The Escape Game ~ Sodbuster Reviews

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Just when you think, ‘is there anything new about WW2 and fiction?’ another gem comes along.

This series has really been an enjoyable read. From The Cryptographer’s Dilemma to this book, The Escape Game. Each story takes inspiration from something learned and they weave a story about how this piece of history and the idea of how it could have come about.

In this book, my heart broke for Beryl as she struggles between helping her mother and her life, whether that was work or personal. I appreciated how author, Marilyn Turk, shared that it wasn’t just PTSD within the soldiers but also on the home-front.

About the Book

Book: The Escape Game

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: March, 2023

A Board Game Holds Keys to Prisoners’ Escape

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

After the Nazis started the bombing blitz of England, Beryl Clarke puts her college on hold to return to Leeds, care for her mother, and work as a secretary at the Waddington game company. While she endures the war at home, her brother James fights the enemy in the air. When he is shot down, injured, and captured, James meets American POW Kenneth Anderson, and they plan to escape the Nazi prison camp. Beryl knows there is a board game with escape plans being delivered to POWs by the Red Cross. But how will the men discover the game’s secret?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical fiction flavored with suspense and romance. Marilyn also writes devotions for Daily Guideposts. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over one hundred lighthouses, and also served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys boating, fishing, gardening, tennis, playing with grandkids, and her golden retriever Dolly.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; Faith, Hope and Love; Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; and Word Weavers International.

 

More from Marilyn

The Story behind The Escape Game

In the process of writing my books, I’ve become fascinated by the real stories that happened during World War II. I’ve discovered information I didn’t know before and am finding out that many people I know, even those older than myself, didn’t know either. Every time I come across an interesting tidbit, I want to write about it. Since my husband knows I look for such things, when he came across a story about how the Monopoly game was used during the war, he shared it with me.

The true story was kept top-secret for over fifty years after the war, so few had heard about it, especially outside the United Kingdom. Of course, my writer’s mind set off asking “What If?” So the story developed about a woman who works for the company that makes the game and what happened after she found out about the secret. What if she had a close relative who had been captured before the British informed their soldiers about the game and he needed to know the information? How could she convey that to him?

I wish I could have gone to the UK for research, but that was not a possibility. Maybe someday. However, the people I contacted there were very helpful, and I was thrilled to make contact with the great granddaughter of the president of Waddintons, the company which manufactured the game. She was able to fill in a few details about the company, although when she was a child, her grandfather ran the company.

One thing many people find hard to believe, based on the horrible treatment the Nazi army inflicted on people they thought inferior, is that the treatment of POW’s was somewhat better, especially for pilots. Thanks to the rules of the Geneva Convention after WWI, the Germans abided by them for the most part. That involved treatment of prisoners who escaped. Most of them were caught and returned to the camp from which they escaped. And normally, the punishment was solitary confinement. The biggest hardship of the POWs besides lack of freedom was the meager food they were given, especially as the war continued, since the Germans themselves were facing food shortages.

The challenge for me as a writer was to accurately describe life in both England and the POW camp. The other big challenge was writing a love story when the two characters were apart for so long. But it’s true that many soldiers fell in love with women they corresponded with back home. That fact is verified in the many letters on record, including the ones my father-in-law wrote to a fellow soldier’s fiancé after the soldier was killed in action. Their relationship grew into love, and after the war, the two met in person at the train station for the first time and married the same day.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 30

Texas Book-aholic, March 31

Pause for Tales, March 31

Sylvan Musings, April 1

deb’s Book Review, April 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 2

Labor Not in Vain, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 3

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 4

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Betti Mace, April 7

For Him and My Family, April 7

She Lives To Read, April 8

Remembrancy, April 8

SodbusterLiving, April 9

Holly’s Book Corner, April 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 10

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, April 10

lakesidelivingsite, April 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 11

Lights in a Dark World, April 12

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a copy of the book!!

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/25256/the-escape-game-celebration-tour-giveaway

Forged in Love by Mary Connealy, Sodbuster Reviews

I remember reading many Mary Connealy books back in my younger youth. Recently, my daughter has been on a binge read of Connealy’s work and it reminded me that I haven’t picked up one in a while. So when the opportunity came up to read a newer released work, I jumped on board. It is safe to assume that my daughter was reading over my shoulder.

From the first sentence, we are right into the wild west with our main characters as they fight for their lives from a stage coach being attacked. From that moment on, its a gallop of a wild ride. Mariah is a blacksmith and her sweetheart, Clint, owns a diner. It’s kind of a unique take on the wild west where each other’s strengths are a bit unique and a quirk that the town has an opinion on.

Connealy loves to write humorous scenes and passionate moments with a theme of faith throughout her work. Forged in Love continues the style that I have come to recognize as Connealy’s signature. We have a mystery aspect in this book as to who this gang really is, and who is the insider? This is the first in a series.

My daughter really loved these! I give it a good review as well! I think if you love the wild west and enjoy Christian romance that this would be a good next read for you!

About the Book

Book: Forged in Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than one and a half million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

 

More from Mary

The Inspiration

I started plotting this novel when I found out that Wyoming was the first state (then a territory) in the Union to grant women the right to vote. Then I discovered it wasn’t just the right to vote; all sorts of other rights were given to women as well, like the right to run for elected office or be appointed to office. In fact, the first woman justice of the peace in the U.S. was from Wyoming. This inspired me to have one of my heroines be the second justice of the peace in the country.

As I continued my research, reading about all that went on in Wyoming was fascinating. They became a territory in 1868—with women voting—and yet they weren’t allowed statehood for another thirty years. With other states being granted statehood in only a few years, why was this? Because the U.S. government refused to let Wyoming in unless they took the vote away from women.

Because Wyoming adamantly refused to strip the vote from women, year after year they were denied statehood. When they finally did get it, the state’s women maintained their right to vote because Wyoming would not budge on the issue. The whole history of this was great reading.

So I wrote a three-book series called Wyoming Sunrise in which all my heroines play against the normal, conventional female roles of the day.

Now, what job could I possibly think of that wasn’t traditionally for women? How about Mariah who happens to be a blacksmith? And while I’m writing against stereotypes, I created a man named Clint who runs a diner. That wasn’t too unusual, for lots of diners were run by men back in the day. Yet not many of them were talented chefs trained in high-class restaurants in New York City. Clint is an excellent chef. Of course, an excellent chef in a small Wyoming town is kind of wasted on folks who prefer fried chicken and beef stew.

Clint makes chicken and beef, but he calls his dishes weird names and makes them unusually delicious. Meanwhile, Mariah is working over a hot forge for long hours every day. When her father and brother are killed in a stagecoach holdup, she becomes the only blacksmith in town.

