Celebration Tour for Dark Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson Stop# 23 – Review

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Hi Readers, Happy Tuesday!

I’m excited to be a part of Celebrate Lit’s Celebration Tour for Dark Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson! I don’t have much time to chat, but I want to share the bookish details and my thoughts on the book… so without further ado, let’s sneak into the world of stolen art. Let’s go!

The Bookish Details

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Book: Dark Threat

Series: Protection Inc. Book 4

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 1, 2021

From The Back Cover

Reporter Trinity Lockhart pursues a story but then unwittingly becomes the story.

Acting on a tip from an anonymous source, Trinity investigates an art trafficking ring at a high-end Seattle gallery. She turns to handsome FBI agent Kyle Richards for help after being spotted by the crooks.

Kyle is drawn to the feisty reporter, but he can’t afford a beautiful distraction when lives are at stake. He must trust his friends at Protection Inc. to watch over Trinity while he investigates the gallery.

Will this couple overcome the impossible odds threatening to keep them apart?

Click here to get a copy for yourself!

What Did I Think?

First of all, I have not read any of the previous books in the series and that could have impacted how the story came across to me. Maybe this book needs to be read as part of a series and not as a standalone novel. That being said, one of the things I love most about Christian suspense is that “I can’t put the book down because I have to find out what happens” feeling and I didn’t get that with this one. I felt very disconnected from the characters and there were a few parts that felt unnatural to me, like they were forced into the story (some of their responses and reactions seemed strange to me); however, there were some parts I liked such as all the main characters and the growing relationship between Trinity and Kyle. I also liked the relationship and rapport that all of members of Protection Inc. had. It is a quick read and it does give you a glimpse into the world of stolen art and the life (and sometimes danger) of being a Crime beat reporter.

Overall the storyline/plot was good and there were moments of suspense, but I had a hard time finishing the book, because it didn’t hold my attention (it just wasn’t my cup of tea).

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

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Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes romantic suspense and mystery with a heart.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

More from Kimberly

Dark Threat features FBI agent Kyle Richards. We first met Kyle in book one of the Protection Inc. series where he joined the team while working undercover for the FBI. He has since become an honorary member of the team and has been in every book since.

When I set out to write this series I planned to only feature the team members, but Kyle is practically part of the team, so he needed his own story too. I thoroughly enjoyed getting into Kyle’s head for this book.

As with most books, this one took research. Through the years I’ve done all kinds of research to understand the occupations of my characters. For the characters occupations in Dark Threat I did some different kind of research than I’ve done in the past.

I really wanted to understand how FBI agents think and operate so I listened to an audio book written by a former agent. The man was rough around the edges but it really helped me understand the atmosphere in which agents work. Then I read a book written by a female, former CIA as well as FBI agent. It was fascinating to see the differences between the agencies from a former agent’s point of view.

Trinity, the female lead in Dark Threat is a crime beat reporter. I pretty much knew nothing about the life of a television reporter, so I watched You Tube videos filmed by actual reporters about a day in their lives as reporters. One young woman did a series of videos, which I found extremely helpful. Another had the camera following her on the job. From her I learned about what it’s like to go out on location and how meal times during her day on the job were never guaranteed. She’d grab a bite when she could and sometimes she wouldn’t even be able to finish it because she had to rush to a breaking story.

Finally, I needed to better understand the art world. I have a college friend who is an amazing artist. She has a gallery in Boise, Idaho. I contacted her and picked her brain about art and art galleries.

As for anything related to law enforcement I asked my uncle who is a retired police officer.

The thing I loved most about talking to people about their professions is that one question often snowballed into a deeper conversation about the topic. My friend and my uncle would tell me things I didn’t even know I needed to know.

I think Dark Threat required the most research of all the books I’ve written. I’m not a huge fan of doing research, but I truly enjoyed every minutes of it for this book.

