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.

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.

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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.

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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!

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

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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!

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

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 11

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 11

Wishful Endings, May 11

The Avid Reader, May 12

Just Writing, May 12

The Write Escape, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

By The Book, May 13

HappyWhenReading, May 13

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, May 13

Texas Book-aholic, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 14

Cultivating Us, May 14

Blogging With Carol, May 14

Batya’s Bits , May 14

Betti Mace, May 15

Bizwings Blog, May 15

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 15

For Him and My Family, May 15

deb’s Book Review, May 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 16

HookMeInABook, May 16 <- You Are Here 🙂

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

Connie’s History Classroom, May 17

Lighthouse-Academy, May 17

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Godly Book Reviews, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 18

Mary Hake, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

EmpowerMoms, May 19

SusanLovesBooks, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Older & Smarter?, May 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Splashes of Joy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Through the Fire Blogs, May 22

Vicky Sluiter, May 22

Pause for Tales, May 22

Moments, May 22

She Lives To Read, May 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Labor Not in Vain, May 23

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 24

Life, Love, Writing, May 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 24

Remembrancy, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne 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/10bb6/at-lighthouse-point-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thanks so much for stopping by – Happy Reading!

>> Special thanks to Suzanne Woods Fisher, Celebrate Lit, and Revell for allowing me to read and review this book — all opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

I can’t believe how cold the 2020 Spring season has been so far, but I have enjoyed my extended time of cuddling in a blanket with a cup of hot tea and a good book! (which normally I can’t do that past March because it’s too hot!) Anyway, if you are like me and need a good book to read this weekend, then I have a book for you. So without further ado, my First Line Friday for this week is Dubiosity by Christy Barritt.

“In the depths of the forest, the tough bark of the pine tree scratched the skin of his back through the thin flannel of his shirt.”

First line of Dubiosity by Christy Barritt.

From the Back Cover

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust?

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her.

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

About the Author

USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.“

A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold almost two million copies, and one is currently being developed as a movie. For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com

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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!

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful spring weather we are having right now! My First Line Friday book today is Court of Swans by Melanie Dickerson and I will tell you that the reason I bought this book was because I think the cover is fantastic! I love the way the main character looks and the unique castle in the background, anyway… Let me show you the book.

Delia’s stomach felt sick as she watched her father marry Parnella.

First line of Court of Swans by Melanie Dickerson

From the Back Cover

Where there is wealth and power, there’s always someone willing to do anything to take it.

England, 1381: Delia’s idyllic life as daughter of an earl is shattered when her father dies and his wife accuses Delia’s seven brothers of treason and murder. The youngest is only ten years old, but this doesn’t stop the guards from hauling them off to the Tower of London. There they await a grim fate, as child-king Richard II is executing anyone who poses a threat to his throne. Delia is their only hope for pardon and freedom.

Sir Geoffrey did not expect his first assignment as captain of the guard to be the arrest of boys so young. He dutifully imprisons the brothers, but he can’t ignore the sense, rooted in personal experience, that injustice and treachery are at work.

Determined to rescue her brothers, Delia secures a position as a seamstress for the queen. Her quest is all but impossible as the executions continue. Sir Geoffrey offers to be her ally, but should she trust him in a court where everyone has an agenda?

About the Author

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for all things Medieval with her love of romance and fairy tales. She also loves Regency Romance and has drawn on her Southern heritage to write a romance set in the late 1800s called Magnolia Summer.  Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.MelanieDickerson.com.

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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!

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

I have a wonderful new book that I started this morning and I wanted to share the first line with you guys. So without further ado, my First Line Friday book on this first Friday in April is Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson! 🙂

“I blinked a few times and took a deep breath.”

First line of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

From the Back Cover

When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.

Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murder, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.

Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.

About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s diving meets, and curling up with a great book. Abigail was a 2020 HOLT Medallion Merit Finalist, a 2017 Fab Five contest winner, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence Finalist. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at acwilsonbooks.com; Instagram: @acwilsonbooks; Facebook: @ACWilsonbooks; Twitter: @acwilsonbooks.

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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!

I also wanted to wish you all a very blessed Easter! Don’t forget, the cross was not the end. Jesus may have died on the cross with all of the sin of the whole world on his back… but, SPOILER ALERT — He doesn’t stay dead! After three days, he rose again just like he said he would. 🙂

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16 -17

Happy Reading!

Hi Readers, Happy Thursday!

I’m excited to be a part of another Celebration Tour with Celebrate Lit and this time for an awesome new Love Inspired Suspense! So without further ado, let me take you to the Silver Star Ranch.

The Bookish Details

Book: Texas Target Standoff

Author: Virginia Vaughan

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

A sniper lurks closer… and only a navy SEAL can save her.

When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.

Click here to get your copy!

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What Did I Think?

I know I have said it before, but I love reading Love Inspired Suspense and Virginia Vaughan has to be one of my favorites!! This book is part of her Cowboy Lawmen series, but can be read as a stand alone as well. The story starts with psychologist Shelby Warren evaluating Navy SEAL Paul Avery to determine if he is ready to go back in the Service. Suddenly a sniper shoots out her window and she is saved by Paul’s quick actions. Throughout the beginning of the book, Shelby is in denial that she was the sniper’s target, but after a few more attempts land her in the hospital, she decides to accept Paul’s offer of protection. Now unfortunately, she has brought the danger to Paul’s family, but they are determined to protect her, even though she is virtually a stranger. I LOVE how close Paul and his family are and I really like that even though they don’t always agree, they have each other’s back. The most surprising part of the book, had to be the end, because I kind of guessed who did it, but when it’s revealed, it is definitely a surprising twist. Overall, I loved everything about the book, it had just the right about of suspense, drama, humor and romance. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and I cannot wait for book four to come out in June 2021!!

