Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Review of the The Art of Deception by Leonard Goldberg



Today I want to tell you about a book I finished reading and enjoyed very much. This author is new to me and I loved the cover and the description spoke to me.  I couldn't believe it when I was notified that I had won an advanced reader copy in a Goodreads Giveaway.



"Suspenseful and entertaining, with many twists and turns....This is one of the best Sherlock Holmes series since Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell books."—Historical Novel Society

USA Today bestselling author Leonard Goldberg returns with another puzzling case for the daughter of Sherlock Holmes to unravel in this exciting mystery, The Art of Deception, sure to be enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes as well as Laurie R. King and Charles Finch.

In the west end of London, an apparently crazed individual is on the loose, breaking into art galleries and private homes to slash valuable paintings of women. Despite Scotland Yard’s best efforts, the criminal remains at large and continues on his destructive path.

When Joanna and the Watsons are called in to solve the mystery, they soon discover that although the canvases have been slashed, their backings remain pristine, with no cuts or scratches. The criminal, it seems, is no mere vandal—he's searching for something hidden behind the portraits.

Suspicion soon falls on two skilled art restorers who previously worked at the gallery where all the vandalized art was purchased. When Joanna finds the body of one in a bricked off fireplace at the gallery, the other is left as the prime suspect. But then he's discovered dead as well. Luckily, Joanna has a plan for ensnaring the criminal once and for all. But it must not fail, or more paintings—and lives—will be lost.



Purchase on Amazon



MY REVIEW

This was my first read by Leonard Goldberg and I must say that I plan to read more of his novels in the series. I am now a fan.


It was refreshing to read a fictional historical novel where the author matched the speech and mood of the time period perfectly. I felt as though I was there with the characters. It was well-researched.

I fell in love with the witty personality of Joanna and her uncanny ability to find clues from the evidence that most people would overlook. The story was very engaging, suspenseful, and kept me guessing from all the twists that kept coming.

I would highly recommend this page-turner to Sherlock fans or readers that love a well-crafted mystery. It was wonderfully written from beginning to end and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

 This is Book 4 but it can be read as a standalone.

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mysteries

Book 1







Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Author, Traci McDonald



I would like to introduce you to Author, Traci McDonald.



Traci McDonald-The Heart of Suspense believes falling-in-love is the greatest risk of all. Her non-explicit romances are about hurting, healing, and finding true love. She has found hers with her husband and three sons on the edge of the Mojave Desert. 

Traci has been blind for 20 years. She belongs to The National Federation of The Blind and contributes to Behind Our Eyes, a group of visually impaired writers from all around the world, along with her blogs, editing, and co-hosting blog talk radio with The World of Ink Network.




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Clean & Wholesome Romantic Suspense

Danielle Lyndon, owner of a 200-year-old bookstore in Greenville, Alabama, has built a fortress of suspicion around her heart. A tragic fire has taken the lives of her beloved Grandmother and mother, leaving her with nothing but an ancient collection of magical books.

Facing what seems like an eternity of loneliness and abandonment, her life is inexorably altered late one night when a runaway teenage girl breaks into her store and Danielle receives a mysterious text message…from her dead mother.

The only person who can help her is Aaron Donnell, a reckless, tormented drifter with haunting silver-blue eyes who is searching for the burglar, his younger sister. Aaron somehow holds the answers to the mysterious texts, but he’s arrogant, dangerous, and is clearly no good for her. The problem is . . . . she’s falling in love with him.

Consumed with Aaron’s mysterious darkness and the prospect of locating the source of the texts, Danielle allows him to unwittingly drag her into an insane, mystical world where human trafficking is the usual, black magic reigns supreme, and inhuman power lasts forever.

Are the dark chasms of magic and eternity too wide and deep for love to cross? Is the collateral damage in their battle too high of a price to pay if it leaves someone with their soul encased in stone?


Purchase on Amazon











Secrets Resurfaced Blog Tour & Giveaway by Dana Mentink


About the Book



Book:  Secrets Resurfaced
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 2, 2020

When new evidence surfaces about a tragic boating accident that put her ex-boyfriend’s father in prison, private investigator Dory Winslow’s determined to look into it. But now someone’s dead set on silencing her. And working with Chad Jaggert—the father of her secret child—may be the only way to survive the treacherous truth about the tragedy that once tore them apart.
Click Here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, and Sourcebooks. 

Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink), and Instagram (dana_mentink.)


