Death Takes a Ride by Lorena McCourtney - Reviewed!

About the Book:
It's official. This case is above her pay grade--and Cate's in over her head.
Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there--this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense. 

Despite having been merely an unfortunate bystander, Cate finds herself sucked into the case. And the deeper she gets, the more she begins to suspect that the shooting in the H&B office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes you on wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.

My Thoughts:

“Not even midnight yet, and already she’d turned into a PI pumpkin.”  (p. 261)

I met Cate Kincaid in Dolled Up To Die, and she is still my favorite PI!   I adore a good cozy mystery, and Lorena McCourtney uses a dog – a large, motorcycle-loving brute of a dog named Clancey – to add a unique touch of humor and attention-grabbing oddity to a rather unexpected murder mystery.  This case tumbles into Cate’s life much like the candle tumbles into the stack of napkins in one of the final scenes of the novel.  I guess that’s why I like her so much, because things tend to be a haphazard jumble most of the time. 

 

However, when things begin to come together, both in the murder mystery and her personal relationships, things happen in rapid succession with no guarantee all will end well for those involved.  Mitch, good ‘ole dependable, snarky Mitch, gets dragged into Cate’s messes in the strangest ways, and McCourtney uses this relationship to sprinkle a dash of romance into the mystery.  Just about the time I want to tell Mitch to dodge, dismiss and disengage from Cate’s life – something that in implied to be happening in this novel – he turns around and does something sweet to endear himself to my heart all over again.  He is a true keeper!

And the mystery is anything but safe!  There are some high stakes involved, and McCourntey casts a wide net for suspects.  As any good writer, she holds her cards close to her chest and has a rather dramatic and dangerous reveal at the end!

Once again, a very satisfying read!! I can’t wait to see what Cate stumbles into next!! And I really can’t wait to see what role Mitch will play after his attempt at a romantic cookout! SO FUNNY!!

About the Author:

Lorena McCourtney is the New York Timesbestselling and award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), Dying to Read, and Dolled Up to Die. She resides in Oregon. Learn more at www.lorenamccourtney.com.

A Deadly Business by Lis Wiehl with April Henry - REVIEWED

About the Book:

If the hours don't kill you, the accused just might.

Mia Quinn is a Seattle prosecutor working on high profile cases in the Violent Crimes unit while juggling the impossible demands of single parenthood. Her husband, Scott, was killed in a car crash that homicide detective Charlie Carlson now believes was no accident. Charlie’s instincts and professional record make it impossible for Mia to refute the evidence she’d rather not believe.

When the powers that be refuse to reopen the case, it’s up to Mia and Charlie to investigate, all the while trying to deny a growing attraction between them. Was her accountant husband really in league with nefarious criminals? And who is the young woman whose photo they find on his computer?

Uncovering the truth may hurt Mia in more ways than one.

My Thoughts:

“At my company we make decisions based on the bottom line.  The intention doesn’t mean squat.  The only thing that matters is the results.” (Wade Merritt)

Wade Merritt’s wife Tamsin was almost killed by a group of teenagers “fooling around.”  It is left up to Mia Quinn decide whether or not the boys will be tried as adults or juveniles.  While she gathers information to make this decision, she learns evidence in her own husband’s death that casts doubt as to whether or not he died in the automobile accident or whether or not he was murdered.  On top of everything else, it seems there are some mysterious loose ends in her deceased husband’s life that place she and her children in grave danger.

Lis Wiehl’s latest novel, A Deadly Business, is a book that grips you by the throat and never lets up!  The plot twists come fast and furious, and all too believable!  Just about the time you think you know who the real bad guy is, then you find out evidence to the contrary.  By the time the truth is revealed, you are just desperately praying everyone survives until the end of the novel!  Well, at least Mia, Charlie, Eli and the kids….the main players, don’t you know? 

This was the most fun I’ve had reading in quite some time!  What a blast!  Don’t miss this incredible series – The Mia Quinn Mysteries!  This is an incredible novel!

About the Authors:

Lis Wiehl is a New York Times best-selling author, Harvard Law School graduate, and former federal prosecutor. A popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel, Wiehl appears weekly on The O’Reilly Factor, Lou Dobbs Tonight, Imus in the Morning, Kelly's Court, and more. Visit her website at www.liswiehlbooks.com Twitter: @LisWiehl Facebook: LisWiehl

April Henry is the New York Times best-selling author of mysteries and thrillers. Her books have been short-listed for the Agatha Award, the Anthony Award, and the Oregon Book Award. April lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter.

The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart by Allie Pleiter - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart Love Inspired (June 3, 2014) by Allie Pleiter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away. 

Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart? 

Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush



My Thoughts:

“God is mighty fond of surprises.”  (p. 276)

I’m not familiar with the law practices of Oklahoma in 1889, but Clint Thornton’s style of infiltrating the Black Four gang isn’t much different from those of the 21^st century.  Lawmen like Clint have a subtle strength that enables him to do a great job protecting the people of Brave Rock, Oklahoma. When he rescues Katrine Brinkerhoff, he sets in motion a series of events that takes those he cares for into the lion’s den.  Can he protect those he loves?

Clint has struggles with his abilities.  He also struggles with secrets from his past. He doesn’t know that Katrine has shadows that haunt her as well.  These two must perpetrate another secret in order to break the choke hold of the Black Four gang upon their town.  It’s a frightening and complex trail these two must travel, and they must lead their friends and families, their fellow town folk to a level of freedom that has been stolen from them.  They must risk everything, and it costs their hearts a great deal.  They must place their complete trust in God, and that is not an easy thing for either of them to do.

Love Inspired has released a tale of tenderness, trial and tragedy in The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart.  It is a tale laced with a fragile unfolding of love and faith that will leave you well-contented. I am happy to recommend this novel!

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.

SCARY SUMMER NIGHTS SWEEPSTAKES!!

Eight of your favorite TNZ Fiction authors created eight stories—and if you match the authors to their stories, you might win a Coleman camping kit! http://bit.ly/1n4ZpZb #TNZSummerNights

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta - REVIEWED

About the Book:
London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan


My Thoughts:

“It dawned on me once, as I stopped dancing and stood still amidst a swirling ballroom, that maybe they hadn’t forgotten – maybe they’d never known.”  (p. 259)

Julia realized a profound truth in this moment. 

“He knew I wouldn’t be able to resist this Bible.” (p. 234)

Just  prior to this, Julia realized an even greater truth.

The combined effect of these two truths in Julia’s life changes everything – for all time!

I say all of this to tell you that Mark of Distinction takes the reader deep within the world of intrigue, deception, and the tyrannical patriarchal structure of Victorian England.  If you thought the first installment of this superb trilogy was special….this second installment will steal your breath away time and time again!

Honestly,  my heart remained broken most of this novel.  Julia’s plight was so incredibly painful to watch.  Along the way, I fell in love with Isaac.  I understand why Julia couldn’t but still…the man is a saint!  The rest of this crowd needs to be disciplined severely!!  Lady Beatrice is positively evil no matter that her life circumstances have made her a bitter person.  I imagine that when Julia beheld this woman, she was able to see evidence of her worst fears.  I shuddered every time she appeared upon the page.

In short, every character is powerful in a unique way.  The entire cast of characters is brilliantly interwoven, and the secrets they keep are deadly in the worst sort of way.  You will NEVER see the end of the coming!! You will be amazed beyond amazement!!  Enter upon the journey today.  The Price of Privilege Trilogy is exquisite!!

About the Author:

Jessica Dotta has always been fascinated by England during the Regency and Victorian era. Her passion for British Literature fueled her desire to write in a style that blends the humor of Jane Austen and the dark drama of a Bronte sister. She lives in the Nashville area with her family and works as a freelance media consultant and publicist.

Kim Dexter Reaching - RELEASING JUNE 10th!!

Singer-songwriter Kim Dexter (formerly of Mayfair Laundry) is back with a brand new studio album, “Reaching,” in stores everywhere on June 10^thvia Nashville-based Elevate Entertainment. The worship-infused project is the follow-up to Dexter’s debut solo album, “So This Is It,” which spawned international radio airplay, extensive touring and television appearances.

Produced by Jerad Atherton, “Reaching” was recorded at Hollywood’s legendary EastWest Studios (Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra) with an all-star cast of players that includes bassist Jonathan Ahrens (Jason Mraz, Jewel), drummer Aaron Sterling (Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer), and Dexter on keys.

“’Reaching’ is more of a worship project than anything I have done in the past, yet is still revealing of what God has been doing in my life,” says Dexter. “I perform a lot of concerts, lead worship at a lot of churches and also sing and speak at women’s conferences and retreats, so this album really has songs for all of those communities. I sing of God's unbelievable grace and mercy, which He continually pours out on us, and His daily salvation, knowing everything that touches my life has to first pass through the hands of God. Whatever I’m experiencing He's allowed and He will use it for my best. When we let go of everything, we can live in true freedom.”

Dexter’s first major foray into artistry came in the late ‘90s when she fronted Christian rock band Mayfair Laundry, who toured nationally opening for the likes of Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman and Third Day. Dexter subsequently found success as a songwriter, penning tracks for Bryan Duncan, Nicole C. Mullen, Avalon’s Jody McBrayer, and multiple missions organizations. She also wrote the theme song for the immensely popular children’s series, “Bibleman.”