I hope you will enjoy reading Dark Threat even more than I enjoyed writing it!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 12

Texas Book-aholic, June 13

Blogging With Carol, June 13

Inklings and notions, June 14

Blossoms and Blessings, June 14

For Him and My Family, June 15

Bizwings Blog, June 15

deb’s Book Review, June 16

The Sacred Line, June 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 17

CarpeDiem, June 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 18

Betti Mace, June 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 19

Bigreadersite, June 19

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 21

Daysong Reflections, June 21

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 22

HookMeInABook, June 22 <– You Are Here 🙂

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 23

Kayem Reads , June 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 24

Worthy2Read, June 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 2

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10d55/dark-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by!

I would love to know what you thought about the book (if you’ve read it) or if you would like to read this book — just let me know in the comments below!

Happy Reading!

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Special thanks to Kimberly Rose Johnson, Celebrate Lit and Sweet Rose Press for allowing me to read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

The Songstress Celebration Tour – Stop# 16 – Review

Hi Readers!

I am so excited to be a part of Celebrate Lit’s Celebration Tour for Lori Bates Wright’s new book The Songstress and I’m happy you could join me! This is the first book in her new A Matter of Intrigue series and I cannot wait to tell you about it. So without further ado, let’s go!

The Bookish Details

Book: The Songstress
Author: Lori Bates Wright
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: April 16, 2021

From The Back Cover

Rising opera star, Juliana Chamberlain, still has nightmares of the night she witnessed the assassination of the President of the United States from her spot on stage at Ford Theater. Recruited by The Pinkerton Detective Agency, Juliana was instrumental in bringing those responsible to justice.
Now, two years later, the Pinkertons ask her once again to join forces in exposing a corrupt political organization terrorizing her home in Texas.
Texas Ranger, Cade Matlock, has a job to do. He needs no help from a meddlesome diva with big ideas. However, he is a man of his word. He’s committed to partner with the lovely songstress to smoke out the mastermind of a dangerous clan who has proven he will stop at nothing to satisfy his thirst for vengeance.
Cade and Juliana soon discover their greatest strength is in working together until shadows of the past threaten to destroy their future.

If you want to get a copy for yourself or find out more info, click here!

What Did I Think?

Wow, wow, WOW!! This was one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in a long time! Plus the cover is stunning! I love the use of the rich deep red of her dress, with the gold accents in the background – it’s gorgeous. Anyway, on to the story. The book is about Juliana Chamberlain, an opera singer who witnessed Lincoln’s assassination and then came face to face with one of John Wilkes Booth’s accomplices. Though it was three years prior to the book, Juliana still has nightmares about that night and because these memories surface every time she gets on stage, she decides to end her career as an opera singer and go to the only home she’s ever known – her Aunt and Uncle’s farm in Texas. However, things become a bit complicated when she is recruited by the Pinkerton Detective Agency (whom she helped previously), because there is a corrupt political organization terrorizing the area around her family’s farm. She agrees and is teamed up with Texas Ranger Cade Matlock who questions having an opera singer as a partner because he fears she will just get in the way. However, she quickly shows him that she is a force to be reckoned with and that she is a valuable partner. Stunned by the murder of her uncle, Juliana and Cade work together to discover who burned down her family’s farm, killing her uncle and what it has to do with the corrupt politics in Nacogdoches.

This book has so many twists, turns and surprises that it will keep you reading from page one until the very last page. I love the character of Juliana, because she is so strong and witty and she isn’t afraid to do what’s right… even if it’s dangerous. I also love that she was this beautiful girl that no one suspected was a Lady Detective and then BAM, she would catch them all by surprise (especially because she is left handed). I also really liked that she made you think by putting President Lincoln’s assassination at the start of the book, because I never really thought about the poor people on stage who may have witnessed it. Overall, I loved everything about the book and wish I could give it more stars, but I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

About the Author

Lori Bates Wright is an award winning author with a love for history.
Raised in New Mexico, Lori now lives in Texas with her husband of 38 years. She has two grown kids and four adorable grand boys (who leap tall buildings in a single bound!) When she’s not writing, she’s heading up small group ministries with her husband. She enjoys speaking and interacting with women of all ages.