There’s some resistance to her doing such a masculine job, but even among those who disapprove, well, they’ve got a broken wagon wheel or a hole in their kettle and it’s either let Mariah fix it or go without. Mariah is allowed to be a blacksmith out of pure necessity.

My second book, The Laws of Attraction, has a female justice of the peace, while the third, Marshaling Her Heart, features a tough lady rancher. I write westerns, and honestly, writing about tough, feisty lady ranchers like Becky the Rancher comes naturally to me. Writing about a blacksmith and a judge, however, presents more of a challenge.

Mariah, who survived the stagecoach holdup, learns that the robbers believe she might know something that will reveal their identity, and she needs to be silenced. Clint tries to protect her and finds himself stepping between her and a murderous gang of outlaws.

Through it all, love finds them, and they begin to forge a life together.

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Through the Fire Blogs, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Stories By Gina, March 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

Connie’s History Classroom, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Labor Not in Vain, March 21

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

Lighthouse Academy, March 22 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Remembrancy, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Betti Mace, March 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 24

She Lives to Read, March 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Holly’s Book Corner, March 26

Book Looks by Lisa, March 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

SodbusterLiving, March 28

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28

Splashes of Joy, March 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29

Wishful Endings, March 30

HookMeInABook, March 30

lakesidelivingsite, March 31

EmpowerMoms, March 31

Mary Hake, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book Forged in Love!!

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/24dc0/forged-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Waiting on the Tides by Tabitha Bouldin || Sodbuster Review

Thank you for your patience during the holidays and getting over sickness.

This is part of the Independence Island series and I really enjoyed it because while it was more of a contemporary Christian romance, it had a deep richness to it that I personally get more out of. So far, I have enjoyed how Tabitha Bouldin takes a general concept of an idea and works layers into her writing.

I personally do not recommend reading the books out of order. I think the full experience in these can be enriched by enjoying the books in the manner in which they are published.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to more by this author.

About the Book

Book: Waiting on the Tides

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 29, 2022

People are more than the sum of their mistakes.

After a life lived in her older brother’s shadow, Abby Solomon is ready to take on the world—or at least a teaching position that puts her face to face with the one guy who thinks she’s nothing more than an immature nuisance.

When his daughter’s mother abandoned them, Christian Johnson swore off women and the trouble they bring. No wife—no drama. Just how he likes it.  But as Christian struggles to juggle his job as a cop with raising his daughter and tracking down a runaway teen, he’s forced to ask the one woman who reminds him of his wife for help.

Abby is thrilled with the opportunity to show Christian that there’s more to her than what he thinks. But just as Christian begins to trust Abby, she makes a colossal mistake that threatens to ruin everything.

She just wanted to be accepted.

He wanted to be left alone.

It’ll take a runaway teen to show them that love is not measured by a single mistake.

This Breakers Head novel is Tabitha Bouldin’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. Tabitha spent ten years working as a Medical Assistant before God opened the door which allowed her to become a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom and author.

 

More from Tabitha

I knew by the second story I wrote for the Independence Islands series that Christian needed his own book. I put him off until the end because we had a lot to unpack with his character. He’s a single dad who will do anything to keep his daughter from feeling the sting of abandonment. He’s also determined not to allow another woman into his life out of fear that she’ll leave them and break his daughter’s heart. He’s not worried about his own, since he considers himself too calloused to care.

I needed a heroine who was strong and fearless, and a little bit of sunshine to his grump. She also needed to push against the constraints Christian made in a way that by the time he figured out he cared it was too late to go back. Nothing could ever be the same for him.

Enter Abby.

Some of you may remember her from book one, Mishaps off the Mainland. Zeke’s little sister is fresh out of college with all of the world before her, and all she wants is to make a difference for the children she teaches. When the child most in need of her attention happens to be Christian’s daughter, sparks fly.

Writing Abby and Christian’s story was equal parts humor and angst, but I love the message running under the romance. Expectation is not reality. What you think you know about someone because of their age or the way they look is not truth. Truth lingers in the details, in the actions and the small, everyday things that are often overlooked.

Christian had to learn to look deeper, and in the writing of his character, so did I.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

lakesidelivingsite, December 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 14

By the Book, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Sylvan Musings, December 16

She Lives To Read, December 17

Inklings and notions, December 18

Holly’s Book Corner, December 18

deb’s Book Review, December 19

Sodbuster Living, December 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20

Aryn the Libraryan, December 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 22

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 24

Simple Harvest Reads, December 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, December 25

Blossoms and Blessings, December 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/2305a/waiting-on-the-tides-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Nutcracker Suite by Chautona Havig, Narrated by Christa DelSorbo REVIEW

Corruption, mobs, and a fairy-tale retelling of the Nutcracker brought to life through the talented Christa DelSorbo.

First, let’s talk about what Chautona Havig did here. First thing of all, I’m her daughter; so when she told me that she was turning the classic fairy-tale The Nutcracker into a mystery retelling during the roaring 20’s I may have raised an eyebrow, or two. The Nutcracker ballet in my head was not computing with a roaring 20’s mystery at all. Not sure how, but I saw the different dances come alive in the story as I read it. The mouse-king was a total dirty rat, the running through the night hiding had my mind going to the battle scene, the peppermint lingering scents in the air, I mean it all worked!

Milo was a character that struggles with putting coherent sentences together because he jumbles up his words. It was endearing as well as funny, that this Nutcracker for the mob, had a speech impediment. Clarice was a character that was a bit naive, but knew HOW to use her brain and began to show intelligence in some of the decisions. At some point, Clarice’s friend (whom I cannot remember her name) enters the scene and I all I could think of was, “I want her for a friend.” So we have a great variety of characters. The mystery gave us enough clues that we could figure it out easily, but not in our face easy– know what I mean?

Now, the narrator for the audio book– YES! I actually don’t know if I think this is Christa’s best work, and yet at the same time it was. How!? I mean we have cops, and mobs, and females, and and and… I knew their character by their voice. However, it seemed at times that Christa had a bit of a struggle getting into that character that I hadn’t seen before from the other books I listened too. Maybe just me. I still say that she is one of my favorites ever. So there is that!

If you have not read the Ever After Mystery series, I recommend beginning TODAY.

 

 

About the Book

Book: The Nutcracker’s Suite Audiobook

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Release date: November, 2022

“Time to dance, sugarplum.”

A painter at the Meyer’s Toys factory, Clarice Stahl, knows something is strange about the way so many men come and go through Mr. Meyer’s office, especially one in particular.

Then murder strikes a little too close to home and uncorks a barrel of secrets.

