sugarcoating our basic humanity. Social issues are broached with candor and sensitivity. There is a depth of reality in her books that touches the heart, and the author's faith is woven throughout her characters' lives. I have read all of Finkbeiner's novels twice, and will reread All Manner of Things again as well. I highly recommend this heartrending tale of life as I remember it from my own experiences!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All expressed opinions are my own.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, May 22, 2019.