About the Author

Bestselling author Virginia Vaughan writes inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love or writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.

More from Virginia

As writers, we discover many new and interesting things while researching a story. For TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF, I decided I wanted the hero to have a dog so I started looking at different photographs of dogs online until I found the one image I wanted to use—a sweet little border collie I named Bullet. He helps my navy SEAL hero find comfort and friendship while he’s recovering from injuries at his family’s ranch. But looking at dog photos on the internet did more than help my character grow, it also inspired me to adopt a dog of my own.

My home had been pet-free for many years since my beloved dog Miss Duchess died from cancer five years ago and, although the ten-year-old nephew I’m raising had been asking for a dog for about a year, I hadn’t reached the point of pulling the trigger and bringing another one home. Only the research I did for this book reopened that desire inside of me for canine companionship. In September of 2020, my son and I searched the shelters in search of a family dog and, when I spotted this adorable border collie mix, I knew we had to bring her home. We named her Ivy and, since joining our family, this sweet girl has brought us lots of love and laughter, plus a new adventure—dog training. I’ve never trained a dog in my life and little Ivy is a stubborn one. I’ve scoured YouTube for videos, taken classes, and worked daily on the simplest of commands like sit, wait, lie down. Slowly, we are making progress although barking, jumping, and walking on a leash are still some areas where we’re struggling.

I’d love to hear about your pets or your best training tips! To learn more about my family, including my training journey with Ivy, follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter at the links below. And look out for the next book—little sister Kellyanne’s story—in my Cowboy Lawmen series coming June 29, 2021.

Blessings!

Virginia

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12

For the Love of Literature, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 13

Bizwings Blog, March 13

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 15

Genesis 5020, March 15

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 16

Artistic Nobody, March 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, March 17

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 17

Older & Smarter?, March 18

deb’s Book Review, March 18

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 19

Blogging With Carol, March 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20

Betti Mace, March 20

Mary Hake, March 20

Lighthouse Academy, March 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 22

Labor Not in Vain, March 22

KarenSueHadley, March 23

She Lives To Read, March 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 24

Pause for Tales, March 24

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

HookMeInABook, March 25 << You Are Here! 🙂

Simple Harvest Reads, March 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Virginia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Texas Target Standoff!!

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/1095e/texas-target-standoff-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thanks so much for stopping by – Happy Reading!

>> Special thanks to Virginia Vaughan, Celebrate Lit, and Mills & Boon Love Inspired for allowing me to read and review this book — all opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

Hope you are all having an awesome weekend and are enjoying our first taste of spring! So today’s Must Read is Clean Sweep by Christy Barritt! This book is part of the Squeaky Clean Mysteries series, but it can be read as a stand alone (although I highly recommend reading the entire series!)

So you’ll never believe what I discovered.

First line of Clean Sweep by Christy Barritt

From the Back Cover

Gabby St. Claire Thomas and her Cold Case Squad reunite to solve a missing person’s case.

A friend of Gabby’s husband needs help. His wife, Brooke, went to work one day and never returned home. No one has seen or heard from the woman in four months, and every lead has dried up.

Gabby and her team begin to unravel clues about Brooke’s life . . . and not all is as it seems. With each new layer that’s revealed, they realize the case may be bigger than they ever imagined. Did Brooke walk away from her life . . . or did she become ensnared in something deadly?

Gabby fears this investigation won’t be the clean sweep she hoped for. No, the dirt she’s turning up might be more of a toxic stain. But as the stakes become clear, she realizes that failure isn’t an option.

List of Squeaky Clean Mysteries:

#1 Hazardous Duty
#2 Suspicious Minds
#2.5 It Came Upon a Midnight Crime (a novella)
#3 Organized Grime
#4 Dirty Deeds
#5 The Scum of All Fears
#6 To Love, Honor, and Perish
#7 Mucky Streak
#8 Foul Play
#9 Broom and Gloom
#10 Dust and Obey
#11 Thrill Squeaker
#11.5 Swept Away, a Honeymoon Novella
#12 Cunning Attractions
#13 Cold Case: Clean Getaway
#14 Cold Case: Clean Sweep
#15 Cold Case: Clean Break
#16 Cleans to an End (coming soon)
Companion novel: While You Were Sweeping, a Riley Thomas novella

About the Author

USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.“

A Publishers Weekly best-seller, Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have sold almost two million copies, and one is currently being developed as a movie. For more information, visit her website: www.christybarritt.com

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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!

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

Hope you are all having a wonderful day so far and that you’ve found a good book or two to read this week! I know that I have read about three this week and the one I just finished was a bit creepy, so I wanted to change things up and read a happy, funny and heartwarming book, so I turned to one of my favorite authors, Karen Witemeyer! So today’s Must Read is…. A Worthy Pursuit.

I’m closing the school, Miss Atherton, and that’s final word on the subject.

First line of A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

From the Back Cover

A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?

Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.

About the Author

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and multiple Carol Awards, and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes in giving the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

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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!