When mob king, Mario Topo’s, enforcer goes missing the race is on to prove he’s behind the murder. Police and mobsters alike are after Milo Natale, and he who finds Milo first might determine the enforcer’s fate.

A race through the city, a new friend… or more… a new life in the offing. Milo and Clarice must find who killed Topo’s man and why before the police arrest him for murder or Topo’s men bump him and Clarice off, too.

This next book in the Ever After Mysteries combines “The Nutcracker Suite” with a murder mystery set in the heart of 1920s Rockland.

 

Click here to get your Kindle copy! AUDIO book coming to Audible SOON!

 

About the Author

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, October 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 20

deb’s Book Review, October 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 24

For the Love of Books, October 25

Artistic Nobody, October 26

Sodbuster Living, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 28

Holly’s Book Corner, October 29

Books I’ve Read, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a code for the audiobook!

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/2200b/the-nutcracker-s-suite-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Night Songs, Written by Jennifer Sienes, Narrated by Christa DelSorbo

When the opportunity came to listen and review another Christa DelSorbo book, I was all over it like a perfect cup of coffee. I have really been enjoying the Ever After mysteries narrated by this talented woman. I wanted to see what she could do with something outside the mystery genre. And she did not disappoint.

It is hard to write an adequate review about this book. Does the reader want to know what I thought of this book? Or what I thought of this book with the narrator. You get both because when I listen to an audio book, its the narrator that will PULL me into the story and set the stage at every scene.

It is funny how JUST yesterday, I sat across from another godly woman and we discussed some of the disappointments we have with the Christian books of today. Many of them follow a similar plot that is easily predictable. The characters are perfect except this one area that is all about trusting in God for the perfect man, and its just UGH! Especially for us married women! Jennifer Sienes has a flawed characters. And I LIKE it! What I enjoyed most is hearing Christa even create a character that wavers but still falters. I don’t know how to explain it.

As for the story as a whole; Sometimes the first person and then switching was a bit difficult, but that is just me. I have a hard time with first person perspectives, and throw me back and forth its even more difficult.  I really enjoyed seeing the story unfold. You have a bit of mystery and just some hard Christian faith being tested. Enjoyed! And would recommend!

About the Book

Book: Night Songs

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: June, 2022

What’s a girl to do when her life sounds ripped from the lyrics of a country music song?

Charlotte Van Cleave’s hissy-fit reaction to her husband’s infidelity sours her world like a pot of boiled chitlins. She’s left with no husband, no job, and no home—well, besides the dilapidated farmhouse inherited from her nana.

But Charlie learned early that southern girls dig deep when things go sideways. She’d climbed out of the mire when her missionary parents were killed in Congo, endured two late-term miscarriages, and survived the death of her nana and papaw. Too poor to paint and too proud to whitewash, Charlie follows a new path with her interior design skills.

Derek Daniels spent his life serving his country until a helicopter accident ended his military career. Now back home on the family farm, he’s stuck between his philandering brother, Nicky, and the only girl he’s ever loved—sweet Charlie Van Cleave. Unwilling to cross a line, he vows to keep his feelings to himself. Easier said than done when Charlie discovers a mystery surrounding her parents’ death and asks him to help investigate.

What’ll Charlie and Derek have to do to turn those lyrics into a country hit?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education, but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing—and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies—two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

 

 

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 24

Texas Book-aholic, September 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 26

An Author’s Take, September 27

Inklings and notions, September 28

deb’s Book Review, September 29 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

Simple Harvest Reads, October 2 (Guest Review from Anne Rightler)

Sodbuster Living, October 3

For Him and My Family, October 4

Hallie Reads, October 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a code for the audiobook!!

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/21aa9/night-songs-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Dial W for Wrangler || Sodbuster AND Euphemia Book Review

Note from Challice: When my daughter, Euphemia, learned that I had the opportunity to write a review for Dial W for Wrangler, the next words out of her mouth were, “OH! I need to write the review! This needs to be the most epic review ever so people will grab a copy faster than you could lasso a steer.” Well, ok then. Here you go!

Review from Emma:

Well, this was such a fun book!! There is no better way to describe this book than to say that I don’t think I’ve ever been so in love with a book before.

What better way to get love advice than through a radio show?

Challice’s Review:
I love when you read characters and people in your own life mirage in front of you like the author knew this person and created a story around them. That is what I felt like in this story, Ainsley is has a bit more fiery spirit while being down to earth at the same time. How, I have no idea. It was fun to watch. Wade was your typical man that you just want to slap for acting so….well, manly, and hug for all his qualities that come out. However, I have to say, my favorite character was Granny. I don’t know how she could be Aunt Bea and Granny from Beverly Hillbillies all in one fell swoop but she was!

The story was less than 200 pages. It’s hard to tell a good story in such a short amount of time. I did not feel as rushed as one would expect. The pace was a good trot. 3.75 stars! Enjoyed!

This book is on tour with Celebrate Lit

Book: Dial W for Wrangler

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Contemporary / Comedy

Release date: May 24, 2022

♥ Can one radio show host wrangle two hearts and help them beat as one? ♥

When Wade Garrett took over the family ranch, he knew he’d need help. He can tell you anything you need to know about breeding, raising, and selling cattle. He can even wrangle a wild horse or ten every year. He just can’t wrangle numbers into proper columns and have them all add up.

Enter Ainsley Jones. New in Sweetwater, the office manager from Los Angeles is out of her element and loves every second of it—except the moments when her boss can’t speak a civil word to her.

When Wade hears about the local Dial-a-Deal host and her ad-hock romantic advice success, he starts selling off everything he can find—even sneaks a few things out of Granny’s basement—just to have an excuse to call in and get Vi’s help.

Will this impromptu decluttering jag get rid of some of his personal baggage along with twenty sleeping bags and an antique egg scale? Enough for him to admit that she’s the one thing he doesn’t want to declutter from his life or his heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

Stay Tuned for This Radio Announcement

“Hello there. I’m Vi Willis with Dial-a-Deal on K-SWT out of Sweetwater County, Wyoming, and have I got an update for you.

“We’ve won an award! My boss is livid that it’s not for selling the most junk in the least amount of time, but hey. Can I help it if folks are tuning in from all over the country to listen in on the heart troubles of folks around here? So far, we’re credited with three engagements, six marriages, and a whopping thirty-five saved relationships! I don’t know who nominated us for that award, but thank you!

“Now look… there’s one small problem. This really is supposed to be a show for selling your old comic book collection or that garden wagon your husband just had to have until he discovered he really hates gardening. So, when you call in, can you please be sure you have an item to sell? Di, the operator who screens the calls? She’s under orders not to let any calls through without an actual item for sale.