More from Lori

Growing up, my family loved to laugh.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are centered around my grandmother’s dining room table listening in while my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles told amazing stories. Sometimes I laughed until I’d lose my breath. Sometimes I sat quietly, taking in the bravery and perseverance shown by those who’d gone before me.
History has been a passion ever since. Couple that with an insatiable love for story and there you have the heart of what inspires me to write.
So, when it came time to brain-storm for this brand new series, I decided to take a known historical event and think about it from every angle. Beyond the recognized players, to the “what if” characters that might have played a role. And, ultimately, how such an event would have changed the course of their lives.

Thus, a star was born.

In THE SONGSTRESS, Juliana Chamberlain witnessed the assassination from her place on the stage. Because I love a little mystery and intrigue, I decided that the leading detective agency of the day would have enlisted her help in identifying the accomplices. Allen Pinkerton had been known to hire a lady detective or two, so she would be trained by the best. Her investigative skills proved helpful in bringing a quick resolution to the case.
Fast forward four years and she’s still haunted by what she saw that night. When Pinkerton again approaches her about a case involving her family in Texas, she accepts.

Being from Texas, I was so happy she did. I’ve wanted to write a story based in the Lone Star State for quite awhile. I loved visiting Georgia and the shores of England in my last series, but I have to say it was good to bring this one home. With all the rugged charm of the post-Civil War era, this book has a little more local flavor than my last three. Al-in-all, I believe my readers are in for a treat. A new cast of fun, quirky characters as we revisit a significant time in our nation.

So, here’s to new beginnings! Or as we say in Texas, “Hang on, y’all are in for a wild ride!”

Happy reading!
Lori

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 11

Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 12

Connect in Fiction, June 12

Inklings and notions, June 13

Rebecca Tews, June 13

Texas Book-aholic, June 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 14

lakesidelivingsite, June 15

To Everything There Is A Season, June 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 15

For Him and My Family, June 16

Labor Not in Vain, June 16

deb’s Book Review, June 17

Genesis 5020, June 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 18

HookMeInABook, June 18 <- You Are Here! 🙂

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 19

Inside the Wong Mind, June 19

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 20

Connie’s History Classroom, June 20

A Baker’s Perspective, June 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 21

Blossoms and Blessings, June 22

Lis Loves Reading, June 22

Pause for Tales, June 23

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 23

Mary Hake, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

KarenSueHadley, June 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a Texas Gift basket including a signed copy of THE SONGSTRESS and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Enter Giveaway by clicking here!

Hope you all enjoyed taking this trip back to the 1800’s with me and I would love to know if this is a book you would read and if so, what makes you want to read it? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Reading!

Special thanks to Lori Bates Wright, Celebrate Lit and SierraVista Books for allowing me to read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

The Captain’s Quest Celebration Tour Final Stop and Review

Hi Readers!

I’m excited to be the last stop on Celebrate Lit’s Celebration Tour for The Captain’s Quest by Lorri Dudley! This story is filled with so many twists and turns and I cannot wait to tell you about it! So without further ado, let me show you what happens when there’s an accidental stowaway on a Navy ship destined for the West Indies.

The Bookish Details

Book: The Captain’s Quest

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 22, 2021

From The Back Cover

Innocent mistakes can have dire consequences.

Pricilla Middleton only attended the Lemoore house party to keep her friend out of trouble. Now, her only chance to keep from becoming a gossip column headline is to sneak aboard her brother’s ship and pretend she’d been visiting him instead of taking part in the debacle. Before she can speak to her brother, the ship sets sail, and the man in charge is not at all who she expects.

Captain Tobias Prescott, son of an infamous war hero, has been assigned on a critical mission to deploy warships in St. Kitts for battle in New Orleans. Unfortunately, his orders require him to assume command of a friend’s ship, and he must weigh anchor the instant the former captain is escorted down the gangplank. When they reach open waters, the last thing he expects is to find a woman hiding in the captain’s cabin, yet his mission is too urgent to return her to England.