More from Dana

Well, it’s been a wild ride through the Roughwater Cowboy series! Here we are at the end, with youngest brother Chad’s story. Fortunately, the rest of the clan (Mitch, Liam, and Helen) are here to lend a hand when the man Chad’s father was jailed for killing comes back to life. Helping out also is Jingles the hapless dog, and a new member of the canine family, three-legged Meatball. Throw in a killer on the loose and a secret child, and we’ll have a ‘hold onto your hat’ finish to this series. Thanks for coming along with me! God bless you!


MY REVIEW

Secrets Resurfaced is full of on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense from beginning to end.

The main characters, Chad & Dana, are down-to-earth, easy to like and admire. They each have endearing qualities unique to them. Dana's determination and strong will made her an independent force to reckon with. Chad, her ex, separated from her for five years realizes he still has feelings for her but the hurt he inflicted on Dana is still fresh in her mind.

Thrown together on a case Dana is investigating, reveals more than a few hidden secrets. The mystery kept me guessing all the way to the end. A great storyline about forgiveness and second chances.



                             Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, June 8
Hallie Reads, June 8
Betti Mace, June 10
Quiet quilter, June 10
Bigreadersite, June 12
KarenSueHadley, June 14
Moments, June 14
Simple Harvest Reads, June 15 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, June 16
Bizwings Blog, June 16
Splashes of Joy, June 17
Artistic Nobody, June 18  (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book 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.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Review of The Mischief Thief by Johnnie Alexander





Johnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. Whether at home or on the road, she creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won't forget.

Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, is a CBA bestseller and has been translated into Dutch and Norwegian. She also writes contemporary romances, cozy mysteries, and historical novellas. The Mischief Thief is her first suspense novel.

Johnnie is on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for her Novelists Unwind program. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy.

A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon.

Follow her on Social Media



Two wrongs don’t make a right . . . except when they do.

For con artist Chaney Rose, life hasn’t been easy. In desperate need of cash, she readily agrees to find Mischief, a stolen racehorse. Hunting for clues, she breaks into the suspected horse thief’s home only to be caught—with a few pilfered items in her pockets—by the police detective who’s tailing her.

By-the-book Adam Thorne was fired from his church because of his father’s involvement with the valuable thoroughbred. In a burst of Les Miserables-inspired grace, Adam tells the detective that he gave Chaney the stolen items.

Adam wants Chaney to find his missing father. When Chaney learns that Mischief’s owner intends to kill the racehorse, she needs Adam’s help to expose the cruel plan before it’s too late.

Will a con artist with a conscience and a minister without a ministry risk imprisonment to do the wrong thing for the right reason?


My Review

The Mischief Thief had me captivated from the beginning pages.  From Adam, a minister without a congregation, to Chaney, a con-artist with a somewhat confusing moral compass to Tucker, a veterinarian with a complicated association, the author brings their own personal traits together to create an amazing cast of characters that are unforgettable.

The storyline was nothing short of magical. The suspense and twists kept me guessing the whole time.  I enjoyed watching the characters being stretched to their limits and seeing God's influence in their lives testing them. It's a story of trust, learning to forgive, and meaningful relationships in spite of past baggage. 


A very entertaining read. Highly recommended.

Friday, June 12, 2020

Welcome Christian Author, Robin Densmore Fuson

Good Morning Readers,

This morning I would like to introduce you to Author, Robin Densmore Fuson.



About the Author



Robin recently moved to Sugarmill Woods, Florida with her husband Jimmy and their Belgian Malinois, Kenzi. She and her husband celebrate with an overflowing cup of blessings with seventeen grandchildren.

 An award winner for romance and flash fiction, Robin is multi-published in both fiction and non-fiction and has written well over a hundred stories on her blog for children. Two of her novellas are finalists in the 2020 Selah awards.


 Her historical and contemporary romances, and Christian women’s fiction, are wrapped around a twist of intrigue. The Rosita Valdez series for children lends itself to a character-building lesson through an adventure. 


Robin is a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, and John316 Marketing Network. 


Robin loves the company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home. 


You can find out more on her blogs: 
http://www.robindensmorefuson.com/  and http://www.kidbiblelessons.com

Follow her on Social Media
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Amazon
Bookbub
Pinterest
Goodreads


An engaged Jalyn Stewart returns to her hometown of Durango, Colorado following an accident that changed her life and Olympic dreams. A future with Timothy, her lawyer fiancé, moves forward with his new business partnership and their wedding plans. Jalyn’s part-time journalist job brings an unexpected encounter with an old flame and sparks fly. Can she believe him when he says he has changed?

Disturbing messages and threats make her realize, she's being stalked. Jalyn searches through her mind trying to discover why and who might be the stalker and does it have anything to do with her accident? Nothing points to the answers to her questions, causing more frustration. Jalyn’s faith is challenged as fear clutches her heart and soul.