“So declutter the junk from your closets, your garages, your barns and what have you as you try to declutter the troubles from your life, okay? Now… I’ve got Jeff Corbin on the line, let’s see what he’s got for us today….”

And that’s how it all started.

Well, sort of. You see, I spent six weeks at my mom’s house back in late 2019. And one of the things Mom did every day was listen to the Dial-a-Trade show. She never bought a thing, but she listened. And, since I was in the room, I learned a lot about that show.

Some people seemed to call a few times a week. I finally decided they were lonely and it was how they kept a connection with other people. Others were obviously selling things out of spite—ex boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses beware!

Basically, it was a great way to get rid of stuff and a great way to figure out what was going on in the lives of folks in the area.

So, when Lisa Prysock reminded me that she’d invited me to be a part of this series, I knew immediately that my first book would most definitely include a radio host for a sale show who just can’t help but solve people’s relational problems.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, August 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Lots of Helpers, August 24

Inklings and notions, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

deb’s Book Review, August 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

An Author’s Take, September 1

She Lives to Read, September 1

Blogging With Carol, September 2

Simple Harvest Reads, September 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Sodbuster Living, September 4

Spoken from the Heart, September 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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/20e10/dial-w-for-wrangler-celebration-tour-giveaway

Silencing the Siren, An Audiobook Review by Sodbuster Living

I love to read, but some seasons make that near impossible.

Audio books are one of my lifelines to finding a way to read even when the season of life just doesn’t make it possible for me to sit and enjoy a hot steaming cup of coffee and my next adventure. I really enjoyed the multiple author takes on the Ever After mysteries. Each author takes a fairy tale (tail?) and twists it into a mystery during the roaring 20’s. I have recently read, and reviewed Silencing the Siren (You can see that review here), but one of the things I have been enjoying is hearing Christa DelSorbo read these stories. She gives each character…. well, a character! Her voice is used to portray the personality of that character and she does it well. I think her deep voice works well when using it to play multiple characters because she can easily switch from male to female. I mentioned she gives each character a character, and I’ve used this example before in another audiobook review I wrote, but DelSorbo reminds me how David Suchet can not only take on the personality of someone like Hercule Poirot, but also Augustus Melmotte in The Way We Live Now, and Jaggers in Great Expectations. Delsorbo does a similar thing in the way she reads. It’s awesome.

I will say that while I understand WHY DelSorbo reads at a slower pace (something to do with rules and regulations with audiobook standards or something like that), I prefer speeding the books up.

I quite often hear how “I just don’t have time to sit and read”.  Why not grab an audiobook and get back into the pleasure of reading? And why not start with Silencing the Siren, a Little Mermaid mystery retelling by Denise Barela, narrated by Christa DelSorbo.

This book is on tour with Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Book: Silencing the Siren

Author: Denise L. Barela

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: May, 2022

Andrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.

The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?

Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!

Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.

Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.

When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Denise L. Barela is a twenty-something-year-old writer with a passion for fiction, her faith, and just being creative in general. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…

 

 

 

 

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from the Christa

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 15

Texas Book-aholic, August 16

Inklings and notions, August 17

For Him and My Family, August 18

deb’s Book Review, August 19 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Connie’s History Classroom, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

For The Love of Books, August 24

SodbusterLiving, August 25

Through the Fire Blogs, August 26 (Author Interview)

Vicarious Living, August 27

Books I’ve Read, August 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a code for the audiobook!!

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/20a8b/silencing-the-siren-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book, Chapter, Vows || Sodbuster Reviews

      No Comments on Book, Chapter, Vows || Sodbuster Reviews

My first thought on reading this book was, “there is a lot of kissing, and even mentioning of ‘toe curling’ kissing, are you sure this is a Chautona Havig book?”

While this did take me by surprise since I don’t think I have read so much “romance” written by Havig in any of her books I have read so far. But it was a fun read and she tapered some of her sentiments with a chuckle about how corny or cheesy some of the lines the characters said.

I am glad that I got the opportunity to read it. As with all of Chautona Havig books, there is just nuggets, gems you want to mine for and hold near. This is one of her lighter reads, in my opinion. Like having an ice coffee versus a hot cup of java with an added shot— like Not a Word.

I think getting to know Bud a little bit more, bit by bit was one of my favorite parts of this book. I haven’t read all the Independence Island books. I can’t tell if its something that should be read in order, but I didn’t feel like I jumped into the middle of a story with no idea as to what was going on. However, I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I had read the other books in the series.

Really enjoyed and can’t wait to read the rest.

 

About the Book

Book: Book, Chapter, & Vows

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 26, 2022

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.
So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

This Breakers Head novel is Chautona Havig’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

It Happened AGAIN!

I remember the first book I had trouble finishing. Beneath the Cloak. It was the last book of the Wynnewood series, and I was dying to reveal the big secret that had been a big part of the story line. I spent hours writing very few words. Someone asked if I had writer’s block, but I didn’t. I knew every word I wanted to put on that page, but I kept procrastinating.

For weeks. We’re talking long, agonizing weeks.

Finally, I realized a significant part of why I hadn’t finished was because I didn’t want to. I didn’t want the series to end. Say goodbye to beloved characters? Agony, okay? I wanted to spend the rest of my life in Wynnewood seeing what happened with all the characters and all the things that would happen.

I just wanted to write a bunch of other books, too. What can I say? It’s a thing.

So, as I dove into writing the book I’ve been dying to write since I penned the opening scene of Christmas on Breakers Point, you’d think I’d have been prepared for the inevitable. I mean, it’s happened with several other series since that first time, so… yeah. All ready to combat the problem, right? Not hardly.

To be fair, I was also coming off being very sick, my mother being even sicker, so being crazy behind on everything. I mean, that had a lot to do with it taking so long to get going on it. But once I did, I’d type like crazy and then ignore it for a day or two before the story demanded more telling.

Then, just as I neared the big scene of Book, Chapter, & Vows… I went nuts on doing everything but finishing that book. No joke. I did. Sigh. Again, you think I’d learn.

After much soul searching and even more wailing at God about the cruelty of it all (I was in a dramatic mood, okay?), the solution came to me. Okay, God smacked me upside the head with a 2×4 of memories on how I solved every other, “don’t wanna finish this series” crisis.

See, way back with Wynnewood, the only thing that got me to the finish line was a promise I made to myself. “It doesn’t have to end here. You can write more if you want to. There’s nothing to say you can do ‘Wynnewood, the Later Years’ or something like that.”

Just that one promise to myself that I didn’t have to say goodbye was all it took for me to get back on that trusty old Toshiba laptop and pound out those last few chapters.