The Middleton name has always brought Tobias trouble, and Pricilla is no exception. As the waters clear and the temperature warms, the danger escalates too. Yet Tobias discovers the intuitive and strong woman who struggles to hide her anxiety is nothing like her disloyal brother. He may lose the opportunity to help his country, but perhaps he can still save the woman who’s rescued his heart.

If you want to check out more info or get your own copy, here’s the link!

What Did I Think?

Even though this book is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. The story starts with Priscilla Middleton attending a party that she shouldn’t be attending and then promptly finds herself in trouble. Hoping to avoid being the subject of gossip among the Ton, she boards her brother’s ship so that she can pretend to be visiting, but she is really hoping he can help her with problem. Unfortunately, her brother is no longer captain and the ship is now in the control of Captain Tobias Prescott who can’t stand the Middleton family. By the time Priscilla is discovered on board, the ship has already set sail and cannot turn back. Now forced to sail together to the Leeward Islands in the West Indies, Tobias and Priscilla find themselves at odds with each other about everything and no matter what Priscilla does, she seems to always be on the last nerve of the captain. As a strong storm approaches, Priscilla and Tobias find themselves thrown overboard with no hope of rescue, can they make it to shore before their strength runs out?

I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot twists, the unexpected ending, all of it came together to form an unforgettable adventure. I really liked how relatable both Tobias and Priscilla were and one of my favorite things about the book was how much Priscilla’s faith grew throughout the story. I was reminded several times within the story that God loves everyone and that He would leave the 99 to save one (someone like me). I also liked all of the little details that were included, like how they discribed their surroundings, or that they had gotten several bug bites.. you know, the little things that help add to a story. When I reached the part in the story where a storm caused Priscilla and Tobias to go overboard, I was literally on the edge of my seat and from then on, the book was almost impossible to put down. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction or just wants to read a great story with an unexpected ending. Also, since I haven’t read any of the books in the series, I will definitely be checking the rest of the series and cannot wait to find out what happens in each of them!

About The Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.

More From Lorri

Priscilla Middleton’s character begged for her story to be told. The Captain’s Quest is the fourth book in the Leeward Island series. While it can read as a stand-alone, the heroine, Priscilla, had a brief guest appearance at the beginning of book two, The Merchant’s Yield, as Lottie’s closest friend. With Lottie now living on the isle of St. Kitts, that left Priscilla to navigate the London season all on her own. I imagined what mischief a young woman would find whose parents allowed her too much freedom, especially with her friend, the voice of reason, across the Atlantic.

When my close friend moved to Michigan, the loss of her physical presence left me feeling disoriented, lost, and out of place, even in familiar surroundings. There was loneliness, a desperate need to replace what was missing, and fears about being forgotten. In Lottie’s absence, Priscilla clings to an unhealthy friendship, landing herself in a precarious situation, with no other option but to hide aboard her brother’s ship to save her reputation and that of her family.

The biggest issue with running from problems is that we can’t run from ourselves. Priscilla avoids one catastrophe only to walk right into another as Captain Tobias Prescott takes command of the ship. She blames the brooding captain for her predicament only to realize she’s battling the wrong enemy. The more Priscilla tries to hide from the problems she must face within herself, the further she drifts from everyone she knows and the chance to be fully loved.

Although Priscilla’s story was drafted pre-pandemic, her struggles are similar to those that surfaced during the lockdowns. Anxiety, loneliness, isolation, fear, and feelings of being disregarded mounted as the pandemic spread. Vacations, Thanksgivings, and Christmases were canceled. Families couldn’t visit or see each other—the feeling of being forgotten sliced open raw wounds.

Cory Ashbury’s song Reckless Love was popular as I plotted The Captain’s Quest, and the lyrics from the book of Matthew of how God will leave the ninety-nine to chase after the one lost sheep developed Priscilla’s story. Through its comical mishaps, dramatic twists, and struggles to prevail, The Captain’s Quest is a reminder of the heights, depths, and lengths that our great God will go to show His passionate love for us.

To learn more, checkout my website at LorriDudley.com, or watch The Captain’s Quest book trailer by clicking here: The Captain’s Quest trailer.