An electric bicycle race takes Adam Walker to his home town of Durango, Colorado, and through the mountains to the historic mining town of Silverton. His heart never got over the beautiful Jalyn after he left, hoping to be rid of the God she lived for. At their first encounter after his return, he notices she wears an engagement ring and his heart plummets. Can he accept them as friends or should he fight for more? Pride and a wager pits cycles against the mighty steam engine in an unheard-of race. Adam must conquer the mountain to win the race and the heart of the one he loves. Through overcoming dangerous obstacles is his new faith strong enough to rely on the Lord?


Purchase on Amazon






A Christmas novella which tells a twenty-five-year love story. Nurse Rebecca Porter and bush pilot Kyle Warren’s relationship started terrific, tight, memorable, and romantic. Kyle swept Rebecca off her feet in a remarkable marriage proposal. Their fantastic wedding day surrounded by beauty, family, words of wisdom and promises made went without a hitch. An unexpected marvelous honeymoon trip took them up in the air to enjoy the rugged landscape of Alaska.

Can their storybook relationship go on without a flaw? Do they have what it takes to dig deep into their souls to heal, grow, and change?

Through the years, Christmas remained Rebecca’s favorite time of year when peace reigned for a day.

Love traveled with Rebecca and Kyle from the snow-covered Mountains near Anchorage, Alaska to the vast ocean off Miami, Florida’s coast.

Helicopters, small aircraft, speedboats, and vintage cars marked their mode of transportation in this tale of hearts won through love language, prayer, and perseverance. 

Purchase on Amazon  


                                                                           
At first blush, fifty-two-year-old Renee Harris appears to be a confident sophisticated woman. Hidden are the scars of deep pain and fear. A meeting in an ordinary elevator will not only take Renee to the designated floor but also on a journey of discovery.

Chaplain Lance Freeman’s only thought is to help a family in their hour of need though unknown to him, the woman in the elevator needs him more than the family down the hall.

Elevators can be strange things. Full of ups and downs, they may be used as a vehicle to change the course of someone’s life. Renee and Lance are about to find out just how much a chance meeting can alter a person’s direction.

Can real love be a part of their new beginnings? Will they allow God to lead and interrupt their lives so they can eventually find peace, joy, and love?










Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Uncommon Justice Series-Book 3-"Don't Keep Silent" by Elizabeth Goddard

Hello, Readers of Suspense,

Elizabeth Goddard, the author of the Uncommon Justice Series, is launching Book 3- "Don't Keep Silent" and it is available for pre-order on Amazon. Publishing June 30th.



Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he just doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her. As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other.

Bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard plunges you into a fast-paced, high-stakes story of honor, forgiveness, and justice.





Purchase


My Review


I absolutely couldn't put this book down. Don't Keep Silent is an adrenaline rush of suspense. The twists keep coming and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rae and Liam's seemingly toxic relationship takes them to a new level when they are thrown back together again in a new dangerous situation. I kept wondering if they could solve the case and come out with their hearts intact. The character's bravery, yet vulnerability is challenged at every turn.

Everything becomes intertwined in their investigation and the past and present collide into a nightmare they could never have anticipated. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

READING PROGRESS

June 27, 2020 – Started Reading


If you haven't had the pleasure of reading any of the other books in the series, don't worry you won't be left behind.  It can be read as a standalone, but I have to warn you, you will be hooked. 

 You can get Book 2- "Always Look Twice" on Amazon for an unbelievable  69c for a limited time!


At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.


Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.



In this suspenseful page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps you on the edge of your seat as you discover that uncommon justice lies just on the other side of fear.


Purchase



My Review on Always Look Twice

Always Look Twice is heart-racing suspense laced with intrigue from beginning to end. I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.

Harper, a crime scene photographer, is an amazingly strong female character with loads of stamina and determination. She finds herself in the middle of a murder case while trying to have a relaxing vacation with her sister. While photographing wildlife she accidentally catches a murder in progress and then becomes a target.

The characters in the story find themselves in one twist after another. The story keeps you guessing and it is hard to put down.

The author weaves an amazing tale that delivers surprise after surprise.



Since I already know once you read one you won't be able to resist, here is the information on Book 1 "Never Let Go."




As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let getaway. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk.

In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.






Purchase


About the Author

With over one million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of over forty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. 

Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist.

 A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.

Link to Amazon Author Profile

Elizabeth Goddard on Facebook







Have a blessed day and Happy Reading!
Julie