And here I was again, not ready to say goodbye to a series—to these islands that feel so crazy real to me. I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters and their quirky ways. Would you?

Now… you’re going to laugh at me. Go ahead. I mean, I did. See here’s the deal. I didn’t have to make that promise to myself again. “What?” you say? “What do you mean?”

Yeah. I don’t have to say goodbye to the characters or the islands. Why? Because we have another island series coming, the Suamalie Islands, and Mallory is going to visit those islands.

If that isn’t enough for me, I have another series all planned for the Independence Islands, too! Yeah. That. I mean, what was I not thinking?

As soon as I thought of that, I was able to get in there, get the last few scenes written and pass it off to the fabulous Christy for her editorial magic. As for me, I think I’m going to go play around just a little bit with one of the Josie Parker Mysteries. I mean, why not?

Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, August 9

Lots of Helpers, August 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 11

The Sacred Line, August 11

She Lives To Read, August 12

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

Splashes of Joy, August 13

Inklings and notions, August 14

lakesidelivingsite, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 15

LIbrary Lady’s Kid Lit, August 16

deb’s Book Review, August 17

Blogging With Carol, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

Sodbuster Living, August 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 19

Simple Harvest Reads, August 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 21

Sylvan Musings, August 21

Blossoms and Blessings, August 22

Miriam Jacob, August 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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/20712/book-chapter-vows-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Heart of the Mountains || Sodbuster Reviews

If stories like Christy are your cup of tea, and if you enjoy a good When Calls the Heart every now and then, you may want to pick up The Heart of the Mountains as your next read.

Cora and Jeb are the kind of characters that you root for from the moment they walk on the page. It may be more appropriate to say, “dash out on the page,” in this case. I appreciated the hard topics Basham addressed gently through the relationship that Sam and Caroline held. Granny was a character that you just love to have to add a bit of saltiness to the story. I feel like every time I think about something I enjoyed about the book, another thought comes into my head and my fingers just can’t type fast enough.

Some stories have one incident after another and you think, “is this maybe too much in such a story?” because it doesn’t seem realistic. However, in the Heart of the Mountain, we have more of a growth of characters and seeing that growth through certain bits and pieces that show forth in different circumstances. For example, when braced with flying over the edge of a cliff and hanging on for dear life until rescued, one would think Cora would be the weak heroine. But as the story progresses you see the human side of her that pulls up the bootstraps and gets down to what is needed. Jeb seems like the kind of guy that is working through a lot and will be the hero that needs to mentally recover from a war, but as the story goes along, you see his faith being a huge process of that healing.

There were a few times I expected the story to get all cliche on me, and while there is some instances that are easy to guess, it was not as predictable a story as I expected, and that is to the author’s credit! One reason I quit reading Christian fiction for a time was the fact the plots were all the same and followed a script it seemed, with different names and geographic locations. Not necessarily so with this work. While our main character is escaping a poor marriage in England and has no idea what she is getting into when she comes to the Appalachia mountains, the things that enter her life bring value to the story.

Ok, I think I have gushed enough— although this is very tamed compared to Basham’s kissing scenes. Wow. That was a little blush worthy to mention. (I may have also skimmed. Not really into the sentimental lovey-dovey mush, as Life with Father described well.)

Somethings to note that may be triggers, abuse, substance abuse, depression, slander.

This book is on tour with Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Book: The Heart of the Mountains

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance

Release date: July 1, 2022

Can their hearts overcome the darkness of the mountains?

To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.

Returning from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before Cora Taylor arrived. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her modern ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her.

Bound by their shared war history, the pair develop an unlikely friendship, which unexpectedly hints to something more. But when Cora’s desire to help the women of the mountains crosses an unspoken line, will Jeb be able to protect this feisty flatlander from the wrath of the mountain men or will he end up losing much more than his heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter.

 

More from Pepper

It’s so interesting how one idea can influence an entire series, or…how one person’s story can.

The idea for The Heart of the Mountains started in Laurel’s Dream with a hint of a family history story about a girl named Kizzie. (Someday, I hope to bring Kizzie’s story to the pages of a book). From there, the idea began to grow out of a love for my Appalachian culture into a series of books which highlighted (and fictionalized) stories from my family history.

 

The main story in The Heart of the Mountains is about Jeb and Cora, two different people with similar servant hearts, but the secondary story that touched me so much was the one based on my great grandfather’s life. I write about it in the Author’s Note at the end of the novel, so I won’t go into detail about it. However, what I loved getting to do is bring the truth of God’s redemption in my great grandfather’s life…to life again.

 

I never knew “Papa Rat”. I only knew the stories handed down to me by my granny and my mama, but in writing this story, I feel as though I had a tiny opportunity to “meet” him in these pages. He was a gruff mountain man with a broken past which led him to make a whole lot of broken choices, but his story is incredibly encouraging, because it points to the God of broken people. My great grandpa wasn’t left in his brokenness, but, after years of running away from God, he would later recount that God pursued him. The beauty of Sam McAdams’ journey in The Heart of the Mountains is only a little glimpse into what I imagine my great grandpa’s redemption story looked like.

 

Because my great grandpa was forever changed when Jesus saved him (as any of us should be).

I think that’s what my granny and her siblings (and even “Papa Rat” himself) would want most -that his story would point to Jesus. I hope that’s what you see when you read about Sam McAdams in The Heart of the Mountains.

 

Have you ever read a book based on family history? One of my favorites is Catherine Marshall’s Christy.

Blog Stops

Bizwings Blog, July 28

Rachael’s Inkwell, July 28

Bigreadersite, July 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 29

Inklings and notions, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Boondock Ramblings, July 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Reading With Emily, July 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 31 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, August 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1

Daysong Reflections, August 2

deb’s Book Review, August 2

Live. Love. Read., August 2

Betti Mace, August 3

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Remembrancy, August 4

For Him and My Family, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, August 5

By the Book, August 5

Wishful Endings, August 5

For the Love of Literature, August 6

Books, Books and More Books, August 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 6

Connie’s History Classroom, August 7

SodbusterLiving, August 7

Splashes of Joy, August 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 8

Back Porch Reads, August 9

Through the Fire Blogs, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Labor Not in Vain, August 10

Miriam Jacob, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e- gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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/20389/the-heart-of-the-mountains-celebration-tour-giveaway

In Honor’s Defense ~ Sodbuster Reviews

Those that have come to love Karen Witemeyer’s writing will not be disappointed in her latest release, In Honor’s Defense. Probably my favorite of her works written is Head in the Clouds and so I wondered if there would be any book that would top it. I think this may be right up there. The heroine enjoys so many things that I do and it was like finding a friend to saddle up with, if you will pardon my pun. The fact we have a teen that is struggling with hurt just took this book up a notch (again with the puns, Challice!) as this has always been a thing near and dear to my heart.  What made this book a cinch for me, (oh brother) was of course our hero being called, “Preacher”. I mean, when you have a hubby going to seminary school… what can I say?