Blog Tour Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

Blossoms and Blessings, June 1

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

Just Writing, June 2

For Him and My Family, June 3

Connect in Fiction, June 3

Inklings and notions, June 4

Life of Literature, June 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 5

Batya’s Bits, June 5

deb’s Book Review, June 6

Kayem Reads, June 6

She Lives To Read, June 7

Betti Mace, June 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 7

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 8

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 8

Rebecca Tews, June 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 9

Blessed & Bookish, June 9

Remembrancy, June 10

Genesis 5020, June 10

Connie’s History Classroom, June 11

KarenSueHadley, June 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 12

Daysong Reflections, June 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 13

Simple Harvest Reads, June 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 14

HookMeInABook, June 14 << You Are Here! 🙂

Giveaway!!

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10cce/the-captain-s-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you’ve checked out all of the other stops and I’d love to know your thoughts on this book, so don’t hesitate to comment below!

Happy Reading!

>> Special thanks to Lori Dudley, Celebrate Lit, and Wild Heart Books for allowing me to read and review this book — all opinions are my own.

First Line Fridays #62 – Distortion by Terri Blackstock

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend so far. It’s storming here, so I won’t be long (worried about losing power) but I wanted to share with you the book I’m currently reading… so let’s go!

“Juliet Cole watched her husband through the windshield wishing he’d stop brooding..”
First line of Distortion by Terri Blackstock.

From the Back Cover

When Juliet Cole’s husband of fifteen years is murdered before her eyes, she thinks it was a random shooting. Devastated and traumatized, she answers hours of questioning, then returns home to break the tragic news to her sons. But a threatening voicemail escalates this from a random shooting to a planned, deliberate attack.

Juliet realizes that she and her children are in danger too—unless she meets the killers’ demands. But as she and her sisters untangle the clues, her husband’s dark secrets come to light. The more she learns, the more her life is dismantled. Was her husband an innocent victim or a hardened criminal?

About the Author

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million copies sold worldwide. She has Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. www.terriblackstock.com

What are you reading this week?

I’d love for you to join in on the First Line Friday fun by commenting below! Also, don’t forget to check out what other first lines Readers and Bloggers are sharing by heading over to our host blog, Hording Books!

Happy Reading!

First Line Fridays #61 – Come Back To Me by Jody Hedlund

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

I can’t be believe that Jody Hedlund’s new book came out this week! I’ve been waiting to read it for months. 🙂 . Since I just started it this morning, I thought what better book to have as my First Line Friday feature, so without further ado let’s check out the first line of Come Back To Me by Jody Hedlund.

“Your father is in a coma.”
First line of Come Back To Me by Jody Hedlund

From the Back Cover

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That’s exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father’s quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He’s left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he’s crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian’s rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She loves to imagine that she really can visit the past, although she’s yet to accomplish the feat, except via the many books she reads. Visit her at jodyhedlund.com.

What are you reading this week?

Happy Reading!

Over Her Head by JL Crosswhite – sneak peek!

Hi Readers I’m part of Celebrate Lit’s Epic Book Launch Team and I can’t wait to share this sneak peek of JL Crosswhite’s new book, Over Her Head.

So here we go!

The Bookish Details

Book: Over Her Head: In the Shadow

Author: JL Crosswhite

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 21, 2021

From The Back Cover

She’s working on a new start…

…He’s trying a new work venture.

Can they build a relationship that fits their new life?

Fresh out of cosmetology school Jessica and whiz software engineer Austin have been thrown together by mutual friends. They even escaped a wildfire together.

But do they have something more than friendship?

Maybe a singles’ camping trip will make their future clear.

But when they encounter someone who needs their help, the relaxing weekend away becomes anything but. As the danger mounts and the challenges reveal who they truly are, will it pull them together or push them apart… for good?

You will get lost in Over Her Head because the biggest adventure is falling in love.

Book Excerpt/Sneak Peak!

