Blind Spot (Chesapeake Valor #3) by Dani Pettrey - Reviewed

About the book:

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.
Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.

About Dani:

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has written eight novels, which have sold more than 300,000 copies. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance novel. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Dani’s adventure-focused Alaskan Courage series climbed the CBA best-seller lists, with Submerged staying in the top twenty for five consecutive months. The five-book series also won multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award. She turns her attention to crime and law enforcement in her new Chesapeake Courage series, starting with Cold Shot, which Library Journal described as “a harrowing and thrilling ride.”

From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves—full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com.

My Thoughts:

I haven't read the first two books in this series, and I did enjoy this book. However, I will binge read the entire series, because I think not reading the prior two left me in a deficit. With that said, this book is high adrenaline, constant action, I'm not sure I took a breath until I closed the book. 

I haven't read a Dani Pettrey novel since her Alaskan Courage series, which I absolutely loved, so I was very excited to be chosen to be on her street team and have the opportunity to read another one of her books.

Besides all the non-stop action, and breathless romantic scenes between Declan and Tanner, the team element is something I like in a suspense novel, and Ms. Pettrey executed that with precision.

I recommend this book, I also recommend that you read the other two first, especially with the fourth book in the series, Dead Drift which releases in July 2018.

I received a copy of this book compliments of the author in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Top Ten Tuesday - Foodie Books

With the title of this top ten Tuesday meme I decided to play around with it and add some favorite childhood books.

The cover will take you to either Goodreads or my blog review.

How could Charlie and the Chocolate Factory not be on this list? I have my dad's copy somewhere and I still remember staying up late reading this, with a flashlight no less, when I was eight or nine.

When this book popped up on my Goodreads feed as I was snagging covers for this post I was immediately reminded of reading this over and over to my girls.

 Another book that has to be on this list. This was the first book my youngest read all the way through.

See the scrumptious chocolate pie to the right? This is not only mentioned in the book, the author gives you the yummy recipe.

This book releases in February, 2018. So long to wait! You can pre-order it here. PRE-ORDER


















What are your foodie books? Have you read any of mine? Tell me in the comments.

As My Parents Age by Cynthia Ruchti - Reviewed

                                                           About the book:

For most of us it is not the “ifs” but the “whens”: when I notice the first signs; when we mourn the role reversal; when my children need me too; or when I don’t know how to pray. Those are just a few of the fifty-two reflections on the changes, challenges, and blessings of loving your parent as they grow older. Their lives – and yours – begin to change. Knowing that you are not alone, that others have been where you are, is encouraging and uplifting. This is not a how-to, but a me-too, as you see yourself and your own situation lived out in the stories of others.

About Cynthia Ruchti:

Drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry, Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals, and speaking for women's and writers' events. Her books have been recognized by Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards, Selah Awards, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, and Christy and Carol Award nominations, among other honors, including a Family Fiction Readers' Choice Award. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in Pittsville, Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

My Thoughts:

Sadly our roles reverse as our parents get older, and this devotional style book packs quite a punch in the most encouraging way. As I read the book I realized what a precious gift this book will be as my parents continue to age, it will be balm for my heart as it breaks during this process.

Whether you are seeing your parents declining health or grandparents you will find such encouragement between the pages of this little book.

I received a copy of this book compliments of the publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

You can purchase a copy here: AMAZON

All Fore Love: A Sun Valley Love on Vacation Story by Kellie Coates Gilbert - Reviewed

About the book:

Ryan Banderman’s golf career is soaring until a scandal sends him plummeting to the bottom of the leader board. To resurrect his reputation and get back in the good graces of his sponsors, he agrees to participate in a charity golf tournament in Sun Valley, Idaho. There, he meets Beth Michaels, a fledgling publicist with career aspirations of her own.
From the first moment Ryan and Beth meet, intense sparks of attraction fly. But will a mean-spirited reporter ruin their chance for love, and send both their lives up in flames?

About Kellie:

Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, she is especially known for keeping readers turning pages and for creating nuanced characters who seem real. 