All in all, this was a pleasant read and sometimes we just need that. We need something that will wrap up like a hot cup of coffee and a warm blanket, and this fit the bill.

This book is on tour with Celebrate Lit.

About the Book

Book: In Honor’s Defense

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 7, 2022

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life–for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

 

More from Karen

Meet Luke and Damaris

As the Hanger’s Horsemen series comes to a close, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, don’t worry. This one stands on its own just fine.

Luke

Luke Davenport is a former cavalry officer who is part of an elite squad of men known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Haunted by the horrors of war, this group of Texas legends has spent the last few years fighting for justice on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. Luke is Matthew Hanger’s right-hand man, but when Matt retires the Horsemen in favor of a more settled life with his new wife, Luke is left feeling adrift. So when a solo job comes his way to track down rustled cattle, he jumps at the opportunity.

Known for his strength, his size, and his skill with his fists, I modeled Luke after a pair of football players, Howie Long and JJ Watt. He’s a man of action with a bit of wildness inside, yet his ability to memorize Scripture earned him the nickname Preach. He’s a godly man with scars, seeking to find his place as his Horsemen brothers move on to new phases of life.

 Damaris

Damaris Baxter has been invisible her entire life. Plain of face and quiet of manner, she it’s the epitome of unremarkable. While she dares heroic feats and grand adventures between the covers of her favorite books, life outside the pages consists of little more than needlework and dull conversation with her great aunt. Until her brother dies under suspicious circumstances and she travels to Texas to care for her nephew. Determined that the “Texas Damaris” will be bolder and braver than her former self, she sets out to win the heart of a grieving boy and ends up mixed up in a dangerous murder plot with a handsome cowboy who actually sees her.

When creating Damaris’s character, I gave her two of my favorite hobbies—reading and cross-stitching. She shares other similarities with me as well. She’s a quiet person who dislikes making waves, but when family needs her, there’s nothing she won’t do to help. Her questionable baking skills might also have found some inspiration in my personal experience. Just ask my husband about my famous transparent chocolate chip cookies. 

Opposites Attract?

I love to explore what brings people together, and while it’s a common idea that opposites attract, I’ve always believed that there must be some core commonalities beneath the differences to bind a couple together for a lifetime. So, while Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—they actually have several core commonalities. They both crave belonging and family, they both value God’s Word, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.

Now that you’ve been introduced to Luke and Damaris, I hope you’ll join them on the adventure that leads them to love.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 27

Book Looks by Lisa, June 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, June 28

Daysong Reflections, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30

Pause for Tales, June 30

lakesidelivingsite, June 30

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 1

deb’s Book Review, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 2

Babbling BeckyL’s Book Impressions, July 3

Bizwings Blog, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Inklings and notions, July 5

Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Connie’s History Classroom, July 6

SodbusterLiving, July 6

Texas Book-aholic, July 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Through the Fire Blogs, July 7

Splashes of Joy, July 8

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a Hanger’s Horsemen prize bundle consisting of autographed copies of all three books in the series, a custom mug, and Horsemen swag!! (U.S. Only)

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/1f45c/in-honor-s-defense-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Perfect Summer Read || Finding a Memory Sodbuster Reviews

The garden is alive and thriving, and takes up so much of my day to day life. Audio books to the rescue.

One of the most difficult things about this past year was the decrease in my reading time. Its my time to recharge; to get lost in a story and think and ponder how the characters grew in the story, how the author creates a garden of their own within the pages and you see everything bloom at their time.

But when the list of what needs to get done just grows by the minute (pun intended), something gets set aside, and lately its been my reading time. Audio books creates the ultimate best of both worlds. I don’t have to give up the enjoyment of gardening for reading, nor visa versa.

Narrators generally fit into 2 categories for me, “meh” and “oooh! she/he is good!” Christa DelSorbo captured me when she began narrating for the Ever After Mystery books. Her way of pausing at just the right moments to let the reader catch something, without dragging it out, is superb. The best way I can describe it is like watching David Suchet portray Poirot. He quirks and eyebrow at a precise moment (and do we expect anything less?), he stares down for a moment before continuing, and well, if you know- you know. Christa DelSorbo has a similar ability for giving us just what we need in a story. Its been a delight and she ranks up there with some of my favorite narrators.

The book, Finding a Memory, is a perfect summer read because it is part of the Independence Island series. But what grabbed my heart and wound me inside the story tighter than a cucumber tendril, was how it was based on one of my favorite songs done by Patti Page- Go On With the Wedding. And for book worms, if you love Though None Go With Me, grab THIS book. Its not the same, and that is what makes it so enjoyable, but it feels inspired without a copy cat. And yet, there is a second part of this story that is deeper and richer as Mallory reads this diary about a young mother that struggles with being married to a Vietnam vet, and by the way, Straight Down a Crooked Lane is mentioned in this, and I LOVE this book so much and have to give a shout out to it! My heart grew to adore Benjamin. His love for Mallory but shyness at reaching out and insecurity with a secret that could shatter their relationship (ok, I may be playing that on a little thick— but it fits!) tugged my heart and had me rooting for him from page 1.

As a romance novel, I wasn’t sure if I would have enjoyed this as much as I did. I didn’t at first. I was actually more or less just not in the mood for a sappy read. But as the story progressed and Patti stepped into the picture, I knew that this was the right book for me. It had been a hard week for our family since we have someone that deals with clinical depression and sometimes there are books that just end up more depressing (even when they mean to be uplifting) during this time. I had none of those thoughts and in fact felt more like I had found a bosom friend in Patti.

Please, if you need a good read, one that has depth but still a light-hearted, fun, summer read. Grab this one.

About the Book

Book: Finding a Memory

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: February, 2022

He loved her then. Will she love him now?

When Mallory Barrows finds an old diary in a box of books, the story she finds within sends her on the hunt for the owner–and maybe more.

Theirs is a story ripped from a country song. A wedding, a former love presumed dead, her new love stepping aside. And over forty years later, their story is one few remember.

With Mallory determined to find the people in the pages of that diary, one couple is offered the second chance of a lifetime.

This “second-chance / seasoned romance” novel introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 14

Texas Book-aholic, June 15

Inklings and notions, June 16

By the Book, June 17

For Him and My Family, June 18

deb’s Book Review, June 19 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 20

The Sacred Line, June 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

SodbusterLiving, June 25

Mary Hake, June 26

Simple Harvest Reads, June 27 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a code for the audiobook!!