Over Her Head Excerpt

But the salon owner, Crystal Moritz, had made it clear that there was only one permanent position. And that she was watching. Of course, she’d left about two hours ago. Still, given the amount of gossip that went on in a salon, Jessica wouldn’t be surprised if every bit of what went on here made its way back to Crystal.

“I can’t. Sorry.” Jessica put away the broom and dustpan and grabbed the glass cleaning spray. She wiped down the mirror then looked around. Anything else that needed to be done? Otherwise, she needed to get out of here before she got questioned further.

Lyric tugged on Jessica’s arm. “Come on. You can’t say no.” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “It’s a great way for us to make friends with them outside of work, get some face time in so we both can keep our jobs. You know they’ll report back to Crystal. You don’t want to give off a vibe that you’re too good for them.”

Jessica shook her head. “That’s not it at all. I just have other plans.” With nothing else to do, she headed to the break room and grabbed her bag out of her locker.

Lyric stayed on her heels. “It can’t be that important. Whatever it is, change it.”

If you would like to preorder this book or would like more info, here’s the link!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092F1JXZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_DKF23B10ND8XXY82KF8E

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Since this is part of a tour with Celebrate Lit, don’t forget to check out the other sneak peeks, by clicking on the links below!

Excerpt One:

https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2021/05/over-her-head.html

Excerpt Two:

https://hookmeinabook.home.blog/2021/06/02/over-her-head-by-jl-crosswhite-sneak-peek/

Excerpt Three:

https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/2021/06/over-her-head-by-jl-crosswhite-blog.html

Excerpt Four:

https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/over-her-head-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Five:

https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2021/06/02/epic-book-launch-over-her-head-in-the-shadow-by-jl-crosswhite/

Excerpt Six:

https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2021/06/04/over-her-head-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Seven:

https://kayemreads.wordpress.com/2021/06/04/over-her-head-epic-book-launch/

About The Author

Jennifer’s favorite thing is discovering how much there is to love about America the Beautiful and the great outdoors. She’s a mom to two navigating the young adult years while battling her daughter’s juvenile arthritis, exploring the delights of her son’s autism, and keeping gluten free. A California native who’s spent significant time in the Midwest, she’s thrilled to be back in the Golden State. Follow her on social media to see all her adventures and how she gets inspired for her books!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Reading 😊

Power Play by Rachel Dylan – Review

Hi Readers!

I’m excited to share with you a brand new book that just debuted today. I had the honor of being on Rachel Dylan’s launch team for her new book, Power Play and I cannot wait to tell you about it! So without further ado, let me introduce you to a world of intrigue… where not everything is as it seems.

First the Bookish Details

Book: Power Play

Series: Capitol Intrigue Book 3

Author: Rachel Dylan

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: Today! 🙂 June 1st 2021

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

From the Back Cover

When State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But she soon finds her by-the-book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event’s security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, even ahead of the rules and regulations.

As Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Afraid, Viv turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob’s reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks?

If you want to check out more info or to order a copy for yourself, just click here!

What Did I Think?

First, a bit of advice. Don’t start this book before you go to bed because it’s almost IMPOSSIBLE to put down. (and I had to go to work the next morning!) Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone; however, I would recommend reading the previous two books because you will get more out of this story. The book is about Vivian Steele, a State Department Attorney, who was introduced in a previous book, but now it’s her turn to be in the spot light… and not in a good way. The book starts off with Viv attending a diplomatic dinner where two ambassadors were poisoned. Because she was there and because she knows how to handle diplomatic situations, she is recruited to be a part of a FBI task force who will investigate what happened. She is paired up with former Navy SEAL Jacob Cruz who can’t stand attorneys and isn’t thrilled to be working with her. It also doesn’t help her situation, that it now appears that she has a target on her back. Not sure if the attacks against her are personal, because she is investigating the dinner or because of a previous CIA mission, both her and Jacob race against the clock to find answers before one of them ends up hurt… or worse.