In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reader reviews on Amazon and other retail sites, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were included on Library Journal’s Best Book List of 2014. 

Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most  days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her  heart.

http://www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com/

                                                      

My Thoughts:

This series of Ms. Gilbert's set in Sun Valley, Idaho, which is just a mere two hours away from where I live makes it quite difficult to stay here in the Treasure Valley, especially when reading this series.

Her latest release, All Fore Love, which is a Sun Valley Vacation story, centers around a golf tournament to benefit foster kids. I am a huge fan of kids in a story, they add both innocence and unexpected fun to the overall story, and Nicholas does just that.

In this particular novella the only difficulty I had while reading was the golf lingo, I don't watch golf, it's like watching paint dry. I found myself searching Google to understand it. That doesn't detract from the over all story, it just added a different element. 

The writing is crisp, heartfelt, charming, and picturesque. Ms. Gilbert's books are what I would call romantic comedies, with a definite inspirational thread, not religious, more of a moral one. I laugh, cry, want to throw the book against the wall at times, but I can't stop reading. 

This is a quick read, just about a hundred pages or so and a great mini vacation to Sun Valley, Idaho.

You can get your copy here . . . AMAZON  iBOOKS  KOBO BARNES&NOBLE

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for it nor did I have to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

First Line Friday - Featuring Solve by Christmas by Amber Schamel

Yep, it's time! Christmas books are starting to make their way around for review. I actually received this one over the summer, and I started reading it a couple of days ago.
Here in Idaho our weather is very fall like, in the mid-50's so this book is perfect for reading right now.

About the book:

When sabotage threatens the Rudin Sugar Factory, Detective Jasper Hollock believes this will be his first real case. But dear Mr. Rudin—the only father Jasper has ever known—holds a different assignment for his private investigator.
“I’ve struck a deal with God, Jasper, and you’re my angel.”
Mr. Rudin charges Jasper to build a “case” of reasons for his employer to continue his life. If he fails, Mr. Rudin will end it in suicide on Christmas night.
As the incidents at the factory become life threatening, Jasper’s attempts at dissuading Mr. Rudin prove futile. Time is ticking. Jasper must solve both cases by Christmas before Mr. Rudin and the company are dragged to perdition.

AMAZON


First Line:

Denver, December 1, 1913

At last, Jasper Hollock, Private Investigator, was going to get his first real case. He cleared his throat to keep from letting out a whoop as he jumped from the trolley and dodged traffic across Broadway.


Leave your first line in the comments and then head on over to Hoarding Books, see other's first lines, and leave your blog link, if you have one, so we can visit your blog.

Have a happy reading Friday and weekend!

That's What He Said Thursday . . . Featuring Charming the Troublemaker

I was searching around the net looking for a Thursday meme to do. I am already doing Top Ten Tuesday, and First Line Friday. Along with a Can't Wait Wednesday here and there. I thought it would be fun to add a Thursday meme, and this one is good. It is sponsored by Chapter Break, and it is called That's What He Said Thursday. To play post your favorite line from your book boyfriend in your current read to his heroine. These are direct quotes, not a physical description.

Since I am currently reading three books, I am going to use the favorite quote from the upcoming release of Charming the Troublemaker by Pepper Basham.

About the book:

Rainey Mitchell is doing just fine. She has a great job helping children in need, her family is around her, she is mother to a fabulous little girl, and is getting over the betrayal of her ex-husband. Dr. Alex Murdock is not doing so well, as he is forced to work at a rural university, his life is full of secrets surrounding his family, and he has to start over in a new town. Luckily, Rainey, the daughter of his landlord, is there to get him settled. Rainey just wants to stay away from the new professor, who has the same charm as her ex. Unfortunately, they seem to need each other. Rainey needs his grant-writing ability to save her program, and Alex is terrible at the lecturing at which Rainey excels. The two must work together to fulfill their goals, but will they be able to do it? Rainey's insecurities and Alex's obsession with protecting his family could be their undoing.