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/1ec2b/finding-a-memory-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Rose for the Resistance || Sodbuster Book Reviews

“I wish I could believe that freedom is still possible… but I don’t think I do.”

This is my 4th book o the Heroines of WW2 and I am enjoying each and every one with the perspective given of a woman’s point of view on the war and the battle fought on the home-front. However, I think this is my personal favorite that I have read so far.

Rosalie wants to just keep her head down and keep her family safe. Her mother has lost so much and continues to emotionally pull away from them and Rosalie fears the loss of one more family member may be the breaking point of them both. But over time you see her realize just how much she is losing her with compliance and silence. Franz is battling his own demons and desire for all things just to end and wrapped up with a bow. I loved seeing the relationship developed. It was a sweet romance but the story was more than just a romance. It was a look at the deeper battles and the spiritual growth between two people torn up by war.
I love the humanity of both sides and how it was down to the battle of each individual being rather than one side vs another.

Enjoyed and would read more by this author!

About the Book

Book: A Rose for the Resistance

Author: Angela K. Couch

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Christian

Release date: April, 2022

9781636092072 (4)A French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

AngelaCouchTo keep from freezing in the great white north, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the 2016 International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and toasty warm) by chasing after four munchkins.

 

More from Angela

The story of A Rose for the Resistance has been in the making for a while. Rosalie and Franz came to life for me in the first novel I started writing as a teenager… (not even going to mention how long ago that was). Though much of that early work will never see the light of day, I am glad I can finally share them with you.

 

Every November 11th since I was a child, I would sit with my dad and watch WWII documentaries and movies like A Bridge too Far, or The Longest Day which featured Sainte-Mère-Église during the D-day landings. So many of those stories beg to be remembered and I tried to include as much as I could in this novel, even in passing. Stories such as John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment who dropped into the warzone of Sainte-Mère-Église that night and his chute caught on the spire of the church. He hung limply for hours, pretending to be dead, before the Germans took him prisoner. John later escaped and rejoined his division. Or, Henry Langrehr who landed five miles from his drop zone, crashing through a greenhouse on the way down. He was unharmed from the fall, but was later wounded and captured. He lived into his nineties to tell the tale.

 

Many of the events and deeds of The Resistance in the novel are also pulled from history. The French citizen’s willingness to risk their lives to transport weapons and information, and to staunchly resist the brutal German occupation. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 men women – and children – were killed, tortured, or deported by the Germans for their efforts.

Though many of the characters in this story are fictional, there are so many men and women who truly did live through the horrors of the War in Europe, and more importantly risked or sacrificed their all for the freedom and lives of others.

I pray we never forget.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Books, Books, and More Books, April 29

The Write Escape, April 30

Remembrancy, April 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 1

Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 2

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 2

Inklings and notions, May 2

She Lives To Read, May 3

lakesidelivingsite, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

For Him and My Family, May 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Sodbuster Living, May 5

deb’s Book Review, May 5

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 6

Vicarious Living, May 6

Older & Smarter?, May 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 7

Sylvan Musings, May 7

Connie’s History Classroom, May 8

Blossoms and Blessings, May 8

Mary Hake, May 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9

Splashes of Joy, May 9

Through the Fire Blogs, May 9

Bizwings Blog, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 10

Labor Not in Vain, May 10

Bigreadersite, May 11

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 11

CarpeDiem, May 12

Lights in a Dark World, May 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

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/1d3bb/a-rose-for-the-resistance-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Giant Murder || Sodbuster Reviews

My apologies for a lack of picture. Having wordpress issues right now.

MY Review

As with all the Ever After, the fact that this is a retelling of fairy tales is the biggest clue. From there its a fun ride to piece together the whodunit with the who, what, where, how, and why! The clues are there to figure it out and there was even an element of surprise that popped up that I enjoyed seeing.

The author was a little more preachy in this book than I have read in the others. It has more of a classic Grace Livingston Hill feel, which is a compliment to the author since that would fit this timeline well.

I listened to the audio version of this and have really been appreciating the talented Christa DelSorbo. Recommend for a pleasure weekend read and don’t forget to check out all the books in the Ever After series. I’ve been really looking forward to the next one I get to read.

My eldest son, who is 13, and I have really been enjoying our time together listening to these audiobooks.

 

About the Book

Book: A Giant Murder

Author: Marji Laine

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: January, 2022

2- A Giant Murder AUDIOWould you like a shot of… death with that, sir?

Josephine Jacobs was just doing her job, serving at an exclusive party, so why is she now being accused of shooting TG Taggert?

At a party full of suspects in the murder of Taggert, Josie served the food giant everything but an eternally “parting shot.” Who really killed TG Taggert? His wife? His son, Jack? What about Harper Davis? Rumor has it, she was having an affair with him—motive for her or Taggert’s wife! The list of those who seemed to hate him keeps growing, including a chemist and a chef!

With her long-time friend, Office Porter O’Brien, Josie sets out to clear her name and find out who really killed “the giant”.

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. A Giant Murder offers a retelling of “Jack and the Beanstalk” with enough clues and suspects to keep you looking over your shoulder. We’d recommend Kevlar… but it hasn’t been invented yet!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Marji LaineMarji Laine is a graduated home-schooling mom of four with two college students staying in the nest for a little longer. She and her hubby of 34 years also share their North Texas home with a rescue pup named Rosie. When Marji isn’t editing or publishing the books for her authors at Write Integrity Press, she indulges in penning her own mystery, suspense, and romance novels. She loves acting in musical comedy, has directed many stage productions, leads a high school Bible study and sings in her church choir. She prefers mountains to beaches, dogs to cats, NASCAR to football, Magnolia pie, white roses, green, and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. You can find her at her website: MarjiLaine.com

 

About the Narrator

christaheadshot (1)Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 3

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

SodbusterLiving, May 5

By the Book, May 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 8

deb’s Book Review, May 9 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, May 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

Connie’s History Classroom, May 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 14

Lights in a Dark World, May 15

Books I’ve Read, May 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free code for the audiobook!!

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/1db48/a-giant-murder-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Anything But Simple || Sodbuster Book Reviews

Since moving up here to Indiana and surrounded by the local Amish and Mennonite, I have become very much interested in this set apart group that take much pride and care in the way they live.

Author, Lucinda Miller, shares with us memories from her childhood and her family history chapter by chapter. Sometimes the memories shared didn’t seem to flow with the rest of the chapter. Almost like an afterthought of something remembered and added to a similar timeline. However, I really enjoyed reading the authors reflections and look forward to more from the series from a first-person perspective on living the simple way.