These days, Dexter resides in Orange County, California with her husband Paul (a Grammy-nominated producer, musician and fellow member of Mayfair Laundry) and their children Maggie and Hudson. The whole family frequently loads up the tour bus to experience adventures on the road together, while Kim shares her deeply personal songs and stories of survival, perseverance, courage and healing at various concert venues, churches, women’s conferences and retreats.

“My life is a story of miraculous grace, personally, within my marriage, and also with new creative opportunities,” says Dexter. “God has been there the whole time and I am a testimony that He can truly do anything.”

The root for Dexter’s inspirational well runs deep in various directions, first and foremost, with her love for Jesus and her family. Musically, her vast pool of muses includes faith-based powerhouses like Keith Green and Gungor, alongside mainstream favorites like Sarah McLachlan, The Fray and Ingrid Michaelson. Add in some of life’s simplest pleasures, like laughing with her children, green juice drinks and a long work out, coupled with wanting to stir the souls of audiences or address the enormity of suffering in the world, and Dexter emotes authenticity and inspiration at every turn.

“God is always pursuing us, reaching through darkness, loss, and human frailty to the depths of our hearts,” she says. “In response to this kind of love, I am reaching for more of Jesus and for the highest call He has placed on my life. I always lean on what it says in Philippians 3:13: ‘But one thing I do: Forgetting the past and reaching forward to what lies ahead’...”

For more information, visit www.kimdexter.com.

A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Place in His Heart Revell (June 3, 2014) by Rebecca DeMarino

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rebecca DeMarino was born in Pensacola, Florida, the daughter of a Navy pilot. Her mother made a home for the family of six all over the map, including Virginia, Nevada, California, Washington, and Guam, before her parents put down anchor on a ranch in Oregon.

As the wife of a young Air Force officer, married life brought more travel. She relied on her mother’s example of how to make a home anywhere. Her three beautiful daughters were born in Florida, Alaska and Nebraska.

Retired after sixteen years with a major airline, she manages to fulfill her love of wanderlust with frequent family or research trips.

Rebecca grew up listening to her mother’s family lore of a great-grandfather from generations ago. Barnabas Horton sailed from England in the 1600’s, to Long Island, N.Y., on a ship called The Swallow. In 1999, after she found Horton Point, L.I., on a map, Rebecca and her mother made the journey to see the lighthouse named after their ancestor.

The legend goes that Barnabas brought a slab of blue slate with him from England, and had the epitaph he wrote himself engraved on it. The blue slate still exists in the Old Cemetery in Southold, L.I., with the Bible verse, “He being dead, still speaketh.” Much information was found about Barnabas, but none of his wife, save a mention in his will.

Her mother passed away in 2005, but Rebecca returned to Southold many times, drawn by her Puritan roots and English heritage. Each time she wondered about her ninth great-grandmother, a young woman who married a widower with two young boys and then followed them for the wilds of Long Island, leaving behind her home and family. What were her dreams? Her motivations? Her fears?

Rebecca’s historical romance novel, A PLACE IN HIS HEART, debuts with Revell, a division of Baker Publishing House, in June of 2014.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.

This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino's own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life--and a legacy--in the New World.

My Thoughts:

“An pain built in her chest, and ache for a hope, wherever it would be.”  (p. 165)

Mary Langston, and Anglican lady, who dreads the marriage to the son of one of her father’s business partners, could have never imagined the journey she was about to embark upon when she falls in love with the widowed, Puritan, baker of their hometown of London, England in 1630!  Yes, he needed a mother for his two boys, and yes, it was quite the challenge to pursue parental consent from Mary’s staunch Anglican father when he decides to explore courtship, but Barnabas Horton never imagined what he would face when he asked Mary to accompany him to the New World as his wife.

A Place in His Heart is a fascinating look into the day to day struggles faced by those brave men and women who left England to come to America in pursuit of religious freedom!  Rebecca DeMarino does a masterful job of drawing readers back into the 1600’s.  She strikes a great balance between the details of daily life and the relationships between her cast of characters.  This story has an emotional intimacy that causes you to pause and take a look at your own relationship with God, all the while becoming totally immersed in the lives of Mary, Barney,  and their two boys, Joseph and Benjamin!

A Place in His Heart is the first of The Southold Chronicles, and I am delighted to introduce you to this series!  Rebecca DeMarino debuts in the market with a stellar historical romance that is sure to capture the hearts of many readers!

If you'd like to read the first chapter of A Place in His Heart, go HERE.

Rebecca is hosting a Giveaway worth over $300.00 in prizes. There will be 8 winners! Scroll to the bottom of the post HERE to enter!!!!!