I really enjoyed reading this book and the cover is AWESOME. This book is filled with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and I promise, it will be a thrilling adventure. The characters are relatable and by the end of the story you really feel like you’ve gotten to know them. I also found it very interesting to get a look at what a State Attorney might do, because it sounds like a boring job.. but this book was anything but boring! I also loved everything about Vivian’s character and I thought the dynamic relationship between Jacob and Vivian was amazing! Overall, definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read Romantic Suspense and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!

About The Author

Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. The Atlanta Justice Series features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the ATLANTA JUSTICE series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Lone Witness is the winner of a Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and is a Selah Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.

Also be sure to connect with her on social media, so you can find out more news about upcoming books, fun facts, contests and giveaways!

https://www.facebook.com/RachelDylanAuthor

http://www.twitter.com/dylan_rachel

http://goodreads.com/racheldylan

Hope you all enjoyed checking out this new book with me! Is this a book you would read? Have you read any other books written by Rachel Dylan? I would love to hear from you with your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

I would like to thank Rachel Dylan, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

First Line Fridays #60 – Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason.

Hi Readers, Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I choose today’s First Line Friday in honor of all of the men and woman who have given their lives for our country — they are truly heroes and I pray that we don’t ever forget their sacrifice. Especially those who either died in the service, was physically hurt or suffered from things like PTSD. Today’s First Line Friday is from one my favorite author’s, Lynette Eason, so without further ado let’s take a look at Acceptable Risk.

“The pain compelled her — No… propelled her.”
First line of Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

From the Back Cover

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she’s taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander–Sarah’s imposing father–to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she’s discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother’s suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah’s career–if she can survive long enough to write it.

Strap in for another breakneck nail-biter from bestselling romantic suspense author Lynette Eason that will have you up turning pages long into the night.

About the Author

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Collateral Damage and Protecting Tanner Hollow, as well as the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

What are you reading this week?

Happy Reading!

21+ Happy Memorial Day Wallpapers Free Downloads | Memorial day quotes, Happy memorial day quotes, Memorial day thank you

First Line Fridays #59 – A Suitor For Jenny by Margaret Brownley

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

Wow did it warm up fast here in Virginia. (and I was just saying how cold it was!) It could even reach 100 degrees tomorrow! So if you are like me and need something to do indoors, (OK, I never really need a reason to read a new book — LOL!) I have a funny new book for you to check out by Margaret Brownley. So without further ado, today’s First Line Friday is A Suitor For Jenny!

“Old man Hank Applegate should have known trouble was brewing the moment the stagecoach thundered into town one week and two days late.”
First line of A Suitor For Jenny by Margaret Brownley

From the Back Cover

Jenny Higgins is certain falling in love and finding a husband are matters of the mind. Her heart has other plans.

After their parents died, Jenny felt responsible for seeing that her two younger sisters were well taken-care of. Tipped off by an article naming Rocky Creek the town with the highest number of eligible bachelors, Jenny rolled into this Texas town with a clear objective: find suitable husbands for her two sister and then start fresh somewhere far, far away.

Jenny believe that women who fall in love at first sight often wish they’d taken a second look, so she diligently begins to follow all the rules set forth in her handy manual on how to land a husband.

But while Jenny is interviewing the less-than-promising candidates, her sisters are falling in love the old-fashioned way–with men of their choosing. And the longer Jenny stays, the more her sense of control slips away. The town isn’t living up to her expectations, her sisters are rebelling against her practical choices, and soon her own heart starts to betray her, as US Marshall Rhett Armstrong stirs emotions in her that weren’t part of her plan.

To relinquish her control to God and calm her restless spirit, she’ll need to give her foregone conclusions about marriage, love, and faith.

About the Author

Margaret Brownley is a New York Times bestselling author and two-time Romance Writers of America RITA finalist, with more than 40 novels to her credit. Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence

What are you reading this week?

Happy Reading!

At Lighthouse Point Celebration Tour Stop# 22 – Review

Hi Readers, I’ve missed talking with you!

It’s been a long month and I am so sorry that I have been so quiet this month, but I am glad to be back and I am so excited to show you another fantastic book, this one by Suzanne Woods Fisher! So without further ado, let me take you to Three Sisters Island…

The Bookish Details

Book: At Lighthouse Point

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 4, 2021

Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan–to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor’s kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn’t know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.