“The pioneers and the children of the pioneers were a blunt and hardy bunch, very different from the comparatively suave and sophisticated community where Dad grew up. The men were farmers, persisting despite the short growing season, in fields twined with tree roots and rocks, through weather that dipped to forty below. The women were farmers’ wives, working alongside their husbands in the fields and in the barn until their hands were rough and red. Sewing new clothes from old castoffs; snipping bean ends and canning corn while knowing this was the food that must last them through the winter. Raising children while they worked.

Men, women, children—all of them fighters.”

About the Book

Book: Anything But Simple

Author: Lucinda J. Miller (Last name now Kinsinger)

Genre: Memoir

Release date: July 25, 2017

AnythingButSimple for webPlain? Yes. Simple? Well…

If you live in a conservative Mennonite community, edges are sewn shut and questions have answers. So if you’ve got a saucy tongue and a roving curiosity about the world, you’ve got a story to tell.

As a schoolteacher in a small Mennonite school in rural Wisconsin, Lucinda J. Miller wears long dresses and a prayer covering. But she uses a cell phone and posts status updates on Facebook. So why would a young woman with access to all these technologies remain in a sheltered community like the Plain Mennonites? How can someone with an eye for beauty and a sometimes sardonic wit stay within a tradition that values discipline and submission and uniformity?

Anything But Simple is the stirring memoir of a young woman’s rich church tradition, lively family life, and longing for a meaningful future within her Mennonite faith.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lucinda J Miller Kinsinger has always viewed herself as a shy little Mennonite girl, but refuses to let that stop her from pursuing what she loves—whether that’s writing with honesty and vulnerability or traveling to a remote village in China. In 2019, she married Ivan, the love of her life, and moved from the flat, tree-lined fields of her childhood home in Wisconsin to the rolling hills of Garrett County, Maryland. The couple has a baby daughter, Annalise. Since the publication of Anything but Simple, Lucinda has published a second memoir, Turtle Heart: Unlikely Friends with a Life-Changing Bond. She is columnist for Anabaptist World and blogs at lucindajkinsinger.com.

 

More from Lucinda

Me, and The People Who Shaped Me

 

My dad used to say that every person in your life is placed there by God for a reason. Even the ones you don’t like are there to teach you something.

Learn.

If you don’t, God may send someone else to teach you the same lesson you couldn’t learn the first time around.

Anything But Simple is my story, the story of a shy little Mennonite girl growing up to be a writer and asking questions along the way. It is also the story of the many people who enriched my life.

My dad, with his black hair and handsome face and stories from his past.

My mom, with her smooth sweaters and her sure and solid love.

My bishop with his mouth that turned down like a turtle’s.

My creative writing professor who loved words in a way I had never seen in anyone but myself.

Charlene.

Mara.

Deqo.

Jake.

From these people and alongside these people I arose, breathing, questioning, earnest.

Our journey, like the journey of all the squiggly and intricate humans that wander the face of the earth, is anything but simple.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 2

A Reader’s Brain, April 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Inklings and notions, April 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 5

She Lives To Read, April 6

deb’s Book Review, April 7

A Melodious Sonnet, April 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 10

The Avid Reader, April 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 11

Rebecca Tews, April 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 12

Sodbuster Living, April 13

Boondock Ramblings, April 13

Vicky Sluiter, April 14

For Him and My Family, April 14

Spoken from the Heart, April 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lucinda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/1c574/anything-but-simple-celebration-tour-giveaway

Death Valley Double Cross || Sodbuster Reviews

 

Sometimes, all you want is a Snickers bar at the end of a long week— this book is that Snickers bar!

The book opens up with a man delivering a dog to someone in the middle of the desert, and things just go crazy from there on out. Each scene had its protagonists running for their lives or trying to figure out all the clues that were right in front of them. After being jilted at the alter, Austin has a large chip on his shoulder that is not related to the severe accident that has left him slightly debilitated. Pilar is shocked to be thrown back into the life of Austin and tends to be someone scared of the shadows, and carries so pretty deep scars of her own— physically and emotionally.  Between the two, they work out their romantic sparks all while going across the Mojave desert in search of the truth– who is trying to kill Pilar?

The mystery/clues were all there and very easy to connect the dots. The romance between the two is more attraction that build within the pages. It was a pleasant read. I appreciated more of the Christian message within the book. It wasn’t JUST a prayer mentioned once and maybe “God…” under someone’s breath, but actual conversations between the characters.

All in all, If you enjoy mystery, romance, and dogs, check this book out.

About the Book

Book: Death Valley Double Cross

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Suspense

Release date: February 22, 2022

DV#3 Death Valley Doublecross coverA killer seeking revenge

will stop at nothing to get it…

Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison—and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe—and escape an assassin?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Author bio with backgroundDana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

I remember standing on the edge of the lookout and gazing into the wonder that is Artist’s Palette in Death Valley. Artist’s Drive, which takes you to this breathtaking view, rises above Badwater Basin (the lowest spot in North America) and then meanders along twisting canyons and hills until it brings you to this popular tourist stop. The premier view is a place called Artist’s palette. It’s a sprawling pocket of color, hues of rose, ochre, green and gold tucked in the rippling landscape and teased to life by the desert sun. Isn’t that just like God? To lead us to surprises and wonders that await us in a sometimes hostile world? Every day we spent in Death Valley held a surprise, from the rocks that move mysteriously across the sands to the towering twists and turns of 20 Mule Team Canyon. There are only two things to do with a wonderous place like that…enjoy the divine bounty, and write a novel set there so others can come along!

I hope you will enjoy this third installment in the Desert Justice series. The first is Beckett’s story and then we had quiet cowboy Levi’s adventure. Now it’s brash pilot Austin’s turn. Will he get his happy ending after being dumped at the altar and wrecking his shoulder in an accident? Turn those pages and come with me to Death Valley to find out!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 29

Daysong Reflections, March 30

Texas Book-aholic, March 30

Lighthouse academy, March 31

Inklings and notions, March 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 1

Betti Mace, April 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 2

Pause for Tales, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 3 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, April 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 6

Life, Love, Writing, April 6

Bigreadersite, April 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 7

Bizwings Blog, April 8

For the Love of Literature, April 8

Blogging With Carol, April 9

HookMeInABook, April 9

Simple Harvest Reads, April 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Paula’s Persuasion, April 10

Blossoms and Blessings, April 11

Sodbuster Living, April 11

Labor Not in Vain, April 12

Through the fire blogs, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of the first three books in the series (Paperback for U.S. Only) and 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/1c112/death-valley-double-cross-celebration-tour-giveaway