AMAZON PRE-ORDER

I'm not very far in the book, so this is my favorite quote so far. 

Leave me your book boyfriend quote in the comments.

Lydia, Woman of Philippi Reviewed and Giveaway

About the Book:

Name of book: Lydia

Author: Diana Wallis Taylor

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 3, 2017



Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society into which she was born. Her father marries her off at age fifteen to a much older man whom she dislikes. Despite an unpleasant wedding and a marriage that doesn’t improve with age, Lydia remains a dutiful and faithful wife. When her husband is killed, years later, Lydia vows to remain single and returns to her father’s house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter.
There, a new life begins to emerge as she is trained in the family dye business. Lydia displays an aptitude for trade in the male-dominated world of first century commerce. Her brother, who had chosen service in the Roman army rather than work in his father’s business, is at odds with his sister. Jealous of her quiet success as she learns the dye business, he’s especially befuddled by what he considers to be Lydia’s obsession with the Jewish religion. When their father dies, Cassius inherits the family’s home; Lydia inherits the business, and unbeknownst to her brother, a small villa in the city of Philippi.
Lydia flees with her mother and daughter to Philippi where she sets up shop. At the mercy of a patriarchal society, Lydia needs a man to serve as the public face for her business. She discovers the right person in the handsome face of Greek man she’d hired — an employee with whom she develops a close friendship. The plot thickens as Lydia meets a strange man named Paul the apostle who is stirring up crowds in town. When Lydia’s brother shows up in Philippi, determined to force her to sell the business, he discovers plenty of fuel to accomplish his goals.

Click to purchase your copy.

About the Author:

Diana Wallis Taylor is best known for her creative stories based on women in the Bible. Thousands have read and enjoyed her books including Mary Chosen of God, Ruth, Mother of Kings, Martha, Journey to the Well, Mary Magdalene, and Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors with the San Diego Library naming her one of 12 “Writers to Watch” in 2017 for Mary, Chosen of God. Her books have received Gold and Silver Medallion Awards for Christian Fiction and she is a San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild “Writer of the Year.” Mary, Chosen of God is a 2017 Christy Award nominee. An inspirational speaker, Diana also leads creative writing and poetry workshops.                                

My Thoughts: 

I really enjoy biblical fiction for a number of reasons. Mainly because I love seeing how an author puts skin on Bible truth. Ms. Taylor takes what little there is written about Lydia in the Bible and entwines a story rich in both biblical truth, with fictional imagination. While Ms. Taylor uses her imagination to create a story around Lydia it is not only based in truth, but historical fact, right down to the food they ate, the geographical locations, and position of women in the first century. 

I have been reading and enjoying Ms. Taylor's books for a number of years, and this is another book that will be added to my biblical fiction shelf to pass on to my reading granddaughters. 

I highly recommend this book. It would be appropriate for a young girl of ten to read and enjoy. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Blog Stops

A Bakers Perspective, October 3

Carpe Diem, October 3

Moments Dipped in Ink, October 4

Books, Books, and More Books., October 4

By The Book, October 5

A Simply Enchanted Life, October 5

Red Headed Book Lady, October 6

Blogging With Carol, October 6

A Reader’s Brain, October 7

A Greater Yes, October 7

Just the Write Escape, October 8

Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Spotlight)

Aryn the Libraryan, October 9

Cordially Barbara, October 9

Pursuing Stacie, October 9

The Fizzy Pop Collection, October 10

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 10

Zerina Blossom’s Books, October 11

Mary Hake, October 11

Radiant Light, October 12

Singing Librarian Books, October 12

Lights in a Dark World, October 12

margaretkazmierczak, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 14

Cafinated Reads, October 14

To Everything A Season, October 14

Bigreadersite, October 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Henry Happens, October 16

For The Love of Books, October 16

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 16

  Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Diana is giving away

Grand Prize Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, “Give Thanks” painting on plate by Donna White for The Hearthside Collection, Inc., commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book  (not in photo).

1st Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem pillar candle, cassia scented, commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).
2nd Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem Spikenard candle tin with lid!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c173