As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.

Click here to get your copy!!

What Did I Think?

This book is part of the three Sisters Island series and although it can also be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first two books because it will allow you to get to know Blaine’s family (and you’ll understand them better). This book is about the youngest sister in the Grayson family, Blaine and her struggles to find her place in the world and in her family. Ever since her mom died, she has found it really hard to connect with her sisters and she feels like a third wheel. After she graduated high school, she left for Paris, hoping to “find herself” and while she was there, she was able to study in a very prestigious cooking school and with the help of her best friend, Jean Paul, she discovered just how much God loved her. Finally ready to come home and help with her family’s camp, Blaine arrives back in Maine and is shocked at the condition of the camp’s kitchen. She starts to feel like coming home was a big mistake, but though the help of her family and friends, she discovers a new dream and see’s how God has guided her to this very point.

I have read all the books in the Three Sisters Island series and this one might just be my favorite! I love how relatable Blaine is and I really liked reading the flashbacks from her childhood. I also liked Jean Paul, Blaine’s French friend and how even though it’s not what his family wanted, he wanted to become a priest because it’s what God wanted. I’ll be honest, I started to tear up when I found out how he saved Blaine’s life and I absolutely love how he helped everyone by helping them stop and remember that God has everything under control. Overall, I loved everything about this book and would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to read a contemporary romance story with a heart. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

Award winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected. With more than one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of more than 30 works, ranging from novels to non-fiction books to children’s books. Currently, she lives with her very big family in the East Bay.

More from Suzanne

10 Curious Facts about Lighthouses

People love lighthouses. There’s just something special about those sturdy sentinels with their beacons of light, patiently sweeping the water, their mournful and haunting wail of a foghorn. Longfollow’s poem, The Lighthouse, written in 1850, captured the allure so well:

And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright,
Through the deep purple of the twilight air,
Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light,
With strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!

“Unearthly splendor.” Wow, doesn’t that hit the nail on the head? A lighthouse, to me, represents a spiritual truth: Someone’s watching out for us, looking out for the dangers ahead, and always glad to welcome us home.

Here are 10 facts about lighthouses that you might not know:

THE FIRST KNOWN LIGHTHOUSE was Egypt’s Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt, built in the third century B.C. The lighthouse was made from a fire on a platform to warn sailors of the port’s entrance. This lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

THE OLDEST EXISTING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE WORLD is considered to be La Coruna in Spain that dates from ca. 20 B.C. A Roman lighthouse is located on the Cliffs of Dover in the UK that was constructed in 40 A.D.

THE UNITED STATES IS HOME to more lighthouses than any other country.

THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE IN AMERICA was at Boston on Little Brewster Island (1716). The first keeper was George Worthylake who, sadly, was drowned, along with his wife and daughter, when returning to the island in 1718.

THE TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE is on Cape Hatteras, NC. Built in 1872, it reached 196 feet tall.

THE FIRST WEST COAST LIGHTHOUSE was built on Alcatraz Island in 1854.

DAYMARKS are the painted colors and patterns (diamonds, spirals and stripes) on lighthouse towers to distinguish them from each other.

LIGHTHOUSE KEEPING was one of the first U.S. government jobs available to women, as far back as the 19th century. Most obtained their position when their husband died or became incapacitated.

THE RANGE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT produces a light seen 25 miles at sea.

ABOUT 700 LIGHTHOUSES are still in active use in the United States.

As I wrote the third book in the ‘Three Sisters island’ series, I just had to give that little charred lighthouse its day in the sun. It had patiently played a role in the first two books, waiting for its turn on center stage. Not only did its setting provide a very unexpected “WHAT? How did that happen?” conclusion to the series, it even stole the headline! The undisputed title: At Lighthouse Point.

Do you have a favorite lighthouse? If so, please add your picture in the comments below. Don’t forget to include its location.

Thanks for reading! Stay well, stay home, and read.

Suzanne